Land from Hong Kong and proceed through immigration and baggage claim; allow at least 45–60 minutes depending on queues. This starts your Japan trip—follow signs to JR lines, currency exchange and rail/pass desks.
Change some HKD to JPY for immediate expenses and collect your Japan Rail Pass (if pre-booked) at the airport office; counters typically operate late into the evening but confirm opening hours for your arrival day.
Enjoy classic Osaka street/comfort foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki at Mizuno, a popular spot in Dotonbori — Mizuno is typically open until 11:00pm but crowds can be long, so arrive early if possible.
Start with excellent coffee and a hearty breakfast near your hotel; LiLo opens from 7:00am and offers quick, filling options ideal before a theme-park day.
Enjoy thrilling rides, shows and themed areas — the park opens at 8:30am (confirm seasonal opening times) and full-day attendance is recommended to see major attractions; pre-book tickets or Universal Express pass if you want to reduce queue time.
Relax after the park with kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at Kushikatsu Daruma located on CityWalk; many venues stay open until about 9:00pm but check exact closing times.
Ascend to the Floating Garden Observatory for expansive panoramic views of Osaka — open 9:00am–10:30pm; great early to avoid crowds and enjoy cityscapes.
Enjoy fresh, high-quality sushi at this popular local spot — Harukoma is busy at lunchtime and generally open 11:30am–2:00pm, so arrive early or expect to queue.
Visit the iconic Osaka Castle and its grounds; the castle museum typically closes around 5:00pm so plan for on-site exploration and photos earlier in the afternoon.
Relish premium udon noodles near your hotel — Tsurutontan is known for large bowls and stays open late (often until 11:00pm), convenient after evening sightseeing.
Board the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima (approx. 1.5 hours). If using a JR Pass, this trip is covered — check train times and seat reservations for the best schedule.
Learn about Hiroshima's history at the Peace Park and Museum; the museum is typically open 8:30am–6:00pm (hours may vary seasonally), allow time for reflection and exhibits.
Visit the famous 'floating' torii gate and shrine complex—Itsukushima Shrine is typically open from early morning (around 6:30am) until early evening (around 6:00pm); tides affect photography, so check tide times for best views.
Take the ferry back to the mainland and board the Shinkansen to return to Osaka in the evening; travel times total roughly 2–3 hours depending on connections and transfers, and are covered by JR Pass if used on JR services.
Drop off luggage, refresh, and prepare for the day's Kyoto explorations — standard check-in may be later, but luggage hold is usually available immediately.
Discover local foods, artisan goods, and vibrant market stalls along Nishiki Market; many shops open by mid-morning and provide great tasting opportunities.
See the Great Buddha at Todai-ji and enjoy the freely roaming deer in Nara Park; temple hours typically start early (around 7:30am) and continue into late afternoon.
Return to Kyoto and visit Fushimi Inari to walk among the famous thousand torii gates — the shrine is open 24 hours, making afternoon visits flexible for crowds.
Visit the serene bamboo forest and Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama; main attractions are generally open 8:00am–5:00pm and the area is perfect for late-afternoon light for photos.
Explore different ramen styles at Kyoto Station’s famous Ramen Street; shops usually open for dinner service and are convenient if returning to the station area.
Experience immersive digital art at teamLab Borderless — confirm current opening hours (commonly 10:00am–7:00pm; last entry varies). Pre-book timed tickets to avoid queues.
Take train and bus to Hakone using the Hakone Free Pass for efficient local transport; total travel time is about 2 hours from central Tokyo depending on connections.
Ride the Hakone Ropeway for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the volcanic Owakudani Valley; ropeway typically runs 9:00am–5:00pm but check seasonal times and volcanic advisories.
Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi with potential Mount Fuji views on clear days; cruises typically run throughout the day and pairing with the Hakone Tozan Railway offers a scenic loop.
Savor local dishes at lakeside eateries—many serve meals through mid-afternoon; try black eggs in Owakudani if open (volcanic activity can affect availability).
Take train and bus to Gotemba (around 2 hours from Tokyo depending on connections); some buses are direct from Tokyo stations and routes vary by operator.
Shop over 200 domestic and international stores with occasional Mount Fuji views on clear days; outlets are typically open 10:00am–8:00pm—plan transport back in advance.
Visit Sensoji Temple and stroll Nakamise Shopping Street for souvenirs and snacks; Sensoji opens early (around 6:00am) and is busiest mid-morning to afternoon.
Savor yakitori and izakaya-style dishes at the famous Gonpachi (the 'Kill Bill' inspired restaurant) — typically open 5:00pm–12:00am; reservations recommended for dinner.
Enjoy attractions, parades and themed dining at DisneySea; park commonly opens 8:00am and closes around 10:00pm (hours vary seasonally) — pre-book tickets and consider a FastPass strategy if available.
Dine at a themed restaurant such as Magellan’s or Ristorante di Canaletto — reservations or early arrival recommended for popular venues; check park restaurant hours.
Complete check-out and confirm transport to the airport (Narita or Haneda); luggage storage or late-checkout inquiries can be made at the desk if needed.
Take the Narita Express, Limousine Bus or local trains to your departure airport — travel times vary by airport (allocate ~1–1.5 hours to Narita, ~30–60 minutes to Haneda depending on transport).