Japan Highlights: Tokyo and Kyoto with Narita Departure
HND arrival and Tokyo highlights
- Haneda Airport to Asakusa — HND to Asakusa; late morning, ~1 hour including immigration and transit, then leave luggage at your hotel.
- Senso-ji — Asakusa; late morning, ~1.5 hours, Tokyo’s atmospheric Buddhist temple complex and Kaminarimon Gate.
- Nakamise-dori — Asakusa; midday, ~45 minutes, browse traditional snacks and souvenirs on the approach to Senso-ji.
- Asakusa Imahan — Asakusa; lunch, ~1 hour, classic sukiyaki with approximately ¥4,000–¥8,000 per person.
- Tokyo Skytree — Sumida; afternoon, ~2 hours, enjoy expansive city views from Japan’s tallest tower.
- Hoppy Street — Asakusa; evening, ~1 hour, sample casual izakaya food and drinks in a lively local setting.
Late Morning: Haneda to Asakusa
After immigration and baggage claim at Haneda Airport, allow roughly an hour to reach Asakusa by the Keikyu Line through-service toward Asakusa Station; trains are frequent, and the ride is usually about 35–45 minutes depending on the service. Leave your luggage at the hotel, then begin around Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Walk through Kaminarimon Gate, look up at its enormous lantern, and continue into the temple precinct for the incense burner, five-story pagoda, and the main hall. The grounds are generally open all day, with the main hall typically open from around 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours can vary seasonally.
Midday: Nakamise-dori and Lunch
Take your time along Nakamise-dori, the pedestrian shopping street leading from Kaminarimon to Senso-ji. It is touristy but still worthwhile for ningyō-yaki cakes, rice crackers, melonpan, and small traditional souvenirs; browse first and eat as you go, since many stalls do not want food carried while walking. For lunch, settle in at Asakusa Imahan, a long-established restaurant known for sukiyaki. Expect approximately ¥4,000–¥8,000 per person for lunch, and reserve if possible; otherwise, arrive early to improve your chances of a table.
Afternoon and Evening: Skytree to Hoppy Street
From Asakusa Imahan, walk or take the Tobu Skytree Line one stop to Tokyo Skytree—walking takes about 20–25 minutes and gives you a pleasant look at the quieter Sumida riverside. Allow around two hours for the Tembo Deck and, if visibility is good, the higher Tembo Galleria; advance tickets commonly begin around ¥2,100–¥3,100 depending on the deck and date, with online reservations useful on weekends. Return to Asakusa for the evening and wander Hoppy Street, where compact izakaya serve grilled skewers, stewed dishes, and inexpensive drinks beneath the arcades. A ¥2,000–¥3,500 budget is comfortable for a casual stop; many places are small, smoky, and cash-friendly, so choose a lively counter rather than trying to plan too precisely.
Tokyo markets and Meiji Shrine
- Tsukiji Outer Market — Tsukiji; morning, ~2 hours, explore food stalls and enjoy a fresh sushi or seafood breakfast.
- Hamarikyu Gardens — Shiodome; late morning, ~1.5 hours, stroll through a historic landscape garden beside Tokyo Bay.
- Bills Omotesando — Omotesando; lunch, ~1 hour, relaxed café dining with approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person.
- Meiji Shrine — Harajuku; afternoon, ~1.5 hours, walk through the forested grounds of Tokyo’s most celebrated Shinto shrine.
- Takeshita Street — Harajuku; late afternoon, ~1 hour, browse youth fashion, sweets, and colorful specialty shops.
- Shibuya Crossing — Shibuya; evening, ~1.5 hours, experience Tokyo’s iconic crossing and explore the surrounding streets.
Morning
Start early at Tsukiji Outer Market, ideally around 8:00–8:30 AM, when the lanes are lively but not yet at their most crowded. Spend about two hours grazing through tamagoyaki, grilled seafood, fruit, and a sushi breakfast—Sushizanmai Honten is an easy, reliable choice, though queues can form. The market’s individual stalls keep different hours, commonly opening around 7:00 AM and winding down by early afternoon, so bring cash and avoid rolling luggage through the narrow lanes. From Tsukiji Station, walk or take the short subway hop toward Shiodome, then enter Hamarikyu Gardens; allow roughly 20 minutes door to door. The garden usually opens at 9:00 AM, costs about ¥300, and is especially pleasant around the tidal pond and traditional teahouse. Give yourself around 90 minutes for a relaxed circuit.
Lunch and Afternoon
From Hamarikyu Gardens, walk through Shiodome to Shimbashi and take the Yamanote Line or Ginza Line toward Omotesando, allowing about 25–30 minutes including the walk and transfer. Have lunch at Bills Omotesando, on the quieter side of Omotesando, where the ricotta hotcakes and savory brunch plates make a good mid-day reset; expect roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, and check the current opening hours or reserve if visiting at peak lunch time. Afterward, walk about 15 minutes to Meiji Shrine through the broad, tree-lined approach. The shrine grounds are free and generally open from sunrise until sunset, but the forested paths feel markedly calmer if you arrive before late afternoon. Spend about 90 minutes here, keeping voices low around the main shrine buildings and watching for ceremonies.
