Start at Tokyo Station, allowing about an hour to get oriented after your arrival. The vast station can feel like a city of its own, so take your time finding the Marunouchi side and the plaza outside; station staff and information counters can help with directions. If you’re arriving with luggage, ask your hotel about holding bags before sightseeing, or use the station’s lockers if you’re comfortable managing them.
From the plaza, stroll along Marunouchi Naka-dōri for about 45 minutes. This broad, pleasantly walkable avenue is lined with shops, cafés, and mature trees, and it’s an easy introduction to central Tokyo without needing to cover much ground. Then spend about an hour at KITTE Marunouchi, the beautifully renovated former central post office beside the station. Browse the shops at your own pace and head up to the rooftop garden for a close-up view of the station building and trains below; shops generally open around 11 a.m., though hours vary.
For a relaxed first evening, have dinner at Nadaman at Shangri-La Tokyo, near the station. Expect polished Japanese cooking and attentive hotel service, with meals typically around ¥8,000–¥15,000 per person; reserve ahead, especially for dinner, and check the restaurant’s current hours and menu when booking. It’s a comfortable choice after a long flight, and you can keep the rest of the evening free to settle in.
Start early at Sensō-ji in Asakusa, ideally around 8:00, before tour groups fill the temple grounds. The grounds are open around the clock, though the main hall typically opens at 6:00 in April; allow about 90 minutes to see the hall and surrounding buildings at an unhurried pace. Then wander Nakamise-dōri on your way back toward the gate. Many stalls open around 10:00, so if you arrive earlier, enjoy the quieter street first and return to browse snacks and souvenirs as the shops open. Try a freshly made ningyō-yaki cake, but save room for lunch.
For lunch, Asakusa Imahan Kokusai-dori Honten is a classic choice for sukiyaki; budget roughly ¥5,000–¥10,000 per person, and reserve ahead if you can. Afterward, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line from Asakusa to Ueno (about five minutes), then enjoy a relaxed walk through Ueno Park. Finish at the Tokyo National Museum, where it’s more rewarding to choose a few galleries—such as Japanese painting, samurai arms, or ceramics—than to try to see everything. The museum is generally open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30–17:00, with last entry at 16:30; check the schedule before setting out. Allow about two hours, and take a café break in the park if your feet need a rest.
Begin around 8:00 at Meiji Jingu, where the broad, wooded approach feels a world away from the city. The shrine grounds open early and are free; allow about 90 minutes for the walk and a quiet visit. From the Harajuku side, continue on foot to Omotesando—roughly 15 minutes. The avenue is lovely for its architecture and tree-lined sidewalks, though many shops don’t open until 11:00, so enjoy the street first and browse as places open.
Walk about 15 minutes to the Nezu Museum. It usually opens 10:00–17:00, with last entry around 16:30, and is closed Mondays; admission is typically around ¥1,500–¥2,000. Give yourself about 90 minutes for the collection and its peaceful garden, where there are benches for a proper rest. Then head to Maisen Aoyama Honten for tonkatsu—allow about ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. It’s a popular spot, so expect a possible wait at peak lunch time; a later lunch after your museum visit may be easier.
Take the train from Omotesando or walk about 25 minutes to Shibuya Sky; the deck is at Shibuya Scramble Square, directly above Shibuya Station. Reserve a timed entry in advance, ideally near sunset, and allow about 90 minutes. April sunset is around 18:00, though the exact time varies—check the forecast, since the outdoor roof may close in strong wind or rain. The full day involves plenty of walking, so comfortable shoes and a short café stop between the museum and lunch will help keep the pace enjoyable.
After arriving at Hakone-Yumoto around late morning, continue on the Hakone Tozan Railway to Chōkoku-no-Mori Station; the ride takes roughly 35 minutes. Leave large bags at the station or arrange luggage delivery to your ryokan so you can enjoy the day hands-free. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, allow about two hours for the outdoor sculptures and indoor galleries, taking breaks as needed. It’s open daily, generally 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; admission is about ¥2,000.
