Clear immigration and take the Narita Express (N'EX) or airport limousine / Keikyu from Haneda to central Tokyo; check into your hotel and store luggage. Allows a smooth start and rest before an easy first stroll.
Visit Senso-ji (historic Buddhist temple) and stroll Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs; Senso-ji is typically open daily from early morning and is atmospheric in late afternoon. Great introduction to old Tokyo.
Casual izakaya dinner for yakitori, sashimi and local beers — authentic and lively. Most izakayas open from early evening; reservations help for groups.
Walk riverside near Asakusa or see illuminated Tokyo Skytree from outside (Skytree tower observation decks open ~8:00am–10:00pm; last entry times vary). A relaxed end to the travel day.
Enjoy fresh sushi or tamago tamago-yaki at the Tsukiji Outer Market; many stalls open early and start closing by early afternoon, so go morning. Great for seafood lovers.
Stroll the Edo-era landscaped Hamarikyu (usually open 9:00am–5:00pm) then take a sightseeing cruise up the Sumida River to Asakusa or Odaiba for photos and variety of views.
Visit Tokyo Skytree observation decks (open ~8:00am–10:00pm) for city views, or see immersive TeamLab Planets (check booked time slot; usually open 9:00–9:00). Both require ticket booking in advance for peak days.
Browse quirky fashion on Takeshita Street and the upscale Omotesando avenue; shops open ~11:00am but some open earlier for cafes. Great mix of youth culture and designer stores.
Experience the famous Shibuya scramble crossing and visit Hachiko statue; nearby shopping and viewpoints (e.g., Shibuya Sky observation deck open 9:00–23:00) offer great photos.
Take the Romancecar (approx 85–120 min) to Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara; if using Hakone Free Pass it covers many local transfers. Early departure maximizes time in Hakone.
Explore outdoor sculptures and hot-springs foot baths; museum generally open 9:00am–5:00pm (hours can vary seasonally). It's a unique art-in-nature experience.
Take a sightseeing pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi then the ropeway to Owakudani (ropeway typically 9:00–17:00; Owakudani access may be restricted if volcanic activity is high—check live status). Offers classic Hakone scenery.
Check into a ryokan and enjoy kaiseki (multi-course) dinner and communal or private onsen bathing; ryokan check-in usually mid-afternoon, dinner served around 6:30–8:00pm.
Enjoy a final onsen soak and breakfast at the ryokan before catching the train to Odawara and boarding the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto (approx 2–2.5 hours from Odawara).
Explore Gion’s historic streets and visit Yasaka Shrine (open all day), ideal in late afternoon as lanterns start to light up. Likely to see geisha heading to appointments in early evening.
Arrive early to walk through the bamboo grove before crowds; Tenryu-ji temple (generally open 8:30am–5:30pm) is nearby with beautiful gardens. Early morning light is best for photos.
Visit Kinkaku-ji, which is typically open 9:00am–5:00pm; the shining pavilion and reflection pond are iconic Kyoto images. Expect crowds so mid-afternoon is good.
Dine in Pontocho, a narrow alley with atmospheric riverside restaurants offering both traditional and modern cuisine; many open for dinner 5:00–10:00pm.
Start very early at Fushimi Inari to walk the torii pathway with minimal people; shrine grounds are open 24 hours, but inner facilities follow daylight hours. Early is best for photos.
Explore Nishiki Market for pickles, street food and Kyoto specialties; most shops open around 9:00–10:00am and close late afternoon. Great spot for snack-style lunch sampling.
Attend a short tea ceremony for a cultural immersion — many tea houses offer 45–60 minute sessions and require reservations. A calm, traditional afternoon activity.
Stroll Nara Park and interact with the friendly deer (buy deer crackers sold around the park). Park access is free though crackers cost a small fee; keep respectful distance.
Try kakinoha-zushi (pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf) or other local dishes; many lunch spots near the train station and Todaiji open 11:00–14:00.
Visit Osaka Castle (open 9:00am–5:00pm typical) and its museum for history and city views from the top floor. The park is pleasant for a mid-morning stroll.
If you want theme-park fun, USJ is a full-day option; buy timed-entry or express passes in advance. Park hours vary (typically 9:00am–8:00pm) and crowds can be heavy.
Browse boutique shops in Amerikamura and large department stores in Namba; stores typically open 10:00–20:00 and offer everything from fashion to electronics.
Board the shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima for the Peace Park and museum; trains are frequent and comfortable. Consider reserving seats during busy travel periods.
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum (museum hours often 8:30am–6:00pm; check seasonally) to learn about Hiroshima’s history and peace efforts. Allocate 1.5–2 hours for the museum.
Take the short JR ferry to Miyajima Island to see the floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine (shrines open ~6:30am–6:00pm depending on season). Ferry runs frequently from Miyajimaguchi.
Stay in a ryokan on Miyajima for an evening atmosphere around the torii or return to Hiroshima for more dining choices; ryokan dinners need reservations and are served in the early evening.
See the shrine at low tide or high tide depending on timing; take the ropeway or hike Mount Misen for panoramic views (ropeway hours typically 9:00am–5:00pm, hiking is available at all times but safer daylight).
Return to the mainland, have a quick lunch in Hiroshima (try local oysters if in season), then prepare for onward travel to Okayama or directly back to Tokyo depending on pacing.
Option A: stop at Okayama to visit Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle (short visit). Option B: take a long shinkansen back to Tokyo today (approx 4–5 hours) to maximize your final days in Tokyo. Choose based on energy and departure logistics.
If in Okayama, try local fruit desserts or kurashiki dining; if in Tokyo already, enjoy a final metropolitan dinner near your hotel. Check restaurant hours (many open until 9–10pm).
If you returned to Tokyo the day before, use this morning for slower exploration; otherwise arrive by shinkansen and get settled. Good day to tackle neighborhoods you missed earlier.
Head to Odaiba for seaside views, shopping and digital art museums (TeamLab locations have varying hours and ticketing; check current open status). Odaiba offers sunlit walks and evening illuminations.
Treat yourself to a final memorable dinner in Tokyo: top sushi bar or a convivial izakaya crawl. Reserve if aiming for a popular sushi counter for dinner around 7:00–8:00pm.
Have a relaxed breakfast near your hotel and pick up last souvenirs (convenience stores and airport shops also carry many items). Allow time for transit to the airport.
Take the airport transfer (N'EX, Keisei Skyliner, or limousine bus) to arrive 2–3 hours before your international flight; check current airline check-in recommendations for timing.