Hello! It's my first time going to Japan and I'm very early in my planning stages. Can you please help check if this itinerary is realistic? Nothing confirmed yet and I would like to get the internet's wisdom before I book hotels etc.

All I want is to visit Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka – maybe a view of Mt. Fuji (so doesn't have to be Hakone if you can suggest other places?).

Could you please help? Thanks super!

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Arrive at Tokyo Haneda Airport or Narita International Airport at 5AM
• Transfer to hotel in Tokyo
• Visit Senso-ji Temple and explore Asakusa
• Tokyo Skytree for city views
• Dinner in Asakusa

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration (Central and West)

• Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park
• Explore Harajuku and Omotesando, lunch in the area
• Shibuya Crossing and surrounding area
• Sunset at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (if open) or Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation decks
• Dinner and exploration in Shinjuku

Day 3: Mt. Fuji Day Trip

• Early morning: Travel to Hakone
• Visit Hakone Shrine and its iconic torii gate on Lake Ashi's shore (without taking a cruise)
• Lunch in Hakone
• Hakone Ropeway for Mt. Fuji views
• Owakudani Valley – volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs
• Hakone Open-Air Museum
• Return to Tokyo for dinner

Day 4: Tokyo Exploration (East)

• Imperial Palace East Gardens
• Explore Akihabara, lunch in the area
• Ueno Park and a museum of your choice (e.g., Tokyo National Museum)
• Evening at leisure

Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto

• Morning: Last-minute activities in Tokyo
• Afternoon: Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen
• Evening: Check-in at Kyoto hotel, dinner in the area

Day 6: Kyoto Exploration (Western Kyoto)

• Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple)
• Lunch in Arashiyama
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji Temple
• Dinner and evening in downtown Kyoto

Day 7: Kyoto Exploration (Eastern Kyoto)

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Walk through Higashiyama District
• Lunch in Gion
• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Nishiki Market
• Dinner and Gion evening walk

Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka (via Nara)

• Travel to Nara
• Nara Park (Todaiji Temple, deer feeding)
• Lunch in Nara
• Travel to Osaka
• Check-in at Osaka hotel
• Osaka Castle or Umeda Sky Building for sunset views
• Dinner and night exploration of Dotonbori

Day 9: Osaka Exploration and Departure

• Visit Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
• Quick stroll through Nakanoshima Park
• Lunch at Takimi-koji Street in Namba
• Depart for Kansai International Airport
• Arrive at Kansai International Airport
• Flight departs from Osaka