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Japan Trip — Daily Itinerary

Sep 6–13, 2026 • Version 11 • Relaxed pacing + trusted local picks
Fixed anchors: Sep 7 SHIBUYA SKY 17:00–17:19 • Sep 9 teamLab Borderless 16:00–16:30 • Sep 10 Tokyo→Kyoto 09:00–11:15 • Sep 12 Kyoto→Tokyo 17:30–19:45.

This is a guide, not a checklist.

Fixed tickets/trains matter; everything else flexes with energy, weather, queues and what you are enjoying.
FIXED — ticket/train/departure TARGET — recommended window FLEX — linger or shorten OPTIONAL — skip freely
FOOD STRATEGY

Eat broadly, not heavily

One strong meal per day when it adds real value, plus small shared tastes on the route. Wagyu gets one dedicated Tokyo night; seafood and fried foods are woven into Tsukiji, Kyoto tempura, Akihabara tonkatsu and Osaka kushikatsu.

Priority: taste + local character + route efficiency + visitor accessibility. Skip any restaurant if the queue costs more experience than the meal is worth.

NEAR HOTEL / EASY LOCAL OPTIONS

Kameya Okachimachi — quick local soba/udon. Maps ↗
CoCo Ichibanya near hotel — easy Japanese curry fallback. Maps ↗
Tap a day to expand/collapse it. This version uses no JavaScript and no internal file/anchor links. Only Google Maps buttons leave this page.
1Sunday, Sep 6, 2026 — Tokyo East — Ueno → Asakusa → Skytree → Akihabara
Interactive route map • tap a numbered marker for stop details • pinch/zoom and pan normally in Safari.
Sunday, Sep 6, 2026

Tokyo East — Ueno → Asakusa → Skytree → Akihabara

PACE: Ameyoko FLEX if stalls are quiet. Sensō-ji + Asakusa 90–120 min; lunch 60–75 min including queue. Use the free 8th-floor terrace at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (official hours 09:00–22:00) for 20–30 min. Skytree/Solamachi 90–120 min FLEX; going up is OPTIONAL. Protect a generous 3–4+ hour Akihabara block including Tonkatsu Marugo dinner.
0

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

08:00
Start after breakfast
WalkHotel → Ameyoko~8–12 min
1

Ameyoko Shopping District

08:15–09:00
FLEX — brief stroll; do not force shopping if stalls are quiet
TASTE / SHARE

Ameyoko grazing window

Pick one small item that looks excellent and share it; do not turn this into a second breakfast.

Try: yakitori, grilled seafood, fruit, or one street snack

Small budget • spontaneous • on route
Open in Google Maps ↗
Tokyo Metro Ginza LineUeno-Hirokoji/Ueno → Asakusa~15–20 min incl. walk
2

Sensō-ji

09:20–11:15
Temple + Nakamise
TASTE / SHARE

Asakusa traditional snack window

Share one Japanese sweet/snack so lunch still feels special.

Try: ningyo-yaki, age-manju, senbei, or matcha sweet

¥ • on route through Nakamise/Asakusa
Open in Google Maps ↗
WalkSensō-ji → Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center~8–10 min
3

Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center

11:20–11:45
FREE 8th-floor observation terrace • 09:00–22:00 • 20–30 min
WalkInformation Center → lunch in Asakusa~5 min
4

Asakusa

12:00–13:00
Lunch area
FOOD PICK

Daikokuya Tempura Honten

Old-school Asakusa tendon/tempura candidate. Go before peak lunch if the line is reasonable; skip rather than sacrificing the day to a huge queue.

Try: tendon / tempura rice bowl

Approx. ¥2,000–3,000 pp • established visitor access
Open in Google Maps ↗
Tobu Skytree Line or walkAsakusa → Tokyo Skytree / Tokyo Solamachi~10 min train or ~20–25 min walk
5

Tokyo Skytree

13:20–15:15
Skytree / Solamachi
OPTIONAL SNACK

Tokyo Solamachi

Treat this as drink/dessert, not another meal. Save appetite for Akihabara dinner.

Try: one dessert, soft serve, tea/coffee, or seasonal item to share

Flexible • inside Solamachi • no detour
Open in Google Maps ↗
TrainTokyo Skytree/Oshiage → Akihabara~20–25 min
6

Akihabara Electric Town

16:00–21:00
Anime, games, arcades, shopping
DINNER — PRIMARY

Tonkatsu Marugo

The serious food target for the day. Aim for early dinner rather than peak time; use backup if the queue is excessive.

