Andersons in Japan! 🇯🇵 2026

Countdown to Japan

—

days until departure 🎌

8 travellers. 15 days. Tokyo to Hakone. Use this site to check today's plan, transport details, where we're sleeping, and what to expect. Bookmark this page — it's your trip dashboard.

📋 Quick Jump

📅 Full Itinerary 🚆 Transport 🏨 Where We Stay 🎟️ Activities 🍜 Dining 🇯🇵 Japan Guide ✅ Before You Go

🌡️ Current Weather

September–October in Japan: highs 22–28°C, lows 15–20°C. Expect warm days, cool evenings. Rain possible — pack a light rain jacket. Autumn foliage just starting in the mountains.

📍 Live weather: check weather.com or your iPhone weather app for each city as we travel.

📅

Full Itinerary

15 days · 19 Sep – 3 Oct

Tap any day to expand. Today's plan auto-highlights. All times are Japan time (JST).

Day 1 Sat 19 Sep

🟢 Arrive Tokyo ✈️

Long haul

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Both families arrive at Narita T2. Tim's family JL774 at 16:20, Nick's family QF79 at 19:00. Primary transfer: Airport Limousine Bus direct to Keio Plaza Hotel entrance.

Arrivals & Transfer

Time	What	Notes
16:20	✈️ Tim family arrives NRT T2 (JL774 from MEL)	Clear customs ~17:15
18:00	🚌 Tim family — Bus #37 T2 → Keio Plaza	Arr 19:55. ¥3,600/adult
19:00	✈️ Nick family arrives NRT T2 (QF79 from MEL)	Clear customs ~19:45
20:05	🚌 Nick family — Bus #45 T2 → Keio Plaza	Arr 21:50. ¥3,600/adult
Evening	Check in, konbini run, first ramen 🍜	Early night — wrecked

⚠️ Backup: N'EX to Shinjuku if bus doesn't suit (¥3,250/pp). Tim backup bus #41 (19:05), Nick backup bus #47 (20:35). Verify schedules late July when Sept timetable drops.

Day 2 Sun 20 Sep

🟢 Tokyo: West Tokyo Day 🌿

👟 Walking daySunset booking

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Meiji Jingu → Yoyogi Park → Takeshita-dori/Omotesando split → afternoon breakouts → Shibuya Sky sunset → Omoide Yokocho dinner.

Time	What	Transit
8:00	Leave Keio Plaza	15-min walk
8:15–9:30	⛩️ Meiji Jingu — forested shrine, morning calm	—
9:30–10:15	🌳 Yoyogi Park — Sunday performers, cosplayers, dance troupes	Adjacent
10:15	SPLIT: Teens → Takeshita-dori (kawaii chaos) \| Adults → Omotesando (architecture, cafés)	2–5 min walk
~12:00	Reconvene. Lunch — Afuri (yuzu-shio ramen) or Maisen (tonkatsu)	—
13:00	🟡 BREAKOUTS: Monty → Nakano Broadway (figures) \| Honey → Shimokitazawa (vintage/jazz) \| Rest → Shinjuku Gyoen	10–12 min by train
15:00	Breakouts wrap, reconvene at hotel	—
16:30	🌆 Shibuya Sky — rooftop observation deck. ⚠️ Pre-book sunset slot	Taxi ~15 min
~17:30	Shibuya Crossing — dusk photo	—
~18:00	🍢 Omoide Yokocho — split 4+4 across two yakitori stalls. Cash only. ~¥5,000–7,000/pp	5-min walk from hotel

Day 3 Mon 21 Sep

🟢 Tokyo: East → Central 🗼

HolidayPre-booked

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⚠️ Respect for the Aged Day (national holiday). Pre-booked: teamLab Borderless 16:00, Gonpachi 18:00. Tsukiji → Senso-ji → Akihabara breakout → teamLab → Gonpachi → karaoke.

Time	What	Transit
8:45	Leave Keio Plaza	Oedo Line ~20 min
9:05–10:30	🐟 Tsukiji Outer Market — brunch grazing: tamagoyaki, wagyu skewers, uni hand rolls, melon pan	—
11:00–12:30	🏯 Senso-ji & Nakamise-dori — Thunder Gate, incense, temple hall, shopping lane	Oedo Line + walk ~20 min
13:00	SPLIT: Monty → Akihabara (models/figures) \| Others → free afternoon (Ueno, Yanaka, or rest)	—
~16:00	🎨 teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) — ⚠️ PRE-BOOKED timed entry	Hibiya Line + walk ~28 min
18:00–20:00	🍽️ Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu — Kill Bill restaurant. ✅ CONFIRMED. Enkai course ¥4,950 × 8	Walk ~30 min or taxi ~6 min
~20:15	🎤 Karaoke — Big Echo Nishishinjuku. Private booth, all-you-can-drink	Taxi ~15 min to Shinjuku

Day 4 Tue 22 Sep

🏯 Tokyo → Kanazawa 🚄

ShinkansenWorkshop booked

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⚠️ Citizens' Holiday (Silver Week). Omicho Market may have reduced stalls. Gold Leaf Sakuda Workshop ✅ CONFIRMED 15:00. Overnight bags only — no takuhaibin.

