Japan Trip Itinerary

Tokyo Accommodation

The Tokyo Station Hotel: October 5th - October 8th, and October 11th - October 12th

Kyoto Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier: October 8th - October 11th

Harry Potter Cafe (Akasaka)

Scheduled for: Day 3: Tuesday, October 7th

How to Get Tickets/Make Reservations:

• Book online via their official TableCheck website: Harry Potter Cafe Tokyo Reservations

When to Get Them:

• Reservations typically open at noon JST (Japan Standard Time) on the 15th of each month for the entire following month.
• For your visit on October 7th, 2025, you would need to make your reservation on September 15th, 2025, at noon JST.
• Be sure to account for the time difference between your location and Japan when booking to secure your preferred slot right when reservations open.

Japanese Baseball Game (Climax Series)

Scheduled for: Day 7: Saturday, October 11th

How to Get Tickets/Make Reservations:

• Tickets are typically purchased online through official team websites or ticketing platforms (e.g., Ticket Pia, Eplus, or StubHub Japan for international buyers).

When to Get Them:

• For the Climax Series (playoffs), tickets are in very high demand and can sell out quickly.
• It's recommended to check the official team websites (e.g., Yomiuri Giants for Tokyo Dome, Tokyo Yakult Swallows for Jingu Stadium) for their playoff ticket release schedules as soon as they are announced (usually in late September or early October).
• Be prepared to purchase immediately upon release.

TeamLab Planets TOKYO DMM

Scheduled for: Day 3: Tuesday, October 7th

How to Get Tickets/Make Reservations:

• Book online via their official website: TeamLab Planets TOKYO DMM Ticket Page

When to Get Them:

• Tickets typically go on sale for the following month around the 1st of the current month.
• For your visit on October 7th, tickets for October would likely become available around September 1st.
• Popular time slots (especially weekends and holidays) sell out very quickly, often within minutes or hours of release.
• Booking Strategy: Mark your calendar for the ticket release date, be ready to purchase online right when tickets go live (check the exact time on their website, usually JST), and have your payment method ready.

CupNoodles Museum Yokohama (Optional)

Scheduled for: Day 6: Friday, October 10th

How to Get Tickets/Make Reservations:

• Tickets can be purchased online via their official website.

When to Get Them:

• It's recommended to book tickets in advance if possible, especially if you have a specific time slot in mind, as it can get busy.
• Check their official website for the exact booking window.

2:30 PM: Arrive at Narita (NRT) from EWR

Your journey begins with your arrival at Narita International Airport.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM (1.5 hrs): Immigration, Customs, Baggage Claim & Essentials

Navigate through immigration, customs, and collect your baggage.

• Purchase a Suica/Pasmo card for easy local transit.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (1 hr): Narita Express to Tokyo Station

Take the Narita Express (N'EX) directly from NRT to Tokyo Station.

• Approx. 50-60 minutes.

5:00 PM - 5:15 PM (0.25 hrs): Hotel Check-in at The Tokyo Station Hotel

Walk directly to The Tokyo Station Hotel, conveniently located within Tokyo Station's Marunouchi Building..

• Check-in and drop off your luggage for a seamless transition.

5:15 PM - 5:30 PM (0.25 hrs): Travel to Akihabara - Electric Town

From Tokyo Station:

• Take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) one stop to Kanda Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line one stop to Akihabara Station.
• Alternatively, take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line directly to Akihabara.
• Approx. 5-7 minutes.

5:30 PM - 7:45 PM (2.25 hrs): Akihabara Exploration (Gachapon & General Area)

Immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture of Akihabara.

• Visit Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan and try your luck at hundreds of unique capsule toy machines.
• Spend time Browse the various electronics stores, anime shops, and general atmosphere of Tokyo's "Electric Town."

7:45 PM - 8:15 PM: "Creepy" or "Mysterious" Vending Machine Corner

Seek out and experience the unique "Creepy" or "Mysterious" Vending Machine Corner (2-19-7 Kanda Sudacho, a short walk) for an unusual Japanese experience.

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM (1 hr): Travel to Setagaya-Daita

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) to Shinjuku Station (approx. 15 minutes).

