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Christmas in Japan

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  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

Experience the magic of Christmas in Japan with this enchanting tour that takes you from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Kyoto and beyond. Begin your journey in Tokyo, exploring iconic sites like Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Jingu, and the historic Asakusa district. Marvel at the winter beauty of Mount Fuji from Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes region. Discover the alpine charm of Takayama and the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago. Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Kyoto, donning a kimono for a traditional tea ceremony on Christmas Day. Conclude your adventure with visits to Nara, Osaka, and the majestic Himeji Castle, creating unforgettable holiday memories.

Highlights
  • Discover Tokyo’s most famous highlights, from the lively Shibuya Crossing to explorations of well-known neighborhoods like Shinjuku.
  • Visit Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine surrounded by a small forest within Tokyo.
  • See Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and visit the National Museum in Ueno Park.
  • Admire Tokyo’s Christmas illuminations from the viewing deck at the Skytree.
  • Take a cruise across Lake Ashi and ride a cable car along the Hakone Ropeway to reach Owakudani.
  • Visit Oshino Hakkai, a charming village filled with mineral-rich ponds, and Kawaguchiko, famous for its Fuji views.
  • Explore the traditional streets of Takayama’s well-preserved old town and visit the Festival Floats Museum.
  • Drive to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago, famous for its traditional wooden gassho houses.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food and drinks, and other personal purchases are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
Experiences
Traditional Tea Ceremony

Experience the perfect display of Japanese culture as you witness the preparation and

performance involved in the 'Way of Tea', a traditional tea ceremony.


Wagashi-Making Class

Wagashi are a traditional sweet treat made of fruit, anko and rice flour. Come Christmas Day, you will learn how to make these beautiful confectioneries from scratch!


Visit Shirakawago

The landscapes of the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago are particularly enchanting in the winter. Soak up its peaceful rural scenery and visit one of its famous gassho houses.


Destinations
  • Far East
  • Japan
Tour Types
  • Cultural
  • Gardens & Nature Tours
  • History
  • Sightseeing
  • Foodie and Wine Tours
  • Festive and New Year

Location: Tokyo

Fly overnight to Tokyo. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Meals: Dinner

Location: Tokyo

Fly overnight to Tokyo. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Meals: Dinner

Location: Tokyo

Discover Tokyo’s most famous highlights, from the lively Shibuya Crossing to explorations of well-known neighbourhoods like Shinjuku. Visit Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine surrounded by a small forest within the city, and learn about the emperor who presided over the Meiji Restoration – Japan’s transition from feudal state to world power.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Tokyo

Begin with a visit to the historic Asakusa district to see Sensoji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, then visit the National Museum in Ueno Park for an insight into the art and archaeology of centuries gone by. Ascend to the viewing deck at the Skytree for a bird’s eye view of the city. Later, get in the festive spirit with some time to admire Tokyo’s<br/><br/>Christmas illuminations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Hakone

Today, head west to Hakone. Around here, winter is considered the best time of year for viewing Mount Fuji, when the skies are often cool and clear, and the mountain is usually wearing its famously beautiful snowcap. Take a cruise across Lake Ashi, then ride a cable<br/><br/>car along the Hakone Ropeway to reach Owakudani, known for its volcanic hot springs<br/><br/>and steaming vents. The wider Fuji area is your home for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Fuji Five Lakes

Continue your Fuji adventure with a visit to Oshino Hakkai, a charming village filled with mineral-rich ponds and slowly spinning water wheels, before continuing to Kawaguchiko, a town famous for its Fuji views. Visit Fujisan World Heritage Centre, where you can learn about the mountain’s significance, and perhaps enjoy a photo opportunity on the<br/><br/>viewing deck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Matsumoto

Head into the foothills of the Japanese Alps, stopping first at Matsumoto to admire its iconic black castle. Its main tower, built in the late 16th century, is the oldest surviving castle tower in Japan. Continue to Takayama, a small city nestled in the mountains of Gifu province.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Takayama

Discover this charming alpine city, considered the crown jewel of Gifu province. Explore the traditional streets of the well-preserved old town and visit the excellent Festival Floats Museum before lunch. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore, or make use of the onsen facilities at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Kanazawa

Drive north to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago, famous for its traditional wooden gassho houses. With their steep thatched roofs, often laden in snow, these houses are one of the most iconic winter views in Japan. Visit the largest – Wada House – and learn about life in this remote rural area. Continue to Kanazawa, a serene city known for its samurai history, and check in at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Kanazawa

Visit beautiful Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Here, admire the yukitsuri, a technique using ropes to support the pine trees and their heavy blankets of snow. Later, stroll the Edo-period Nagamachi District and visit one of its old samurai houses. This afternoon, board the Thunderbird train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Kyoto

Discover the highlights of Kyoto. Once the capital of Japan, this former seat of power wears its history proudly on its sleeve. Begin at Kiyomizu Temple, with its views over Kyoto. Later, admire the vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Kyoto

Wake to a Christmas day like no other. Spend the morning at a traditional tea house, where you’ll don a kimono (optional) and enjoy a tea ceremony and wagashi sweet-making experience. Later, indulge in a special Christmas lunch before an afternoon at leisure to explore Kyoto, call loved ones or simply relax until dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Nara

