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Osaka, Japan
📅 Day 1 – Thursday, 25 Dec 2025 - 🛬 Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX)
📍 Base: Kansai International Airport (KIX), Terminal 1
📍 Destination: Osaka, Kita-ku, Tenma 4-1-18, Japan
⏰ Transport: Taxi (~50–60 min)
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7:45 PM – Land at KIX, Terminal 1 ✈️
• Welcome to Japan! 🇯🇵
Before Landing – Visit Japan Web 🌐
• Complete your digital arrival procedures to speed up immigration clearance
8:30 PM – Clear Immigration & Customs 🛂
• Show your Visit Japan Web QR code for smooth entry
8:40 PM – Prepare IC card & eSIM 💳📱
• ICOCA card ready for transport
• eSIM installed on your phone for instant connectivity
8:50 PM – Meet Taxi at Arrivals 🚖
• Transfer to hotel in Kita-ku, Tenma 4-1-18, Osaka (~50–60 min depending on traffic)
10:50 PM – Arrive at Hotel & Check-in 🏨
• Settle in before 11:00 PM
• Freshen up and drop off luggage
10:55 PM – Quick Walk to FamilyMart 🥪🛍️ (Optional)
• ~2 min from hotel
• Grab a light snack or drink if needed
11:00 PM – Relax & Rest 💤
• Recharge for your first full day exploring Osaka tomorrow!
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📅 Day 2 – Friday, 26 Dec 2025 – ✨ teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka (Night Experience)
📍 Base: Osaka, Kita-ku, Tenma 4-1-18, Japan
📍 Destination: teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka (Nagai Park)
⏰ Transport: JR + Osaka Metro (Midosuji Line) + short walks (~45–50 min each way)
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🌤️ Late Afternoon – Depart from Accommodation
5:30 PM – Leave Accommodation 🚶♀️👜
• Walk from your stay in Tenma to JR Osaka-Tenmangu Station
• Ensure ICOCA is ready for tap-on convenience 💳
🚇 Travel to teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
5:40 PM – JR Tozai Line 🚆
• Board at JR Osaka-Tenmangu Station
• Direction: Amagasaki
• Ride 1 stop to Kitashinchi Station (~3 min)
5:50 PM – Transfer to Osaka Metro 🚇
• Walk underground to Nishi-Umeda Station
• Enter Osaka Metro Midosuji Line (Red Line)
• Direction: Nakamozu
6:15 PM – Arrive at Nagai Station 🚉
• Exit the gates and follow signs for Nagai Park
🌳 Walk Through Nagai Park
6:15–6:30 PM – Walk to teamLab Entrance 🌙🍃
• ~10-minute walk through Nagai Park
• The park gradually lights up — calm, atmospheric, and scenic
• Follow signs for teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
✨ teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
6:30–8:00 PM – Immersive Night Garden Experience 🌌🌸
• Arrive with time to spare before 7:00 PM entry
• Explore illuminated plants, interactive digital art, and soundscapes
• Move freely through the garden at your own pace
• Take photos and enjoy the evolving light installations
(The experience is fully outdoors — dress warmly)
🌙 Return to Accommodation
8:00 PM – Exit teamLab Botanical Garden 🚶♀️
• Walk back through Nagai Park to Nagai Station (~10 min)
8:15 PM – Osaka Metro Midosuji Line 🚇
• Board at Nagai Station
• Direction: Umeda / Shin-Osaka
8:40 PM – Arrive at Umeda Area 🚉
• Walk underground to Kitashinchi Station
8:50 PM – JR Tozai Line 🚆
• From Kitashinchi Station
• Direction: Kyobashi
• Get off at JR Osaka-Tenmangu Station (1 stop)
9:00 PM – Walk Back to Accommodation 🏠
• ~5-minute walk
• Relax after a magical, slow-paced evening ✨
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📅 Day 3 – Saturday, 27 Dec 2025 - Osaka Castle & Sushi Making Class 🍣🏯
📍 Base: Osaka, Kita-ku, Tenma 4-1-18, Japan
📍 Destination: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori, Osaka
⏰ Transport: Subway & walking
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8:15 AM – 🚶 Walk to Temmabashi Station
• ~5 min walk from your hotel
• Tap your ICOCA card for entry
8:20 AM – 🚇 Subway to Tanimachi 4‑chome Station
• Sakaisuji Line → Tanimachi Line (~15–20 min)
8:50 AM – 🚶 Walk to Osaka Castle Meeting Point
• Arrive 10 min early for check-in
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM 🏯 Osaka Castle History Walking Tour
• Explore Osaka Castle Park, outer moats, gardens
• Learn about samurai history, castle design, and stonework
• Includes Castle Tower admission (bring ~¥1,200 cash if the tower is open)
• 📸 Great photo spots: castle exterior, stone walls, park views
🍱 Midday – Lunch
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM 🍽️ Lunch near Osaka Castle
• Cafés and restaurants nearby
• Options: donburi, udon, tempura, or bento
🕒 Afternoon – Travel to Sushi Making Class
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM 🚇 Subway to Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi Area
• Tanimachi 4‑chome → Shinsaibashi Station (~25–30 min with transfer)
1:30 PM – 🚶 Walk to Sushi Class Location
• ~5 min walk to the Galleria Acca Building
🍣 Afternoon – Sushi Making Class
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM 🍣 Sushi Making Class
• Hands-on experience rolling sushi and learning authentic techniques
• Enjoy eating your creations!
