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[map]
    Drop your bags and settle into your base near the cultural heart of northern Tokyo.
  • Evening
    Dinner — Ameyoko Shopping District[map]
    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)[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    Walk back toward base to enjoy the shrines and scenic Shinobazu Pond.
  • 3:00 PM
    Yanaka Ginza[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    Return to Ameyoko for budget clothes shopping and open-air street food.
  • Dinner
    Miura Misaki Port Ueno[map]
    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 — 81 CAFE[map]
    Bike rental from 81 CAFE, located next to Kawaguchiko Station. Standard bikes ¥1,200 per person for the day. Pick up and orient to the north shore route.
    ¥1,200 pp · ¥6,000 for 5
  • ~10:00 AM
    Maple Corridor (もみじ回廊)[map]
    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)[map]
    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[map]
    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
    KANJYUKUYA — Lunch[map]
    甲州ほうとう 完熟屋 河口湖店 — Yamanashi's signature hoto noodles: thick flat noodles in rich miso broth with pumpkin and seasonal vegetables. Located on the northeast shore at 2866 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko.
    ~¥1,200–¥1,800 pp
  • ~1:45 PM
    Lawson — Fujikawaguchiko Town Hall[map]
    ローソン 富士河口湖町役場前店 — Quick convenience store stop for snacks, drinks, and anything needed for the afternoon cave visit. 1395-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko.
  • ~3:00 PM
    Return Bikes & Board Fuji Excursion Home[map]
    Return bikes before the shop closes (usually 5:30–6:00 PM). 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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    Quirky accessories, wild fashion, and giant sweet crêpes as boutiques open. Gets crowded fast — good to be here early.
  • 11:15 AM
    Ura-Harajuku Backstreets & Cat Street[map]
    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 · Fender Flagship Tokyo · Onitsuka Tiger Omotesando (オニツカタイガー 表参道) · Kinji (affordable vintage) · Cat Street boutiques.
  • 1:00 PM
    Curry Up — Lunch[map]
    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
  • 2:00 PM
    Gelato Pique Café[map]
    Pastel, cozy café just off Takeshita — excellent soft serve and smoothies. Good post-lunch sweet treat before heading toward Shibuya.
    ~¥600–¥1,000 pp
  • 2:15 PM
    Streamer Coffee Jinnan[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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
    Fuji Soba — Shinobazu[map]
    名代 富士そば しのばず店 — Quick, affordable soba near home base. 2-13-12 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo (Toyo Building 1F).
    ~¥500–¥900 pp
Wed3Jun
Typhoon Day — Hotel Staycation 🌀
TyphoonUeno
🌀 Typhoon Advisory
Typhoon passed close to Tokyo — Chichibu/Nagatoro day trip cancelled. Stayed put at &Here Tokyo Ueno.
  • Rest & Hotel Day
    Downtime at the hotel while the typhoon passed — a good chance to recharge before the back half of the Tokyo week.
  • Dinner
    Genki Sushi × Uobei Ueno[map]
    High-speed conveyor belt sushi near home base — order by touchscreen and watch the plates rocket across on mini bullet-rail trays. A ton of fun, great value, perfect typhoon-day comfort food.
    ~¥1,000–¥2,000 pp
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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    Fresh mochi and banana churro donuts, cheap and cheerful. Good pit stop before heading toward Shinjuku.
    ~¥200–¥400 pp
  • 3:30 PM
    Depart for Shinjuku
    Shimokitazawa → Shinjuku (~15 min). Head straight to the west exit for the Government Building.
  • ~6:20 PM
    Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building — Observatory[map]
    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[map]
    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 — Walk-Through[map]
    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. Worth walking through for the atmosphere even without sitting down.
  • ~8:00 PM
    Bura Bura Abura Soba — Dinner[map]
    Shinjuku abura soba (brothless ramen) — rich tare, fragrant oil, and toppings mixed together at the table. A great end to the day.
    ~¥800–¥1,200 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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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)[map]
    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)[map]
    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 🍔[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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[map]
    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.
  • ~11:30 AM
    Chohakkai Sendagaya — Lunch[map]
    Lunch near the stadium in Sendagaya before heading into the pre-match festivities.
    ~¥1,500–¥2,500 pp
  • ~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)[map]
    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.
