Tokyo
March 13 – Arrive 6pm
Depart LAX
1:45pm Singapore Airlines SQ011 LAX Narita, Tokyo (NRT)
Reservation Code: 6QF7C8
Arrival Tokyo
5:40pm – Take the Sky Liner from Narita Airport Station to Nippori Station. Change to JR Yamanote Line, and get off at Shimbashi Station. Approximately 7 minutes walk to Park Hotel Tokyo.
Shinbashi Station
Directions from Airport to Shinbashi Station – From Haneda Airport, you can take the Keikyu Airport Line to Shimbashi Station, or the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi Station. Both options are about a 7-minute walk to the hotel.
Directions from Shinbashi Station to hotel
Park Hotel Tokyo
Set in a bustling neighborhood, this polished hotel is a 2-minute walk from Shinbashi Station, 1 km from Tsukiji fish market and 2 km from Tokyo Tower. There are 3 formal restaurants, along with a cocktail lounge decorated with modern art. There’s also a chic whisky bar with city views, and a bakery, plus a business center, a gym and a spa. Parking, and Japanese and western breakfast are available.
Restaurants
Restaurants – Shibuya
- Japanese style restraint, Shokkan Shibuya
https://discovery-t.com/shokkan-shibuya/ - Casual Udon restaurants, TsuruTonTan https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/shop/shibuya/
- Interesting fishing restraint, Zauo (Micheline)
https://www.zauo.com/en/shop/
Restaurants (not Shibuya)
- Japanese Ninja Tokyo
https://ninja-tokyo.jp/en/ - Asakusa, Sukiyaki
https://imahan-honten.co.jp/ - Tenpura (Micheline)
https://www.miyashiro.tokyo/
Neighborhoods
Kagaya is booked March 15 @ 730 pm
You meet Mark San at Hatanodai station south exit at 720 pm and he will walk you to his place. 6000 yen per person, cash only (I think it’s still all you can drink, plenty of Okinawan home cooking, whatever he is making that night)
He had both your names and knows you are my friends, but he needs one contact in case you get lost or delayed – LINE app is preferred in Japan but anything else is okay too
Shinjuku is the heart of Tokyo (moreso than Tokyo station area in my opinion) and has great access. Loud and wild at night but that’s part of the fun. You can also do nearby stations like Shin-Okubo (Ktown!) or Takadanobaba (college town) or Ikebukuro (game/anime west center, east center: akihabara)
Kichijoji is the neighborhood I most lived in, hip, beautiful park, tons of food/drink/shops but a bit further out
Shibuya – best nightlife besides Shinjuku, good central hub too.
More Neighborhoods
Kagurazaka – central spot and one of my favorite places to explore, french-inspired beautiful neighborhood
Shinagawa – easy airport and shinkansen access but not as exciting area
Shimokitazawa – want to stay in a super hip place off beaten path but still good access? Stay here
Ueno – cheaper and near eastern hub of Tokyo (Asakusa, Tokyo stn, Ginza, Akihabara, etc.)
Mt. Fuji
1. Chureito Pagoda – The iconic five-story pagoda with Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms in the background.
2. Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko) – Stunning views of Mount Fuji reflected in the lake, framed by cherry blossoms.
3. Iyashi no Sato (Saiko Lake) – A traditional thatched-roof village with cherry blossoms and a view of Mount Fuji.
Attractions
Shinjuku Gyoen
A spacious park with a variety of cherry blossom species, including early and late bloomers.
Chidorigafuchi
Stunning views of cherry blossoms along the moat of the Imperial Palace, with boat rentals.
Ueno Par
One of the most famous spots, with over 1,000 cherry trees and a lively festival atmosphere.
Meguro River
Beautiful cherry blossoms lining the river, illuminated at night for a romantic setting.
Sumida Park
Great views of cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree in the background.
Onsen - Bath Houses
TeamLab Borderless
City Gardens/Parks
Conbini
Views of the City
Live Music
Tons of good options so reach out if you want to see something in particular. My most common place was this jazz spot intro place – the owner is amazing and the music is fantastic.
Jenny Places
Gōtokuji Temple
Onigiri Bongo - Restaurant
Edo period Buddhist temple with a large collection of lucky beckoning cat statues.