At Shinjuku Station, transfer to the Odakyu Odawara Line (local or semi-express) to Setagaya-Daita Station (approx. 10-15 minutes).

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (1.5 hrs): Shimokitazawa Exploration (Part 1: Shops & Streets)

Start your exploration of the trendy Shimokitazawa neighborhood. Focus on browsing vintage clothing stores, independent shops, and soaking in the bohemian atmosphere.

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (0.75 hrs): Shiro-Hige's Cream Puff Factory

Visit the charming Shiro-Hige's Cream Puff Factory for adorable Totoro-shaped cream puffs. Enjoy them in the cafe or take to go.

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM (0.5 hrs): Travel to Harajuku

• From Setagaya-Daita Station, take the **Odakyu Odawara Line** to **Yoyogi-Uehara**.
• Transfer to the **Chiyoda Line** to **Meiji-Jingumae 'Harajuku' Station**. This keeps the trip fast and minimizes large station transfers.

4:30 PM - 4:45 PM (0.25 hrs): Travel to Shibuya

• From Harajuku Station, take the JR Yamanote Line one stop to Shibuya Station (approx. 5 minutes).

4:45 PM - 6:45 PM (2 hrs): Shibuya Exploration

Explore Shibuya for two hours, focusing on its iconic landmarks and vibrant energy.)

• Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing and take memorable photos at the Hachiko Statue.
• Dive into shopping complexes like Shibuya MODI, Shibuya PARCO, or the massive Mega Don Quijote for eclectic finds and quirky souvenirs.
• Seek out "cool cafes" like Cafe Reissue for impressive 2D and 3D latte art.

8:15 PM - 10:00 PM (1.75 hrs): Themed Bar Exploration in Shibuya

Experience Shibuya's unique nightlife by visiting one or two of its distinctive themed bars, or a spot for great music:

• The Whales of August: A movie-themed cocktail bar where bartenders craft drinks inspired by iconic films. You can even challenge them to create a cocktail based on your favorite movie! It offers a relaxed, intimate setting.
• Dagashi Bar (Shibuya): Step back in time at an old-fashioned Japanese candy and snack bar. Enjoy nostalgic treats and drinks in a playful, retro atmosphere. This is a unique and fun experience, offering a glimpse into Japanese childhood snacks. It's a 3-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station.
• Nonbei Yokocho ("Drunkard's Alley"): While not strictly "themed," this atmospheric alleyway near Shibuya Station is packed with tiny, traditional izakayas and bars. It offers an authentic, old-school Tokyo drinking experience. Perfect for bar hopping if you prefer a traditional vibe.
• Record Bar Analog: A chill, dimly lit vinyl bar with a great sound system. They have Nujabes records you can request, making it an excellent spot for fans to enjoy his music in a relaxed setting. (Note: May have a table charge.)

10:00 PM onwards: Return to The Tokyo Station Hotel

• From Shibuya Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station (approx. 15-20 minutes).

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM (0.75 hrs): Travel to Akasaka (Harry Potter Cafe)

• From Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Kokkai-Gijidomae Station (approx. 10 minutes).
• Transfer to the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Akasaka Station (1 stop).
• The Harry Potter Cafe is near Akasaka Station.

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM (0.5 hrs): Akasaka Plaza & Giant Time Turner

Before heading into the Harry Potter Cafe, make a quick stop at the Akasaka Biz Tower and Terrace (Akasaka Sacas) plaza, near Akasaka Station. Here you'll find a massive, impressive Time Turner sculpture, perfect for a photo opportunity and a magical start to your day!

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM (1.25 hrs): Explore Akasaka Area & Optional Tully's Coffee

Take some time to explore the Akasaka area around the cafe before your reservation.

Optional: Look for a Tully's Coffee Japan branch nearby. Tully's often has seasonal or limited-edition Harry Potter themed drinks and merchandise, which could be a fun surprise! (Check their official website closer to your trip for current collaborations).

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM (0.75 hrs): Travel to Ikebukuro (Sunshine City)

• From Akasaka Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Shin-Ochanomizu Station (approx. 8 minutes).
• Transfer to the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ikebukuro Station (approx. 10 minutes).
• Note: Keep an eye out for Harry Potter themed decorations at Ikebukuro Station, which often resembles King's Cross!
• Sunshine City is a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station.

