I don’t want you to get caught out (like I have) during the New Year period in Tokyo.
Many people think I’m exaggerating almost EVERYTHING is closed down (especially once you step out of the city.)
I wanted to use this post to suggest some Jan 1-3, 2025 options. Especially for families who are looking for open options in Tokyo.
January 1-3 is the most “shut-down” you will ever see Tokyo be – with even some suburban convenience stores closing their doors 1-2 days.
Please note that this blog post is a work in progress and I’ll be adding to it and editing between now and Jan 3, 2025.
If you are on holidays in Japan during this time, I highly recommend using this period of time to treat yourself to a ryokan or a hotel with beautiful baths and in-house restaurants. This is a great time to take a leaf out of the rest of Japan’s book and slow it all right down – experience Japan from your own special spot.
The early January break is actually a good thing as Japanese people rarely, rarely take holidays and this may be their only break.
Also, the city gets quiet as Japanese people travel to their hometowns and spend time with their family in the same way that we do, in Australia, at Christmas time.
I actually really, really love the quiet time.
With kids though… 2-3 days of hanging around at home makes me a little bit mental!
See here for my recommendations on how to spend Christmas in Japan.
See here for a one-day Christmas itinerary in Tokyo.
See here for my recommendations on how to make the most of New Years Eve in Japan.
Here are my picks for some suggestions for things to do for those empty/ extra days in Tokyo :
Okay, just a little tip if you’re ANYWHERE in Japan and need something to eat and basic supplies? Your local combini (convenience store) is the answer today.
Here are some suggestions for food that you can get at a convenience store that isn’t just junk food in Japan.
Head to a major hotel chain if you want to eat out.
Your Hiltons and Hyatts etc.
They will be open too. Their hours could be reduced though – and google doesn’t always keep up to date so best to check their website.
Don’t forget about department store dining options
Daimaru Tokyo
Jan 1 : Completely Closed
Jan 2: Completely Closed
Jan 3: Open from 9:30am. Closes at 8pm. Restaurant floors are open 11am-10pm.
Nihonbashi Takashimaya
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2: Completely Closed
Jan 3: Business as usual
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2: 10am-7pm (9th & 10th floor restaurants are open from 11am-10pm)*Will be a bit crazy with the sales
Jan 3: 10am-7pm (9th & 10th floor restaurants are open from 11am-10pm)*Will be a bit crazy with the sales
Hankyu Mens Tokyo
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2: Completely Closed
Jan 3: Open 11am-8pm
Omotesando Hills
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2 & 3: Shops open 11am-7pm & restaurants 11am-9pm
Tokyu Plaza Ginza
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2: 10am-8pm (restaurants open 11am-11pm)
Jan 3: 10am-8pm (restaurants open 11am-11pm)
Ginza Six
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2: 10:30am-8pm
Jan 3: Business as usual
Matsuya Ginza
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2: Completely closed
Jan 3: 11am-8pm
Ginza Mitsukoshi
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2: 10am-6pm
Jan 3: Business as usual
Seibu Ikebukuro
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2 & 3: 10am-8pm* expected to be extremely busy and may open even 30 minutes early if there is a crowd outside.
Tobu Ikebukuro
Not sure just yet
Tokyo Solamachi (shopping mall connected to SkyTree)
Jan 1: Shops open 10am-8pm. Restaurants open 11am-9pm* the Sumida Aquarium in this complex is also open on Jan 1
Sunshine City, Ikebukuro
Jan 1: Almost everything closed
Jan 2&3: Some shops open 10am-8pm & restaurants 11am-10pm
＊As I mention below, the Sunshine City Aquarium is open everyday of the year. Need to make reservations online though.
Ikebukuro Yamada Denki
Not sure yet.
Shibuya Seibu
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2&3: Shops open 10am-7pm & restaurants 11am-7pm & Muji & Loft are open 11am-6pm
Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2: Almost everything open except for the bookshop and the Creative Lounge MOV
Jan 3: Almost everything open except for the bookshop and the Creative Lounge MOV
On the 7th floor of Shibuya Hikarie is Cosme Kitchen Adaptation. This is a great spot to go for a meal if you are craving lots of veggies. It is open Jan 2 & 3 from 11am. They have high chairs here.