Time	What	Transit
~8:30	Check out Keio Plaza	—
8:45	2 taxis → Tokyo Station	~20 min, ~¥2,500–3,000 each
9:32	🚄 Hakutaka 557 departs Tokyo (Platform 21)	2h55m Hokuriku Shinkansen
~12:27	Arrive Kanazawa Station. Stash bags in coin lockers (¥700)	—
12:30–13:30	🍽️ Omicho Market — late lunch grazing	15-min walk
13:45–14:45	🏯 Higashi Chaya District — geisha district, wooden machiya, gold leaf soft serve	15-min walk
15:00–16:00	✨ Gold Leaf Sakuda Workshop — ✅ CONFIRMED. 7 people (Tim sits out). ~¥2,000–2,750/pp	Heart of Higashi Chaya
~16:05	⛩️ Oyama Shrine — Dutch stained glass in a Shinto shrine. Free, quick	5-min walk
~16:45	2 taxis → Takitei ryokan	~25 min, ~¥3,000–4,000 each
~17:15	Arrive Takitei. Check in. First onsen ♨️	—
Evening	🍽️ Kaga kaiseki dinner at Takitei (included)	—

Day 5 Wed 23 Sep

👘 Kanazawa Day 🏯

Holiday👘 Kimono day♨️ Onsen

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⚠️ Autumnal Equinox Day (national holiday). Still at Takitei (checkout tomorrow). Kimono day + Kenroku-en + Ninja Temple + contemporary art. Dawn onsen is non-negotiable.

Time	What	Transit
7:00	🔒 Dawn onsen ♨️ — rotenburo to yourself	—
8:00	🍽️ Breakfast at Takitei (mixed Western/Japanese)	—
~9:30	2 taxis from Takitei to Kenroku-en	~18 min, ~¥5,000–6,000 total
~9:50	👘 VASARA Kimono Rental — get dressed in yukata for the day. ~¥4,000/pp	Kenrokuen Store
~10:40	🌸 Kenroku-en garden in yukata — walk downhill. ¥320/pp	Kodatsuno Gate entrance
~11:30	🏯 Kanazawa Castle Park — adjacent, free, no-nails joinery	20-min walk-through
~12:00	🍽️ Lunch — Omicho Market or nearby	—
~13:30	⚔️ Nagamachi samurai district — Nomura-ke residence (¥550)	—
~14:15	🥷 Myouryuji Ninja Temple — 2:00pm tour (40 min). Book via Takitei front desk	—
~15:00	🥷 Ninja Weapon Museum — throw shuriken (~45 min)	5-min walk
~16:00	🎨 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art — low-energy finish	—
~17:00	Return yukata to VASARA by 5:30pm	—
~17:30	Back to Takitei — onsen ♨️	—
Evening	🍽️ Takitei kaiseki dinner	—

Day 6 Thu 24 Sep

🚗 Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Takayama ♨️

🚗 Road trip♨️ Onsen

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Pick up 2 × Toyota rental cars. Scenic drive through Shogawa River Valley to Shirakawa-go (3hr visit), then on to Takayama. The day AFTER the holiday — meaningfully quieter.

Time	What	Notes
Morning	Pick up 2 × Toyota at Kanazawa Sta. West Ext. (W2 Voxy/Noah + W1 Sienta)	Shop opens 08:00
~11:00	Arrive Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi). Park near village centre (¥500–1,000)	~1h15m drive
~11:10	📸 Shiroyama Viewpoint — shuttle bus (¥300) or 15-min walk. The postcard shot	Non-negotiable
~11:35	🏠 Wada-ke House — largest farmhouse, 250+ years. ¥400	Open 9:00–17:00
~12:15	🌾 Village wander — suspension bridge, paths between farmhouses, rice fields	30–45 min
~12:45	🍽️ Lunch at Soba Wakimoto — homemade soba + Hida beef sets. Cash only	15-min walk from bus terminal
~14:15	Depart → Takayama	~50 min drive
~15:05	Arrive Takayama. Park at Oyado Koto No Yume. Check-in from 15:00	¥1,000/day parking
~15:30	🏮 Sanmachi Suji — Edo merchant houses, sake breweries (free tasting!)	5-min walk
~16:15	🟡 Yatai Kaikan — festival floats, 3–4 storeys tall, gold leaf, karakuri dolls. ¥1,000	Adjacent to Sanmachi
~17:00	🍽️ Suzuya — cook-your-own Hida beef yakiniku. Walk-in only, arrive at opening	10–15 min walk
~19:00	♨️ Back to Oyado Koto No Yume — onsen	—