Taishakuten Sandō - Market
Food Market and other Goods
Godzilla Head - Night Walk
Shinjuku Toho Building
Kyoto
March 16
Tokyo to Kyoto
TRAIN
Arrival Kyoto
Taxi from Kyoto Station: 8 min and 1000 JPY; From Kyoto-Kawaramachi station: 5 mins; 700 JPY
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Nara
1. Mount Yoshino – One of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots, with over 30,000 trees covering the mountainside.
2. Nara Park – Home to friendly deer, with beautiful cherry blossoms surrounding the temples and open spaces.
Kyoto
Spending three days in Kyoto, Japan, offers a wonderful opportunity to explore its rich history, stunning temples, beautiful gardens, and unique culture.
1. Maruyama Park – Famous for its massive weeping cherry tree, beautifully illuminated at night.
2. Philosopher’s Path – A serene canal-side walkway lined with cherry blossoms, ideal for peaceful strolls.
3. Heian Shrine – Features a stunning cherry blossom garden, including rare weeping cherry trees.
4. Kiyomizu-dera – A breathtaking temple with a panoramic view of cherry blossoms from its wooden stage.
Restaurants
Below restraints are 3 Michelin star restaurant in Kyoto
- https://gionsasaki.com/
- https://kikunoi.jp/en/
- http://hyotei.co.jp/en/ This restraint does not have English page
- https://www.mizai.jp /Not Japanese style restraints in Kyoto
- French http://aoike-kyoto.com/
- French https://www.yosukeyamaji.com/
- Italy https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/kyoto-region/kyoto/restaurant/cenci/
- Wagyu Stake https://www.yakiniku.jp/steak_sakai/
- Wagyu restraint https://www.1129gion.jp/
- Tenpura (Japanese deep-fried food) https://hitosara.com/0006140233/
Northern Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Start your day with a visit to this iconic temple, known for its stunning gold leaf exterior.
Ryoan-ji Zen Garden
Ninna-ji - Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Forrest - Kyoto from Above
Southern Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Taisha - Shrine
Tofuku-ji Temple
Kiyomizu-dera
Higashiyama District
Take a stroll in this historic district filled with traditional shops, teahouses, and restaurants.
Central Downtown
Nijo Castle
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautiful gardens and impressive architecture.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Pontocho Alley
Tips
- Consider getting a Kyoto City Bus Pass for convenience.
- Be mindful of temple hours, and plan for some places to close early.
- Enjoy local delicacies such as yudofu (tofu hot pot) and Kyoto-style sushi.
Osaka
March 21
Departure Kyoto to Osaka
TRAIN Kyoto Osaka The closest station is “Honmachi Station” on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, Chuo Line, and Yotsubashi Line.
The hotel is a 2 minute walk from Exit 13. If you use the escalator, please use Exit 16 (Senba Center Building No. 10), and if you use the elevator, please use Exit 18. *The Exit 16 escalator cannot be used outside business hours. The hotel is an 8-minute walk from Exit 3 of Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji Line and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line. You can also enjoy shopping and gourmet food in the Shinsaibashi/America-mura area.
Osaka Station
Major railway station, originally opened in 1874, with shops, services & eateries.
Hotel
Restaurants
- casual “Okonomiyaki” https://hirokazuya5654.gorp.jp/
- stylish “Okonomiyaki” https://shop.chibo.com/detail/30/
- Japanese style (Mischelin) https://kb6m400.gorp.jp/
- Italy https://rinascere-dojima.studio.site/
1. Osaka Castle Park – A famous location with thousands of cherry trees framing the iconic Osaka Castle.
2. Kema Sakuranomiya Park – A riverside park with around 5,000 cherry trees, offering a picturesque view.
3. Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park – A vast park with various cherry blossom varieties and fewer crowds.
Central Osaka
Morning - Lunch
- Visit the iconic Osaka Castle and explore the surrounding park.
- Check out the museum inside the castle for historical insights.
- Website | Map |
Lunch: Dotonbori
- Head to Dotonbori for lunch. Try local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
Maps
Afternoon Evening
- Walk through Shinsaibashi, a vibrant shopping street with a mix of local and international brands.
Evening: Dotonbori and the Glico Man Sign
- Return to Dotonbori after sunset to enjoy the neon lights.
- Take a picture with the famous Glico Man sign.
Maps
Cultral Experiences
Morning - Lunch
- Morning: Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Enjoy breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market, sampling fresh seafood and street food.