The lunch menu includes curries, salad bowls, loco moco etc. See the full Cosme Kitchen Adaptation menu at the Shibuya branch here. Please note that many meals here may seems like they are vegan but they aren’t always – so please check and ask for an ingredient list – same goes for gluten free options. The dinner menu includes pasta dishes, tapas and meat and fries options. See the full Cosme Kitchen Adaptation menu at the Shibuya branch here. This restaurant welcomes children, has space to store strollers while you dine, accepts most major credit cards and also accepts reservations. All customers are asked to order a meal when they dine (ie. you can’t just come in for a drink.)
Shibuya Scramble Square
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2 & 3: Almost all shops and restaurants open 11am-10pm *It’s a random mention but the Crisp Salad Works here is open from 10am-8pm from Jan 2.
*Shibuya Sky is open for 1st sunrise of the year but tickets are extremely difficult to purchase as it is extremely popular. Shibuya Sky closes at 9pm on New Year’s Eve. Open 10am-11:30pm on Jan 2&3,
Tokyu Plaza (Shibuya/Harajuku)
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2: Pretty much business as usual
Jan 3: Pretty much business as usual
*Bills Omotesando (in this building is open for breakfast from Jan 2) and the rooftop Starbucks here opens at 8:30am on Jan 2. It’s actually a cool place to take in the city from up high.
Shibuya Parco
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2: Completely Closed
Jan 3: Shops open 10am-9pm, Restaurants open 11am-11pm
*I love the Kushikatsu Arata (meat & veg skewers) restaurant here and the ramen spot Jikasei Mensho – has vegan ramen options! – (both great for families) I have more details on these restaurants in my Shibuya with kids blog post.
Also in the Shibuya PARCO complex is a vegan izakaya (Japanese style casual pub) called Masaka on the B1 basement floor. Everything is vegan and I recommend trying the gyoza and “fried chicken.” I would expect to spend around 2000 yen per adult for lunch or dinner.
They do accept credit cards. The restaurant is non-smoking. These restaurants all open on Jan 3 for the new year.
The Pokemon Center Shibuya on the 6th floor of Shibuya Parco is closed Jan 1 & 2 but is open Jan 3, 2025 (and the Nintendo Store is on the same floor, by the way.)
Shibuya 109
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2-3: Open 10am-9pm
Laforet, Harajuku
Jan 1: 11am-6pm
Jan 2&3: Normal business hours 11am-8pm
*Guzman Y Gomez is here and is also open during these hours on Jan 1
Matsuzakaya Ueno Store
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2: Completely Closed
Jan 3: Open from 10am-8pm * expected to be extremely busy and may open 30 minutes early if there is a crowd outside.
Parcoya Ueno
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2: Unsure
Jan 3: Business as usual
*I love a tempura restaurant called Tempura Tsunahachi Shinjuku that is located in this building. Kid-friendly. I have more details in my Ueno with Kids blog post.
Matsuya Asakusa
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2 & 3: Business as usual
Ueno Marui
Jan 1-3: Completely closed
*Open from Jan 4, 2025
Shinjuku Isetan
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2: Open 10am-6pm (some restaurants are open)
Jan 3: Business as usual
Odakyu Shinjuku
Jan 1: Completely closed for shopping but some restaurants are open for a short period of time.
Jan 2: 10am-6pm
Jan 3: Business as usual
*Bakery & Restaurant Saint Marc on the 8th floor here is a great option for families and it is open 11am-3pm on Jan 1. I have more details on this restaurant in my Shinjuku with Kids blog post.
Marui Shinjuku
Jan 1-3: Completely closed
*Open from Jan 4, 2025
Takashimaya Shinjuku
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2: Completely Closed
Jan 3: Open 9:30am-6:30pm
See here for my favourite restaurant to eat at with kids within this Takashimaya in Shinjuku.
Lumine Shinjuku
Jan 1: Completely closed
Jan 2: Shops open 10:30am-8:30pm & restaurants open 11am-10pm
Jan 3: Shops open 10:30am-8:30pm & restaurants open 11am-10pm
*We quite like the American style breakfasts at Sarabeths in the Lumine 2 building. I have more pictures and details in my Shinjuku with Kids blog post.
