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Japan Winter Festival Tours

Japan has many winter festivals, which bring warmth and fun to the cold season. On our Japan winter festival tours you will have an opportunity to experience them yourself. In Hokkaido the notable winter festivals are the Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru Snow Light Path, Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Asahikawa Winter Festival, and the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival. These annual events bring in millions of visitors to the festivities happening in the coldest part of the year. For one week in February in Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, a winter event is held called Sapporo Snow Festival also known as Sapporo Yuki Matsuri. Odori Park is the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival. There you can enjoy snow and ice sculptures of various sizes. Nearby Sapporo around the same time frame is the Otaru Snow Light Path. While in the city you can walk along the various paths surrounded by snow lanterns.

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival happens in mid- February and uses the water from the lake to make the festival grounds. It boasts the clearest water in Japan and when it freezes it has a unique color that is commonly called Shikotsu blue. At night all the ice sculptures are illuminated in different colors. The Asahikawa Winter Festival is best known for having the largest snow sculptures and is held in early February. To help with making the main snow sculpture the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Second Division provides the necessary assistance. The Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival is a long celebration that lasts from the end of January to the end of March. Both the sculptures and structures were created using the water from the Ishikari River.

In other parts of Japan you can enjoy other winter events like the Hirosaki Castle Yuki Doro Festival, Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival, and Zao Snow Monster Festival. The Hirosaki Castle Yuki Doro Festival features 150 large and small Japanese lanterns are made with artwork of famous historical, mythical or popular figures. In Hirosaki park 300 mini igloos are made and illuminated with candles. The Yokote Kamakura Festival is a tradition that is over 400 years old. The word kamakura translates to snow houses, which are a form of igloos. This festival happens every year on February 15 and 16. The Zao Snow Monster Festival is held every first week of February and at night the snow monsters are illuminated. Zao Snow Monsters refers to snow encased fir trees that give the illusion of giant beings roaming the slopes of Mount Zao.

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Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of Japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people.

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of Japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people.
(Smaller group departure available)

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget.

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel Japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation.

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Charms of Hokkaido Tour: Hokkaido Winter Festivals

Group Tour | Deluxe          Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe    Book Now & Save $100

Charms of Hokkaido Tour: Hokkaido Winter Festivals
Charms of Hokkaido Tour: Hokkaido Winter Festivals
13 reviews
13 reviews

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00

Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro
See the Sapporo Snow Festival, as well as three other main Winter Festivals in Hokkaido.

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00

Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro
See the Sapporo Snow Festival, as well as three other main Winter Festivals in Hokkaido.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Feb 4, 2024 Mon. Feb 12, 2024 US $3798.00 Sapporo Kushiro Deluxe Save this tour Book Now  
Sun. Feb 2, 2025 Mon. Feb 10, 2025 US $3798.00 Sapporo Kushiro Deluxe Save this tour Book Now  
Hokkaido & Beyond: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry 
Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

Group Tour | Deluxe          Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe    Book Now & Save $100

Hokkaido & Beyond: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms & Snow Monkeys
Hokkaido & Beyond: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

13 Days 12 Nights | from US $4998.00

Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro/ Yokohama / Kawazu / Mt Fuji / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Obuse / Nagano
Experience the incredible Snow Festivals of Hokkaido, followed by an extension which includes Kawazu Cherry Blossoms and adorable snow monkeys!

13 Days 12 Nights | from US $4998.00

Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro/ Yokohama / Kawazu / Mt Fuji / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Obuse / Nagano
Experience the incredible Snow Festivals of Hokkaido, followed by an extension which includes Kawazu Cherry Blossoms and adorable snow monkeys!
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Feb 4, 2024 Fri. Feb 16, 2024 US $4998.00 Sapporo Tokyo Deluxe Save this tour Book Now  
Sun. Feb 2, 2025 Fri. Feb 14, 2025 US $4998.00 Sapporo Tokyo Deluxe Save this tour Book Now  
Best of Honshu & Hokkaido: Snow Monkeys & Hokkaido 
Winter Festival Tour

Group Tour | Deluxe          Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe    Book Now & Save $100

Best of Honshu & Hokkaido: Snow Monkeys & Hokkaido Winter Festival Tour
Best of Honshu & Hokkaido: Snow Monkeys & Hokkaido Winter Festival Tour

16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6298.00

Honshu (Tokyo / Lake Kawaguchi / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka), Hokkaido (Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro)
Explore the two main winter attractions of Japan - Snow Monkeys and Hokkaido Winter Festivals.

16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6298.00

Honshu (Tokyo / Lake Kawaguchi / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka), Hokkaido (Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro)
Explore the two main winter attractions of Japan - Snow Monkeys and Hokkaido Winter Festivals.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Jan 28, 2024 Mon. Feb 12, 2024 US $6298.00 Tokyo Kushiro Deluxe Save this tour Sold Out
Sun. Jan 26, 2025 Mon. Feb 10, 2025 US $6298.00 Tokyo Kushiro Deluxe Save this tour Book Now  
Japan Winter Highlights: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry 
Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

Group Tour | Deluxe          Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe    Book Now & Save $100

Japan Winter Highlights: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms & Snow Monkeys
Japan Winter Highlights: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

21 Days 20 Nights | from US $8598.00

Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro / Tokyo / Hakone / Kawazu / Lake Kawaguchi / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Oobokekyo Gorge / Kotohira / Takamatsu / Kobe
Discover the unmissable Winter Highlights of Japan on a 21-day itinerary, with exciting Hokkaido Winter Festivals, the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, and the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival.

21 Days 20 Nights | from US $8598.00

Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro / Tokyo / Hakone / Kawazu / Lake Kawaguchi / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Oobokekyo Gorge / Kotohira / Takamatsu / Kobe
Discover the unmissable Winter Highlights of Japan on a 21-day itinerary, with exciting Hokkaido Winter Festivals, the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, and the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Feb 2, 2025 Sat. Feb 22, 2025 US $8598.00 Sapporo Osaka Deluxe Save this tour Book Now  
Sun. Feb 4, 2024 Sat. Feb 24, 2024 US $8598.00 Sapporo Osaka Deluxe Save this tour Book Now  

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