Itinerary for 3 day trip to Japan

Japan is a fantastic place to explore, especially during the New Year season. With your constraints in mind, here’s a fun and engaging 3-day itinerary that will let you soak in the culture, sights, and experiences of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagano, including the famous . Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Tokyo to Kyoto (29 December 2025)

Morning: Arrival in Tokyo

Arrive at Narita or . After clearing customs, grab a quick breakfast at a local café or convenience store (you can’t go wrong with onigiri and a hot coffee!).
If you have time, take a stroll around the nearby area or visit a local shrine to kick off your trip.

Midday: Travel to Kyoto

Hop on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. The ride takes about 2-3 hours, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Once you arrive in Kyoto, check into your accommodation and drop off your bags.

Afternoon: Explore Kyoto

Head to the iconic . The shimmering gold leaf against the backdrop of the surrounding gardens is breathtaking!
Afterward, stroll through the . The towering bamboo stalks create a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for some Instagram-worthy photos.

Evening: New Year’s Eve Preparations

Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) and try some Kyoto specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot) or kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal).
As the evening approaches, consider visiting a temple to experience the New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony. is a popular choice, where you can enjoy the view of the city lit up at night.

Day 2: Kyoto (30 December 2025)

Morning: Cultural Exploration

Start your day with a visit to , famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. It’s a bit of a hike, but the views are worth it!
Afterward, head to the historic . Keep an eye out for geisha and enjoy the traditional wooden machiya houses.

Afternoon: Monkey Park and Relaxation

Make your way to the . It’s a bit of a trek up a hill, but once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by adorable wild monkeys and stunning views of Kyoto.
After your monkey encounter, relax at a nearby café or tea house. Try some matcha (green tea) and wagashi (Japanese sweets).

Evening: New Year’s Eve Celebration

For dinner, consider a traditional kaiseki meal to celebrate the upcoming New Year. Make a reservation at a nice restaurant to ensure you have a spot.
After dinner, join the festivities in the streets of Kyoto. Many locals celebrate with fireworks and street food, creating a lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Kyoto to Nagano for the (31 December 2025)

Morning: Travel to Nagano

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and take the Shinkansen to Nagano. The journey will take about 3 hours.
Once you arrive, check into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Explore Nagano

Visit , one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples. The temple is beautiful and has a rich history.
Grab lunch at a local soba noodle shop. Nagano is famous for its buckwheat noodles!

Evening:

Prepare for the ! This festival is held on January 7th, but you can enjoy the lead-up festivities and the atmosphere in Nagano.
Find a good spot to watch the fire festival, where you’ll see participants dressed in traditional clothing carrying torches and creating a spectacular display of fire and light.
After the festival, enjoy some local street food and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Day 4: Return to Tokyo (1 January 2026)

Morning: Travel Back to Tokyo

After a hearty breakfast, take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. You’ll have the whole day to explore the city!

This itinerary gives you a taste of Japan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and festive spirit during the New Year. Make sure to check local schedules for the and any other events happening during your visit. Enjoy your trip! 🎉✈️🌸