Immigrate and take Narita Express / Airport Limousine / Haneda transfer to central Tokyo; drop bags and freshen up before exploring. This sets you up for an easy first afternoon in the city.
Sample fresh sushi, grilled seafood and small-market bites at stalls; many vendors open early (Outer Market normally 5:00–14:00) and it's a great introduction to Japanese food culture.
Walk the Nakamise shopping street to Senso-ji temple, Tokyo's oldest temple; the temple precinct is typically open from early morning to around 5pm and is atmospheric for a first-day visit.
Stroll riverside and see Tokyo Skytree from the outside; if you want panoramic views, Skytree observation decks are usually open 8:00–22:00 (book tickets ahead).
Dine at a mid-range sushi restaurant (e.g., Sushi Zanmai branch) or a tempura specialist in Ginza; many Ginza restaurants open for dinner from 5pm and reservations help for popular places.
Peaceful walk through the wooded approach to Meiji Shrine (open ~5:00–18:00) and through Yoyogi Park; a calm cultural start before busy shopping areas.
Experience an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai for yakitori and small plates; most izakayas open from early evening (~5pm) and create a lively atmosphere.
Visit museums and stroll Ueno Park; Tokyo National Museum typically opens 9:30–5:00 and houses Japan’s most comprehensive art and archaeology collections.
For a special night, take a short dinner cruise or dine in an Odaiba waterfront restaurant with Rainbow Bridge views — check cruise schedules (usually evening departures around 6–8pm).
Both are excellent — Nikko for shrines and natural scenery (Toshogu shrine) and Kamakura for the Daibutsu and coastal temples; trains depart early and sites often open around 8:00–9:00.
Try multiple small dishes from a high-quality food hall in a department store (e.g. Isetan, Takashimaya). Most food halls close between 7pm–8pm, so arrive early.
Early breakfast and hotel check-out; leave luggage arranged for Shinkansen boarding — morning train lets you arrive in Kyoto by late morning to early afternoon.
Explore the famous torii gate pathways at Fushimi Inari (open 24 hours); best in the late afternoon to early evening to avoid the busiest midday crowds.
Choose a kaiseki ryori (multi-course) for a special Kyoto dinner or a cosy izakaya in Pontocho Alley; many restaurants open from 6pm and reservations are recommended for kaiseki.
Visit Todai-ji to see the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and explore Nara Park; Todai-ji usually opens around 8:00–9:30 depending on season and closes late afternoon.
Visit Kasuga Taisha shrine with its many lanterns, and the Nara National Museum if interested in Buddhist art; Kasuga Taisha grounds are typically accessible all day, the museum often opens 9:30–17:00.
Take a short train ride (15–30 minutes by Shinkansen or ~30 minutes by rapid JR) to Osaka and check into your hotel; this is an easy transfer west from Kyoto.
Explore the neon-lit Dotonbori area and feast on Osaka favourites like takoyaki and kushikatsu; restaurants and street vendors are lively into the night.
Family-friendly options: Kaiyukan (opens ~10:00) for marine life or the Cup Noodles Museum (~9:30–16:30) for an interactive noodle experience; pick based on interest.
If you love theme parks, head early to Universal Studios (park typically opens ~8:30–9:30); otherwise use the day for museums, shopping or day trips (Himeji castle is a possibility).
Spend the day at USJ for rides and shows — buy timed/Express passes to reduce queues; opening times vary by season (generally 8:30–21:00 on busy days).
Final packing and a light breakfast before heading to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or your chosen departure point; allow ample time for airport transfer.