Christmas & New Year Tours in Japan
Imagine celebrating the festive season in Japan over Christmas and New Year's Eve! With 292 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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Brian • traveled in November, 2024
Wonderful trip to Japan lots of things to know. The overall tour schedule was good.
9 Day Independent Japan - K
Kate • traveled in January, 2026
The tour had many excellent cultural customs and experiences. So many classic sights that were fantastic to see. These tours give me the opportunity to reduce the cognitive load of travel and planning to really enjoy the holiday. I would Tweek the accommodation Hakone, the facilities are not accessible/ practical especially the female bathroom situation. A true homestay experience would be a great addition. Our guide George was fantastic even adding additional optional experiences and advice. I would recommend it to people who are new to travel for a safe and genuine travel experience.
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures - L
Liza • traveled in April
I was traveling with my spouse, tween, and 70+ year-old parents. We visited during the busy cherry blossom season. We were lucky as we arrived during the peak of this season and cherry blossoms were abundant. It was also quite crowded, so I appreciated my family having our own guide (versus being part of a bigger tour group). Also, it was nice to be picked up at the airport so that we didn't have to find our way around a foreign country upon arrival. I think the value was good considering it included the hotel, entrance fees to places visited, and public transportation fares. It was nice not to have to worry about the logistics of getting from one place to another in a foreign country. Our online tour consultant was very responsive and helpful. Also, the guides were knowledgeable, kind, and accommodating. The biggest challenge is that the days involved quite a bit of walking, which was difficult for my elderly parents. If I convince them to go on another trip, I would add in more leisurely days. Maybe that's my fault for not asking for some lighter days. I'm a bit torn because as a traveler, you do want to make the most of each day you are there to visit all the beautiful sites; but, it can also be exhausting. This also meant having to lug luggage around various trains to the various destinations. We stayed in four different hotels as we traveled across Japan. It was a packed itinerary; we were able to see a lot in a short amount of time. Over the course of five days, we visited Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, & Miyajima Island. Overall, an excellent trip that provided a snapshot of Japan. I would rate it four and a half stars if I could (but only whole stars were allowed). I recommend it for most families (including those with little ones and elderly); I would just add more rest days/free time (or fewer site visits per day), especially if you have members in your party that are young or elderly. Also, if you have members that have mobility issues (such as those in a wheelchair), I would work with the tour consultant as there were places that would be difficult to access. My consultant was great; I just don't think I took advantage of having chosen a “private, tailor-made" tour as much as I should have. I relied and trusted the recommendations. To be clear, their recommendations were all top notch, I just should have taken my family's (which included elderly parents) abilities more into account and been more vocal with what would be best to accommodate my specific family's needs.
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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
- 8 Days Top Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People, 3/4 Stars Hotels
- Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
- 7 Days Best Japan Mini Group Tours, Max 6 People & 3/4 Stars Hotels
- Japan: Land of the Rising Sun (10 destinations)
- Essence of Japan: A Journey Together
- Japan Unveiled - Beyond the Surface
- 5Day All Inclusive Japan Classics（Private Guide and Driver）Family Tour Customizable
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 $10,632
11% Off- US$9,426You save $1,206
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 $1,814
5% Off- US$1,723You save $91
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Highly recommend this tour. Knowledgable, funny and insightful when making recommendations.”
Cameron, 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
8 Days Top Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People, 3/4 Stars Hotels
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Agate tour service is very dependable and professional. Wonderful experience. Highly recommend.”
Drake, traveled in July
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
10% Off- US$3,459
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Catching trains & subways like ninjas, experiencing the bathing ways of japanese or using onsen is one of my favorite.”
Jenny, 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 $1,349
25% Off- US$1,012You save $337
7 Days Best Japan Mini Group Tours, Max 6 People & 3/4 Stars Hotels
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The explanations were wonderful and the itinerary was conducted well. All of the hotels arranged for us were clean and sanitary.”
Amelie, 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
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun (10 destinations)
124 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Active tour with a good mix of urban and rural sightseeing and accommodations. The sights and foods of the regions visited.”
Linda, traveled in September
Winter magic fills Japan as illuminated Kinkaku-ji Temple and festive Nishiki Market in Kyoto welcome visitors. Traditional New Year rituals occur at shrines, while winter views unfold from Hakone ropeway. Authentic ryokans provide comfortable stays during this special time.
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Fuji, Takayama, Gifu, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Himeji, Kyoto Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,855
15% Off- US$4,127You save $728
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 $2,529
5% Off- US$2,403You save $126
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $1,436
5% Off- US$1,364You save $72
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
Celebrate the holidays from Tokyo to Osaka. Witness winter views of Mt. Fuji from Tenjozan Park, experience seasonal illuminations at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and explore Nara's ancient temples. Includes festive accommodations and private guide for year-end celebrations.
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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