Start with a sushi or sashimi breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market (many stalls open from early morning until ~14:00). It's a quintessential Tokyo food experience and many vendors begin service before 9:00 — good for fresh seafood and street food.
Visit Meiji Shrine (grounds open ~5:00–18:00 depending on season) and then walk through Takeshita Street to see youth fashion and quirky shops — a calming shrine followed by colorful Harajuku culture.
Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing and visit the Hachiko statue; great for photos and a quick sense of Tokyo's energy (area accessible 24/7, best during peak hours).
Eat izakaya-style small plates and yakitori in Omoide Yokocho (many stalls open evening). Great introduction to local nightlife and small, atmospheric eateries.
Have a relaxed breakfast walk and sample local bakeries and street snacks at Yanaka Ginza (shops typically open ~8:00–18:00). This area gives a retro, traditional Tokyo feel.
Visit Tokyo Skytree (tower hours generally 8:00–22:00 with last entries earlier); panoramic city views are exceptional on clear days. Book tickets in advance to skip lines.
Take the sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi (services generally 9:00–16:00) and ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani (ropeway typically 9:00–17:00); Owakudani has volcanic vents and black eggs, though check for temporary closures due to volcanic activity.
Relax in an onsen and prepare for a multi-course kaiseki dinner at your ryokan (onsen hours and dinner times vary but ryokan dinners typically served ~18:00–20:00). This is the highlight for many visitors to Hakone.
Enjoy a final onsen bath or quick stroll, then travel to Odawara to catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto (total travel Odawara→Kyoto ~2h 15m on Hikari/Kodama).
Dine in Pontocho alley for traditional Kyoto cuisine or yakitori (restaurants typically open from ~17:00 onward); atmospheric evening setting along the river.
Start with breakfast snacks and street food at Nishiki Market (shops generally open ~9:00–18:00); good for sampling pickled vegetables, sushi, and sweet treats.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera (usually open ~6:00–18:00) and walk the preserved Higashiyama streets — excellent for historic architecture and scenic vistas of Kyoto.
Visit Nijo Castle (open ~8:45–17:00, last entry varies) to see shogun-era architecture and gardens, or stroll the Kyoto Imperial Palace East Gardens if open (check for closures).
Sample Osaka street food: takoyaki stalls along Dotonbori and have okonomiyaki at a local shop like Mizuno (open ~11:00–22:00) — the city is famous for hearty, savory street cuisine.
Visit Osaka Castle and its park (castle museum usually open ~9:00–17:00) for history and panoramic views from the top floor; great for photos and local history.
Explore Himeji Castle (open ~9:00–17:00) — a UNESCO World Heritage site and Japan’s most complete surviving feudal castle, noted for its white plastered walls.
Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura or a recommended local shop (most open 11:00–22:00). This layered style of savoury pancake is distinct from Osaka’s version.
Catch an early ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima (ferries run frequently from early morning until evening) to visit the floating torii and island shrines when it's quieter.
Visit Itsukushima Shrine (shrine accessible roughly 6:00–18:00 depending on season) and walk near the famous floating torii; tides create dramatic photo opportunities, so check tide times.
Hike or take the ropeway up Mount Misen (ropeway hours vary; hiking routes open all day) for panoramic views; otherwise enjoy oyster stalls and local street food on the island.
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum (museum hours generally 8:30–18:00, last entry earlier) to reflect on history and see the Atomic Bomb Dome — a moving, important experience.