From the museum, Gōra Park is uphill—around a 15–20-minute walk—so a short taxi ride is a kinder choice if you’d rather save your energy. Allow about an hour to stroll the gardens; admission is roughly ¥650, and hours are generally 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Then head to Gōra Brewery & Grill, in a former railway building, for a leisurely meal. Budget about ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person; check current hours and reserve ahead if you can, as restaurant schedules can vary.
Take a taxi from Gōra to Hakone Kowakien Tenyu in Kowakudani—a practical option after a full day, especially with luggage. Settle in, then enjoy the ryokan’s hot-spring baths and dinner; reserve dinner with your room and check in advance about stairs, bathing access, and any mobility needs. If you prefer another property, choose a Hakone ryokan with easy transport and confirm its dinner arrangements before booking.
After arriving in Kyoto, drop your bags at the hotel or use the station’s luggage storage, then head to central Kyoto by taxi or subway; allow around 15–20 minutes, depending on your hotel. Aim for Nishiki Market by early afternoon: its covered lane is lively, but individual stalls keep different hours and many wind down around 5 p.m. Give yourselves about 90 minutes to browse and sample things such as pickles, grilled seafood, and tamagoyaki. It’s a narrow, busy street, so take it slowly and step aside to eat rather than walking with food.
From the market, wander over to the nearby Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades for an easy hour of browsing—everything from Kyoto crafts to everyday shops, with plenty of places to pause. Then have a casual dinner at Ippudo Nishikikoji, a convenient choice for tonkotsu ramen; budget roughly ¥1,500–¥2,500 per person, and expect a possible queue at peak dinner time.
Finish with a gentle 45-minute stroll along Pontocho Alley, the atmospheric narrow lane between the downtown streets and the Kamo River. It’s especially lovely as lanterns come on; the lane is uneven and can be crowded, so comfortable shoes and an unhurried pace help. If you’d like a riverside pause afterward, the riverbank is just steps away.
Take a taxi to Kiyomizu-dera for opening at 6:00 a.m.; an early start means cooler, quieter paths and fewer tour groups. Allow about 1½ hours, including time to pause for the hillside views. Admission is roughly ¥500. The approach and temple grounds involve slopes and steps, so take them at your own pace and wear shoes with good grip.
From the temple, follow the historic lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka downhill, leaving about 1½ hours to browse the traditional shopfronts and take breaks at a café if you like. Continue to Kodaiji Temple for its gardens and historic buildings; allow another 1½ hours, and expect some uneven paths. From there, it’s a short walk to Gion Tanto for Kyoto-style okonomiyaki—budget about ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. It’s a popular, relaxed spot, so arrive near opening or be prepared to wait; check its hours before setting out.
Finish at Yasaka Shrine, roughly a 10-minute walk from the restaurant. The grounds are free and open at all hours, so you can wander for about 45 minutes without rushing. If your feet are ready for a break, taxis are easy to find along the main roads around Gion; otherwise, stroll through the neighborhood and stop for tea before heading back to your hotel.
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama (about 15 minutes), then walk roughly 10 minutes to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Go around 7:30 a.m. for a calmer stroll; the path is free and open at all hours, though it gets busy later in the morning. Allow about 45 minutes, taking your time on the uneven path. Continue to Tenryu-ji when it opens at 8:30 a.m. Its garden is the highlight and makes a lovely, unhurried visit; garden admission is about ¥500, with an additional fee for the temple buildings.
Walk about 15 minutes to Togetsukyo Bridge and enjoy the river and mountain views from the banks—there’s no need to cross the whole bridge to get a good look. Allow around 45 minutes, and take a seat if you’d like a rest. For lunch, Shigetsu, inside Tenryu-ji, serves shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Expect about ¥4,000–¥6,000 per person; reserve ahead if possible, and check its opening schedule before setting out, as service hours can be limited.