Tokyo Midtown Roppongi & Hibiya
Jan 1: Completely Closed
Jan 2: Shops open 11am-7pm & restaurants open 11am-9pm
Jan 3: Shops open 11am-7pm & restaurants open 11am-9pm
Roppongi Hills
Jan 1: Closed*
*Although Zara is open 11am-6pm &the Mori Art Museum gift shop is open 11am-7pm.
On Jan 1, you can still take a little walk through the beautiful but quite small Mohri gardens behind the Roppongi Hills Complex.
You can also walk from this area for just a couple of minutes to the Robot Park playground any day of the year.
Crisp Salad Works in Roppongi Hills is open from 11am-9pm on Jan 1, 2025.
Afuri Ramen inside Roppongi Hills (underground- kind of under Shake Shack) is open on Jan 1 from 11am-9pm
The French Kitchen (inside the Grand Hyatt) still have some tables available for their Strawberry Buffet high tea on Jan 1 (starting at 7000 yen per person)
The Starbucks at Roppongi Hills Tsutaya (just down the hill from the Robot Playground and the Mohri Garden) is open on Jan 1 from 10am-9pm – the beautiful bookshop there is open too.
Jan 2 & 3: Shops are open 11am-7pm for the new years sales. Some restaurants are open 11am-9pm. The Mori Art Museum is open from Jan 2
Within the Roppongi Hills Complex we like to eat at Mohri Salvatore Cuomo and it is open on Jan 2 from 11am-9pm ! I have more details on these restaurants in my Roppongi with Kids blog post.
Obica in Roppongi Hills (my daughter’s fave) is also open on Jan 2 & 3 from 11am-9pm. They have high chairs here! I have lots of details and pictures on my Roppongi with Kids blog post.
And while in Roppongi, why not go to Team Lab Borderless? That is open on Jan 1-3 as well (book online.)
If you are staying with Japanese friends, embrace all things traditional
Also, if you are extra prepared or are staying with Japanese friends you would have organized Osechi-Ryori traditional Japanese food that is designed to last without refrigeration for several days.
It’s as special to Japanese people as Christmas dinner is to many people from Western cultures.
If you’re not staying with friends, I recommend going to the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi to purchase an Osechi Ryori traditional bento box. Made with seasonal ingredients. Reserve online before Dec 20.
Visit a shrine
A shrine is the best option (it will be busy – but in the best way!) There will be so many people in full kimono attire and extra food stalls. It is just a lovely vibe at that time of year.
Meiji Shrine is located on the edge of Yoyogi Park and the walk into the shrine is just as spectacular as the shrine itself.
There are toilets in several locations on the path to the shrine. The shrine is free to enter. In January, the shrine opens at 6:40am and closes at 4:20pm.
It is a decent walk along the path so little, tired legs will definitely need a stroller.
1-1 KAMIZONO-CHO, YOYOGI
代々木神園町1-1
OPENING HOURS CHANGE MONTHLY (SEE HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION)
WEBSITE
A lovely place for an early morning stroll is Nezu Shrine. A beautiful slice of history and beauty – a little minature Kyoto.
The little tunnel of red tori gates is my favourite part.
Admission is free.
On January 1st, the shrine is open all night from the night before and from 6am on the 2nd.
I’ve written more about Nezu Shrine with kids here.
1-28-9 NEZU, BUNKYO
文京区根津1-28-9
OPEN: 6AM-6PM (from 7AM on January 1st)
My next recommendation is Disneyland or Disneysea. The Tokyo Disney crowd prediction calendars suggest that it isn’t looking so busy (compared to the Tokyo norm) at the moment for the first few days of January.
*Note: There will be less showtimes and some parades will not operate over this New Year’s period.
I know it’s not for everyone but many people like to hike Mt Takao for sunrise on New Years Day
Hie Shrine is another great option.
It can be soooo busy but vibing.
Lots of street food, lots of people dressed in Kimono and others who are in jeans.
I love this shrine – and especially the Tori gate tunnel on the way out.
It’s 6 minutes in a cab from Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi ( or 20 minutes walk on foot . )
There are a lot of steep stairs ( although its not a hike or anything – still an inner city shrine) so, if you’re travelling with kids and a stroller , it could be a bit tricky.
There are restrooms in the main building and just outside the shrine grounds.
If you wanted to be up to date on the temple etiquette, their English page on the shrine website is pretty good.
