After landing at Narita Terminal 1 at 4:30 PM, allow time for immigration, baggage, and buying or collecting your train tickets. If you’re ready to leave around 5:30–6:00 PM, take the Narita Express (N’EX) toward central Tokyo—handy for Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku—or the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori or Keisei-Ueno, which is best for northeast Tokyo. Both take roughly an hour to their main city stops, with extra time needed for your hotel connection; reserve a seat and check the final leg against your exact neighborhood before boarding.
Give yourself 30–45 minutes to check in and regroup, then head to Ippudo Ginza for a straightforward first-night bowl of ramen. Budget about ¥1,500–2,500 per person, and check its holiday hours before setting out—many businesses adjust schedules around year-end. If you still have a little energy, stroll through the illuminated streets around Ginza Six for 30–45 minutes. The shops usually close earlier than the restaurants, and December 29 hours may differ, so treat this as a relaxed walk rather than a late shopping stop.
Start early at Meiji Jingu: in late December, the shrine grounds open around 6:40 AM and close at 4:00 PM, so aim to arrive around 8:00. Give yourself about 1.5 hours for the quiet, tree-lined approach and shrine visit; the walk from Harajuku Station takes only a few minutes. Then head to Takeshita Street nearby. Shops generally get going around 10:00–11:00 AM, so browse at an easy pace and try a crepe or another sweet snack. Some businesses may keep shorter hours or close for the year-end holidays.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Maisen Aoyama Honten for tonkatsu; budget roughly ¥2,000–4,000 per person. It’s popular, so arriving near opening or outside the noon rush can help avoid a wait. After lunch, stroll Omotesando, taking in the architecture and boutiques along the avenue and its side streets. Allow 1–1.5 hours, but check individual shop hours—December 30 can bring early closures.
Finish at Shibuya Sky for the city views. Book a timed entry in advance, ideally around sunset (roughly 4:35 PM in Tokyo on this date), and check the attraction’s holiday schedule before you go. From Omotesando, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Shibuya—about 5 minutes, plus station walking time—or walk for around 20–25 minutes. Plan for about 1.5 hours at the observatory, and bring a warm layer: the rooftop can be windy in winter.
Go to Tsukiji Outer Market early for breakfast and a browse—around 7:30–9:00 AM is a good window, before the busiest food stalls sell out. One important New Year’s Eve caveat: many Tsukiji businesses close for the year-end holiday, and Hamarikyu Gardens is normally closed from December 29 through January 1. Check both places’ official holiday notices before setting out; if Tsukiji is quiet, enjoy whatever is open rather than counting on a full market breakfast. If the garden confirms it is open, allow about 1.5 hours there for a peaceful walk; otherwise, don’t make the trip to its gates.
Head to teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu for your timed, roughly two-hour visit. From Tsukiji, take the Yurakucho Line from Shintomicho to Toyosu, then walk about 10 minutes; from Hamarikyu, a taxi is the simplest link, or walk toward Shiodome and use the Yurikamome. Book admission ahead, arrive at the time on your ticket, and expect to remove your shoes for parts of the exhibition. Afterward, have an early dinner at Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai; its restaurants and food stalls are convenient, but New Year’s Eve hours can vary, so check before relying on it. Budget roughly ¥1,500–4,000 per person.
Finish at Zojoji Temple in Shiba, allowing about an hour for the grounds and the nearby view of Tokyo Tower. From Toyosu, take the Yurikamome to Shiodome and continue by taxi, or use rail connections toward Daimon and walk to the temple. New Year’s Eve can bring crowds for temple visits and seasonal events; follow staff directions, and check Zojoji’s schedule if you’re hoping to hear the bell or join a midnight observance. Expect some businesses and transport services to run on holiday schedules tonight.
Make Sensō-ji your first stop, arriving around 8:00–9:00 AM if you can. On New Year’s Day, this is one of Tokyo’s busiest hatsumōde (first shrine or temple visits) spots: expect dense crowds, queues, and one-way pedestrian controls around the temple. Allow about 1.5 hours, and follow staff directions rather than trying to push against the flow. From central Tokyo, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station is convenient; the temple is a short walk from the station.
