Christmas and New Year Japan: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Atami, Nikko, Izu and More - Winter 2024-2025

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo exploration

Tokyo, Japan on December 23, 2024

3:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Arrive in Tokyo and check into your hotel. Take time to rest and freshen up after your flight.
JPY0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world and see the famous Hachiko Statue nearby.
JPY0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Enjoy affordable, conveyor-belt sushi in a futuristic setting, open until 11pm, perfect for a first meal in Tokyo.
JPY1500, 1h0m

Day 2: Tokyo Christmas Eve

Tokyo, Japan on December 24, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Try fresh seafood and Japanese street food at this lively market with many stalls open early.
JPY1000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple complex and the traditional shopping street Nakamise, perfect before Christmas Eve activities.
JPY0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Komakata Dozeu

Taste a traditional Edo-style loach fish hot pot near Asakusa, open for lunch 11am-3pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tokyo Christmas Illumination Walk around Marunouchi

Enjoy festive lights and decorations in Marunouchi, with stunning views of Tokyo Station’s red brick building.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Christmas Dinner at Bill’s Omotesando

Reserve early for a western style Christmas dinner known for excellent pancakes and cozy atmosphere.
JPY4000, 2h0m

Day 3: Tokyo Christmas Day

Tokyo, Japan on December 25, 2024

9:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Lumine Shinjuku

Enjoy a luxurious western-style breakfast in Shinjuku that is open on Christmas.
JPY2500, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Experience a peaceful shrine visit and a winter walk through Yoyogi Park’s quiet pathways.
JPY0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Harajuku

Try their famous yuzu-flavored ramen, open lunch until 3pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Omotesando and Harajuku Shopping

Enjoy trendy shops and winter window displays in this lively fashion district.
JPY0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Christmas Night View at Tokyo Tower

Head to Tokyo Tower for festive illuminations and panoramic night views, open until 11pm.
JPY1200, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy a lively atmosphere and traditional Japanese dishes; the famous spot that inspired Kill Bill cafe scenes.
JPY3500, 2h0m

Day 4: Nikko day trip

Tokyo - Nikko, Japan on December 26, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Have a quick early breakfast to prepare for the day trip to Nikko.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:15am

Train to Nikko

Take the Tobu Railway Limited Express from Asakusa Station to Nikko in about 2 hours.
JPY2600, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavish and ornate UNESCO World Heritage shrine complex, open 8am-5pm.
JPY1300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako Nikko

Enjoy local Ayu fish and other traditional dishes in a cozy atmosphere near the shrine.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Take a bus to see the spectacular Kegon Falls and stroll around scenic Lake Chuzenji, open daylight hours.
JPY1000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return train to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo in afternoon to rest after a full day of sightseeing.
JPY2600, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner near hotel

Choose a casual izakaya or ramen spot near your hotel for dinner after returning from Nikko.
JPY1500, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Izu Peninsula

Tokyo - Izu Peninsula, Japan on December 27, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a filling breakfast before the train and bus trip to Izu.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Train from Tokyo to Atami then Izu

Take a Shinkansen to Atami, then transfer to local train or bus to your Izu destination, approx 2.5-3 hours total.
JPY4000, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Izu Shuzenji Soba Restaurant

Sample handmade soba noodles in a traditional setting, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Shuzenji Temple and Bamboo Forest

Enjoy the peaceful temple grounds and a stroll through the beautiful bamboo groves.
JPY0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and relax at onsen ryokan

Stay overnight in an Izu onsen ryokan to enjoy hot spring baths and serene atmosphere.
JPY15000, overnight

7:00pm

Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner included with onsen stay.
Included, 2h0m

Day 6: Explore Izu Coast

Izu Peninsula, Japan on December 28, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast before a day trip exploring Izu Coast.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Jogasaki Coast and Suspension Bridge

Walk the scenic coastal trail and cross the dramatic suspension bridge with ocean views.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local seafood restaurant in Ito

Try fresh catch of the day near the harbor, open for lunch 11am-2pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Izu Granpal Park or Jogasaki Onsen foot bath

Fun outdoor park or a relaxing free foot bath to soak tired feet.
JPY0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to ryokan, private onsen

Enjoy evening in your ryokan’s private hot spring bath.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Experience casual local dining with sake and small plates, perfect end to Izu day.
JPY3000, 2h0m

