Going back to Japan on my third visit. This time I’m showing my sister in law, nephew and his girlfriend around. They wanted to do Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Kyoto. Here’s our itinerary. I’ll be solo for some of it while they do Disney and some other attractions that I’ve already done before. I’m looking forward to seeing Lily again and getting some alone time.
April 28th
Tokyo
Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle
Arrive in Tokyo (Arrive at 3:00 in the afternoon)
PIck up Narita Airport Car service to the hotel.
April 29th
Tokyo
Helen, Vince & Alexis
Tokyo Disneyland
Located within the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, is a 115-acre theme park that opened on April 15, 1983
Food
Kushikatsu Tanaka (Minato) – casual skewers
Tonkatsu Maisen – famous pork cutlets
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu – izakaya with movie set vibes
Michelle
Tokyo Tower:
A prominent communications and observation structure located in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo.
Tokyo Skytree: Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the third-tallest structure in the world. It features two observation decks: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, both providing expansive views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount FujiUrban Village," integrating green spaces, residential areas, commercial establishments, and cultural facilities to foster a harmonious community environment.
Hama-rikyu Gardens
A historic public park located in the Chūō ward of Tokyo, Japan.
Minato City:
Officially known as Minato-ku, is one of Tokyo's 23 special wards, located in the southern part of the city.Zojo-ji.
Azabudai Hills:
A contemporary urban development located in Tokyo's Minato Ward, officially opened in November 2023. The project embodies the concept of a "Modern.
April 30th
Tokyo
Tokyo Tower:
A prominent communications and observation structure located in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo.
Tokyo Skytree: Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the third-tallest structure in the world. It features two observation decks: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, both providing expansive views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount FujiUrban Village," integrating green spaces, residential areas, commercial establishments, and cultural facilities to foster a harmonious community environment.
Hama-rikyu Gardens
A historic public park located in the Chūō ward of Tokyo, Japan.
Minato City:
Officially known as Minato-ku, is one of Tokyo's 23 special wards, located in the southern part of the city.Zojo-ji.
Azabudai Hills:
A contemporary urban development located in Tokyo's Minato Ward, officially opened in November 2023. The project embodies the concept of a "Modern.
The Matcha Tokyo Omotesando:
A minimalist and stylish café located in the Harajuku district of Tokyo, specializing in 100% organic matcha.
Michelle
Meetup with Lily and go to Asakusa to hang out for the day.
Grab a bite and chat.
May 1
Tokyo
Helen, Vince & Alexis
Harry Potter @ 10:30 am.
Shrine
TeamLabs 6:30 to 7:00 pm entrance time.
teamLab, an international art collective, has created two prominent immersive art museums in Tokyo: teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless. Both offer unique, interactive experiences that blend art, technology, and the natural world.
Michelle
Public Art Toilets in Shibuya:
Part of the Tokyo Toilet Project, these artistically designed public restrooms have become unexpected attractions, showcasing innovative designs by renowned architects.
Small Worlds Miniature Museum: Explore the world's largest indoor miniature theme park, featuring intricately detailed dioramas of real and fictional worlds. Interactive elements allow visitors to become part of the scenes.
Explore Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji:
Wander through this maze of narrow alleys filled with tiny bars, eateries, and shops. Originally a post-war black market, it now offers a nostalgic glimpse into Tokyo's past and a lively nightlife scene.
Tokyo Skytree:
Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower. (Only if we didn’t make it on the 30th).
May 2
Tokyo - Shopping Day
Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle
Shibuya:
MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya:
This large discount store is open 24/7 and offers an eclectic array of products, including electronics, cosmetics, clothing, and groceries. It's ideal for bargain hunters and those looking to buy a variety of items under one roof.
Shibuya Scramble Square:
One of the newest additions to Shibuya's skyline, this skyscraper features numerous shops, restaurants, and an observation deck offering panoramic views of Tokyo. It's a modern shopping destination that combines retail with breathtaking cityscapes.
Cat Street:
Stretching between Shibuya and Harajuku, Cat Street is known for its trendy boutiques, vintage stores, and unique cafes. It's the perfect place for those seeking alternative fashion and a more relaxed shopping atmosphere.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as the "Shibuya Scramble," is a renowned pedestrian intersection located in front of Shibuya Station's Hachikō exit in Tokyo.
