Anime Flavor: Tokyo & Kyoto Winter Tour

Day 1

Tokyo Narita Airport

Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.

Hotel Mystays Premier Narita or similar class
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class (NOTE 1 & 2)

NOTE 1: If you wish to stay in the center of Tokyo for the first night instead of Hotel Mystays Premier Narita, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included. We will provide you directions to get to your hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$90.00 per person per way.

NOTE 2: If you will be flying into Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita International Airport (NRT), we can arrange for you to stay in the center of Tokyo (Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class) instead of Hotel Mystays Premier Narita. In this case, meet-and- greet and airport transfer are not included. We will provide with full instructions to get to the hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$75.00 per person per way.

NOTE 3: The meet-and-greet is ONLY available for flights arriving in Terminal 1 & 2 after 11:00 AM. For guests arriving in Terminal 3, airport pickup is not included, but we will provide you with directions to get to your hotel in advance.

NOTE 4: If you wish to stay extra nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.

Day 2

Tokyo (Ghibli Museum / Shibuya - Shibuya Scramble Crossing - Shibuya Parco - Nintendo Tokyo - Pokémon Center Shibuya / Akihabara)

Today we will be going to the Ghibli Museum. The Ghibli Museum has various exhibitions based on the works by Studio Ghibli, offering a look into their animation and film production process. This includes the work desk of Hayao Miyazaki, some of his sketches, and an original short film that cannot be seen outside of the museum. The museum grounds have been decorated to reflect the child-like whimsy associated with their studio, so wandering around feels like you’ve stepped into a Ghibli film. The tour continues to Shibuya, known for the Shibuya “Scramble Crossing” which, at the right signal, floods the intersection with oncoming businesspeople, shoppers, and travelers, converging from all directions in a great rush of people that somehow feels both hectic and orderly. We go from there to Cyberspace Shibuya, on the 6th floor of the Shibuya Parco shopping center, well known for its anime and video game stores. Browse the Nintendo Tokyo Store, which is one of the few stores in the world to sell officially licensed Nintendo merchandise, which include Mario, Zelda, Kirby, Splatoon, and Animal Crossing. You can also visit the Pokemon Center Shibuya, which contains official merchandise for the lovable Pikachu, Eevee, and other popular Pokemon. Then we continue to Akihabara - the anime otaku capital of the world. This flashy, colorful district is full of anime stores like Animate, Gamers, and Kotobukiya, gamer stores like Super Potato and Trader, manga hubs like Melonbooks and Book-Off, cheap electronics shops like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Akiba, and other hobby stores. Buy a Shinto blessing on your electronics at Kanda Myojin Shrine, test your gamer skills at a Taito Station or GiGO Arcade, try your luck at the Gachapon capsule toy dispensers, sit down for some ramen at a local shop, or look for a themed cafe. After the day’s tour ends, you are free to remain longer in Akihabara, returning to your hotel on your own afterward.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Day 3

Tokyo (Tsukiji Outer Market / Drive by Imperial Palace / Sushi Making Experience / Asakusa Sensoji Temple / Tokyo Skytree)

Today, you will visit Tsukiji Outer Market – a bustling outdoor street market known for its fresh and delicious seafood, produce, and kitchenware. From there, we drive by the Imperial Palace, which offers splendid views of the meticulously maintained front lawn and garden areas, the moat, and the old stone walls. Next, enjoy a fun and simple Sushi-Making Experience, where you can enjoy creating your own sushi, and eating it afterwards! Then, we visit Tokyo’s oldest temple complex – Asakusa Sensoji Temple, featuring the Kaminarimon Gate, in which hangs an enormous red lantern. Leading up to the temple is Nakamise Street, which is lined with shops selling all manner of Japanese souvenirs. At the end of the day, we ascend Tokyo Skytree to the observation deck (Tembo Deck), which offers a panoramic 360- degree view of the Tokyo cityscape.
Note: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, on gluten-free diets, have seafood allergy, or don't eat raw fish, please contact us for other ingredient options.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Day 4

Hakone (Open Air Museum / Lake Ashi Cruise / Hakone Ropeway / Owakudani), Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride

Today begins with a drive to Hakone to visit the Hakone Open Air Museum. This museum aims to create a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures and interactive structures on its grounds, in combination with views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Then board a leisurely cruise around Lake Ashi, a little caldera lake near Mount Hakone, where you can take in the gorgeous local scenery. We will take a 20 minute ropeway ride from Togendai to Owakudani. Most of Owakudani is considered an active volcanic zone since its creation from the eruption of Mount Hakone some 3,000 years ago. Visitors will encounter the area's hot springs and bubbling pools, complete with sulfurous fumes and steam vents. If the weather conditions are in our favor, Owakudani also grants splendid views of Mount Fuji. Then, experience a Shinkansen bullet train ride, which can reach speeds of up to 320 km/hr (200mph). We will stay at the Onsen Hotel, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a spa bath and feast on dinner in the comfort of your hotel.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa or similar class

