日本旅行 · Group of Five

Japan Itinerary
2026

May 30 – June 14
16 NIGHTS
Week 1 · Tokyo Base: &Here Tokyo Ueno
Sat30May
Arrival & Ueno Base Camp
ArrivalUeno
🚆 Airport Transfer
Narita Airport → Ueno via Keisei Skyliner. &Here Tokyo Ueno is a short walk from Ueno Station — a major hub directly connected to Narita.
  • Afternoon
    Check-in
    Drop your bags and settle into your base near the cultural heart of northern Tokyo.
  • Evening
    Dinner — Ameyoko Shopping District
    Head to the vibrant Ameyoko Shopping District. Try SUSHIRO Ueno for fresh conveyor belt sushi.
    ¥1,000–¥2,000 / $6.40–$12.80 per person
  • Late Night
    Matsuya (24 hrs)
    Nearby 24-hour beef bowl chain or any convenience store for a quick affordable bite.
    Under ¥1,000 / $6.40
Sun31May
Traditional Culture & Market Alleys
AsakusaYanakaCulture
💡 Tip
Start early to avoid the heaviest tourist crowds — explore the historic northeast route.
  • 9:00 AM
    Asakusa — Senso-ji Temple
    Visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple and browse traditional stalls along Nakamise-dori.
  • 12:00 PM
    Hoppy Street (ホッピー通り) — Lunch
    10-min walk southwest from Senso-ji. Old-Tokyo shitamachi atmosphere with yakitori, motsu-ni (offal stew), and kushiyaki on open-air plastic stools. Try a Hoppy — the retro low-alcohol barley beer the street is named for.
    Cash only · Budget ~¥1,000–¥2,000 pp
  • 1:30 PM
    Ueno Park
    Walk back toward base to enjoy the shrines and scenic Shinobazu Pond.
  • 3:00 PM
    Yanaka Ginza
    20-min walk north from Ueno Park (or one stop to Nippori on the Yamanote Line). One of Tokyo's last pre-war shopping streets — indie shops, local crafts, and a genuinely lived-in shitamachi feel. Grab a menchi-katsu (fried minced meat cutlet) from one of the butcher shops and eat it walking. Watch for the famous Yanaka stray cats.
  • 4:30 PM
    Yuyake Dandan & Yanaka Cemetery
    Climb the "Sunset Steps" (夕焼けだんだん) at the top of the shotengai for a lovely late-afternoon view. The adjacent Yanaka Cemetery is surprisingly beautiful — wide winding paths under large trees, very peaceful.
  • 6:00 PM
    Ameyoko Market
    Return to Ameyoko for budget clothes shopping and open-air street food.
  • Dinner
    Miura Misaki Port Ueno
    Famous for its "mountainous" portions of tuna toppings.
    ¥2,000–¥5,000 / $12.80–$32.00
Mon1Jun
Day Trip 1 — Kawaguchiko by Bike
Day TripMt. FujiBikingCaves
🚆 Getting There — Early Start!
Depart Ueno by 7:00–7:30 AM to maximize the day Yamanote Line → Shinjuku, then Fuji Excursion limited express direct to Kawaguchiko (~2 hrs) ¥3,474–¥4,900 / $22–$31 each way · Reserved seats recommended for 5
🚲 Bike Rental
Several rental shops within 5 min walk of Kawaguchiko Station. E-bikes strongly recommended — worth the small upcharge (~¥500 extra) for the modest hills around the lake. Full-day rental ~¥1,500–¥2,500. Lock bikes at the station before the cave bus detour.
  • ~9:30 AM
    Arrive & Rent Bikes
    Pick up e-bikes near the station and orient to the north shore route.
  • ~10:00 AM
    Maple Corridor (もみじ回廊)