Try: tonkatsu set

Approx. ¥1,000–2,000+ pp • near Akihabara • no reservation
Open in Google Maps ↗
DINNER — BACKUP

Yodobashi Akiba dining backup

Use if Marugo's wait is unreasonable or you want an easier family-friendly option.

Try: yakitori / izakaya-style dishes

Easy access • menu-friendly backup • convenience over destination dining
Open in Google Maps ↗
WalkAkihabara → hotel~12–18 min
7

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

~21:15
Return
LATE DINNER OPTION

Ramen Kamo to Negi

A strong arrival-back-in-Tokyo option near the hotel: duck-and-green-onion ramen, popular with locals and visitors.

Try: duck ramen with green onion

~¥1,000–2,000 pp • popular; expect some queue • easy from Okachimachi
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
2Monday, Sep 7, 2026 — Harajuku → Shibuya — SHIBUYA SKY
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Monday, Sep 7, 2026

Harajuku → Shibuya — SHIBUYA SKY

PACE: Meiji Jingu 75–105 min; Takeshita 45–60 min FLEX; Cat Street + Omotesando flow as one neighborhood with a 60–75 min lunch/reset. PARCO/Nintendo/Pokémon gets 90–120 min FLEX. Hachikō/Scramble is quick; Don Quijote is OPTIONAL and is not automatically cheapest—compare prices. TARGET 16:35–16:40 arrival for FIXED 17:00–17:19 SHIBUYA SKY. Enjoy Shibuya after dark after wagyu; ICHIRAN only if the queue is reasonable.
0

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

08:00
Start after breakfast
MetroUeno/Okachimachi area → Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku)~30–35 min
1

Meiji Jingu

08:45–10:15
Shrine + forest
WalkMeiji Jingu → Takeshita Street~10–15 min
2

Takeshita Street

10:25–11:15
Harajuku
WalkTakeshita Street → Cat Street~8–10 min
3

Cat Street

11:20–12:00
Fashion / pedestrian walk
WalkCat Street → Omotesando~5–10 min
4

Omotesando

12:10–13:10
Lunch area
WalkOmotesando → Shibuya PARCO~15–20 min
5

Shibuya PARCO

13:30–15:20
Nintendo TOKYO + Pokémon Center
WalkShibuya PARCO → Hachikō / Scramble Crossing~8–10 min
6

Hachikō Memorial Statue

15:30–16:10
Crossing + Hachikō
WalkHachikō → MEGA Don Quijote~5 min
7

MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya

16:15–16:35
OPTIONAL — skip if it threatens SHIBUYA SKY
WalkMEGA Don Quijote → SHIBUYA SKY~8–10 min • leave buffer for 17:00 entry
8

SHIBUYA SKY

TARGET arrive 16:35–16:40 • FIXED entry 17:00–17:19
CONFIRMED — 2 tickets
DINNER — BACKUP

Shibuya yakiniku backup

If the primary is full, stay in Shibuya and choose a well-rated yakiniku with photo/multilingual menu rather than making a detour.

Try: wagyu yakiniku set or à la carte cuts

Keep within ~10 minutes of Shibuya Station • use live queue/availability
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
DINNER — PRIMARY

Beef Kitchen Shibuya

Make this the main wagyu night in Tokyo: strong A5 wagyu focus, close to Shibuya Station, and much easier for visitors than a tiny specialist counter.

Try: A5 wagyu assortment, premium tongue, and red-meat cuts to share

~¥6,000–8,000 pp • cards accepted • multilingual menu/staff • children welcome • reservation recommended
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
WalkSHIBUYA SKY → dinner in Shibuya~5–15 min depending on restaurant
9

Shibuya

19:00–20:30
Dinner area
Tokyo Metro Ginza LineShibuya → Ueno-Hirokoji~30–35 min + short walk to hotel
10

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

~21:15+
Return
3Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026 — Fuji Flex Day — weather dependent
Interactive route map • tap a numbered marker for stop details • pinch/zoom and pan normally in Safari.
Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026

Fuji Flex Day — weather dependent

WEATHER DECISION: Commit to this full day only when the current forecast and visibility justify it. Priority order: 1) Naruto x Boruto Hidden Leaf Village (important to son), 2) Fuji views/nature, 3) Chureito Pagoda, 4) Lake Kawaguchi, 5) Oishi Park only if weather/time allow. Keep hōtō; shorten or skip lower priorities freely. If transit naturally passes Shinjuku, Omoide Yokocho or the free Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building deck are optional—do not make a separate trip.
0

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

06:30–07:00
Early departure
JR / MetroHotel area → Shinjuku Station~25–35 min
1

Shinjuku Station

~07:30
Fuji transport hub
Highway bus or Fuji Excursion trainShinjuku → Mt. Fuji / Fujiyoshida area~1 hr 45 min–2 hr
2

