Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and browse the lively Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and traditional snacks; it's a great intro to old Edo. Temple grounds are typically open from early morning until dusk.
Try sukiyaki at Imahan or a crispy tempura set at a nearby specialist for a satisfying traditional lunch near Senso-ji. Most restaurants open 11:00–15:00.
Head to the Skytree for sweeping city views; buy tickets in advance to avoid queues, observation hours usually 8:00–22:00. Great on clear afternoons for Mount Fuji vistas if weather permits.
Take the short train to Ginza for excellent sushi options—from conveyor belt for a casual meal to a standing sushi bar for fresh nigiri. Most sushi bars open 17:00–22:00.
If you have energy, Ginza's late-evening lights and department-store basements (depachika) make a pleasant stroll; otherwise return to hotel to rest for the week ahead.
Visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine set inside a large urban forest and stroll Yoyogi Park; the shrine grounds are open from sunrise to sunset and make a calm morning visit.
Choose a stylish café on Omotesando or try a well-regarded tonkatsu restaurant—both offer satisfying midday meals in the area. Typical lunch service 11:30–14:00.
Experience the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing from street level or a nearby café and visit the Hachiko statue—best mid-afternoon to avoid the biggest tourist surge.
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge digital art installations at teamLab Planets; book timed-entry tickets in advance. Typical opening hours around 10:00–19:00 (check when booking).
If you pre-booked Ghibli Museum tickets (required), visit in the morning; otherwise use this time for final shopping in Shinjuku or Ikebukuro. Ghibli Museum entry requires advance tickets and specific times.
Board the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station; journey time is about 2h15–2h40 depending on service—reserve seats in advance for peak season. Trains run frequently; check schedule.
Enjoy Kyoto’s atmospheric narrow alleyways with traditional dining—choose a kaiseki experience for refined multi-course cuisine or a local yakitori spot for a casual meal. Most restaurants open from 17:00–22:00.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji temple and its beautiful landscaped gardens, typically open 8:30–17:00. It's the centerpiece of Arashiyama's cultural walk.
Sample regional soba noodles or a traditional unagi (eel) set nearby—many riverside restaurants offer scenic dining. Lunchtime service commonly 11:30–14:00.
Experience Kyoto cuisine in Gion with a kaiseki tasting menu or try a local tofu (yudofu) restaurant for a Kyoto specialty; reservations recommended for kaiseki.
Walk the famous torii gate tunnels at Fushimi Inari before the crowds; the shrine is open 24 hours so early morning is ideal for photos and quiet reflection.
Climb to Kiyomizu-dera for panoramic views and stroll the preserved historic streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka with traditional shops; Kiyomizu-dera usually open 6:00–18:00 (seasonal hours vary).
Visit nearby Nanzen-ji with its impressive gate and aqueduct; the temple complex offers serene gardens and historic architecture, typically open during daytime hours.
Collect luggage and transfer to Kansai or Itami airport, or Kyoto Station for onward travel. Allow ample time for airport trains or shuttle buses (timing depends on your flight).