    Easy bike ride to the north shore. Beautiful tree-lined path — peak color is November but the canopy is lush and green in June, with Fuji framed behind it on clear mornings.
  • ~10:45 AM
    Asama Shrine (浅間神社)
    Right next to the Maple Corridor — essentially a free add. Ancient shrine with a beautiful forested approach and a calm, unhurried atmosphere.
  • ~11:30 AM
    Nagasaki Park
    Continue the north shore loop by bike. Known for friendly deer that roam freely — a low-key, pretty stop with good lake views.
  • ~12:30 PM
    Lunch near the Lake
    Several lakeside spots for hoto noodles (Yamanashi's hearty regional dish — flat udon in miso broth with pumpkin and vegetables). Worth seeking out over convenience food here.
    ~¥1,200–¥1,800 pp
  • ~2:30 PM
    🚌 Retro Bus → Fugaku Wind Cave & Narusawa Ice Cave
    Lock bikes at the station and board the Retro Bus (周遊バス) westbound (~30 min, runs regularly). The two caves are only 1 km apart — visit back-to-back. Both are naturally 3°C year-round — a welcome escape on a warm June day. Allow ~2–2.5 hrs total including the bus ride each way.
    Bus pass ~¥1,500 pp · Cave entry ~¥350 each
  • ~5:00 PM
    Return Bikes & Board Fuji Excursion Home
    Return bikes before the shop closes (usually 5:30–6:00 PM). Evening Fuji Excursion back to Shinjuku, then Yamanote Line to Ueno.
Tue2Jun
Meiji Jingu, Harajuku & Shibuya
ShrineHarajukuShibuyaShopping
💡 Focus
A full south-side day. Start peaceful and green, end loud and neon. Skip Omotesando — everything good is just off it.
  • 8:30 AM
    Meiji Jingu
    Enter via the towering torii gate and walk the long forested gravel path to the inner shrine. Calm, shaded, and almost crowd-free this early. One of the best 45 minutes you can spend in Tokyo.
  • 9:30 AM
    Yoyogi Park
    Drift south through Yoyogi Park toward Harajuku — wide open lawns, easy walking, a good decompression between the shrine and the chaos to come.
  • 10:30 AM
    Takeshita Street
    Quirky accessories, wild fashion, and giant sweet crêpes as boutiques open. Gets crowded fast — good to be here early.
  • 11:15 AM
    Gelato Pique Café
    Pastel, cozy café just off Takeshita — excellent soft serve and smoothies. Good pit stop before heading into the backstreets.
    ~¥600–¥1,000 pp
  • 12:00 PM
    Ura-Harajuku Backstreets & Cat Street
    The real Harajuku. Wander Cat Street and the surrounding lanes for independent street fashion, local cafes, and specialty shops. Targets: Asics Harajuku Flagship · New Balance Harajuku · Kinji (affordable vintage) · Cat Street boutiques.
  • 1:15 PM
    Curry Up — Lunch
    NIGO's (A Bathing Ape founder) cult curry shop at 2-35-9 Jingumae — right in the Ura-Harajuku zone. Japanese-style curry, no additives, fresh ingredients. Go for a combo plate: butter chicken, keema, or spicy beef. Named by Pharrell. The twins will appreciate the backstory.
    ~¥1,100–¥1,700 pp · Open from 11:30 AM
  • 2:15 PM
    Streamer Coffee Jinnan
