5-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo and Hakone Exploration

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on December 29, 2024

9:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel, located in the heart of Shinjuku to be close to vibrant city life.
Take a taxi or use the Narita Express train from the airport to Shinjuku Station.
JPY 3000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Stroll through this beautiful park, perfect for a breath of fresh air amidst Tokyo's bustling atmosphere.
Walk from your hotel to the garden (approximately 15-minute walk).
JPY 500, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Omoide Yokocho

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in this nostalgic alley filled with small eateries.
Walk to Omoide Yokocho (about 10 minutes).
JPY 1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Head to the observation deck for stunning city views of Tokyo and potentially Mount Fuji in the distance.
Take a short metro ride to Tochomae Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Savor authentic Japanese cuisine at the restaurant that inspired the fight scene in 'Kill Bill'.
Metro ride followed by a short walk to the restaurant.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on December 30, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Indulge in fresh sushi or seafood at one of the local stalls.
Metro to Tsukiji Station.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Asakusa District

Visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple and explore the vibrant Nakamise shopping street.
Metro to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa Bunkadou

Taste delicious tempura soba, a local favorite.
Short walk from Senso-ji.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Experience Akihabara

Dive into the world of otaku culture, with anime shops and cafes lining the streets.
Metro ride to Akihabara Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum

Explore the beautiful park and the extensive exhibits at Japan's oldest national museum.
Metro to Ueno Station.
JPY 1000, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ryugin

End your Tokyo adventure with a memorable Michelin-starred kaiseki dinner.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
JPY 30000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone

Hakone, Japan on December 31, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty meal at the hotel to fuel your day trip.
On-site dining.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar for striking views as you head to Hakone.
Depart from Shinjuku Station.
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Hakone Open Air Museum

Discover stunning sculptures set against the backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery.
Take the Hakone Tozan train from Hakone-Yumoto to Chokoku-no-Mori Station.
JPY 1600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Prince Hakone Lake Ashi

Enjoy lake side dining with incredible views.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
JPY 3000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley

Experience breathtaking views and geothermal activity in this fantastic area.
Walk to the ropeway station.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Ride the Romancecar back to Tokyo as the sun sets.
Return to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Savor a bowl of famous Japanese ramen in a unique solo dining experience.
Short metro ride from the station to the restaurant.
JPY 1500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: New Year Celebrations in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on January 1, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin the year with a delightful breakfast at your hotel.
On-site dining.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

New Year Shrine Visit

Join locals in visiting Meiji Shrine to pray for good fortune in the new year.
Metro to Harajuku Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Harajuku’s Uobei

Try innovative sushi at this conveyor belt restaurant.
Short walk from the shrine.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Discover quirky shops and fashion trends that define youth culture in Japan.
Stroll down Takeshita Street.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Tokyo Tower Viewing

Get a new year perspective of the city from this iconic landmark.
Metro to Onarimon Station.
JPY 1200, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Narisawa

Celebrate the New Year with a spectacular dinner featuring seasonal Japanese ingredients.
Taxi to the restaurant.
JPY 25000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Last Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on January 2, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Tokyo as you plan for departure.
On-site dining.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:30AM

Shopping at Ginza

Spend your last day shopping and experiencing the luxury of Ginza's boutiques.
Metro to Ginza Station.
Free (for browsing), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tenkaippin

Try the rich and savory ramen at this well-known eatery.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Odaiba

Visit this futuristic man-made island with unique attractions including teamLab Borderless.
Take the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station.
JPY 3000, 3.5 hours

6:00PM

Final Dinner at Sushizanmai

Relish the freshness of sushi on your last night in Japan.
Return to central Tokyo via metro.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head to your hotel to prepare for departure tomorrow.
Taxi or metro back to Shinjuku.
JPY 1500, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability