Japan Family Tour Summer: Anime, Samurai, Ninja & Culture

9 days 8 nights

fromUSD $3598.00

currency

Single Supplement: USD $720.00

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Odaiba is a commercial and recreation area in Tokyo Bay. The island of reclaimed earth was originally made to be a series of military forts and artillery batteries to protect Tokyo from foreign incursion at the end of the Edo period. After a public train line was built to connect it to the mainland, commercial and business interests were able to establish a presence there, transforming the district into one of Tokyo’s coolest shopping and entertainment areas. The whole of Odaiba has a very trendy, modern feel, but with a fun, futuristic edge to it that makes it . The most popular spots to visit in Odaiba include The Fuji TV Headquarters, Tokyo Big Sight Convention Center, shopping centers Tokyo DiverCity and DECKS Tokyo Beach, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (also called the “Miraikan”), and Rainbow Bridge.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is a science museum in Odaiba focused on looking ahead to the future of scientific advancement with engaging exhibits suitable for adults and children alike. Also known as the Miraikan, the museum offers a range of exhibits that ask questions such as: How can we protect our planet for future generations? What is happening in our galaxy (the sun and other planets), and how does that affect us? How should we integrate technologies like robotics or AI into our lives? Permanent exhibits include a large globe that shows different geopolitical information (like geology or population density), a Dome Theater that shows impressive scenes of the universe, stations where guests can interact with robots. The goal of the museum's interactive exhibits is to help guests think about our future society.

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is a multi-story mall with a lot for visitors to explore. It includes a diverse collection of restaurants and fashionable shops selling clothes and accessories. One of its largest attractions is an enormous life-sized statue of a Unicorn Gundam, set to transform at specific times throughout the day from Unicorn to Destroy Mode (as seen in the anime), and crowds of people gather in front of the plaza to watch the transformation. The plaza itself is often changing stores and attractions, and some of its most popular installations include a Round One amusement center (bowling, billiards, and arcades), AR children’s park Little Planet, MR (mixed-reality) theatre Tyffonium, and Unko Museum Tokyo (known in English as the Poop Museum).

The Gundam Statue sits outside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba. It is constructed to be a life-sized representation of an RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from the popular series Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, a part of the overall Gundam Franchise. Open since 2017, the Unicorn Gundam replaced a model of the original RX- 78-2 Gundam which had stood for about five years in front of DiverCity Tokyo. This Gundam Model features a live transformation sequence, when it changes from Unicorn to Destroy Mode and back again. While the transformation occurs several times throughout the day, the night transformation is more popular, when the guests can see the statue light up as it moves, to dramatic music.

DECKS Tokyo Beach is a shopping center in Odaiba and is one of the area’s biggest shopping centers. It’s especially popular with families and foreign visitors for its shops and many amusements. There are a broad variety of domestic and international stores and restaurants for guests to browse. Top entertainment at DECKS Tokyo Beach is the Tokyo Joypolis – an indoor amusement park operated by the Sega Corporation with four floors of games and attractions based on its popular franchises. They even have indoor coasters and VR- style games. Other amusements in DECKS Tokyo Beach include Madame Tussauds Tokyo (a wax museum), Odaiba Takoyaki Museum, the Tokyo Trick Art Museum, and Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo.

The Samurai and Ninja Experience introduces guests to the famous warriors of Edo-era Japan. Samurai were the group of warrior nobles who protected Japan during its feudal period. Famous samurai, like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Uesugi Kenshin, and Takeda Shingen, are well known in history. The samurai, similar to the knights of Europe, served daimyo (regional lords), and enjoyed a privileged place in society. Ninja (or shinobi), were a type of mercenary and infiltration expert, employed as spies, saboteurs, and sometimes assassins, and were often of a less- privileged class. Historic ninjas like Hattori Hanzo and Fuma Kotaro have such legendary feats of skill attributed to them, making the ninja seem superhuman. At the Samurai and Ninja Experience, you will be introduced to these fearsome feudal warriors - their historical impact, their unique traditions, and their fighting techniques. The experience immerses you into the world of Samurai and Ninja with family-friendly activities including trying on some samurai armor and learning to throw a shuriken (ninja star).

Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo’s major commercial and entertainment hubs, and is centered around Ikebukuro Station. This part of Tokyo is a popular hangout spot, especially for otakus, with the world’s largest anime store (as certified by the Guinness Book of Records): Animate Ikebukuro Honten, and other otaku shops along Otome Road which markets especially to anime-loving women. Nearby is the shopping complex Sunshine City which, in addition to the shops and restaurants, has a cinema, an aquarium, an observatory, and an indoor amusement park. Ikebukuro is also well known as a ramen hotspot, especially after Tsukemen ramen was invented there in 1961. Since then, varieties of ramen to be found in Ikebukuro have exploded, eventually coming to include Hawaiian ramen paired with spam musubi, a yuzu ramen seasoned with rock salt, and a “green” ramen in a soup infused with euglena - a single-celled microorganism with purported health benefits.

Sunshine City, in Ikebukuro, opened in 1079. It is a huge complex that feels like a city within a city. At the center is Sunshine 60, a skyscraper that stands at 240 meters tall. Within Sunshine City is a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and shops. There is even a cinema, making parts of it feel like a grand shopping mall. But in addition to all this, it includes a planetarium, aquarium, convention centre, museums, hotels, and an observatory from Sunshine 60's "Sky Circus". One of the biggest attractions in Sunshine City is Namco Namja Town - an indoor theme park located on Sunshine CIty's second floor. Sponsored by popular video game company Namco, known for headlining character Pac-Man, the wildly popular Tales series of JRPGs, and the Taiko no Tatsujin rhythm game franchise. Among the stores of Sunshine City is the One Piece Mugiwara Store, the Marvel Store, the Disney Store, a Sanrio store (Hello Kitty), and the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo, full of lots of plush Pikachus.

The One Piece Mugiwara Store Ikebukuro is a specialty store for the One Piece franchise located in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City entertainment complex. ONE PIECE is the story of the hero Monkey D. Luffy and his colorful band of pirates. Luffy searches the world for the One Piece - a legendary treasure which would make him the Pirate King. The franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans of the manga and anime all around the world. At the One Piece Mugiwara Store Ikebukuro, fans can find Luffy’s signature hat, plushies of the adorable Chopper, the famous Wanted Posters of different characters doing their best mug shot, art prints, collectible pins, tableware, and other character merchandise related to the crew of the Thousand Sunny pirate ship.

The Ghibli Museum is a thorough exhibit showcasing films and art by Studio Ghibli, one of Japan’s largest animation studios. It is renowned as a must see site for all Miyazaki Hayao fans, the creator of celebrated films such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, and many more.

Shibuya is a popular shopping and entertainment area near Shibuya Station. It is one of the most busiest and popular locations in Tokyo. There are plenty of options when choosing for a place to dine or shop and there are plenty of nightclubs as well. The most famous locations in Shibuya would be both the Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko Statue.

Shibuya Crossing is one of Tokyo's most famous and recognizable locations. Tokyo is a true megalopolis: a city that never sleeps, and the Shibuya Crossing is a perfect example of that endless activity that Tokyo has become known for. Shibuya Crossing sits next to Shibuya Station, and is a multi-directional "scramble crossing" often called the world's busiest intersection, suffering almost no loss of foot traffic no matter the time of day. The Crossing is so iconic that it has been featured in movies, such as Lost in Translation and Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. The crossing is nearby another famous landmark - the statue of Hachiko the Dog sits on one of the corners. And the area has some other nearby attractions to enjoy - go shopping at Shibuya Scramble Square, take in the view from Shibuya Sky, or sit on the second floor of the Tsutaya Starbucks and sip coffee while you watch the bustling crowd on the Crossing below.

Shibuya Parco is a shopping center near Shibuya Station in Tokyo, where shoppers browse 10 floors full of various shops and restaurants. On the 6th floor is Cyberspace Shibuya - an entire level of video game and other otaku-related shops. The two top stores are Nintendo Tokyo, selling character figures, plushies, and apparel for popular Nintendo franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing, and Pokemon Center Shibuya, where you’ll find the cutest merchandise for Pikachu, Eevee, and other popular Pokemon. On other floors you’ll find stores selling clothes and cosmetics, restaurants for ramen, yakiniku, and conveyor belt sushi, a food market, a cinema showing Japanese indie films, an event space, and a small park.

