Land, clear immigration, and take limousine bus or airport train to central Tokyo; check into your hotel and drop bags to start exploring. Allow 1.5–3 hours depending on arrival and transfer method.
Walk through Kaminarimon and Nakamise-dori to Senso-ji temple — historic and atmospheric, open daily (temple grounds open 24/7; main hall typically 6:00–17:00). Great first-visit experience for classic Tokyo.
Optional panoramic views from Skytree (typically 8:00–10:00pm; tower hours vary) or a riverside stroll for skyline and local boat tours. Prebook Skytree tickets if you plan to go up.
Sample fresh sushi, tamago, grilled seafood and small bites at stalls and restaurants; market stalls typically operate mornings until early afternoon (5:00–14:00 for many vendors).
Stroll upscale Ginza boutiques and see Kabuki theatre exterior; Kabuki performances run on scheduled dates — check showtimes if interested. Window shopping and department stores open ~10:00–20:00.
Walk the forested approach to Meiji Jingu (typically 5:00–18:00) then stroll Takeshita-dori for youth culture and sweets; good contrast of tranquil shrine and energetic Harajuku.
Scenic boat cruise across Lake Ashi and ropeway to see volcanic Owakudani views; ropeway hours usually 9:00–16:00 but can close for wind — check day-of.
Short ferry ride to the island to see the famous floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine; shrine hours typically 6:30–18:00 depending on season and tides.
Direct Shinkansen (Nozomi) takes ~4h; consider morning departure to arrive Tokyo mid-afternoon. If using JR Pass, use Hikari or Sakura services (slightly slower).
Drop bags and choose between electronics/otaku culture in Akihabara or luxury shopping in Ginza depending on interests; shops typically open 10:00–20:00.
Leave early to allow time for airport transfer, luggage checks and security; aim to arrive at Narita ~3 hours before departure for international flights, 2 hours for Haneda.