Start with fresh seafood, sushi or grilled snacks at stalls and small sushi counters; a lively early-morning food scene and great sampling options. Check that many shops are busiest early and some close around 2:00pm.
Historic temple complex with a colorful shopping street; good for photos, traditional snacks and souvenirs — temple grounds open early (generally from dawn) but storefront hours vary, typically 9:00–18:00.
Explore multi-floor electronics shops, retro arcades and anime stores — great for gadgets, collectibles and pop-culture browsing; most shops open ~10:00–20:00.
Classic solo-dining ramen at Ichiran (many branches) or yuzu-toned ramen at Afuri in Harajuku/Shibuya; both are open late (Ichiran often 24/7 or long hours, Afuri roughly 11:00–23:00) — quick, satisfying and reliable.
Choose Skytree (observation deck open typically 8:00–10:00pm) for city lights or experience the bustling neon of Shibuya Crossing and nearby nightlife. Skytree requires tickets; Shibuya is free.
A tranquil Shinto shrine set in a large forested park in central Tokyo — the shrine grounds are open daily (generally 5:00–18:00 depending on season); a peaceful morning stroll before crowds.
Quirky youth fashion, crepes and unique boutiques on Takeshita Street, then head to the chic Omotesando avenue for design-led shops; stores typically open 10:00–20:00.
See the Hachiko statue and go up to Shibuya Sky for a panoramic urban rooftop view (Shibuya Sky hours commonly 10:00–22:00); great for sunset views if timed right.
Upscale department store food halls in Ginza serve excellent pastries, bento and coffee; great for a quick high-quality breakfast. Depachika hours typically 10:00–20:00 (some open earlier for breakfast stalls).
Window-shop luxury brands and visit Kabukiza Theatre exterior; Ginza is great for refined shopping and cafés. Kabukiza has variable show times if you want to see a short kabuki act (book ahead).
Immersive digital-art experience at teamLab Planets (reserve tickets in advance; hours often 10:00–19:00) and waterfront promenades with views of Rainbow Bridge.
Quick breakfast and luggage check-out; buy ekiben (train bento) at station if you'd like a scenic meal on the way — station food halls open early (~7:00+).
Board the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto (Nozomi fastest ~2h20m). Book seats in advance; cost approx JPY15000 one-way per person (unreserved slightly cheaper).
Settle into your Kyoto accommodation then stroll historic Gion to spot wooden machiya houses and maybe geisha on their way to appointments; many shops and streets are atmospheric after dusk.
Choose from riverside izakayas or small kaiseki and yakitori spots lining Pontocho Alley; many restaurants open from early evening (17:00+) and require reservations for kaiseki.
UNESCO hilltop temple with sweeping views and historic streets below; temple hours typically 6:00–18:00 depending on season — explore the charming Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka lanes afterwards.
Enjoy refined Kyoto kaiseki (multi-course) or a relaxed izakaya depending on budget — kaiseki requires reservation and starts around dinner hours (18:00+).
Return towards central Kyoto and sample small dishes along Nishiki Market (shops often open 9:00–18:00, some eateries later) or dine in Pontocho for atmosphere.
Short train ride (about 15–30 minutes) to central Osaka (Shin-Osaka for shinkansen or Kyoto Station to Osaka Station by JR). Tickets inexpensive; check local schedules.
Grab a quick breakfast near your hotel; arrive early to USJ to maximize rides — park typically opens 8:30–9:00 (times vary), and you should pre-book tickets and Express passes for busy days.
Full-day theme park with attractions for Harry Potter, Minions and more; check official opening hours (commonly 8:30–21:00 in peak seasons) and pre-purchase tickets to skip lines.
Return to central Osaka for dinner; harbor area offers seafood and casual dining, or head back to Namba for late-night street food and izakayas (many open until 22:00–23:00).
Catch a JR train to Himeji (~50–70 minutes). Visit Himeji Castle (often open 9:00–17:00) — one of Japan's best-preserved castles with sweeping grounds and restored keep.
Upscale izakayas and small restaurants in Kitashinchi for an evening of excellent food and drinks; establishments typically open from early evening onward.
Allow ample time for transit (train or airport limousine bus) and check-in; trains from Namba or Tennoji to Kansai Airport take ~45–60 minutes depending on service.
Complete check-in and depart; if you have a late flight, enjoy airport dining and last-minute souvenir shopping at Kansai Airport stores (most open through evening).