The Hainan Airlines flight from Edinburgh Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport is the main event today, so keep the first evening deliberately light. After landing, allow around 1½–2½ hours for immigration, baggage and airport formalities, then roughly 45–75 minutes into central Beijing, depending on traffic. The Airport Express is usually the most predictable option if your hotel is near Dongzhimen; otherwise use the official taxi rank or a hotel-arranged car. Check-in and dropping bags can easily take another 2–3 hours after arrival, so don’t plan anything requiring a fixed entry time.
Once settled, take an easy walk along Wangfujing Street, where the bright department stores and pedestrian thoroughfare provide a gentle introduction to the city without demanding much energy. Allow about an hour, and treat the famous snack stalls as a look rather than an obligation—many are aimed at visitors and prices vary. From there, a taxi or metro ride to Jingshan Park takes approximately 20–30 minutes; enter before the gates close, currently generally around early evening, as hours can change seasonally. The short climb to Wanchun Pavilion is worth doing near sunset for the best elevated view across the Forbidden City; allow an hour, with comfortable shoes and a little patience on the steps.
For dinner, continue south or east into the Dongsi courtyard neighbourhood, around 15–25 minutes by taxi from Jingshan Park depending on traffic. Choose a well-reviewed local restaurant serving Peking duck or northern Chinese dishes—budget approximately £20–£40 per person, more for a premium duck restaurant. A reservation is sensible for three adults, particularly if you want duck prepared at the table; otherwise ask your hotel for a nearby recommendation and keep the meal relaxed. China’s payment apps are widely used, so ensure Alipay or WeChat Pay is set up, while carrying some yuan as a backup.
Arrange a private car or guided transfer from central Beijing for around 6:30–7:00am; allow roughly 1½–2 hours each way, depending on traffic. This is one day where paying for a driver is worthwhile: public transport is considerably slower and involves connections. Bring passports, water, snacks and comfortable shoes, and ask the driver to wait while you visit Mutianyu Great Wall. Allow about three hours on the wall, including the walk between watchtowers and time for photographs. The entrance, shuttle and uphill transport are usually separate tickets, so budget approximately ¥150–250 per person in total, subject to 2027 pricing.
For the ascent, use the Mutianyu cable car or chairlift if available and weather conditions are suitable; the exact operating choice and ticket availability can vary on the day. The cable car is generally the easier option, while the chairlift gives a more open-air ride. October is often clear and pleasantly cool, but take a light layer and check the weather before leaving. Even with the uphill transport, the wall includes uneven steps, so allow extra time rather than trying to cover every tower.
Return to central Beijing after lunch, allowing for traffic, and head to Houhai Lake in Shichahai for an unhurried lakeside walk of about an hour. This is a good contrast after the wall: sit briefly by the water, watch the local neighbourhood life and avoid packing in another major museum. A private vehicle can drop you near the lake, or a taxi from the city centre is normally more convenient than changing metro lines; expect approximately ¥30–60 within central Beijing, traffic permitting.
Continue on foot to Yandai Byway, one of the most atmospheric old lanes in the area. Allow around 45 minutes to browse its small shops and snack counters, but treat it as a wander rather than a shopping destination. The lane can be crowded in the late afternoon, and some pavement sections are uneven. Keep valuables secure in busy stretches and agree a meeting point if the group separates.
Have dinner at Fangzhuanchang Zhajiangmian in the Shichahai area, ordering the traditional Beijing-style noodles with fermented soybean sauce and vegetable toppings. It is casual, local and inexpensive—roughly £8–£15 per person, depending on side dishes and drinks. Portions are usually generous, so share a few accompaniments rather than ordering heavily at first. Keep the evening short after the early start; return to the hotel by taxi or ride-hailing car, as the final walk from the narrow lanes can be less straightforward after dark.
