Fly direct from Toronto to Narita International Airport—the flight is roughly 13–14 hours. You’re due in at 4:30 p.m.; allow about 1–2 hours for immigration, baggage, and getting to the train station, so don’t plan anything time-sensitive tonight. Follow signs inside Narita Terminal 1 down to the airport rail station.
Take the Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station, choosing the stop that best matches your hotel. The ride is usually about 1–1½ hours, and reserved seats are a good idea after a long flight; check the current timetable and last departures before boarding. Once in Tokyo, head straight to your accommodation, check in, and make a quick stop at a nearby 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson for water, snacks, and anything you need for the room.
Keep dinner close to the hotel: find a well-reviewed neighborhood ramen shop, where a bowl typically costs around ¥1,000–2,000. Many places use a ticket machine at the entrance—choose your bowl and pay before sitting down—and some have limited hours around New Year, so check the shop’s listing or ask hotel staff before setting out. Then call it an early night; tomorrow will feel much better after proper sleep.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station and start at Meiji Jingu. The shrine grounds open around sunrise and close at sunset, with hours shifting through the year; entry is free. Give yourself about 1½ hours to stroll the broad, wooded approach and visit the shrine buildings. It’s a welcome quiet start before the crowds build, though the days around New Year can be especially busy. Then walk a few minutes to Takeshita Street for a lively contrast: browse the shops and snack stalls, allowing about 45 minutes. Many shops open around 10–11 a.m., so if you arrive early, take your time on the shrine grounds first.
Walk south toward Omotesando and spend the next hour or so admiring its tree-lined avenue, striking shop architecture, and boutiques; duck into a café when you need a break. For lunch, Maisen Aoyama Honten, in a former public bathhouse just off the main avenue, is a popular tonkatsu choice; expect roughly ¥1,500–3,000 per person and possible queues at peak time. The area is easy to explore on foot, and you can take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line from Omotesando to Meiji-jingumae, or continue walking toward Shibuya if you’d rather keep the day outdoors.
Head to Shibuya Scramble Crossing for about half an hour of people-watching, then go to Shibuya Sky for your booked early-evening slot. Sunset is around 4:35 p.m. at this time of year, so reserve a timed ticket in advance if you want the dusk view; tickets are typically a few thousand yen, and rooftop access can be affected by weather. Afterward, walk to Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka for an inexpensive, high-energy sushi dinner—usually around ¥1,000–2,000 per person. Ordering by touchscreen and watching plates zip to your seat is part of the fun; expect a wait at busy dinner times.
Start in Asakusa at Sensō-ji, ideally around 8:00–8:30 a.m. The temple grounds are open around the clock, though the main hall generally opens at 6:00 a.m. in winter; arriving early gives you a calmer look before New Year’s Eve crowds build. Allow about 1½ hours for the hall, incense-filled courtyard and surrounding lanes. The temple itself is free, and it’s an easy walk from Asakusa Station.
Walk Nakamise-dori toward the temple gate for snacks and souvenirs, but keep your expectations flexible: many shops shorten their hours or close for the year-end holiday, and some may be shut on December 31. If you find them open, try a freshly grilled rice cracker or ningyō-yaki cake; browsing takes about 45 minutes. Then walk roughly 15–20 minutes west to Kappabashi Kitchen Street. Its kitchenware shops are also likely to have holiday closures, so check individual listings before setting out; even with shutters down, the street’s giant shop signs and restaurant-supply storefronts make for a pleasant wander. Budget about 1½ hours, and bring cash for small purchases.
Head to Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage, about 15–20 minutes on foot from Kappabashi or a short taxi ride. Leave around two hours for the observation decks and Tokyo Solamachi below. Expect special holiday hours and heavy demand on New Year’s Eve: check the official schedule and book a timed ticket in advance (deck admission is typically around ¥2,100–¥3,400, depending on the ticket). If visibility is good, the city spreads out dramatically from the upper deck.
Return to Asakusa Imahan for sukiyaki; allow roughly ¥5,000–10,000 per person and reserve ahead if possible. Because December 31 is a major holiday, confirm that your chosen branch is open before building dinner around it. Later, head back to Sensō-ji for the New Year’s Eve atmosphere. The approach and grounds can become extremely crowded, with queues and access controls changing as midnight nears, so follow staff directions and check local notices before you go. Dress warmly, keep valuables secure, and allow extra time to get around Asakusa on foot.