Day 7 Fri 25 Sep

⛰️ Takayama Day ♨️

Flexible pace♨️ Onsen

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No pre-booked activities — everything is walk-up. Flow by location, not clock. Start when the group's ready. The only timed item is Maruaki dinner at 17:00.

Oyado Koto No Yume (base) │ ├─ 8–10 min walk to: │ ├─ Jinya-mae Morning Market (produce, apples, miso) │ ├─ Miyagawa Morning Market (crafts, pickles, river stalls) │ └─ Takayama Jinya 🟡 — Edo government office (¥440) │ ├─ 2–3 min south: │ ├─ Sanmachi Suji — Edo streets, sake breweries │ └─ Yatai Kaikan — festival floats (if missed Day 6) │ ├─ 5–7 min walk south: │ └─ Showa-kan Museum 🔥 — retro interactive 1926–1989 │ ├─ 10-min bus/taxi west: │ └─ Hida Folk Village — 30+ farmhouses (¥700) │ └─ 10–15 min walk east: └─ Higashiyama Walking Course — 3.5km temple walk

Order	What	Why
1	🍽️ Breakfast at ryokan (included)	Start whenever
2	🌿 Morning Markets (both) — best 8–9am	5 min apart
3	🏯 Takayama Jinya 🟡 — gauge interest on the spot	Next to markets
4	🏮 Sanmachi Suji + Yatai Kaikan	2-min walk
5	🍽️ Lunch — Hida beef buns or sit-down in Sanmachi	—
6	🏠 Hida Folk Village — 30+ relocated farmhouses	10-min bus/taxi
7	SPLIT: 🔥 Showa-kan (teens/arcade) \| 🔒 Higashiyama temples (Tom/Beck)	Central vs east edge
8	🥩 Hidagyu Maruaki — walk-in, arrive 17:00. 150 seats, ask for horigotatsu (seats 10)	5-min walk from station
9	♨️ Onsen — last soak before Osaka. Until 23:00	—

Day 8 Sat 26 Sep

🚃 Takayama → Osaka 🎢

Scenic train🚗 Return cars

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Return rental cars at Toyota Takayama Station. Hida Express (scenic mountain train) → Nagoya → Nozomi Shinkansen → Shin-Osaka → Namba. ~3h30m door-to-door.

Time	What	Notes
~7:30	🍽️ Breakfast at Oyado Koto No Yume (included). Last ryokan breakfast	—
~8:15	Check out. Load cars. Drive to Toyota Takayama Station	3–5 min
~8:25	Return 2 × Toyota cars. Inspection, receipt	Shop opens 08:00
9:36	🚃 Hida 6 (Wide View Hida) departs Takayama — scenic mountain railway	~2h25m, ¥6,140/pp
~12:01	Arrive Nagoya Station. Transfer to Shinkansen gates	~10 min walk
~12:30	🚄 Nozomi departs Nagoya → Shin-Osaka	~50 min, ¥6,680/pp
~13:25	Arrive Shin-Osaka → 🚇 Midosuji Line → Namba	~15 min, ¥280
~13:40	Arrive Namba. Airbnb check-in 16:00 — message host for early bag drop	2-15-19 Nihonbashi
14:00–15:30	🌆 Dotonbori first hit — takoyaki, Glico Man photo, canal wander	Keep it light
16:00	Check in at Airbnb (key safe, self-check-in)	—
18:00	🍽️ Creo-ru Dotonbori — okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu. Walk-in, arrive before 18:30	5–8 min walk
After	🌃 Dotonbori neon walk — Glico Man lit, Kuidaore Taro, giant crab sign	—

Day 9 Sun 27 Sep

🕊️ Hiroshima Day Trip

Day trip

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Peace Museum + Park only. Indoor, somber — Sunday works. Nozomi each way (~1h21m). Private room at Tanuki Chaya booked for the evening.

