Start with fresh seafood or tamago-yaki at stalls in Tsukiji Outer Market (many stalls open from 5:00–14:00). It's lively in the morning and a great intro to Japanese flavours.
Walk through Kaminarimon and Nakamise-dori to Senso-ji — an atmospheric temple complex and good place to buy traditional souvenirs; temple grounds are open 24 hours, main hall hours vary so check on-site notices.
Ginza provides many sushi and tempura set options; many restaurants open 11:00–14:00 for lunch, offering excellent value for quality fish and seasonal ingredients.
Stroll the East Gardens for landscaped grounds and palace moats; typically open 9:00–16:30 and closed Mondays/Fridays — confirm the day’s opening before visiting.
See the famous scramble crossing and then slip into nearby Meiji Jingu, a peaceful shrine open roughly 5:00–18:00 depending on season; it's a contrast between bustling city life and tranquil forest.
Pick an izakaya alley for yakitori, small plates and atmosphere — most evening eateries open from around 17:00–23:00; reservations rarely required but busy on weekends.
Owakudani’s ropeway offers sulphur vents and black eggs; access may be restricted for volcanic activity, so check local advisories and ropeway opening hours (usually ~9:00–16:30).
Stay overnight at a ryokan and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner served in the evening; mealtimes usually around 18:00–19:00 and must be confirmed with the ryokan.
Famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari is open 24 hours — the lower shrine is busiest midday, but the trails can take 1–2 hours to climb.
Iconic wooden stage and city views; Kiyomizu-dera is typically open 6:00–18:00 (times vary by season), and the surrounding streets are great for souvenir shopping.
Reserve a kaiseki dinner in Gion for a traditional experience, or try izakaya-style yakitori; kaiseki prices are higher and often require advance booking.
Home of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) and free-roaming deer in Nara Park; Todaiji usually open 8:00–17:00 (shorter in winter), allocate time for the museum and grounds.
Pontocho has riverside izakayas and small restaurants with a lively atmosphere; many places open from 17:00–22:00 and reservations help on busy nights.
A deeply moving museum and park dedicated to the 1945 bombing; museum hours are typically 8:30–18:00 (reduced in winter) — allow 1.5–2 hours to fully absorb the exhibits.
Ferries run ~6:30–18:00 and take ~10 minutes; visit Itsukushima Shrine and walk beneath the floating torii — shrine hours often 6:30–18:00 depending on season.
If returning to central Tokyo, pick Odaiba for waterfront views and malls or Akihabara for electronics and anime cafés; most venues open by 10:00–11:00.
Allocate time for gift shopping in Ginza or Omotesando, or head to the airport for duty-free — shops in Ginza typically open 11:00–20:00, airports earlier and later.
Finish with a favourite Japanese dish — ramen shops are often open late (11:00–23:00) and teppanyaki restaurants accept reservations for evening seating.