Check in at Conrad Tokyo (Hilton/Conrad brand) near Shiodome — excellent for Ginza, Tsukiji, and subway access to central Tokyo; standard check-in from 3:00pm. Leave luggage if early arrival.
Evening stroll through Ginza shopping streets and the outer Tsukiji area to sample street snacks; good intro to Tokyo food and lights. Note: outer Tsukiji day stalls often operate morning–early afternoon; evening stalls limited but Ginza shops open until 8–9pm.
Casual dinner at a reputable conveyor sushi (eg Sushi-Zanmai Ginza or mid-range sushi) or use Conrad’s restaurant if jet-lagged; sushi gives immediate local flavor — reservations recommended for popular spots (evening service ~17:30–22:00).
Buy/charge a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport or station; walk to Shimbashi or Shiodome station (5–15 min depending on hotel) to confirm routes. Helpful to map first subway rides for the next morning.
Take subway (Toei Oedo or Hibiya lines) to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood breakfast and sushi bowls; best early 7:00–10:30am. Note some stalls close by early afternoon.
Travel via Toei Asakusa Line or Ginza Line; explore Nakamise shopping street and Senso-ji (traditional temple district). Temple is open from early morning (commonly 6:00am) so mornings are less crowded.
Board a short cruise for views of Tokyo from the river — good photo opportunity and relaxing transit to Hamarikyu Gardens or Odaiba; services vary, typical trip ~40–60 minutes, check operators and seasonal schedules.
Short walk in Ueno Park and visit Tokyo National Museum (usually 9:30am–5:00pm; closed Mon) to see classical Japanese art and samurai armor. Confirm current opening times online.
Head to Shimbashi for lively izakaya dining (many open until midnight); enjoy grilled skewers and local beer. Good for experiencing local nightlife and small-group meals.
Short walk from Harajuku Station; Meiji Shrine opens early (typically 5:00–6:00am onward) — peaceful mornings are best; then stroll Takeshita-dori for youth fashion and crepes.
Take Yamanote Line to Shibuya; view famous intersection from a building café or cross with the crowd. Quick lunch in Shibuya Center-gai if not done earlier.
Reserve timed-entry tickets for teamLab Planets (immersive digital art) — typically open 10:00–19:00 but confirm schedule and book in advance to guarantee slot.
Explore small alleyways in Shinjuku for yakitori and izakaya-style eats; many places open until late. Good for atmospheric final night in central Tokyo before moving cities.
Check out and take subway (Toei/Metro) to Tokyo Station; activate JR Pass at the JR ticket office and reserve a seat on a Hikari or Kodama shinkansen to Kyoto (Nozomi not covered). Leaving early avoids midday heat and crowds.
Board Hikari/Kodama Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station (~2h20m). Use reserved seating if preferred; luggage rules apply (use coin lockers or send big luggage via takkyubin if desired).
Short subway or bus to Nishiki Market for Kyoto specialties and quick bites (open ~9:00–17:00 for many stalls); great chance to try pickles, fresh tofu, and sweets.
Bus or short taxi to Kiyomizu-dera temple area; walk the preserved Higashiyama streets and enjoy panoramic views. Kiyomizu main hall commonly open ~6:00–18:00 (check seasonal times).
Stroll Gion streets — watch for geisha on the move and enjoy the atmospheric wooden machiya houses. Dinner options in Pontocho alley (book in advance for kaiseki).
Choose a riverside Pontocho kaiseki or casual izakaya in Pontocho/Gion; many restaurants open 17:30–22:00, reservations recommended for popular kaiseki places.
Take JR Nara Line to Inari Station (2 minutes from the shrine); hike the torii path early to beat crowds and heat — shrine area is open 24/7 and best at dawn.
Take subway or bus to Nijo Castle (commonly open 8:45–17:00; closed some holidays). Explore the palace and gardens — a good contrast to Shinto shrines.
Try Kyoto specialties like yudofu (simmered tofu) or local soba near central Kyoto or Pontocho. Many small restaurants operate lunch hours 11:30–14:00.
Option to visit Kyoto Imperial Park (free entry but timed visits may apply) or stroll Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping arcades for crafts and souvenirs.
Take JR Sagano line or Randen tram to Arashiyama; arrive early (07:30–08:30) to enjoy the bamboo grove with fewer crowds — many sites open from 8:30–17:00.
Take the sightseeing train along the Hozu River (ticketed) or rent a small boat/kayak in season for a different perspective — check seasonal operations and book ahead for weekends.
Walk from the station or take the tram to the Peace Park; Museum usually open 8:30–17:00 (check current times); spend reflective time at the A-Bomb Dome and memorials.
Take JR Sanyo to Miyajimaguchi (covered by JR Pass), then JR ferry or Matsudai ferry to Miyajima island (~10 min). Walk the shrine and torii; morning is best for low crowds and photographs. Ferry runs from early morning (varies by operator).
Check in and refresh; both hotels are well-connected: Marriott Miyako in Abeno/Harukas (great skyline views) and Hilton Osaka in Umeda (central for shopping and trains).
If you want theme-park thrills, USJ requires a full day and advance tickets; otherwise use afternoon to shop in Grand Front Osaka or department stores in Umeda.
Check out and take a morning Hikari or Sakura shinkansen to Tokyo (~2h30m). JR Pass still active for this return leg if activated Aug 27 (7-day coverage typically Aug27–Sep2 inclusive).
Take subway to Tokyo Station and walk to the Imperial Palace East Gardens (usually 9:00–16:30; closed Mon/Fri) or explore department stores (Daimaru/Takashimaya) for souvenirs.
Explore Shinjuku’s Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho), shopping complexes, or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation deck (free; open until late evening).
If Narita: take Narita Express (N'EX) from Tokyo Station (approx 60–80 minutes). If Haneda: take Keikyu Line or Limousine bus from Shinjuku (approx 30–40 minutes). Confirm flight time and leave extra buffer (arrive 2–3 hours before international departure).
Complete security and departure formalities and use remaining time for duty-free shopping or lounge access (Hilton/Marriott status can offer lounge/fast track benefits depending on membership).