Time	What	Notes
~8:00	Wake, konbini breakfast at Airbnb	—
~9:15	🚇 Namba → Shin-Osaka	Midosuji Line ~15 min
~9:50	🚄 Nozomi → Hiroshima	~1h21m
~11:30	🚋 Hiroden streetcar → Genbaku Dome-mae	~15 min
11:45–12:15	🕊️ A-Bomb Dome + Peace Memorial Park grounds	Outside first
12:15–14:00	🏛️ Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum — ~2 hrs. Don't rush it	—
14:00	🍽️ Nagata-ya — Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (layered with soba)	2 min from museum
~15:30	🚋 Hiroden → Hiroshima Station	—
~16:00	🚄 Nozomi → Shin-Osaka	—
~17:50	Rest at Airbnb — shower, decompress	—
18:45	🍽️ Tanuki Chaya — robatayaki around irori hearth. Private room for 8	~8 min walk

Day 10 Mon 28 Sep

⛩️ Kyoto Day Trip 🍜

Day trip👟 Walking

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Monday = meaningfully fewer crowds. Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-dera → Philosopher's Path → Nishiki Market → Gion at dusk → Pontocho. ~1h each way.

Time	What	Notes
7:30	Wake, quick konbini breakfast (slightly earlier today)	—
~8:45	🚃 JR Special Rapid → Kyoto (~28 min from Osaka)	—
~9:25	🛩️ Fushimi Inari — hike to Yotsutsuji viewpoint (~30–40 min up). Monday sweet spot	JR Nara Line, 2 stops
~11:20	⛩️ Kiyomizu-dera + Ninen-zaka/Sannen-zaka — wooden terrace, historic slopes	15-min uphill walk
~12:50	🍽️ Omen Ginkaku-ji — signature thick udon with seasonal veg	Bus/taxi ~15 min
~14:00	🌿 Philosopher's Path — 2km canal-side walk. Late Sept = early autumn light	60–75 min leisurely
~16:00	🛍️ Nishiki Market — grazing: pickles, tamagoyaki, mochi, soy donuts	Stalls thin after 17:00
~17:00	🏮 Gion at dusk — Hanami-koji, Shirakawa canal, lanterns	45 min stroll
~17:45	🏮 Pontocho alley — lantern-lit narrow lane along the Kamogawa	—
~19:15	🍽️ Izo Namba Branch — izakaya with private room for 8, charcoal-grilled chicken	3-min walk from Namba

Day 11 Tue 29 Sep

🎢 USJ Day 🍄

Pre-bookedExpress Pass

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Tuesday = quietest day at USJ (B-level crowds, 30–59 min waits). Express Pass 7 + timed Super Nintendo World entry. Mario Kart first!

Time	What	Notes
7:45	Wake, grab-and-go konbini. Eat on the train	—
~8:35	🚇 Namba → Universal City Station	~20–25 min
~9:00	🎢 USJ gates open — Express Pass 7 in hand. Target SNW immediately	Mario Kart first!
All day	🍄 USJ — Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, Minion Park, Jurassic Park Flying Dinosaur	Midday break possible (25 min back)
~13:00	🍽️ Lunch inside USJ — Three Broomsticks or Jurassic Park restaurant	~¥2,000–3,000/pp
~17:00–18:00	Park winds down — depart before mass exodus	—
~19:15	🍽️ Ajinoya Honten — Osaka's most famous okonomiyaki, teppan-style	~¥1,500/pp

Day 12 Wed 30 Sep

🏯 Himeji + Osaka 🦌

Day tripFinal Osaka night

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Himeji Castle — Japan's finest original castle, never bombed. Six floors of steep wooden stairs, defensive chutes, samurai-era joinery. Then back to Osaka for Shinsekai and final Dotonbori night.

Time	What	Notes
8:00	Wake, relaxed konbini breakfast. No rush today	—
~9:45	🚄 Hikari/Kodama → Himeji (~30 min from Shin-Osaka)	—
~10:35	🏯 Himeji Castle — ¥1,000. Six floors, steep stairs, hidden floors, defensive chutes. ~90 min	15-min walk from station
~12:10	🌸 Koko-en Garden (optional, ¥300) — 9 Edo-period gardens	Adjacent
~12:45	🚄 Shinkansen → Shin-Osaka → Namba	—
~13:45	🍽️ Kuromon Market — grazing: grilled oysters, wagyu skewers, toro sushi, scallops	¥2,000–3,000/pp
~15:00	🏙️ Free afternoon — Shinsekai (retro 1950s), Shinsaibashi shopping, or wander	—
18:00	🍢 Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai — the original (1929). Walk-in, arrive 18:00. No double-dipping!	~15 min from Namba
~19:30	🌃 Final Dotonbori wander — one last Glico Man photo	—

Day 13 Thu 1 Oct

♨️ Osaka → Hakone 🌋

Shinkansen♨️ Ryokan

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Travel day — the ryokan IS the activity. Nozomi to Odawara, buy Hakone Freepass, taxi to Tenyu. Check in, onsen, dinner buffet with free-flow drinks.