• Perfect photo opportunities of your sushi art 📸
🌆 Late Afternoon – Explore Dotonbori
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM 🚶 Stroll Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
• Neon lights, canal views, and famous Glico sign
• Street food: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, crepes 🍡
• Optional: visit Shinsaibashi shopping arcade for souvenirs 🛍️
🌇 Evening – Return to Hotel
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM 🚇 Subway back to Temma Station
• Tap ICOCA card for smooth travel
6:00 PM – 6:10 PM 🚶 Walk back to Hotel
• Relax and freshen up
6:30 PM 🍽️ Dinner Options
• Local Osaka street food or nearby restaurants
• Try kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, or sushi 🍢
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📅 Day 4 – Sunday, 28 Dec 2025 - Osaka → Kanazawa Day Trip / Transfer 🚄🏯
📍 Base: Osaka, Kita-ku, Tenma 4-1-18
📍 Destination: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
⏰ Train: JR Thunderbird (pre-booked)
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🌅 Morning – Depart Osaka
7:30 AM – 7:40 AM 🚶 Walk to Osaka Station / Umeda Station
• ~10 min walk from your hotel
• Use ICOCA card for local transit if needed
8:00 AM – Board JR Thunderbird Train to Kanazawa 🚄
• Enjoy a comfortable reserved-seat ride (~2h 30min)
• Relax, enjoy scenery, and maybe a snack 🍱
10:30 AM – Arrive at Kanazawa Station 🏙️
• Take photos at the famous Tsuzumi Gate and Kanazawa Station plaza 📸
- From Osaka/Kyoto: Amanohashidate Day Tour with Lunch
- Osaka Castle: History Walking Tour, Castle Tower Admission
- Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour
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Kanazawa, Japan
📅 Day 4 – Sunday, 28 Dec 2025 - Arrival & Evening Exploration 🏯❄️
📍 Base: Osaka, Kita-ku, Tenma 4-1-18
📍 Destination: Kanazawa, Korinbo 1-2-16
⏰ Transport: JR Thunderbird + Taxi / Local Bus
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1:20 PM – Arrive at Kanazawa Station 🚉
• Snap a photo at Tsuzumi Gate
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM 🍱 Quick Lunch
• Options: ekiben, ramen, seafood bowls around station
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM 🚌 Local Bus to Hotel
• 10–15 min ride to Korinbo 1-2-16
3:00 PM – Check-in 🏨
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 🌿 Kenrokuen Garden
• Famous top three garden in Japan
• Winter yukitsuri snow ropes on pine trees ❄️
• Optional evening illuminations ✨
6:30 PM – Dinner 🍣
• Kaisendon (seafood bowl) or Kaga cuisine at local restaurant
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM 🌃 Korinbo District Stroll
• Shopping, dessert, cafés near hotel
9:00 PM – Return to Hotel 💤
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📅 Day 5 – Monday, 29 Dec 2025 - Full Kanazawa Exploration 🏯❄️
📍 Base: Korinbo 1-2-16
📍 Destination: Kanazawa Castle Park, Nomura Samurai Residence, Oyama Shrine, Higashi Chaya District and Omichi Market
⏰ Transport: Walking & local buses
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9:00 - 10:00 AM ⛩️ Oyama Shrine
• Famous for its distinctive gate and historical architecture
• Admission covered
10:00 - 11:00 AM 🏯 Kanazawa Castle Park
• Walk around castle grounds, gates, stone walls
• Take photos of the historic architecture 📸
11:00 - 12:00 PM 🏠 Nomura Samurai Residence
• Explore a traditional samurai house
• Admission pass included
• Learn about samurai lifestyle, interiors, and gardens
12:00 - 1:00 PM 🏘️ Higashi Chaya District
• Historic geisha district, traditional teahouses
• Optional matcha café experience 🍵
1:00 - 2:00 PM 🛍️ Omicho Market
• Fresh seafood, fruits, snacks, and souvenirs
• Admission pass covers special exhibits if applicable
5:45 PM – 6:30 PM 🌆 Explore Katamachi / Dinner
• Casual dinner at local restaurant, try local specialties
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM 🚶 Return to Hotel
