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.)
It’s 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!
Here are my picks for some suggestions for things to do for those empty/ extra days :
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.
Another option?
Head to a major hotel chain if you want to eat out.
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.
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.
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 over this New Year’s period.
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
Random suggestion, but my favourite Indian restaurant in Hiroo is also open for dine in and takeout. The restaurant is called Priya and their website is here for orders and reservations.
Other options that are open:
Roppongi Hills ( Jan 1-3)
Roppongi Hills stores are open 11am-7pm for the new years sales.
Roppongi Hills restaurants are open 11am-9pm.
The French Kitchen at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo still has reservations available for breakfast on Jan 2 & 3
Sunshine City Aquarium ( Jan 1-9 ) is open 10am – 6pm (Online reservation required.)
Hanayashiki Theme Park in Asakusa is open 10am-5pm (and until 6pm on Jan 3)
This kooky little theme park is loved by my kids so much. I’ve written about Hanayashiki Amusement Park here.
Gonpachi Asakusa is open, business as usual.
Team Lab Planets still has tickets for Jan 2 available in the evening & pretty much all afternoon and evening on Jan 3 !
Tokyo Dome City ( and the rides etc) are open from 10am-9pm Jan 1-3
Kidzania is also open – reservations required.
San Purio 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 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 11am-5am with slightly higher fees for the holidays.
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.
