Japan in January

December through February and it is winter in Japan, with warm clothes needed. As both a mountain region and island nation, the climate varies significantly across the country. Northern Japan has long, cold winters with heavy snow, whereas central Japan is more moderate with shorter winter and heavier snow in elevated areas only. In Tokyo, the nation’s  hyperreal capital, temperatures range between 5 to 10 °C (41-50 °F) at this time, with precipitation at a minimum, around 10 mm per month. In the north, Hokkaido, Japan’s second largest island, is the coldest part of Japan, the high quality of its powder snow attracting skiers and snowboarders alike. The island’s main city Sapporo sees temperatures between minus 2 to 2 °C (28-36 °F) in winter. It is a fine time to visit many of the island’s onsen (hot springs), the contrast of the hot water-pools and cool crisp air energizing and divine. January and February are a perfect time to seek out the snow monkeys of Nagano in central Honsh?, to amble along serene snow-topped temples or simply to enjoy steaming-hot bowls of udon. For water sports enthusiasts, February marks the start of diving season in Japan and those willing to brave the cooler waters have an opportunity to spot humpback whales, but sea turtles, seahorses and even sharks can be seen all season long.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Japan

Take in the best of Japan’s must-see sights on this 14-day journey. You’ll take in the world-famous Tsukiji & Toyosu Markets, board a bullet-train for Kyoto, and spend time at the cultural capital’s ancient temples, shrines, and palaces, spending your nights in some of Japan’s best hotels.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $49,000
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Across 18 Centuries: Historic Japan

Discover Japan’s exciting history on this exciting 11-day luxury journey through Japan’s most fascinating age-old cities. Explore the colossal Todaiji Temple, visit ancient shrines, take an emotional tour of Hiroshima, and embrace Japan’s old world charm, while staying at some of Japan’s most luxurious hotels. 

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $42,000
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Castles and Coastline: From Kyoto to Osaka

Step off the tourist trail for this exciting 11-day luxury journey through Japan’s less-visited areas. Take to Japan’s southwest shores as you journey from Kyoto to Osaka, stopping at UNESCO-listed sites, old castle towns, Shrine Island, and Asia’s largest limestone cave, while staying in luxury hotels like the Hyatt. 

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $20,500
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Contemporary Art Wonders of Japan: Touring the Seto Inland Sea

Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, with its roughly 3,000 islands, is known for having a mild climate that is reminiscent of the Mediterranean shores of Greece or Spain, an extensive ferry network, and a burgeoning modern art culture. Many of the Seto Inland Sea’s islands, especially the eastern ones around Naoshima, are home to numerous excellent museums and play host to the Setouchi Triennale, a modern art festival held every three years. On this eight-day tour spanning four of these primary eastern islands – Naoshima, Teshima, Inujima, and Shodoshima – explore some of the world’s foremost modern art pieces and museums that are featured in the 2019 Setouchi Triennale.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $27,300
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Exploring Japanese Culture, Kyushu-style

Take in Japan’s historically- and culturally-rich Kyushu island on this whirlwind 5-day luxury tour. You’ll shop vibrant Fukuoka’s stylish boutiques, pay your respects in the once-devastated Nagasaki, visit the iconic Kumamoto castle, and spend your nights in some of Japan’s most luxurious hotels. 

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,000
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Japan with Kids

Experience fun for the whole family on this 8-day luxury Japan tour through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more. Your kids will love rides on bullet trains, walks through mystical forests full of deer, a visit to the home of Pokemon, chewing delicious mochi, and watching the scenery go by aboard a river cruise. 

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,100
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Japan's Winter Wonderland: Snow & Ski in Hokkaido

Travel from snowy ski slopes to steaming hotsprings on this magical 9-day luxury journey through southern Hokkaido. You’ll spend time in one of the world’s best ski resorts, meander through Sapporo’s Christmas market, and see the region on ski, snowmobile, or perhaps even horseback, while staying at luxury hotels.

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $24,400
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Japanese Art and Culture Tour

Immerse yourself deep into Japan’s art and culture scene on this fascinating and fun 13-day luxury tour. You’ll tour historic landmarks in hotspots like Tokyo and Kyoto, dine on traditional kaiseki cuisine, and learn the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging, tea ceremony, or calligraphy. 

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $33,500
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Land of Cherry Blossoms: Southern Japan Highlights

Take a deep breath and inhale the sweet scent of cherry blossoms on this 8-day luxury tour of Southern Japan. You’ll travel from Osaka to Hiroshima, visiting ancient temples and museums, and being entertained by puppets and Geishas, while staying at luxurious Japan hotels like Hoshinoya Kyoto along the way. 

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $22,900
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Nagano's Winter Wonderland

This seven-day itinerary is an ideal mix of the old and new, combined with brains and brawn. Travel from futuristic Tokyo into the forest and mountains of rural Japan, before hitting the striking backdrop of Nozawa Onsen and three days on the ski slopes against the backdrop of the 1998 Winter Olympics site.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,300
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