Japan Tours in December 2025
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10 best Japan trips in December 2025
Compiled by
SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
- Japan Winter Wonder (Classic)
- Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
- Japan Winter Wonder
- Explore Japan: Snow Monkey & Onsen (Private Guided)
- 11 Day Explorer Central Japan Snow Monkey Park（Private Guide and Driver）
- 13 Day Wonders of Central Japan Snow Monkey Park （Private Guide and Driver）
- 9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
- Essence of Japan: A Journey Together
- Japan Unveiled - Beyond the Surface
Japan Winter Wonder (Classic)
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved the tour, the group and the manager.”
DenniMareeRankin, traveled in December
Duration 10 days Destinations Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Hakone Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki December departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 6 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $4,965
10% Off- NZ$4,469You save $496
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Always conscious of timing & schedule, knew a lot of fun facts of different spots we visited.”
BB, traveled in February
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano Age Range Ages 18-59 Operator One Life Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates15 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 27 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $4,240
10% Off- NZ$3,816You save $424
Japan Winter Wonder
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Such an amazing trip. The best places to go!”
Laura, traveled in February
Duration 13 days Destinations Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Hakone, Hakuba Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki December departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 10 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $6,765
5% Off- NZ$6,427You save $338
Explore Japan: Snow Monkey & Onsen (Private Guided)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He exceeded our expectations and is already working on another vacation for us.”
Katie, traveled in February
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Nagano, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Odynovo December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $6,345
10% Off- NZ$5,710You save $634
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Nagano, Jigokudani Valley, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, UjiSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $13,197
25% Off- NZ$9,897You save $3,299
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone, Nagano, Jigokudani Valley, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto, FushimiSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $14,942
25% Off- NZ$11,206You save $3,735
9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I liked the hotels. The bus, and driver, were also good.”
Beaumont, traveled in April
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Nagoya, Nagano, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Stunning Tours December departure dates
4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $8,874
50% Off- NZ$4,437You save $4,437
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
123 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was full of exciting sites and cultural learning. Strongly recommend this trip.”
Julie, traveled in June
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone, Fuji, Tokyo Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates10 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left 12 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left From $5,319
15% Off- NZ$4,521You save $798
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $4,236
10% Off- NZ$3,812You save $424
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$2,405
What people love about Japan Tours in December
- Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
This was my first group tour and it was honestly one of the best trips I had. I felt like we saw and did a lot while still having a lot of free time and not feeling super exhausted. The snow monkeys were a special treat. Our Tour guide Jordan, was great! He always made sure we had what we needed for the day and always gave us good recommendations whether if it was for photo spots, food, or things to do during our free time. I would definitely recommend this tour to friends in the future.
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
The real issue with this tour is that it really is beyond the capacities of anybody with fitness issues. A minimum of 4hrs walking each day would be hard for the average 70 yr old. Also extra costs as we had to send bags at our cost to forward hotels as it would have been impossible to take them on the local transport. If a requirement is to travel light then say so. Also some hotel accomodation was very poor and below 3 stars. Given the cost, and the lack of provided meals, along with carrying own luggage and exclusive public transport use, I think it should have been cheaper. Our guide Maiume did an excellent job and the transfers to different transport was very efficient. She certainly knew her history and information of the areas we covered. I was given the wrong information when ringing G Adventures. They said we would not be sleeping on the floor. We did this on the 1st night!!! For fit young people this might be ok but not for 66 year old hip and knee replacement retirees. However having said all that we really saw Japan at the ground level. We felt we were part of the crowd not just a tourist. And we stayed and saw some truely amazing places. The Buddhist overnight stay was indeed the highlight for us of the trip .
- 9D Splendid Japan with Nagoya (private 3 star hotel rooms)
My girlfriend and I went on this 7 night Japan tour and totally fell in love with this country. The tour guide Cindy did an amazing job taking care all of the group members’ needs. If you want to visit Japan, now is the best time when the crowd hasn’t returned yet.
What our customers ask about Japan Tours in December 2025
What's the weather like in Japan during December?
December brings distinct regional temperatures across Japan. Tokyo sees daily temperatures between 4-12°C (39-54°F) while Osaka hovers around 4-13°C (39-55°F). Kyoto tends to be colder with temperatures from 2-11°C (35-52°F). Snow is common in higher elevations such as Hakone and near Mount Fuji. One TourRadar traveler shared: "December was chilly but clear skies made for amazing Mt. Fuji views." Warm clothing and layers are essential for comfortable sightseeing.
What special events or festivals can I experience in Japan during December?
December fills Japanese cities with winter celebrations. Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple lights up for evening viewing while the Chichibu Night Festival brings floating lanterns and fireworks in early December. Local winter markets pop up in major cities and traditional temples host special ceremonies. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The temple visits in winter were magical with all the illuminations making it extra special."
What are the best places to visit in Japan during December?
December visitors find Tokyo's light displays and Kyoto's snow-covered temples particularly appealing. Mount Fuji offers sharp winter views while Osaka's Dotonbori district stays lively with food and entertainment. Hotels like the Imperial Hotel Tokyo and Kyoto Hotel Okura provide good winter viewing spots. A TourRadar guide notes: "Winter brings fewer crowds and unique photo opportunities at iconic sites."
What kind of winter activities are available in Japan during December?
Winter opens up seasonal activities across Japan. Hokkaido welcomes visitors with skiing hot springs and snow festivals. The Dragon Trip tours feature winter-specific experiences like soaking in tattoo-friendly onsen at traditional ryokans viewing Tokyo's winter lights and visiting the snow monkeys in Nagano. One TourRadar traveler noted "December was perfect for combining cultural sights with winter activities."
Are December tours cheaper than peak season?
Most December tours offer lower prices except during the New Year's Eve period. The Japan Classic tour starts at 4800 USD in December compared to 5500 USD during cherry blossom season. Book early for Christmas and New Year travel as these dates often carry premium rates. Hotels and flights also tend to be more affordable in early December.
What special foods should I try in Japan during December?
Winter brings out Japan's warming comfort foods. Look for oden (hot pot) nabe (Japanese stew) and amazake (warm sweet rice drink) at local restaurants. Osaka's Dotonbori district serves hot takoyaki and steaming ramen. The Tsukiji Outer Market food tours in Tokyo showcase seasonal specialties like warm miso soup and fresh grilled seafood perfect for cold December days.