Start at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, ideally around 9:00am. The observation decks are usually open from mid-morning until evening and admission is generally free, though hours and temporary closures can change. Allow about an hour, including security and elevator queues; the north and south observatories offer expansive views over the city, with Mount Fuji possible on a clear winter day. From Shinjuku Station, it is roughly a 10–15-minute walk through the west-side business district.
Walk east to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a slower late morning. Allow about 1½ hours to explore the Japanese, French Formal, and English Landscape gardens. The garden typically opens at 9:00am and closes in the late afternoon, with a modest admission fee of around ¥500; check its holiday schedule because late December closures are possible. Winter is quieter and atmospheric, though bring a warm layer—the broad lawns and ponds can feel exposed.
For lunch, head to Omoide Yokocho, the narrow lantern-lit alley beside Shinjuku Station’s west side. Its compact yakitori counters are atmospheric rather than spacious, so expect close seating, occasional queues, and cash or small-payment preferences at some stalls. Budget about ¥1,500–3,000 per person for skewers, grilled dishes, and drinks. It is only a short walk from the garden area, but allow 15–20 minutes to reach the alley and find a seat.
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku to Shibuya—about 7 minutes, plus station walking time—and spend the afternoon around Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Watch the crossing first from street level, then wander the surrounding Center-gai and Miyashita Park area; allow roughly 45 minutes without trying to cover every shopping complex. Continue to Shibuya Sky for the late-afternoon light and city panorama. This rooftop observatory requires a timed ticket, and sunset slots are particularly popular, so reserve online well ahead; arrive 15–20 minutes before the booked time for entry procedures. Plan around 1½ hours, and note that the open-air rooftop may close temporarily in strong wind or rain. Afterward, Shibuya has countless dinner options, but booking is wise during the Christmas period—Ebisu is a calmer nearby alternative if the crossing area feels too busy.
Begin at Tsukiji Outer Market around 8:30–9:00am, when the seafood stalls and casual sushi counters are at their liveliest. Allow roughly two hours to browse at an unhurried pace; a sushi breakfast or small tastings will usually cost about ¥2,000–4,000 per person. The market is a collection of independent businesses, so opening days and hours vary—some vendors may close early or operate on a reduced schedule around the Christmas holiday. From Tsukiji, walk or take the Toei Oedo Line one stop from Tsukijishijo to Shiodome, then enter Hamarikyu Gardens. Give the garden about 1½ hours for its ponds, bridges, and preserved Edo-period landscapes; admission is typically around ¥300, and the garden generally opens in the morning, though holiday hours should be checked. The teahouse is a pleasant place for matcha if it is operating.
Continue from Shiodome to Tokyo Station Marunouchi by the JR Yamanote Line from Shimbashi to Tokyo, or take a short taxi if you prefer to avoid changing trains. Spend about an hour around Marunouchi, especially the red-brick station facade and the broad Gyoko-dori approach. For lunch, KITTE Marunouchi has plenty of dependable options and a rooftop view toward the station. Walk west afterward to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, allowing about 1½ hours for the former castle grounds, stone walls, and quiet paths. Entry is free, but access is subject to the Imperial Household Agency’s operating calendar; late December closures are common, so confirm before relying on this stop. If the gates are closed, enjoy the palace-area walks around Nijubashi instead without trying to enter restricted grounds.
Finish in Ginza, reached on foot from Marunouchi in about 15–20 minutes or by the Marunouchi Line from Tokyo to Ginza. Allow two hours to browse the department stores and see the winter illuminations after dark. Ginza Mitsukoshi and GINZA SIX are useful for gifts and food halls, while Yurakucho just to the west has more casual yakitori and izakaya choices than Ginza’s polished main avenues. Most shops close around 8:00pm, with restaurants later, so arrive in the shopping area by mid-afternoon if browsing is a priority. Use an IC card for the short train rides; Christmas-season crowds and restaurant queues are manageable but noticeable, particularly around the station and department stores.
Start at Meiji Shrine around 8:30–9:00am, entering from Harajuku Station and following the broad gravel path through the forest. The shrine grounds are free and usually accessible from sunrise until sunset; allow about 90 minutes, including the walk to the main sanctuary. Keep voices low near the worship area, and bring a few ¥100 coins if you would like to make an offering. December mornings can be cold, and the shaded paths often feel colder than the surrounding streets.
Walk out toward Takeshita Street for a lively change of mood. Shops generally open from around 10:00am, although individual holiday hours vary, and the street becomes noticeably more crowded late in the morning. Browse the fashion and character-goods stores, then try a freshly made crepe or a small snack—budget roughly ¥500–1,000. It is only a few minutes on foot from the shrine side of Harajuku, but keep bags close in the busiest stretch.