Late Afternoon and Evening
Exit toward Harajuku and wander Takeshita Street, best treated as a people-watching stroll rather than a focused shopping trip. It is usually busiest after school and on weekends; try a crepe or flavored cotton candy, but keep bags close in the dense crowds. Continue south on foot for about 20 minutes to Shibuya Crossing, arriving around dusk when the surrounding signs begin to glow. Watch the crossing from the Shibuya Scramble Square observation deck if you want a high view—advance tickets are recommended—or simply join the flow from the street-level corners. Allow the rest of the evening to explore the nearby backstreets around Center-gai and Miyashita Park, with dinner chosen spontaneously; from Shibuya Station, the Yamanote, Ginza, and Fukutoshin lines make returning to most Tokyo neighborhoods straightforward.
Kyoto temples and traditional streets
- Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto — Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station; early morning, ~2 hours 15 minutes, reserve seats and depart around 7:30–8:00 AM.
- Kiyomizu-dera — Higashiyama; late morning, ~1.5 hours, visit Kyoto’s famous hillside temple and wooden veranda.
- Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka — Higashiyama; midday, ~1.5 hours, wander atmospheric preserved lanes lined with crafts and sweets.
- Gion Karyo — Gion; lunch, ~1.5 hours, enjoy refined Kyoto cuisine for approximately ¥5,000–¥10,000 per person.
- Yasaka Shrine — Gion; afternoon, ~45 minutes, visit one of Kyoto’s most important and accessible Shinto shrines.
- Hanamikoji Street — Gion; early evening, ~1 hour, stroll the traditional geisha district respectfully before dinner.
Late Morning: Kiyomizu-dera
Arrive at Kyoto Station in the late morning and take a taxi to Kiyomizu-dera—about 15–20 minutes, traffic permitting—or use the city bus if you prefer to save money. Taxis are worthwhile today because the Higashiyama streets are uphill and you’ll be carrying luggage; leave larger bags at your hotel or Kyoto Station lockers. Allow around 1½ hours for the temple, including the approach up Matsubara-dori. The main hall’s wooden veranda has superb views across Kyoto, while the temple grounds and seasonal trees are worth exploring at an unhurried pace. Admission is generally around ¥400–¥500, and opening hours are typically from 6:00 AM until early evening, though specific buildings can vary.
Midday: Higashiyama and Lunch
From Kiyomizu-dera, walk downhill through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two of Kyoto’s prettiest preserved lanes. Give yourself about 1½ hours for small craft shops, matcha sweets, ceramics, and photo stops, but keep to the side of the narrow streets and avoid blocking doorways. Continue toward Gion Karyo for lunch; depending on the exact route, it is roughly a 15–20-minute walk. This is a good place for a polished Kyoto-style meal—expect approximately ¥5,000–¥10,000 per person, with lunch menus usually better value than dinner. Reserve ahead if possible, arrive on time, and allow about 90 minutes rather than trying to rush through the courses.
Afternoon and Early Evening: Yasaka Shrine and Gion
After lunch, walk about 10 minutes to Yasaka Shrine, entering through the bright vermilion gate and spending roughly 45 minutes among the shrine buildings and open grounds. There is no general admission fee, and the complex is accessible throughout the day; the surrounding Maruyama Park makes a pleasant brief detour if you want shade and a quieter pause. From there, continue west into Hanamikoji Street for an early-evening stroll. Allow about an hour to admire the traditional machiya façades and lantern-lit lanes, remembering that this is a working neighborhood: do not photograph geiko or maiko without permission, and stay out of private alleys. Shops and cafés begin closing in the early evening, so enjoy the atmosphere rather than expecting a late-night shopping district; return to your accommodation by taxi or walk toward the nearest Keihan station for onward travel.
Fushimi Inari and Nishiki Market
- Fushimi Inari Taisha — Fushimi; early morning, ~2.5 hours, hike beneath thousands of vermilion torii gates before the crowds arrive.
- Vermillion - espresso bar & insight — Fushimi Inari; late morning, ~45 minutes, take a coffee break near the shrine with approximately ¥600–¥1,500 per person.
- Tofuku-ji — Southeastern Kyoto; late morning, ~1.5 hours, admire a major Zen temple and its distinctive garden spaces.
- Nishiki Market — Downtown Kyoto; lunch, ~2 hours, sample Kyoto specialties and browse the city’s historic food market.
- Kyoto International Manga Museum — Karasuma-Oike; afternoon, ~1.5 hours, enjoy an engaging indoor experience showcasing manga history and culture.
- Pontocho Alley — Downtown Kyoto; evening, ~1 hour, explore one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric dining lanes.