Nintendo Tokyo is an official shop of Nintendo, directly owned and operated by the Nintendo company. While they sell the company’s well-known games and consoles, they also sell merchandise connected to their most popular franchises like Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, Kirby, Smash Bros, and Pikmin. All of the items found in the Nintendo store are officially licensed merchandise and some are only available in Japan, including items ranging from plushies and figurines to apparel and tableware. They naturally have an incredible assortment of amiibos for Nintendo Wii U, 3DS, or Switch players looking to add to their collection. Their merchandise constantly changes to reflect their most recent games, but they also have souvenirs to appeal to older fans of their 8-bit games.

The Pokémon Center Shibuya is one of the biggest stores in the Tokyo area that sells exclusive Pokémon merchandise. Situated in Cyberspace Shibuya, which is on the 6th floor of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall, Pokemon Center Shibuya is one of the best places to find Poké-themed merchandise in Tokyo. For fans of the lovable Pikachu, this store is a must, with a broad variety of products depicting this adorable mascot in many different cute costumes. Other Pokémon are also represented in merchandise from plushies to apparel to tableware, and include the classic starter Pokémon (Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander), popular characters like Eevee, Snorlax, and Jigglypuff, some evolved Pokémon, as well as newer characters from their latest games.

Akihabara is a special district of Tokyo, well known in Japan as the nation’s cultural heart of anime, manga, and gamer-geek fandom. The famed Electric Town is marked by eye-popping storefront signs lining the streets surrounding Akihabara Station. These stores sell various merchandise appealing to the anime fan collector, such as detailed figurines, assorted apparel, accessories, artwork, toys, games, CDs, DVDs, and other amusements. Tucked between these shops are a vast assortment of themed cafes – not only anime/game refreshment spots like Gundam Café and Square-Enix Cafe, but also maid cafes, cat cafes, even owl cafes.

The outer Tsukiji Fish Market offers a variety of freshly prepared food products and ingredients. Travel in between the different stores and taste a few of their dishes, freshly prepared with some of the best ingredients.

The Imperial Palace is located in the center of Tokyo, only a short walk away from Tokyo station. The palace is home to the current Imperial Family. The inner grounds of the palace is not open to the public, except on January 2nd and December 23rd where guests are able to enter and see the current members of the Imperial Family from a balcony. Visitors can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks. The bridge in the back was formerly a wooden bridge with two levels, from which the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge) is derived.

Take a lesson from an expert and prepare fresh sushi. Experience the difference in the taste of Japanese-grown ingredients. Then, enjoy eating your masterpiece for lunch after completing your sushi lesson.

The Sensoji Temple located in Asakusa is one of the most popular Buddhist temples to visit. The temple was built and completed in the year 645 and is Tokyo’s oldest temple. The surrounding area offers shopping for souvenirs and food. The Sanja Festival is one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals and is held every May at Asakusa Temple.

The Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure ever built and the world’s second tallest structure ever built at the time of its completion. Located not too far from Asakusa, this 634 meter tall tower is now one of the most popular destinations for visitors. The main observatory is 350 meters high and the second observation deck is 450 meters high and both offer a breathtaking view of the city.

Mt. Fuji is a widely-known symbol of Japan. At 3,773 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain. “Station (gome)” is the unit representing one tenth of the length from the trail entrance to the top.The fifth station Mt. Fuji is the fifth point from the base at the height of 2,305 meter. Being the end of the Fuji Subaru Line toll road and the highest point that general cars can reach. From the observatory you can see below Komitake Shrine, an ancient place for prayer that has been visited by worshippers and disciplinant, and Yamanaka-ko, the largest lake among the five Fuji lakes.

One of the most popular ways to get around Hakone is by taking the Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway travels between Sounzan and Togendai. The Hakone Ropeway gives visitors a beautiful view of Hakone and on a clear day, it is possible to get a nice view of Mount Fuji as well.

Owakudani is located in Hakone and is an area around a crater where gaseous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers exist. Just like most of Hakone, on a clear day, it is possible to see Mount Fuji as well. There are hiking trails available for guests, but these trails are difficult for inexperience hikers.

The shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a type of high speed train that travels between most of the major cities in Japan. By taking the shinkansen, trips between destinations that might take almost a full day by car can be reached in a few hours. The bullet trains can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to be generally on time, comfortable and safe.

Koka's Ninja Mansion is close to 300 years old and used to be resided in by ninja. It appears like an ordinary house from the outside; inside however, it is equipped with many ingenious traps and devices, designed to prevent intruders and to provide a means of escape in times of need. Visitors are allowed to explore the house and discover its various trapdoors and secret passages.

The Miho Museum is located in the city of Koka and along with Koka’s ninja attractions, is a fun side trip from Kyoto. This museum has a unique architecture that blends in well with its surroundings and artwork display. This museum features many exhibits of world history and culture.

The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Grand Shrine is located in southern Kyoto and is one of the most famous and visited shrines in Kyoto. This shrine is only five minutes away from Kyoto Station by train, and features over a thousand vermillion colored torii gates that brings many tourist to this shrine every year.

Arashiyama is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto and is a well-known destination for both the cherry blossoms and fall colors seasons. North of the famous Togetsukyo Bridge is Sagano, and together they make this place a nice little getaway from temples and shrines to enjoy nature. Popular destinations include the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama.

Located in the Arashiyama district in Kyoto, the Tenryu- Ji Temple is Arashiyama’s most popular temple. The temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The original buildings of Tenryu-Ji Temple was lost many times throughout its history, except for Tenryu-Ji’s garden. The Tenryu-Ji Temple Zen Garden that visitors see today is the original garden and landscape.

One of the most popular and well-known spots for visitors is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. A nice walking path takes visitors through the groves of bamboos. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also one of the most famous and photographed places in all of Kyoto and brings many visitors every year during the autumn color season.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is located in the Arashiyama district in Kyoto and is the most iconic landmark of Arashiyama. It is a very popular spot to view the cherry blossoms during the spring and to view the autumn colors during the fall season. The bridge connects Arashiyama to Sagano and many shops, restaurants, and attractions are found nearby as well.

The famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Temple is located in northern Kyoto and is most known for the building covered in gold leaf. This famous building is the number one most popular destination for tourist visiting Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion sits overlooking a large pond and various small attractions and shops are available for visitors.

Take the chance of interacting with a maiko while drinking tea, ask her about her profession, training, and lifestyle. What is different between her life and other girls in Japan? Drink a cup of tea with her, and fulfill some of your curiosity, and even take a picture with her.

Located only 20 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station, is the Gion Geisha District. The Gion Geisha District is one of the most famous and popular destinations for tourist visiting Kyoto. This area is filled with restaurants, teahouses, shops, and other attractions to entertain guests. The machiya merchant houses along with river and the occasional geisha walking around, brings visitors from everywhere to experience everything that this area has to offer.

The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is located only 15 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station to the eastern side of Kyoto. This temple is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto and is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple features a large wooden terrace that offers a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors during the fall season with the city of Kyoto in the background.

Located north of Nara Park is one of Japan’s most historic and famous temple called the Todai-Ji Temple. This temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple’s main hall named Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden building in the world. It is home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha siting at fifteen meters tall.

Located in central Nara is Nara Park, it is one of the most famous and popular parks in Japan. The park is famous and popular because it is home to over one thousand deer. The deer roam freely throughout the park and visitors are able to get up close and feed the deer as well. This park is conveniently located near most of Nara’s main tourist destinations, which include Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-Ji Temple, and the Nara National Museum.

Located in the center of the city of Osaka lies Osaka Castle Park which holds the city’s most popular attraction, Osaka Castle. This castle was originally built in the 16th century, but has been destroyed and rebuilt many times before. Visitors will have to go through Osaka Castle Park to reach the castle, which including walking through impressive gates, and walking up on stone stairs. This area is also one of the most popular cherry blossom season location in the city.

Shinsaibashi is Osaka’s main and most popular shopping center. This crowded area is full of stores that cover everything from clothes to food and entertainment. Nearby this busy shopping center is also the famous entertainment district called Namba. This area also is full of restaurants and shops as well.