Take the train or walk east along Omotesando to the Nezu Museum in Aoyama; from Harajuku, walking takes roughly 15–20 minutes. The museum’s calm galleries and landscaped garden make a welcome retreat after Takeshita Street. Admission is typically around ¥1,300–1,500, with the garden included when open, but check the official holiday calendar carefully because late December closures or revised hours are possible. Allow two hours, and do not rely on same-day entry if a special exhibition requires timed tickets.
Afterward, spend the rest of the afternoon along Omotesando, looking at the distinctive architecture and quieter side streets toward Cat Street. Most shops operate roughly 11:00am–8:00pm, though December 25 holiday hours can differ. For coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama is a convenient pause, while the backstreets around Jingumae are better for independent boutiques and less hurried wandering. Finish with dinner at Afuri Harajuku, known for its light yuzu-scented ramen; expect about ¥1,500–2,500 per person. It is popular, so allow a short queue and use the ticket machine before joining the line.
After checking in and dropping luggage at your Kyoto hotel, make your way to Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station takes about 4 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk; allow another 30–45 minutes for station access, luggage, and hotel formalities after the shinkansen. Spend around two hours wandering the covered arcade, trying small portions of yuba, grilled seafood, pickles, tamagoyaki, and Kyoto sweets rather than ordering a full meal at the first stall. Individual tastings are generally ¥300–1,000, while a more substantial snack-focused lunch costs roughly ¥1,500–3,000. The market is busiest in the afternoon, and many vendors reduce hours or close for the New Year period, so treat specific stalls as flexible rather than guaranteed.
At the eastern end, step into Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine for about 30 minutes. Its compact vermilion entrance and lantern-lit courtyard feel especially atmospheric after the bustle of the market; admission is free, though New Year preparations may affect access or create extra crowds. From there, it is a pleasant 15-minute walk southeast through Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping arcades toward the Kamo River. The route gives you an easy first look at central Kyoto without adding another major sightseeing stop.
Continue to Pontocho for an atmospheric stroll along the narrow alley between Kiyamachi-dori and the river. Many restaurants are reservation-only or have limited holiday hours, so use this as a wander before dinner rather than relying on a spontaneous table. In winter, the alley is at its best after dark, when the traditional wooden facades and small entrances begin to glow; allow about an hour, and keep to the public lane since most side alleys lead to private establishments.
Finish with Kyoto-style okonomiyaki at Gion Tanto, a casual counter-style favorite in Gion, roughly a 15-minute walk from Pontocho across the river. Dinner is usually around ¥2,000–4,000 per person, but reserve ahead if possible—December 26 falls in the busy holiday period, and opening hours may change around year-end. If the restaurant is full, avoid committing to a long wait on your first night: nearby Gion streets and the riverfront offer plenty of pleasant places for a short after-dinner walk before returning by taxi or the Keihan Line from Gion-Shijo Station.
Start at Fushimi Inari Taisha as early as you can, ideally around 7:00am. The shrine grounds are open around the clock, and arriving before the crowds makes a huge difference on the lower torii paths. Allow about 2½ hours: walk through the densely packed vermilion gates toward Yotsutsuji Viewpoint, but turn back whenever the climb stops being enjoyable. The full summit takes considerably longer and is not necessary for the best atmosphere. Afterward, stop at Vermillion Espresso Bar near the shrine for coffee and a light breakfast; budget roughly ¥700–1,500 per person, though seating is limited and opening times can vary.
From Fushimi Inari Station, take the Keihan Line one stop to Tofukuji Station, then walk about 10 minutes to Tofuku-ji Temple. Give the temple around 90 minutes for its bridges, Zen gardens, and spacious grounds. Admission varies by garden and seasonal area, commonly around ¥400–600; winter hours are often roughly 8:30am–4:30pm, with last entry earlier, so check the official site before setting out. The walk between the two sites is also manageable if you prefer not to wait for a train.
Continue by Keihan train from Tofukuji toward Fushimi-Momoyama, or use Fushimi Inari Station if you return that way; the Fushimi Sake District is a short walk from Fushimi-Momoyama Station. Spend the afternoon wandering the willow-lined waterways and old brewery streets, with a sake tasting or a relaxed lunch at Torisei Honten, a long-established local restaurant known for chicken dishes and house sake. Allow about two hours, but keep expectations flexible: around the year-end and New Year period, individual breweries, tasting rooms, and restaurants may close or operate shorter hours.
Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum while you are in the district for a compact, atmospheric look at traditional brewing; admission is generally around ¥600 and includes a tasting, but it is particularly important to verify its holiday schedule before relying on entry. If the museum is closed, enjoy the district’s canals and brewery façades instead rather than crossing town for a replacement. Return to central Kyoto by Keihan or JR, allowing roughly 30–45 minutes door to door.
Start early in Arashiyama, ideally reaching the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove around 7:00am. From central Kyoto, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station—about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station—then walk roughly 15 minutes through quiet residential streets. The bamboo path itself is free and takes about an hour; go straight there before tour groups arrive, as the narrow lanes become crowded later. Keep voices low and avoid stepping into the cultivated bamboo areas for photos.
Continue to Tenryu-ji, entering through the nearby north gate from the grove. Allow around 90 minutes for the temple buildings and especially the landscaped pond garden, which is at its best in the soft morning light. The garden and temple admission are typically around ¥500–800 combined, with opening usually from about 8:30am, though holiday hours can change. From there, stroll toward Togetsukyo Bridge, following the pleasant lanes beside the Katsura River; the walk takes about 15 minutes. Spend 45 minutes crossing the bridge and taking in the wooded hills—winter leaves the view more open, but bring a warm layer because the riverside is exposed.
Walk uphill from the bridge to Okochi Sanso Garden, allowing about 20 minutes on foot and 1½ hours to explore its winding paths, tea house, mossy garden, and hillside views. The entrance fee is usually around ¥1,000, generally including a small cup of matcha and a sweet. It is one of Arashiyama’s calmer stops, but the paths are sloped and can be slippery in winter, so wear shoes with a good grip.
For lunch, settle at Arashiyama Yoshimura, near the bridge, for handmade soba with river views. Expect roughly ¥1,500–3,000 per person; queues are common around noon, so either arrive just before 11:30am or be prepared to wait. After lunch, leave the rest of the afternoon unplanned for a gentle riverside walk or browsing Arashiyama’s small craft and snack shops. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, trains return to Kyoto Station in about 15 minutes; allow extra time for the walk back and holiday crowds.
Start at Kinkaku-ji shortly after opening, ideally around 8:30am, before the tour groups arrive. The Golden Pavilion is viewed from a set route rather than explored inside, so allow about 90 minutes for the pond, gardens, and photo stops. Admission is typically around ¥500, and opening hours are usually 9:00am–5:00pm, though holiday-period hours can change. From central Kyoto, take Kyoto City Bus 205 or 101 toward Kinkakuji-michi; buses can be slow, so leave generous time.
Walk or take a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji, allowing roughly 15–20 minutes between the temples. Spend about 75 minutes with the famous rock garden, then take time in the surrounding wooded grounds and pond garden. It generally opens around 8:00am and costs approximately ¥500, but confirm the seasonal schedule. Continue onward to Ninna-ji—about 10 minutes by bus or a pleasant 20-minute walk—for its broad, uncrowded temple grounds, pagoda, and imperial architecture. Allow 90 minutes; some halls and garden areas have separate admission and seasonal access, so check the official notices before relying on entry to every section.
Have lunch at Izusen, in the Daitoku-ji area, for beautifully presented shojin ryori vegetarian cuisine. Expect a leisurely meal of about 90 minutes and roughly ¥3,000–6,000 per person; reserve ahead, particularly during the year-end holiday period, and confirm the restaurant’s holiday opening dates. Afterward, explore Daitoku-ji itself, where the quiet lanes and mossy walls feel far removed from central Kyoto. The main precinct is usually open during daytime, but individual subtemples set their own hours and admission fees—choose one or two that are open rather than expecting every garden to be accessible. Allow about 90 minutes.
The temples are spread across northern Kyoto, so use buses for the longer links and expect traffic delays; an IC card is convenient, though a taxi between Ninna-ji and Daitoku-ji can save 20–30 minutes for roughly ¥1,500–2,500 depending on traffic. Finish by wandering the small residential streets around Daitoku-ji rather than adding another major sight. In late December, daylight fades early, and the temple gardens are best enjoyed before about 4:00pm.
Leave Kyoto Station around 7:00–7:30am for JR Nara Station on the Miyakoji Rapid; the train takes about 45 minutes, and allowing for hotel checkout, station walking, and local transfers makes this roughly a 1½-hour start to the day. At JR Nara Station, take a local bus toward Nara Park or walk for about 30 minutes. Begin at Todai-ji Temple, ideally before 9:00am, when the approach is quieter and the deer are less crowded. Allow about 1½ hours for the Great Buddha Hall and surrounding grounds. Admission is typically around ¥800, but check holiday hours because late December schedules can vary.