Bid farewell to Kyoto and drive to Nara, another former capital. Visit the UNESCO-listed Todaiji Temple, and meet its sacred deer, who roam here at leisure and enjoy bowing to visitors. Stop by a traditional Japanese garden, then continue to Osaka for a culinary adventure in the Dotonburi area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Mount Koya

Experience the tranquil winter beauty of Mount Koya, the heart of Shingon Buddhism. As the year draws to a close, wander through the vast, otherworldly Okunoin Cemetery, with its centuries-old gravestones, softly-glowing lanterns and towering cedars glittering with frost. Return to Osaka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Himeji

Drive to Himeji, one of Japan’s most magnificent castles. Explore the majestic 17th-century keep before lunch. Drive to Kobe, where you’ll visit a small sake brewery museum and a Christmas market before indulging in a farewell dinner. Try Kobe’s famous Wagyu beef or an alternative vegetarian dish. Return to Osaka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Osaka

Transfer to the airport and fly to the UK, arriving home the same or the following day

Meals: Breakfast

Included
  • Meals
    -The tour includes various meals throughout the trip, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Guided Tours
    -Guided tours of Tokyo, Hakone, Fuji Five Lakes, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Koyasan, and Himeji Castle.
  • Accommodation
    -Accommodation is provided for the duration of the tour.
  • Transportation
    -Transportation between locations, including flights to and from Japan, is included.
  • Special Experiences
    -Special experiences such as a tea ceremony, wagashi sweet-making, and a visit to a sake brewery museum.

Not Included
  • Personal Expenses
    -Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food and drinks, and other personal purchases are not included.
  • Travel Insurance
    -Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
  • Optional Activities
    -Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
  • Visa Fees
    -Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
On Christmas Eve in Kyoto, you will visit Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji. On Christmas Day, you will spend the morning at a traditional tea house, don a kimono (optional), enjoy a tea ceremony and wagashi sweet-making experience, and indulge in a special Christmas lunch. The afternoon will be at leisure to explore Kyoto, call loved ones, or relax until dinner.
In Hakone, you will have the opportunity to view Mount Fuji, take a cruise across Lake Ashi, and ride a cable car along the Hakone Ropeway to reach Owakudani, known for its volcanic hot springs and steaming vents.
In Himeji, you will explore the majestic 17th-century keep of Himeji Castle. In Kobe, you will visit a small sake brewery museum, a Christmas market, and indulge in a farewell dinner featuring Kobe's famous Wagyu beef or an alternative vegetarian dish.
In Koyasan, you will experience the tranquil winter beauty of Mount Koya, wander through the vast Okunoin Cemetery with its centuries-old gravestones, softly-glowing lanterns, and towering cedars glittering with frost.
In Matsumoto, you will admire its iconic black castle, which has the oldest surviving castle tower in Japan. In Takayama, you will explore the traditional streets of the well-preserved old town, visit the Festival Floats Museum, and have some free time to explore or use the onsen facilities at your hotel.
In Tokyo, you will discover famous highlights such as the lively Shibuya Crossing, explore well-known neighborhoods like Shinjuku, visit the Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine, and learn about the Meiji Restoration. You will also visit the historic Asakusa district to see Sensoji, the city's oldest Buddhist temple, and the National Museum in Ueno Park. Additionally, you will ascend to the viewing deck at the Skytree for a bird's eye view of the city and admire Tokyo's Christmas illuminations.
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
In Nara, you will visit the UNESCO-listed Todaiji Temple and meet its sacred deer. You will also stop by a traditional Japanese garden before continuing to Osaka for a culinary adventure in the Dotonburi area.
In Shirakawago, you will visit the UNESCO-listed village famous for its traditional wooden gassho houses with steep thatched roofs. You will visit the largest house, Wada House, and learn about life in this remote rural area. In Kanazawa, you will visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, stroll the Edo-period Nagamachi District, and visit an old samurai house.
In the Fuji Five Lakes area, you will visit Oshino Hakkai, a charming village with mineral-rich ponds and water wheels, and continue to Kawaguchiko, a town famous for its views of Mount Fuji. You will also visit the Fujisan World Heritage Centre to learn about the mountain's significance and enjoy a photo opportunity on the viewing deck.
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.

You will have the option to book your own flights independently with the operator.

Dates Price Availability
14-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Single £8030.00
14-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £8830.00
14-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Twin £6690.00
14-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Twin Flight Included £7490.00
14-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) £6690.00
14-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) Flight Included £7490.00
14-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single £8730.00
14-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £9530.00
14-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Twin £7190.00
14-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Twin Flight Included £7990.00
14-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) £7190.00
14-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) Flight Included £7990.00
14-Dec-2027
for 0 Nights 		Single £9630.00
14-Dec-2027
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £10430.00
14-Dec-2027
for 0 Nights 		Twin £7890.00
14-Dec-2027
for 0 Nights 		Twin Flight Included £8690.00
14-Dec-2027
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) £7890.00
14-Dec-2027
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) Flight Included £8690.00

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This tour is operated by Wendy Wu

16 days from £6690 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:Tokyo, Japan
Finish:Osaka, Japan
Group size:12 - 28
Suitable for: 12-99
Physical rating:Level1
Tour operated in: English
map
Tour Reference: 2593
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