Chureito Pagoda

75–105 min FLEX
Fuji viewpoint
Local train / taxiChureito Pagoda area → Fuji-Q Highland~15–25 min
3

Fuji-Q Highland Naruto x Boruto Hidden Leaf Village

90–120 min — PRIORITY
Important anime stop
Local bus / trainFuji-Q Highland → Lake Kawaguchi~15–20 min
4

Lake Kawaguchi

13:15–15:30
Lunch + lake / ropeway area
FOOD BACKUP

Hoto Kura Funari

Use if Hoto Fudo has a bad queue or routing is easier. Same goal: eat the Yamanashi specialty and keep moving.

Try: hōtō noodle soup

~¥1,000–2,000 pp • no reservation • open later than many lunch spots
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
LOCAL SPECIALTY — PRIMARY

Hoto Fudo

On a Fuji/Kawaguchiko day, regional hōtō is more meaningful than chasing another steak meal. It is hearty but fast enough to preserve sightseeing time.

Try: hōtō noodle soup with vegetables

~¥1,000–2,000 pp • no reservation • Kawaguchiko station branch is cash-only
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
Local sightseeing bus / taxiLake Kawaguchi → Oishi Park~20–30 min
5

Oishi Park

OPTIONAL — only if visibility/time allow
Fuji + lake view
Bus / local connection + highway bus/trainOishi Park → Shinjuku~2–2.5 hr total
6

Shinjuku Station

~19:00
Return to Tokyo
JR / MetroShinjuku → hotel~25–35 min
7

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

~21:30
Return
4Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026 — Tokyo Central/South — teamLab Borderless
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Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026

Tokyo Central/South — teamLab Borderless

PACE: Tsukiji 90–120 min, Ginza 45–75 min FLEX, Pokémon Center DX 60–75 min, then 60–75 min lunch/reset. TARGET 15:20–15:30 arrival protects the FIXED 16:00–16:30 admission window; that window is entry time, not an end time—allow a generous visit inside. Azabudai/Roppongi/Tokyo Tower afterward is FLEX; skip redundant paid observation decks.
0

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

08:00
Start
MetroHotel → Tsukiji~25–30 min
1

Tsukiji Outer Market

08:30–10:15
Food / market
TASTE / SHARE

Tsukiji seafood grazing

Do not make this one giant breakfast. Share 2–3 excellent small items and save room for a proper meal later.

Try: tuna sashimi, grilled scallop, tamagoyaki, or one fried-seafood item

Small portions • some cash-only • choose by quality/queue on the day
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
Metro or taxiTsukiji → Ginza~5–10 min; walking is also possible
2

Ginza

10:25–11:15
Walk / shops
Tokyo MetroGinza → Nihombashi / Pokémon Center Tokyo DX~10–15 min
3

Pokémon Center Tokyo DX

12:00–13:00
Store; Pokémon Café not booked
WalkPokémon Center Tokyo DX → lunch in Nihombashi~2–8 min
4

Nihombashi

13:00–14:00
Lunch area
LUNCH — PREMIUM OPTION

Yakiuo Ishikawa

A distinctive seafood experience: fish grilled yakiniku-style. Choose this only if the morning runs on time and the teamLab buffer stays safe.

Try: grilled fish / seafood-yakiniku lunch set

~¥2,000–3,000+ lunch • cards accepted • reservations available
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
Tokyo Metro + walkNihombashi → Azabudai Hills~25–35 min
5

Azabudai Hills

15:20
Arrive with buffer
WalkAzabudai Hills → teamLab BorderlessOn-site / a few minutes
6

teamLab Borderless

TARGET arrive 15:20–15:30 • FIXED entry 16:00–16:30
CONFIRMED — Adult 1 + Student 1
WalkteamLab Borderless → Tokyo Tower~15–20 min
7

Tokyo Tower

FLEX after a generous teamLab visit
Night view / exterior
Walk or taxiTokyo Tower → Roppongi~15–20 min walk
8

Roppongi

Dinner
Dinner area
DINNER — KEEP LIGHT

Roppongi post-teamLab dinner

Because Sep 7 is the wagyu night and Tsukiji is seafood-heavy, keep this flexible and close to the route.

