Create Guide
Picture of Japan

Travel Guide for
Japan

Japan

Temperate, four distinct seasons

Introduction

Japan, an island nation in East Asia, blends ancient tradition with cutting-edge modernity. In December, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto offer crisp winter air, festive lights, and occasional snowfall for a truly magical experience.

Immerse yourself in rich history at centuries-old temples, or explore vibrant city nightlife and luxury shopping districts with your friends. Savor exquisite winter cuisine—think wagyu beef and fresh sushi—and enjoy exclusive experiences like staying in five-star ryokans or private guided tours through illuminated gardens.

Personalised guide

Travelling with friends · 11–17 Dec · High budget · Hotel

Create your own guide
Picture of Japan

Itinerary for Japan · December 2026

Itinerary

Japan · December 2026

Viewing Day 1 · Sat 12 Dec. Numbered pins match today's itinerary stops; purple markers are recommended experiences. Click a pin for details.Pins match today's stops. Purple pins are experiences.

  1. 1
    Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko Statue
    Kick off your adventure in Tokyo at the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing—one of the busiest intersections in the world. Snap some photos with friends at the Hachiko Statue and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this stylish urban hub.
  2. 2
    TeamLab Planets TOKYO
    Immerse yourself in digital art at TeamLab Planets. This unique, interactive museum features mesmerizing, walk-through installations perfect for groups and unforgettable photos. Wear clothes suitable for water and barefoot walking!
  3. 3
    Omotesando Avenue Café Hopping
    Stroll down chic Omotesando Avenue, renowned for architecturally stunning buildings, flagship boutiques, and trendy cafes. Treat yourselves to a gourmet coffee break or explore artisanal bakeries along this fashionable boulevard.
Tokyo Shibuya Crossing & Hidden Streets Walking Tour

Tokyo Shibuya Crossing & Hidden Streets Walking Tour

4.9 (147 reviews)

2 hours

Instant confirmation
Free cancellation

Join our Ultimate Shibuya Tour to discover the essence of Tokyo through its most iconic district. Start at Shibuya Station with "The Myth of Tomorrow," a powerful mural by Taro Okamoto, reflecting on nuclear impacts with a message of hope. Experience the energy of Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection. Explore Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkard’s Alley) for a taste of local life and history. Relax in Miyashita Park, a multi-level urban oasis, and delve into the youthful vibrancy at Center Gai. Wander through Maruyama-cho's historical streets, now a hub for modern nightlife. Conclude at the Hachiko Statue, a symbol of loyalty. Book now for a memorable journey through Shibuya’s diverse attractions!

From ¥4,099 JPY

per person

View experience

Key Facts

Location

East Asia

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Religion

Shinto and Buddhism

Population

125,416,877

Language

Japanese

Electricity

100V, 50/60Hz, Type A/B

Time zone

UTCJST (UTC+9)

Country code

+81

Internet access

Widespread, high-speed, affordable

Climate

Temperate, four distinct seasons

See More Japan Facts

Language:

Japanese

  • hello

    こんにちは (kon-nee-chee-wah)
  • goodbye

    さようなら (sa-yo-na-ra)
  • yes

    はい (hai)
  • no

    いいえ (ee-eh)
  • how much

    これはいくらですか? (ko-re wa i-ku-ra des ka)
  • please

    お願いします (oh-neh-gai-shee-mahs)
  • thank you

    ありがとうございます (ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs)
  • excuse me

    すみません (soo-mee-mah-sen)

Logistics

Traveling to Japan is easiest by air, with major international airports like Narita (Tokyo), Haneda (Tokyo), and Kansai (Osaka) serving flights from cities worldwide. First and business class tickets offer luxury and comfort, perfect for high-budget groups. Private jet charters are also an option for the ultimate exclusive experience.

Once in Japan, you can explore the country via first-class Shinkansen (bullet trains), private car services, or even helicopter transfers between cities. Luxury ferries and cruise ships are available for regional travel, such as from Korea or China. In December, weather is typically cold but stable; flight delays due to snow are rare, but check updates closer to your travel dates.

