If arriving from overseas you'll likely eat on the plane or at the airport; otherwise drop luggage and have a light café breakfast near your hotel to adjust to local time.
Try grilled yakitori and small izakaya plates in Omoide Yokocho for a lively, atmospheric first meal in Tokyo (many stalls open from late afternoon to about 11pm).
Historic Asakusa temple complex with a lively shopping street of traditional snacks and souvenirs — temple grounds are open early but shops often open by 9–10am.
Stroll Ueno Park (seasonal foliage) and visit the National Museum if you like history and art; museums generally open ~9:30–17:00 (check specific closing days).
Ride the ropeway for volcanic valley views; Owakudani can be closed due to volcanic activity, so check status ahead (ropeway hours roughly 9:00–17:00).
End the day with a hot-spring soak and traditional dinner if you choose to stay overnight, or return to Tokyo after an onsen visit; onsen hours vary but many accept guests into the evening.
Shopping, car exhibits and a large Ferris wheel for skyline views (individual facility hours vary; some attractions may be under redevelopment — check ahead).
Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa or JR routes from central Tokyo; journey is roughly 2 hours depending on service. Book seats where available.
Start the day at a department-store food hall (depachika) for high-quality pastries, bentos and souvenirs; most open around 10:00 but some cafés open earlier.
Pick up last-minute gifts, electronics or anime goods; Sunshine City in Ikebukuro is great for anime, while Shinjuku has major department stores and electronics shops.
Have a memorable last dinner at a favorite spot — sushi, izakaya or yakitori; pick a place near your hotel for easier transfer to the airport next day.
Allow ample time for transfer to Narita or Haneda: Narita is 60–90+ minutes from central Tokyo, Haneda ~30–60 minutes depending on transport; use airport limousine bus or train services.
Arrive at the airport early for international flights (2–3 hours before departure recommended); use remaining time to pick up souvenirs at airport shops.