• Walk or short bus ride
7:00 PM – Relax & Rest 💤
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📅 Day 6 – Wednesday, 30 Dec 2025
Kanazawa → Tokyo 🚄
📍 Base: Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Korinbo 1-2-16, Japan
📍 Destination: Tokyo-to, Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku Kanda Sakumacho 1-6-5, Japan
⏰ Transport: JR Kagayaki 508 (pre-booked Shinkansen)
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🌅 Morning – Check-out & Travel to Kanazawa Station
7:30 AM – 7:45 AM 🚶 Walk to Kanazawa Station
• Tap ICOCA card for local buses/subway if needed
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM 🏨 Check-out at Hotel
• Drop off luggage at station lockers if arriving early
🚄 Mid-Morning – Shinkansen to Tokyo
8:20 AM – 11:55 AM 🚄 Board JR Kagayaki 508 Shinkansen
• Reserved seat, enjoy the ride (~2h 35 min)
• Snacks & drinks available on board 🍱☕
11:55 AM – Arrive at Tokyo Station 🏙️
• Photos at Tokyo Station plaza
• Tap ICOCA card for local transit
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Tokyo, Japan
📅 Day 6 – Tuesday , 30 Dec 2025 - Akihabara Market 🎮🍱
📍 Base: Tokyo Station, Tokyo-to, Japan
📍 Destination: Akihabara, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
⏰ Transport: JR Yamanote Line or Sobu Line (~10 min), walking, coin lockers if needed
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12:36 PM – Arrive at Tokyo Station
• 🚇 Take JR Yamanote Line or Sobu Line to Akihabara (~10 min)
• 🧳 Store luggage at accommodation or use nearby coin lockers if early
12:50 PM – 1:50 PM – Lunch in Akihabara
• 🍱 Ramen, tonkatsu, sushi, or themed cafés near your accommodation
• 📸 Optional: quick photos around the streets
2:00 PM – Check-in at Accommodation
• 🏠 Drop off luggage, freshen up
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Explore Akihabara
• 🎮 Electronics shops, anime & manga stores, themed cafés
• 📸 Neon streets & photo opportunities
• Optional: quick stroll to Kanda area for bookstores & cafés
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Ueno Park / Ameyoko Market
• 🚇 ~5 min from Akihabara (Via the Yamanote Line)
• Walk around Ueno Park or Ameyoko Market for snacks, souvenirs, and early evening atmosphere
• 🍜 Dinner nearby or return to Akihabara
Evening – Relax near accommodation
• 🌆 Optional stroll in Akihabara to enjoy neon lights
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📅 Day 7 – Wednesday, 31 Dec 2025- Shibuya, Harajuku & Shinjuku 🌆⛩️🛍️
📍 Base: Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Kanda Sakumacho 1-6-5
📍 Destination: Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku
⏰ Transport: JR Yamanote Line / walking
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8:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Meiji Shrine ⛩️ (DO THIS EARLY)
• 🚇 Akihabara → Harajuku (~30 min, JR Yamanote)
• Quietest time of the entire day
• Walk through forest paths
• ⚠️ After evening → expect hours-long queues
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Harajuku & Takeshita Street 🛍️
• Shops start opening around 10–11 AM
• Snack foods, fashion stores
• Much calmer than usual today
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Lunch (Harajuku / Shibuya side) 🍱
• Eat early — many places close early today
• Avoid waiting later
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Shinjuku (Daytime) 🏙️
• 🚇 Harajuku → Shinjuku (~15 min)
• Department stores, Godzilla Head area
• Good time for photos before crowds build
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Omoide Yokocho 🍢
• Perfect timing: open, lively, but not packed yet
• Have snacks or early dinner here
• Some shops close earlier than normal
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Travel + Rest ☕
• 🚇 Shinjuku → Shibuya (~7 min)
• Café break — you’ll need energy
• Bathrooms before night crowds (important!)
