Anime Japan Tour – Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka Self-Guided Tour – 11 Days

Visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with this 11 Day Self-Guided Anime Japan Tour, itinerary. All hotels, transportation, experiences, unlimited Wi-Fi, and goodies included.

  • 10 nights / 11 days
  • From $3,099pp
  • 5.0

Tour Highlights

  • Experience Japan’s iconic manga & anime culture.
  • Explore Tokyo’s vibrant districts.
  • Cross Shibuya’s famed pedestrian scramble.
  • Dive into Akihabara’s manga and anime shops.
  • Visit Odaiba’s life-sized Gundam Wing.
  • Experience teamLab’s innovative exhibitions.
  • Explore the Miraikan Museum.
  • Discover Kyoto’s cultural heritage and traditions.
  • Visit Kyoto’s International Manga Museum.
  • Ride the high-speed Shinkansen.
  • Experience Universal Studio Japan in Osaka.
  • Stay connected with unlimited Pocket Wi-Fi.
  • Get all the insider tips with our Japan Journal

Brief Tour Itinerary

DayHighlightsOvernight
1Arrival To TokyoTokyo
2Harajuku & Shibuya CrossingTokyo
3Odaiba & AkihabaraTokyo
4Shinjuku’s Neon LightsTokyo
5Traditional Gion DistrictKyoto
6Bamboo Forest & Higashiyama WardKyoto
7Manga Museum, Street Food & Fushimi InariKyoto
8Osaka castle & DotonburiOsaka
9Universal StudioOsaka
10Ikebukuro & Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYOTokyo
11Departure from Tokyo

📖 Japan Journal – Sample Day

If you want to see an example of how the Self-Guided Itinerary we provide looks like, download this Sample Day PDF here: Download the sample.

🔍 Looking For Something Else?

Click here to get a tailored Self-Guided Tour that is made just for you.

Tour Itinerary

Tokyo local in front of an intersection at night
Tokyo local in front of an intersection at night

Day 1: Arrival To Tokyo 東京

  • Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
  • Welcome to Japan! ようこそ日本へ
  • Private or shared transfer to your hotel
  • Your Pocket Wi-Fi will be waiting for you at the hotel reception.
  • Explore the neighbourhood and try local cuisine for dinner.
Entrance to Tokyu Plaza Omotesando
Entrance to Tokyu Plaza Omotesando

Day 2: Modern Tokyo

  • 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 (Optional).
  • Explore Centre Gai for souvenirs.
  • End your day in Shinjuku.
View of snowy Fuji from Ashi lake in Hakone
View of snowy Fuji from Ashi lake in Hakone

Day 3: Odaiba & Akihabara

  • 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
Shinjuku Kabukicho at Night, Tokyo
Sea of neon advertisement boards in Kabukicho Shinjuku Tokyo Japan

Day 4: Parks And Neon Lights

  • Visit Shinjuku Gyoen park
  • Shinjuku’s shopping district and explore the stores and boutiques
  • Take a short walk to the Met Building, with stunning views of Tokyo
  • 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
  • Evening Guided Food Tour in Shinjuku.
Geisha walking in Kyoto in the rain
Geisha walking in Kyoto in the rain

Day 5: Tokyo To Kyoto

  • Take a Shinkansen to Kyoto
  • Discover Gion district
  • See the Yasaka Shrine
  • Walk around Maruyama Park
  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Walk through Higashiyama District
Kaminarimon at Senso-ji temple in Asakusa Tokyo

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
Geisha Walking through the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
Geisha Walking through the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

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

  • Kyoto International Manga Museum.
  • 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.
Backstreets of Kita neighbourhood in Osaka
Backstreets of Kita neighbourhood in Osaka

Day 8: Kyoto To Osaka

  • 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 local specialities like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake).
  • Shop in the area, home to many stores and malls.
  • End your day by visiting the Umeda Sky Building.
Backstreets of Kita neighbourhood in Osaka
Backstreets of Kita neighbourhood in Osaka

Day 9: Universal Studio In Osaka

  • Visit the Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
  • Skip the long lines using your Universal Express Pass.
  • Grab lunch at one of the many themed restaurants.
  • Explore more attractions and have lots of fun with your favourite characters.
Cory admiring the Osaka Castle, one of the top attractions in Osaka
Cory admiring the Osaka Castle, one of the top attractions in Osaka

Day 10: Back To Tokyo

  • Explore 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.
Red Store Shibuya Tokyo
Red Store Shibuya Tokyo

Day 11: Departure From Japan

The last day of your tour. Depending on your departure flight, you may have half a day to spend in Tokyo.