Allow most of the day for the confirmed Beijing Capital International Airport–Tokyo Haneda Airport flight and the hotel transfer. In practice, the door-to-door journey is usually around 6–8 hours: arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport with sufficient time for check-in and exit formalities, then allow at least 45–90 minutes after landing for immigration, baggage and customs at Haneda Airport. The easiest onward route is the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail toward central Tokyo, followed by a short taxi ride if you have large luggage. Keep the evening flexible in case of delays, and budget roughly ¥1,000–3,000 per person for airport rail and around ¥1,500–4,000 for the final taxi, depending on the hotel’s location.
After checking in, head to Shibuya Crossing for an easy first taste of Tokyo. Spend about 45 minutes crossing with the crowds, then watch the scene from one of the surrounding pedestrian decks or cafés rather than trying to hurry through it. From there, it is a short walk through Dogenzaka to Shibuya Sky at Shibuya Scramble Square. Reserve the timed sunset or evening admission well ahead—availability is booking-dependent, and outdoor rooftop access can be restricted in poor weather. Allow around 1½ hours, with tickets commonly costing approximately ¥2,000–2,500 per adult.
Finish at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, a lively, inexpensive conveyor-belt sushi restaurant a few minutes’ walk away. Expect roughly £12–£25 per person, though queues are common at dinner; joining the electronic queue as soon as you leave Shibuya Sky is sensible. After eating, return directly to the hotel and keep the rest of the night quiet—tomorrow is a better time for Tokyo sightseeing once everyone has recovered from the international travel.
Begin at Meiji Jingu soon after opening, ideally around 8:00–8:30am, when the forest paths are at their quietest. From Shibuya or central Tokyo, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku; the shrine’s entrance is beside the station, though allow 10–15 minutes’ walking through the trees to the main buildings. Spend about 90 minutes here, keeping voices low and avoiding the central approach if a ceremony is underway. Admission is free, but bring cash for small shrine offerings. The grounds generally open from sunrise until sunset, with seasonal times, so check the official schedule nearer the date.
Walk to Takeshita Street after 10:00am, when its shops and snack counters are properly open. The short route from the shrine leads through a dramatic change of atmosphere: from cedars and gravel to tightly packed fashion stores, character goods and queues for crepes or oversized rainbow sweets. Allow an hour, but keep belongings secure—the street becomes extremely crowded later in the day. For a calmer coffee stop, use one of the side streets toward Cat Street rather than eating on the main pavement.
Continue by taxi or a 15–20-minute walk south-west to the Nezu Museum in Aoyama. Check its closure day and book timed admission once 2027 reservations are released; the museum is commonly closed on Mondays, but opening arrangements and exhibitions can change. Allow around two hours for the Japanese and East Asian collection and the superb garden, where a short wander provides a welcome pause from Harajuku. A standard admission is typically around ¥1,500–2,000 per adult, subject to exhibition pricing. If you are hungry, eat before entering or use a café nearby, as the museum café can be busy.
Late afternoon is ideal for strolling along Omotesando, taking in the tree-lined boulevard, bold contemporary architecture and smaller design shops branching toward Aoyama. Finish at Maisen Aoyama Honten, a celebrated tonkatsu restaurant set in a converted bathhouse. It is about a 10-minute walk from the museum; arrive before the main dinner rush or expect a queue. Budget roughly £15–£30 per person, and allow 60–90 minutes. After dinner, Omotesando and 表参道 subway stations are convenient for returning to your hotel; use an IC card and expect around ¥180–250 for a typical central-Tokyo journey.
Start around 8:00am at Tsukiji Outer Market, when the lanes are lively but not yet at their most crowded. Allow about two hours to graze rather than sit down for a formal breakfast: try tamagoyaki, grilled seafood, fresh sushi or a small donburi at one of the long-established stalls. The market is generally most rewarding in the morning, and individual vendors often close once their stock sells out, so avoid arriving late. Keep bags compact and follow stall instructions—some lanes are narrow and busy.