Finish at Okochi Sanso Garden, reached on foot in about 10 minutes from the bamboo grove entrance. Its hillside paths offer quieter garden views and a welcome change of pace; allow around 1½ hours, including time for tea. Admission is about ¥1,000 and typically includes tea and a small sweet. The garden is generally open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; paths include slopes and steps, so wear comfortable shoes and take the visit at your own pace. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, trains return to Kyoto Station in about 15 minutes.
After breakfast, take the JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station—about 30 minutes, with no reservation needed. Check your bags at the hotel or use station storage, then continue to Osaka Castle by taxi or Osaka Metro; allow roughly 30–40 minutes from the station, depending on the route. Give the castle grounds and museum about two hours, with a bench break along the way. The museum is generally open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30; closed some days), and admission is around ¥1,200; the surrounding park is free.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the Osaka Museum of History, just across from the castle park. Allow about 1½ hours for the exhibits and the excellent upper-floor views back toward the castle. It is usually open 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30; closed Tuesdays), with admission around ¥600. Afterward, take the Chūō and Midosuji subway lines toward Namba, or use a taxi if you’d rather save your legs; the ride is roughly 20–30 minutes.
Have an early dinner at Ajinoya Honten in Namba, a well-loved spot for Osaka-style okonomiyaki. Expect about ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, and be prepared for a queue at peak dinner time; an earlier meal is easier on a full sightseeing day. Then stroll Dōtonbori for about an hour, taking in the canal, bright signs, and lively side streets. The central promenade is easy to wander at your own pace, and there’s no need to cover it all—choose a comfortable stretch, pause for a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Take a morning train so you reach Hiroshima with most of the day ahead. Leave your bags at the hotel or in station storage, then head to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park; the tram from Hiroshima Station takes about 20 minutes to the Peace Memorial Park area. Give the grounds around 1½ hours, moving at a reflective pace and allowing time to pause at the memorials.
Continue to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for about two hours. It can be emotionally demanding, so leave a little breathing room afterward; check the museum’s official hours before setting out, as closing times vary by season. Admission is typically around ¥200. When you’re ready for lunch, walk or take a short taxi ride to Okonomimura in Nagarekawa. Choose a counter seat and watch the cooks make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki; budget roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person.
Finish at Shukkeien Garden, a short taxi ride from Nagarekawa or around 20 minutes on foot. Allow about an hour for the winding paths and pond views; the garden generally closes at 18:00 in April, with admission around ¥260, so aim to arrive by 16:30. Wear comfortable shoes—the paths are uneven in places—and take the rest of the evening slowly after a full, meaningful day.
Leave Hiroshima Station early and take the JR Sanyō Line to Miyajimaguchi (about 25 minutes); trains run frequently, and an IC card works. From the station, follow signs to the ferry terminal and take the roughly 10-minute crossing to Miyajima. Check ferry service and the shrine’s tide table before setting out: the waterfront looks quite different at high and low tide. Visit Itsukushima Shrine first and allow about 1½ hours; admission is around ¥300, and arriving early helps you enjoy the famous waterfront setting before the busiest tour groups.
Spend about an hour browsing Omotesandō Shopping Street for local crafts, grilled oysters and momiji manju, the island’s maple-leaf-shaped cakes. Then take the ferry back to Miyajimaguchi for Anagomeshi Ueno, known for conger eel over rice; budget roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, and expect a possible queue. One important date check: April 14, 2027, is a Wednesday, and Ueno may close on Wednesdays, so confirm its opening directly before building the day around lunch.
Return by ferry to Miyajima and make your way to Daishō-in Temple for an unhurried visit of about 1½ hours. Its halls and hillside paths offer a quieter change of pace after the busy shopping street; allow extra time for steps and uneven walking surfaces. Keep an eye on the last ferry that suits your plans, and give yourselves a little buffer for the return train to Hiroshima.
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