Weather

Japan experiences four distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) brings mild weather and cherry blossoms, while summer (June to August) is hot and humid, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Autumn (September to November) features crisp air and colorful foliage, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.

Winter (December to February) is generally cold, with snow in northern regions like Hokkaido and the Japan Alps, perfect for winter sports and family activities. From December 11 to 17, expect chilly temperatures across much of Japan—often 0°C to 12°C. While heavy snowfall can occur in northern and mountainous areas, extreme weather during this period is rare elsewhere.

Food & Drink

Japan’s cuisine is world-renowned—don’t miss sushi, sashimi, ramen, tempura, and wagyu beef. Savor regional specialties, like okonomiyaki in Osaka, or kaiseki (seasonal tasting menus) in Kyoto. Pair meals with sake, Japanese whisky, or matcha. For drinks, try izakayas for casual gatherings and high-end cocktail bars in Tokyo.

Top restaurants include Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo, sushi), Narisawa (Tokyo, modern Japanese), and Gion Matsudaya (Kyoto, kaiseki). Visit hip cafés like Arabica in Kyoto, or luxurious teahouses. Tipping is not customary; exceptional service is included.

Reserve ahead for Michelin-starred spots. Many cater to allergies upon request, though vegetarians/vegans may need extra planning. Enjoy the lively food markets in Tokyo and Osaka for gourmet snacks and a vibrant local feel.

A picture of Sushi

Sushi

Sushi is a famous Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice topped with various ingredients, such as fresh fish,...

A picture of Ramen

Ramen

Ramen is a beloved noodle soup dish in Japan, featuring Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth,...

A picture of Tempura

Tempura

Tempura is a delicious Japanese dish consisting of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. The batter is...

A picture of Gyoza

Gyoza

Gyoza are savory Japanese dumplings filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings. They are typically...

A picture of Yakitori

Yakitori

Yakitori refers to skewered and grilled chicken, popularly enjoyed as a casual and flavorful food. The bite-sized pieces...

Accommodation

For a luxury, friends-style trip to Japan, top hotels include The Peninsula Tokyo, Park Hyatt Tokyo, and the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel—each offering spacious suites, world-class amenities, and incredible city views. In Kyoto, the Ritz-Carlton and Hotel Granvia are excellent choices, especially for groups seeking comfort and style.

For booking, Hotels.com offers the best platform for comparing top-rated hotels and amenities. Prioritize neighborhoods like Shinjuku or Ginza in Tokyo, and Gion or Central Kyoto, which are full of vibrant nightlife and fine dining. In December, book early as demand spikes for festive lights and seasonal events—suite availability may be limited.

Experiences

Hospitality & Tourism Internship in Japan
internships

Hospitality & Tourism Internship in Japan

Minimum 1 week

Japan

$920/week

Learn More
Community Agriculture in Japan
volunteering

Community Agriculture in Japan

Minimum 1 week

Japan

$920/week

Learn More
English Teaching in Japan
teaching

English Teaching in Japan

Minimum 1 week

Japan

$920/week

Learn More

Attractions

5.0 (285 reviews)
Tokyo: Make Your Own Chopsticks Shibuya

Tokyo: Make Your Own Chopsticks Shibuya

Instant confirmation
Free cancellation

Just a 7-minute walk from Shibuya Scramble Crossing, this hands-on workshop in the heart of Shibuya invites you to craft your own handmade Japanese chopsticks in under an hour. Guided by skilled instructors, you will shape, sand, and finish high-grade timber into a unique pair to take home. No experience is needed. Ideal for travelers, couples, and families. Select from several types of timber, with the option to upgrade to premium woods for an elevated finish and feel. Personalize your chopsticks further with custom engravings for ¥1,000; add a name, date, or message to make your creation truly your own or a perfect gift. Designed to be tailored and traveler-friendly, the experience combines expert guidance with a warm, welcoming studio atmosphere. Rather than purchasing a mass-produced souvenir, you will leave with a meaningful, handcrafted everyday object shaped by your own hands.

