Experience Japan the magic of festivals, winter illuminations and centuries-old culture this December. Curated by Louise and Scott, your Hays Travel experts, ABTA and ATOL protected with over 50 years’ combined experience.
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Why Choose Japan in December?
December casts Japan in a dreamlike glow. Whisper-thin frost dusts temple rooftops, lantern-lit streets lead to hidden shrines, and Tokyo bursts into a spectacle of LED illuminations. It’s the season of contrasts—ancient traditions against futuristic cityscapes—delivering a holiday experience that blends serenity with electric excitement.
From sipping matcha under the shadow of Mt Fuji to exploring Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, December invites you to celebrate both the past and the present. With fewer crowds than cherry blossom season and a festive atmosphere that reaches its peak, this winter escape promises unforgettable memories around every corner.
Meet Louise & Scott: Your Travel Artists
Louise and Scott aren’t just travel consultants—they’re travel artists. With a combined five decades of first-hand Japan experience, they sketch every detail of your journey. They know the backstreets of Osaka where street-food stalls teem with flavour, the hidden gardens of Kyoto perfect for a silent winter moment, and the rooftop bars in Tokyo offering panoramic cityscapes under glittering lights.
Their meticulous planning ensures you never miss a bullet train departure, a seasonal market or a chance to pick up a one-of-a-kind festive souvenir. They’ll tailor every aspect—from dietary preferences to pace of travel—so you arrive home refreshed, inspired and ready to tell your own Japan story.
Trust & Protection: ABTA & ATOL Covered
Hays Travel is proud to be ABTA and ATOL protected. This means your booking is safeguarded under UK law, offering financial security and peace of mind. Whether it’s a last-minute flight change or a weather disruption, our protection guarantees you won’t be left stranded or out of pocket.
Your investment in a Timeless Japan tour is fully covered by industry-leading safeguards:
- ABTA membership ensures adherence to rigorous quality standards and a dispute resolution scheme if needed.
- ATOL bonding protects your flights and connections, so you can travel with confidence.
Itinerary Overview
Our 11-night tour weaves through Japan’s most iconic destinations, balancing free time with curated experiences. Below is a snapshot; detailed daily breakdowns follow.
- Days 1–3: Osaka – modern urban energy, street food and neon nights
- Days 4–5: Hiroshima – Peace Park reflection, Miyajima Island discovery
- Days 6–8: Kyoto – UNESCO temples, traditional tea ceremonies and winter gardens
- Days 9–11: Tokyo – skyscraper skylines, festive illuminations and designer districts
Day 1–3: Osaka – Neon & Nippon Flavours
Lodgings & Location
Stay three nights at the Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu Rei Hotel (3⭐️). Located near Osaka’s transit hub, your hotel offers sleek, comfortable rooms on a room-only basis, letting you explore the city each evening without missing a moment.
Highlights
Start with Dotonbori’s iconic neon façade. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at local street stalls. By day, wander Osaka Castle’s frost-kissed grounds, where display illuminations bring samurai legends to life.
We recommend a private sushi lesson with a master chef, followed by a jaunt to the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory, where Osaka’s cityscape shimmers against winter skies.
Day 4–5: Hiroshima – History & Island Serenity
Lodgings & Location
Your two-night stay at the 3⭐️ Sotetsu Fresa Inn places you steps from Hiroshima Station. Room-only accommodation ensures flexibility to dine locally.
Highlights
Spend a morning at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, reflecting on Hiroshima’s journey from tragedy to hope. In the afternoon, board the ferry to Miyajima Island, where the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine emerges from the sea—an enduring symbol of ancient Japan.
We’ll arrange a guided twilight tour, when lanterns illuminate the island pathways, creating an otherworldly ambience for photographers and culture lovers alike.
Day 6–8: Kyoto – Timeless Traditions
Lodgings & Location
Three nights in Kyoto at the 4⭐️ Noku Kyoto Hotel grant you a blend of modern design and traditional Japanese touches. Room-only basis gives you freedom to explore Kyoto’s countless temples.