1:45 PM - 3:45 PM (2 hrs): Ikebukuro Exploration (VERY Condensed)

Focus on:

• Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo (in Sunshine City).
• Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store) (also in Sunshine City Alpa B1F).

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM (0.5 hrs): Travel to TeamLab Planets (Toyosu)

• From Ikebukuro Station, take the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line directly to Toyosu Station (approx. 20 minutes).
• TeamLab Planets is a short walk from Toyosu Station.

4:15 PM - 6:15 PM (2 hrs): Immerse Yourselves in TeamLab Planets

Ticket Confirmation: Your timed tickets are confirmed for entry between 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM on Tuesday, October 7th. This schedule has been updated to reflect your confirmed time slot.

• Experience the stunning digital art installations at TeamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.
• You will walk barefoot through some of the installations, and some areas involve water up to your knees. Lockers are provided for shoes and bags.

6:15 PM - 7:00 PM (0.75 hrs): Travel to Ginza for Dinner

• From Toyosu Station, take the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to Ginza-itchome Station or Yurakucho Station. Approx. 10-15 minutes.

9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Late Evening Bar in Asakusa

If you still have energy, you can head to the historic Asakusa district for a different evening ambiance. Seek out a bar known for playing hip-hop and jazz-hop, such as Tokyo Knowledge Bar, which is popular with fans of Nujabes.

• Travel to Asakusa: From Ginza-itchome Station, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line directly to Asakusa Station.

11:00 PM onwards: Return to The Tokyo Station Hotel

• From Asakusa Station, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Ueno Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Tokyo Station (approx. 15-20 minutes).

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM (0.25 hrs): Check out from The Tokyo Station Hotel

Check out from The Tokyo Station Hotel (located directly at Tokyo Station). Proceed to the Shinkansen gates.

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (2.5 hrs): Shinkansen to Kyoto Station

• Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station (approx. 2.5 hours).

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (1 hr): Arrive in Kyoto & Hotel Check-in

• Arrive at Kyoto Station.
• From Karasuma Oike Station (2 stops, approx. 4 minutes).
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier is just a 2-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station Exit 6.
• Check-in and drop off luggage.

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM (0.5 hrs): Travel to Arashiyama

• From Karasuma Oike Station, take the Kyoto Karasuma Subway Line south to Kyoto Station.
• Transfer to the JR Sagano Line (San-in Line) to Saga-Arashiyama Station.

2:30 PM - 6:00 PM (3.5 hrs): Arashiyama Exploration (Optimized Route)

Explore Arashiyama in an optimized order to maximize daylight for temples and golden hour for the scenery:

• 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM: Tenryu-ji Temple. Visit the famous Zen garden and temple grounds before the last admission (approx. 4:50 PM).
• 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Bamboo Grove. Walk through the iconic path during late afternoon light.
• 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Togetsukyo Bridge & riverside stroll.

• Don't forget to try some delicious Dango from a local vendor while exploring Arashiyama!

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM (0.75 hrs): Travel to Gion (Direct Bus)

• Take a **direct bus (Bus #11 or #93)** from the Arashiyama/Togetsukyo Bridge area directly to the Gion/Shijo Kawaramachi area.
• This route is highly recommended as it avoids extra train transfers and takes approximately 40 minutes.

6:45 PM - 7:30 PM (0.75 hrs): Explore Gion, Kyoto's Historic Geisha District

Start your evening with exploration and window shopping through the beautiful alleys of Gion and Pontocho Alley. This is the perfect time to catch the evening ambiance.

Best Times for Sightings

• Evening (Most Reliable: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM): This is the prime time to see them walking quickly to their dinner appointments.
• After 8:00 PM: Sightings are also common as they walk to tea houses for evening entertainment.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Geiko (Kyoto term for Geisha) and Maiko (apprentice) may be seen in the process of preparing or traveling for early appointments.