Ginza
Ginza Six:
The largest retail complex in Ginza, Ginza Six houses over 200 stores, including flagship outlets for international luxury brands like Fendi, Kenzo, and Yves Saint Laurent. Beyond shopping, it features art installations, a rooftop garden, and a traditional Noh theater, offering a comprehensive cultural experience.
Harajuku
Omotesando Avenue:
An upscale shopping experience. Often referred to as Tokyo's Champs-Élysées, this tree-lined boulevard is home to luxury boutiques, designer flagship stores, and sophisticated cafes. It's the perfect place for those seeking high-end fashion and elegant ambiance.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Affectionately known as "Ameyoko," is a bustling open-air market situated between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station in Tokyo's Taito Ward.
May 3 - Mt Fuji
Mt. Fuji - Funatsa
Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle
Shiraito Falls
The falls are approximately 20 meters high and 150 meters wide, with spring water from Mount Fuji cascading down in thin, white streams that resemble hanging threads of silk—hence the name "Shiraito," meaning "white threads."
Chureito Pagoda
A striking five-story structure painted in vibrant red, is part of the Arakurayama Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture. Built in 1963 as a peace memorial honoring the city's war casualties, the pagoda stands as a symbol of remembrance and tranquility.
Asama Shrine
Asama Shrines, also known as Sengen Shrines, are a network of approximately 1,300 Shinto shrines across Japan dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime.
Starbucks
This distinctive Starbucks is situated in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese townhouse, known as a machiya, on Ninenzaka Street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district.
Lawson
May 4
Kyoto
Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle
Shinkansen Ride from Fuji to Kyoto
Need to book bullet train tickets.
Need to find a holding place for bags.
Hotel for Kyoto
Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo
Kyoto, Kyoto Shimagoyu-ku Nishitakasegawa-suji Gojo
Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 Gates)
A prominent Shinto shrine located in the Fushimi Ward of Kyoto, Japan. Established in 711 CE, it predates Kyoto's establishment as the capital in 794 and serves as the head shrine for approximately 30,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan.
Samurai and Ninja Museum
An interactive journey into Japan's feudal past, focusing on the legendary figures of samurai and ninja.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, often referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen," is a vibrant marketplace located in downtown Kyoto. This narrow, five-block-long shopping street is lined with over 100 shops and stalls, many of which have been operated by the same families for generations.
Ninjo Castle
A historic site in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Constructed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the castle served as the Kyoto residence for the shogunate and symbolizes the power and influence of the Tokugawa family.
Gion District (Geisha District)
Gion is Kyoto's most renowned geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west. This historic area is characterized by its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses (ochaya), and a rich cultural heritage that offers a glimpse into Japan's past.
May 5th
Kyoto
Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle
Bamboo Forest.
Located in the Arashiyama district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is perhaps the most renowned. This scenic path winds through towering bamboo stalks, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
Helen leaves from Kyoto to Osaka then to the Philippines (Night).
May 6th
Kyoto - Michelle Solo
Dig deeper into the Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 Gates).
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This historic temple features a wooden stage that extends over a hillside, offering stunning views of the city.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A Zen Buddhist temple adorned with gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond.
Go back to Gion District: Known as Kyoto's geisha district, Gion is characterized by traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and exclusive restaurants
May 7th
Kyoto - Michelle Solo
Nishiki Market: A bustling marketplace offering a variety of Kyoto's culinary delights and traditional goods
Philosopher's Path: A scenic walkway along the canal lined with cherry trees, ideal for a peaceful stroll.
Nijo Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle is renowned for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. Check out the Nightingale Floors that were designed to chirp like birds as you walk on them.
May 8th
Kyoto - Michelle Solo
Explore Yōkai Street (Monster Street): Located in the Taishōgun shopping district, Yōkai Street is adorned with whimsical statues and decorations inspired by Japanese folklore creatures known as yōkai. Local shops participate by displaying these playful figures, creating a charming and eerie atmosphere.
Omen Imadegawa – handmade udon
Gontaro – cozy noodle house
Café Bibliotic Hello! – books + coffee combo.
Pack, Chill & last minute shopping?
May 9th
Michelle to fly home from Osaka. I’ll cry. Every time I leave Japan I cry. lol

