Anime Japan Tour - Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka Self-Guided Tour

Brief Tour Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

• 

  Day 1: Arrival To Tokyo 東京

  • Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
  • Welcome to Japan! ようこそ日本へ
  • Clear customs and get your luggage.
  • Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (step by step details in your Japan Journal).
  • Your Pocket Wi-Fi will be waiting for you at the hotel reception.
  • Check-in at your hotel (rooms available from 3:00pm).
  • Explore the neighbourhood and try local cuisine for dinner.

• 

  Day 2: Explore Modern Tokyo

  Check your Japan Journal for information on how to get to all points of interests, plus recommendations for shopping, restaurants and attractions along the way.

  • Start your day early at Meiji Jingu, one of the most famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo.
  • Harajuku, a vibrant district famous for its fashion and youth culture.
  • From Harajuku, walk down Omotesando, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées.
  • Continue your day in Shibuya, one of Tokyo's busiest and most popular shopping districts.
  • Go up to the Shibuya Sky for a stunning panoramic view of the city from above.
  • Explore Centre Gai for souvenirs.
  • End your day by eating sushi at a sushi train restaurant.

• 

  Day 3: Odaiba & Akihabara

  • Begin your day at the digital art museum, TeamLabs immersive and interactive installations
  • Visit the life-sized Gundam statue, a famous icon for fans of the anime series
  • Enjoy the Mirakai Museum (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)
  • Head over to Tokyo's “Electric Town”, famous for its electronics shops and anime/manga stores
  • Shop at Mandarake one of the largest manga and anime stores in Akihabara
  • Find your favourite plushies and anime souvenirs in a 24/7 hours mega shop in Akihabara

• 

  Day 4: Parks And Neon Lights

  • Start your day by visiting the Shinjuku Gyoen, a beautiful park that offers a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city
  • Head to Shinjuku's shopping district and explore the many stores and boutiques
  • Take a short walk to the Met Building, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Tokyo from the observation deck on the 45th floor
  • Head to Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with small bars and restaurants.
  • Visit the lively and colourful Kabukicho district, which is known for its neon lights, entertainment, and nightlife
  • End your day with a Guided Food Tour in Shinjuku (optional).

• 

  Day 5: Tokyo To Kyoto

  All details on how to get from Tokyo to Kyoto included in your Japan Journal, with instructions on how to pick up your Shinkansen train ticket and reserve your seat.

  • Check out of your hotel in Tokyo
  • Take a Shinkansen to Kyoto
  • Check-in at your hotel
  • Walk around Gion district
  • See the Yasaka Shrine
  • Walk around Maruyama Park
  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Walk through Higashiyama District

• 

  Day 6: Bamboo Forest & Temples

  • Start your day at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
  • Visit the Okochi Sanso Garden for matcha and wagashi (optional).
  • Walk towards Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street and visit the temples along the way.
  • Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Get the public transport back to Higashiyama Ward.
  • Walk along Shijo-Dori for delicious food.
  • Explore Hanamikoji Street in the evening.

• 

  Day 7: Manga Museum, Street Food & Fushimi Inari Shrine

  • Start your day with a trip to the Kyoto International Manga Museum (open days can vary).
  • Head to Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto's kitchen.
  • Next, visit Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's most important landmarks.
  • Head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Take a hike up the mountainous path through thousands of vermilion torii gates and enjoy the stunning views of the city below.
  • We recommend ending your day with a Kaiseki dinner serving traditional Kyoto cuisine.

• 

  Day 8: Kyoto To Osaka

  • Check out of your hotel in Kyoto and make your way to Kyoto Station.
  • Once you arrive at Kyoto Station, take a train to Osaka.
  • After you arrive in Osaka, check-in at your hotel and drop off your luggage.
  • Visit the famous Osaka castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
  • Explore the vibrant Dotonbori district and try local street food.
  • Try some of the local specialities like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake).
  • Do some shopping in the area, which is home to many stores and malls.
  • End your day by visiting the Umeda Sky Building.

• 

  Day 9: Universal Studio in Osaka

  • Make your way to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
  • Use the Universal Express Pass to skip long lines at popular attractions (included in your tour).
  • Grab lunch at one of the many themed restaurants.
  • Explore more attractions and have lots of fun with your favourite characters.
  • The schedule can vary based on personal interests, crowd levels, and showtimes, so it's a good idea to grab a park map and schedule when you arrive.

• 

  Day 10: Back To Tokyo

  • Check out of your hotel and head to the train station to catch a train to Tokyo.
  • Arrive in Tokyo and check-in at your hotel. Drop off your bags and get ready to explore the city.
  • Enjoy some time exploring Otome Road in Ikebukuro, a major shopping centre for anime and manga.
  • Explore Animate Ikebukuro, for anime stationary.
  • End the day with a visit to Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO.
  • Return to your hotel to rest and recharge before your flight back home the next day.

• 

  Day 11: Departure from Tokyo

  • Check out of your hotel in Tokyo
  • Transfer to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport.