Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
The journey from Germany to Tokyo is usually an 18–24-hour door-to-door experience once the flight, airport formalities, and city transfer are included. After landing, allow roughly 60–90 minutes for immigration and baggage, then take the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner from Narita, or the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda; a limousine bus is easier if you have large luggage and your hotel is on its route. Keep the first evening gentle—after checking in, leave your bags, hydrate, and avoid committing to anything time-sensitive.
Take an easy 1½-hour walk through Asakusa, where the older streets and low-rise buildings make a gentle introduction to Tokyo after a long flight. Begin at Kaminarimon, the district’s huge red gate, then continue along Nakamise-dori toward Senso-ji. The shops on Nakamise-dori generally close in the early evening, but the approach and temple grounds remain atmospheric later, and Senso-ji is free to enter. The main hall’s interior access is typically limited to daytime hours, so treat this as an exterior and grounds visit if you arrive late; avoid the central path if it is crowded and wander the quieter side lanes around Asakusa instead.
For dinner, continue to Asakusa Imahan for classic sukiyaki, budgeting approximately ¥5,000–¥10,000 per person depending on the set and beef selection. Reserve ahead if possible, especially for a weekend or a busy travel season, and check the restaurant’s current last seating before setting out from your hotel. After dinner, return directly to the hotel rather than adding another major sight—the combination of jet lag, a long flight, and the time difference makes an early night the best way to be ready for your first full Tokyo day.
Start at Meiji Jingu, entering through the broad torii near Harajuku Station and following the gravel paths into the shrine’s surprisingly quiet woodland. Allow about 1½ hours, especially if you want to see the inner garden area. The shrine grounds are free and generally accessible from sunrise until sunset; the inner garden has a separate small fee and seasonal hours. Keep the visit calm and respectful—this is a working Shinto shrine, not just a photo stop. From the shrine exit, Takeshita Street is a short walk away.
Spend roughly an hour browsing Takeshita Street, where the atmosphere shifts abruptly to colorful youth fashion, character goods, and long queues for oversized crepes and rainbow-colored snacks. It is narrow and can become extremely crowded, so keep bags close and avoid stopping in the middle of the walkway. For a less hectic snack, look for a small shop on one of the side streets rather than committing to the busiest queue.
Continue south along Omotesando, an easy 15–20-minute walk from Takeshita Street. This is the polished side of the neighborhood, with striking contemporary architecture, independent boutiques, and department-store basements that are useful for a quick food break. Take your café lunch here—Aoyama Flower Market Tea House is atmospheric but often queues, while Koffee Mameya is better for serious coffee than a full meal. Allow about 1½ hours to wander without trying to cover every shop. If you want a quieter architectural detour, slip into the back streets around Cat Street before heading toward Shibuya.
Walk or take the Tokyo Metro one stop from Omote-sando to Shibuya, then spend about 45 minutes around Shibuya Crossing. The best elevated views are from Shibuya Scramble Square, Magnet by Shibuya 109, or a café overlooking the intersection; the crossing itself is most enjoyable after taking in the scene from above. Continue to Shibuya Sky for your reserved sunset slot, allowing extra time for security and the lift queues. Advance booking is strongly recommended, and rooftop access can be restricted by weather; arrive at least 20–30 minutes before the selected time. Tickets are commonly around ¥2,000–¥2,500, depending on the booking channel and time.
Finish at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, a casual, popular sushi restaurant where orders arrive on individual lanes rather than a traditional roaming conveyor belt. Expect about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, but queues are common at dinner—put your name down before visiting Shibuya Sky if the restaurant system allows it, or eat slightly later. The restaurant is near Shibuya Station, making the return straightforward by train; use an IC card and expect the station area to be busy well into the evening.
Begin at Tsukiji Outer Market, arriving around 8:00–8:30am while the food stalls are lively but before the busiest late-morning crowds. Allow about two hours to wander the narrow lanes and have a seafood breakfast—Uogashi Senryo is a reliable choice for a seafood bowl, while Tsukiji Itadori Uogashi Senryo is another popular option. Most market shops open in the morning and close by early afternoon, so this is best treated as breakfast rather than a late lunch. From Tsukiji Station, walk toward Hamarikyu Gardens in about 15 minutes, or take a short taxi if you would rather save your feet.