Time	What	Notes
~8:00	Wake, last Airbnb konbini breakfast	—
10:00	Check out Airbnb	—
~10:50	Arrive Shin-Osaka. Grab ekiben for train lunch	—
~11:15	🚄 Nozomi departs → Odawara	~2h15m, ¥13,620/pp
~13:30	Arrive Odawara. Buy Hakone Freepass (2-day, ¥6,000/pp)	At ticket office
~13:50	2 taxis → Tenyu	~35 min, ~¥6,000–10,000 total
~14:25	Arrive Kowakien Tenyu. Check in from 15:00	—
15:00–	♨️ Rotenburo, yukata, explore grounds	Private onsen on each balcony!
19:30	🍽️ Dinner buffet + free-flow drinks (beer, wine, sake, cocktails)	Included

Day 14 Fri 2 Oct

🌋 Hakone Loop Day 🏴‍☠️

Freepass day5 transport modes

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Hakone sightseeing loop — pirate ship on Lake Ashi

Classic Hakone Round Course — counter-clockwise. One connected arc, five transport modes. Freepass covers everything. Cablecar → Ropeway → Pirate Ship → Bus. Home by 14:45.

Time	What	Transit
~7:30	🍽️ Breakfast buffet	—
~9:15	Leave Tenyu → Gora Station	5-min bus / 12-min walk
~9:25	🚃 Cablecar Gora → Sounzan	10 min
~9:40	🚡 Ropeway Sounzan → Owakudani	15 min
9:55–10:35	🌋 Owakudani — sulfur vents, black eggs (¥500/5), Mt Fuji from gondola	—
~10:40	🚡 Ropeway Owakudani → Togendai. Lake Ashi appears	15 min
~11:30	🏴‍☠️ Pirate Ship Togendai → Hakone-machi	30 min
12:00–13:00	🍽️ HOTORIYA — lakefront lunch. Curry, pancakes, craft beer	At the dock
~13:00	Walk Hakone-machi → Moto-Hakone. Cedar Avenue, Hakone Checkpoint	20-min walk
~13:30	⛩️ Hakone Shrine + floating torii	30–45 min, free
~14:15	🚌 Bus Moto-Hakone → Kowakien	~30 min
~14:45	Back at Tenyu — ♨️ onsen, nothing, everything	—
19:30	🍽️ Dinner buffet + free-flow drinks	—

Day 15 Sat 3 Oct

✈️ Museum & Depart

Departure day

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Final onsen at dawn, Hakone Open Air Museum, lunch, then Kodama to Shinagawa/Tokyo where families split — Tim to HND, Nick to NRT.

Time	What	Notes
Dawn	♨️ Final rotenburo 🌅	—
~8:00	🍽️ Breakfast buffet (7:00–10:00)	—
11:00	Check out. Store bags at front desk	—
11:15–12:45	🎨 Hakone Open Air Museum — sculpture garden, Picasso Pavilion, stained glass	¥2,000/pp (¥1,800 w/ Freepass)
12:45–14:00	🍽️ Lunch — museum café Bella Foresta OR Gora Brewery & Grill	—
~15:15	2 taxis → Odawara Station	~35 min
~16:10	🚄 Kodama departs Odawara → Shinagawa/Tokyo	Scenic last ride

Families split at Shinagawa/Tokyo ~16:50

Family	Route	Arrive Airport
Tim	Shinagawa → Keikyu Line → HND T3	~17:05 (2h35m before JL051 19:40)
Nick	Tokyo Station → Narita Express → NRT	~17:45 (2h40m before QF80 20:25)

Tim: JL051 HND→SYD dep 19:40 → VA826 SYD→MEL 09:30 ✅ | Nick: QF80 NRT→MEL dep 20:25 (arr 08:40 Sun 4 Oct) ✅

🚆

Transport

Trains, cars & city transit

🚄 Shinkansen & Long-Distance Trains

🚄 Tokyo → Kanazawa Day 4

Hakutaka 557 · Dep 09:32 Tokyo Station, Platform 21 · Arr ~12:27 Kanazawa · ~2h55m · ¥14,380/pp · Book via Eki-net