Try: sushi, yakitori, grilled fish, or izakaya sharing plates

Stay near Roppongi/Azabudai • avoid a long detour
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
MetroRoppongi → hotel~30–40 min
9

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

Later
Return
5Thursday, Sep 10, 2026 — Kyoto Arrival — Fushimi Inari → Higashiyama → Gion
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Thursday, Sep 10, 2026

Kyoto Arrival — Fushimi Inari → Higashiyama → Gion

FIXED 09:00–11:15 SHINKANSEN Do not rush luggage, lunch or reset. Fushimi Inari partial climb 75–105 min. Treat Kiyomizu, Higashiyama lanes and Gion as one broad afternoon/evening rather than appointments; Pontocho/dinner is FLEX.
0

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

~11:30
After 09:00–11:15 Shinkansen
JR Nara LineKyoto Station → Inari Station~5 min + short walk
1

Fushimi Inari Taisha

13:00–14:30
Torii gates; partial hike
JR + bus/taxiFushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-dera area~30–40 min
2

Kiyomizu-dera

15:15–16:30
Temple
WalkKiyomizu-dera → Sannenzaka~5 min
3

Sannenzaka

16:30–17:30
Historic lanes
WalkSannenzaka → Yasaka Shrine through Higashiyama~20–30 min scenic walk
4

Yasaka Shrine

17:45–18:30
Gion edge
WalkYasaka Shrine → Pontocho~15–20 min
5

Pontocho Alley

19:00–20:30
Dinner area
DINNER — PRACTICAL BACKUP

Komefuku Kyoto Kiyamachi

Much more casual than Yoshikawa and better if you want tempura/seafood without turning dinner into a formal multi-hour event.

Try: tempura, seafood, izakaya-style sharing

~¥4,000–5,000 pp • cards accepted • children welcome • near Pontocho/Kiyamachi
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE — PREMIUM

Kyo Tominokoji Tempura Yoshikawa

A genuine Kyoto special-occasion tempura experience in a traditional setting. Strong fit for your love of fried seafood, but it is expensive.

Try: seasonal tempura course; prioritize shrimp and seafood pieces

Tabelog ~3.65 • dinner ~¥20,000–30,000 pp • cards accepted • multilingual support • reserve ahead
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
BACKUP — SEAFOOD

Live Shellfish Center Kyoto Gion Main Store

Route-friendly seafood alternative in Gion; use it only if it fits appetite, live hours and availability.

Try: shellfish and seasonal seafood

Optional, not mandatory • verify live hours and reservation availability
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
Subway / bus / taxiPontocho → Kyoto Station / hotel~15–25 min
6

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

~21:00
Return
6Friday, Sep 11, 2026 — West Kyoto → Osaka evening
Interactive route map • tap a numbered marker for stop details • pinch/zoom and pan normally in Safari.
Friday, Sep 11, 2026

West Kyoto → Osaka evening

TARGET BAMBOO 07:45–08:15 before crowd buildup. Bamboo 30–45 min, Tenryu-ji about 60 min, riverside 30–45 min; Kinkaku-ji 45–60 min if route-feasible. Take lunch/reset before Osaka. Kuromon is a short OPTIONAL browse. Prioritize Dotonbori/Namba neon, arcades and food: share takoyaki → choose one okonomiyaki main → only a few kushikatsu if appetite remains. Keep a safe return margin.
0

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

07:30
Start
JR Sagano LineKyoto Station → Saga-Arashiyama + walk~25–35 min
1

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

TARGET 07:45–08:15 • 30–45 min FLEX
Early visit
WalkBamboo Forest → Tenryu-ji~5–10 min
2

Tenryu-ji

08:45–09:45
Temple + garden
WalkTenryu-ji → Togetsukyo Bridge~10 min
3

Togetsukyo Bridge

09:50–10:30
Riverside
Bus / taxiArashiyama → Kinkaku-ji~30–45 min
4

Kinkaku-ji

11:20–12:10
Golden Pavilion
Bus / taxi + JR/subwayKinkaku-ji → Kyoto Station~35–50 min
5

Kyoto Station

~16:00
Reset / Osaka departure
OPTIONAL EARLY MEAL

Tempura Tokoro Kyorynsen

If Nishiki lunch was light and you want one final Kyoto food experience before the train, this is directly connected to Kyoto Station and avoids detour risk.

Try: seasonal tempura / Kyoto vegetable tempura

Tabelog ~3.66 • lunch ~¥4,000–5,000 • cards accepted • children welcome
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
JR Special RapidKyoto Station → Osaka Station, then Metro to Namba~45–60 min total
6

Dotonbori

17:15–21:00
Osaka food + neon + arcades
OSAKA FOOD CRAWL — STOP 3

Kushikatsu Daruma

Finish with a few deep-fried skewers rather than another full meal. Good match for your fried seafood preference.

