You’ll arrive in Tokyo, landing at Haneda Airport, and make your way to the hotel to check in and settle down. After a bit of rest, your first evening in Japan will be spent diving straight into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife. Head to Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, famous for its narrow alleys lined with tiny bars, or wander through Omoide Yokocho for a nostalgic food alley experience. Alternatively, you can choose the electric atmosphere of Shibuya Crossing before calling it a night.
This day offers flexibility for your interests. You could spend the morning exploring the interactive art installations at teamLab Borderless (if it has reopened), wander the Tsukiji outer market for fresh seafood and street snacks, or dive into the electronics and anime world of Akihabara. The rest of the day is free for leisure.
In the morning, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Toyama to Kanazawa, then transfer to a Tokaido/Hokuriku connection for Kyoto, a trip of around two to three hours. Once in Kyoto, spend the late afternoon and evening wandering the historic streets of Gion or catching the sunset from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.