🚃 Takayama → Nagoya Day 8

Hida 6 (Wide View Hida) · Dep 09:36 Takayama · Arr ~12:01 Nagoya · ~2h25m scenic mountain railway · ¥6,140/pp · Fallback: Hida 8 (11:35)

🚄 Nagoya → Shin-Osaka Day 8

Nozomi · Dep ~12:30 Nagoya · Arr ~13:20 Shin-Osaka · ~50 min · ¥6,680/pp · Every 5–10 min

🚄 Osaka ↔ Hiroshima Day 9

Nozomi · ~1h21m each way · ¥18,800/pp return · Day trip from Shin-Osaka

🚄 Osaka → Odawara (Hakone) Day 13

Nozomi · Dep ~11:15 Shin-Osaka · Arr ~13:30 Odawara · ~2h15m · ¥13,620/pp · Book via Smart EX

🚄 Odawara → Shinagawa/Tokyo Day 15

Kodama · Dep ~16:10 Odawara · Arr ~16:50 · Families split here: Tim → HND, Nick → NRT

🚗 Car Rental (Day 6–8)

Toyota Rental — 2 cars

PickupKanazawa Sta. West Ext. · Thu 24 Sep, 08:00

Drop-offToyota Takayama Station · Sat 26 Sep, 08:25

Car 1W2 Class — Voxy/Noah, 7 seats (4 pax + 2 large bags) · ¥44,330

Car 2W1 Class — Sienta, 6 seats (4 pax + 1 large bag) · ¥32,120

Total¥76,450 (~AUD $612) — one-way surcharge included

DriversTim + Nick (both need IDP from VicRoads)

Book at rent.toyota.co.jp/eng IDP required

📍 Route Overview

Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go ~1h15m
Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway + Route 156. Scenic Shogawa River Valley drive.

Shirakawa-go → Takayama ~50 min
Mountain road through the Hida region.

🅿️ Parking: Shirakawa-go village centre ¥500–1,000 · Takayama ryokan ¥1,000/day

🚇 City Transport

📱 Suica on iPhone

All 8 travellers have iPhones — add Suica to Apple Wallet before departure. Load ¥3,000–5,000 each. Use for Metro, buses, taxis, konbini, vending machines.

⚠️ Some foreign Visa cards fail for Suica recharge. Mastercard/Amex more reliable.

🎟️ Hakone Freepass

2-day pass ¥6,000/pp. Buy at Odawara Station on arrival (Day 13). Covers cablecar, ropeway, pirate ship, buses.

🚌 Airport Transfers

Arrival: Airport Limousine Bus NRT→Keio Plaza (¥3,600/adult). N'EX backup (¥3,250/pp).

Departure: Kodama→Shinagawa, then Keikyu Line to HND (Tim) / NEX to NRT (Nick).

🏨

Where We Stay

5 stays · 14 nights

Tap-to-call phone numbers, addresses for taxi drivers, check-in/out times.

🟢 Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Sat 19 – Tue 22 Sep · 3 nights · South Wing

Address2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Phone03-5322-8000

Check-in15:00 (19 Sep)

Check-out11:00 (22 Sep)

Rooms4 rooms — 2× King + 2× Twin (South Wing)

WiFiFree in all areas

Parking¥1,000/day on site

Breakfast not included Shinjuku 📍 Google Maps

🏯 Takitei (滝亭)

Tue 22 – Thu 24 Sep · 2 nights · Saigawa Onsen, Kanazawa

Address23-10 Sue-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Phone076-229-1122

Check-in~17:15 (22 Sep)

Check-outMorning (24 Sep)

Rooms4× Saigawa Annex riverside rooms with open-air bath

MealsKaga kaiseki dinner + breakfast included (2 meals/night)

OnsenRotenburo + shower + communal onsen (no indoor bath)

Kaiseki dinner included ♨️ Onsen Free shuttle from Sue bus stop 📍 Google Maps

⛰️ Oyado Koto No Yume

Thu 24 – Sat 26 Sep · 2 nights · Takayama

AddressHanasato machi 6-11, Takayama 506-0026

Phone0577-32-0427

Check-in15:00–19:00 (24 Sep)

Check-out07:30–10:00 (26 Sep)

RoomsSuite + Junior Suite 201

MealsBreakfast included (no dinner)

