Japan Winter Tours 2025: 12 Magical Trips for Fireworks, Drift Ice, & Snow Festivals

From glittering snow villages to drift ice cruises and glowing city illuminations, winter in Japan is made for dreamy, one-of-a-kind tours. If you’re planning a cold-weather escape in 2025, joining a guided winter tour is one of the easiest ways to see seasonal events that are hard to access on your own. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best winter tours in Japan for 2025. Use this guide to determine which region, experience type, and itinerary best suits your trip.

1. Shirakawago Light-Up Tour from Kanazawa

*(“[4 Days Only] 2026 Shirakawago Light-Up Tour from Kanazawa”)

Where you go: Kanazawa → Shirakawago (central Japan)

Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, couples, “snowy fairy-tale village” vibes

Shirakawago’s UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses look straight out of a storybook, but in winter—when the steep thatched roofs are coated in snow and lit from within—they’re on another level. On special light-up nights, the entire village glows under the dark sky, with warm lights reflecting off the snow.

Highlights:

• Limited-date night illumination of the snow-covered village
• Optional observatory view where you can see the whole valley of lit houses
• Free time to wander lanes, sip something hot, and browse local crafts.

Good to know for 2025:

Light-up dates are extremely limited and require advance reservation. This is one to book as soon as dates are announced.

2. Kayabuki no Sato Illumination (Thatched Village Glow)

Where you go: Kansai countryside (often from Osaka or Kyoto)

Best for: Culture lovers, night photographers, travelers seeking “old Japan.”

Kayabuki no Sato is a traditional thatched-roof village that feels wonderfully remote yet is doable as an evening trip from Kyoto or Osaka. In winter, the houses are lit with soft illuminations against the snow, creating peaceful, postcard-perfect scenes rather than big-city crowds.

Highlights:

• Walking among historic thatched houses lit up against the night snow
• Opportunity to sample local snacks and warm drinks at temporary stalls
• Clear night skies on good weather days, perfect for tripod photography

Good to know for 2025:

Illumination dates are usually clustered around mid-winter weekends. Rural roads can be icy, so being on a guided bus is far easier than self-driving.

3. Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks & Saiko Ice Festival Tour

Where you go: Tokyo → Lake Kawaguchiko & Lake Saiko (Fuji Five Lakes)

Best for: First-timers, couples, Instagram travelers, those chasing Mt. Fuji views

Winter is actually one of the best times to see Mt. Fuji, thanks to crisp, dry air and clearer skies. Pair that with fireworks over Lake Kawaguchiko and an ice festival at nearby Lake Saiko, and you’ve got a bucket-list evening.

Highlights:

• Evening fireworks over Lake Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji towering in the background
• Saiko Ice Festival, with ice formations and sculptures glowing under colored lights
• Free time along the lakeside, where reflections of fireworks and Fuji mirror on the water

Good to know for 2025:

Fireworks generally run on winter weekends from late January through February; exact dates change annually, so double-check the 2025 event calendar when booking.

4. Nikko Kamakura Snow House Festival & Strawberry Picking Tour

Where you go: Tokyo → Tochigi (Yunishigawa/Nikko area)

Best for: Families, couples, foodies, first-time snow visitors

This day trip balances cozy winter fun with seasonal treats. You’ll start with strawberry picking in Tochigi—famous for ultra-sweet varieties—before heading to a local roadside stop and, finally, the magical Kamakura Snow House Festival.

Highlights:

• All-you-can-eat or timed strawberry picking in modern greenhouses
• Stop at a roadside station (michi-no-eki) for local snacks and souvenirs
• Evening visit to a village filled with tiny kamakura (snow huts/mini igloos), each lit by a candle, reflected on the snow and the surrounding river

Good to know for 2025:

The festival typically happens from late January through early March, but exact 2025 dates and snow conditions depend on the winter. Check closer to your travel dates for the final confirmed schedule.

5. Aurora Icebreaker Cruise & Abashiri Museum Tour

Where you go: Abashiri, eastern Hokkaido

Best for: Nature lovers, cruise fans, “I want something I can’t do anywhere else” travelers

On the Sea of Okhotsk, huge sheets of drift ice float down from Russia and pile up along Hokkaido’s coast. The Aurora icebreaker ship pushes through these icy fields, giving you a front-row view of one of Japan’s most unique winter sights.

Highlights:

• 60-minute cruise through drift ice, with chances to spot sea eagles and other wildlife
• Visit to the Abashiri Prison Museum for a look at Hokkaido’s pioneer-era history
• Stop at the Drift Ice or Okhotsk museum, where you can learn how this frozen seascape forms

Good to know for 2025:

Drift ice season is usually from late January to early March. If ice is sparse, ships may alter the route or focus more on coastal cruising, but mid-season dates usually have the best conditions.

6. Tsurui Village Winter Crane Watching Tour from Kushiro

Where you go: Kushiro → Tsurui Village, Hokkaido

Best for: Bird-watchers, wildlife photographers, anyone who loves slow, quiet nature experiences

Tsurui is one of the best places in Japan to see the elegant red-crowned cranes, a species deeply tied to Japanese culture and folklore. In winter, these birds gather at feeding grounds, dancing and calling in snowy fields.

