Depart from a major Indian airport (Delhi/Bombay/Mumbai recommended) to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) on a direct or one-stop flight; overnight in the air depending on carrier and schedule.
Clear immigration and take the airport express (Narita Express or Keisei; Haneda via Keikyu) or hotel shuttle. Expect 60–120 minutes transfer time depending on airport and hotel location.
Simple, delicious first-night meal: Ichiran (many branches, counter seating) for classic tonkotsu ramen, or a nearby izakaya for multiple small plates and a relaxed introduction to Japanese flavours.
Fresh sushi, grilled seafood or tamago tamago-yaki at stalls in the outer market; great early-morning atmosphere and seafood sampling (market traders typically pack up by early afternoon).
Tokyo’s oldest temple with its iconic gate and the lively Nakamise shopping street — visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Head to Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views; observation decks open daily approximately 8:00am–10:00pm but check current hours and book tickets to avoid queues.
Experience a friendly izakaya in Shinjuku (yakitori, small plates) or try Omoide Yokocho for atmospheric alleyway dining; many places open from early evening until late.
A peaceful shrine set inside a large green area — visit early to enjoy tranquility and traditional Shinto architecture; open dawn to dusk (typically 5:00–6:00am to 4:00–6:00pm depending on season).
Quick hotel breakfast and collect luggage; take the Odakyu Romancecar (reserve seats) or bullet train + local transport to Hakone for scenic mountain travel.
Famous volcanic valley with hot vents and black eggs; check for closures (may be closed due to volcanic activity) and ropeway hours — when open it’s a 1–2 hour visit including cable car rides.
Iconic shrine with thousands of torii gates leading up the mountain; open 24 hours so late afternoon or early evening visits are quieter and atmospheric.
Walk through the atmospheric lantern-lined pathways of Kasuga Taisha (usually open 6:30am–5:00pm) and explore the preserved merchant quarter, Naramachi.
Dotonbori’s neon-lit canal is great for an evening stroll; have Osaka specialty okonomiyaki (try Mizuno or a local favourite) and sample takoyaki from street stalls.
Quick breakfast before a full day: either head to Universal Studios Japan for rides and attractions, or choose a cultural day exploring Osaka further (museums, markets).
USJ usually opens around 9:00am; popular rides and Wizarding World of Harry Potter attract long queues so buy timed tickets or express passes to save time.
Visit Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan), Tempozan Marketplace, or the National Museum of Art depending on interests; aquarium typically opens 10:00am and is hugely popular.
Take the Haruka Express or airport limousine bus to Kansai Airport (allow 60–90 minutes depending on departure point and traffic); arrive two to three hours before your international flight.