HIE SHRINE
千代田区永田町2-10-5
2-10-5 NAGATACHO, CHIYODA-KU
WEBSITE ( THEIR ENGLISH PAGE OF THE WEBSITE IS PRETTY GOOD)
Another idea is to avoid any crowds at all and take the children to Arisugawa Park for a play and a bit of an explore about. It is stunning and completely different with every single season. It has a lovely children’s playground up the top of the hill and a Japanese garden with a large pond down the bottom. It’s perfect for turtle, duck and carp spotting! There is a public bathroom up the top near the playground equipment and another down near the pond.
The park is just 2 minutes walk from Hiroo Station.
5-7-29 MINAMIAZABU, MINATO
港区南麻布5-7-29
And after a Arisugawa Park play, you can go to Chibo Okonomiyaki in Hiroo (just a few mins walk away) as they are open on Jan 2 & 3. 11AM-11PM.
Random suggestion, but my favourite Indian restaurant in Hiroo is also open for dine in and takeout from Jan 2. The restaurant is called Priya and their website is here for orders and reservations. This restaurant is also recommended on the Halal in Japan website.
Other options that are open:
Sunshine City Aquarium, Ikebukuro ( Jan 1-9 ) is open 10am – 6pm (Online reservation required.)
Hanayashiki Theme Park in Asakusa is open on Jan 1 from 1pm – 6pm, Jan 2 & Jan 3 from 10am-6pm
Hanayashiki Theme Park in Asakusa is open on Jan 1 from 1pm – 6pm, Jan 2 & Jan 3 from 1pm-6pm AND they have a special countdown event for NYE! From 9pm-1am!
You can ride all the rides as many times as you like. Tickets are 3500 yen (kids aged 5-12 are 1500 yen, kids under 5 are free.) *Tickets cost an extra 500 yen if you buy them on the day at the Asakusa gate of the park. They have Japanese entertainers on a stage counting down to midnight. You can buy tickets in advance on rakuten.
This kooky little theme park is loved by my kids so much. It’s super super quaint and kitsch in all the right ways. I’ve written about Hanayashiki Amusement Park here.
And while you’re in the Asakusa area you can take a walk thru Sensoji Temple and the surrounding area. There are also some playgrounds in this area including the Whale Park. See my Asakusa with Kids blog post for more pictures and addresses etc.
Team Lab Planets is open every day of the year
Tokyo Dome City ( and the rides etc) are open from 11am-6pm Jan 1-3. They have special Tokyo Dome City New Years Events on these days too. Click here for details.
Tokyo National Museum is closed on Jan 1 but open again from Jan 2
Kidzania is also open even on Jan 1- reservations required
Miraikan: The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Odaiba is closed on Jan 1 but is open from Jan 2
The National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno is closed on Jan 1 but is open again on Jan 2
Sanrio Puro Land is open – reservations required. Limited tickets sold for these days.
Sumida Aquarium at Skytree is open 9am-9pm Jan 1-3. Reservation required.
Skytree itself is open but the shops and restaurants around it are not (except for the Sumida Aquarium)
Maxell Aqua Park Aquarium in Shinagawa is open 10am-8pm. Tickets must be purchased online at least one hour prior to entry.
Legoland at Decks in Odaiba is open 10am-6pm
Rainbow Karaoke in Shibuya ( I talk about this spot in my Shibuya with kids post) is open from Jan 2 11am-5am with slightly higher fees for the holidays.
*The Onitsuka Tiger shop on the ground floor of the same building as Rainbow Karaoke is open even on Jan 1 from midday – 6pm.
Cup Noodles Musuem in Yokohama is closed for all of January 2025
**Make use of your hotel reception desks over this period. They will know which restaurants in the area area open – and then can make reservations accordingly***
(remember that it’s not their fault if options are limited – this is the trickiest time of year to eat out.)
FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING THIS PERIOD (kids welcome!)*ask your hotel to make a reservation as these restaurants may be busier than normal in some areas because of the limited options.
Royal Host restaurants all over Japan are open with limited hours on Jan 2 and back to normal hours by Jan 3 (google your closest option.)