Walk through Nara Park toward the eastern hills, keeping a little distance from the deer and avoiding feeding them once your crackers are gone—they can be surprisingly persistent. After roughly 1½ hours among the open lawns and wooded paths, continue to Kasuga Taisha, about 25–30 minutes on foot. The lantern-lined approach through the forest is the highlight, and the shrine grounds are atmospheric even if some interior areas have a separate fee. Set aside around 1½ hours; comfortable shoes matter, as the route is uneven and lightly uphill.
Return toward Naramachi for a quick snack at Nakatanidou, known for its dramatic hand-pounded yomogi mochi; expect roughly ¥500–1,000 per person, and remember that the shop’s hours and pounding demonstrations can vary. Spend the remaining afternoon wandering Naramachi, where former merchant houses, narrow lanes, small craft shops, and quiet cafés make a gentler finish than the park. From Nara Station, return to Kyoto by JR; trains are frequent, but allow about 1½ hours door-to-door and expect a full day of walking. If you are tired, take a bus or taxi back to the station rather than retracing the entire route on foot.
From JR Nara Station, take the Yamatoji Rapid to Osaka Station—about 50 minutes—then continue by Osaka Metro to Morinomiya or Tanimachi 4-chome. Allow roughly 1½ hours door to door, including the walk from your Nara hotel and the transfer. Start after breakfast, ideally around 7:30–8:00am, because Osaka Castle and nearby museums may operate on shortened hours on New Year’s Eve. Explore the castle park first, then enter the castle museum if open; allow about 2½ hours. The grounds are free, while the castle interior is typically around ¥1,200, with queues possible during the holiday period.
Walk about 10 minutes to the Osaka Museum of History, whose upper floors provide some of the best framed views of the castle. Allow 1½ hours, but check its official holiday schedule before setting out—New Year closures and early closing are common. From Tanimachi 4-chome, take the Tanimachi Line toward Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka or transfer toward Nippombashi, budgeting 25–35 minutes in total. Have lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market, where grilled seafood, wagyu skewers, tamagoyaki, and fruit are sold from individual stalls; ¥2,000–4,000 per person is a realistic grazing budget. It is livelier earlier in the day, and some vendors may close early for the holiday, so do not leave this stop too late.
From Kuromon Ichiba Market, stroll 10–15 minutes toward Hozenji Yokocho, passing through the lively back streets of Nippombashi and Namba. Spend about 45 minutes around the narrow stone-paved alley and Hozenji Temple, where visitors traditionally splash water over the moss-covered Fudo Myoo statue; be particularly respectful on New Year’s Eve, when local worshippers begin preparing for the overnight bell-ringing. Continue by Osaka Metro or walk approximately 25 minutes to Abeno Harukas in Tennoji for the evening panorama. The observation deck usually requires a separate ticket, commonly around ¥2,000, and sunset or night entry can sell out, so reserve an arrival slot if the official booking system requires it. Allow 1½ hours, and check the final holiday timetable before committing—December 31 operating hours can differ from the usual schedule.
Begin at Sumiyoshi Taisha early, ideally around 7:00–8:00am. Take the Nankai Main Line from Namba to Sumiyoshi Taisha Station—about 10 minutes, plus the short walk—or the Hankai tram to Sumiyoshitoriimae. New Year’s Day is one of the shrine’s busiest periods, so expect dense crowds, one-way pedestrian routes, police-managed crossings, food stalls, and possible temporary restrictions around the main approach. The shrine itself is free, but access to certain areas may be controlled; allow about 1½ hours and follow staff directions rather than trying to force a particular route.
From there, continue to Shinsekai by returning toward Tennoji and walking west, or by using the Osaka Metro with a transfer via Dobutsuen-mae. Allow roughly 25–35 minutes door to door. Wander around Janjan Yokocho and the streets beneath Tsutenkaku, where the retro Osaka atmosphere is at its best. Many small businesses may open late or close for the New Year holiday, so treat this as a neighborhood stroll rather than a guaranteed shopping stop. Look for kushikatsu if you want a small snack, but avoid eating too heavily before the tower and later lunch crowds.
Visit Tsutenkaku around late morning or midday. The observation decks are usually open during daytime hours, but New Year schedules can change and timed admission or a queue may apply; check the official site on the day and allow about an hour including the elevator wait. From the top, you get a compact view over southern Osaka, with Abeno Harukas particularly prominent nearby. Afterward, take the Midosuji Line from Dobutsuen-mae to Namba, then walk toward Dotonbori—about 15–20 minutes including station exits.