Browse Nakamise-dori next, taking around 45 minutes for traditional snacks and souvenirs. Many stalls welcome New Year visitors, but individual shops may open late, close early, or stay shut, so don’t count on every favorite being available. For lunch, head to Asakusa Imahan for sukiyaki—budget roughly ¥4,000–8,000 per person. New Year holiday hours can vary, so check directly and reserve if possible; it’s especially wise to confirm before making this your only lunch plan.
After lunch, take an easy hour-long walk through Sumida Park for river views and a look across toward Tokyo Skytree. Then continue to Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage—about 20–30 minutes on foot from the park, or a short ride on the Tōbu Skytree Line or Asakusa Line. Give the observation decks around 1.5 hours, book tickets ahead, and check the holiday operating schedule. New Year crowds can make entry slower, so leave a little slack rather than planning a tight return.
Your outline leaves January 2’s location unspecified and says January 1–3 are already covered, so treat this as an optional Tokyo day only if it fits your plans. If you’re in town, spend an easy 1–1.5 hours walking around Inokashira Park in Kichijoji; the grounds are free and open daily, and the pond paths are a pleasant breather from the city. From the park, stroll into Harmonica Yokocho for a casual lunch among its narrow lanes of tiny eateries. Budget roughly ¥1,000–2,500 per person, but New Year holiday openings vary—check on the day and have a backup nearby.
If you have a timed advance ticket, continue to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka for a 2–3-hour visit. Tickets must be purchased ahead; they aren’t sold at the door, and the museum commonly closes around New Year, so check its official calendar before building your day around it. Finish back in Kichijoji at Kichijoji Petit Mura, a whimsical cat-themed complex that’s worth about 45 minutes; confirm its holiday hours, too. If these places don’t align with your confirmed plans—or the holiday closures—save them for another Tokyo day rather than trying to squeeze them in.
Allow about 2½3 hours door to door for the planned Tōkaidō Shinkansen arrival at Shin-Osaka, including the station transfer and your local connection. Since January 3 is a busy New Year travel day, book seats early and aim for a morning arrival; if you’re coming from Tokyo, the outline’s origin is unconfirmed, so check that your train plan matches where you’ll actually be staying. From Shin-Osaka, continue to Osaka Castle Park and leave your bags at your accommodation or a station locker if needed. Give the expansive grounds around Osaka Castle about an hour to stretch your legs and admire the moat and stone walls, then allow roughly 1½ hours for the castle itself. The museum is normally open 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM; it is generally open on January 3, but check its holiday schedule before setting out. Admission is about ¥1,200.
Head to Mizuno in Dotonbori for okonomiyaki—budget around ¥1,500–3,000 per person and expect a queue at this popular spot. After dinner, take an easy hour to wander Dotonbori, following the canal and its bright signs; it’s especially lively after dark. The trip from the castle area takes roughly 25–35 minutes by public transit, depending on your starting point and connection, so leave a little slack for New Year crowds.
Head to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in Tempozan for 2½–3 hours among its enormous central tank and marine habitats. From Namba, take the Midosuji Line to Hommachi, change to the Chuo Line for Osakako, then walk about 5 minutes; allow roughly 35–45 minutes door to door. Book a timed-entry ticket ahead—especially during the New Year holiday period—and check the aquarium’s official calendar for January 4 hours and current prices, which vary by date.
After the aquarium, take a spin on the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel; the ride itself is about 15 minutes, but allow 30–45 minutes if there’s a queue. Then settle in at Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho, the retro-style food hall nearby, for Osaka comfort-food bites such as takoyaki or okonomiyaki. Budget around ¥1,000–2,500 per person, and expect some stalls to be busier at lunchtime.
From Osakako, ride the Chuo Line and change at Sakaisuji-Hommachi to the Sakaisuji Line for Ebisucho—around 30 minutes in total—then wander Shinsekai for an hour among its nostalgic signs and lively side streets. Finish at Tsutenkaku, allowing 1–1½ hours for the observation decks and any lines. January 4 is still within the New Year holiday period, so check the tower’s opening hours and reserve or buy tickets online if available; the views are especially rewarding as the city lights come on.