Spend roughly 1½ hours in Hamarikyu Gardens, a beautifully composed former daimyo garden with ponds, bridges, and a teahouse surrounded by modern Shiodome towers. The garden usually opens at 9:00am; admission is around ¥300. Have matcha and a seasonal sweet at Nakajima-no-Ochaya if seating is available, then leave via the Shiodome side. For lunch, keep it light around Azabudai Hills before your timed entry at teamLab Borderless—the complex has several convenient restaurants and cafés, but allow at least 30 minutes to reach the venue by taxi or subway, plus time for finding the entrance.
Reserve teamLab Borderless in advance for an afternoon slot; same-day entry should not be assumed, and timed tickets can sell out. Allow about two hours, though the rooms encourage a slower, wandering pace. Afterward, walk or take a short taxi ride toward Tokyo Tower and aim to arrive about 60–90 minutes before sunset. The main observatory offers city views from around 150 metres, while the higher top deck requires a separate timed or capacity-controlled ticket depending on the current system. Check the official booking page before leaving your hotel, particularly during spring foliage periods and autumn weekends.
Finish in Omoide Yokocho, reached by Toei Oedo Line from Akabane-bashi toward Shinjuku-nishiguchi, or by taxi in roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. The tiny lanes are atmospheric after dark, with yakitori counters and casual izakaya; expect about ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, usually with a table charge or small appetizer. Tori no Ana and Kushiage Izakaya are typical places to look for an open seat, but many counters are small and cash remains useful. Restaurants often start winding down around 10:00–11:00pm, so arrive for dinner rather than treating it as a late-night stop.
Check out early and allow roughly two hours door to door from your Tokyo hotel to Hakone-Yumoto, including getting to Shinjuku Station, finding the Odakyu platforms, and collecting or boarding your reserved tickets. The Odakyu Romancecar is the easiest option; reserve seats in advance, particularly during cherry-blossom season and autumn weekends. On arrival, leave larger luggage at your ryokan or use station lockers, then take the Hakone Tozan train to Gora. Spend about two hours at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculptures are spread through landscaped gardens with striking mountain backdrops. The Picasso Pavilion is indoors and useful if the weather turns wet; admission is approximately ¥2,000.
From Gora, use the cable car and then the Hakone Ropeway toward Togendai. Allow at least 1½ hours, since queues can build and the ropeway may pause in strong wind. The route crosses Owakudani, an active volcanic valley where sulphurous vents rise from the blackened slopes. Get off here for around an hour, follow the marked viewing paths, and try the famous black eggs if they are being sold. Visibility toward Mount Fuji is best in the morning or on clear, cool days, so treat the view as a bonus rather than a guarantee. The ropeway and buses can be suspended for weather; check Hakone Navi or station notices before setting out.
Continue to Lake Ashi and take the sightseeing cruise toward Moto-Hakone, allowing about an hour including boarding. The most photogenic views are from the open deck, though the lake can be chilly. After disembarking, use the Hakone Tozan bus back toward Hakone-Yumoto or Gora; the full circuit is busy and can take longer than the timetable suggests, so leave a generous buffer before dinner.
Check into your Hakone ryokan, change into the provided yukata, and enjoy the onsen before dinner. A traditional kaiseki meal is usually served at a fixed time and costs roughly ¥8,000–¥20,000 per person when not included in the room rate; confirm whether drinks, breakfast, and bathing taxes are extra. Hakone-Yumoto is the more convenient base for tomorrow’s onward journey, while Gora is better for a quieter mountain stay. Keep the evening unhurried—this is one of the rare nights on the route where the ryokan experience, rather than another sightseeing stop, should be the main event.