From Tsukiji walk roughly 10–15 minutes to Hamarikyu Gardens, entering via the Otemon Gate. The garden’s ponds, bridges and carefully clipped landscapes make a pleasant change from the market’s bustle; allow about 1½ hours for an unhurried circuit. Its traditional teahouse is a good place for matcha and wagashi if you want a pause. Admission is typically around ¥300 per adult, with opening hours commonly from 9:00am to 5:00pm, though check the official site nearer the trip.
Leave Hamarikyu Gardens via Shiodome and take the Yurikamome to Shin-Toyosu, allowing approximately 20–30 minutes including the walk and interchange. Arrive at teamLab Planets TOKYO for the timed entry printed on your ticket; allow around two hours. The visit includes barefoot, water-based rooms, so wear clothing that can be rolled above the knee and avoid anything you would dislike getting damp. Tickets frequently sell out well ahead, particularly on Saturdays, so reserve directly in advance and build in at least 15 minutes for queueing and preparation.
Afterwards, walk to Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, the newer market-style complex beside Toyosu Market, for about an hour of browsing and a drink or snack. It is an easy place to slow the pace after teamLab, with food shops and a more polished atmosphere than Tsukiji. The complex’s individual businesses keep varying hours, so treat late afternoon as the safer window rather than relying on every stall being open. The day’s paid attractions and food should come to roughly ¥8,000–¥15,000 per adult depending on the teamLab ticket and how much you eat.
Stay in Toyosu for dinner rather than crossing Tokyo again. Choose a seafood restaurant within or around Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, where you can order sushi, grilled fish or a seafood set meal without needing another reservation-heavy journey. Allow roughly ¥3,500–¥7,000 per person, or about £20–£40, excluding drinks. After eating, take a short walk along the waterfront if the weather is clear; the open views and illuminated bridges are a calm finish to a busy market-and-art day. Return to central Tokyo on the Yurikamome or Yurakucho Line, allowing around 30–45 minutes depending on your hotel.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano, ideally on a train departing between 8:00 and 9:00am. Allow 30–45 minutes before departure to reach the correct platform, collect breakfast and load luggage; Tokyo Station is large, and finding the shinkansen gates can take longer than expected. A reserved ordinary-class seat is sensible for three adults, particularly on a Sunday. The journey takes roughly 1½–2 hours, with fares around ¥8,000–9,000 per person. Keep drinks and a station-bought ekiben handy for the ride.
On arrival, leave your bags at the hotel or use station lockers if check-in is not yet available. Spend about an hour getting oriented around Nagano Station and the compact central area. The station’s tourist information desk is useful for local bus advice, while the Alpico buses provide the easiest connection towards the temple district; allow roughly 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Continue to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Allow around two hours to explore the broad temple precinct, main hall and surrounding grounds rather than rushing straight through. The main approach is generally accessible throughout the day, but individual buildings, services and the famous pitch-dark underground passage beneath the temple have their own admission arrangements and may have seasonal hours. Modest clothing and quiet behaviour are appreciated, especially if a service is taking place.
Afterwards, walk down Nakamise-dori, the traditional approach lined with wooden shops and cafés. Try a warm oyaki dumpling, apple confectionery or a small serving of local pickles, leaving room for a seasonal chestnut dessert. For the planned Obuse Chestnut Sweets, a specialist such as Obusedo Honten is a good target if you are willing to make the short train trip to Obuse; otherwise, look for an Obuse chestnut parfait or mont blanc around Nagano Station. Expect about £5–£12 per person, and check the final kitchen time because popular chestnut shops can sell out.
Return to central Nagano for a relaxed dinner of Nagano-style soba. Kobayash i Soba near the station is a convenient, long-established option, while Uzuraya near the temple is atmospheric if you prefer to remain in the old quarter; opening days and queues can vary, so check on the day. Order chilled zaru soba if the evening is mild, or warm kake soba with mountain vegetables when temperatures drop. Budget roughly £10–£25 per person, then keep the rest of the evening easy: tomorrow’s mountain excursion will be more enjoyable with an early night.
