Land HND at 08:00, clear immigration and baggage (allow 45–75 min). Purchase and top up Suica at the airport for fast travel on Tokyo metros and JR lines.
Take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda to Hamamatsuchō (~20 min), then transfer to the JR Yamanote/Keihin-Tohoku lines to position for Asakusa or Akihabara first.
Attend a pre-booked evening show (Robot-style entertainment, samurai/cabaret alternative, or immersive art); book in advance — shows typically start between 19:00–20:00.
Start with a serene walk in Meiji Shrine grounds then window-shop along Omotesandō's architect-designed boutiques (shops typically open from 11:00 but the avenue is lovely anytime).
Choose Ginza for galleries, upscale shopping and department stores (late afternoons are lively) or Odaiba for seaside boardwalks, teamLab exhibitions (prebook) and sunset views.
Use the morning for any last Tokyo stops you want (e.g., quick gallery, coffee in Kagurazaka or final shopping); leave hotel midday to head to Tokyo Station for the Shinkansen.
Have a quick lunch near your hotel then transfer to Tokyo Station to collect reserved tickets or confirm JR Pass activation and seat reservations for Hikari + Hida trains.
Board a mid-afternoon Hikari Shinkansen to Nagoya (example departure ~14:16–14:34 range depending on schedule). If using the JR Pass, Hikari is covered; allow time for connections at Nagoya.
Transfer to the Hida limited express (reserve seats) for the scenic Nagoya → Takayama leg; typical journey ~2–2.5 hours — you should arrive in the early evening in time for the festival night.
Arrive Takayama (approx 18:30–19:15 depending on connections), drop luggage at Nishiyama Ryokan and make a short walk to the festival area — festival maps are available at the tourist office.
Enjoy the illuminated float procession in the evening (timings vary; typically night floats 18:00–20:30 on final festival night). Secure a good viewing spot early for photos.
Enjoy a traditional ryokan breakfast (typically 07:00–08:30). If you’d like one last festival atmosphere, take a short morning stroll to nearby shrine areas or the Miyagawa morning stalls (some stall hours end midday).
Change into rental kimono in Gion and participate in a formal matcha tea ceremony led by a tea-master in a machiya (expected duration 75–90 min). This is a cultural highlight that pairs dress and ritual for authentic photos and learning.
After returning your kimono, visit Nijo Castle (if open) or relax with a riverside walk along the Kamo River; castle hours can vary so check local times.
Spend the morning in Shinsaibashi and surrounding shopping streets picking up souvenirs, cosmetics and gifts; many stores open by 10:00 for tax-free service.
Early check-out and depart your Namba hotel around 04:00 to reach Kansai International Airport in time for international check-in — plan for ~1–1.5 hrs travel including transfer to the Nankai or JR Haruka line.