    Specialty coffee shop in Jinnan, right on the natural walking path between Cat Street and Shibuya proper — good cold brew and lattes. Good spot to regroup before the afternoon shopping push.
    ~¥600–¥800 pp
  • 2:30 PM
    Shibuya Parco
    Up Koen-dori from Streamer — head straight to 6F for Nintendo Tokyo (only Nintendo store in the Kanto region) and Pokémon Center Shibuya next door. Floors 1–3 have solid streetwear if anyone still has budget. ~45 min max.
  • 3:30 PM
    MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya
    Just downhill from Parco on the same street — open 24 hrs. Floors of affordable Japanese snacks, cosmetics, and novelties. Give everyone a budget and let them loose.
  • 4:30 PM
    UNIQLO + GU Shibuya Dogenzaka
    Both open 11 AM–9 PM. Essential affordable Japanese fashion — GU especially is often cheaper than back home.
  • 6:30 PM
    Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby (11F) — Free
    Free scramble crossing view from the 11th floor. Open ~7 AM–midnight. Skip the paid Shibuya Sky — this is just as good for the photo.
  • Dinner
    Uobei Shibuya
    Tech-focused conveyor belt sushi — order by touchscreen, delivered by bullet rail.
    ¥1,000–¥2,000 / $6.40–$12.80
Wed3Jun
Day Trip 2 — Nagatoro Gorge & Chichibu
Day TripRiver BoatShrineOnsen
🚆 Getting There
Ueno → Ikebukuro (Yamanote Line, ~15 min), then Seibu Laview limited express → Seibu-Chichibu (~80 min, ¥1,700 · reserved seats required) then Chichibu Railway → Nagatoro (~20 min, ¥550) 💡 Best value: Seibu 1-Day Pass + Nagatoro (¥2,000 pp / ¥10,000 for 5) covers all Seibu lines + Chichibu Railway for the day
🚣 Boat Ride — No Advance Booking Needed
Walk-up tickets available at the operator's office near Nagatoro Station. June is off-peak — no wait expected on a weekday. Courses: A or B course ~30 min (¥1,600 pp) · C course full gorge ~1 hr (¥3,000 pp). Recommend the C Course for the full experience. Expect to get splashed — wear quick-dry clothes and bring a small dry bag for phones.
  • ~9:30 AM
    Iwadatami Rock Formations
    Free, right next to Nagatoro Station. Walk the natural flat rock pavements along the river edge — a national natural monument. Sets the gorge scene perfectly before the boat ride. 20–30 min.
  • ~10:00 AM
    Miso Potato Street Snack
    Nagatoro's local specialty — fried potato with sweet miso sauce, sold at stalls along the main street. Quick and good.
    ~¥300–¥500 pp
  • ~10:30 AM
    Nagatoro River Boat Ride
    The highlight of the day. Wooden boats navigated by boatmen with long poles through the Arakawa gorge — dramatic rock walls, clear water, gentle rapids. The C Course covers the full gorge (~1 hr) and is worth the extra cost for a group. Guides are known for being fun and engaging.
    C Course ¥3,000 pp · A/B Course ¥1,600 pp
  • ~12:00 PM
    Lunch near Nagatoro Station
    Several riverside spots nearby. Look for Chichibu soba or pork miso bowl (butamiso-don) — both local mountain specialties. Riverside seating available at a few spots.
    ~¥1,000–¥1,500 pp
  • ~12:45 PM
    Kakigori at Asami Reizo
