2027 White Christmas Tour of Japan

Welcome to Japan! On arrival at one of Tokyo’s international airports, you will be met by a Journey to the East guide and escorted to your hotel by public transport (train or airport coach). After a good night’s sleep, you will be ready to start the first full day of your 2027 White Christmas Tour of Japan.

Your Tokyo adventure begins with an orientation alongside your guide before diving into the city’s fast-paced rhythm - just like the locals - on Tokyo’s iconic underground train. Step back in time as you arrive in Asakusa, where the magnificent Sensoji Temple and bustling Nakamise shopping arcade offer a glimpse into the city’s rich traditions and timeless charm.

After a little rest at your hotel as evening falls, stroll through the elegant Marunouchi district, where dazzling Christmas illuminations transform the streets into a winter wonderland. Your day ends on a high note with a welcome group dinner at a local restaurant - sharing laughter, stories, and the anticipation of the journey ahead with your fellow travellers and guide.

Today, you leave Tokyo, transferring by train to your next destination, Kawaguchiko. This small town is located in the Lake District in the foothills of Mt Fuji. Kawaguchiko offers some breathtaking views of the majestic Mt Fuji and its lakes and hosts several boutique museums and galleries.

Tonight, you will stay at a traditional Japanese inn, and sleep on a futon bedding in a tatami-matted Japanese-style bedroom. Here you have the chance to soak in a hot-spring onsen bath with dramatic views of Mt Fuji across the lake (weather permitting, of course!).

Dinner will be a multi-course Japanese kaiseki banquet.

Once again, on board express trains, you will travel to the city of Matsumoto today. Matsumoto’s beginnings go back to the 8th century, later becoming an important castle town ruled by a powerful clan in the 1600s. Its feudal past is best exemplified today by the impressive castle that dominates the city’s skyline. Your guide will take you on a tour of Matsumoto’s castle, Japan’s oldest wooden castle and one of the nation’s five castles designated national treasures. The black wooden structure is a strong contrast against the white snow. To explore the castle’s wooden interior, you climb to the top of its distinctive black-and-white turret.

You will have dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight at a charming local hotel tonight.

This morning, a private minibus will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago, in the heart of the rugged Hida region. The view of the exquisite rural village features the traditional thatched-roof farmhouses unique to Japan’s alpine regions. With their steeply slanted roofs built to withstand heavy snowfalls, they resemble “hands clasped together in prayer” (hence their name, gasshozukuri). A walk through the village allows you to experience the magic of the farmhouses in the snow and learn more about the construction of these houses and the traditional life of the villagers.

Later on, you will arrive at your next destination, Takayama. Ambling through the old streets, you will learn about the history of this central Japanese city, where you will stay for the next two nights.

This morning, board an express train bound for Kyoto, Japan’s timeless cultural capital. Once the imperial seat in 794, Kyoto remains the guardian of ancient traditions, where centuries-old temples, elegant gardens, artisan workshops, and refined cuisine continue to define the city’s soul.

Upon arrival, explore two of Kyoto’s most treasured landmarks. Step inside the impressive Nijo Castle, with its “nightingale” floors and beautifully painted chambers, then marvel at the shimmering Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), its gold-leaf exterior reflecting serenely across the surrounding pond.

As dusk falls, follow your guide on a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Wander along lantern-lit streets lined with traditional wooden teahouses, and immerse yourself in the city’s old-world charm. If you’re lucky, you may even glimpse a geisha or maiko gracefully making her way to an evening engagement before gathering with your group for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning you will visit another famous icon of Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine. While you are in the area, you will also learn about Japan's drink of choice, sake, which Fushimi is for.

After a group lunch, the remainder of the day is free. Why not visit Kyoto's kitchen, Nishiki Market and watch people stocking up for their New Year festivities.

For dinner tonight, try one of the thousands of restaurants in central Kyoto ranging from casual ramen shops to Michelin-star restaurants. Your guide will be happy to give you local advice.

After a few days exploring the central Honshu (main island), you take a domestic flight to Hakodate in Hokkaido for the second half of the 2027 White Christmas Tour of Japan.

This historic port city with its 19th-century streetscapes has a distinctly European feel. It was designated one of Japan’s two foreign trade ports that could legitimately engage with foreign traders, and foreign influence and architecture make this city so intriguing. On the guided tour of Hakodate, you will visit several historical sites in the Motomachi district as well as the heritage Red Brick Warehouse district down on the waterfront (along with the giant Christmas tree!) The Ainu Museum included in the tour provides information on the diversity by celebrating the history and culture of Hokkaido’s indigenous people.

