Tokyo
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.
Neighborhoods
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.)
Attractions
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
Tokyo to Kyoto
TRAIN
Arrival Kyoto
Taxi from Kyoto Station: 8 min and 1000 JPY; From Kyoto-Kawaramachi station: 5 mins; 700 JPY
Kyoto
Spending three days in Kyoto, Japan, offers a wonderful opportunity to explore its rich history, stunning temples, beautiful gardens, and unique culture.
Hotel
Name of hotel and how to get there…
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
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
Hotel Name – MAP
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