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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Karina • traveled in February, 2026
This 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 Adventures - T
Tracur4321 • traveled in June, 2025
It was a fantastic time, met some cool people and Moustafa was great very helpful guideful and explanatory:)
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples - H
Henry • traveled in August
I booked this tour last minute. It was an amazing experience and went beyond my expectations. The travel consultant Nicole has been friendly and helpful, always responded to me promptly. The tour guide in TOKYO was enthusiastic. He answered my questions with detailed information. I enjoyed chatting with him... He also took me nice pictures of Mount FUJI. Here I have to say I was VERY VERY lucky! The weather on the day was favourable and I was able to see the breathtaking view of FUJI. Thanks to agate travel for this wonderful travel experience. Highly recommend!
7 Days Best Japan Mini Group Tour with 3/4 Stars Hotels, Max 6 People
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10 best Christmas & New Year Japan tour packages
Compiled by
SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
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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 16 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wendy Wu Tours From $10,604
11% Off- US$9,401You save $1,203
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was very good & was just what I was looking for, seeing all the sites without having to organise or plan anything.”
Greg, 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 $2,775
10% Off- US$2,498You save $278
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing team and great CEO, maya was very helpful and great.”
Wajiha, traveled in January
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 $1,499
10% Off- US$1,349You save $150
7 Days Best Japan Mini Group Tour with 3/4 Stars Hotels, Max 6 People
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole itinerary of this Japan tour was well-knit. The accommodation was first-class, providing us with sumptuous breakfast.”
Jodie, traveled in April
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
10% Off- US$2,689
10 Days Classic Japan Super Mini Tour from Tokyo, 3&4 Stars Hotels (Max 6 People)
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were satisfied with this tour overwhelmingly. They all introduced very in details and attractively.”
Owen, traveled in February
Traditional New Year temple visits and seasonal illuminations highlight Japan's winter charm. The route from Tokyo's Meiji Shrine to Osaka Castle features special holiday rates and festive cultural experiences.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Gora, Owakudani, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
10% Off- US$4,429
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, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
10% Off- US$1,814
Essential Japan and Hakone end Tokyo
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall a very satisfying tour many great sights as per the itinerary, well organised.”
robert, traveled in October
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Odawara, Owakudani, Oshino, Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, Iyashinosato ancient japanese village, Nagoya, KyotoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
10% Off- US$3,792
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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