Complete immigration and luggage; take the Keikyu/KR or limousine bus to central Tokyo (allow 60–90 minutes). Check in and drop bags to start exploring light in the afternoon.
Historic temple district with the iconic Kaminarimon gate and lively Nakamise shopping street — great for first souvenirs and temple photos (temple grounds open early; shops typically 9:00am–6:30pm).
Try mid-range sushi at a popular conveyor or local sushi spot in Asakusa or Shibuya for a quick, satisfying first-night meal; many conveyor sushi outlets operate until late evening.
Experience the busy crossing, neon, and 24/7 energy of Shibuya — quick photos, Hachiko statue, and window-shopping (open all hours; nightlife best after dusk).
If you prefer green space, enjoy Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (usually 9:00am–4:30pm; check closure days). For skyline views free of charge, use the Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation deck (9:30am–11:00pm).
Enjoy a communal hot-pot experience at a popular spot like Nabezo (reservations advised) — hearty, good for an evening meal after a full day of walking.
Stroll the lakeshore for classic Fuji reflections; Oishi Park and lakeside walks are open year-round and are ideal for photos (30–90 minutes depending on stops).
Return to Otsuki, take JR to Tokyo, then shinkansen to Nagano — total travel approx 4–5 hours depending on connections; reserve shinkansen seats for comfort.
One of Japan’s most important historic temples — explore the main hall and the atmospheric underground passage (temple grounds open early; main halls typically open from early morning to late afternoon).
Togakushi is famous for mountain shrines and soba; allow about 40–60 minutes by car/bus from central Nagano. Chikuma valley views and local onsen are also nearby if you prefer quieter countryside.
Take the Hokuriku/Tokai shinkansen route via Tokyo or the direct shinkansen options (depending on routing) to Shin-Osaka; journey typically 3.5–4 hours with reserved seats recommended.
Options: train to Sannomiya or Maiko then bus across Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge or transfer crossing by local ferry; expect 1–2 hours depending on connection. Reserve time for transfers.
Awaji is famous for seafood and local produce; enjoy a seafood kaiseki or fresh sashimi dinner at a local restaurant or Ryokan (reservations recommended).
Harborfront area with shops, maritime museum and the Kobe Port Tower; strolling and photo ops are ideal here (open all day; some facilities have specific hours).
Explore historic foreign residences in Kitano, then take the ropeway to Nunobiki Herb Garden for city and harbor views (ropeway typically 9:30am–5:00pm).
If you want a lighter evening after a big lunch, enjoy izakaya dishes and local sake; otherwise a second Kobe beef experience is possible at dinner with reservations.
Take the shinkansen (Nozomi/Hikari on Tokaido/Sanyo lines where available) from Shin-Kobe to Hiroshima — roughly 1.5–2 hours; reserve seats for comfort.
Store luggage at Hiroshima station or the hotel and take the JR train/ferry to Miyajima Island for the iconic floating torii and shrine (ferries run frequently; shrine generally open from early morning to early evening).
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage shrine built over the water and the charming Omotesando shopping lane; best visited around high tide for the full torii effect (shr ine hours vary, commonly 6:30am–6:00pm).
Try Miyajima’s grilled oysters and sweet momiji manju for a local lunch experience; many stalls and small restaurants open late morning to mid-afternoon.
Visit the Peace Park, A-Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum (museum typically 8:30am–6:00pm; check for special closure days). Allocate 1.5–2 hours for the museum and grounds.
If time permits and your flight is later in the day, visit Shukkeien Garden (opens ~9:00am) for a short tranquil walk, or shop near Hiroshima Station for souvenirs.
Depart for Hiroshima Airport by airport limousine bus from major stops (about 45–60 minutes); arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights, 2+ hours for international.