Check out of your Hakone ryokan early and allow roughly four to five hours door to door to Kyoto, including the transfer to Odawara, the Shinkansen journey, collecting luggage, and reaching your hotel. If you have large suitcases, reserve the Shinkansen seats with oversized-baggage space in advance; otherwise, use luggage delivery from Hakone to your Kyoto hotel if available. After checking in or leaving bags at reception, have a quick lunch near Shijō before exploring. The afternoon works best on foot, since the next stops are close together.
Start at Nishiki Market, entering from Teramachi Shopping Arcade and wandering east through the covered food street. Allow about 1½ hours for pickled vegetables, yuba, tamagoyaki, seasonal sweets, and small bites; avoid eating while walking, as many stalls ask visitors to eat beside the shop. From the market, walk or take a short taxi ride north-east to Nijo Castle. Give yourself around 1½ hours for the palace interiors and gardens, and check the current closing time before setting out because last entry is earlier than the gates’ closing time. The castle is usually closed on certain recurring weekdays, so verify the calendar for your actual travel date; admission is generally around ¥1,300 per person.
As dusk arrives, walk toward Pontocho Alley, the narrow atmospheric lane running south from Shijō-dori beside the Kamo River. It is ideal for a gentle 45-minute stroll rather than a hurried restaurant hunt, and the riverbank offers a pleasant pause before dinner. Continue to Kushikura for refined yakitori, where a meal typically costs about ¥4,000–¥8,000 per person. Reserve ahead if possible—counter seating is limited, and Kyoto restaurants may not accommodate walk-ins once the evening fills. Finish with an easy walk back toward your hotel through central Kyoto, keeping the night relaxed after the long transfer.
Start at Kiyomizu-dera shortly after opening, ideally around 8:00am. From central Kyoto, take a Keihan train to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station and walk uphill for about 25 minutes, or use a taxi if you would rather save your legs. The temple complex takes roughly 1½ hours; the wooden main stage and hillside views are especially pleasant before tour groups arrive. Admission is usually around ¥500, though special seasonal areas may cost extra. Check the official opening time before setting out, as it can vary.
From the temple, continue downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, allowing about 1½ hours for the beautifully preserved lanes, small craft shops, sweets, and tea houses. The stone paving is uneven and the slopes can be crowded, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile. For a light break, look for a matcha drink or freshly made yatsuhashi rather than committing to a large lunch here; many of the most atmospheric shops are busiest from late morning onward.
Walk or take a short taxi ride toward Kennin-ji in Gion—the temple is about 15 minutes on foot from the lower end of Ninenzaka. Spend an hour with its restrained Zen gardens and dramatic screen paintings, including the famous twin dragons. It generally closes in the late afternoon, so check the day’s hours and arrive with plenty of margin; admission is commonly around ¥600. Continue a few minutes to Yasaka Shrine, where the open grounds and vermilion buildings make a good contrast with the quieter temple. Allow about 45 minutes, with no entrance fee for the main shrine precinct.
As the light softens, take your planned hour-long walk through Gion, keeping to the public streets around Hanamikoji and the Shirakawa area and avoiding private lanes or photographing geiko and maiko without permission. Finish with your reserved dinner at Gion Karyo, budgeting roughly ¥8,000–¥15,000 per person for a Kyoto-style meal and about two hours. Reserve ahead, confirm the restaurant’s seating time and cancellation policy, and expect a formal multi-course pace. After dinner, Gion-Shijo Station is the most convenient rail connection, while a taxi is often simpler if you are returning to a hotel farther across the city.
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama—about 15–20 minutes, ¥240 with an IC card—and aim to arrive around 8:00am. From the station, walk roughly 10 minutes to Tenryu-ji. Go straight to its celebrated garden before the main crowds build; allow about 1½ hours, and check the temple’s current opening time because seasonal hours can vary. The garden admission is typically around ¥500, with a separate fee if you also enter the temple buildings.
Exit through the north side toward the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The famous path takes about 45 minutes at an unhurried pace, but it is busiest near the central entrance, so keep walking steadily toward the quieter upper section rather than stopping immediately for photos. Continue uphill to Okochi Sanso Garden, where the landscaped paths and views toward the Kyoto mountains are a much calmer experience. Entry is around ¥1,000 and normally includes a small tea service; allow about an hour.
