Christmas Day is an eclectic mix of modern traditions and local favorites, from (Kentucky) fried chicken feasts to warming hot pots and delicacies that feel like a hug on a cold day. For travelers, Christmas food in Japan offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s culinary diversity at its most magical. Whether you’re craving robust flavors or curious to try something completely new, the festive season is the perfect time to indulge. If you’re planning a trip this holiday season, tuck into this guide to Japan’s winter delicacies.

Many people with Japanese ancestry are living in the US or other countries having never experienced the country that their family comes from, and are looking for just the right tour to show them their heritage. This trip is a perfect for first-time travelers of Japanese ancestry looking to learn more about your family’s home country and their roots.

Experience the epitome of Japanese luxury and culture. Discover the charm, tranquility, and heritage of Japan's finest ryokans.

Within the imposing walls of Odawara Castle, visitors to the Fuma Ninja Experience will learn to think, move and act as ninja once did, under the expert tutelage of Hiroshi Jinkawa, an expert on the methods and practices of the ninja. Visitors first undergo a period of meditation, to attain the oneness of body and mind necessary for the focus required by ninja warriors to execute their duties. Then they are introduced to the tools and equipment ninja would use, including the Shinobi Rokugu: six objects every ninja would carry. These range from cloth for carrying shuriken, to a hooked rope for climbing, and even a bamboo cylinder for carrying cinders for setting fires.