Christmas in Japan 2024
Christmas in Japan 2024
$8156
Christmas in Japan 2024
11 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Himeji, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2303
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the magic of Christmas in Japan with this enchanting tour that takes you from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto. Begin your journey in Tokyo, exploring iconic sites like the Imperial Palace East Garden and the Tokyo Skytree. Discover the cultural treasures of Kyoto, including a traditional tea ceremony and the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine. Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive feast and enjoy the vibrant illuminations. On Christmas Day, visit the historic city of Hiroshima and enjoy a dinner cruise on Hiroshima Bay. The tour also includes a visit to the majestic Mount Fuji, a bullet train ride to Kyoto, and a stop at the impressive Himeji Castle. Immerse yourself in Japan's rich culture and history while enjoying the festive spirit of the season.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly To Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and then take time to explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historical heritage. After lunch, seek out the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for panoramic views over the sprawling city below.
Day 4: Meiji Shrine
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today starts with a relaxing wander around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, before driving past the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish.
Day 5: Mount Fuji And Fuji Five Lake
Location: Mount Fuji
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. Upon arrival, ascend 2,000 metres up to Mount Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting) where, with its perfectly conical looming overhead, you can take in the breathtaking views over the landscapes below. After lunch, continue to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the artist's elaborate dyed silk creations and spend some time strolling around the beautiful garden. Also explore Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko.
Day 6: Bullet Train To Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai before learning how to make your very own traditional Japanese soba noodles which you will then tuck into for lunch! Later, transfer to Mishima station and journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for 1,000 years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.
Day 7: Christmas Eve - Explore Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto starting with a visit to one of Kyoto's delightful temples – the 17th-century Buddhist Kiyomizu. Immerse yourself in the culture by experiencing the sacred rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master and try your hand at origami. Dating back to the 6th-century, the art of 'folding paper' is a cultural symbol of simplicity, beauty and peace. Later, explore the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its remarkable 10,000 red torii gates. Tonight you will enjoy a special Christmas feast in a local restaurant, while enjoying the street decorations, Christmas markets and many amazing illuminations.
Day 8: Christmas Day - Journey To Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Merri Kurisumasu!
Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. Continue to Osaka, arriving in time for lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori district. Later, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that needs no introduction. End the day with a Christmas dinner cruise on Hiroshima Bay.
While the festive season is more a time to spread happiness, than a religious celebration in Japan, 'kurisumasu keki' - Japanese Christmas cake - can be found on many a corner.
Day 9: Hiroshima And Miyajima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy some free time and take an optional ride on the cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy the panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima, taking time to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, while paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and also visit the Orizuru Tower.
Day 10: Himeji Castle
Location: Himeji
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Himeji to visit its famous castle. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city and is recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate its turbulent past before strolling around Kokoen, the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat. Later, transfer to Osaka for an overnight stay and a pre New Years dinner is the perfect way to end your holiday in Japan.
Day 11: Fly Osaka To Uk
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Flights
Round-trip flights from the UK to Japan are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided throughout the tour.
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Meals
Meals are included as per the itinerary, including a special Christmas feast and a Christmas dinner cruise.
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Transportation
Transportation within Japan, including bullet train journeys, is included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and entrance fees to attractions mentioned in the itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes an overnight flight to Tokyo and travel by bullet train to Kyoto and Hiroshima, offering a seamless and efficient journey through Japan's iconic cities.
Accommodation
Sunshine City Prince Hotel
The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
Fuji Mishima Tokyu
The 4-star Fuji Mishima Tokyu hotel features contemporary ensuite guest rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi and a flat screen TV. The location offers great access to the famous Mount Fuji and the beautiful resort areas in Hakone.
Rihga Gran Kyoto
Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
Grand Prince Hotel
Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.
Hotel Monterey Osaka
Situated in central Osaka, the Hotel Monterey Osaka is directly connected to Namba train station and just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori Shopping Street. The hotel features 4 dining options with panoramic city views. Guest rooms feature British-Style interiors and modern practical amenities.
Experiences
Try your hand at origami
Take part in a handicraft experience - the traditions and techniques of the intricate art of origami. You'll learn to fold some of the simpler, but still impressive, shapes and designs.
Learn to make soba noodles
The buckwheat soba noodle is one of Japan's most famous culinary exports - try your hand at making them from scratch, before feasting on the delicious results for lunch.
Discover Geisha culture
The most iconic symbol of Japanese culture, no trip to Japan is complete without at least a glimpse of a geisha. On this tour you'll meet a geisha in Kyoto and learn about their fascinating culture.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to do on the first day in Tokyo?
On the first day in Tokyo, after flying overnight, you will have the rest of the day to start soaking up the local culture, depending on your time of arrival.
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What activities are planned for Day 3 in Tokyo?
On Day 3, you will begin with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden, explore the Tokyo National Museum, visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade, and enjoy panoramic views from the Skytree observation deck.
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What will we do at Mount Fuji?
At Mount Fuji, you will journey through its foothills to the base, ascend to the 5th Station for breathtaking views, visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, and explore the Iyashi no Sato Historical Village.
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How will we travel from Mishima to Kyoto?
You will travel from Mishima to Kyoto by bullet train.
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What special activities are planned for Christmas Eve in Kyoto?
On Christmas Eve in Kyoto, you will visit the Kiyomizu Temple, participate in a tea ceremony, try origami, explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and enjoy a special Christmas feast in a local restaurant.
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What is planned for Christmas Day in Hiroshima?
On Christmas Day, you will visit Ryoanji Temple and Kinkakuji Temple, have lunch in Osaka's Dotonbori district, travel to Hiroshima by bullet train, and enjoy a Christmas dinner cruise on Hiroshima Bay.
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What can I expect to see on the holy island of Miyajima?
On Miyajima, you will visit the Itsukushima Shrine, have free time to explore, and have the option to take a cable car ride up Mount Misen for panoramic views.
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What will we do at Himeji Castle?
At Himeji Castle, you will appreciate its historical significance, explore the Edo-style gardens of Kokoen, and later transfer to Osaka for an overnight stay.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
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.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
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.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
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.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
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.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
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.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
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.
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Thursday - Sunday
Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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