Embarking on a journey to Japan? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, planning is key to making the most of your adventure. Here’s a detailed itinerary packed with interesting facts and tips for each place you’ll explore.
Before Leaving
Suica Card for Seamless Subway Travel
Get a Suica Card for digital subway ticket usage. It’s a convenient and efficient way to navigate Tokyo and Kyoto’s extensive subway systems. You can also get a physical card if necessary. All you will have to do is tap your phone/ watch to enter and exit a station.
Essential Reservations
Reserve tickets for must-visit attractions like Ghibli Park, Ghibli Museum, TeamLab, and Owl Cafe well in advance.
Digital Essentials
Obtain an eSIM for seamless connectivity.
Get QR codes for EACH person flying to expedite Tokyo passport control.
Ghibli Park Reservation Hack
Use multiple computers to maximize your chances of getting Ghibli Park tickets. The reservation system opens at a specific date and time, so be prepared.
Train Travel to Kyoto
Reserve train tickets to Kyoto if you wish to have assigned seating. Pro-tips: This can also be done at the station due to the abundance of available trains but seating together is not guaranteed. Two tickets will be given per person, stack them, and insert them both at the same time at the gate to enter the platform.
Airport Logistics
Reserve a taxi from the airport or choose Narita Express for a hassle-free journey.
DAY 1- ARRIVAL
- Arrive in Tokyo on Dec 26, 2023, and stay at Shinagawa Prince Hotel.
- Explore Shinagawa Train Station, print train tickets for the next day, and enjoy a quick dinner from 7Eleven.
DAY 2- GHIBLI PARK
- Travel to Ghibli Park via Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.
- Explore Ghibli Park’s Hill of Youth, Ghibli Warehouse, and Dodonko Forest.
- Head to Kyoto via bullet train, check into Hanakagari Machiya House.
DAY 3- KYOTO
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park.
- Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and enjoy late lunch in Pontocho alley.
- Dinner reservation at Ryugetsu-an for an authentic experience.
DAY 4- FUSHIMI INARI
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine early for a serene experience and hike to the top.
- Explore Higashiyama District, and Kiyomizu-dera, and don’t miss entering the womb you will not regret it!
- Enjoy dinner at Kyoto Tsuyu-Shabu CHIRIRI.
DAY 5- TRAVEL BACK TO TOKYO
- Drop off bags at the hotel.
- Explore Nishiki Market, take a bullet train to Tokyo, and check into an Airbnb in Shibuya.
- Experience Shibuya Crossing and enjoy dinner at Mawashizushi Katsu Seibu.
DAY 6- IKEBUKURO DISTRICT
- Explore Ikebukuro, visit the KitKat Store, and explore Sunshine City.
- Head to the Imperial Palace and Gardens and enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant
DAY 7- TEAMLAB
- Experience TeamLab Planet.
- Lunch at McDonald’s, visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
- Dinner at Airbnb.
DAY 8 – AKIHABARA DISTRICT
- Explore Akihabara district, and visit Yodabashi, Animate, and Don Quijote.
- Enjoy ramen for lunch
- Visit Owl Cafe
DAY 9 – MEIJI TEMPLE and HARAJUKU DISTRICT
- Visit Meiji Jingu Temple, and have lunch at TGIF for burgers.
- Explore the Harajuku District and indulge in some shopping.
- Dinner at Kura Sushi in the evening.
DAY 10 – GHIBLI MUSEUM
- Visit Miyashita Park in Shibuya and enjoy lunch.
- Explore Gotokuji Temple, known for its abundance of cats.
- Ghibli Museum.
- Yakitori dinner at Iseya Koen-ten.
DAY 11 – DEPARTURE
- Drop bags in coin lockers at Shibuya station.
- Visit Tokyo Teleport and the Museum of Innovation.
- Enjoy Katsu chicken at the museum.
- Depart from Narita, Tokyo, and arrive at LAX.
I’m thrilled to say that Japan has been on our travel bucket list for a while, and boy did it exceed our expectations! Between the landscape, the people, and the food there is nothing not to like while visiting Japan
Safe travels!