  • Evening
    Genki Sushi × Uobei Ueno — Dinner[map]
    Back near home base for a second visit to the high-speed bullet-rail sushi — a fitting end to the last Tokyo night.
    ~¥1,000–¥2,000 pp
Week 2 · Kyoto & Kansai Base: Hayaocho 308 Airbnb
Sun7Jun
Travel to Kyoto + Night at the Gates
ShinkansenFushimi InariNight Visit
🚆 Nozomi 393 — Tokyo → Kyoto
Checkout: &Here Tokyo Ueno at 11:00 AM Departs: Tokyo Station 12:24 PM · Arrives: Kyoto Station 2:39 PM Car 14 · Seat 15-A · ¥14,170 pp (¥8,360 base + ¥5,810 express) · ¥70,850 for 5 Ticket valid until June 10 · Purchased June 1 at Ueno Station
💡 Mt. Fuji View
Sit on the right side of the train (D/E seats) — Fuji is visible around Shin-Fuji Station, roughly 45 min after departure.
  • Afternoon
    Check into Hayaocho 308[map]
    Settle in, get oriented in the Shimogyo Ward neighborhood along the Kamo River.
  • Evening
    Settle In & Explore the Neighborhood
    Get oriented around Hayaocho 308 — walk along the Kamo River, find a nearby dinner spot, and decompress after the travel day.
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[map]
    10-min walk from station. Feed the freely-roaming deer throughout the park.
    Deer crackers (shika senbei): ¥200 / $1.28 per pack · Cash only
  • ~12:30 PM
    Travel: Nara → Uji
    JR Nara → JR Kyoto (~45 min) then JR Nara Line → Uji Station (~17 min). Total ~1 hr.
  • ~1:30 PM
    Byodoin Temple[map]
    The UNESCO World Heritage temple on the back of the ¥10 coin — the Phoenix Hall is genuinely stunning. 5-min walk from Uji Station along the matcha-shop-lined Omotesando street.
    ¥1,000 pp entry
  • ~2:15 PM
    Uji Park[map]
    Island park in the middle of the Uji River — Tounoshima and Tachibana Islands connected by wooden bridges. Beautiful riverside scenery, very peaceful, great for photos. Lush and green in June even on overcast days. Setting of the final chapters of The Tale of Genji.
  • ~3:00 PM
    Itoh Kyuemon — Lunch[map]
    Uji's most celebrated matcha restaurant, established 1832. The three-meal set is the call: hot matcha soba + cold matcha soba + matcha curry soup with udon. Matcha soba is to Uji what hoto noodles were to Kawaguchiko — the regional dish worth seeking out. English menu with pictures available. Can be busy — go early if possible.
    ~¥1,500–¥2,500 pp
  • ~4:30 PM
    Return to Kyoto
    JR Uji → JR Kyoto (~17 min). Back at Hayaocho 308 well before 9 PM.
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.
  • Morning
    GU — Shopping[map]
    Shopping at GU in the mall near Kyoto Station.
  • Lunch
    Gusto — Lunch[map]
    Lunch at Gusto in the mall near Kyoto Station.
  • Lunch
    Kuromon Market[map]
    Grilled scallops, tuna skewers, wagyu — Osaka's famous covered kitchen market.
  • Evening
    Dotonbori[map]
    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[map]
    Start at the mountain temple at the trailhead.
    Mountain entry fee: ¥500 / $3.20 · Cash only
  • 3 km Trail → Kifune Shrine[map]
    ~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[map]
    Your tickets are valid for the opening slot. Located 7-min walk from Kyoto Station's Hachijo East Gate.
  • Afternoon
    Nishiki Market[map]
    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[map]
    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
  • Free Day — Your Call[map]
    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.
  • ~6:30 PM
    Fushimi Inari Taisha — Night Visit[map]
    Open 24/7 and well-lit at night — a spiritual, eerie atmosphere with virtually no crowds. Saturday evening means no work deadline and all the time you want to walk as deep into the torii gates as the mood takes you. A completely different experience from the June 12 dawn visit.