ROPPONGI
The Hard Rock Cafe here is open Jan 1 from 11:30am-9pm
Tony Roma’s (next door to Hard Rock) is open Jan 1 from midday-7pm
The French Kitchen at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo still has reservations available for breakfast on Jan 2 & 3
Wolf Gang Steakhouse is open in Roppongi 11:30am-10:30pm on Jan 1
Red Tokyo (an indoor arcade, mostly focusing on VR, amusement park inside Tokyo Tower) is open Jan 1-3 from 11am-6pm. Read more about Red Tokyo in my blog post here.
TOYOSU
Bubba Gump Shrimp at Lalaport in Toyosu (near Team Lab Planets) is open on Jan 1 from 11am-7pm
*Team Lab Planets is open every day of the year
Aloha Table inside Lalaport is open from 11am on Jan 1. My kids love this place – particularly for the chocolate pen that comes with the pancakes.
GINZA
The Kitchen Salvatore Cuomo Ginza (Pizza & Pasta) open for lunch everyday 11:30-3pm and open for dinner 5:30pm -10pm
Ginza Six department store is closed on Jan 1 but most restaurants open again on Jan 2.
Royal Host in Hatchobori is open for breakfast only on Jan 1 and pretty much business as usual from Jan 2
Bills Japan, Ginza is closed Jan 1 but open as normal from the 2nd
Cafe La Boheme Ginza (casual Italian food) is open from 11:30am on Jan 1
Karaoke Pasela, Ginza is open on Jan 1 from as early as 9:30am ! Here is some instructions on how to do karaoke with kids in Japan.
HIBIYA (close to Nihonbashi, Ginza and Tokyo Station areas)
Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum restaurant is open Jan 1 10am-9:15pm (need to make a reservation)
UENO
TGI Fridays Ueno Chuo-Dori 11am-11pm
Dipp Palace Okachimachi (Indian Food) open 11am-11pm
Toraji Yakiniku Ueno Branch (Yakiniku) open 11:30am-10pm
Hard Rock Cafe open from Jan 2 from 8am (Closed Jan 1)
Ginza Lion Beer Hall , Ueno (like a pub with fried chicken and fries and sausages. Very kid-friendly) is open from Jan 1 from 11am.
SHIBUYA
TGI Fridays Shibuya-Jinnan (Burgers, American food, Steak) Jan 1-3 open 11am-11pm
Shibuya Kotegaeshi (Okonomiyaki & Casual Teppanyaki) open Jan 1 midday -9pm, Jan 2 & 3 11am-10pm
Ore no Italian is open in Shibuya on Jan 1. You will need a reservation to dine here.
Karaoke Pasela, Shibuya is open on Jan 1 from as early as 9:30am ! Here is some instructions on how to do karaoke with kids in Japan.
HobGoblin British Pub in Shibuya is open from midday on Jan 1.
Good Cheese Good Pizza (my kids love this place) is open in Shibuya on Jan 1 from 11:30am. You will need a reservation.
Momo Paradise Shibuya (all you can eat sukiyaki and shabu shabu) is closed Jan 1 & 2 but is open Jan 3.
TGI Fridays in Shibuya is open from 11am on Jan 1.
Guzman Y Gomez in Shibuya is open on Jan 1-3 from 11am-8pm.
Gyoza restaurant Roccoman on Dogenzaka in Shibuya (it’s really good here. very casual though) is open on Jan 1 from 11:30am.
Tex Mex Factory is closed Jan 1 & 2 but is open from Jan 3.
Kuimonoya Wan Shibuya Spainzaka branch is open from 5pm on Jan 2 & 3. I have written more about this izakaya in my Shibuya with kids blog post. This izakaya is also 3 mins walk from the well-known Disney Store in Shibuya. (By the way, this Disney store is closed on Jan 1 but is open from 10am on Jan 2 & 3)
Tower Records Shibuya is closed Jan 1 but is open 11am-6pm on Jan 2 & 3 (although the Tower Records cafe will be closed Jan 1-3)
Uobei Sushi train restaurant is open Jan 1 & 2 (10:30am-9pm) and business as usual from Jan 3. Walk up Dogenzaka from Shibuya Station, turn right down an alley after Mos Burger and it’s on your right. This place is such a fun place to take children as all orders are made on an ipad with pictures and then the orders come zooming down a conveyor-belt and stop right in front of your seat. This is a fantastic place to try different kinds of sushi for the first time but it’s also great for fussy eaters as it’s also possible to order fries, noodles, ice-cream and fried chicken. You could even try a weird and wonderful sushi hybrid “cheeseburger sushi roll.” All dishes are around 100-200 yen each so it’s actually really difficult to spend too much money.
