Christmas & New Year Tours in Japan
Japan is bucket list stuff for a reason! A vacation here feels unique, from exploring Tokyo's illuminations, visiting Kyoto's temples with winter beauty, discovering hot springs in snow, experiencing New Year traditions, and tasting seasonal foods. The holiday season means you'll see Japan when it's less crowded, experiencing authentic celebrations and cultural traditions most tourists never see.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our 7-day private tour of Japan was an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. Having a private guide made the trip completely stress-free, as every detail of the itinerary was thoughtfully planned while still allowing flexibility to match our interests and pace. We visited a wonderful mix of historic temples, beautiful gardens, bustling city districts, and peaceful cultural sites, giving us a well-rounded view of Japan's history, traditions, and modern lifestyle. The itinerary was perfectly balanced, with enough sightseeing each day without ever feeling rushed. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share local history, customs, and recommendations that we never would have discovered on our own. Transportation was seamless, and every stop felt worthwhile. The combination of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and authentic local experiences made this tour truly special. I would highly recommend this 7-day private guided tour to anyone visiting Japan for the first time or looking for a memorable, personalized travel experience.
7 Day Essential Japan（Private Guide and Driver）- UmetravelThis tour provides a great introduction to Japanese culture, customs, food and hits all the major sights in the cities covered. This experience gives me the confidence to navigate Japan myself in the future. The tour was small (~9 people) which worked well, especially when navigating busy public spaces and I got more out of the experience. Our tour guide, Daan, was fantastic, he was friendly, knowledgeable and took care of all the research, logistics and provided suggestions for extracurricular activities. Your days will be spent sightseeing as a group with the occasional half-day free to spend at your discretion, you could choose to unwind or check more things out that aren't officially on the tour. Daan let us know what our time limits were and what was feasible, we were able to make it to Nara to see the Deer one afternoon! Unlike other group tours i've been on, this one was flexible for those with dietary requirements, as there were many options to suit if you know what to look for. The tour guide didn't join us for the ski extension but they took care of all the transportation, accommodation and rental hires to ease our transition without the guide. The powdery snow in January were the perfect conditions for first time skiers to learn!
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life AdventuresVery well-organized itinerary with great local tour guides for each step of the way. The local tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, and they did superbly at ensuring we knew what to do with our major travel days. Additionally, Odynovo (our agency) was communicative throughout the months leading up to our trip in Japan. Definitely would recommend!
9 Days Japan Classic Tour (Private Guided)
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10 best Christmas & New Year Japan tour packages
Compiled by
SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
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- Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
- 7-Day Best Japan Mini Group Tour with 3/4 Stars Hotels, Max 6 People
- 9 Days Japan Classic Tour (Private Guided)
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Ring in the holidays with a Christmas tea ceremony at a traditional Kyoto tea house, where you'll put on a kimono and make wagashi sweets before having a festive lunch. Walk through the snow-covered UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village to see the famous gassho houses with their frost-covered thatched roofs, then check out Wada House.
Duration 15 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Owakudani, Oshino, Kawaguchiko, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, KyotoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wendy Wu Tours From $10,428
12% off- US$9,179
7 Day Essential Japan（Private Guide and Driver）- Umetravel
“The tour was a great way to see most of the top things on our Japan list in one easy go.”
Craig, traveled in April
Celebrate the season visiting Tokyo's illuminated Shibuya district and Kyoto's decorated temples. Experience New Year traditions at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and winter views from Hakone's ropeway. Includes festive accommodations in downtown locations across Japan.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Owakudani, Odawara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $3,060
25% off- US$2,295
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
“This was a wonderful way to get a whirlwind taste of Japan! The accommodation was brilliant, and a nice balance of tour and free time.”
Emily, traveled in January
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
25% off- US$2,775
7-Day Best Japan Mini Group Tour with 3/4 Stars Hotels, Max 6 People
“We had a great time in Japan. Reasonable route planning made the whole trip exceptionally smooth!”
Cody, traveled in March
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, Odawara, Hakone, Owakudani, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From $3,359
20% off- US$2,687
9 Days Japan Classic Tour (Private Guided)
“We enjoyed traveling between the major cities on our own.”
Carol, traveled in April
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe, HiroshimaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Odynovo From $3,566
20% off- US$2,853
Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima
“His knowledge and passion for the history and culture of Japan was incredibly infectious. Just fabulous.”
PeterBuckingham, traveled in March
Tokyo's illuminated Shibuya Crossing and festive Shinjuku district welcome visitors. Holiday atmosphere surrounds Kyoto's Golden Pavilion and winter views of Himeji Castle, with special seasonal dinners included in Tokyo and Hiroshima.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
20% off- US$2,350
Contrasts of Japan
“I really enjoyed our visit to the Toyota Museum. So many great old cars.”
VincentSier, traveled in March
Winter festivities illuminate Tokyo's temples and Kyoto's seasonal celebrations. Zojoji Temple hosts New Year events, while winter views of Mount Fuji and festively decorated Dotonbori in Osaka complete the journey.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, Nagoya, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Fushimi, Nara, Osaka, HimejiSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
20% off- US$2,889
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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