Arrive into Tokyo (Narita/Haneda). Drop luggage at your hotel and rest—many hotels allow luggage hold if early. Gives time to adapt to timezone and plan local transport (IC card).
Explore stalls and grab fresh sushi or tamago—outer market vendors typically open early (roughly 7:00–14:00) and are a great introduction to Tokyo food culture. Check exact shop hours (some close early).
Walk Nakamise-dori to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple (temple grounds free; shops ~9:00–18:00). It's atmospheric and ideal for shopping traditional souvenirs.
Western-style breakfast or Japanese bakery in Harajuku/Omotesando—great people-watching and easy start to the day. Check opening times (often 8:00–10:00+).
Grab charcoal-grilled skewers at a local yakitori stall—great flavors and an authentic evening out. Many places open late but can be small, cash-friendly venues.
Walk upscale Ginza streets and visit Kabukiza theatre—short kabuki acts are available if you want a cultural interlude; check performance schedule and single-act tickets.
Taste high-grade sushi in Ginza; Kyubey is famous for traditional sushi experiences (reservations recommended), while Sushi Zanmai is more casual and often open late.
Visit the observation decks for sweeping city views (open roughly 8:00–22:00). Purchase tickets in advance if possible for holiday season. Note: weather affects visibility.
Take Romancecar from Shinjuku (~1.5–2h) or local train to Odawara then Hakone; scenic route into hot spring country—buy Hakone Free Pass if planning many attractions.
Ride the ropeway for views of volcanic Owakudani and, if clear, Mt. Fuji; Owakudani may close if volcanic activity increases—check current status and ropeway hours (about 9:00–17:00).
Relax in a traditional ryokan with kaiseki dinner and private/public onsen—book ahead, and note many ryokans require reservations and have etiquette rules for bathing.
Take train to Odawara then shinkansen to Nagoya and limited express to Takayama (total travel ~5–6h). Reserve seats for holiday period and allow buffer time.
Scenic bus ride (~50–60 min) to the UNESCO village famous for thatched-roof houses; museums and viewing points open year-round but check museum hours in winter.
Join locals for Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) at a nearby shrine—many people visit early morning; expect crowds at major shrines and some closures of shops.
Kenrokuen is one of Japan's top gardens and is atmospheric in winter; gardens usually open early (~7:00) but check New Year arrangements—castle grounds nearby are scenic.
Finish the day with a seafood rice bowl from a reputable Omicho stall or a neighborhood izakaya—confirm whether individual shops are open on New Year's Day.
Historic wooden temple (main hall opening ~6:00–18:00) with sweeping city views and nearby souvenir streets Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka—temple admission small fee applies.
Try yudofu (simmered tofu) or a seasonal set lunch at a local restaurant near the temple—many traditional options available around the Higashiyama area.
Choose Nijo Castle (historical shogunate residence; hours ~8:45–17:00) or a peaceful walk along the Philosopher's Path depending on energy and interest.
Early visit to the bamboo grove to beat crowds (open 24h for the grove; Tenryu-ji temple usually 8:30–17:30). The area is scenic and peaceful in winter.
Taste Osaka street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki along Dotonbori; great for sampling local flavors amid neon-lit canals (shops usually open 11:00+).
Vibrant retro neighborhood with kushikatsu eateries and Tsutenkaku tower—fun, casual Osaka culture and photo ops (tower hours vary, typically 9:00–21:00).
Visit the outdoor memorials and the A-Bomb Dome; the Peace Memorial Museum is deeply moving—museum hours typically ~8:30–18:00 but confirm seasonal times.
Short ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating torii and shrine (torii and shrine accessible depending on tide; typical shrine hours ~6:30–17:30).
Return to Hiroshima city for dinner—Hiroshima oysters are a local specialty in winter; many restaurants around the waterfront serve them grilled or in hot pots.
Travel east by shinkansen and stop in Himeji to visit the spectacular Himeji Castle—plan early to maximize sightseeing before the long journey to Tokyo.
One of Japan's best-preserved feudal castles with panoramic grounds and restored keep (castle hours ~9:00–17:00). Winter light makes for clear photos and fewer crowds on weekdays.
Board shinkansen for the long ride back to Tokyo (~3h). Reserve seats, and consider arriving early to Narita/Haneda-area hotel if your flight departs the next day.
Enjoy your hotel's breakfast or a nearby café and finish packing. Confirm airport transfer times and allow ample time for holiday traffic and security.
Take airport limousine bus, Narita Express, or train to Haneda/Narita depending on your flight—plan ~1–2 hours travel time depending on the airport and traffic.