Leave Nagano Station around 7:30–8:00am for the most comfortable day. Take the Nagano Dentetsu Line from Nagano Station to Yudanaka—the express journey takes roughly 45–50 minutes—then continue by local bus towards Kanbayashi Onsen, or arrange a private vehicle if you prefer to avoid the connection. The full journey from a central Nagano hotel is usually 1½–2 hours each way. Bus services can be less frequent outside peak periods, so check the current timetable and park access information shortly before travelling; taxis from Yudanaka are the practical fallback.
From Kanbayashi Onsen, allow about 30 minutes on foot along the forest trail to Jigokudani Monkey Park, with uneven ground and occasional muddy sections. Spend two to three hours around the hot springs and viewing area: the Japanese macaques are wild, sightings are never guaranteed, and the park’s winter publicity can make expectations unrealistic in early October. Wear proper walking shoes, carry water, and bring a light waterproof layer. Admission is approximately ¥800–¥1,000 per adult, subject to current pricing.
Continue by bus or taxi to Shibu Onsen, allowing roughly 15–25 minutes depending on the connection. Have lunch in the old spa town—look for handmade soba, oyaki dumplings or dishes featuring local mushrooms and mountain vegetables—then wander the narrow lanes of traditional ryokan, wooden facades and stone steps for around 1½ hours. The town is atmospheric rather than a checklist attraction, so leave time to browse small shops and pause for a drink.
Use one of the public Shibu Onsen footbaths for a short rest, where available and open. Footbath arrangements and opening times can vary, and some baths are associated with lodging establishments, so follow local signs and rinse your feet before entering. The full hot-spring bathing circuit is generally restricted to overnight guests with the appropriate key; do not assume that a day visitor can access all nine baths.
For dinner, choose a traditional restaurant in Shibu Onsen or Yudanaka before returning to Nagano. Budget approximately £15–£30 per person for soba, tempura, grilled river fish or seasonal mountain vegetables, although smaller towns may have limited evening opening and earlier last orders. If you are relying on public transport, check the final bus and Nagano Dentetsu Line departures before sitting down; otherwise, a pre-booked taxi or private transfer gives you much more flexibility. Expect to be back in Nagano around 7:30–9:00pm, depending on connections and how long you spend in the onsen town.
Take an early Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano Station to Tokyo Station, followed by the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto Station. Aim to leave around 7:00–8:00am; the whole journey usually takes about 4½–5¼ hours, including the change in Tokyo. Keep your tickets together and allow at least 20–30 minutes to transfer between the JR East and Tokaido Shinkansen areas—Tokyo Station is busy and the platforms are not always adjacent. Budget roughly ¥20,000–22,000 per adult, plus a little extra for station breakfast or drinks. A staffed JR ticket office is the least stressful option if booking the two sections separately; SmartEX covers the Tokaido portion, while JR East handles the Nagano–Tokyo leg.
After arriving at Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo, then walk about 10 minutes to your downtown hotel. Leave the larger suitcases with reception if the room is not ready, and head straight to Nishiki Market, reached via Nishiki Koji Street. Spend around 1½ hours browsing the covered arcade: look for Kyoto pickles, yuba, sesame sweets and small seafood snacks, but remember that many stalls discourage eating while walking, so use their designated counters. Most shops close by late afternoon, although individual hours vary, so arriving by around 2:30–3:00pm is sensible. Allow approximately ¥1,500–3,000 per person for a light tasting lunch.
From Nishiki Market, walk east for about 10 minutes towards Pontocho Alley. This narrow, lantern-lit lane is best enjoyed as a slow wander rather than a sightseeing checklist; the tiny restaurants are atmospheric, but many are reservation-only and can be expensive. Continue to the nearby Kamo River, where the stepped riverbanks around Shirakawa and Sanjo Bridge make an easy place to sit and watch Kyoto’s evening rhythm. Allow roughly 45 minutes here, and pick up a drink from a convenience store before settling beside the water. The riverbanks are informal and free, but take care on the stones after dark.
Finish at Ippudo Nishikikoji, a convenient walk from the market and Pontocho area. Expect a casual ramen meal at around ¥1,500–3,000 per person, with possible queues at the dinner peak; arriving before 6:00pm or after 8:00pm usually makes the wait easier. After dinner, it is a short walk or one subway stop back towards the hotel. Keep the evening relaxed after the long rail journey—Kyoto’s downtown lanes are particularly pleasant for an unhurried stroll once the larger daytime crowds have thinned.
Start early at Kiyomizu-dera, ideally arriving around 8:00am before the Higashiyama lanes fill with tour groups and school parties. From central Kyoto, take a taxi for roughly 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic; buses are cheaper but can be slow and crowded. Allow about two hours for the main hall, hillside views and the temple paths. Admission is typically around ¥400–¥500 per adult, although ticketing and any special seasonal areas should be checked nearer the visit. The approach is uphill, so wear comfortable shoes and avoid bringing large luggage.
Walk downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, allowing around 1½ hours to browse the wooden townhouses, pottery shops, confectioners and small cafés. This is a good place for a light lunch or snack rather than a full restaurant meal—look for yatsuhashi sweets, grilled skewers or a simple soba set. Keep to the side on the narrow lanes and avoid stopping in doorways; the area is residential as well as historic.
Continue to Kodai-ji, about 10–15 minutes on foot from Ninenzaka. Give the temple and its gardens around 1½ hours, particularly if the grounds have seasonal illumination or autumn planting during your visit. The entrance fee is generally around ¥600, with combined or special-event tickets sometimes available. Afterwards, stroll north through the atmospheric lanes towards Yasaka Shrine, passing small craft shops and the quieter edges of Gion. Allow about 45 minutes at the shrine; it remains accessible beyond the main daytime visiting period, though individual buildings may have separate hours.
Finish with a reserved dinner at Gion Karyo, where the refined kaiseki-style meal makes a fitting end to a classic Kyoto day. Expect approximately £50–£90 per person depending on the menu, drinks and exchange rate. Reserve well ahead and confirm the restaurant’s 2027 opening days, menu format and cancellation policy; dinner seating is usually timed rather than entirely walk-in. From Yasaka Shrine, it is a short walk through Gion, but a taxi is worthwhile if the group is tired. After dinner, Kyoto Station is roughly 15–25 minutes by taxi in light traffic, while Gion-Shijō Station offers a useful train connection if you prefer public transport.
Start early at Fushimi Inari Taisha, ideally around 7:00–7:30am. From central Kyoto, take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station; the shrine entrance is immediately opposite, making this much quicker than relying on a bus. Walk through the lower torii gates first, then continue uphill beyond the busiest section towards Yotsutsuji intersection. You do not need to complete the full mountain loop: allowing 2–3 hours gives you time for the quieter forested sections without turning the morning into a strenuous hike. The shrine grounds are always open and free, but wear proper shoes and carry water—the steps become surprisingly steep.
Return to the Fushimi area and walk towards the Fushimi Sake District, where old white-plastered breweries line the canals and traditional streets. Allow about 1½ hours for a relaxed look around and a sake tasting; availability and English explanations vary, and some museums or tasting rooms have modest entrance charges. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is the most straightforward option if open, but check its current hours before setting out, as weekday opening arrangements can change. For lunch, Torisei Honten is a good local choice for chicken dishes and sake, though it can be busy; alternatively, keep lunch light if you have an afternoon distillery reservation. The district is walkable from Fushimi Inari, or take the Keihan Line from Fushimi-Inari Station to Fushimi-Momoyama.
Allow roughly 30–45 minutes to reach Suntory Kyoto Yamazaki Distillery from Fushimi, normally via the JR line towards Yamazaki Station with a short walk onward. Build in extra time for the connection and check-in; the distillery is in Shimamoto, just outside Kyoto, rather than in the city centre. Tours and tastings require advance reservation, are capacity-controlled and may be conducted in Japanese or with limited English support, so treat this as a booking-dependent highlight rather than an activity that can be guaranteed on the day. The visit typically takes around 2½ hours, including the whisky exhibition and tasting. Do not drive after sampling; the train is the sensible option.