From ¥1,800 JPY

View Details
5.0 (254 reviews)
Private Curated Tour | Get Tokyo’s Must Sees & Unique Insights

Private Curated Tour | Get Tokyo’s Must Sees & Unique Insights

Instant confirmation
Free cancellation

No impersonal big groups. Get unique insights of Japans iconic Capital in a private walking tour that concentrates on you and your family/friends. Come with Shiny Tours on a breathtaking adventure through Tokyo's most famous districts – Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Odaiba & Akihabara – with our knowledgeable English and German speaking tour guides who will take you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems. Learn everything about the daily life of Japanese locals while wandering through the quirky street of Harajuku & Co. Ready to walk on the wild side of Tokyo? Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, let Shiny Tours Tokyo create unforgettable memories and unique experiences for you in the heart of Japan's bustling capital - Tokyo! Tokio guide deutsch.

From ¥22,500 JPY

View Details
5.0 (166 reviews)
Akihabara Tailor-made Private Tour for Anime Fans

Akihabara Tailor-made Private Tour for Anime Fans

Manual confirmation
Free cancellation

"It's my first time visiting Akihabara, but I have no idea how to have real experiences I saw in anime..." "I really wanna have an Akiba experience but I'm running out of time..." "There's something I wanna get, but have no idea how/where to buy..." For those who have such demands, I offer the tour that you can finish within 5 hours! After meeting at JR Akihabara station and a short introduction, we'll go around places. As a native Japanese Otaku, I'm sure that I can give you the right information related to Akihabara. Also, we'll go to a maid cafe that I recommend the most out of 10 kinds of maid cafes I experienced in Akihabara, which is not well-known but is a must-see in my opinion! I recommend you prepare some wishlists of what you're looking for/where you want to go, so I can arrange the tour as you'd like!

From ¥20,000 JPY

View Details
5.0 (114 reviews)
Experience all of Japanese culture and Japanese food experience classes "origami, udon, Japanese food, green tea, calligraphy" in 4 hours

Experience all of Japanese culture and Japanese food experience classes "origami, udon, Japanese food, green tea, calligraphy" in 4 hours

Instant confirmation
Free cancellation

In 4 hours, you will experience Japanese culture and hospitality at home.The experience included origami, hand-made udon noodles, Japanese food, sushi and tempura.Experience matcha and Japanese sweets after meals.We'll make it with you.Drinks (sake, beer, shochu and soft drinks) are free.As a souvenir, in calligraphy, Keiko writes your name on a colored paper.Through this experience, you become a member of our homecoming TAKA and making friends around the world is one of our goals.We will welcome you as a family the next time you visit our home! ★ Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy all dishes with different ingredients.

From ¥14,000 JPY

View Details
5.0 (113 reviews)
Samurai Experience - Learn Bushido through Kendo, in Tokyo

Samurai Experience - Learn Bushido through Kendo, in Tokyo

Instant confirmation
Free cancellation

The spirit of Japan endures in Samurai. A Samurai is not a swordsman, but one who carries the sword in the heart. Be Samurai. Only then does Japan reveal itself. Walk the path with Kendo Spirit. ◉Why Kendo? Kendo is not a sport born from modern design. It is a living tradition shaped by samurai to survive, transformed to preserve Bushido, and passed down through the body, generation after generation. It is still practiced today because its spirit is still needed. Bushido lives on, in its purest form, through Kendo. ◉Who this experience is for This experience is for those who are curious about Japan beyond the surface. For those who value discipline, respect, and meaning over entertainment. For those who want to experience the spirit of Bushido through their body, not just hear about it. You don’t need kendo experience. You do need an open mind and a willingness to face yourself.

From ¥20,000 JPY

View Details
5.0 (108 reviews)
Chill Out in Tokyo: Personalized Private Tours with Local Friends

Chill Out in Tokyo: Personalized Private Tours with Local Friends

Manual confirmation
Free cancellation

Run by @howzit_japan on Youtube and Instagram. Join us for a personalized adventure through Tokyo with a Local Friend who’s excited to explore with you! Whether it’s your first time or you’re rediscovering the city, this tour uncovers Tokyo’s secrets, tailored to your interests. Your Local Friend will help you efficiently navigate the city and introduce you to hidden gems only locals know, making for an unforgettable experience!