Leave Tokyo early for the roughly 4½–6-hour drive to Hakuba Cortina, allowing extra time for New Year traffic, winter weather and rest stops. Confirm your rental car has winter tires (and chains if required), check road conditions before setting out, and ask your lodging about parking and the safest final approach. The mountain roads can be snowy even when conditions in Tokyo are clear.
After checking in or dropping your bags, head to the Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort rental desk to collect or arrange your snowboard equipment; allow 1–2 hours. New Year’s Day hours may differ, so confirm directly with the resort before you leave Tokyo. If you arrive too late or the desk is closed, ask your accommodation about nearby rental options rather than counting on a same-day pickup.
Unwind at Hakuba Happo-no-yu, a public hot-spring bath in the Happo area. It’s a useful post-drive reset, but check its New Year schedule and bring cash for the entry fee; public baths generally expect guests to wash before soaking and bathing suits aren’t worn. For dinner, try Sobadokoro Riki for local soba—budget about ¥1,000–2,500 per person and verify it’s open on the holiday. If you’re staying near Cortina, allow roughly 25–35 minutes to drive between the resort area and Happo, and take the return trip slowly on dark, potentially icy roads.
Get to the lifts for opening and spend 4–5 hours on the tree-lined runs; January 2 is peak holiday season, so expect queues and busy pistes. Check the resort’s morning snow and lift-operation updates before setting out, and confirm the day’s lift-ticket price at the resort—rates vary by date. Keep your phone charged and agree on a meeting point in case your group gets separated.
Take a 45–60-minute break at one of the resort restaurants, staying close to the lifts so you can get back out without losing much of the afternoon. Cafeteria-style meals are usually the easiest option between runs; allow roughly ¥1,000–2,000 per person, depending on what you order.
After riding, head to Hakuba Goryu Escal Plaza in Kamishiro for a change of pace and a chance to warm up. It’s roughly a 30-minute drive from Cortina in winter conditions; check shuttle availability or arrange a taxi ahead of time rather than counting on a quick walk between resorts. Facility and dining hours can vary, so check what’s open before you leave Cortina; give yourself about 1½–2 hours here.
Finish with dinner at Nonjae, an izakaya in Echoland known for Japanese comfort food and a lively après-ski atmosphere. Budget around ¥3,000–6,000 per person, and reserve ahead—tables fill quickly during the winter holiday period. Taxis are the simplest way back from Kamishiro; arrange the return ride with your hotel or driver before dinner.
Set out from Hakuba as early as you can; allow roughly 6–8 hours behind the wheel to Osaka, plus breaks and possible winter-weather delays. Check road conditions before leaving, keep the car stocked with warm layers and snacks, and confirm your accommodation’s parking arrangements—central Osaka parking can be costly and spaces may need to be reserved.
Plan a flexible 45–60-minute lunch stop at a service area along the route. You’ll find hot noodles, curry, rice bowls, and convenience-store snacks, so it’s an easy chance to warm up and stretch without committing to a long sit-down meal. Let traffic and weather dictate the stop rather than aiming for an exact arrival time.
After checking in, head to Dōtonbori in Namba for a first look at the canal, neon signs, and lively food streets; a relaxed 1–1½-hour wander is plenty after the drive. For dinner, try Ajinoya, a well-regarded okonomiyaki spot a short walk away. Expect a busy, energetic room and potentially a wait; budget about ¥1,500–3,000 per person, and keep the evening easy if the road has made for a long day.
Head to Osaka Castle Park around 8:30 a.m., while the paths are relatively quiet. The grounds and moat make a lovely winter walk; allow about 1½ hours, and wear shoes that can handle cold, possibly damp paths. From central Osaka, take the Osaka Metro to Tanimachi 4-chome or Osakajokoen Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line; the park is free to enter.
Continue to Osaka Castle Museum inside the main tower. Plan for 1½–2 hours to see the exhibits and enjoy the views from the upper floors. Admission is about ¥1,200 for adults; typical hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with last entry around 4:30 p.m., but check the official schedule because holiday opening arrangements can change.
Take the subway toward Nippombashi for Kuromon Ichiba Market. Set aside about 1½ hours to graze on grilled seafood, fruit and other market snacks; budget roughly ¥1,500–3,000 depending on how much you sample. Some stalls may still be closed after the New Year period, so treat it as a flexible lunch stop rather than counting on every favorite being open.
From Nippombashi, walk toward Hozenji Yokocho for a slow wander along its stone-paved lane; 45 minutes is plenty, especially as lanterns begin to glow. Then head to Kushikatsu Daruma in Dōtonbori for dinner. Expect about ¥2,000–4,000 per person for Osaka-style fried skewers; order a mix, and remember the classic rule: don’t double-dip in the shared sauce.
