Winter Japan Itinerary: Kyoto to Tokyo from Dec 28 to Jan 6 with Vegetarian Dining and Luxury Hotels

Day 1: Arrival and Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on December 28, 2025

10:00am

Arrival at Kyoto Airport and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Kyoto and check in to Hoshinoya Kyoto, a luxury ryokan offering traditional Japanese architecture and river views with winter ambiance.
JPN25000, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Veg Out Kyoto

Savor fresh, locally sourced vegetarian dishes with a cozy riverside setting, ideal for warming up during winter days.
JPN1800, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage and sweeping city views dusted with winter light.
JPN400, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll Higashiyama District

Walk through the historic streets adorned with traditional shops and winter decorations to enjoy Kyoto’s seasonal charm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mumokuteki Café

Delight in hearty vegetarian Japanese and fusion dishes in a warm, contemporary space perfect for chilly evenings.
JPN4000, 2h
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Day 2: Kyoto Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on December 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a vegetarian Japanese breakfast with warming miso soup and seasonal vegetables suitable for winter mornings.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Experience the serene bamboo forest with fewer crowds in winter, then explore the beautiful gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple.
JPN500, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, inside Tenryu-ji’s temple for an authentic seasonal meal.
JPN4000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour the historic castle known for its beautiful architecture and winter landscaping surrounding the grounds.
JPN1000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saigensan

Dine at an elegant vegetarian restaurant offering refined Japanese dishes with carefully selected seasonal ingredients.
JPN5000, 2h
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Day 3: Final Kyoto Day and Travel to Tokyo

Kyoto to Tokyo, Japan on December 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a traditional vegetarian breakfast featuring warm dishes ideal for the crisp winter air.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vibrant red torii gates at this iconic shrine; the cool winter atmosphere enhances the experience with fewer tourists.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Atl

Enjoy a vegetarian-friendly café serving seasonal dishes and great coffee near Kyoto Station.
JPN1500, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen Bullet Train

Take the Nozomi Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Tokyo Station, approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes on a comfortable winter journey.
JPN14000, 2h20m

4:00pm

Check-in at Aman Tokyo

Settle into luxury with panoramic city views and peaceful ambiance, perfect for the winter season.
JPN100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at T's Tantan Tokyo Station

Relish hot, comforting vegan ramen from this popular Tokyo Station spot, perfect for a chilly winter night.
JPN1000, 1h30m
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Day 4: New Year's Eve in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on December 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a refined vegetarian breakfast to start your New Year's Eve in Tokyo with energy and warmth.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine

Experience this serene shrine decked out for the New Year, a place where locals gather for Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Harajuku and Omotesando

Browse stylish shops and winter markets decorated for the season, perfect for gift hunting and seasonal treats.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nagi Shokudo

Enjoy comforting and innovative vegan Japanese cuisine, a warm refuge on a winter day.
JPN3500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Yoyogi Park

Take a peaceful walk through wintery paths or enjoy the festive atmosphere as Tokyo prepares for New Year's celebrations.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Itadaki Zen

Celebrate with Shojin Ryori, a refined Buddhist vegetarian meal symbolizing purity and renewal for the New Year.
JPN8000, 2h
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Day 5: New Year's Day Traditions

Tokyo, Japan on January 1, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed vegetarian breakfast reflecting Japanese flavors to start the New Year peacefully.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Visit Zojo-ji Temple for New Year's Hatsumode

Join local New Year prayers and festivities at this historic temple near Tokyo Tower, offering a unique cultural experience open all day.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chaya Macrobiotics

A soothing macrobiotic vegetarian meal focusing on fresh, organic ingredients to celebrate health and longevity.
JPN4000, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Ginza Winter Illuminations and Shopping

Experience Tokyo’s luxury shopping district decorated with winter lights, perfect for seasonal shopping and photography.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Florilege

Indulge in a Michelin-starred tasting menu creatively incorporating Japanese vegetarian ingredients in an elegant winter setting.
JPN20000, 2h
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Day 6: Tokyo Final Day

Tokyo, Japan on January 2, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nourishing vegetarian breakfast with a view to prepare for your final day in Tokyo.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tokyo National Museum

Explore Japanese art and cultural treasures in Ueno Park, less crowded this time of year for a peaceful museum visit.
JPN1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ain Soph. Ripple

Enjoy comforting vegan burgers and seasonal dishes at this Shinjuku vegan hotspot, ideal for lunch before departure preparations.
JPN2000, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and Walking in Shinjuku

Last chance to browse extensive shopping options and enjoy parks or cafes around the vibrant Shinjuku area.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and pack

Relax at Aman Tokyo before your departure days; prepare for onward travel with a calm evening.
Included, 2h
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