Christmas & New Year Tours in Japan
Imagine celebrating the festive season in Japan over Christmas and New Year's Eve! With 293 Christmas and New Year adventures to choose from lasting 2 days up to 28 days, you're sure to find that enchanting Japan Christmas tour you have always dreamt of.
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- B
Brian • traveled in November, 2024
Wonderful trip to Japan lots of things to know. The overall tour schedule was good.
9 Day Independent Japan - J
Janelle • traveled in March, 2025
Our CEO Takae was awesome? Her knowledge of Japan and the Japanese Culture was amazing and she was a very caring and thoughtful guide. We would highly recommend her tour with G Adventure
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo - T
Tegan • traveled in March, 2025
Daan was a great guide, tour is well planned and had a great time in every location. Included activities were fun and i would not have considered doing them if i wasn't on a tour. Ski extension was good location and the accommodation was great.
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
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Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
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10 best Christmas & New Year Japan tour packages
Compiled by

SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas in Japan
- 9 Day Independent Japan
- Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
- Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
- 7 Days Classic Best Japan Mini Group Tours, Max 6 People & 3/4 Stars Hotels
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Spend Christmas Day in Kyoto with a traditional tea ceremony at a tea house, where you'll wear a kimono and make wagashi sweets before sitting down to a special festive lunch. Walk through the snow-covered UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go to see the famous gassho houses, then check out Tokyo's Christmas lights after heading up to the Skytree viewing deck. Try Kobe's famous Wagyu beef at a farewell dinner, take a cruise across Lake Ashi with views of snow-capped Mount Fuji, and wander through Okunoin Cemetery's frost-covered cedars and glowing lanterns on Mount Koya as the year winds down.
Duration 16 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wendy Wu Tours From $10,664
11% Off- US$9,454You save $1,210
9 Day Independent Japan
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The daily tours we went on were great, and the choice of attractions to visit was excellent.”
HORACE, traveled in August
Winter festivities shine at Tokyo's illuminated Meiji Shrine and seasonal markets. Kyoto's temples, including Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari, host New Year celebrations. Special winter activities and traditional customs round out the experience.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Odawara, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
11% Off- US$1,814
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He had great knowledge of the places we visited and also gave some great tips.”
Sam, traveled in February
Winter magic unfolds at Kyoto's snow-covered Golden Pavilion and illuminated Kiyomizu-dera temple. Taste seasonal specialties in Osaka's Dotonbori, witness Tokyo's festive lights at Senso-ji, and soak in Nagano's hot springs while snow monkeys bathe nearby.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano Age Range Ages 18-59 Operator One Life Adventures From $2,775
10% Off- US$2,498You save $278
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The chance to meet other people from other countries is interesting and it's really exciting to experience a new country and culture with others.”
Helen, traveled in October
Traditional temple visits in Kyoto welcome the New Year, while festive shopping fills Tokyo's Harajuku. Winter illuminations brighten the nights as holiday traditions unfold in authentic Japanese accommodations.
Duration 6 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,349
25% Off- US$1,012You save $337
7 Days Classic Best Japan Mini Group Tours, Max 6 People & 3/4 Stars Hotels
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was an amazing experience and went beyond my expectations. I was able to see the breathtaking view of FUJI.”
Henry, traveled in July
Illuminated temples in Kyoto and traditional ceremonies at Meiji Shrine mark the season. Mount Fuji provides stunning winter views while Osaka Castle hosts seasonal celebrations. Premium rates apply December 30-January 2.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
25% Off- US$2,689
8 Days Top Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People, 3/4 Stars Hotels
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were all very well-equipped. The time allowed for each stop was reasonable and our schedule was rather flexible.”
Luca, traveled in May
Winter magic unfolds from Tokyo's Sensoji Temple to Kyoto's golden pavilions. Special holiday rates apply Dec 22-28 (+30%), with seasonal illuminations and New Year customs at historic temples.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
25% Off- US$3,459
Illuminated Meiji Jingu Shrine and snow-capped Mount Fuji herald the season. New Year traditions thrive in Kyoto's Gion district, with festive visits to Kinkaku-ji Temple and evening strolls along historic Pontocho Alley.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Tourist Journey From
25% Off- US$1,471
Winter festivities showcase illuminated viewings of Kinkaku-ji temple and seasonal celebrations. Holiday markets buzz with activity, while New Year traditions unfold at historic shrines. Mt. Fuji creates festive views from Hakone Daikanzan.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
25% Off- US$2,507
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
25% Off- US$1,436
5Day All Inclusive Japan Classics(Private Guide and Driver)Family Tour Customizable
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The whole experience felt warm, thoughtful, and really special.”
Wyatt, traveled in November
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Fushimi, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $3,437
25% Off- US$2,578You save $859
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Japan
When is the best time to book a Christmas & New Year tour in Japan?
The optimal booking window for Christmas & New Year tours in Japan runs 6-8 months before departure. Hotels like the Sotetsu Fresa Inn in Osaka and Hotel Intergate Tokyo reach capacity quickly for dates between December 15 and January 5. Prices tend to rise during this festive period particularly around popular spots like Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo and Kyoto's temples. Early planning helps secure better rates and preferred accommodation choices during this peak travel season.
What special activities and events can I experience during a Christmas & New Year tour in Japan?
The holiday season in Japan brings distinctive experiences that blend modern festivities with ancient traditions. Visitors can see the lit-up Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto join hatsumode shrine visits at Senso-ji in Tokyo and take part in New Year's Eve celebrations. Tours typically include stops at Mount Fuji and local markets. A TourRadar traveler noted: "we experienced real Japanese hospitality and felt immersed in the culture trying different Japanese foods exploring markets visiting temples and historic areas." Traditional bell-ringing ceremonies at places like Zojoji Temple add to the cultural experience.
How cold is Japan during Christmas & New Year and what should I pack?
Winter weather in Japan varies by region. Tokyo maintains temperatures between 5-10°C (41-50°F) while Hokkaido often sees temperatures below freezing. For stays at properties like the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo or New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto pack warm layers including a winter coat gloves scarf and waterproof walking shoes. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We saw snow in the Japanese Alps but Tokyo was mild - pack layers and definitely bring good walking shoes as there's lots of exploring to do."
What Japanese New Year traditions will I experience on the tour?
New Year tours showcase key Japanese traditions including joya no kane (108 temple bell rings) traditional osechi ryori meals at venues like the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto and hatsumode shrine visits. Visitors can observe locals in kimono making temple visits and participate in New Year ceremonies. As one traveler shared: "experiencing real Japanese hospitality and being immersed in the culture was purely magical during this festive time."
How crowded are popular tourist sites during the Christmas and New Year period?
Tourist attractions see peak crowds between December 29 and January 3. The Tokyo Skytree Kinkaku-ji Temple and Osaka's Dotonbori area draw particularly large numbers. Tour operators like Europamundo often schedule early morning visits to help avoid the heaviest crowds. The Daiwa Roynet Hotel in Tokyo's Nishi-Shinjuku area serves as a practical base for reaching attractions during quieter hours.
What dining options are available during Christmas and New Year in Japan?
Holiday dining in Japan offers a mix of traditional and contemporary options. Hotels such as the Ochanomizu Hotel Shoryukan in Tokyo feature special Christmas buffets that combine Japanese and Western cuisine. New Year brings opportunities to try osechi ryori while food districts like Osaka's Dotonbori and Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market stay open with holiday specialties.
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