7 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with: travel between with high speed trainVisit or take a look to mount fujiAll travel in new year eveCelebrate 12/31-01/01 in TokioThere are 4 of us (2 kids, 2 adults)
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination, especially during the New Year celebrations. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 7-day itinerary that incorporates your constraints, including travel by high-speed train (Shinkansen), a visit to , and a New Year’s celebration in Tokyo. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo (December 28)
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . After clearing customs, take the Narita Express or the Airport Limousine Bus to your hotel in Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head out to explore the nearby area. If you’re in Shinjuku, visit the famous for a relaxing stroll.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) or a sushi restaurant. Try some local favorites like ramen or tempura!
Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing (December 29)
- Morning: Start your day at Asakusa, visiting the . Don’t forget to explore for some delicious snacks and souvenirs!
- Afternoon: Head to , where the kids can enjoy the zoo or the .
- Evening: Visit , the electronics district, where you can find anime and gaming shops. Have dinner at a themed restaurant, like a maid café, for a unique experience!
Day 3: Day Trip to (December 30)
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara (about 35 minutes), then transfer to a local train or bus to Hakone. Enjoy the scenic views of along the way.
- Afternoon: Explore Hakone! Visit the or take a cruise on for stunning views of . If time allows, consider a dip in an onsen (hot spring) for a relaxing experience.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo via Shinkansen. Have a cozy dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Day 4: New Year’s Eve in Tokyo (December 31)
- Morning: Spend the morning at the or the for panoramic views of the city.
- Afternoon: Head to Shibuya to see the famous and do some last-minute shopping. Grab lunch at a family-friendly café.
- Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve! Head to the for the traditional “Hatsumode” (first shrine visit of the year). It’s a beautiful experience with lots of locals and festive atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy a special New Year’s dinner at a restaurant or your hotel.
Day 5: New Year’s Day in Tokyo (January 1)
- Morning: Sleep in a bit after the festivities! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Many shops and attractions may open later today, so check ahead.
- Afternoon: Visit the , which are open to the public. It’s a peaceful way to start the new year.
- Evening: Head to for some upscale shopping and dining. Enjoy a celebratory dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps trying kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal).
Day 6: Kyoto Adventure (January 2)
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel and get settled.
- Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Explore the , famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses. You might even spot a geisha! Have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka and Departure (January 3)
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Osaka (about 15 minutes). Visit and its surrounding park.
- Afternoon: Head to for some last-minute shopping and street food. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) – the kids will love it!
- Evening: Depending on your flight time, you can either head back to Tokyo via Shinkansen or directly to Kansai International Airport for your departure.
Tips:
- JR Pass: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen, which can save you money.
- Reservations: Make sure to book your Shinkansen tickets in advance, especially around the New Year when travel is busy.
- Cash: While Japan is becoming more cashless, it’s still a good idea to have some yen on hand for smaller shops and restaurants.
I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable family adventure in Japan! Enjoy the beautiful sights, delicious food, and the magical New Year celebrations! 🎉✈️🏯