Japan

Tuna auction at Toyosu (5am), breakfast sushi at Tsukiji.

This is one to do hungry and unhurried. Cash helps at smaller counters, English menus aren't guaranteed, and the best stalls tend to sell out long before closing time.

About 4 hours is realistic with photos, breaks, and a sit-down somewhere nearby. Easy to slot beside one other activity. Based in Tokyo (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Tsuta for Michelin shoyu; izakayas under the Yurakucho tracks after.

This is one to do hungry and unhurried. Cash helps at smaller counters, English menus aren't guaranteed, and the best stalls tend to sell out long before closing time.

About 4 hours is realistic with photos, breaks, and a sit-down somewhere nearby. Easy to slot beside one other activity. Based in Tokyo (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Shibuya Sky for the rooftop view at sunset.

A short, high-energy stop that pairs well with whatever's next on your day. Comfortable shoes do more for you here than any guidebook.

About 3 hours is realistic with photos, breaks, and a sit-down somewhere nearby. Easy to slot beside one other activity. Based in Tokyo (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Tokyo's oldest temple. Nakamise street for matcha treats.

Expect a slower-paced stop where the value is in the story — bring a guide app or a paper map, and budget time to actually read the plaques rather than rush from photo to photo.

About 3 hours is realistic with photos, breaks, and a sit-down somewhere nearby. Easy to slot beside one other activity. Based in Tokyo (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Pre-book weeks ahead. Wear shorts — you walk through water.

Expect a slower-paced stop where the value is in the story — bring a guide app or a paper map, and budget time to actually read the plaques rather than rush from photo to photo.

Quick at around 2 hours — pair it with something close by to make the trip across town worthwhile. Based in Tokyo (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Anime/electronics mecca + the city's best museum cluster.

Expect a slower-paced stop where the value is in the story — bring a guide app or a paper map, and budget time to actually read the plaques rather than rush from photo to photo.

About 4 hours is realistic with photos, breaks, and a sit-down somewhere nearby. Easy to slot beside one other activity. Based in Tokyo (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Watch from inside a Ryogoku stable; bookable in non-tournament months.

Expect a slower-paced stop where the value is in the story — bring a guide app or a paper map, and budget time to actually read the plaques rather than rush from photo to photo.

About 3 hours is realistic with photos, breaks, and a sit-down somewhere nearby. Easy to slot beside one other activity. Based in Tokyo (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Costumed go-karts (no Nintendo branding now) on actual Tokyo roads.

Book through a reputable operator, double-check insurance covers the activity, and don't underestimate how tired you'll be after — schedule something easy the following morning.

Quick at around 2 hours — pair it with something close by to make the trip across town worthwhile. Based in Tokyo (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Day trip from Tokyo by bus. Chureito Pagoda for the postcard shot.

Book through a reputable operator, double-check insurance covers the activity, and don't underestimate how tired you'll be after — schedule something easy the following morning.

Block out around 10 hours including transit. It eats most of a day, so don't try to pair it with another anchor stop. Based in Mt Fuji area (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Toshogu shrine, waterfalls, Lake Chuzenji. Spectacular in autumn.

Treat it as its own mini-itinerary. Lock in your return transport before you set off, and try not to cram a second stop on the same day unless distances are short.

Block out around 9 hours including transit. It eats most of a day, so don't try to pair it with another anchor stop. Based in Tokyo (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.

Onsen ryokan overnight; cable car loop with Lake Ashi.

Weather rewrites this one fast — check the forecast the morning you go, layer up, and carry more water than you think you'll need. Early starts dodge both crowds and afternoon heat.

Block out around 9 hours including transit. It eats most of a day, so don't try to pair it with another anchor stop. Based in Hakone (Tokyo & Kanto). Map it before you leave the hotel so you arrive from the right side of the entrance.