Highlights:

• Early morning or daytime visits to famous crane-viewing sites
• Guided commentary on crane behavior, conservation, and photography tips
• Stark, beautiful landscape of frozen rivers and snowy fields

Good to know for 2025:

Expect long periods outside in sub-zero temperatures; toe warmers, hand warmers, and insulated boots make a big difference.

7. Snowshoe Tour to See Drift Ice and Icefall in “Ice World”

Where you go: Shiretoko / Okhotsk coast, Hokkaido

Best for: Active travelers, adventure lovers, photographers

If the icebreaker cruise isn’t quite adventurous enough for you, this snowshoe tour brings you closer to the elements. You’ll trek through snow to viewpoints overlooking drift ice and frozen waterfalls, experiencing Hokkaido’s “ice world” at ground level.

Highlights:

• Guided snowshoe hike with panoramic views of drift ice-covered seas
• Close-up look at icefalls and frozen cliffs
• Smaller group sizes for a more immersive nature experience

Good to know for 2025:

A basic level of fitness is required, and you’ll need proper winter wear. Many tours provide snowshoes and poles, but confirm gear rental when you book.

8. Mint-Filled Cycling Course in Mint Town, Kitami

Where you go: Kitami, Hokkaido

Best for: Repeat visitors to Hokkaido, active travelers, those curious about local history

Kitami once produced most of the world’s mint, and this cycling tour weaves through that history. Depending on conditions, you’ll ride quiet roads or paths, stopping at mint-related spots and scenic corners of town.

Highlights:

• Guided ride on a curated “mint course” around Kitami
• Stops at museums, monuments, or shops tied to the town’s mint heritage
• A different kind of winter experience that mixes light exercise with cultural storytelling

Good to know for 2025:

Weather can affect routes and bike types (standard vs. fat bikes). Dress in warm layers you can move in.

9. Snowshoe Sunrise Trekking on Mt. Mokoto & Sea of Clouds

Where you go: Mt. Mokoto area, eastern Hokkaido

Best for: Sunrise chasers, hikers, photographers

Mt. Mokoto offers wide-open views across eastern Hokkaido. In the right conditions, a blanket of clouds settles over the valleys and lakes below, leaving you standing above a glowing “sea of clouds” as the sun rises.

Highlights:

• Pre-dawn start with snowshoe ascent (often with vehicle support for part of the way)
• Sunrise views over snowy mountains and, if you’re lucky, a stunning sea of clouds
• Hot drink breaks and plenty of chances for photos

Good to know for 2025:

Weather is everything here—cloud layers and visibility vary—but even on clear mornings, the snow-covered panorama is impressive. Tours typically adjust timing to match sunrise.

10. Lake Shikotsu Ice Walk

Where you go: Lake Shikotsu area, near Sapporo / Niseko, Hokkaido

Best for: Families, first-time snow travelers, those based in Sapporo or resort areas

Lake Shikotsu is famous for its exceptionally clear water. In winter, the surrounding landscape turns into a frozen wonderland, and some tours offer guided “ice walks” along the lake or on safe sections near shore.

Highlights:

• Beginner-friendly winter walk with expert guides and rental gear
• Chance to see incredibly clear ice and winter reflections on the lake
• Possible tie-in with Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival or illuminations, depending on the tour

Good to know for 2025:

Conditions on the ice change with temperature and snowfall; tours will prioritize safety and may shift between shoreline walks and full ice walks based on daily checks.

11. Nakanoshima Illumination Cruise (Osaka)

Where you go: Osaka city (Nakanoshima river area)

Best for: City travelers, couples, anyone who prefers lights and nightlife over trekking

Osaka’s riverfront is lively year-round, but in winter, the city adds extra sparkle with illuminations and light displays. A Nakanoshima cruise lets you see bridges, riverside buildings, and trees lit from a comfortable seat on the water.

Highlights:

• Night cruise along rivers cutting through central Osaka
• Seasonal illuminations on bridges, historic facades, and tree-lined promenades
• Romantic, low-effort evening experience that pairs perfectly with dinner or shopping

Good to know for 2025:

If the cruise offers an open deck or open-top seating, it will feel much colder than street level—bring a scarf, hat, and a windproof outer layer.

12. Sendai Pageant of Starlight Tour by Open-Top Bus

Where you go: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture

Best for: Illumination fans, couples, travelers exploring Tohoku

Each December, Sendai hosts the “Pageant of Starlight,” wrapping key streets in golden lights. Viewing the illuminations from an open-top bus gives you a unique angle on the glowing zelkova trees overhead.

Highlights:

• Panoramic view of Sendai’s main illumination streets from the upper deck
• Live commentary in English on the city and the event
• Easy, structured night out with minimal walking

Good to know for 2025:

The event is usually held through December; check the 2025 dates and bus operation days, especially if you’re traveling around Christmas or New Year.

Turn Winter Dreams into Booked Trips​

If you’re dreaming of 2025 filled with fireworks over Fuji, red-crowned cranes dancing in the snow, and cozy nights under a thousand lights, this is your sign. Pick your base (Tokyo, Hokkaido, Osaka, or Sendai), choose a couple of tours that match your vibe—chill, adventurous, or super aesthetic—and lock them in before peak dates sell out.