🌃 Shibuya at Night (NYE Version)
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Shibuya Exploration 🌆
• Hachiko Statue (expect police presence)
• Scramble Crossing still impressive, but:
• No loitering
• No countdown event
• Walk Center Gai & side streets
⚠️ No Shibuya Sky unless you already booked tickets
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM – Dinner in Shibuya 🍜
• Choose indoor dining (yakiniku, ramen, izakaya)
• Avoid street food (restrictions)
9:00 PM – 10:30 PM – Chill Night Option ✨
Choose ONE:
• 🛍️ Late shopping (some stores open)
• ☕ Café / dessert spot
• 🎮 Arcades (still open!)
• 🍶 Bar (check closing times)
🚇 Go Home EARLY
• Leave Shibuya by ~10:30–11:00 PM
• Last JR Yamanote trains run earlier tonight
• Taxis will be VERY hard to get
🚇 Shibuya → Akihabara (~30 min
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📅 Day 8 – Jan 1: Asakusa & Tsukiji Market 🐟⛩️🗼
📍 Base: Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Kanda Sakumacho 1-6-5
📍 Destination: Tsukiji Market, Asakusa, Zojo-ji & Tokyo Tower
⏰ Transport: Subway & walking
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8:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Tsukiji Outer Market 🐟🍵
• 🚇 Akihabara Station → Tsukiji Station (~20min) Via the Hibiya Line.
• Walk through stalls, try fresh sushi and street food
10:30AM – 12:30 PM – Zojo-ji Temple & Tokyo Tower 🏯🗼
• 🚇 Tsukiji Station → Kamiyachō Station (~10 min by Train via Hibiya Line)
• Zojo-ji Temple (Free)
• Tokyo Tower observation deck (~¥1200–¥3000)
12:30 PM - 2:30PM – Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street ⛩️
• 🚇 Daimon Station → Asakusa Station (~15 min via the Asakusa Line)
• Explore temple grounds (Free) and shopping street
2:30PM - 3:30 PM – Lunch in Asakusa 🍱
• Tempura, sushi, or yakitori
Evening – Return to Akihabara 🚇
• 🚇 Asakusa Station → Suehirochō Station (~10 min via Ginza Line)
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM - Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift 3 Experience 🏁🏎️
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📅 Day 9: Jan 2 - Full Akihabara Day 🎮✨
📍 Base: Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Kanda Sakumacho 1-6-5
📍 Destination: Akihabara, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
⏰ Transport: Walking from accommodation & short subway rides if needed
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9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 🚶 Explore Akihabara
• Start from your accommodation
• Visit Yodobashi Camera, Super Potato, Mandarake
• Hunt for retro games, anime/manga collectibles, model kits
• Neon streets & iconic signage 📸
🍱 Midday – Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch
• Themed cafés (maid café, Gundam café) or ramen/tonkatsu shops nearby
🕹️ Afternoon – Themed Cafés & Arcades
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• VR arcades, game centers, or maid cafés
• Optional: Kanda Myojin Shrine for a quiet stop and shrine photos (Free)
🛍️ Afternoon – Anime & Figure Shopping
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Visit Animate, Kotobukiya, Akiba Culture Zone
• Find rare figures, collectibles, and souvenirs
🍜 Evening – Dinner
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Enjoy izakaya, sushi, curry, or yatai-style street food
🌆 Night – Neon Walk
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 🚶 Stroll Akihabara
• Admire neon lights, billboards, and arcade lights
• Take night photos 📸
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Optional Add-ons:
• Akihabara Radio Kaikan – multi-floor collectibles & toys
• Gundam Café or Square Enix Café – themed food & drinks (reservations recommended)
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📅 Day 10: Jan 3 - Departure from Tokyo to Hakone 🏞️
📍 Base: Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Kanda Sakumacho 1-6-5
📍 Destination: Hakone, Gora, Kanagawa Prefecture
⏰ Transport: JR Tokaido Shinkansen + Hakone Tozan Train
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🌄 Midday – Depart Tokyo
• 🚇 Akhiabara Station → Tokyo Station (~5 min Yamanote Line)
12:30 PM – Depart Tokyo → Odawara 🚅
• Take JR Tokaido Shinkansen (~35–40 min)
• Reserved seat recommended
• Snacks & drinks available on board 🍱☕
1:10 PM – Arrive at Odawara Station 🚉
• Transfer to Hakone Tozan Train → Gora (~40 min)
• Enjoy scenic mountain views 🌄
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Hakone, Japan
📅 Day 10 – Saturday, 3 Jan – Gora Park & Hakone Open-Air Museum 🖼️🌳♨️
📍 Base: Gora, Hakone, Gora Kansuirou
📍 Destination: Hakone Open-Air Museum & Gora Park
⏰ Transport: Short bus (~5–10 min)