- Lunch: Namba Yasaka Shrine
- Visit Namba Yasaka Shrine, known for its unique lion head stage.
- Have a light lunch nearby.
Afternoon Evening
- Head to the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city from the Floating Garden Observatory.
Evening: Train to Universal Citywalk
- Enjoy dinner at Universal Citywalk Osaka, with a variety of options before visiting Universal Studios if you’re interested.
Maps
Day Trip Options
Option 1: Nara
- Visit Nara, famous for its free-roaming deer and the Todai-ji Temple.
Option 2: Kobe
- Take a trip to Kobe to enjoy the waterfront and sample Kobe beef.
Evening: Relax in Spa World
- After your day trip, consider relaxing at Spa World, a large hot spring complex with various themed baths.
- Transport: Get an ICOCA card for convenient access to public transportation.
Departure Osaka to Tokyo
TRAIN
Departure Tokyo to LAX
6:15pm – Singapore Airlines – SQ012 NRT-LAX – Arrival 12:15pm
Return to Tokyo
March 24
Osaka to Tokyo
Shibuya Station
is the nearest station to the hotel
You can also come from Harajuku Station or Meiji Jingumae Station, but Shibuya Station is the closest.
Depart Japan
Singapore Airlines
SQ012 – 6:15pm – NRT-LAX
Train Travel
Japan Rail Pass
A Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on most JR (Japan Railways) trains across the country, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express trains, rapid trains, and local trains, making it ideal for frequent or long-distance travel within Japan.
Price
JR Pass trains, include Shinkansen (except for Nozomi and Mizuho trains).
14 day is ¥80,000. each.
JR Mini Pass
3 Day Tickets (mini) Excludes Tokyo. ¥3000 ($20 US)
Route Map
Train between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
Using the Shinkansen is generally the best option for convenience and speed when traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Tokyo to Kyoto
Take the Tōkaidō Shinkansen. The Nozomi train takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the Hikari service takes about 3 hours.
Kyoto to Osaka
It’s just a short ride on local trains. The fastest option is the Shinkansen, which takes around 15 minutes, while the JR Special Rapid Service takes about 30 minutes.
Osaka to Tokyo
Similar to the Tokyo to Kyoto route, the Nozomi takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased at JR Ticket Offices, automated machines, or online in advance.
Regional Trains
For travelers on a budget, regional express trains like the JR Special Rapid Service connect these cities with slightly longer travel times but lower fares.
Shinkansen – Bullet Train
The cost of traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train) can vary based on the type of train, class of service, and whether you reserve a seat. Here are some general pricing details:
Types of Trains and Pricing
Booking Each Leg One Way per Person Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka ¥45,000 each for the three trips unless we go Green Car.
Nozomi Train – This is the fastest service.
- Unreserved Seat: Approximately ¥14,000 – ¥15,000.
- Reserved Seat: Approximately ¥14,500 – ¥15,500.
Hikari Train – A bit slower than the Nozomi, but still very fast.
- Unreserved Seat: Approximately ¥13,500 – ¥14,500.
- Reserved Seat: Approximately ¥14,000 – ¥15,000.
Green Car (First Class)
- Nozomi: Approximately ¥20,000 – ¥22,000.
- Hikari: Approximately ¥19,000 – ¥21,000.
Japan Rail Pass: If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it for the Hikari trains at no extra charge, but it cannot be used for Nozomi trains.
Ticket Purchase
Miyakoji rapid trains operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station. The one way trip takes 45 minutes, costs ¥720 and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Pricing
Miyakoji rapid trains operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station. The one way trip takes 45 minutes, costs 720 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Kyoto to Nara
Traveling from Nara to Kyoto is straightforward and convenient. Here are the options:
Kintetsu Nara Line
- Train Type: Limited Express or Rapid Service.
- Travel Time: Approximately 35 to 45 minutes, depending on train type
- Departure Station:
- Kintetsu Nara Station
- Arrival Station: Kintetsu Kyoto Station.
- Notes: The Limited Express train is more comfortable and slightly faster, but both options are efficient.
JR Nara Line
- Train Type: Local or Rapid Train.
- Travel Time: Approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
- Departure Station: JR Nara Station.
- Arrival Station: JR Kyoto Station.
Notes: This option may take longer but offers a chance to experience travel with JR services.