9 Days Highlights of Japan | Anime

Day 1 Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel

Welcome to Japan! Japan Deluxe Tours has arranged transportation services to meet you at your airport's arrival lobby and will take you to your hotel. Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.


**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

Day 2 Tokyo | Meet Your Favorite Iconic Anime Characters

During the Tokyo Anime touring, we will use public transportation systems including JR(Japan Railroad)trains, Metro, subways and a bus. We will provide you Pasmo or Suica that is prepaid transportation card. You get to travel just like a local!

Kicking things off with our anime tour, we start our day at Odaiba, a popular shopping and entertainment district on a manmade island in Tokyo Bay. Your group will go see the iconic 65 feet-tall Unicorn Gundam and Gundam-Base shop where you can take pictures and get a glimpse at the ever so famous Gundam fandom.

You can then go to Small World Tokyo while you have free time in Odaiba (additional cost required). The attraction specializes in miniature models all made to scale. Not your typical models, Small Worlds has created unique worlds based on fantasy and space exploration as well as special models based on Sailor Moon and Evangelion. With moving parts within each model, feel as though you are truly watching each world in real time.

Next, we will visit Shibuya Parco where the latest anime spot called Cyberspace Shibuya has been a popular spot in recent years. You can find the very first Nintendo shop, Nintendo Tokyo, the stylish Pokemon Center Shibuya, Capcom store, Jump shop and much more.

We end the day relaxing with some sweets with Godzilla! Located on rooftop, Godzilla has found home in Shinjuku at Café Bonjour for the time being. Here, enjoy a Godzilla themed cake set with your choice of drink. Once done, you can take pictures of/with the HUGE Godzilla.

Next, we will head to the unique and interactive Ninja Trick House. Here, you can learn about the way of the Ninja, touch a Japanese sword, throw Shuriken star blades, and take pictures with Ninja to complete your own ninja training regimen.

Day 3 Tokyo | Akihabara's Finest Anime & Otaku Destinations

We head to the Electronic Town of Akihabara. Before we head to the main shopping area, we will take a brief walk to the anime-famous Kanda Shrine. Famously featured in anime such as Love Live! and collaborating with hit anime & manga like My Hero Academia, Kanda Shrine is the only shrine to offer good luck charms for electronics and anime characters.

We make our way back to the main street where you can enjoy shopping at some of the most popular otaku destinations, including Animate. Animate carries all kinds of character goods, electronics, and games from current and popular anime/manga series. For those interested in character figures, a stop by Tamashii Nations cannot be overlooked as they are the premier figurine shop and exhibit in Akihabara. There's plenty of free time in Akihabara, so Japan Deluxe Tours recommends exploring Super Potato for vintage games, SEGA arcade, visit a Maid Cafe, or just explore the area.

We will visit the anime specialized shopping complex: Nakano Broadway. Explore the many stores dedicated to anime and otaku goods or try the eight-layer ice-cream they serve downstairs! Once we finish up at Nakano Broadway, we head east to visit the famed Ghibli Museum. This animation and art museum exhibits the works of Miyazaki Hayao, creator of world famous films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Ghibli Film fans will certainly enjoy the artistic museum, which not only exhibits the history and techniques of animation but also plays short movies in a theater room, produced exclusively for the museum. We then proceed to the hotel.

Day 4 Tokyo | Enjoy the day free at your Leisure

We have cleared up the day for you to explore and enjoy Japan as you wish.

During this time, you can also:

• Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea
• Visit the newly opened Yokohama Gundam Factory
• Explore teamLab Borderless
• Shop at the Sailor Moon Store

Day 5 Tokyo | Trendy Anime meets Historic Asakusa

We start off our Tokyo tour with a visit to Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the rest of the sights in Tokyo!

The tour will then head to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area and explore Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and the most popular temples in Tokyo.

For lunch, enjoy a delicious Teppan-yaki meal. Enjoy watching the careful hands of your personally assigned chef prepare Wagyu beef before your eyes.

Then we are off to Harajuku to explore the famous Takeshita Street and Omotesando area. The area is filled with cute shops, delicious crepes, high end stores, and beautiful cafés and restaurants. Don't forget to check out the Cat Café and Headgehog café for those who love animals.

We will then make our way to the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other.

Day 6 Mt. Fuji | Immerse in Traditional Japanese Culture

Our day unfolds with a pilgrimage to the *Chureito, a monumental structure symbolizing the region's deep spiritual and historical roots. Towering gracefully, it pays homage to the souls of the past and offers a vantage point where one can behold the juxtaposition of its solemnity against the grandeur of nature.

As midday beckons, we treat our senses to a culinary interlude with a sumptuous Hoto lunch. Renowned for its comforting warmth and rich flavors, this local delicacy provides an authentic taste of the region's culinary heritage, serving not just as a meal, but a journey through time.

We then venture to Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, an idyllic village perched by Lake Saiko. This sanctuary of serenity and tradition offers a vivid tapestry of historical architecture, artisan crafts, and pristine landscapes – a true embodiment of Japan's enduring spirit.

As we bid adieu to the day's adventures, the swift and sleek Shinkansen awaits to whisk us to our next destination. Revel in the marvel of modern engineering as Japan's iconic bullet train transports you with unparalleled speed and comfort.

*Note: Access to Chureito might require a leisurely walk, giving visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the serene environs of the area.

Day 7 Kyoto & Nara | Meet & Greet the friendly Deer of Nara

We will start heading to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind.

Afterwards, it's off to Nara to Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat.

On the way back to Kyoto, we will stop for a kaiten sushi lunch and at a sake museum for some sampling and to learn the history of Japan's national drink.

Day 8 Kyoto | Breathtaking Maiko Show & Bamboo Forest

Today, our Kyoto tour begins with a visit to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride. Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight.

Next, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and it is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

After we take our photos, we head out to the ancient street of Ninenzaka. The street is filled with shops and souvenir stands as well as a great place for photos and to see what Japan looked like many years ago. We will also partake in a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. Try your hand at making a traditional cup of matcha! We then proceed to the hotel.

Day 9 Osaka | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

**INFORMATION**
From downtown hotel in Osaka to KIX Airport - about 70 mins (Bus)
From downtown hotel in Osaka to ITM Airport - about 30 mins (Bus)