OnsenCommunal indoor + outdoor · Open 15:00–23:00

Breakfast included ♨️ Onsen ¥1,000/day parking 📍 Google Maps

🎢 Osaka Airbnb Villa

Sat 26 Sep – Thu 1 Oct · 5 nights · Namba

Address2-15-19 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0073

HostSummer (Superhost) — +81 90-4941-5104

Check-in16:00 (26 Sep) — self check-in, key safe

Check-out10:00 (1 Oct)

Rooms5 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms, 8 guests

MealsNo breakfast — konbini runs each morning 🍙

Self check-in 8 min walk to Namba Station Quiet hours 9pm–8am 📍 Google Maps

♨️ Hakone Kowakien Tenyu

Thu 1 – Sat 3 Oct · 2 nights · Hakone

AddressNinotaira 1297, Hakone 250-0407

Phone0465-20-0260

Check-in15:00–19:00 (1 Oct) — must check in by 20:00 for dinner

Check-out09:00–11:00 (3 Oct)

Rooms4× Superior Room with private open-air bath (rotenburo on balcony!)

MealsDinner buffet (19:30) + breakfast buffet included

OnsenPrivate rotenburo on each balcony + communal baths

Dinner + breakfast included ♨️ Private onsen Free-flow drinks at dinner Free parking 📍 Google Maps

🎟️

Booked Activities

Pre-booked experiences

Activities and tickets that are confirmed or need pre-booking. More will be added as bookings are made.

🌆 Shibuya Sky — Sunset Slot

Day 2 · Sun 20 Sep · ~16:30 · Tokyo · ⚠️ Pre-book ~Aug 23

Rooftop observation deck, open-air with glass edges. Book sunset slot ~4 weeks ahead. One of Tokyo's best views.

🎨 teamLab Borderless

Day 3 · Mon 21 Sep · ~16:00 · Tokyo (Azabudai Hills) · ⚠️ Pre-book ~Aug 1

Immersive digital art exhibition. 60-day booking window — tickets unlock ~Aug 1 for Sep 21. Timed entry for 8 people.

✨ Gold Leaf Sakuda Workshop

Day 4 · Tue 22 Sep · 15:00–16:00 · Kanazawa · ✅ CONFIRMED

Decorate a mirror, box, or chopsticks with real Kanazawa gold leaf. 7 people (Tim sits out). ~¥2,000–2,750/pp. Free gold leaf tea + 10% shop discount. Main Store, Higashi Chaya District.

👘 VASARA Kimono Rental

Day 5 · Wed 23 Sep · ~9:50 · Kanazawa · ⚠️ Pre-book

Get dressed in yukata for the day at Kenrokuen Store. Women ~50 min, men ~20 min. ~¥4,000/pp "Quick & Simple" plan. Book ahead for 8 people. Return by 5:30pm.

🥷 Myouryuji Ninja Temple

Day 5 · Wed 23 Sep · 14:00 tour · Kanazawa · ⚠️ Book via Takitei front desk

"Ninja Temple" — not actually a ninja temple, but a temple with hidden doors, trap staircases, and secret chambers. 40-min tour. Reservations open 1 month ahead. Have Takitei front desk call 076-241-0888 when you check in on Day 4.

🎢 USJ Tickets + Express Pass 7

Day 11 · Tue 29 Sep · All day · Osaka · ⚠️ Pre-book ~Aug 1

Universal Studios Japan entry + Express Pass 7 (covers 7 big rides) + timed Super Nintendo World entry. 60-day booking window. Tuesday = quietest day (B-level crowds).

♨️ Hakone Freepass

Day 13–14 · Thu 1 – Fri 2 Oct · Hakone · Buy on arrival

2-day pass ¥6,000/pp. Buy at Odawara Station on arrival. Covers cablecar, ropeway, pirate ship, buses — all Hakone transport.

🎨 Hakone Open Air Museum

Day 15 · Sat 3 Oct · 11:15–12:45 · Hakone · Walk-up

Sculpture garden, Picasso Pavilion, Symphonic Sculpture (stained glass tower), forest footbath. ¥2,000/pp (¥1,800 with Freepass). 90 min — perfect final morning activity.

📌 Booking Windows Still Open

These activities have future booking windows. Tim will receive cron reminders when each window opens. As items get booked, they'll move up to the confirmed list above.

Shibuya Sky — book ~Aug 23 teamLab — book ~Aug 1 VASARA Kimono — book when convenient USJ + Express Pass — book ~Aug 1 Ninja Temple — book via Takitei front desk (Day 4)

🍜

Dining

Planned meals & grazing spots

✅ Confirmed / Pre-Booked Meals

🍽️ Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Day 3 · Mon 21 Sep · 18:00–20:00 · Tokyo · ✅ CONFIRMED

The "Kill Bill" restaurant. Enkai course ¥4,950 × 8. 2-hour seating. Cashless, single payment. Reconfirm by email Sept 19 or 20.

