Arrive at Narita/Haneda, take airport express to central Tokyo and check in. Many hotels allow early luggage drop; full check-in times are generally 2:00pm–3:00pm so plan light morning exploring if rooms aren't ready.
Visit Tokyo's oldest temple and stroll Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and street snacks; Senso-ji grounds are open daily (typically early morning to evening).
Classic tempura bowls in Asakusa; popular and usually open from ~11:00am to 8:00pm, expect a queue at peak lunch times. Great introduction to Japanese comfort food.
Shop and view from the Skytree for city panoramas; observation deck tickets and tower open hours are typically 9:00am–9:00pm — check ticket slots and reserve if possible.
Head to Shinjuku for bustling streets, department stores, and quick shopping; many stores open ~10:00am and close ~8:00pm, nightlife ramps up after sunset.
Experience an atmospheric small-plates izakaya alley near Shinjuku; most izakayas open around 5:00pm and stay open late, perfect for sampling yakitori and local drinks.
Sample fresh sushi, tamago, and street snacks at Tsukiji Outer Market; many stalls open from early morning until mid-afternoon (roughly 7:00am–2:00pm).
Walk the tranquil gardens and see the palace moats; gardens are typically open 9:00am–4:30pm (closed on Mondays/Fridays or special dates—check before visiting).
Explore multi-floor electronics stores, anime shops and themed cafés in Akihabara; shops usually open ~10:00am and popular specialty stores stay open until 8:00–9:00pm.
Try a themed café for a uniquely Japanese pop-culture experience; most cafes operate from late morning to late evening—reservations recommended for weekends.
Stroll Ueno Park (great if in autumn) and choose a museum (Tokyo National Museum or National Science Museum). Museums typically open 9:30am–5:00pm and close one weekday—confirm specific museum hours.
Finish the day with sushi or modern Japanese in Ginza; many mid-range restaurants operate from 11:30am–2:30pm and 5:30pm–10:30pm—reserve for quieter seating.
Immersive digital art museum—book timed-entry in advance; typical opening hours are 10:00am–7:00pm but confirm before visiting and expect 1–2 hour visits.
Experience the famous scramble crossing and head up to Shibuya Sky observation deck for sunset views; Shibuya Sky usually opens 10:00am–10:00pm with reservation options.
Pick a specialist tonkatsu or ramen shop for a hearty dinner; many ramen shops are open late (some 11:00pm or later) while tonkatsu restaurants often close by 10:00pm.
Board Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku (~85–120 min) or take JR + local lines; reserve Romancecar seats in advance for comfort. Travel windows: morning departures are frequent.
World-class sculpture park with indoor exhibits; open 9:00am–5:00pm (extended hours seasonally). Great for art, family-friendly and photogenic outdoors.
Ride the ropeway for volcanic valley views (Owakudani) and check volcanic activity notes—ropeway typically runs 9:00am–5:00pm but may close in high wind or volcanic alerts, so confirm on the day.
Take a scenic pirate-ship cruise on Lake Ashi and visit Hakone Shrine by the shore; cruises generally operate from 9:00am–5:00pm depending on season and weather.
Check into a ryokan and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner followed by onsen bathing—ryokan meals are served at set times (often 6:00–8:00pm) so confirm with the property.
Return to Odawara or small Hakone station and board the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto (~2h15–2h30). Reserve seats or use JR Pass if available; trains run frequently throughout the day.
Walk the historic streets up to Kiyomizu-dera for panoramic city views and traditional lanes; temple grounds typically open ~6:00am–6:00pm but confirm seasonal hours.
Look for traditional wooden machiya houses and possible geisha sightings; dine at a local kaiseki or izakaya in Gion (many open for dinner from 5:00pm onward).
Go early to beat crowds at the bamboo grove and visit Tenryu-ji temple and its gardens; Tenryu-ji typically opens around 8:30am–9:00am and gardens close late afternoon.
Short hike to view wild macaques and city views—park hours often 9:00am–4:30pm and there is a small admission fee; good for families and nature lovers.
Walk the famous torii gate pathway; shrine grounds are open 24 hours so you can visit late afternoon or after sunset for a more atmospheric experience.
Dine in Pontocho where narrow lanes feature a variety of dining options including yakitori, kaiseki and contemporary Japanese; many restaurants open for dinner from 5:00pm onward.
Short JR or Kintetsu train ride (~35–50 minutes) to Nara for a morning of temples and parkland; early trains run frequently and are ideal to beat crowds.
Walk the park among friendly, free-roaming deer and buy deer crackers from nearby stalls; sellers are usually open from morning through late afternoon.
Explore neon-lit Dotonbori, sample street food like takoyaki and kushikatsu, and shop along Shinsaibashi; many shops and restaurants open into late night (some until midnight).
Visit the historic castle and its museum; Osaka Castle Museum generally opens 9:00am–5:00pm (check for special closures). Enjoy the surrounding park in autumn foliage.
Take a JR Special Rapid or Shinkansen for roughly 50–80 minutes to Himeji—early trains allow you to see the castle before crowds. Check the castle opening hours which are generally 9:00am–5:00pm.
Visit Japan's best-preserved castle and adjacent Koko-en garden; castle admission and garden hours typically run 9:00am–5:00pm though seasonal changes can occur.
Enjoy regional lunch near the station—many eateries and bento shops serve from 11:00am through afternoon, making for an easy midday meal before returning to Osaka.
Head back to Osaka for final shopping, department store strolls or a last walk along Dotonbori; stores commonly open 10:00am–9:00pm but check closing times for specific malls.
If departing tonight, take the airport express (Haruka) from Tennoji or Shin-Osaka; otherwise return to your hotel and prepare for departure the next day. Check train schedules and flight check-in times.