Arrive at your Tokyo hotel (Shinjuku or Shibuya recommended for nightlife and transport) and freshen up; central locations make later evening travel easy.
Head to Ginza for a mid-range sushi counter (Sushi no Midori or similar) or a tempura specialty restaurant; many open 11:00–14:00 and again for dinner.
Option A: Shibuya Sky observation + rooftop tapas for skyline views (open until late). Option B: sit-down izakaya for shared plates and drinks in Shibuya; many open until midnight.
A peaceful Shinto shrine set in a large woodland area next to Harajuku; shrine grounds open sunrise–sunset (torii and grounds accessible 24/7, main hall hours approx 6:00–17:00).
Art options: teamLab (timed tickets required; typical hours 10:00–19:00) for immersive digital exhibits, or Mori Art Museum (10:00–22:00 on some days) for contemporary art and city views.
Atmospheric izakaya-style restaurant (the 'Kill Bill' restaurant) with traditional decor; open for dinner 11:30–23:30, reservations recommended for dinner service.
Stroll historic Gion with its preserved machiya houses; catch geisha sightings at dusk. Streets open to stroll all day; shops/teahouses have varied hours (10:00–18:00 common).
Reserve a special dinner for Christmas Eve: either elegant kaiseki in Gion or a fun premium yakiniku (grilled meats) in central Kyoto; many restaurants require reservation for holiday evenings.
Famous torii gate tunnel; shrine grounds are open 24 hours, but the shrine buildings have limited hours (approx 6:00–16:30). Walk partway up the mountain for fewer crowds.
Historic hillside temple with views over Kyoto; main hall hours usually 6:00–18:00 (seasonal). Walk the preserved Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets for souvenirs.
Return to Gion for atmospheric evening lighting and possible geisha sightings; teahouses are private but the streets themselves are evocative after dark.
Visit the giant Daibutsu (Great Buddha) inside Todaiji; temple opening hours usually 8:30–17:00. Feed tame deer in Nara Park (deer crackers sold near entrances).
Famous neon-lit area for takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu; best at night when the signage and atmosphere are electric. Most stalls open late into the night.
Short ferry from Miyajimaguchi (ferries run frequently); plan around tidal times for best photos of the floating torii gate. Ferries typically run early to late evening.
Book a special NYE dinner (hotel restaurants, river cruises or high-floor Tokyo dining) — many require reservations well in advance and have fixed-menu pricing and start times.
If you want the traditional first shrine visit of the year (hatsumode), Meiji Shrine sees huge crowds around midnight; trains may be very busy and some stations run special services.