Get to Universal Studios Japan in Konohana before the park opens—check the official calendar for January 5 hours, since opening times and ride operations vary by date. From Namba, take the Hanshin Namba Line to Nishikujo, then change to the JR Yumesaki Line for Universal City; allow about 30–40 minutes, plus the short walk to the entrance. Buy a dated ticket in advance, and check whether you need a timed-entry ticket for Super Nintendo World in the park app as soon as you enter. Keep the app handy for wait times, and dress in warm layers for outdoor queues.
Head to Kinopio’s Café in Super Nintendo World for a themed meal or snack; budget roughly ¥2,000–3,500 per person. Access and waits depend on the day’s park arrangements, so check the app or ask a team member about the café’s entry system rather than assuming you can walk straight in. After eating and exploring the area, make your way to The Flying Dinosaur in the Jurassic Park area. It’s an intense, face-down coaster—allow around 30–60 minutes for the queue, and check the ride’s operating status before crossing the park.
Give yourself 7–9 hours in the park overall, then finish at Universal CityWalk Osaka for dinner and a browse before heading back. There are plenty of casual options; expect around ¥1,500–3,500 per person, with waits at popular places around park closing. From Universal City, trains back toward Namba take roughly 30–40 minutes via Nishikujo.
Start at Sumiyoshi Taisha, allowing about 1–1½ hours to explore its shrine grounds and distinctive arched bridge. From central Osaka, take the Nankai Main Line to Sumiyoshi-taisha Station; the shrine is a short walk away. New Year’s crowds may still affect access and queues, so check the shrine’s latest visitor guidance and leave a little extra time. Then head to Tsuruhashi—about 20–30 minutes by train, depending on your starting station—to wander its Korean shopping streets and covered market for around an hour. Many smaller shops keep their own hours, so don’t count on every stall being open.
For lunch, continue to Okonomiyaki Chitose in Nishinari, a neighborhood favorite for savory pancakes; budget roughly ¥1,000–2,000 per person. From Tsuruhashi, allow around 20–25 minutes by subway to Dobutsuen-mae, then walk to the restaurant. Check its holiday hours before setting out, as small restaurants may close or change schedules around New Year. After lunch, walk or take a short ride to Abeno Harukas and spend about 1½ hours at Harukas 300. The observation deck typically charges around ¥2,000–2,500 for an adult, but confirm the current price and last entry before you go.
Finish with an easy 45-minute stroll through Tennoji Park, right beside Abeno Harukas. It’s a nice chance to slow down after a day of trains and busy markets; if you’d like a coffee, look around the park’s Tenshiba lawn area. Check park and garden access times before heading over, as individual sections may close earlier than the surrounding streets.
Take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line from Osaka-Umeda to Ikeda—about 20 minutes on a limited express, then roughly a 5–10-minute walk to the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda. Arrive near opening at 9:30 AM and allow about two hours for the exhibits and the custom-cup activity. Admission is free; making a custom cup costs about ¥500. It’s usually possible to get a numbered ticket on-site, but availability can run out, so check the museum’s official site for current booking details and hours before setting off.
Walk about 10 minutes to Ikeda Castle Ruins Park for a relaxed 45-minute stroll through the gardens and reconstructed castle gate; entry is free, and the grounds are generally open 9 AM–5 PM. Then return to Ikeda Station and ride the Hankyu line to Osaka-Umeda (about 20–25 minutes). For lunch, Mimiu in Hankyu Sanbangai is a good choice for udon or a warming hot-pot-style dish; allow ¥1,000–2,500 per person, and expect a lunchtime queue.
Walk from Hankyu Sanbangai to the Umeda Sky Building in about 15 minutes, leaving around 1½ hours for the Floating Garden Observatory. Tickets are roughly ¥2,000; late afternoon is a lovely time to catch the city in daylight and watch the lights come on, though visibility depends on the weather. Finish at Grand Front Osaka, a short walk away, for an easy hour of shops and cafés. It’s a convenient place to pause for coffee before heading back.
After arriving in Tokyo and dropping your bags, head to Kappabashi Kitchen Street in Asakusa for about 1–1½ hours. It’s a fun place to browse whether or not you’re shopping: look for specialist knife and pottery stores, plus the remarkably realistic plastic food samples. Many shops keep weekday hours, but opening times vary, so don’t count on every door being open early; allow roughly ¥1,000 and up if you’re tempted by a small souvenir.