Walk back downhill toward Togetsukyo Bridge, taking around 20 minutes. Spend 45 minutes along the riverbanks and bridge approach—the best views are generally from the south side, away from the busiest shopping street. For lunch, settle at Arashiyama Yoshimura, a popular soba restaurant overlooking the river. Expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person; queues are possible, so a slightly early lunch is sensible.
After eating, take a taxi or local bus toward Saga-Toriimoto rather than walking the entire distance—allow about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Finish at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, a quieter temple known for its thousands of stone figures and mossy surroundings. Allow about an hour and keep voices low; this feels markedly more contemplative than central Arashiyama. Check the current closing time before setting out, as temple hours can change seasonally, and return to Saga-Arashiyama Station by bus or taxi for the trip back to Kyoto.
From Arashiyama, allow about 1½–2 hours door to door to reach Kintetsu-Nara, including the JR Sagano Line to Kyoto Station, the transfer across the station, and waiting for the Kintetsu train. Leave around 7:30am if possible; a reserved Kintetsu limited-express seat is more comfortable but costs extra, while a rapid-express train is perfectly fine with an IC card. From Kintetsu-Nara Station, walk roughly 10 minutes toward Nara Park, stopping briefly at a bakery or convenience store for breakfast if you did not eat in Kyoto. Give the deer space, especially when they bow for crackers—buy only a small stack, keep food hidden once it is gone, and avoid feeding them while walking through crowds.
Continue east through Nara Park to Todai-ji, allowing around 1½ hours for the approach, the temple grounds, and the enormous Great Buddha Hall. The hall is one of Japan’s great interior spaces, but its entrance queue can build later in the morning, so arriving before 10:00am is worthwhile. Admission is generally around ¥800 for the temple area; opening times vary seasonally, so check the official site shortly before your visit. From here, follow the quieter forest paths for roughly 20 minutes to Kasuga Taisha. Allow another 1½ hours for the vermilion shrine buildings, stone lanterns, and mossy cedar forest; the outer grounds are free, while some inner areas charge admission.
Walk back toward central Nara through the southern side of the park, allowing about 30 minutes, and have lunch before exploring Naramachi. This former merchant district is best enjoyed slowly rather than as a checklist: look into traditional machiya houses, small craft shops, and narrow lanes around Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie. Set aside about 1½ hours, with tea or a seasonal sweet along the way. For your planned meal, Edogawa Naramachi is a good late-lunch or early-dinner stop for traditional unagi; budget approximately ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person and expect roughly an hour. It is sensible to check same-day opening hours, as smaller restaurants may close between lunch and dinner or take occasional weekly holidays. Afterward, Kintetsu-Nara Station is about a 15-minute walk, making the return to Kyoto straightforward; leave enough time for the 1½–2-hour journey and your transfer back to the hotel.
Check out in Nara after breakfast and take the Kintetsu Nara Line rapid-express to Osaka-Namba, allowing roughly 40–45 minutes on the train and 1½–2 hours door to door once you include luggage, station transfers, and dropping bags at your hotel. An IC card works well; if you are staying elsewhere in Osaka, allow extra time from Namba. A luggage-delivery service is worthwhile if you have large cases, since today involves several station and shopping-street changes.
From Namba, take the Osaka Metro to Tanimachi 4-chome and walk into Osaka Castle Park. Visit the castle museum and keep about two hours for the grounds and interior, although the present tower is a modern reconstruction rather than the original fortress. The park is spacious and pleasant for a short stroll, but avoid trying to cover every corner; the castle tower and its panoramic top floor are the main focus. Entry to the tower is generally around ¥1,200, with opening hours commonly around 9:00–17:00, though last entry and ticket arrangements can change.
From Osaka Castle, take the Osaka Metro from Tanimachi 4-chome toward Higashi-Umeda, then walk to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living near Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome. Allow about 1½ hours for its atmospheric recreation of Edo-period Osaka, where you can walk through streets, shops, and houses designed to show how the city once looked. It is usually open during the daytime and closed on certain regular weekdays, so check the calendar before committing; admission is typically about ¥600.
