Anime Flavor Plus: Deeper Japan Anime Autumn Tour with Hiroshima

12 days 11 nights

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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.

Animate Ikebukuro Honten is a large multi-story shop of anime merchandise in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. It was officially registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest anime store, selling an incredible variety of anime products. Find a figurine of a popular character, a colorful file folder or other stationery with characters in cute poses, a thrilling poster depicting your favorite characters in action, a music CD featuring an anime theme song, DVD box sets of entire series, the Japanese manga or light novels your favorite show was based on, and more. Animate Ikebukuro also has a level dedicated to hosting an ever-changing “pop-up” anime shop, an auditorium for special anime events, performances, or book signings, and a small Animate Cafe selling lattes and sweets.

Otome Road (or "Maiden Road") is an area of Ikebukuro that specializes in anime and manga for women. An especial concentration of BL (boys love) doujinshi comics has given the street the alternate name of Fujoshi Street, which refers to girls who like those kind of stories. Located right next to Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Otome Road includes such stores as the K-Books store, the Ikebukuro Animate Cafe, Comic Toranoana, and Mandarake. These anime and manga retailers feature manga, doujinshi (self- published comics), CDs, posters, and other goods aimed at otaku girls. Otome Road also has cafes and restaurants catering to female fancies, including Swallowtail Cafe - an elegant butler cafe (the for-ladies version of the maid cafe) where customers are waited on and pampered by handsome Japanese men dressed as butlers. There are also shops for girls who like to cosplay, with outfits, wigs, and makeup to make you look just like your favorite anime girl.

Imagine a world where cute Japanese girls in European- style maid outfits cheerfully greet you in character as their master (or mistress), personally waiting on you and serving you from among a selection of tasty sweets, treats, and drinks. This is the concept of the Japanese maid cafe - an establishment where patrons can enjoy being waited on by a maid for a little while. Guests choose food from a small menu that often includes omurice - a bed of savory rice wrapped in a fluffy omelet. Other dishes are easy comfort foods made with ingredients like hamburger or sweet Japanese curry. They also have cutesy desserts - especially parfaits, and a selection of drinks like coffee, tea, juice, or soft drinks. For an extra fee, customers can usually get a maid to write on their omurice in ketchup (or on desserts with syrup), to make their meal extra “magical”.

Nakano Broadway is a shopping mall in the Nakano ward of Tokyo. Opening in 1966, it developed over time into one of the top shopping spots to buy various otaku merchandise, especially anime, manga and video game-related merchandise. Three full floors of the shopping center are dedicated to these kinds of cultural goods, which include popular figurines, pop idol CDs, and other collectables. Stores of note include the Mandarake otaku goods chain, which operates no less than twenty-seven different shops in Nakano Broadway alone, with each store focusing on a different category of merchandise, such as a separate store for cosplay costumes, toy robots, and doujinshi books.

Kabukicho is an entertainment district in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and is Japan’s largest red-light district. In the 1960s, there were plans to build a kabuki theatre in the area, which gave the district its name. After the plan fell through, the area was redeveloped with host and hostess clubs, pachinko-style casinos, bars and izakayas, and love hotels. Some people love to simply walk through the colorful district, enjoying the bright lights and flashy signs. Outside the more adult entertainment options, many patrons go there just for the izakaya-style restaurants, which serve Japanese beer, highballs, and sake paired with popular foods like edamame (green soybeans), karaage (fried chicken), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and gyoza (pork dumplings). Foreign visitors to Kabukicho are invited to explore the red light district with care so as to avoid being lured into a shady club with a cheap cover price, but exorbitant hidden drink and menu costs.

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.

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 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.

In the northern part of central Kyoto is Nijo Castle, where it was once the former Kyoto residence of the shogun. This area is also listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This area was once home to the shogun when he would visit Kyoto. This place serves as the best examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era because most of the buildings here survived since they were originally built.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Himeji Castle is located in the city of Himeji and is only a five minute bus ride away from Himeji Station. Himeji Castle the most popular and visited castle in Japan, it is also listed both as one of Japan’s national treasure castles and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This castle is also one of Japan’s twelve original castles, which means it was never destroyed in its history and has been standing since it was originally completed in the year 1609. The surrounding area is also one of Japan’s most popular cherry blossom destinations during the spring.

Kurashiki’s canal area is one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved canals that date back as far to the Edo Period. The canals were once used to transport rice into the storehouses where they would be shipped to cities such as Osaka and Tokyo (was known as Edo during those times). Now this historic area is the most popular destination for tourist visiting Kurashiki. Many of the historic storehouses have been turned into shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums for guests to enjoy.

The Hiroshima Peace Park is a memorial park located in the center of the Hiroshima City. Many of the memorials related to the dropping of the atomic bomb are located in and around this area. The park is the location to the memorials such as the A-Bomb Dome, Children’s Peace Monument, and the Peace Memorial Museum. This area is also listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Peace Memorial Museum is one of the main destinations for guests visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park. The features the history of Hiroshima, effects of the atomic bomb, and its aftermath. Guests visiting the museum can explore the various artifacts and displays related to the atomic blast.

One of the most famous and well known shrines in Japan is the Itsukushima Shrine. This location is one of Japan’s top three most scenic places along with the famous Matsushima Bay and Amanohashidate, and brings plenty of tourist every year. This shrine and its famous torii gate are built over the water, which makes it seem like it is floating in the sea. Guests can stay in the ryokan hotels nearby or ride one of the many boat cruises while here.

One of the most unique attractions in Onomichi City is the Shimanami Kaido. This long 60 km (close to 37.25 miles) road connects the main island of Honshu to Japan’s Shikoku Island and passes over six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. This roadway is the only way to travel into Japan’s Shikoku Island by foot or bicycle. Visitors can rent bikes to travel between Onomichi, the small six islands, and Imabari City on Shikoku Island. The scenery is spectacular and lets travelers enjoy the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea and the islands.

Oboke Gorge is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Japan along with the Koboke Gorge in the Iya Valley area. One of the most popular activities for guests visiting the area is riding one of the Oboke Gorge boat rides. Visitors that are not interested in the strenuous outdoor activities, such as hiking or rafting, can instead enjoy a pleasant ride down the Yoshino River.

Ritsurin Koen Park is one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape garden located in the city of Takamastu. Many consider this garden to belong on the list of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. This spacious and beautiful park features many ponds, hills, trees, bridges, and pavilions. There are a number of walking routes throughout the park and provides views that would leave any guest satisfied.

There are many restaurants located within Kobe that serve Japanese or international cuisine, but there are many places that offer Kobe beef. Kobe is known around the world for its famous Kobe beef, which is beautifully marbled, delicious, and very expensive beef. The most popular way to enjoy Kobe beef is in a restaurant where the chef grills the meat in front of the guests. Eating Kobe beef is a popular activity for tourist visiting Kobe and can provide a delicious and unforgettable experience.