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2:00PM - 3:00PM – Hakone Open-Air Museum 🖼️
• 🚇 Gora Station → Chokokunomori Station (~10 min Hakonetozan Line)
• Short bus/taxi from Gora (~5–10 min)
• Explore outdoor sculptures, indoor galleries, Picasso Pavilion
• Tickets ~¥1600 (discounted with Hakone Free Pass)
3:30PM- 5:00PM – Gora Park / Local Stroll 🌳
• 🚇 Chokokunomori Station → Gora Station (~10 min Hakonetozan Line)
• Walk around town, enjoy shops and cafés
• Optional: Gora Park (¥550, discounted with Free Pass)
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Dinner & Onsen ♨️
• Relax in your ryokan’s onsen hot springs
• Enjoy traditional Japanese dinner
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📅 Day 11 – Sunday, 4 Jan – Ropeway → Owakudani → Lake Ashi → Hakone Shrine → Old Tokaido Road 🚡🛥️⛩️
📍 Base: Gora, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
📍 Destination: Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine & Old Tokaido Road
⏰ Transport: Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Ropeway, Hakone Tozan Bus, walking (all included in Hakone Free Pass)
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7:30 AM – 🍳 Breakfast at Ryokan
• Traditional Japanese breakfast at Kansuiro.
9:30 AM – 🚠 Gora → Sounzan → Owakudani
• 🚶Walk to Gora Station.
• 🚡 Hakone Tozan Cable Car → Sounzan (~10 min).
• 🚡 Hakone Ropeway → Owakudani (~15 min).
• Ropeway is covered by Hakone Free Pass
10:00 AM – 🔥 Owakudani Volcanic Valley
• Stroll the valley, try black eggs, Mt. Fuji views. (~1 hr).
11:00 AM – 🚡 Owakudani → Togendai
• Continue Ropeway (~15 min).
11:30 AM – 🛥 Lake Ashi Cruise
• Board the pirate ship at Togendai → Motohakone (~30 min).
• Stunning Mt. Fuji & torii gate views from the water.
• Hakone Free Pass covers the ride
12:00 PM – ⛩ Hakone Shrine
• From Motohakone Pier: 10–15 min walk.
• Explore the shrine grounds & famous “floating” red torii gate. (~40 min).
• Free Admission
1:00 PM – 🥢 Lunch in Motohakone
• Soba, udon, or local restaurants near the pier. (~1 hr).
2:00 PM – 🚶 Walk the Old Tokaido Road
• From Motohakone, walk a preserved section of the cobblestone Tokaido Road (lined with ancient cedars).
• Easy, atmospheric walk (~30–40 min).
Tickets ~¥500–¥600 (discounted with Free Pass)
3:00 PM – 🚍 Return to Gora
• Motohakone → Gora via Hakone Tozan Bus (~40–50 min).
4:00 PM – 🌳 Free Time / Relax
• Have tea at a local café or return to the ryokan early.
6:00 PM – 🍽 Kaiseki Dinner at Kansuiro
7:30 PM – ♨️ Evening Onsen at the Ryokan
9:00 PM – 🌙 Rest & Pack
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📅 Day 12 – Monday, 5 Jan – Hakone → Kyoto (KAYA Nijo Castle Check-in 3 PM) 🚄🏯
📍 Base: Gora, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
📍 Destination: Kyoto, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto
⏰ Transport: Hakone Tozan Train + Shinkansen Kodama 719 + taxi/public transport
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7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 🌅 Breakfast at Gora
• Enjoy a relaxed ryokan breakfast 🍳🥢
• Pack your luggage and check out
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM 🌳 Morning Stroll / Quick Sightseeing
• Optional: explore Gora Park (¥550, discounted with Free Pass)
• Grab souvenirs or local snacks
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 🚆 Travel to Odawara Station
• Take Hakone Tozan Train Gora → Odawara (~40 min)
• Store luggage in lockers if needed
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM ☕ Snack / Coffee Break at Odawara Station
• Relax before your Shinkansen ride
• Quick bite or coffee for the journey
11:35 AM – 2:34 PM 🚄 Shinkansen Kodama 719 Odawara → Kyoto
• Reserved seat, direct ride, covered by your JR ticket
• Enjoy scenic views or a relaxing nap 💤
2:34 PM – 2:50 PM 🚖 Travel from Kyoto Station → Hotel
• Taxi (~10–15 min) or public transport (~20–25 min) to Nakagyō-ku accommodation
3:00 PM – 🏨 Check-in at Kyoto Hotel
• Drop off luggage and freshen up
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✅ Notes / Transport Tips
• Hakone Free Pass covers: trains, buses, ropeway, cable car, Lake Ashi cruise
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Kyoto, Japan
📅 Day 12 – Monday, 5 Jan – Hakone → Kyoto & KAYA Nijo Castle Check-in 🏯🥢🌙
📍 Base: Kyoto Station / Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto
📍 Destination: KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle Hotel & nearby sights
⏰ Transport: Walking /public transport
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12:30 PM – 🥢 Lunch
• Near Kyoto Station or light bento on the way to hotel.