Return by train to Kyoto Station and spend about 45 minutes exploring the upper concourses and Kyoto Station rooftop, especially attractive as the city lights come on. The station complex is open later than most attractions, though individual shops and observation areas have their own hours. Finish at Katsukura Kyoto Station Hachijo-guchi for regional-style tonkatsu, usually around £15–£30 per person. Expect a queue at peak dinner time; arriving around 5:30–6:00pm is easier, and the restaurant’s set meals are filling after the long walk at Fushimi Inari.
Take an early Sanyo Shinkansen from Kyoto Station, ideally around 8:00am, and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure: the station is busy, and you’ll want time to find the platform, buy drinks and pick up an ekiben. The journey to Hiroshima Station takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours; reserve seats through SmartEX or at a JR ticket office, particularly as three seats together can be harder to find at short notice. Allow about 3½–4 hours door to door once you include the hotel transfer and check-in. On arrival, leave your luggage at your hotel in Naka Ward—or use station lockers if the room is not ready—then walk or take a short tram or taxi ride towards the Peace Memorial area.
Spend about 1½ hours walking through Peace Memorial Park, taking your time at the Children’s Peace Monument, Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims and the Memorial Tower. The park is spacious but emotionally heavy, so avoid packing in too many extra sights. Continue to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for 2–3 hours; check the official booking system before travelling, as timed admission or advance reservations may apply, and allow time for queues even with a reservation. Adult admission is generally inexpensive—around ¥200–¥300—but prices and entry arrangements can change.
Walk west along the Motoyasu River to the Atomic Bomb Dome, which takes about 10 minutes from the museum. Allow roughly 30 minutes to view it from the riverside and read the interpretation panels; entry inside is not permitted. For dinner, walk a few minutes to Okonomiyaki Nagata-ya, near the park, and order Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with its distinctive layers of cabbage, noodles, batter and toppings. Expect to spend approximately £10–£20 per person. Go before the main dinner rush or be prepared to queue—there is usually no advantage in arriving with luggage, so leave bags at the hotel first.
Leave Hiroshima around 7:30–8:00am, taking the JR train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi; the journey is roughly 25–30 minutes, followed by the ferry crossing to Miyajima. Allow 45–60 minutes door to door, plus extra time for ferry queues. Use your JR pass or IC card on the JR ferry route where accepted, and check the day’s sailing and tide information before leaving: the view of the torii is best timed around high tide, while low tide may allow you to walk out towards it. Keep valuables and luggage light—there are lockers at Miyajimaguchi, but a small day bag is much easier on the island.
Begin with Itsukushima Shrine, allowing about 1½ hours for the vermilion corridors, waterfront views and the floating torii. Entry is approximately ¥300–500 per adult, with opening hours varying seasonally; arrive early because the approach and shrine corridors become busy later. Continue uphill to Daisho-in, one of the island’s most rewarding temples, where lantern-lit halls, small Buddhist figures and quieter paths provide a welcome change from the waterfront crowds. Allow around 1½ hours and wear comfortable shoes—the route is walkable but includes slopes and steps.
Take the Mount Misen ropeway after Daisho-in, allowing around two hours including the walk to the station, queues and possible weather delays. Services can be suspended in strong wind, rain or poor visibility, so check the operating status before committing; the ropeway itself is generally around ¥2,000 return per adult. The upper walking paths and viewpoints are uneven, and reaching the summit viewpoint may require additional uphill walking. On a clear day, the views across the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands are excellent, but do not rush the temple visit if cloud obscures the mountain.
After returning towards the waterfront, eat in the Omotesando area. Look for grilled oysters, oyster rice or anago—saltwater eel—rather than trying to fit in a long restaurant meal. Expect roughly £12–£25 per person, depending on whether you choose a few skewers and snacks or a seated set meal. Omotesando is also the practical place for drinks and small gifts, although it is noticeably busiest in the early afternoon.
