Clear immigration, pick up a Suica/Pasmo card and either take the Keikyu/monorail (from Haneda) or Narita Express (from Narita) to central Tokyo; settle at your hotel and drop luggage. Efficient transit sets you up to start sightseeing the same day.
Visit historic Senso-ji in Asakusa — a vibrant temple with the popular souvenir arcade Nakamise; good first stop to feel traditional Tokyo. Temple grounds generally open from early morning through evening (approx 6:00–17:00 for main buildings).
Explore stalls selling fresh seafood, tamago, and small plates; great for an early afternoon sashimi or grilled seafood snack. Most stalls and restaurants operate roughly 7:00–14:00 (some open later).
Panoramic city views as lights come on — Skytree observation decks usually open 9:00–22:00 (last admission around 21:00). Book tickets in advance for evening slots.
Choose an izakaya for grilled dishes and drinks or a mid-range sushi/kaiseki place in Shinjuku; izakayas are great for trying a variety of small plates and local beer/sake. Most dinner venues open from 5:00pm and stay late.
Return to Tsukiji Outer Market for a sushi breakfast or visit a neighborhood cafe in Ginza for toast and coffee; market vendors typically operate early (5:00–14:00).
Stroll through the tranquil Meiji Shrine precincts then wander Takeshita Street in Harajuku for youth fashion and quirky shops; Meiji Shrine grounds open ~5:00–18:00 depending on season.
Try café or soba in Omotesando — stylish district with tree-lined boulevards and boutique restaurants open around 11:00–21:00. Good place for a relaxed modern-Japanese lunch.
Experience the famous Shibuya scramble and visit the Hachiko statue; best in daylight and early evening for neon photos. Area is open all day and easy to explore on foot.
Enjoy small grilled skewers or cozy bar-hopping in historic alleys of Shinjuku; many small eateries open evenings 5:00pm onward. Great for nightlife atmosphere.
Try mountain soba or a set meal near Gora or the museum; many eateries serve lunch from 11:00–15:00. Comfortable and hearty before afternoon exploring.
Ride the ropeway for valley views (note: Owakudani access can be limited due to volcanic activity — check local status); enjoy a Lake Ashi pirate-ship cruise (typically 9:00–17:00) and visit Hakone Shrine by the shore.
Relax in a traditional ryokan with hot-spring baths and an included kaiseki dinner — baths usually available from early morning through late evening. Book a ryokan with private or shared onsen for full experience.
Multi-course traditional dinner served at the ryokan showcasing seasonal, local ingredients — typically served between 6:30–8:30pm. A highlight of the Hakone experience.
Explore Kyoto's 'Kitchen' — sample pickles, grilled seafood, yakitori and sweets; stalls and small eateries typically operate 9:00–18:00. Great introduction to Kyoto cuisine.
Historic hillside temple with panoramic views over Kyoto and charming historic streets in the Higashiyama district; temple grounds open roughly 6:00–18:00 depending on season.
Wander through the atmospheric Gion district with its wooden machiya houses and spot geisha en route to Yasaka Shrine; outdoor areas accessible all day but evening brings ambience and dinner options.
Beat the crowds with an early visit to the bamboo grove and stroll the riverside; best before 8:30am as sites get busy. Open 24 hours (temples may have specific hours).
Walk through the famous thousands-of-torii gates; shrine is open 24 hours and the loop up the mountain takes roughly 2–3 hours round trip if you wish to go to the summit. Great for late-afternoon light.
Iconic neon-and-food district — try kushikatsu, okonomiyaki or ramen; many restaurants open from late morning to late night. Great place for iconic Osaka eats.
Take an early Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo (~2h15–2h40 depending on train). Arrive midday to spend your final full day in Tokyo neighborhoods you missed.
Immerse yourself in interactive digital art installations — plan a midday slot as timed tickets are common; typical hours 10:00–19:00 (check current site/times and book ahead).
If interested in electronics, anime, or collectibles, Akihabara is the place — shops open midday to late evening. Great for souvenirs and unique finds.
For a memorable final dinner, book a sushi counter in advance or enjoy quick kaiten (conveyor) sushi. High-end counters often start dinner service around 5:00–6:00pm.
Wrap up with evening lights, nightlife or a night view from Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (observation open late — check hours). Good final night photo ops.
Have an early breakfast at your hotel or nearby café; confirm airport transfer timing and leave with ample time for international check-in (recommended 3 hours before departure from Narita).
Take Narita Express, airport limousine bus, or monorail/Keikyu to your departing airport; leave with buffer for security and immigration. Transit times: Narita ~60–90 min from central Tokyo, Haneda ~30–40 min.
Use remaining time to buy omiyage (souvenirs) in the airport depachika and duty-free areas before boarding your flight back to Mumbai. Airports open 24 hours but shops have varying hours (typically 6:00–22:00).