Head to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in Tempozan for opening; from central Osaka, take the Osaka Metro Chūō Line to Osakako Station, then walk about 5 minutes. Set aside 2½–3 hours for the aquarium’s enormous tank and exhibits. Hours vary by day, so check the schedule and book a timed ticket if available; adult admission is usually around ¥2,700–3,500.
For lunch, Tempozan Marketplace is right beside the aquarium, with casual choices typically costing about ¥1,000–2,000 per person. Afterward, walk to the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel for harbor views; allow roughly 45 minutes including any wait. It’s a good spot to linger if the weather is clear, though the ride may pause in strong winds.
Take the Chūō Line from Osakako Station to Hommachi, transfer to the Yotsubashi Line for Namba, then walk about 10 minutes to Namba Yasaka Shrine. The dramatic lion-head stage is the highlight; the grounds are free to enter, and it’s sensible to arrive before the gates close in the late afternoon. From there, walk toward Dōtonbori for dinner at Mizuno, a popular okonomiyaki restaurant—budget roughly ¥2,000–4,000 per person and expect a possible queue, especially at dinner.
Make this your full-day outing: leave central Osaka early and aim to reach the gates 60–90 minutes before the posted opening time, since the park may admit guests before its listed hours. From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo, then change to the JR Yumesaki Line for Universal City; the ride is about 15 minutes, followed by a short walk. Buy dated tickets ahead through the official Universal Studios Japan site, and consider an Express Pass if avoiding long queues matters to you. Park hours and attraction availability vary by date, so check the official schedule shortly before your visit.
Head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter first, and give it around 2–3 hours to explore Hogsmeade and its rides. Entry procedures can change with crowd levels: check the app and your ticket details that morning for any timed-entry requirement, and use the app for current wait times. A butterbeer is a fun treat, though prices inside the park are higher than outside.
Continue to Super Nintendo World in the afternoon and allow another 2–3 hours for the land and attractions. Access may require a timed-entry ticket or area-entry reservation; check the official app as soon as you enter the park and follow its current instructions. Have dinner inside Universal Studios Japan before heading back—budget roughly ¥2,000–4,000 per person for a park restaurant or snack counter. After closing, follow signs to Universal City Station and take the JR Yumesaki Line via Nishikujo toward central Osaka; trains can be crowded, so give yourself a little patience at the station.
Take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line from Osaka-Umeda Station to Ishibashi handaimae, then transfer to the Minoh Line for Minoh Station—about 25–35 minutes in all. From the station, follow the paved riverside trail through Minoh Park to Minoh Falls; it’s roughly 2.8 km each way, so allow 2–3 hours for the walk and a 30–45-minute pause at the falls. The park is free and open year-round, but winter paths can be slick: wear shoes with grip and bring a warm layer. Pick up a drink or snack near the station before setting off, as options become sparse along the trail.
Retrace your route to Minoh Station and take the Hankyu lines via Ishibashi handaimae to Ikeda Station; the ride is about 20 minutes, followed by a short walk to the museum. Give yourself 1½–2 hours for the exhibits and, if you’d like to decorate your own cup, the My CUPNOODLES Factory experience (typically ¥500; check same-day availability). Admission to the museum is free. It’s generally open 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m.; check the official calendar before you go, as opening days and workshop availability can vary.
Head back toward Umeda by Hankyu train, allowing around 30–40 minutes from Ikeda Station. Aim for the Umeda Sky Building before sunset; the observatory’s open-air rooftop is especially striking as the city lights come on. Budget about 1½ hours and roughly ¥2,000 for admission, and check the day’s hours before setting out. Finish with your reserved dinner at Hajime, an inventive fine-dining restaurant in Umeda; expect around ¥20,000–40,000 per person, and confirm the reservation, menu, and any dietary requirements well in advance.
Set off from Osaka around 6:00–7:00 a.m. for the long drive to Tokyo; allow 6–8 hours before breaks, and longer if traffic or winter weather slows you down. Check expressway conditions before leaving, confirm your Tokyo hotel has parking and how to access it, and take turns driving if you can. Keep the day flexible rather than trying to arrive by a precise time.
Plan a 45–60-minute meal stop when fatigue or traffic calls for it, rather than pushing to a particular service area. EXPASA Ashigara on the Tomei Expressway is a handy option if it fits your route and timing, with several casual food counters and restrooms; service-area choices and queues can vary, especially around the New Year holiday period. Stretch your legs, refuel, and check the remaining drive before setting off again.