From Kappabashi, walk about 15 minutes east into Kuramae for a relaxed hour among its small craft shops and cafés. The neighborhood is best enjoyed without a strict checklist—some independent spots open later or close on irregular days, so treat window-shopping and a little wandering as part of the plan. Then make your way back toward Fuglen Asakusa for coffee and a light bite; budget around ¥800–1,800 per person and check its holiday hours before setting out. იანുവരി 8 is past the main New Year closure period, but individual businesses can still vary.
Start around 8:30 at Nezu Shrine; the grounds free to enter and a peaceful first stop, with the vermilion torii path tucked behind the main buildings. From there, walk about 15–20 minutes through Sendagi to Yanaka Ginza. Give the shopping street roughly an hour, but don’t worry if some shops are still opening when you arrive—many get going later in the morning. Pick up a croquette or other snack as you browse.
Continue to Kayaba Coffee, a short walk away, for a nostalgic café lunch; budget about ¥1,000–2,000 per person and check its hours before setting out, as schedules can change. Then walk or take a short taxi ride to the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno. Allow 2–3 hours for the galleries; it typically opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 5 PM, with last admission around 4:30, but confirm the January schedule before your visit. General admission is usually around ¥1,000.
Finish with about 45 minutes wandering Ameyoko Shopping Street, a lively market-area walk from the museum—roughly 15 minutes on foot. Browse the food stalls and discount shops, and grab a quick bite if you’re hungry; many businesses wind down by early evening.
Start at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden when it opens at 9:00 AM. In January, the garden usually closes at 4:30 PM, with last entry at 4:00; it’s typically closed Mondays, so Sunday, January 10 should suit, but check the holiday-period schedule before you go. Allow 1½–2 hours for the lawns, winter gardens, and a warm-up in the greenhouse. Admission is about ¥500. Walk roughly 20 minutes to Omoide Yokocho for yakitori lunch in its snug, lantern-lit lanes. Many places open around lunchtime, though hours vary; budget about ¥1,500–3,500 per person, and bring cash.
From Omoide Yokocho, walk about 15 minutes to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Nishi-Shinjuku. Its observation floors are free and usually open on Sundays, but hours and occasional closures vary by floor—check the official schedule that day. Allow around an hour, including the lifts and time to look out over the city; winter skies can make for especially clear views.
Walk back toward Kabukicho for an early-evening wander of about 45 minutes. Stick to the main streets, and politely decline anyone approaching with unsolicited bar or club offers. Finish nearby at Shinjuku Golden-Gai, where the narrow lanes and tiny bars are best explored slowly. If you stop for a drink or small bite, budget roughly ¥1,500–3,500 per person; check each bar’s cover charge and entry policy before settling in.
Start at Kiyosumi Gardens when it opens at 9:00 AM; allow about an hour for the pond-side paths and stepping stones. Admission is usually around ¥150, but check the garden’s holiday-period arrangements before you go. Walk or take a short taxi ride to Fukagawa Fudō-dō in Monzen-Nakachō, allowing about 45 minutes for the temple precincts. It’s a lively neighborhood temple, so expect some extra visitors on this public holiday.
Have an early bowl of Fukagawa’s clam-and-rice specialty at Fukagawa Meshi Hasegawa—budget roughly ¥1,500–3,000 per person. Opening hours can change around the New Year period, so confirm ahead; if it isn’t serving early enough, the schedule will need adjusting rather than rushing lunch. Then head to Tokyo Station Character Street for a 45–60-minute souvenir browse. From Monzen-Nakachō, allow about 20–30 minutes by subway and on foot to reach the station, and leave time to collect your luggage. The timing is tight: aim to be at the station around noon and choose an N’EX departure that gets you to the airport by about 1:30 PM.
Take the Narita Express (N’EX) from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport Terminal 1; the ride is about an hour, and reserved seats are recommended. Check the day’s timetable and your airline’s international check-in guidance, but for a 4:00 PM flight, reaching the terminal by roughly 1:30 PM gives you a sensible buffer for check-in, security, and immigration. If the garden or restaurant schedule slips, skip extra shopping time rather than cutting into that airport buffer.
No packing list attached yet.