• Or leave luggage at KAYA Nijo Castle (if allowed) before lunch.
3:00 PM – 🏨 Check-in at KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle
• 🚇 Kyoto Station → Marutamachi Station (~10 min Karasuma Line)
• Settle into your room, refresh.
4:00 PM – 🍽 Dinner
• Kyoto-style cuisine nearby: kaiseki, izakaya, or Nishiki Market for casual food.
7:30 PM – 🌙 Evening Option
• Gion walk – lantern-lit alleys, chance to see geiko/maiko.
• Or relax at the hotel.
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📅 Day 13 – Tuesday, 6 Jan - Kyoto → Nara, Fushimi Inari & Arashiyama Bus Tour 🦌⛩️🎍
📍 Base: Kyoto, Nakagyō-ku, Aburanokoji-dori Marutamachi-Sagaru, Daimonji-Cho 50, Japan
📍 Destination: Kyoto Station (tour meeting point) & Nara / Arashiyama
⏰ Transport: Subway (Karasuma Line) & guided bus
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8:10 AM – 8:20 AM 🚶 Walk to Marutamachi Station
(Kyoto Municipal Subway – Karasuma Line)
• ~5–7 min walk from your hotel
• Tap your ICOCA / Suica / Apple Wallet to enter
8:22 AM – 8:35 AM 🚇 Subway to Kyoto Station
• Marutamachi Station → Kyoto Station
• Line: Karasuma Line
• Direction: Takeda
• Travel time: ~12–13 minutes
• No transfers
8:35 AM – 8:55 AM 🚶 Kyoto Station → Tour Meeting Point
• Exit via Central Exit
• Walk to the GetYourGuide bus tour meeting area
• Time for restroom, drinks, or snacks
9:00 AM – Arrive at Meeting Point 🚍
• Check in with tour staff
• Bus departs promptly
🚌 9:00 AM – Bus Departs from Kyoto
• Comfortable, air-conditioned coach
• Live commentary from your guide
🦌 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM — Nara Park
• Walk among free-roaming sacred deer
• Feed deer crackers & take photos
• Enjoy open parkland & temple surroundings
⛩️ 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM — Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Walk through the iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates
• Explore shrine grounds & forest paths
• Free time to walk as far up the trail as you like
🍱 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM — Lunch
• Self-guided lunch near Fushimi Inari or en route to Arashiyama
• Options include:
• Udon or soba
• Donburi bowls
• Small local cafés
🎍 1:45 PM – 4:15 PM — Arashiyama
• Explore:
• Bamboo Grove
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Kimono Forest
• Optional visits (extra fee):
• Tenryū-ji Temple
• Arashiyama footbath
• Time for shopping, snacks & photos
🚍 4:30 PM – Bus Departs Arashiyama → Kyoto
• Relax on the return journey
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM — Arrive back at Kyoto Station
• Arrival time depends on traffic
🌆 Evening – Return to Hotel (by Subway)
🚇 Kyoto Station → Marutamachi Station
• Karasuma Line
• Direction: Kokusaikaikan
• ~12–13 minutes
🚶♀️ Walk ~5–7 minutes back to your hotel
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📅 Day 14 – Wednesday , 7 Jan - Nijō Castle → Kinkaku-ji → Kiyomizu-dera → Hōkan-ji Temple 🏯✨
📍 Base: Nakagyo-ku, Aburanokoji-dori Marutamachi-Sagaru Daimonji-Cho 50, Kyoto
📍 Destination: Kyoto Temples & Historic Streets
⏰ Transport: Mostly buses + walking 🚶🚌
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Starting Point: 🏠 Nakagyo-ku, Aburanokoji-dori Marutamachi-Sagaru Daimonji-Cho 50, Kyoto
Mode: Mostly buses + walking
8:30 AM – Departure from Accommodation
• 🚶 Walk to Nijō Castle (~10 min walk)
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: 🏯 Nijō Castle
• Tip: Buy tickets on-site; opens at 8:45 AM
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM: 🚌 Travel to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Take Kyoto City Bus No. 101 or 205 from Nijo Castle area → Kinkaku-ji-michi (~30 min)
• Relax and enjoy the scenic bus ride! 🚌
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM: ✨ Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Teahouse experience (optional) 🍵
• Tip: Morning is less crowded, perfect for photos 📸
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: 🍱 Lunch Nearby
• Try a local Kyoto café or restaurant near Kinkaku-ji
• Suggested: Yudofu (tofu cuisine), udon, or tempura