    Natural ice shaved ice — Chichibu is famous for it, made from mountain ice harvested in winter. A few hundred yen and the perfect cool-down after the boat in June heat. Right near Nagatoro Station.
    ~¥500–¥800 pp
  • ~1:15 PM
    Hodosan Shrine (Satomiya)
    Free shuttle bus from Nagatoro Station to the ropeway base (every 15–30 min). Visit the Michelin-starred Satomiya shrine at the base — ornate carvings, 1,900 years of history, very beautiful. Then everyone hikes up together.
  • ~2:00 PM
    Hike to Summit — Mt. Hodosan
    Well-maintained trail, ~1 hour to the top. Good workout for the runners in the group — not technical, just a solid forested climb. Ropeway is there as a fallback if anyone needs it (¥700 one-way).
  • ~3:00 PM
    Summit — Okumiya Shrine + Observation Terrace
    Visit the Okumiya upper shrine, then the brand-new observation terrace (opened July 2025) — sky-view benches and panoramic counter seats with views of Mt. Bukō, the Chichibu mountains, and the Nagatoro Valley below. Take the ropeway down (¥700 one-way).
  • ~3:45 PM
    Waraji Katsudon — Early Dinner
    Head to Seibu-Chichibu for Chichibu's signature dish — the giant pork cutlet on rice named after the straw sandals it resembles. Sit-down, filling, and worth the trip on its own.
    ~¥1,200–¥1,800 pp
  • ~5:00 PM
    Matsuri no Yu Onsen — Seibu-Chichibu Station
    Right inside the station building. Indoor and outdoor baths, local sake bath, mountain views. The perfect end to the day.
    ~¥1,000–¥1,500 pp entry
  • ~6:15 PM
    Laview → Ikebukuro → Ueno
    Laview back to Ikebukuro (~80 min), then Yamanote Line to Ueno. Back at the hotel by ~8:00 PM — time to decompress before the late shift.
Thu4Jun
Nature & Retro Treasures
GardenVintageShinjuku
💡 Shinjuku Gyoen Tips
Arrive close to 9:00 AM opening — tour groups arrive by 10:30 AM. Entry ¥500 pp. No alcohol allowed (enforced). Head to the French Formal Garden first for the skyline view, then the Japanese Traditional Garden and Taiwanese Pavilion on the central pond. June bonus: hydrangeas are at or near peak in the garden borders.
  • 9:00 AM
    Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    French Formal Garden → Japanese Traditional Garden → Taiwanese Pavilion. Allow 90 min. The far south end near Sendagaya Gate stays crowd-free longest.
    ¥500 pp entry
  • 10:30 AM
    Bear Pond Espresso
    Legendary tiny espresso bar — owner Katsu Tanaka trained in New York for two decades. Order the Angel Stain signature espresso (available until 1 PM only, max 10 per day), the Dirty latte, or a Gibraltar. No photos policy, handful of seats — enjoy and move on.
    ~¥600–¥900 pp · Closed Tuesdays
  • 11:00 AM
    Flamingo
    One of Shimokitazawa's most beloved vintage shops — main shop plus a separate annex a few minutes away. Well-curated across eras, good range of prices. Worth hitting both locations.
  • 11:45 AM
    BazzStore
    Curated secondhand streetwear, great prices. More focused and edited than Flamingo — good for the twins.
  • 12:15 PM
    Utena Taiwan Craft Beer — or Tap & Growler
    One quick standing drink stop before lunch — pick one:

