Check in and drop luggage at Tokyo Marriott Hotel (Marriott) — close to Shinagawa Station with easy Shinkansen access and airport train links. Good for Marriott points and transit links.
Classic Japanese Western-style grill known for steaks and demi-glace; convenient for families and reliable quality. Open evenings (typically until 9:30–22:00).
Large Shinto shrine surrounded by forest — tranquil contrast to busy Harajuku. Shrine grounds are open daily (generally 5:00–16:30–18:00 depending on season).
See the iconic intersection and Hachiko statue; visit Shibuya Scramble Square observation deck if you want a skyline view (hours vary; Scramble Square typically 10:00–23:00).
Drop luggage at The Westin Miyako Kyoto (Marriott) or leave at Kyoto Station lockers if arrival before official check-in (Westin is on bus / subway lines).
Walk the preserved streets of Gion and visit Yasaka Shrine; evening is atmospheric with teahouse fronts and geisha sighting possibilities. Many streets always open; shrine open daily.
Samurai-era castle and gardens; generally open 8:45–17:00 (last entry earlier), admission approx ¥1000. Reserve enough time to walk the gardens and interiors.
Return toward central Kyoto to walk the Philosopher’s Path and visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion). Ginkaku-ji hours roughly 9:00–17:00, entrance around ¥500.
Check in at Hilton Osaka (central Umeda area) or leave luggage and start exploring; Hilton Osaka is directly connected to Osaka Station area for easy transit and Hilton points.
Historic landmark with museum and top-floor views; castle hours generally 9:00–17:00, entrance fee about ¥600. Park and castle grounds are pleasant for walking.
Try Mizuno (okonomiyaki) or kushikatsu at Daruma in Shinsekai; Dotonbori restaurants typically open 11:00–23:00. Nightlife and neon are great in this area.
One of Japan's best-preserved castles; open usually 9:00–17:00, admission ~¥1000. Highly recommended if you want a classic castle experience (covered by JR Pass travel but castle entry is separate).
Take JR/Sanyo lines to Miyajimaguchi and the short ferry across (ferries run frequently). Itsukushima Shrine tides-dependent; shrine hours often ~8:00–17:00. Entry fee approx ¥300–¥500.
Confirm flight time and airport transfer. If leaving from Kansai Airport (KIX), use JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service from Osaka Station (~65 min) or Nankai from Namba (Nankai covered only by Nankai).
Take JR Kansai Airport Rapid from JR Osaka Station (approx 65 min) which is covered by JR Pass if still within validity; otherwise use Nankai Airport Express from Namba (~45 min, extra cost).