Afterward, step directly onto Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, one of Osaka’s best places for unhurried browsing. Wander south through the covered arcade for about 1½ hours, ducking into small kitchenware shops, snack counters, clothing stores, and neighborhood cafés. This is a good place to sample inexpensive Osaka treats without turning lunch into another major stop—save your appetite for dinner. The street is long, so choose a section rather than attempting to walk every kilometer.
Finish at Harukoma Sushi, a lively, unfussy local favorite in Tenjin. Expect a queue, particularly around dinner, and plan on roughly an hour for a relaxed meal; there is usually no need to dress up. Sushi costs approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person depending on what you order, with individual pieces and small plates making it easy to control the bill. After dinner, stroll back through the illuminated arcade or take the short walk toward Ogimachi Station for onward trains.
Start at Kuromon Ichiba Market around 9:00am, when the stalls are active but the narrow covered arcade is not yet at its most crowded. Allow about 1½ hours to graze rather than sit down for a full meal: look for grilled scallops, uni, wagyu skewers, takoyaki, and seasonal fruit, checking prices before ordering because market portions can be expensive. From Nippombashi Station, it is only a short walk; the market is largely free to browse, though many vendors accept cash more readily than cards.
Walk west toward Hozenji Yokocho, a compact, atmospheric lane of stone paving and small restaurants tucked just behind Namba’s busier streets. Spend roughly 45 minutes around Hozenji Temple, where visitors traditionally splash water over the moss-covered Fudo Myoo statue. The alley is most evocative in daylight fading into evening, but it is worth seeing now as part of the natural route; keep voices low and avoid blocking the narrow entrances.
Continue to Dotonbori, following the short walk toward the canal and the famous neon façades. Allow about 1½ hours for the Dotonbori promenade, the Ebisu Tower area, and a few casual tastings—takoyaki or kushikatsu are easy choices, though you have dinner planned later. This is the busiest part of the day, so keep bags in front of you and expect slow-moving crowds. Then take the Osaka Metro from Namba toward Dobutsuen-mae for Shinsekai, roughly 10–15 minutes including the walk and station transfer. Spend about 1½ hours wandering the retro streets around Tsutenkaku, looking into old-fashioned game arcades and snack bars; the neighborhood is best enjoyed as a lively, slightly faded entertainment district rather than a polished attraction.
After dark, continue from Dobutsuen-mae toward Tennoji and go up to Abeno Harukas Observatory. Allow around 1½ hours including the journey, ticket purchase, and time at the top. Standard admission is usually in the ¥2,000–¥2,500 range for adults, but confirm the current price and last-entry time before setting out; visibility is best shortly after sunset, and weekend or holiday queues can be significant. Finish with Mizuno in Namba for Osaka-style okonomiyaki, budgeting approximately ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. It is a popular, long-established restaurant, so expect a queue and avoid arriving extremely hungry—an hour can easily become longer at peak dinner time. From Abeno, return to Namba by Osaka Metro or the Midosuji Line, generally about 10–15 minutes.
Leave Osaka around 6:30–7:00am and allow roughly three hours door to door, including the transfer to Shin-Osaka Station, the Shinkansen journey, and local connections in Hiroshima. Reserve seats in advance through SmartEX or JR West, and either leave large luggage at your Osaka hotel or use station lockers—carrying it through Miyajima is inconvenient. From Hiroshima Station, take the southbound tram or a local bus toward Peace Memorial Park; allow extra time for a crowded morning service.
Begin at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, setting aside about two hours. The exhibits are deeply affecting and are best approached without rushing; queues can form, so arriving early matters. Afterwards, walk through Peace Memorial Park to the Atomic Bomb Dome, spending around 30 minutes viewing the preserved structure from the riverside and the nearby paths. Keep this section of the day spacious—the museum in particular can leave you needing a quiet pause rather than another immediate attraction.