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM: 🚌 Travel to Kiyomizu-dera
• Take Bus No. 101 or 102 → Gojo-zaka / Kiyomizu-michi (~50 min)
• Walk uphill 10–15 min to the temple 🏔️
2:15 PM – 4:00 PM: ⛩️ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM: 🚶 Walk to Hōkan-ji
• ~15 min downhill walk through Higashiyama streets
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: 🏯 Hōkan-ji
• Tip: Mainly a photo stop; no entry fee needed
Evening Options: 🌆
• Explore Gion district nearby
• Dinner at Hanamikoji Street 🍣🍜
• Return to accommodation:
• Walk ~30 min 🚶
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📅 Day 15 – Thursday, 8 Jan - 🌊 Amanohashidate Day Tour (From Kyoto Accommodation)
📍 Starting Point: 🏠 Your accommodation, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
🕒 Tour Meeting: 8:30 AM at Kyoto VIP Lounge
🚌 Mode: Guided bus tour (included in ticket)
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7:50 AM – 🚶 Walk to Kyoto VIP Lounge
• Walk ~10–15 min to the meetup point
• Make sure to arrive a few minutes early to check in
8:30 AM – Meet at Kyoto VIP Lounge & Board Bus
• Board the comfortable tour bus with your guide
• 🚌 Enjoy the start of the scenic countryside journey
• Tip: Have your ticket and ID ready
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM — Travel to Amanohashidate
• Sit back and enjoy views of Kyoto Prefecture 🌿
• Guided commentary about local landmarks and culture
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM — 🛕 Chionji Temple
• Explore temple grounds for ~30 min
• 📸 Quick photo stop and calm introduction to the region
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM — 🚤 Amanohashidate Sightseeing Cruise
• 12-minute boat ride on the bay 🌊
• See the pine-covered sandbar, one of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Views
• Perfect photo opportunities 📸
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM — 🚡 Kasamatsu Park & Cable Car
• Ride cable car or chair lift to panoramic viewpoint ⛰️
• Enjoy sweeping views of Amanohashidate and surrounding area 🌄
• Take photos and soak in the scenery
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM — 🍱 Lunch in Amanohashidate
• Traditional Japanese set meal included 🥢
• Local specialties and fresh ingredients
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM — 🏘️ Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato Village
• Explore charming thatched-roof houses and historic streets
• Free time to walk and take photos 📸
• Immerse yourself in old-world Japan
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM — 🚍 Return to Kyoto VIP Lounge
• Relax on the bus on the way back 🌿
• Arrival at Kyoto VIP Lounge ~5:00 PM
5:00 PM – 🚶 Walk back to Accommodation
• Walk 10–15 min or take a short taxi ride back
• Rest, freshen up, or head out for dinner in Gion/Pontocho 🌆🍣
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📅 Day 16 – Friday , 9 Jan – Kyoto → Osaka 🚄🏙️
📍 Base: Nakagyo-ku, Aburanokoji-dori Marutamachi-Sagaru Daimonji-Cho 50, Kyoto
📍 Destination: Osaka, Hiranomachi / hotel in Chuō-ku
⏰ Transport: JR Shinkansen / Limited Express + local transport 🚄🚖
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🌅 Morning – Pack & Breakfast
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 🍳 Breakfast at Kyoto Hotel
• Enjoy breakfast at KAYA Nijo Castle
• Pack luggage and check out
🕗 Morning – Travel to Osaka
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM 🏩 Check out of Hotel to Kyoto Station
• 🚇 Marutamachi Station → Kyoto Station (~10 min Karasuma Line)
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM 🚄 JR Shinkansen / Limited Express Kyoto → Osaka
• Direct train (~15–30 min depending on service)
• Tap ICOCA card if using local trains
🌇 Late Morning – Optional Osaka Exploration
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM 🌇 Explore Osaka
• Last-minute shopping in Shinsaibashi / Dotonbori 🛍️
• Optional lunch 🍣 / street food: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu 🍢
• Relax at a café or stroll along the canal
🏨 Afternoon – Hotel Check-in
3:00 PM – Check-in at Osaka Hotel
• Drop luggage and freshen up
• Rest or enjoy nearby streets
- Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys, & secrets
- Kyoto: Ninja Weapon Making Class at a Historic Mansion
- Kyoto: Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class
- Kyoto: Gion Geisha District & Hidden Gems Walking Tour
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Osaka, Japan
📅 Day 17 – Saturday, 10 Jan - 🏰♨️🌄 Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko – Day Trip from Osaka
📍 Base: Osaka, Chuō-ku, Hiranomachi 4-2-3
📍 Destination: Himeji Castle → Arima Onsen → Mount Rokko → Osaka
⏰ Transport: Public transport to meeting point + tour bus 🚌 + local cable cars
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🌅 Morning – Travel to Meeting Point
7:00 AM – 7:30 AM 🍳 Breakfast
• Quick breakfast near your hotel (café, bakery, or convenience store)
7:30 AM – 7:50 AM 🚇 Public Transport to Meeting Point
• Subway or local train from Hiranomachi → Naniwa-ku, Nanbanaka
• Arrive slightly early to check in for the tour
🚌 8:00 AM – Depart Osaka on Tour
• Board the GetYourGuide bus
• Relax and enjoy scenic ride commentary from your English-speaking guide
🏯 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM — Himeji Castle & Koko-en Garden
• Explore Himeji Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Walk through Koko-en Garden, enjoy seasonal landscapes
• Tickets included with the tour
• Perfect photo opportunities of the castle and gardens 📸
🍱 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM — Lunch
• Traditional Japanese set meal (often included)
• Try local specialties like Himeji oden or tempura
• Relax and refuel for the afternoon
♨️ 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM — Arima Onsen
• Explore the charming streets of Japan’s historic hot spring town
• Optional onsen bath (extra fee, bring towel & change)
• Stroll souvenir shops, sample local snacks 🍡
☀️ 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM — Mount Rokko
• Ride the Rokko Cable Car to the top
• Enjoy panoramic views of Kobe and the Seto Inland Sea 🌊
• Short nature walk or photo stop
🚍 4:30 PM – Return to Osaka
• Relax on the bus back to Nanbanaka meeting point
• Tour ends ~5:30–6:30 PM depending on traffic
6:30 PM – 6:45 PM 🚇 Public Transport / Taxi → Hotel
• Return to Osaka, Hiranomachi for rest
🌆 Evening – Back in Osaka
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 🍽️ Dinner & Evening Stroll
• Explore local streets near Hiranomachi
• Try Osaka street food: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, or kushikatsu 🍢
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📅 Day 18 – Sunday, 11 Jan 2026 – Osaka → Sydney ✈️🌏
📍 Base: Osaka, Chuō-ku, Hiranomachi 4-2-3 (Hotel)
📍 Destination: Kansai International Airport (KIX) → Sydney, Australia
⏰ Transport: Taxi/public transport → Flight ✈️
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🌅 Morning – Pack & Breakfast
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM 🌄 Breakfast & Pack
• Enjoy breakfast at hotel 🍳🥐
• Pack luggage and check out (store luggage at hotel if late check-out not possible)
🕐 Early Afternoon – Last-minute Shopping / Stroll
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 🌆 Optional Last-minute Exploration
• Walk around nearby streets in Hiranomachi or Shinsaibashi
• Buy souvenirs, snacks, or small gifts 🍡🛍️
• Lunch at a local café or near hotel 🍱
🕑 Afternoon – Travel to Airport
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Public Transport to KIX
• 🚇 Namba Station → Kansai Airport (~1 hr via Nankai Line / JR Kansai Airport Line)
• Tap ICOCA card if using train
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 🛂 Airport Arrival & Check-in
• Arrive at Kansai International Airport, Terminal 1
• Check-in for flight, drop off luggage, and complete security/immigration
• Use Visit Japan Web QR code for faster processing
🕘 Evening – Flight to Sydney
9:00 PM ✈️ Depart Kansai International Airport → Sydney
• Flight duration: ~9–10 hours
• Relax, enjoy in-flight meals, and prepare for arrival in Sydney 💤🍽️
📍 Arrival – Sydney, Australia
• Arrival next day (local time)
• Clear customs and immigration 🛂
• Collect luggage and transfer home