Pick up a Suica at airport or major station to make trains/buses and small purchases easier — typically a JPY2,000 top-up (includes JPY500 deposit). Essential for moving around Tokyo with four people.
Sample fresh sashimi or a grilled seafood breakfast at stalls and small restaurants; markets typically open early (many stalls open by 7–9am). Check individual stall hours — some open later.
Historic temple with the bustling Nakamise shopping street — great for photos and souvenirs; the temple grounds are open daily (usually sunrise to sunset) and free to enter.
Classic tempura bowl famous in Asakusa; expect a queue but authentic flavour — open roughly 11:00am–8:00pm. Good introduction to classic Japanese comfort food.
Stroll the park and pop through Ameyoko for street food, snacks and bargain shopping — shops usually open 10:00am onward. Great for casual exploring and photos.
Head up for sunset city views — observation deck hours commonly around 9:00am–9:00pm but can vary; reserve tickets if you want a specific timeslot. Iconic skyline viewing.
Try yakitori and shared plates at a local izakaya for an easy introduction to Japanese pub food — many places open until late evening; lively group-friendly atmosphere.
Grab a Harajuku-style crepe or a café breakfast on Takeshita Street; many small shops open from about 10:00am, but cafés can open earlier during weekends. Fun, casual start for the group.
A calm Shinto shrine set in a large forested area — shrine grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, offering a peaceful contrast to busy Harajuku and a chance to see traditional ceremonies.
Afuri is known for yuzu-shio ramen — light and refreshing — while Torikizoku is an affordable chain good for groups. Both are open lunchtime hours from ~11:00am to late evening.
Explore designer stores and architecturally interesting buildings along Omotesando — great for strolling, photography and a coffee stop in one of the many cafés.
Experience the famous scramble crossing and visit the Hachiko statue — busy at all times and iconic for group photos; best viewed from any nearby café or the modern Shibuya crossing views.
Fun and budget-friendly conveyor/touchscreen sushi where plates arrive at high speed; open into the evening and great for groups who want variety and speed.
Try a private karaoke room (open late) or visit a local bar for drinks — many venues stay open until midnight or later, perfect for a lively night with friends.
Immersive digital art installation where visitors walk through water and light — check specific location hours (commonly 10:00am–7:00pm) and book timed tickets in advance for groups.
Choose from mall food courts or themed restaurants with bay views — many outlets open 11:00am–9:00pm, offering diverse options for all tastes in your group.
Walk along the waterfront for great skyline and bridge photos; ideal before evening lighting — public spaces open 24/7, but sunset times vary seasonally.
Whimsical studio Ghibli exhibition in Mitaka — tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific entry time; museum opens mornings (often 10:00am) and closes in late afternoon, closed some weekdays.
Kichijoji offers relaxed cafés and local izakayas close to the Ghibli Museum; a good spot to unwind after the museum visit with numerous options open midday.
Explore multi-floor electronics stores, anime shops and game arcades; many shops open from 10:00am to 9:00pm, perfect for hobbyist browsing and buying souvenirs.
Experience tiny themed bars and narrow alleys — bars open in the evening (often from early evening to late night); a unique nightlife experience for a small-group bar crawl.
Take a morning bullet train for a comfortable 2–2.5 hour journey; reserve seats if possible. Typical reserved-seat fare is around JPY14,000 per person.
Iconic shrine famous for its thousands of red torii gates — open 24 hours, so late-afternoon or evening visits can be quieter. Walk as much of the trail as the group prefers.
Stroll the historic Gion district and dine in Pontocho alley (many restaurants open for dinner from 5:00pm); watch for geiko/maiko sightings at dusk. Book if you want a specific kaiseki experience.
Beat the crowds with an early walk through the bamboo grove, then visit Tenryu-ji (temple hours often 8:30am–5:00pm). Scenic riverside views and peaceful temple gardens.
Sample local snacks and buy food souvenirs at Nishiki Market (shops typically open 9:00am–5:00pm) or explore the modern Kyoto Station complex for shops and viewpoints.
Book ahead for a kaiseki experience if your group wants a multi-course traditional meal; otherwise, small izakayas and yakitori spots are good for casual group dining.
Historic hilltop temple with timber stage and panoramic views; temple hours usually 6:00am–6:00pm. Wander the preserved streets below for traditional shops and snacks.
Historic shogun’s castle with ornate interiors and large grounds — visiting hours often 8:45am–4:00pm (confirm close times) and a good cultural contrast to temple visits.
Book a short tea ceremony or drop into a matcha café to taste traditional green tea and sweets — many places take reservations; alternatives are walk-in cafés operating into the evening.
Explore the lively Dotonbori area and sample Osaka specialties from street stalls or small restaurants — many venues open late into the night, ideal for groups who love food.
Spend the day at USJ for rides, shows and themed zones (Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic Park). Park hours vary (commonly 8:30am–8:00pm); buy tickets and Express Passes in advance to reduce waits for a group of four.
Choose between eateries in CityWalk or head back to Namba/Dotonbori for more nightlife and dinner options — many restaurants stay open late to accommodate visitors.
Calm breakfast to pack and prepare for departure — cafés and hotel breakfasts typically start service from 7:00–9:00am depending on your accommodation.
Pick up final souvenirs, electronics or snacks in Namba or Nipponbashi (Den Den Town) — stores commonly open from 10:00am and are perfect for last-minute purchases.
If your flight is later, consider Spa World or a public onsen experience to relax before travel — Spa World hours typically run from morning to late evening; check last-entry times.
Allow ample time for transit and check-in — train or airport limousine bus connections vary (approx. 50–75 minutes to KIX from central Osaka). Factor in luggage and customs time for international flights.