Use domestic flights for real geographic crossing. If comfortable high-speed rail can last a full day and reduce airport hassle, there's no need to force an extra flight.
Keep the first night simple
After a domestic flight, a nearby meal and a short walk are more suitable than timed attractions or non-returnable experiences.
Protect compact connections
If you get tickets separately or arrive late, staying one night as a buffer is often cheaper than rebuilding a disrupted itinerary.