Try: shrimp kushikatsu, beef, vegetables — a few skewers each

Classic Dotonbori option • easy tourist access • reservations limited in busy periods
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
TRUSTED PERSONAL PICK — CHOOSE ONE MAIN

Teppan Okonomiyaki Mitsuki

Coworker favorite with reservations available, about a six-minute walk from Nihombashi. Choose this instead of Mizuno—not as another full meal.

Try: one okonomiyaki main to share; add only what appetite allows

Approx. ¥2,000–3,000 pp • currently listed around 11:00–14:30 and 17:00–22:30; Wednesday evening may be shorter • verify live hours/reservation
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
PRIMARY — REPUTATION PICK

Mizuno

The serious okonomiyaki target: long-established and Tabelog 100 Best. The trade-off is queue risk, so skip if it steals too much of the evening.

Try: Mizuno-yaki / okonomiyaki to share

Tabelog ~3.56 • ~¥2,000–3,000 pp • famous and queue-prone
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
OSAKA FOOD CRAWL — STOP 1

Takoyaki

Start small: one order to share. The point is tasting Osaka, not filling up immediately.

Try: classic takoyaki

Share one portion • expect queues at famous counters
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
Osaka Metro + JRDotonbori/Namba → Osaka Station → Kyoto Station~50–65 min + walk to hotel
7

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

~22:00+
Return
7Saturday, Sep 12, 2026 — Central Kyoto → Tokyo
Interactive route map • tap a numbered marker for stop details • pinch/zoom and pan normally in Safari.
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026

Central Kyoto → Tokyo

PACE: Checkout/luggage first. Nishiki is a tasting window; nearby Teramachi Shopping Street is FLEX/OPTIONAL. Return early for luggage and the FIXED 17:30–19:45 SHINKANSEN; no large meal that could risk it. Late Tokyo food depends on appetite and live hours.
0

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

09:30
Check out; luggage hold
SubwayKyoto Station → Karasuma Oike + walk~15–20 min
1

Kyoto International Manga Museum

10:00–11:30
Manga / anime
Walk / subwayManga Museum → Nishiki Market~15–20 min
2

Nishiki Market

11:45–13:15
FLEX tasting window
TASTE / SHARE

Nishiki Market grazing

Treat Nishiki as a curated tasting session: choose a few standout items and skip repetitive photogenic snacks.

Try: tamagoyaki, grilled seafood, Kyoto pickles, soy-milk donut, matcha sweet

Small portions • mostly on route • mix of cash/card
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
WalkNishiki Market → Shinkyogoku~2–5 min
3

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

13:15–14:15
Teramachi + Shinkyogoku FLEX/OPTIONAL
Walk / busShinkyogoku → Gion~15–25 min
4

Gion

14:30–15:20
Flex stroll
Bus / taxiGion → hotel~15–25 min
5

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

15:45–16:15
Pick up luggage
WalkHotel → Kyoto Station~2–5 min
6

Kyoto Station

16:20
Train buffer
Shinkansen NozomiKyoto 17:30 → Tokyo 19:45CONFIRMED
7

Tokyo Station

19:45
17:30–19:45 Nozomi
JRTokyo Station → Okachimachi + walk~15–20 min
8

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

~20:30
Check in
8Sunday, Sep 13, 2026 — Final Tokyo → Narita
Interactive route map • tap a numbered marker for stop details • pinch/zoom and pan normally in Safari.
Sunday, Sep 13, 2026

Final Tokyo → Narita

LIGHT FLIGHT DAY: After luggage, choose Ueno/Ameyoko or an Akihabara encore based on your son's interest; enjoy one last good lunch and souvenirs. FIXED FLIGHT 19:35 Keep the conservative Narita departure—do not turn today into a race.
0

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

09:30–10:00
Check out; luggage hold
WalkHotel → Ameyoko~8–12 min
1

Ameyoko Shopping District

10:15–12:15
Choose this OR an Akihabara encore
FINAL SWEET — OPTIONAL

Usagiya dorayaki

A traditional sweet worth taking home as a final Tokyo memory, very close to Ueno/Okachimachi.

Try: dorayaki

Under ¥1,000 • cash-only • famous local wagashi shop
Google Maps ↗Tabelog ↗
WalkAmeyoko → Okachimachi lunch/errands~5–10 min
2

Okachimachi

12:15–14:15
Lunch + errands
WalkOkachimachi → hotel~5–10 min
3

Hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi

14:20–14:45
Pick up luggage
WalkHotel → Keisei Ueno Station~12–15 min
4

Keisei Ueno Station

~15:00
Skyliner
Keisei SkylinerKeisei Ueno → Narita Airport Terminal 1~45–50 min
5

Narita Airport Terminal 1

~16:00–16:30
Airport for 19:35 flight