Start early with fresh sushi or market bites at the Tsukiji outer market — many stalls open from early morning (some 05:00+), great for tasting local seafood and people-watching.
Historic Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple with the lively Nakamise shopping street leading up to it; it's open all day and is a great introduction to traditional Tokyo.
Affordable tendon (tempura over rice) is a satisfying lunch and many Asakusa shops serve until mid-afternoon; check each shop's opening times (typically 11:00–15:00).
A tranquil Shinto shrine set in a large forested park near Harajuku; the grounds are generally open from early morning until dusk (approx 05:00–18:00).
Stroll the tree-lined Omotesando avenue for flagship stores and architecture; mainly outdoor walking with shops typically open from late morning to evening.
Immersive digital art experience best visited with pre-booked tickets; typical hours are around 09:00–21:00 but check the venue's schedule and reserve ahead.
Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku or a JR/Tokaido route to Odawara then local transport to Hakone; journey ~1h30m to 2h depending on service — book Romancecar seats if possible.
Ride the ropeway for volcanic valley views and try the famed black eggs at Owakudani; ropeway and valley facilities typically operate 09:00–17:00 but can close in bad volcanic conditions — check before you go.
Return to Odawara and board a westbound shinkansen to Kyoto — journey ~2h15m; reserve seats where possible and allow time for transfer to Odawara station.
Iconic hilltop temple with wooden terrace views over Kyoto; the site usually opens from early morning until early evening (approx 06:00–18:00), so plan midday visits accordingly.
Sample Kyoto specialties like yuba, pickles and grilled seafood at food stalls inside Nishiki Market; most stalls are open late morning to mid-afternoon.
Walk the serene bamboo avenue and visit Tenryu-ji temple (Tenryu-ji typically open 08:30–17:30) for gardens and riverside views; late afternoon light is beautiful here.
Enjoy an atmospheric dinner in narrow Pontocho alleys with riverside options and traditional cuisine; reservations recommended for higher-end kaiseki restaurants.
Dive into street-food heaven along Dotonbori — sample takoyaki, okonomiyaki and neon-lit canal views; most stalls and restaurants are open late into the night.
Taste fresh seafood, grilled skewers and street snacks at Kuromon Market — stalls generally open from about 09:00 to early evening, perfect for a final food crawl.
Spend late morning buying souvenirs in Shinsaibashi or visiting Sumiyoshi Taisha for a quieter cultural stop; store opening hours vary (often 11:00–20:00 for shops).
Try Osaka-style okonomiyaki at a well-known spot in Dotonbori — Mizuno and similar restaurants usually operate 11:00–22:00 but expect queues at peak times.