Any Last Tips for First Japan Visit

Hi all,

Hope you're all doing well. I'm off to Japan in 2 days for a work trip, but I'm heading out for 8 days of travel beforehand. I've got 3 nights in Osaka, 2 nights in Kyoto and then 5 nights in Tokyo (2 of which are work).

I've got some rough ideas which I'll put below, but would really appreciate any suggestions or tips. It would be great to hear any tips on traveling around (best way to do it, apps etc, I'm using Android) and also paying for things (have cash, paying with card). Thank you in advance for anyone taking the time to read and reply. Looking forward to hearing your input.

4 Dec – Osaka

Umeda area (station, Grand Front, Sky Building area / city night shots)

Quick first look at Namba / Dotonbori in the evening

5 Dec – Osaka

Maybe Universal Studios Japan but not sure how suitable it will be for a solo travel

6 Dec – Osaka

Osaka Castle Park & grounds

Shinsekai (Tsutenkaku area)

Optional:

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Namba / Dotonbori (if not fully done on the 4th)

7 Dec – Kyoto

Gion district

Yasaka Shrine / Yasaka Pagoda

Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka old streets

8 Dec – Kyoto

Arashiyama

Bamboo Grove

Togetsukyo Bridge / riverside

Fushimi Inari Taisha (torii gates)

9 Dec – Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo

Shinkansen Kyoto to Tokyo (Fuji view if clear)

Asakusa – Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise

Shinjuku/Kabukicho night streets around my hotel

10 Dec – Tokyo

Meiji Shrine

Harajuku backstreets

Shibuya Crossing / Shibuya centre

Shinjuku (including Golden Gai / neon streets)

by liam1208