Day 7: Atami coastal experience

Izu - Atami, Japan on December 29, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Atami

Short scenic train ride from Izu to Atami, approximately 40 minutes.
JPY1200, 0h40m

10:15am

Visit Atami Plum Garden

Explore this historic garden famous for winter plum blossoms, open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY300, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit MOA Museum of Art

Discover Japanese and East Asian art collections with stunning views of the sea, open 9:30am-4:30pm.
JPY1600, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kinomi Sushi

Enjoy fresh sushi near Atami station, open daily for lunch 11am-2pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Atami Onsen foot baths and beach stroll

Free hot spring foot baths along the seaside promenade and leisurely walk to enjoy ocean views.
JPY0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Atami onsen ryokan

Stay overnight at a hot spring ryokan with ocean views.
JPY15000, overnight

7:00pm

Kaiseki dinner at ryokan

Enjoy an exquisite multi-course Japanese dinner included with your ryokan stay.
Included, 2h0m

Day 8: Mount Fuji region

Atami - Mount Fuji Area, Japan on December 30, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Traditional breakfast before traveling to the Mount Fuji area.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train and bus to Kawaguchiko

Travel via Atami to Mishima, then shuttle bus or train to Kawaguchiko, approximately 3.5-4 hours.
JPY4000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hoto Fudo Kawaguchiko

Try the local specialty Hoto noodles, served in a warm miso soup, great for winter, open 11am-4pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kawaguchiko Lake and Music Forest Museum

Enjoy peaceful lakeside views and visit the charming museum open 9:30am-5pm showing automated musical instruments.
JPY1500, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in hotel with Fuji views

Stay overnight near the lake with views of Mount Fuji if weather permits.
JPY12000, overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local izakaya

Enjoy cozy winter dining featuring regional dishes around Mount Fuji.
JPY3000, 2h0m

Day 9: Mount Fuji and New Year travel

Mount Fuji - Tokyo, Japan on December 31, 2024

8:00am

Early breakfast and Fuji photo session

Catch stunning early morning views of Mount Fuji from your hotel or nearby spots.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Chureito Pagoda

Take a short bus and climb up for iconic views of Mount Fuji framed with the pagoda, open all day.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local café

Casual lunch near Kawaguchiko station serving Japanese and western options, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel back to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo by train, approximately 2.5-3 hours.
JPY4000, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check-in hotel in central Tokyo

Rest and prepare for New Year's Eve celebrations.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

New Year's Eve dinner in Shinjuku

Reserve a table at a lively izakaya or yakitori restaurant in Shinjuku to enjoy festive food and atmosphere.
JPY4000, 3h0m

10:00pm

Countdown at Zojoji Temple or Meiji Shrine

Join locals for traditional New Year's countdown events at one of these major shrines, open for midnight rituals.
JPY0, 3h0m

Day 10: New Year's Day Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on January 1, 2025

10:00am

Late breakfast / brunch at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a leisurely brunch after the late celebrations, many cafes open from 9-10am.
JPY2000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine Hatsumode

Experience the traditional first shrine visit of the year, a lively and culturally rich event.
JPY0, 2h0m

3:00pm

Walk through Harajuku and Omotesando

Explore stylish shops and New Year decorations along Omotesando and the youthful Harajuku area.
JPY0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Afuri Ramen

Warm up with their popular yuzu ramen to end your first day of 2025.
JPY1200, 1h0m

Day 11: Final Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on January 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Tokyo before final sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit teamLab Borderless or Planets Museum

Immerse yourself in a spectacular digital art museum open 10am-7pm, closed Tuesdays.
JPY3200, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Omoide Yokocho

Discover traditional alleys and enjoy local street foods and casual dining spots.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping in Ginza

Explore upscale shops and department stores in Ginza for souvenirs and last-minute shopping.
JPY0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Early dinner at Kyubey Sushi Ginza

Treat yourself to high-end sushi for your last dinner in Tokyo, reservations recommended.
JPY8000, 2h0m

Day 12: Departure or Optional Day

Tokyo, Japan on January 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and packing

Prepare for your departure or day extensions.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit any missed Tokyo attractions or relax

If time allows, revisit favorite spots or rest before your flight.
Varies, Varies