Once in Tokyo, check in, unload, and give yourselves time to rest; a long drive is enough of a day without adding sightseeing. For dinner, stay close to your accommodation and look for a neighborhood izakaya or ramen shop—budget around ¥1,500–3,500 per person. If you’re near Tokyo Station, the Yaesu side has plenty of casual choices, but check holiday hours before heading out; many restaurants may close earlier than usual around New Year.
Take the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku, then walk about 10 minutes to the garden’s Shinjuku Gate. It’s a welcome breather from the city: wander the formal French garden, Japanese garden and greenhouse at an unhurried pace. In January, the garden is generally open 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and closed Mondays; admission is about ¥500. Arrive early enough to enjoy the grounds before heading out, and keep in mind the paths can be chilly and damp.
Walk or take a short ride to Isetan Shinjuku for a browse through the main store, then head down to the basement food halls. They’re excellent for seeing what’s in season and picking up beautifully packed sweets, deli dishes or a light lunch; department-store hours are typically around 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., though individual restaurants may differ. Leave about an hour to explore, and save room for a snack rather than getting too full—the evening plan is best enjoyed with an appetite.
From Shinjuku-Sanchome, take the Toei Shinjuku Line to Shinjuku Station, or walk roughly 20 minutes west through Nishi-Shinjuku. The observatories at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are free, but hours and occasional closures vary, so check the official schedule before setting off. January sunsets come early; aim for late afternoon if you’d like to catch the city in daylight and watch its lights come on. Allow about an hour, including the lift and time at the windows.
Walk back toward the station for Omoide Yokocho, the lantern-lit lanes just west of Shinjuku Station. Take a first lap to see what looks lively, then choose a busy yakitori counter for dinner; seats are tight, and many small spots have a cover charge or minimum order, so check the menu outside before settling in. Plan on about ¥2,500–5,000 per person for yakitori and drinks, and bring cash as a backup. A relaxed wander and dinner here make a fitting close to the day.
Start at Tsukiji Outer Market around 8:00 a.m. for seafood breakfast and a wander through the narrow lanes. One important Sunday caveat: January 10 is a Sunday, when many stalls and breakfast counters are closed or keep shorter hours, so check vendors before you go and have a nearby café as a backup. Bring cash for small purchases and allow 1½–2 hours; it’s best for browsing and grazing rather than expecting a full market day.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Hamarikyu Gardens. The garden is generally open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.); admission is about ¥300. Take your time with the tidal pond and teahouse views—the contrast between the old garden and Shiodome’s towers is especially striking in winter. Allow about 1½ hours, then head toward Ginza on foot or by taxi.
Spend early afternoon browsing Ginza’s flagship shops and galleries; Sunday is a pleasant day to stroll, and some central streets may be closed to traffic for the pedestrian zone, though the schedule can vary. Later, check the January program and ticket availability at Kabuki-za Theatre: a single-act ticket can be a good way to experience kabuki without committing to a full performance, but the schedule and sales arrangements change, so confirm in advance. Finish at Ginza Kagari Honten for its rich chicken paitan ramen (roughly ¥1,500–3,000 per person). Queues are common, so go early or be prepared to wait.
Start at Nezu Shrine while the grounds are quiet; allow about an hour to wander the shrine buildings and its striking tunnel of red torii gates. The grounds are generally open from early morning until around 5 p.m., with the shrine office keeping shorter hours; entry is free. From Nippori or Ueno, take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Nezu Station, then walk about 5 minutes. It’s Coming of Age Day, a national holiday, so expect some crowds and check for any seasonal access updates.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Yanaka Ginza for a slower neighborhood ramble and casual snacks—croquettes and menchi-katsu are popular choices. Give yourself 1–1½ hours, but don’t count on every shop being open: it’s Monday, and holiday hours vary by business. Keep an eye on the time and head back to your hotel to collect your bags before lunch or afterward, depending on where you’re staying.
Have a relaxed lunch at a well-reviewed local spot in Yanaka; budget about ¥1,000–2,500 per person, and allow extra time if there’s a queue. For a 6:30 p.m. flight, aim to reach Haneda Airport around 3:30 p.m. From the Nippori area, a common train route is JR to Shinagawa, then the Keikyu Line to the airport—roughly 45–60 minutes, plus time to retrieve luggage and make connections. A taxi or prearranged car is easier with bulky bags, but allow for traffic. Confirm your airline’s terminal before leaving: your itinerary says Terminal 1, but international flights may use another terminal.
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