Start with fresh sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market (most stalls 7:00–14:00) or grab an onigiri and coffee from a konbini for a fast, budget option. Great way to taste regional fish and gain energy for a full day of temples and museums.
In Tokyo visit Meiji Shrine (open 5:00–18:00 depending on season) and walk Harajuku/Shibuya for culture and people‑watching; in Kyoto plan Fushimi Inari (open 24h) and Kiyomizu‑dera (6:00–18:00).
Try a solo booth at Ichiran Ramen (many branches open 24h/11:00–23:00 depending on location) or a local izakaya offering set lunches (teishoku). Ramen is quick and iconic.
Take a day trip by shinkansen to Kyoto/Osaka (2–3h from Tokyo): visit Nara’s Todai‑ji (8:00–17:00) or Osaka Castle (9:00–17:00). Purchase JR Pass if traveling long distances (must be bought before entry or as appropriate pass).
CAD120 (shinkansen one‑way) or CAD600 JR Pass estimate, 4h00m
Sample Hiroshima/Osaka okonomiyaki or a neighbourhood izakaya for yakitori and small plates (most open 17:00–23:00). Great to taste regional specialties and socialize.
In cities stroll neon districts (Dotonbori in Osaka, Shinjuku in Tokyo). Alternatively, book a ryokan with an onsen if in Hakone or Hokkaido for a relaxing soak (check onsen rules and opening times).
Try a Korean breakfast set or street snacks like hotteok and tteokbokki; many cafes open from 8:00. Seoul’s Gwangjang Market is great for mung bean pancakes and bindaetteok (opens 9:00).
Visit the Terracotta Army in Xi’an (08:30–17:30) or Chengdu Research Base (07:30–18:00) to see pandas; in Guilin take a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (book ahead).
Visit Longshan Temple and Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall in Taipei (07:30–18:30 for CKSMH grounds) then consider a train to Hualien for Taroko Gorge hikes (park open 24h; visitor centers fixed hours).
Book an island‑hopping tour (El Nido/Coron) to visit lagoons, snorkeling spots and beaches; tours generally run 8:00–16:00 and must be booked in advance high season.
Snorkel or dive (Coron wreck dives require certification); otherwise relax and watch sunset from the shore. Dive shops open morning through late afternoon—book a slot.
CAD60 (intro dive) to CAD120 (certified dive), 2h30m
Visit Borobudur and Prambanan near Yogyakarta (Borobudur sunrise tours start ~4:30–5:30, regular hours 06:00–17:00) or head to Bali beaches and Ubud rice terraces.
In Komodo/ Flores book boat trips to see Komodo dragons and snorkeling spots (check park opening/permit rules), or hike Mount Batur sunrise in Bali (pre‑booked tours start ~2:00am).
Visit the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (check visiting hours; non‑Muslim visiting hours exist with dress code) and the Royal Regalia Museum (09:00–16:00).
In Kuala Lumpur visit the Petronas Towers (viewing hours and ticket times vary), Batu Caves (open early), and Chinatown; in Penang wander George Town’s street art and clan jetties.
Head to Cameron Highlands for tea plantations (open daylight hours) or fly to Sabah/Sarawak for Borneo wildlife and Kinabalu National Park (park opens early; check permits).
In Bangkok visit Grand Palace and Wat Pho (Grand Palace hours often 08:30–15:30 and require respectful dress). In Chiang Mai explore old city temples and Doi Suthep (06:00–18:00).
See sunrise at Angkor Wat (park gates open early; sunrise area best before crowds) then continue the small/large circuit of temples (Angkor complex hours 05:00–18:00).