Arrive 3 hours before an intercontinental flight for check-in, security and any baggage checks. Allow extra time if you need to purchase or activate a JR Pass at the airport travel desk.
Long-haul overnight flight to Tokyo Haneda or Narita; journey duration ~11–13 hours depending on routing. Meals served onboard; sleep on the plane to adjust to time difference.
Clear immigration and collect luggage; buy/activate a prepaid SIM or pocket Wi‑Fi if needed. Airport to central Tokyo by train is 30–60 minutes (Haneda faster).
Seafood and street-food stalls make excellent sashimi or grilled fish lunches; many stalls open 05:00–14:00, so go early. Great introduction to Japanese food culture.
Stroll Gion to glimpse geisha culture; organise a short tea ceremony (often 30–60 minutes) with prior booking—venues typically operate daytimes into early evening.
Journey north to Kanazawa will take several hours (Shinkansen to Tokyo area then transfer west/north or limited direct connections)—use JR Pass and plan for ~5–6 hours travel.
Direct highway bus takes ~1.5 hours; the UNESCO village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses is a cultural highlight—village open for free exploration; museums have daytime hours.
See traditional thatched-roof houses and rustic rural life; short walks between viewpoints and local houses that operate as museums (open approx 9:00–17:00).