Tokyo

Start with the historic east.

• 08:30

  Senso-ji Temple

  Free; Tokyo's oldest temple. Walk Nakamise shopping street early before crowds.

• 11:00

  Tokyo Skytree

  Tembo Deck ¥2,100-3,100; book timed tickets online to skip queues.

• 13:00

  Sushi lunch

  Sets ¥1,500-3,000; reliable, open late, near Tsukiji Outer Market.

• 18:00

  Shibuya Crossing & izakaya

  Free spectacle; eat at Nonbei Yokocho alley, small plates ¥400-900.

Skyline, green and nightlife.

• 09:30

  Shinjuku Gyoen

  Entry ¥500; English/Japanese/French garden styles, superb in any season.

• 12:00

  Ramen lunch

  Tsukemen ¥1,100; queue moves fast, buy a ticket from the machine.

• 15:00

  Tokyo Metropolitan Gov't observatory

  Free observation deck on the 45th floor; clear days show Mt Fuji.

• 19:00

  Golden Gai & Omoide Yokocho

  Yakitori ¥150-300/skewer; tiny atmospheric bars, some with cover charges.

High and low Tokyo.

• 09:00

  Meiji Jingu shrine

  Free; forested shrine. Pair with a stroll down adjacent Takeshita St in Harajuku.

• 12:00

  Harajuku crepes & shopping

  Crepes ¥500-700; youth fashion and kitsch.

• 14:30

  teamLab digital art

  ~¥3,800; immersive light art. Book a timed slot in advance.

• 19:00

  Shibuya dinner

  Conveyor sushi from ¥130/plate; touch-screen ordering, great value.

Escape the city.

• 08:30

  Train to Kamakura

  ~1h from Tokyo; Great Buddha entry ¥300. Use the JR/Enoden lines.

• 11:00

  Hasedera & coast

  Entry ¥400; hydrangeas and sea views, then walk to Yuigahama beach.

• 14:00

  Komachi-dori snacks

  Street snacks ¥200-500; shirasu (whitebait) is the local specialty.

Slow Tokyo finish.

• 08:00

  Tsukiji Outer Market

  Tamagoyaki ¥100, uni, scallops grilled to order; come hungry and early.

• 11:00

  Ginza stroll

  Window-shop; Itoya stationery and depachika food halls are free fun.

• 13:30

  Tonkatsu farewell

  Set ¥1,800-2,800; famously tender pork cutlet.