Clear immigration/customs and take the Keikyu Line or airport limousine to central Tokyo (30–60 min depending on destination); freshen up at hotel. Allow extra time for baggage and transit.
Walk Nakamise shopping street to the historic Sensō-ji temple — a lively introduction to Tokyo with souvenir stalls and classic temple architecture; temple grounds are free to enter (generally open from early morning to evening).
Optional panoramic city views from Tokyo Skytree observation decks (open ~8:00–10:00pm); allow time for ticket lines and the Solamachi shopping complex beneath.
Stroll the well-kept gardens next to the Imperial Palace for a calm contrast to the markets; typical opening hours are ~9:00am–4:30pm (check seasonal variations).
Window-shop luxury boutiques and department stores; flagship stores and food basements are great for Japanese snacks and souvenirs (many open ~10:00–8:00pm).
Free panoramic night views of Tokyo from the observatory (open roughly 9:30am–11:00pm depending on location); good late-night option with no admission fee.
Take a Nozomi or Hikari Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka (~2h30–3h). Book seats early; single adult one-way fare approx JPY14000–15000 for reserved seat.
Arrive Shin-Osaka, transfer to central Osaka (Namba/Umeda) and check into your hotel. Have lunch in Namba — try takoyaki or okonomiyaki; shops are open midday.
Depart Shin‑Osaka for Tokyo by Shinkansen (~2h30–3h). If you prefer a scenic stop, plan a short visit to Kamakura or Yokohama en route (train changes required).
Visit the Great Buddha (Kotoku‑in) and Hasedera; Kotoku‑in usually opens ~8:00am–5:30pm. Good half‑day if you want coastal scenery before heading to Narita.
Take Narita Express or local trains to Narita City and check in near Narita Airport for an easier morning transfer (N'EX ~60–90 min from Tokyo Station).
Explore the atmospheric temple grounds and the Omotesando shopping street with traditional snack shops (temple noon–evening hours vary but grounds are walkable after sundown).
Finish packing, check your flight time and airline check‑in rules; hotels near Narita usually provide quick taxi or free shuttle options to the airport.