    Utena (leaning this way) — Taiwanese craft beer specialty bar, 1-min walk from the station. ~10 taps from Taiwan Head Brewers. Try the Mango IPA, Lychee Lager, or Twenty-Four Solar Terms Tea Ale. Taiwanese fried chicken on the side.

    Tap & Growler — tucked in an alley, ~20 rotating Japanese and Belgian taps, English-speaking owner.
    ~¥800–¥1,200 per beer
  • 1:00 PM
    Ichiran Shimokitazawa — Lunch
    The famous solo-booth ramen chain — everyone sits in individual compartments and customizes on a paper form (spice, richness, noodle firmness, etc.). The private booth concept fascinates first-timers and the tonkotsu is genuinely excellent.

    Alt: Ushitora — Shimokitazawa's top craft beer pub, opens 11:30 AM. Food menu from sauerkraut to shepherd's pie, 35 Japanese beers on tap. Good if the group wants a sit-down and Chris wants a beer with lunch.
    Ichiran ~¥900–¥1,200 pp · Ushitora ~¥1,500–¥2,500 pp
  • 2:00 PM
    Chicago Thrift
    Multi-floor thrift store organized by era — good for a final browse before leaving Shimokitazawa. More volume, more digging required than BazzStore.
  • 2:45 PM
    Mister Donut — Quick Bite
    Fresh mochi and banana churro donuts, cheap and cheerful. Good pit stop before heading toward Shinjuku.
    ~¥200–¥400 pp
  • 3:15 PM
    Nakano Broadway — Optional, 20 Min Only
    Quick walk-through of the legendary otaku collector's complex — floors of Mandarake shops selling vintage manga, figures, retro games, and strange treasures. Fascinating for 20 minutes even without buying anything. Scrap this if time is running short — the evening arc in Shinjuku is the priority. Head to Shinjuku by 5:30 PM regardless.
  • 5:30 PM
    Depart for Shinjuku
    Nakano → Shinjuku is 5 min on the Chuo Line. Head straight to the west exit for the Government Building.
  • ~6:20 PM
    Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building — Observatory
    202 meters up, completely free. Time your ascent ~30 min before sunset (around 6:50–7:00 PM in early June) to catch the city lighting up below you. 360-degree views — on a clear evening Mt. Fuji is visible to the west. North tower preferred; south tower is the fallback if north is closed for maintenance (worth checking the day before).
    Free · Open until 10:30 PM most nights
  • ~7:15 PM
    Kabukicho Neon Walk + Godzilla Head
    Descend and walk east through Kabukicho as full darkness falls — the neon, crowds, and sheer visual chaos of Tokyo's most electric street hits completely differently at night. Two-minute detour to the Toho Building where a giant Godzilla head emerges from the roof, dramatically lit up. Free from the street, great photo stop.
  • ~7:45 PM
    Omoide Yokocho — Dinner
    Right outside Shinjuku Station's west exit — a tiny alley of ~20 yakitori stalls packed under the elevated train tracks. Charcoal smoke, paper lanterns, barely room to turn around. Order skewers as they come off the grill. Cold draft beer for you, ramune or oolong for the boys. One of the most atmospheric dinner spots in Tokyo — a completely different memory from anything else this week.
    ¥1,500–¥2,500 pp
  • ~9:00 PM
    Train back to Ueno
    Yamanote Line from Shinjuku → Ueno (~25 min). Back at the hotel by 9:30 PM.
Fri5Jun
Day Trip 3 — Hatonosu Gorge & Okutama
Day TripGorge WalkOnsenRiver
🚆 Getting There (~1.5 hrs) — Transfer Required at Ome
Ueno → Shinjuku → Chuo/Ome Line to Ome (~1 hr) → transfer → Ome Line to Hatonosu Station (~30 min) ¥1,100 pp · Through-trains past Ome discontinued March 2023 — transfer required Get off at Hatonosu Station (two stops before Okutama) to start the gorge walk
🍺 VERTERE Taproom — Check Ahead!
Right across from Okutama Station at the end of the walk. Excellent craft beer on the terrace, hot dogs, fish & chips. However the Okutama location may operate weekends and holidays only — check their Instagram the day before. If closed, Moegi no Yu's on-site restaurant serves beer alongside the soba.
  • ~9:15 AM
    Arrive Hatonosu Station
    Small rustic station — just a nice toilet, a small restaurant, and a closed-down Showa-era general store. The gorge is a short walk away.
  • ~9:30 AM
    Kikori Cafe — Coffee & Cake
    Located right at the top of the descent into the valley, before going down to the river. Treehouse/cabin atmosphere — wood interior, antiques, bookshelves, large windows overlooking the gorge. Order a coffee and the rare cheesecake or chocolate tart. The staircase next to the café leads directly down to the river — use it after your coffee.
    Coffee ~¥500 · Cake ~¥500–¥800 pp
  • ~10:15 AM
    River Swimming & Cliff Jumping
    Take the staircase next to Kikori down, or: from the station descend to the main road, walk toward the dark tunnel, turn LEFT toward the river, follow the main path past Hatonosu-sou hotel (~500m total from station). You'll reach the swimming area — cliff jumping rocks from 3 to 15 meters. Water is clear and very cold. Cross the bridge, take a right, descend some steps, and look right for an opening to a quieter pool.

