Have a light, early breakfast at a reliable airport café (e.g., Adyar Café / Café Madras) to be ready for the long flight; they open early and serve South Indian and continental options.
Clear immigration and take the airport express or limousine bus to central Tokyo (Haneda is faster to inner Tokyo than Narita); plan 1–1.5 hours for transfer and check-in.
Try a nearby izakaya (e.g., Torikizoku or local ramen shop) for a casual first-night meal — many are open until late; good chance to try yakitori or ramen.
Meiji Jingu is a tranquil Shinto shrine set in a large forested park — ideal for a peaceful morning walk; shrine grounds generally open 5:00am–6:00pm (seasonal).
Try a conveyor-belt sushi spot or a popular tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurant for a quick, satisfying lunch; many restaurants list hours 11:00–15:00 and 17:00–22:00.
Stroll Ueno Park (beautiful if foliage is in season) and visit the Tokyo National Museum to see Japanese art and artifacts; museum hours typically 9:30am–5:00pm, closed Mondays.
If time permits, visit scenic Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji — bus and ropeway access; seasonal opening times vary, plan 2–3 hours for travel and viewing.
Explore sculptures set in nature with museum hours usually 9:00–17:00; it’s a relaxed, artistic way to enjoy the region with Mt. Fuji views on clear days.
Stay at a ryokan with an onsen to experience Japanese-style rooms and bathing; onsen usually available in the evening and early morning — confirm mixed/segregated rules.
Take shinkansen and possibly a transfer at Osaka or Shin-Osaka, then the Thunderbird limited express to Kanazawa; this is a travel-heavy day (~4–5 hours).
Choose immersive digital art at teamLab Planets (book tickets in advance) or panoramic views from Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (hours vary, often 10:00–22:00).