Included In Your Self-Guided Tour

Accommodation

We offer a range of hotel options from 3-star to 5-star via our partners in Japan. We also have a wide range of traditional ryokans that have private, hot spring bath in the room, with access to communal onsen.

Based on your preference, we will work with you to find the best accommodation for you.

Transport (Per Person)

  • Shared or Private Airport Transfers based on your preference
  • 2 x Prepaid 72 hours Tokyo Metro transport cards
  • Kansai 3 day Thru Pass
  • Osaka 2 day Pass
  • Shinkansen tickets Tokyo to Kyoto
  • Shinkansen tickets Kyoto to Osaka
  • Shinkansen tickets Osaka to Tokyo

Experiences (Per Person)

  • Entry tickets to teamLabs
  • Entry tickets to Shibuya Sky
  • Entry tickets to Miraikan Museum
  • Entry tickets to Umeda Sky Building Observatory
  • Tickets to Universal Studio
  • Universal Studios Japan Express Pass

Additional Services Included

  • Unlimited Wi-Fi access with pocket Wi-Fi
  • Complete Japan Journal sent before your departure
  • Guides to Japan sent before departure
  • Book on Japanese customs and manners

Not Included In The Price Of Your Trip

  • Flights to Japan
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal expenses including meals
  • Optional experiences
  • Anything not included in the “included in your tour” section

What Will You Get Before The Tour?

Your detailed itinerary, the “Japan Journal” will be sent to you one month before your trip. The itinerary contains detailed recommendations for activities, places to visit, places to eat, and interesting attractions. It also gives you useful detailed instructions on how to get around, including transportation options, schedules.

Download the Sample Day PDF here: Download the sample.

Before your tour, you will also receive a series of digital guides to help you prepare for your trip to Japan. These guides are designed to ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience while in Japan.

You will receive guides covering a range of topics, including what to pack for Japan, what to wear in Japan, and a guide on customs and manners that was created in partnership with a Japanese illustrator. These guides will help you understand Japanese customs and culture, which is important for respecting local traditions.

You will also receive a list of all the apps to download before the trip to Japan. This will include apps for navigation, translation, and local services, which will help you stay connected and make the most of your trip.

Overall, you will have everything you need to prepare for your trip to Japan, so you can relax and enjoy your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your refund policy?

If you cancel your trip 56 days or more before your departure date, you will receive a 100% refund.

If you cancel your trip between 55 and 30 days before your departure date, you will receive a 50% refund.

No refunds will be given if you cancel your trip 29 days or less before your departure date.

Please read the full Terms & Conditions.

What if I have to change my booking?

If you wish to make any changes to your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking amendment fee of £40 ($50) per change, and additional costs may apply depending on the nature of the amendment. Please note that changing hotels or tickets (transportation, experiences) may not always be possible. We will make every effort to fulfil your request.

What if I have to cancel or transfer my booking?

If you have to cancel your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. This is required in writing, and you should refer to the Terms & Conditions regarding any cancellation charges that may apply. Normally, if you cancel before the final balance is due, the deposit is 100% refundable. Once your final balance has been paid, there is a sliding scale of charges, outlined in the Terms & Conditions.
If you wish to transfer your booking to a different holiday or traveller, you should contact us before the final balance is due for your existing tour. There is a £40 ($50) fee to do so. Any changes are also subject to any additional fees charged by local suppliers. Transfers after the final balance is due are classed as a cancellation and re-booking. For cancellations or transfers, please contact Customer Support.

Can the tour be personalised?

Yes! All our Self-Guided Tours can be personalised free of charge to fit your requirements. Contact your advisor now and get started!

What currency is the tour price listed in?

All our prices are in US Dollar (USD).
We can process payments in the following currencies: USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD.
Please contact us, and we will provide you with a payment link in the currency you prefer.

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