Sun14Jun
Departure — Kyoto → Narita
Departure DayNRT 17:35
⚠️ Flight NRT 17:35
Follow this exact train sequence:
10:21
Shinkansen — Kyoto Station
Depart Kyoto
Board here
12:25
Arrive Shinagawa Station
Transfer platform — 25 minutes to catch the N'EX
12:50
Narita Express — Shinagawa
Direct to Narita Airport Terminal 1
N'EX
13:57
Arrive Narita Airport Terminal 1
Plenty of time for check-in and security before 17:35 departure
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

10:21
Shinkansen — Kyoto Station
Depart Kyoto
Board
12:25
Arrive Shinagawa
Transfer to N'EX platform — 25 min connection
12:50
Narita Express — Shinagawa
Depart Shinagawa → Narita Terminal 1 direct
N'EX
13:57
Narita Airport Terminal 1
Check-in and security · 3.5 hrs before departure
Arrive ✓
語
Essential Japanese Phrases
1 · Greetings & Courtesies
こんにちは — Konnichiwa
kon-nee-chee-wa
Emphasis: NEE-CHEE
UseSafe greeting from late morning until dusk with everyone.
AvoidEarly morning or late at night.
すみません — Sumimasen
soo-mee-mah-sen
Emphasis: MAH-SEN (slight upward lilt)
UseCatch a waiter's attention, apologize for a bump, or exit a crowded train.
AvoidAs a deep apology for serious mistakes.
はい — Hai
hai
Emphasis: HAI (short and crisp)
UseConfirms you're listening or agreeing. Nod while saying it.
AvoidRepeating rapidly (hai, hai, hai) — sounds impatient.
2 · Gratitude & Hospitality
ありがとうございます
ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mah-su
Emphasis: GAH-TOH / MAH-SU (final 'u' nearly silent)
UsePolite gratitude to staff, drivers, and strangers. Bow slightly from the waist.
AvoidJust "Arigato" to retail or restaurant staff — too casual.
ごちそうさまでした
go-chee-soh-sah-mah de-shee-tah
Emphasis: SOH-SAH-MAH
UseSay directly to restaurant staff or chefs when leaving a dining establishment.
AvoidNever before or during the meal — only on exit.
3 · Asking for Guidance & Directions
＿＿はどこですか？
... wa doh-koh dess-kah?
Emphasis: DOH-KOH
UseInsert location before 'wa'. E.g. Toire wa doko desu ka? = Where is the restroom?
AvoidDropping "desu ka" with strangers — just "doko?" sounds blunt.
英語が話せますか？
ay-goh gah ha-nah-seh-mass-kah?
Emphasis: HA-NAH-SEH
UseAsk transit staff, hotel desks, or shop managers first. Precede with Sumimasen and a smile.
AvoidSounding demanding — gentle tone essential.
お願いします — Onegaishimasu
oh-neh-gai-shee-mah-su
Emphasis: NEH-GAI
UseHand a map to a driver or point to a destination — means "Please take me here / handle this."
AvoidConfusing with Kudasai — Onegaishimasu is more polite for services.
わかりません — Wakarimasen
wa-kah-ree-mah-sen
Emphasis: MAH-SEN
UseWhen given long Japanese directions you cannot follow.
AvoidWalking away mid-sentence — say Sumimasen, wakarimasen and bow slightly.
4 · Shopping, Dining & Ordering
これはいくらですか？
koh-reh wa ee-koo-rah dess-kah?
Emphasis: EE-KOO-RAH
UsePoint to an item in a boutique or market stall to ask the price.
AvoidHaggling — prices are fixed in virtually all shops.
これをお願いします
koh-reh oh oh-neh-gai-shee-mah-su
Emphasis: KOH-REH / NEH-GAI
UsePoint at a menu item or souvenir — the ultimate ordering tool.
AvoidPointing with index finger — gesture with an open, flat hand instead.
お会計をお願いします
oh-kai-kay oh oh-neh-gai-shee-mah-su
Emphasis: KAI-KAY
UseRequest the bill at your table when you've finished eating.
AvoidTipping — it is non-existent and considered insulting. Pay the exact bill amount.
カードは大丈夫ですか？
kah-doh wa dai-joh-boo dess-kah?
Emphasis: DAI-JOH-BOO
UseConfirm if a small eatery or retail counter accepts credit cards.
AvoidAssuming cards are accepted — shrines, ramen machines, and buses require cash.