It’s not possible to reserve a table so just tell the staff how many people and wait for your spot to open up. Customer turnover is really high so the wait has never been longer than 10 minutes for us before.
They also have highchairs for babies. How cute is my niece – out for lunch!
If you keep walking down the little side street that has Uobei Sushi, you will end up at Mega Donki (aka a giant 24 hour Don Quijote store) for shopping! My guess is that this is the Don Quijote that Bruno Mars filmed that famous Donki advertisement. Open everyday of the year.
Almost directly across the road from Mega Donki is The City Bakery Shibuya Dogenzaka Store. This store is closed Jan 1 but is open from 8am on Jan 2 & 3, 2025. You can see pictures of their hot & cold drinks as well as bakery treats they sell here on The City Bakery instagram.
Gyoza is a casual gyoza joint (also serving fried chicken and fried rice) that is ok with kids. It is closed Jan 1 but is open Jan 2 & 3.
SHINJUKU
Shinjuku Kotegaeshi (Okonomiyaki & Casual Teppanyaki) open Jan 1 midday -9pm, Jan 2 & 3 11am-10pm
Kyomachi Shizugu （Japanese izakaya）＊Budget around 34000 yen per adult for dinner Open from 3pm on Jan 1
Kakekomi Gyoza (24 hour gyoza that specialises in different types of Gyoza and has 1-2 vegan options) Open every day of the year. I write about it in detail in my Shinjuku with kids blog post- so please read it first as they have age limitations for kids AND I have some things to note about the area.
Ore no Italian in Shinjuku is open from 11:30am Jan 1. You will need to make a reservation.
Momo Paradise Shinjuku (all you can eat Shabu Shabu & Sukiyaki) is closed Jan 1 & 2 but is open Jan 3.
HARAJUKU & OMOTESANDO
Harajuku Yakiniku Kintan (Yakiniku) open for lunch 11:30-3pm & dinner from 6pm on Jan 1st.*Budget for lunch around 3000 yen per adult and 8000 yen for dinner. Please make a reservation asap! More details on this restaurant can be found in my Harajuku with Kids blog post here.
Bills Japan, Omotesando is closed Jan 1 but open as normal from the 2nd.
Eataly is a big restaurant and very kid-friendly (space for strollers and a designated space for breastfeeding babies). Open on Jan 1. Best to make a reservation. They accept major credit cards. Budget is around 3000 yen per adult. Can’t bring in baby food. Need to make a reservation.
TGI Fridays in Harajuku (near toy store Kiddyland) is open on Jan 1. They have a kids menu, accept major credit cards and have space to store strollers while you dine.
Okonomiyaki restaurant Sakuratei is open on Jan 1. Best to make a reservation. At lunchtime I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult and more like 3500 yen at dinnertime. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. This restaurant can also cater to vegan and gluten-free customers. I have more information on this restaurant in my Harajuku with Kids blog post here.
IKEBUKURO
Yakiniku Toraji is open from midday on Jan 1.
Karaoke Pasela, Ikebukuro is open on Jan 1 from as early as 9:30am ! Here is some instructions on how to do karaoke with kids in Japan.
Shabu Shabu restaurant Onyasai Ikebukuro Sunshine Dori branch is open from 11:30am on Jan 1.
TGI Fridays Ikebukuro is open from 11am.
ODAIBA
Bills Japan, Odaiba is closed Jan 1 but open as normal from the 2nd
NEAR TOKYO DISNEY
TGI Fridays Ikspiari open Jan 1-3 11am-11pm
The Rainforest Cafe in Ikspiari is open on Jan 1 from 11:30am.
In fact, most of the restaurants within the Ikspiari Complex are business as usual.
FUJI Q
Fuji Q Highland is one of the other places in Japan that remains open for this New Years Period. In fact, they run many family-friendly events over the first few days of January so, as long as you have transportation options sorted for these days, it may be a good option for those who like the idea of record-breaking rollercoasters with a Mt Fuji backdrop.
If you’re looking for a restaurant, I recommend using the site Tablecheck and type in the area and it will show you what is available and at what time.
I also recommend using this time to make use of Tokyo Playgrounds. They are always open.