Early Morning: Fushimi Inari Taisha
Begin around 7:00 AM at Fushimi Inari Taisha, when the lower shrine grounds are still wonderfully quiet. The shrine is open 24 hours and has no admission fee, so you can start before shops and cafés open. Walk through the first dense stretch of vermilion torii gates, then continue uphill as far as you like; reaching the summit takes roughly 90 minutes each way, but the best atmosphere is often in the quieter middle sections. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and allow about 2½ hours. Afterward, take a short break at Vermillion - espresso bar & insight, near the shrine, for a well-made coffee and light refreshment—budget approximately ¥600–¥1,500 per person. It generally opens in the morning, but check its current hours before setting out, as Kyoto cafés sometimes adjust schedules.
Late Morning: Tofuku-ji and Nishiki Market
From Fushimi Inari Taisha, walk about 15–20 minutes or take the JR Nara Line one stop from Inari Station to Tofukuji Station, then walk roughly 10 minutes to Tofuku-ji. Give the Zen temple around 1½ hours, including the striking Hojo Garden and the temple’s broad wooden corridors; admission is typically about ¥500–¥1,000 depending on which garden or hall is open. Continue by train or taxi toward Nishiki Market—the taxi is convenient if you are tired, while the Keihan Line from Tofukuji Station toward Gion-Shijo puts you within an easy walk of downtown. Spend about two hours grazing through the market’s pickles, yuba, soy doughnuts, grilled seafood, and seasonal Kyoto sweets. Most stalls operate roughly 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, though individual vendors close on Wednesdays or sell out early, and it is polite to eat purchases near the stall rather than while walking.
Afternoon and Evening: Manga and Pontocho Alley
After lunch, walk or take the Karasuma Subway Line from Shijo Station to Karasuma-Oike Station for the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Plan about 1½ hours inside; it is an easy rainy-day stop with extensive Japanese-language collections, English selections, historical exhibits, and occasional demonstrations. Admission is generally around ¥1,200, and the museum is usually open 10:30 AM–5:30 PM, with last entry around 5:00 PM; it is commonly closed on Wednesdays, so verify the 2026 calendar before committing. In the evening, return toward the Kamo River and wander Pontocho Alley, best experienced after dusk when lanterns begin glowing along the narrow lane. Browse quietly, then choose a welcoming izakaya or casual Kyoto restaurant rather than assuming every door accepts walk-ins; dinner prices range from roughly ¥2,000 per person for casual food to considerably more at traditional establishments.
NRT departure to Seattle on Alaska Airlines
- Kyoto Station to Narita Airport via Tokaido Shinkansen and Narita Express — Kyoto to NRT; depart approximately 7:00 AM, ~4.5–5 hours total, reserve luggage-friendly seats and allow at least 3 hours before the international flight.
- Naritasan Shinshoji Temple — Narita; late morning if flight timing allows, ~1.5 hours, visit the grand temple complex near the airport.
- Omotesando Street, Narita — Narita; midday, ~1 hour, browse traditional shops and have grilled eel or another local lunch for approximately ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person.
- Narita International Airport — Narita; return to the terminal by approximately 2:00–3:00 PM, complete check-in and security for the Alaska Airlines departure to Seattle.
Early Morning: Kyoto to Narita Airport
Leave Kyoto Station around 7:00 AM for the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Narita Express (N’EX) for Narita International Airport. Allow roughly 4½–5 hours door to door, including the Tokyo transfer, and reserve seats with luggage space in advance through SmartEX and JR-EAST Train Reservation. This is only practical if your Alaska Airlines flight departs late enough to leave at least three hours for check-in, security, and U.S.-bound departure formalities. If your flight is earlier, skip sightseeing and go directly to the airport; keep passports, tickets, and valuables in a small day bag during the transfers.
Late Morning: Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
If you arrive at Narita Station with a comfortable buffer—ideally no later than about 11:00 AM—store luggage in a station locker or use the airport’s baggage-storage counters, then take the short walk to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The temple grounds are generally open from early morning until late afternoon or evening, with free access to the main complex; allow about 90 minutes for the pagoda, wooded paths, and atmospheric halls. The grounds are spacious, but the approach includes steps and uneven paving, so keep your walking shoes on and avoid carrying your full suitcase.
Midday: Omotesando Street and Departure
Walk downhill along Omotesando Street, the traditional approach lined with wooden storefronts, sweets shops, and small restaurants. This is a good final Japanese meal: look for grilled eel, a Narita specialty, at places such as Kawatoyo Honten, budgeting roughly ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person; queues can be substantial, so choose a shorter option if your flight schedule is tight. Return to Narita International Airport by train or taxi, aiming to be back at the terminal around 2:00–3:00 PM—or at least three hours before departure. Confirm whether your Alaska Airlines flight uses Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, then allow time for check-in, baggage drop, security, and outbound immigration before the flight to Seattle.