From the park, return to Hiroshima Station and take the JR train to Miyajimaguchi, usually about 25–30 minutes. Walk to the ferry terminal and cross to Miyajima in roughly 10 minutes; allow another 20–30 minutes for walking, queues, and boarding. The JR ferry and Matsudai ferry are both covered by the standard fare structure, with the crossing costing roughly ¥200 each way. On the island, follow the waterfront toward Itsukushima Shrine, allowing about 1½ hours for the vermilion buildings and the celebrated torii area. Its appearance changes with the tide, so check the tide table before leaving Hiroshima; at low tide, the torii may be accessible on foot, while at high tide it appears to float offshore. Entry is approximately ¥300, with opening times varying slightly by season.
For an early dinner, return by ferry to Miyajimaguchi and eat at Anago Meshi Ueno, directly near the station. Its grilled conger-eel rice is one of the area’s signature dishes—expect approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, and allow about an hour. It is popular, so an early dinner or a short wait is sensible. Then take the JR train back to Hiroshima and the evening Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka; with the full return transfer, you will likely reach your hotel around 9:00–10:00pm. Check the final train times before leaving Miyajima, particularly if you linger over dinner.
Allow 4½–5½ hours door to door from your Hiroshima hotel to Kanazawa, including checkout, the transfer to Hiroshima Station, two train changes, and the walk or local bus to your hotel. Depart around 7:00am if possible. Reserve the entire journey—Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, Thunderbird to Tsuruga, then the Hokuriku Shinkansen—and consider forwarding large suitcases, since the transfers are easier with day bags. After arriving, leave luggage at your hotel or a station locker and have a quick lunch around Kanazawa Station before sightseeing.
Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from the station toward Kenrokuen Garden; the ride is roughly 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Spend about two hours among the garden’s ponds, stone lanterns, winding paths, and old pine trees. It is especially atmospheric in autumn, while spring brings plum and cherry blossoms; in either season, comfortable shoes matter because the paths can be uneven. Admission is about ¥320, and opening hours are generally daytime hours, with seasonal variation.
Walk across the road to Kanazawa Castle Park, where the spacious grounds and reconstructed Hishiyagura, Gojukken Nagaya, and Hashizume-mon areas give a good sense of the former castle precinct. Allow around 1½ hours. The park itself is free, while the restored interiors charge a modest admission fee; check the final entry time if your train arrives late, as the complex closes before evening. From here, a 15-minute walk through the old streets leads toward Higashi Chaya.
Explore Higashi Chaya District in the late afternoon, when the preserved wooden facades take on a warm glow and the lanes are calmer than midday. Keep to the main historic streets, but also wander a little along the quieter side lanes toward the Asano River. Many tea houses are private or close relatively early, so treat this primarily as a district walk rather than expecting every interior to be open. Allow about 1½ hours, with time for a small wagashi or matcha stop if one is still serving.
Return to Kanazawa Station by local bus or taxi—roughly 10–20 minutes depending on traffic—for dinner at MoriMori Sushi Kanazawa Station. Expect approximately ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person for a good meal, more if you order generously. It can be busy at dinner, so take a numbered ticket or join the queue before browsing the station’s shops. This is an efficient final stop for the evening, particularly if you are staying near the station; otherwise, allow extra time for the bus back to your hotel.
Leave Kanazawa on a morning Nohi Highway Bus, allowing roughly 3½–4 hours door to door once you include checking out, reaching Kanazawa Station, boarding, and walking to your Takayama accommodation. The direct ride itself is usually about 2¼–2¾ hours and passes through increasingly mountainous scenery. Reserve seats through Japan Bus Online or Nohi Bus, and check the baggage allowance in advance; large suitcases generally travel in the luggage hold, but space is limited. After arriving at Takayama Nohi Bus Center, leave bags at your hotel or the station lockers before exploring.
Walk to the Miyagawa Morning Market along the river for about an hour. The stalls are best earlier in the day and commonly wind down around noon; browse local produce, pickled vegetables, miso, crafts, and small snacks such as mitarashi dango. From the market, continue into the old quarter to Takayama Jinya, the remarkably preserved Edo-period government office. Allow about an hour to see the tatami rooms, administrative spaces, and traditional garden; admission is approximately ¥440, and opening hours are generally around 8:30am–5:00pm, varying seasonally.