Day 5

Hikone (Hikone Castle - Genkyuen Garden), Koka (Miho Museum)

After breakfast at the hotel, our group will visit the Hikone Castle, an original castle that has survived the post feudal era without undergoing severe damages or reconstruction. It is considered an excellent impression of what a complete feudal castle looks like, and is a national treasure itself. Afterwards, visit the tranquil Genkyuen Garden, located on the grounds of Hikone Castle. From there, proceed to the Miho Museum, which is distinguished for its fascinating architecture designed by I. M. Pei. The museum exhibits various collections from different ancient civilizations. It is named after Koyama Mihoko, one of the richest women in Japan and the founder of the museum. Miho Museum is also listed as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die"

Breakfast

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

Note: If Miho Museum is close, we will visit Kyoto National Museum or Sagawa Art Museum instead.

Day 6

Kyoto (Arashiyama - Sagano Bamboo Forest / Golden Pavilion / Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko Interaction / Kiyomizu Temple / Gion Geisha District)

After breakfast, we begin our tour of Kyoto – the center of Japan’s traditional culture. We first go to the Arashiyama district to see the Sagano Bamboo Forest, where towering stalks of bamboo packed close together create an otherworldly feeling of mystery and awe as you walk the path through the center. Next, we go to Kinkakuji Temple (also called the Golden Pavilion), which is one of Kyoto’s most coveted sights. Shimmering walls wrapped in gold leaf are reflected in the Mirror Pond below; look carefully to see the dainty phoenix sitting on the roof. Then experience a traditional Green Tea Ceremony – an elegant ritual of hospitality once accorded only to the social elite. The experience is made even more special as it is hosted by an elegant Maiko (an apprentice Geisha). After, tour Kiyomizu Temple, also known as the Temple of Pure Water, a celebrated landmark famed for its iconic three- story pagoda, large wooden stage offering a spectacular view, and trio of sacred springs pouring from the base of the main hall. We end our day in the Gion Geisha District, a heritage district where stone-paved streets are lined with exclusive ochaya (teahouses). While admiring the old- fashioned buildings, the fortunate visitor may spot Geisha or Maiko (Geisha apprentices) walking between these establishments.

Breakfast / Dinner

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

Day 7

Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine), Nara (Todaiji Temple / Deer Park), Osaka (Dotonbori - Shinsaibashi)

Today, we travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine – the chief shrine of the thousands throughout the country dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of economic prosperity, rice, and foxes. What sets this shrine apart is the sight of thousands of bright vermillion “torii” gates that form long pathways through the forest covering sacred Mount Inari. Next, we will travel to the ancient city of Nara, where we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and an icon of the city: Todaiji Temple, which is home to the Great Buddha of Nara – a massive, seated image of Rushana-butsu, known as the “Cosmic Buddha”. Outside the temple, spend some time with the friendly wild deer of Nara Deer Park. These adorable creatures are largely accustomed to interacting with people, and some have even learned to bow when asking for the special deer crackers, which can be bought around the park. We go from there to Osaka to visit the colorful, neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori. This area is popularly known for being the heart of Osaka’s food culture. Osaka is known as the city of “Kuidaore” or “to eat until you drop”, and you will find Dotonbori to be filled with numerous eateries underneath large, eye-catching billboards, including the famed Glico “Running Man”. Lastly, make your way to Shinsaibashi, the largest shopping district in Osaka. Originally established during the Edo period, this historic district is now home to various modern retailers including jewelers, trendy boutiques, western clothing and footwear stores, even traditional kimono tailors.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar class
Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class (NOTE 5 & 6)

NOTE 5: If you wish to stay in the center of Osaka for the last night instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Elsereine Osaka (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included, but we will provide full instructions for you to get to the airport in advance.

NOTE 6: If you will be flying out from Itami Airport (ITM) instead of Kansai International Airport (KIX), we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Elsereine Osaka (or similar class) instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport. In this case, airport transfer is not included but we will provide full instructions for you to get to the airport in advance.

Day 8

Tour Ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and Osaka Kansai Airport can be reached in a three minute walk.

If you are interested in a 3-day extension to our Anime Flavor: Tokyo & Kyoto Winter Tour that includes Himeji Castle, Hiroshima, Kobe, and Shikoku Island, please book one of our Anime Flavor Tours with Hiroshima by clicking the following link: Anime Flavor: Tokyo & Kyoto with Hiroshima Winter Tour.

Breakfast

NOTE 7: If you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.