    ⚠️ Do not go upstream toward Shiromaru Dam — the reservoir water is still and dangerous for swimming.
  • ~11:30 AM
    Hatonosu Gorge Walk → Okutama
    Begin the forested gorge trail toward Okutama (~8 km, ~2.5 hrs total). The trail follows the emerald-green Tama River through Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park — lush canyon walls, huge rock formations, forest paths. Easy to moderate terrain with some boulders.
  • ~12:00 PM
    Unzen Bridge (雲仙橋)
    The concrete road bridge you cross early in the walk — first dramatic views down into the gorge below. Look both ways before moving on.
  • ~12:30 PM
    Hatonosu Kobashi Suspension Bridge (鳩ノ巣小橋)
    The trail highlight — a narrow suspension bridge hanging high above the gorge with spectacular views up and down the canyon. Equally impressive looking back at it from the riverbank below. Don't rush this one.
  • ~1:00 PM
    Earth Garden — Lunch 🍔
    7-min walk from Shiromaru Station, right on the gorge trail route. Nestled in the forest with a terrace overlooking the valley. The Okutama Hamburg is the signature — wagyu beef patty with homemade fermented seasonings, over 120,000 sold. Also katsu, pizza, sausages. Finish with the Okutama wasabi milk ice cream — fresh local wasabi with light milk ice cream, distinctly Okutama.

    Book a reservation the night before on Tabelog — can have a 20–25 min wait without one.
    Hamburg set ~¥1,980 pp · Open Fri 11 AM–4 PM · Closed Tuesdays
  • ~2:15 PM
    Continue Walk → Okutama Station
    Finish the remaining stretch of the gorge trail to Okutama Station (~45 min from Shiromaru). The final section along Kazuma Gorge has some of the best river views of the whole walk.
  • ~3:15 PM
    VERTERE Taproom — If Open
    Right across from Okutama Station. Terrace over the river, house-brewed IPA, lager, Belgian white, and seasonal taps. Food: hot dogs, fish & chips, fried chicken. The low-ABV "Tenera" fruit session ale is the post-hike recommendation. Check their Instagram the day before.
    ¥1,500–¥2,000 pp avg
  • ~4:00 PM
    Moegi no Yu Onsen
    10-min walk from Okutama Station along the riverside path. 100% natural hot spring drawn from 600m underground. Outdoor bath directly overlooking the Tama River gorge — the June fresh-green season is one of its best times. Indoor baths + sauna also available. On-site restaurant if anyone wants a beer or soba before the train.
    ¥950 pp (3 hrs) · Bring your own towel to save ¥300 · Cash only · Open until 8 PM, last entry 7 PM
  • ~5:30 PM
    Train Back to Ueno
    Ome Line → Ome transfer → Chuo Line → Shinjuku → Yamanote → Ueno. Back by ~7:30 PM.
Sat6Jun
FC Tokyo Match Day ⚽
vs Cerezo OsakaPlayoff Round 2AIDEM DAY
🚆 Getting There
Option A: JR Chūō–Sōbu Line → Sendagaya Station (~25 min from Ueno) → ~5-min walk Option B: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line → Gaienmae Station (very close, often less crowded) Stadium: MUFG Stadium (the Japan National Stadium / Kokuritsu) — the 67,750-seat Olympic stadium in Shinjuku, designed by Kengo Kuma
🎟️ Tickets — Buy Now
General sale opened May 2. South Side and Visitor reserved seats went on sale after Cerezo Osaka was confirmed as the opponent. Buy immediately — this is a high-stakes playoff final-round match at 67,750-seat capacity and will sell.