Best Viewing Locations in Gion

• Hanami-koji Street: The main tourist street—easier to spot them but also the most crowded.
• Shirakawa Area (Northern Gion): Quieter, less touristy, and features beautiful traditional architecture along the Shirakawa Canal, offering better photo opportunities (from a distance).
• Pontocho Alley: A narrow, atmospheric alley where they travel to evening dining engagements.

Important Viewing Etiquette

It is crucial to remember that the geiko and maiko are working professionals. Respect their space and time.

• Do Not Chase: Never follow, surround, or block their path.
• Respect Photos: Taking photos of them requires permission (which they will usually decline politely if they are working). Never take photos directly in front of them without permission.
• Keep Distance: Maintain a respectful distance; do not touch them or their kimonos.

Your itinerary places you in Gion from 6:45 PM onwards on Day 4, which is perfect timing for reliable evening sightings!

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM (0.5 hrs): Travel to Fushimi Inari Taisha

• From Karasuma Oike Station (2-min walk from hotel), take the Kyoto Karasuma Subway Line south to Kyoto Station (2 stops, approx. 4 minutes).
• From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station (2 stops, approx. 5 minutes). Fushimi Inari Taisha is right outside Inari Station.

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (2.5 hrs): Fushimi Inari Taisha Exploration

Climb through the thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. This is a truly iconic Kyoto experience.

• Don't forget to try some delicious Dango from a local vendor while exploring Fushimi Inari!

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (0.5 hrs): Travel to Kiyomizu-dera Area

• From Inari Station, take the JR Nara Line back to Tofukuji Station (1 stop).
• Transfer to the Keihan Main Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (2 stops, approx. 3 minutes).
• From Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, take Bus #207 to the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, which is closer to the temple. (This will save you a significant uphill walk compared to walking directly from the station).

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (2 hrs): Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Historic Streets

• Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning views (Entrance Fee: ¥500 JPY per person for adults).
• Explore the charming Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka streets below, perfect for traditional teahouses and charming cafes.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (1.5 hrs): Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store

Visit the renowned Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store for high-quality Japanese green tea. Browse their extensive selection and consider purchasing a gift. They close at 5:00 PM.

• From the Kiyomizu-dera area, you can take a bus or walk towards a subway station (e.g., Karasuma Oike or Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae, both near Ippodo).
• Approx. 30-40 minutes travel time.

5:00 PM onwards: Evening Exploration of Shijo Kawaramachi & Shopping Arcades

• From Ippodo Tea, walk (approx. 10-15 min) or take a short subway ride to Shijo Kawaramachi.
• Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of these covered shopping streets, like Teramachi and Shin Kyogoku.

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM (0.5 hrs): Luggage Forwarding to Tokyo

Utilize the Takkyubin luggage forwarding service to send your larger bags directly from your Kyoto hotel to your Tokyo hotel. This will allow you to travel to Yokohama with only a small day bag.

• Simply ask the front desk staff at the Mitsui Garden Hotel for assistance with luggage forwarding.
• Your luggage will be delivered to The Tokyo Station Hotel and will be waiting for you upon your return.
• The service is highly reliable and takes the hassle out of carrying heavy bags on the trains.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM (0.5 hrs): Travel to Kyoto Station

• From Karasuma Oike Station (2-min walk from hotel), take the Kyoto Karasuma Subway Line south to Kyoto Station (2 stops, approx. 4 minutes).

10:15 AM - 12:45 PM (2.5 hrs): Shinkansen to Tokyo Station

• Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station directly to Tokyo Station. (approx. 2.5 hours).

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM (0.75 hrs): Travel to Yokohama & Lunch Prep

With your main luggage sent ahead, travel light to Yokohama.

• From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Line or JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line directly to Yokohama Station (approx. 25-35 minutes).

2:30 PM - 6:00 PM (3.5 hrs): Yokohama Exploration

• Visit Pokémon Center Yokohama (located in Marui City Yokohama, near Yokohama Station).
• Explore the charming shops and cafes at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.
• Consider a quick visit to the CupNoodles Museum (book tickets in advance if possible).
• Sweet Treat Option: Try a delicious dessert from Annin Soft Cream Honpo in Chinatown.

