Christmas & New Year Tours in Japan
4.6 stars on(8,695 reviews)- Choose from 250+ Japan tours
- 3,300+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Christmas & New Year Japan tour packages
Compiled by
SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
Duration 16 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wendy Wu Tours From $16,579
12% Off- NZ$14,571You save $2,008
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
123 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good variety of rural, cultural and urban activities.”
Suzanne, traveled in April
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone, Fuji, Tokyo Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $5,299
30% Off- NZ$3,709You save $1,590
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 Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $8,350
20% Off- NZ$6,680You save $1,670
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 Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From $12,935
25% Off- NZ$9,701You save $3,234
Essential Japan
136 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 All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From $3,595
10% Off- NZ$3,236You save $360
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 Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$7,247
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
10% Off- NZ$4,242
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Experiences were fun but we had the best guide who made the trip.”
Thomas, traveled in June
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 $2,119
15% Off- NZ$1,801You save $318
Discover Japan
66 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itineraries are well thought out and include many activities that showcase what the country has to offer.”
Heidi, traveled in October
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 Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $8,719
25% Off- NZ$6,539You save $2,180
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
25% Off- NZ$5,912
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.
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
- Spirit of Japan 14D/13N
Good tour with great guide.
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.
More about Japan
Mount FujiChristmas & New YearJapan Travel Guide | All You Need to Know2 Week (14 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries & Cost 2025/20261 Week (7 Day) Japan Travel Itineraries 2025/2026Best 3 Week (21 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries 2025/2026Discover the Best Japan Vacation Packages 2025/2026What is the best time to visit Japan in 2025/2026?Weather in Japan in 2025/2026Weather in Mount Fuji in 2025/2026