From ¥16,000 JPY

View Details
5.0 (104 reviews)
Harajuku Meiji Shrine Walking Tour in Tokyo

Harajuku Meiji Shrine Walking Tour in Tokyo

Instant confirmation
Free cancellation

Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Tokyo on the Harajuku Meiji Shrine Walking Tour. This immersive 2 hours journey takes you through iconic sites, including the serene Meiji Shrine and vibrant Takeshita Street, all while uncovering the stories that shaped Tokyo's unique street culture. With a local guide, gain insider knowledge and appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity that defines this bustling city. Conveniently meet at JR Harajuku Station and conclude your tour at Omotesando, easily accessible by public transport. - Duration: 2 hours of guided exploration - Discover key sites like Meiji Shrine and Tokyu Plaza - Group size is limited for a personalized experience - Comfortable footwear recommended for walking around Tokyo

From ¥4,099 JPY

View Details
5.0 (97 reviews)
Cozy Tokyo Class: Ramen, Sushi, Sake Pairing & Cultural Exchange

Cozy Tokyo Class: Ramen, Sushi, Sake Pairing & Cultural Exchange

Instant confirmation
Free cancellation

At Ramen Cooking Tokyo, we offer an immersive cooking class that goes beyond cooking—emphasizing genuine cultural exchange. Our English-friendly Japanese hosts warmly welcome guests into an intimate, small-group setting where lasting connections form. During our relaxed 2.5–3 hour experience, you'll learn to create two iconic Japanese dishes: authentic ramen and your choice of handmade sushi or delicious gyoza. Enjoy unlimited sake pairings carefully curated to complement each dish, along with insightful explanations of their cultural significance. Families traveling with children are warmly welcomed—kids even receive traditional Japanese "dagashi" snacks as delightful souvenirs. Our classes are especially popular for special occasions like birthdays, honeymoons, or graduations, ensuring every event is memorable. Join us for an authentic Japanese experience in Tokyo, where cooking, culture, and community blend seamlessly together.

From ¥20,000 JPY

View Details
5.0 (88 reviews)
Asakusa Classic Ramen & Crispy Gyoza Cooking Class

Asakusa Classic Ramen & Crispy Gyoza Cooking Class

Manual confirmation

Asakusa, where our classroom is located, was the birthplace of ramen in Tokyo just over 100 years ago. Make a delicious bowl of ramen and some crisp and juicy gyoza to go with it. Btw at our Chagohan Tokyo Cooking Classes, Guests can enjoy what we call the Japanese culinary experience, sake tasting or matcha making experience. In the evening sometimes guests can enjoy some light sake appetizers along with carefully selected Japanese sake & whisky. ☆Awarded Certificate of Excellence 2018 & 2019 by tripadvisor® ☆Certified service provider for Visa Merchant Offers 2018 & 2019 ☆Formally nominated as one of 88 Things TO DO in TOKYO by TimeOut Tokyo + Les Clefs D'or Japan

From ¥19,800 JPY

View Details
5.0 (83 reviews)
Private Customizable Walking Tour of Tokyo

Private Customizable Walking Tour of Tokyo

Instant confirmation

Private Customized Walking Tours combine Tokyo’s must-see sights with hidden gems. Morning, afternoon and evening start times available. Choose your tour length; 4 to 8 hours. Our ethos is ‘like-a-local’. This is a culturally immersive walking tour, meaning that you will travel around Tokyo on foot and using the excellent public transport system….like a local! Throughout the tour you will learn about Japan’s culture, customs, history and local way of life. Feeling hungry? We’ll get you eating like a local too! Your tour is flexible and will be paced to your speed and requirements. Specialist topics of interests can all be covered; architecture, religion, politics, street art, general history, WW2 history, food, instagramable highlights, pop/movie/anime culture. Ideal for people with limited time, or those who want a comprehensive overview of Tokyo prior to exploring further on their own. Simply indicate your interests and enjoy an itinerary specific to you.

From ¥33,153 JPY

View Details

FAQ

Find quick answers to your Japan travel questions with our travel guide chatbot. Your questions will be added to this section to help other travellers.

Primary hero image

Ready to plan your trip?

Share your travel insights or create a new guide for fellow adventurers!