Spend the next 1½ hours wandering Sanmachi Suji, where dark wooden merchant houses, small sake breweries, cafés, and craft shops line the narrow streets. Look for brewery entrances marked by cedar sugidama balls, and sample a small cup of local sake if you are not driving. Takayama is compact, so a 10-minute walk north brings you to Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, a quieter and more atmospheric stop away from the busiest lanes. Allow about 45 minutes for the shrine grounds and surrounding historic streets; entry to the grounds is free, though opening access to associated facilities can vary.
Have an early dinner at Center4 Hamburgers, a casual old-town favorite known for burgers made with Hida beef. Expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. It is a small, popular restaurant, so arriving before the main dinner rush is sensible; hours and closing days can change, particularly outside the high season, so check the latest listing on the day. Afterward, keep the evening unhurried: Takayama is especially atmospheric after the day-trippers leave, with lantern-lit streets and quiet riverside walks, but many shops close early.
Leave Takayama around 6:30–7:00am for the roughly 5½–6½-hour door-to-door journey to Tokyo, allowing time for the JR Hida limited express to Nagoya, the Shinkansen connection, station transfers, and hotel check-in. Reserve seats for both trains, preferably with the luggage space behind the last row if you have large suitcases; forwarding them from Takayama is worth considering. A highway bus is cheaper, but the train is more reliable for an afternoon arrival.
After dropping your bags, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku for its free observation deck—an easy, low-pressure first stop after the long transfer. Allow about an hour, including security and the lift queue; visibility is best on a clear day, when you may catch Mount Fuji beyond the city. From there, walk or take one stop on the JR Yamanote Line toward Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Spend around 1½ hours on its broad lawns and landscaped paths, a welcome contrast to the surrounding towers. Check the garden’s current opening day before setting out, as it traditionally closes on Mondays; admission is about ¥500.
As the light fades, walk north toward Golden Gai, taking your time through the tiny lanes rather than treating it as a checklist. The bars are generally small, often seating only a handful of guests, and many charge a cover of roughly ¥500–¥1,500; choose places that clearly display their rules and prices, and avoid blocking doorways while looking around. Finish at Tsunahachi Sohonten, a long-established Shinjuku tempura restaurant, where a set meal typically costs about ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person. Expect a queue at peak dinner time, so an early meal around 5:30–6:00pm is the easiest option; afterward, keep the evening gentle and return to your hotel for an early night before departure day.
Allow 1½–3 hours door to door from your Tokyo hotel to the airport, depending on whether you are flying from Haneda Airport or Narita Airport. For an international flight, leave the hotel about three hours before departure, allowing extra time for luggage, rush-hour trains, and airport check-in. From central Tokyo, Haneda is usually the easier airport: the Keikyu Line reaches the international terminal from Shinagawa in roughly 15 minutes, while the Tokyo Monorail takes around 15–25 minutes from Hamamatsucho. A taxi is convenient with heavy luggage but can be expensive and traffic-dependent.
For Narita Airport, use the Narita Express from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, or the Keisei Skyliner from Ueno; the train journey itself is around 45–90 minutes, but allow considerably longer from your hotel and for finding the correct platform. Check your airline’s terminal and baggage allowance before leaving, and keep any tax-free shopping receipts accessible. Airport trains generally accept an IC card, though reserved-seat tickets for the Narita Express or Skyliner must be purchased separately.
Complete check-in, security, and border formalities at the airport, then allow time to reach your gate—particularly at Narita, where terminals and walking distances can be substantial. If you have a final meal in Japan, airport options are practical but less atmospheric than the city; at Haneda, the international terminal’s Edo Koji area is a pleasant place for a last bowl of ramen or a small souvenir before security, while Narita has useful last-minute shopping after immigration. Recheck the airline’s live departure information, as terminal assignments and boarding procedures can change. Your return flight to Germany will mark the end of the Japan journey; keep your passport, receipts, and onward travel documents together until you have cleared arrival formalities at home.
No packing list attached yet.