Highlights
Begin at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), where frost on surrounding pines glitters like platinum. Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at dawn to witness sunlight filtering through towering stalks. In the evenings, soak in a private onsen before savouring kaiseki cuisine in a ryokan setting.
We’ve included a guided tea ceremony in a centuries-old tea house, plus an exclusive cooking class to master delicate wagashi sweets—perfect festive gifts.
Day 9–11: Tokyo – Futuristic Festivities
Lodgings & Location
Your final three nights are at the 3⭐️ Shinjuku Washington Hotel on a room-only basis. Nestled in Tokyo’s most vibrant district, you’re steps from subway lines whisking you to every corner of the metropolis.
Highlights
Tokyo’s December lights are legendary. Explore Omotesando’s avenue of illuminated zelkova trees and head to Roppongi Hills for their winter illumination show. Dive into Harajuku’s youthful fashion streets, then savour Michelin-starred tempura in Asakusa, with Senso-ji Temple glowing peacefully in the background.
We’ll book you into a private rooftop bar session overlooking Shibuya Crossing, toasting to a holiday filled with timeless memories.
Upgrade Your Journey: Shinkansen Bullet Train
Add iconic bullet train travel between cities for seamless speed, comfort and remarkable views. The Shinkansen connects Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo in style—truly the embodiment of modern Japan.
Upgrade Cost:
From £325 per person for unlimited rides on the Japan rail pass, valid during the entirety of your 11-night tour.
Accommodation Summary
| City | Hotel | Rating | Nights | Board Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka | Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu Rei Hotel | 3⭐️ | 3 | Room Only |
| Hiroshima | Sotetsu Fresa Inn | 3⭐️ | 2 | Room Only |
| Kyoto | Noku Kyoto Hotel | 4⭐️ | 3 | Room Only |
| Tokyo | Shinjuku Washington Hotel | 3⭐️ | 3 | Room Only |
Pricing & Booking Details
All prices are per person, based on two adults sharing. Full payment is required at the time of booking. Flights, accommodation and local transfers are included in the package price.
| Departure Airport | From Price |
|---|---|
| London Gatwick | £1,149 |
| London Heathrow | £1,189 |
Upgrade to Shinkansen bullet train pass from £325 per person. Subject to availability. Tour reference: KIX0508251O.
How to Book
Contact Louise & Scott
Our travel artists are ready to personalise every aspect of your Timeless Japan journey. Call our travel experts on 01428 856020 – to speak directly with Louise or Scott.
Alternatively, whats app 01428 856020 or email [email protected]
Don’t miss out on the perfect winter escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa requirements apply for UK travellers to Japan?
UK passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism purposes. You must hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
How cold does it get in December, and what should I pack?
December temperatures range from 2°C to 12°C. Layering is essential—thermal innerwear, a good quality coat, scarf, gloves and waterproof walking shoes. Daytime sightseeing is comfortable; evenings can feel chilly around Tokyo’s illuminated parks.
Are all entry tickets and transfers included?
Yes. All domestic transfers, guided excursions as outlined in the itinerary, and entrance fees to scheduled attractions are included. Airport transfers on arrival and departure days are arranged for you.
Can I customise the itinerary or extend my stay?
Absolutely. Louise and Scott specialise in tailoring. Whether you want extra nights in Kyoto, an onsen stay in Hakone or a side trip to Sapporo, they’ll craft an itinerary to suit your interests and budget.
What payment methods are accepted, and is a deposit required?
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards and bank transfers. A non-refundable deposit of £200 per person secures your booking, with the balance due eight weeks before departure.
What happens if flights are cancelled or rescheduled?
All our packages are ATOL protected, and as an ABTA member we guarantee assistance if flights are delayed, cancelled or rescheduled. We’ll rebook you on the next available services or arrange alternative routes at no extra cost.
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Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability and booking conditions.