Spend the afternoon along the Dotonbori canal and the surrounding Hozenji Yokocho lanes. The famous signboards and canal promenade will be busy, especially on a public holiday, but the crowds are part of the atmosphere. Allow around two hours for photos, wandering, and casual street food such as takoyaki or grilled seafood. Keep your route flexible: some shops and stalls may operate reduced hours on January 1, while the larger entertainment and restaurant areas usually become livelier from late afternoon.
Have dinner at Mizuno, the long-established okonomiyaki restaurant in Dotonbori, aiming to join the queue before the main dinner rush. Expect approximately ¥2,000–4,000 per person, and allow at least an hour; on New Year’s Day, holiday closure or shortened hours are possible, so verify its opening status before crossing Osaka for it. If Mizuno is closed or the line is exceptionally long, keep a nearby Dotonbori restaurant as a backup rather than losing the evening to queuing. After dinner, Namba Station is within easy walking distance for returning to your hotel.
Take an early Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station; although the train takes around 1½ hours, allow roughly 3–4 hours door to door for reaching the station, luggage, the holiday crowds, and dropping bags at your Hiroshima hotel. A departure around 7:00–8:00am is worthwhile, particularly on January 2 when reserved seats can sell out. From Hiroshima Station, take a local tram toward Hondori or a taxi to the hotel, then continue to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Spend about 1½ hours walking the riverside paths and memorials at an unhurried pace; the park itself is free and open at all hours, but January weather can be cold and damp, so bring a warm layer.
Walk within the park to the Atomic Bomb Dome, allowing around 30 minutes to view it from the surrounding paths and across the river. Please keep the atmosphere quiet here—the preserved ruin is one of Hiroshima’s most powerful places, and the best photographs are usually from a little distance rather than directly beside the structure. Continue to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for approximately two hours. The museum typically opens from 7:30am, though holiday-period hours, closures, and timed-entry arrangements can change; check the official site before traveling and reserve entry if required. Admission is generally modest, around ¥200, but expect security and a queue even with a reservation. If you need lunch, keep it simple near Hondori Shopping Street—a café meal or a small set lunch is easier than committing to a long restaurant wait before the museum.
After a reflective afternoon, walk east through Shintenchi to Okonomimura, roughly 10–15 minutes from the park depending on your museum exit. This compact multi-floor building is devoted to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, cooked in front of you on hotplates; allow about 1½ hours and budget approximately ¥1,500–3,000 per person. Holiday crowds can be substantial, so expect to queue and choose the first welcoming counter with available seats rather than hunting for a “best” stall. Order the local style with layers of cabbage, noodles, pork, and egg, and use the nearby Hondori arcade for a gentle post-dinner stroll before returning by tram or taxi.
Take an early Sanyo/Tokaido Shinkansen from Hiroshima Station to Tokyo Station. The train itself takes roughly 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours, but allow 5–6 hours door to door for checkout, getting to the station, luggage, and finding your onward connection. January 3 is one of Japan’s busiest return-travel days, so reserve seats through SmartEX or JR-West Online as soon as possible; oversized luggage requires a designated seat area. After arriving, leave bags at your hotel or a station locker before heading to Ueno Park.
Spend about 1½ hours wandering Ueno Park, keeping this deliberately relaxed after the long journey. The paths around Shinobazu Pond are particularly pleasant for a gentle walk, and you can pause at a café near Ueno Station if you need a break. Museums in the park may have holiday closures or reduced hours around New Year, so treat them as optional rather than building the afternoon around admission. From the park, walk south toward Ameyoko, a lively shopping street beneath the railway tracks.
Browse Ameyoko for dried seafood, sweets, snacks, clothing, and small souvenirs; allow around 1½ hours, with roughly ¥1,000–3,000 per person for casual tastings and purchases. From Ueno-hirokoji Station, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa, then change to the Tobu Skytree Line for Tokyo Skytree—about 25–30 minutes overall. Book a timed observatory admission in advance if available, as evening slots can sell out during the holiday period; allow about 1½ hours for the views, especially around sunset or after dark.
Finish beneath the tower at Solamachi, where you’ll find plenty of dependable dinner choices, Japanese sweets, character goods, and last-minute souvenirs. Budget approximately ¥1,500–3,500 per person. Check the specific restaurant’s holiday hours before relying on a late meal, and allow extra time for the return journey if your hotel is outside eastern Tokyo.
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