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM (0.75 hrs): Return to Tokyo Station & Hotel Check-in

• Take the JR Tokaido Line or JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line directly from Yokohama Station to Tokyo Station (approx. 25-35 minutes).
• Check back into The Tokyo Station Hotel, where your luggage will be waiting for you.

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM (1 hr): Travel to Kamakura

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yokosuka Line directly to Kamakura Station.

• Approx. 55 minutes to 1 hour.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (2 hrs): Kamakura Exploration (Optimized)

Explore the historic and serene sights of Kamakura efficiently before heading back to Yokohama for the game:

• 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (main shrine, 10-15 min walk from Kamakura Station).
• 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Take the scenic Enoden Line from Kamakura Station to Hase Station (3rd stop, approx. 5 minutes).
• 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM: Walk to Kotoku-in Temple to see the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu).
• Optional: If time allows, briefly visit Hase-dera Temple nearby.

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM (0.5 hrs): Travel to Yokohama Stadium Area

• Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Kamakura Station directly to Kannai Station (Kannai Station).
• Kannai Station is the closest stop to Yokohama Stadium. Approx. 30 minutes.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (1 hr): Arrive Early, Pre-game Atmosphere

Arrive at Yokohama Stadium to find your seats, grab snacks/drinks, and soak in the festive pre-game atmosphere before the 2:00 PM start time.

2:00 PM - 5:30 PM (3.5 hrs): Enjoy Japanese Baseball Game (Climax Series)

Experience the excitement of a Japanese baseball game between the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and the Yomiuri Giants at Yokohama Stadium. This is a great matchup as both teams are in the same league. For a good view, aim for Reserved S or Reserved A seats.

7:00 PM onwards: Return to The Tokyo Station Hotel

• Take the JR Tokaido Line or JR Yokosuka Line from Kannai Station or Yokohama Station to Tokyo Station (approx. 35-45 minutes).

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM (0.5 hrs): Check out & Luggage Storage

Check out from The Tokyo Station Hotel.

• You can utilize the hotel's bell desk to store your luggage if needed for morning activities.
• Alternatively, use lockers at Tokyo Station.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (3 hrs): Tokyo Station Area Last-Minute Shopping & Exploration

Utilize the convenience of being at Tokyo Station for some excellent last-minute shopping and souvenir hunting.

• Tokyo Character Street: Located in Tokyo Station First Avenue (underground mall). Find official stores for popular Japanese characters like Pokémon, Studio Ghibli, Jump Shop, and more. Perfect for unique gifts and collectibles.
• Tokyo Ramen Street: Also in Tokyo Station First Avenue. If you want one last delicious bowl of Japanese ramen, this area gathers several top-rated ramen shops.
• Daimaru Tokyo Department Store: Directly connected to Tokyo Station. Head to the B1F food hall (depachika) for an incredible array of gourmet foods, Japanese sweets, and unique souvenirs to take home.
• Kit Kat Chocolatory: If you're a fan of unique Kit Kat flavors, there's often a special shop near Tokyo Station offering exclusive Japanese varieties.

Last-Minute Souvenir Checklist (Daimaru Food Floor/Tokyo Station)

• Tokyo Banana: The classic, sponge-cake treat filled with banana custard. Found easily at the Daimaru Food Floor.
• Regional Kit Kats: Look for unique Japanese flavors (Matcha, Sake, Wasabi) available in souvenir shops.
• Japanese Curry Roux Blocks: Great, easy-to-pack gifts for food lovers.
• Furoshiki Wrapping Cloths: Beautiful, reusable Japanese wrapping cloths.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (1 hr): Travel to Narita (NRT) Airport

• Travel to Narita International Airport (NRT) via Narita Express (N'EX) from Tokyo Station (approx. 50-60 minutes).

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM (1.25 hrs): Airport Check-in & Security

• Arrive at NRT, check-in for your flight.
• Pass through security and customs.

2:15 PM - 4:15 PM (2 hrs): Relax Before Flight / Duty-Free Shopping

• Relax before your flight.
• Do some last-minute duty-free shopping if desired.

5:15 PM: Depart from Tokyo Narita (NRT) for Newark (EWR)

Bon voyage!