In the evening, you head up Mount Hakodate. From the hillside restaurant, there is a panoramic view of Hakodate all lit up at night, which is considered one of the top three views in Japan.

The Hakodate Morning Market trades a wide array of seafood in a relatively casual environment, and many small restaurants allow you to sample the local delicacies. Next is a visit to the fascinating remains of Goryokaku Fort. The fort was built in a five-sided star shape, designed by a samurai, Takeda Ayasaburo, who was influenced by a French military engineer, Vauban. The fort, in the centre of Hakodate, was completed in 1864 as Japan's first Western-style fortification.

The remainder of the day is free. There is no shortage of Christmas atmosphere here. Especially the gorgeous Christmas market near your hotel.

Travel by private vehicle from Hakodate to Tomamu, with a stop along the way for lunch at leisure.

On arrival in Tomamu, check into the resort and complete your winter clothing fitting before exploring the resort’s Christmas Market and facilities.

This evening, indulge in a sumptuous buffet dinner at your hotel, featuring the finest local Hokkaido ingredients - from fresh seafood to mountain vegetables and dairy specialties - all enjoyed against a backdrop of glistening snow and whispering pines.

After dinner, unwind in true Japanese style. Take the resort shuttle to Kirin-no-yu, an open-air hot spring surrounded by nature, where you can soak beneath the star-filled sky, the steam rising softly into the crisp winter air. Or, if you prefer, retreat to your room for a private jacuzzi and sauna - the perfect way to end your first magical night in Hokkaido.

Start your day by diving straight into Hokkaido’s famous powder snow with a guided snowshoe walk. Your guide will show you how to strap on and walk in snowshoes, making it easy even for first-timers, while sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife of the snowy mountains. Feel the crisp air, crunch beneath your feet, and take in the pristine winter landscape surrounding you.

The afternoon is yours to embrace Tomamu at your own pace. For adventure seekers, ski or snowboard rentals offer the chance to carve through some of Japan’s finest powder. For a more serene experience, ride the Unkai Gondola to the Terrace of Frost Tree, where snow-laden trees glisten like crystal, and the Hidaka Mountains stretch majestically into the distance.

If you prefer hands-on fun, try one of the creative workshops: make Whey Soap, craft with Ezo Birch, bake a traditional Baumkuchen, or even go pond ice fishing - perfect for a touch of local culture. (N.B. Activities must be booked in advance.)

As evening falls, enjoy dinner on Hotalu Street, sampling the resort’s diverse culinary offerings. Afterwards, take the shuttle to the Ice Village, a winter wonderland sculpted entirely from ice. Explore the Ice Bar and Ice Parlour, send a postcard from the Ice Post Office, marvel from the observation deck, or slide down the ice slide for a playful end to your day in Hokkaido’s snowy paradise. (N.B. Availability of the snow activities and Ice Village is weather-dependent.)

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure in Tomamu, with time to make the most of the resort before checking out.

After checking out, travel by private vehicle to Sapporo, stopping along the way for a light lunch.

On arrival, check into your hotel before heading out to explore Sapporo’s festive Christmas Market. This evening, enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner featuring some of Hokkaido’s finest sushi.

It is Christmas Day today, and you will start late this morning with a guided walking tour through Sapporo.

You stop to have a look at the historic Clock Tower, a former agricultural college built in 1878. Wander past other early brick buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries on your way to Odori Koen, the 1.5 km-long stretch of public park in the city’s heart. For lunch, you will try Sapporo's most famous dish, Sapporo ramen!

The afternoon is free to explore Sapporo at your own pace, whether you wish to shop, visit a museum or simply relax. Later, regroup at the hotel before

Later, regroup at the hotel; it is your last time to get together as a group, and you will have a group Christmas dinner to celebrate a memorable White Christmas Tour of Japan.

After breakfast, your 2027 White Christmas Tour of Japan comes to a close. From here, you may fly or take the train out of Sapporo, or extend your stay to explore more of Hokkaido’s winter wonderland. We would be delighted to assist with personal transfers, whether it’s a flight to Tokyo, an extra stay in Hokkaido, or travel to another part of Japan. Please speak with one of our friendly travel consultants to tailor your plans after the small group tour.