New Year's Week in Tokyo- Advice Please!!
 

My two sons (20 and 23) are taking their first trip to Japan next month. Due to school/job calendar requirements, they will be there from December 27th through January 9th. Their plan is to spend most of their time in Tokyo and Kyoto, but recently learned that during New Year's week, much of the country will be "closed". Would greatly appreciate any insights that would help mitigate this- e.g,. things that might be open, or ideas for sightseeing, eating etc. so as to make the best use of this wonderful travel opportunity together.Thanks in advance!

Temples and shrines are always open. Shrines will be packed with people doing hatsumode Jan 1st - 3rd so an interesting cultural experience for them to see. Store all have fukubukuro - lucky bags - set price unseen contents - for sale. Hotels and hotel restaurants open - hope their hotels are booked though. Family restaurants and chains will be open but the fancy places closed. Skiing is open - reserve for sure.

what did you said, I cant understand exactly. Just know Temples and shrines are always available. The following sentences make no sences

Appreciate your input. Any other advice would also be very much appreciated-

I had to read this one twice:
<i>Store all have fukubukuro - lucky bags - set price unseen contents - for sale</i>

It helps if you add an "s" on "store". Shops pack up bags of mystery items and you buy them hoping there will be something good inside.

I'm guessing this (closed businesses) will only be a problem the first week they are there. The second week should be back to business as usual.

Sorry. Typing on iPhone. Reopening starts for stores jan 1 for some. It's like American Christmas shopping. More stores open the 2nd and 3rd and all open by the 4th. Nowadays it's very much about sales so big stores open as much as they can.

First I'd recommend they get the Japan Rail Pass before leaving on the trip - they can get a 7/14 day pass that will allow them to travel very easily between Tokyo, Kyoto, and other potential destinations (Nara, Osaka could be some interesting choices). It's also valid for travel on the trains inside Tokyo itself and from and/to the airport, so it can come in very handy and be cheaper than buying tickets locally.
More info on that here:
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html


There may be some additional interesting ideas on where to go here:
http://www.wanderant.com/trips/7QrpC6sYVR1gqXUqVn31lg