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“Excellent tour where you see it all and do it all.”
Kelly, 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 $5,299
25% Off- NZ$3,974You save $1,325
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun (20 destinations)
1 Review 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 $8,350
10% Off- NZ$7,515You save $835
Ring in the New Year with traditional temple visits at Sensoji and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Experience seasonal illuminations at Tokyo Skytree, enjoy winter onsen at Susukinohara Ichinoyu, and participate in traditional New Year ceremonies at Kyoto's historic temples.
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Owakudani, Fuji, Takayama, Gifu, Shirakawa-go, Hiroshima, Himeji, FushimiSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Premium From $13,600
20% Off- NZ$10,880You save $2,720
Essential Japan
135 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall, it was a memorable experience.”
Lidai, traveled in November
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 $3,529
10% Off- NZ$3,176You save $353
Spirit of Japan 14D/13N
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good tour with great guide.”
Brett, traveled in April
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$7,117
Tokyo, Kyoto and Alps
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were as expected. We enjoyed the Ryokan in Nikko where we dressed in traditional Japanese attire.”
Michelle, traveled in March
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 $3,270
10% Off- NZ$2,943You save $327
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
10% Off- NZ$3,820
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great way to travel being in a group. Kumiko took us everywhere we wanted to go.”
Lauren, 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 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,159
30% Off- NZ$1,511You save $648
Discover Japan
66 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The activities were very age-friendly.”
Cynthia, 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 $3,052
Tokyo's illuminated Skytree and traditional shrine visits mark the season. Asahiyama Zoo's penguin walks create a winter wonderland atmosphere. The festive spirit of Osaka's Dotonbori district surrounds Pearl Hotel Shinjuku.
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Sapporo, Hiroshima, Osaka Age Range 1 to 80 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
35% Off- NZ$5,615
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Japan
I'll start off by saying that I have been to Japan a couple of times before so I knew it pretty well. This trip however was like seeing it all over again with new eyes! We were part of a small group on one of the very first departures One Life has done here so we felt very lucky :) :) Accommodation was brilliant and always in awesome locations. I particularly liked the Kyoto hostel as it was really close to the old style area of Gion and the market. Rooms were always immaculate everywhere (as you'd expect in Japan) and staff were super friendly. LOVED the temple stay in Takayama and sleeping on the floor next to the beautiful garden. Definitely a once in a lifetime thing! The kendo class was amazing too, and Yamanaka Sensei really gave you the true Japanese samurai experience. His English is perfect and loves speaking about the Japanese culture he is obviously so proud of. There is honestly so much going on each day, but some of my other highlights were visiting all the cool areas of Tokyo (be prepared to walk!) and of course the robot restaurant. It was absolutely mental!! I have honestly never seen anything like it and probably never will again. It was such a stark contrast between that and the peaceful temples in Kyoto. I really appreciated going to Fushimi Inari in the early morning because it get's packed full of tourists later which we passed on our way out. This tour is full of things every single day with a couple of free afternoons or mornings to do your own thing. I had never seen so much of Japan in such a short space of time! Loved every second of this tour!
Japan Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
A delightful tour of Japan, covering most of the different facets of Japanese life and culture.
I really liked and enjoyed this Tour. Accommodations where excellent. Honda and David our tour guides were amazing. I wish the bus had bathrooms, other than that the bus was very comfortable. Even our bus driver went above and beyond for the group finding a place that had the cherry blossoms in full bloom even when we thought it was past the season. Can't wait to do another trip!
Essential Japan
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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