Purchase online via the FC Tokyo ticket site. Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Digital tickets only.
  • 11:00 AM
    Arrive — Meiji Park & AO-AKA PARK
    Head to Meiji Park (adjacent to MUFG Stadium) for pre-game festivities. Full programme TBA — check fctokyo.co.jp closer to the date. Gates open at 12:00 PM (2 hrs before kickoff). Stadium gourmet food stalls will be open from arrival.
  • ~1:30 PM
    Special Guest: Egashira 2:50 ✓ Confirmed
    The legendary high-energy comedian is confirmed for this match. His pre-kickoff cheer performance is a crowd favourite — be in your seats before the 2:00 PM start to catch it.
  • 2:00 PM
    Kickoff — MUFG Stadium (Kokuritsu)
    FC Tokyo vs Cerezo Osaka. Playoff Round 2nd Leg of the J1 100 Year Vision League — a ranking decider, the final matchday of the transitional 2026 season before J.League switches to its new autumn-spring calendar. Real stakes, big crowd, electric atmosphere. Broadcast live on DAZN.
Week 2 · Kyoto & Kansai Base: Hayaocho 308 Airbnb
Sun7Jun
Travel to Kyoto + Night at the Gates
ShinkansenFushimi InariNight Visit
🚆 Tokyo → Kyoto Schedule
Checkout: &Here Tokyo Ueno at 11:00 AM Best Train: Nozomi departure 11:30 AM–12:15 PM from Tokyo Station Arrive Kyoto: 1:45 PM–2:30 PM
💡 Seat Tip
Request D/E seats on the right side of the train for views of Mt. Fuji during the Tokyo → Kyoto leg.
  • Afternoon
    Check into Hayaocho 308
    Settle in, get oriented in the Shimogyo Ward neighborhood along the Kamo River.
  • Evening
    Fushimi Inari Taisha — Night Visit
    Head to Fushimi Inari after dinner. Open 24/7 and well-lit at night — a spiritual, eerie atmosphere with virtually no crowds. A completely different experience from daytime.
Mon8Jun
Day Trip — Nara Deer Park
Day TripDeerNara
🚆 Getting There (~35 min)
Kintetsu Line from Kyoto Station → Kintetsu Nara Station ¥1,280 / $8.19
  • Nara Park — Sika Deer
    10-min walk from station. Feed the freely-roaming deer throughout the park.
    Deer crackers (shika senbei): ¥200 / $1.28 per pack · Cash only
Tue9Jun
Osaka Food Day
Day TripOsakaFood
🚆 Getting There
JR Special Rapid from Kyoto → Osaka, then subway to Kuromon Market area.
💴 Cash Note
Almost all food stalls at Kuromon Market and Dotonbori are cash only. Come prepared.
  • Lunch
    Kuromon Market
    Grilled scallops, tuna skewers, wagyu — Osaka's famous covered kitchen market.
  • Evening
    Dotonbori
    Neon-laden canal district. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki under the glowing Glico Man sign. ⚠️ Hard departure by 7:30 PM — JR Special Rapid back to Kyoto takes ~75 min; need to be back before 9 PM.
Wed10Jun
Kurama–Kifune Mountain Hike
HikingKuramaShrine
🚆 Getting There
Eizan Railway → Kurama Station ¥470 / $3.01
  • Kurama-dera Temple
    Start at the mountain temple at the trailhead.
    Mountain entry fee: ¥500 / $3.20 · Cash only
  • 3 km Trail → Kifune Shrine
    ~2 hrs through the forest over the ridge from Kurama-dera down to the serene Kifune Shrine in the valley below.
Thu11Jun
teamLab Biovortex + Nishiki Market
ArtteamLabMarket
  • 9:00 AM
    teamLab Biovortex — Opening Slot
    Your tickets are valid for the opening slot. Located 7-min walk from Kyoto Station's Hachijo East Gate.
  • Afternoon
    Nishiki Market
    Kyoto's "Kitchen of Kyoto" — kitchenware, local pickles, and street snacks along the covered arcade.
Fri12Jun
Sunrise at Inari
Fushimi InariDawn
⏰ Golden Hour Window
Arrive 5:30–7:00 AM for beautiful soft light filtering through the torii gates. Tour buses arrive at 8:00 AM — beat them there.
  • 6:00 AM
    Fushimi Inari Taisha — Early Morning Return
    A completely different atmosphere from the night visit. Dawn light through thousands of vermillion gates before the crowds arrive — your final Japan morning.
Sat13Jun
Free Day / Last Full Day in Kyoto
KyotoFree Time
  • Last Full Day — Your Call
    Use this day for anything that didn't fit the schedule: Arashiyama bamboo grove, Philosopher's Path, Gion strolling, souvenir shopping at Nishiki, or simply relaxing along the Kamo River before the journey home tomorrow.
  • Pack & Prepare for Departure
    Flight is Sunday, June 14 at 17:35 from Narita. Trains to catch early — confirm checkout time with the Airbnb host.
Sun14Jun
Departure — Kyoto → Narita
Departure DayNRT 17:35
⚠️ Must Arrive NRT by 14:35
Flight departs 17:35. Airport check-in deadline is approximately 14:35. Follow this exact train sequence:
11:01
Nozomi 24 — Kyoto Station
Depart Kyoto
Board here
13:08
Arrive Shinagawa Station
Transfer platform — 16 minutes to catch the N'EX
13:24
Narita Express 27 — Shinagawa
Direct to Narita Airport Terminal 1/2/3
N'EX
~14:35
Arrive Narita Airport
Plenty of time for check-in and security
Arrive ✓
Essential Transportation & Ticket Guidance Cash, Shinkansen & Planning
1
Money & Cash Strategy (2026)