Allow about an hour to return by ferry from Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi and then JR train to Hiroshima. Aim to leave the island by around 5:00–6:00pm, especially if you have dinner reservations or need to be back at the hotel before dark. Ferry frequency is generally good, but queues can build after sunset and around the final sailings. Back in Hiroshima, keep dinner simple near your accommodation—today involves considerably more walking than the distances suggest, particularly around Daisho-in and Mount Misen.
Take an early direct Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi from Hiroshima Station, ideally in the 7:00–8:00am window. Allow at least 30 minutes at the station for the hotel transfer, platform-finding, luggage and breakfast; the journey itself is about four hours. Reserve seats through SmartEX or a JR ticket office, and consider the last row of the carriage if you have large suitcases, subject to the railway’s oversized-baggage rules. On arrival at Tokyo Station, allow 20–30 minutes to find the correct exit and another 30–60 minutes for the transfer to your hotel, depending on its location.
After checking in and leaving your luggage, spend about 1½ hours wandering Ginza, concentrating on the broad Chuo-dori shopping avenue and the department-store food halls. Matsuya Ginza and Mitsukoshi Ginza are especially useful for browsing Japanese sweets, tea and beautifully presented takeaway food; department stores generally open around 10:00am and close around 8:00pm, though individual restaurants vary. Keep this unhurried—after the long train ride, Ginza’s covered side streets and café stops are a better fit than another major museum.
Walk or take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line one stop towards Tokyo Station, then continue to the Tokyo International Forum. Allow around 45 minutes to admire the sweeping glass atrium and steel structure; the public areas are generally accessible during daytime and early evening, but event-related access can occasionally restrict parts of the building. It is a particularly good late-afternoon stop when the changing light catches the architecture.
From Tokyo International Forum, it is a short walk to Marunouchi Naka-dori, where a roughly one-hour evening stroll takes you past illuminated offices, boutiques and restored red-brick architecture. The area is most atmospheric after the working-day crowds thin out, and the pedestrian-friendly street makes an easy final walk before dinner. Finish at Tsukiji Sushisay Ginza for approachable sushi rather than an elaborate omakase; budget approximately £25–£50 per person, and check the specific branch’s hours and queue policy before setting out, as evening service and last orders can vary. If you are tired after the train, reserve where possible or arrive slightly before the main dinner rush.
Keep the morning simple: have breakfast near your hotel, check out, and allow time to collect any luggage stored with reception. Before leaving, confirm whether your bags are checked through to Edinburgh or must be collected and re-checked in Beijing; this depends on the ticket and airline booking, not simply the fact that both flights are on one itinerary.
Use the airport transfer most suited to your hotel and departure airport. For Narita, the Narita Express is usually the most predictable option from major Tokyo stations, while the airport limousine bus is easier with several large cases but vulnerable to road traffic. For Haneda, the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line is generally quickest from central Tokyo, with a taxi worthwhile only if the group has heavy luggage. Build in roughly 60–90 minutes from hotel to terminal, then arrive at least 2½–3 hours before the international departure for check-in, security and immigration. Keep passports, onward-flight details and any Chinese transit or entry documentation accessible.
Follow the confirmed Tokyo–Beijing–Edinburgh itinerary and check the connection instructions at the first airport. If the bags are not tagged through, you will need to collect them in Beijing, clear the relevant arrival formalities, and check in again; allow extra time for this possibility. Even with through-checked luggage, expect a second security screening or transfer-security procedure, and follow the airline’s minimum connection guidance rather than leaving the transit area unnecessarily.
At the airport, use the connection time for a proper meal and a short walk rather than planning anything in the city. Keep the booking reference, terminal information and baggage receipts handy, as Beijing airport procedures can involve a terminal transfer or additional document check. On arrival in Edinburgh, allow time for immigration and baggage reclaim before arranging the onward journey home; a pre-booked taxi or airport pickup is sensible if the flight lands late or the group is carrying several suitcases.
No packing list attached yet.