Christmas & New Year Tours in Japan
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10 best Christmas & New Year Japan tour packages
Compiled by
SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
122 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The activities were interesting but perhaps have some extra pay extra such as a cooking class.”
YOLANDE, traveled in August
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone, Fuji, Tokyo Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $5,599
30% Off- NZ$3,919You save $1,679
Essential Japan
134 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent very well organised.”
Chris, traveled in September
Festive illuminations light up Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing as snow-capped Mount Fuji creates stunning winter views. New Year traditions come alive at Kyoto's temples, while holiday festivities fill Osaka's Dotonbori district.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range 3 to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
30% Off- NZ$3,518
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
30% Off- NZ$7,220
Japan Real Food Adventure
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful trip! Would definitely recommend.”
CARLA, traveled in June
The holiday season comes alive in Japan, from Tokyo's festive Sensoji Temple to Kyoto's illuminated Gion district. Traditional New Year customs unfold at local ryokans, while Buddhist ceremonies take place at Koya-san temple. Seasonal specialties await in Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Koya-san, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $7,760
15% Off- NZ$6,596You save $1,164
Tokyo, Kyoto and Alps
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“the most amazing experience - highly recommend.”
Samena, traveled in August
Tokyo's illuminated Shibuya district and snow-covered Nikko temples mark the season. Traditional New Year ceremonies take place at Zenko-ji, while winter views of Matsumoto Castle and snow monkeys bathing in steaming onsen at Jigokudani Park create memorable moments.
Duration 6 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Tsumago, Matsumoto, Nagano, Kusatsu, Nikko Age Range 3 to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
15% Off- NZ$3,260
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
29 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was well organised and busy with lots of included activities and destinations. Definitely a trip of a lifetime!”
Jessica, 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 18 to 39 year olds Operator One Life Adventures From
15% Off- NZ$3,877
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun (20 destinations)
123 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were good, the food was excellent, and the tour was exactly what I wanted.”
Elham, traveled in April
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 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Fuji, Takayama, Gifu, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Himeji, Kyoto Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $8,945
10% Off- NZ$8,051You save $894
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Having a local guide throughout the length of your trip eliminates the hesitation and anxiety one might have when sightseeing in a foreign country.”
Sasha, traveled in August
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 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,159
25% Off- NZ$1,619You save $539
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
25% Off- NZ$3,876
Discover Japan
64 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We truly experienced the beauty and life of the country and its people.”
Marilyn, traveled in March
Japan embraces the holidays from Tokyo's illuminated Sensō-ji Temple to Kyoto's festive shrines. New Year traditions and seasonal foods delight visitors staying at both modern hotels like The B Ikebukuro and traditional inns near Mount Fuji.
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fuji, Kawaguchiko Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $8,719
35% Off- NZ$5,667You save $3,051
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Japan
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
Overall, the trip was great. This tour gives you the full flavour of Japan, from the traditional beginnings to modern day Japan. Our tour guide, which they call your CEO (chief experience officer), was fantastic and part of this is that G Adventures only hires knowledgeable locals. The main caution is to just ensure you know what this trip is. It is an express trip, so you are constantly travelling. This means you need to pack light/efficient and expect to be on your feet a lot. Part of the experience of this trip is that you travel from city to city with the local transit/train system. This is definitely something to experience but it also means you're not always sitting in a comfy bus and you need to carry things with you. So this is not the trip for someone who is out of shape or has issues being on their feet for prolonged periods. Also, the experience definitely differs based on when you go. We went in Feb, which is winter. When planning what to pack, we only had the information on the website, which to be fair is meant to be promotional. However, when we met our CEO on the first day, she provided extremely valuable and practical information I wish we had prior to landing in Japan. One part of this trip is visiting the temples in Koyasan. It was extremely cold with snow. I live in Toronto Canada so am well prepared for these conditions. But the rest of Japan was not this cold so I didn't bring the winter gear that would have prepared me better. For example, you are constantly taking your shoes off at temples so imagine not wearing proper socks walking on wood in negative Celsius conditions. Could I have done more detailed research about this specific location? Perhaps, but then why am I paying to be on this tour? So if you book, see if you can get in touch with your specific CEO to see if you can get the more detailed and practical information before leaving for Japan.
- Essential Japan
wonderful experience! This isn’t one of the places I would like to go back to again.
- Japan Real Food Adventure
Ōsaka hotel abysmal; ryokan bathes with privacy would be nice
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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