Day 1: Tokyo 

Welcome to Tokyo, for the start of your Japan anime tour! Today, you’ll arrive at either Narita or Haneda airport, and then make your way to your accommodation. For the rest of the day, you can either spend your free time getting settled and resting up, or you can take to the streets and start exploring your surrounding area. 

Day 2: Tokyo 

The first day of your Japan anime tour kicks off in style, with a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, which provides a fascinating glimpse into Tokyo’s past. This museum aims to relocate, reconstruct, preserve, and exhibit historical buildings of great cultural value that are impossible to preserve at their original location, as well as to pass on these valuable cultural heritages to future generations. Hayao Miyazaki often visited here during the creation of the Oscar-winning Spirited Away  for inspiration!

After this, we’ll head to the area around Inogashira Park, a green haven in Tokyo’s trendy Kichijoji area. Take some time to wander here, before heading into Harmonica Yokocho. This atmospheric warren of alleyways is home to clothing stores, bars, and local eateries – making it the perfect place to grab some lunch. If you’d like to explore further afield, you’ll have some free time here – so be sure to ask your Adventure Leader for recommendations! 

We’ll then take you to the Suga Shrine. During the Edo period, the Shrine was originally two separate shrines – Gozutennou and Inari. However, after the Meiji Restoration, they became enshrined together as the Suga. You might know this spot too: the stairway of the shrine appears at the end of the movie Your Name, at which Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu fatefully encounter each other physically for the first time!

You have the option today to explore the Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) food district, which is filled with dozens of tiny eateries serving ramen, soba, sushi, yakitori and kushiyaki. 

Day 3: Tokyo 

Today, jump on board a boat for the Sumida River Cruise! You’ll get truly breathtaking views of the Tokyo Skyline, from Hinode Pier to Asakusa. You’ll then explore the district of Asakusa in more depth, taking in the charming streets and paying a visit to the Sensoji Temple, where you’ll learn lots about Buddhism in Japan. 

Then, you’ll head to Akihabara for some free time – it’s known as Japan’s ‘Electric Town’, is both the cultural centre of anime and manga, and home to Japan’s most famous J-pop group: AKB48! While you’re in Akihabara, you might also want to have a ‘Made in Tokyo’ experience at one of the city’s maid cafés.

This evening, prepare to sing your heart out, as you try one of Japan’s favourite pastimes: karaoke! This is karaoke with a twist… but you’ll have to come on the tour to find out what it is! 

Day 4: Tokyo 

Today, get ready to get otaku in Nakano Broadway! This famous multi-floor complex and shopping arcade is a treasure trove for anime lovers, and is filled with rare and collectable anime, manga, action figures, and more! You never know what you’ll find… 

Next, you’ll head to the Harajuku area of Tokyo to compare the modern with the traditional.  After a short tour, head into the shopping district to see maids, punks, goths and fashionistas – anything goes in Harajuku. After a wander here, you’ll head to the Meiji Shrine, which is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken – they began Japan’s transformation from a feudal to a modern society in the early 20th century. 

You have the option today to head and see the Shibuya Crossing. When the lights turn red at this busy intersection, pedestrians surge from all sides like a floodgate opening. After this, you’re free to explore the city under your own steam! [If you’ve chosen to take part in the exciting Kartoon Karting activity, this is when you’ll join.]  

Day 5: Tokyo 

Today, you’ll enjoy a day wandering around Ikebukuro! On your travels, you’ll explore the Sunshine City shopping mall and head to Otome Road in search of the best anime goods. After, grab your trainer badges and head to Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo – where you can catch ’em all in style! You’ll also visit the Tokyo Anime Station in Ikebukuro. This brand new attraction is full of events and exhibitions dedicated to all things anime.  

Later, we’ll take you to enjoy the indoor theme park, Namjatown. It offers a number of attractions, as well as food stalls selling delicious gyoza and dessert! In the afternoon, you can either spend some time exploring the city on your own, or head back to chill out with your group.  

Day 6: Tokyo 

Make the most of a free day in the city today! You can explore on your own, or see what you Adventure Leader has planned and follow them to some major sites! You might want to: 

• Enjoy the spacious lawns, meandering paths and tranquil scenery of Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s largest parks. In spring, it becomes one of the most popular places in the city to see the cherry blossoms.  
• Visit the Ameyoko Market? In this bustling market, you’ll be able to pick up all manner of amazing Japanese products. This also puts you in the Ueno area, perfectly placed for Ueno Park and the National Art Museum.  
• Visit Odaiba, home to Joypolis –Tokyo’s indoor amusement park! It’s also in this area that you’ll find the giant Gundam statue.  
• You might want to take a day trip from Tokyo out to the sea, to the delightful coastal town of Kamakura. It’s a beautiful, relaxed place that offers a change of pace from the city, and is also the town from ‘Slam Dunk’!  

Day 7: Tokyo 

Today, your epic Japan anime tour comes to an end! If you have a later flight booked, you can contact us and we’ll help you arrange some additional activities for a free – or you can explore Tokyo with your tour leader. Otherwise, transfer back to Narita or Haneda airport, and prepare to fly home.