Even with increased card acceptance, your itinerary includes several cash-heavy areas. Plan accordingly.

Recommended Cash per Person: ¥70,000–¥80,000 (~$450–$515)
This covers a ¥3,000 daily buffer for small treats, coin lockers, and specific market days.

Cash-Only Spots on Your Itinerary:

  • Street Food: Almost all stalls at Kuromon Market (Osaka) and Dotonbori
  • Hikes: Kurama Mountain entry fee (¥500) and Nara deer crackers (¥200)
  • Dining: Grill Stand in Kyoto is strictly cash-only
  • Logistics: Coin lockers and temple fortunes (omikuji)
ATM Access: Use 7-Eleven (7-Bank) or Japan Post ATMs — these are the most reliable for foreign cards in 2026. Withdraw larger amounts (¥30,000–¥50,000) to minimize per-transaction fees.
2
Purchasing Shinkansen Tickets at the Station

Since you'll be buying tickets in person, here's exactly what to do:

①
Where to Buy
Look for the JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi / みどりの窓口) or the green reserved-seat ticket machines at major stations — Ueno, Tokyo Station, or Shinagawa all work.
②
Payment
Vending machines accept most international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Ticket offices are best for complex itineraries or if you need help.
③
Reserved vs. Unreserved
Always request reserved seats (指定席) for a group of 5. Unreserved cars can be standing-room only on busy routes — especially weekends.
④
Seat Selection: Tokyo → Kyoto
Request D/E seats on the right side of the car for views of Mt. Fuji during the Tokyo to Kyoto leg (visible around Shin-Fuji Station, roughly 45 min after departure).
3
Sunday, June 7 — Ueno to Kyoto
11:00 AM
Checkout
&Here Tokyo Ueno standard checkout
11:30–12:15
Nozomi — Tokyo Station
Target a departure in this window
Board
1:45–2:30
Arrive Kyoto Station
Head to Hayaocho 308 to check in
Arrive ✓
4
Sunday, June 14 — Kyoto to NRT

Flight: NRT 17:35 · Must arrive by 14:35

11:01
Nozomi 24
Depart Kyoto Station
Board
13:08
Arrive Shinagawa
Transfer to N'EX platform
13:24
Narita Express 27
Depart Shinagawa → NRT direct
N'EX
~14:35
Narita Airport
Check-in and security
Arrive ✓