♨️ Takitei Kaiseki Dinners

Days 4–5 · Tue 22 – Wed 23 Sep · Evening · Kanazawa · Included

Kaga kaiseki dinner (both nights) + mixed Western/Japanese breakfast (both mornings). All included in ryokan stay.

🍽️ Tanuki Chaya

Day 9 · Sun 27 Sep · 18:45 · Osaka · Private room for 8

Robatayaki around a traditional irori hearth. Grilled scallops with butter, wild prawns, yakitori. ~¥2,500/pp. Perfect warmth after Hiroshima.

🍽️ Izo Namba Branch

Day 10 · Mon 28 Sep · ~19:15 · Osaka · Private room for 8

Izakaya with city views from 6F, charcoal-grilled Kurosatsuma chicken. ~¥3,000/pp. 3-min walk from Namba Station.

🍽️ Hakone Kowakien Tenyu Dinners

Days 13–14 · Thu 1 – Fri 2 Oct · 19:30 · Hakone · Included

Dinner buffet with free-flow drinks (beer, wine, sake, cocktails) + breakfast buffet. Both included in ryokan stay.

🚶 Walk-In / Street Food

🍢 Omoide Yokocho

Day 2 · Sun 20 Sep · ~18:00 · Tokyo · Walk-in

Split 4+4 across two yakitori stalls. Cash only. ~¥5,000–7,000/pp. Arrive 17:30–18:00 for best seats. 5-min walk from Keio Plaza.

🐟 Tsukiji Outer Market

Day 3 · Mon 21 Sep · 9:05–10:30 · Tokyo · Grazing

Brunch grazing: tamagoyaki, wagyu skewers, fresh oysters, uni hand rolls, melon pan. The fish supply chain in action.

🐟 Omicho Market

Day 4 · Tue 22 Sep · 12:30–13:30 · Kanazawa · Grazing

Late lunch grazing. Fresh seafood counters, crab rice, Kaga vegetables. Note: holiday = some stalls closed.

🍜 Soba Wakimoto

Day 6 · Thu 24 Sep · ~12:45 · Shirakawa-go · Walk-in

Homemade soba + Hida beef (A4–A5) sets. 72 seats. Cash only. Open daily 6:00–17:00. 15-min walk from bus terminal.

🥩 Suzuya

Day 6 · Thu 24 Sep · ~17:00 · Takayama · Walk-in

Cook-your-own Hida beef yakiniku. Traditional townhouse. 4.6★ (717 reviews). Arrive at 17:00 opening to secure table for 8. Hoba-miso beef steak, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu.

🥩 Hidagyu Maruaki

Day 7 · Fri 25 Sep · ~17:00 · Takayama · Walk-in

Butcher-owned A5 Hida beef yakiniku + shabu-shabu. 150 seats. Arrive at 17:00 opening. Ask for horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu, seats 10). ¥4,000–5,000/pp. Open until 21:00.

🥞 Creo-ru Dotonbori

Day 8 · Sat 26 Sep · 18:00 · Osaka · Walk-in

All Osaka classics: okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu, yakisoba. 70+ seats. ~¥1,500–2,500/pp. Arrive before 18:30 for 8.

🍲 Nagata-ya

Day 9 · Sun 27 Sep · 14:00 · Hiroshima · Walk-in

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (layered with soba noodles). 2 min from museum exit. ~¥1,000–1,500/pp.

🍜 Omen Ginkaku-ji

Day 10 · Mon 28 Sep · ~12:50 · Kyoto · Walk-in

Signature thick udon with seasonal veg and dipping broth. ~¥1,200–1,800/pp. Arrive by 13:15. Split 4+4 if queue is long.

🛍️ Nishiki Market

Day 10 · Mon 28 Sep · ~16:00 · Kyoto · Grazing

Pickles, tamagoyaki, fresh mochi, soy donuts. Stalls thin out after 17:00 — go now.

🥞 Ajinoya Honten

Day 11 · Tue 29 Sep · ~19:15 · Osaka · Walk-in / TableCheck

Osaka's most famous okonomiyaki, teppan-style. ~¥1,500/pp. Backup: Dotonbori street food crawl.

🐟 Kuromon Market

Day 12 · Wed 30 Sep · ~13:45 · Osaka · Grazing

Grilled oysters, wagyu skewers, toro sushi, scallops with butter, uni for the adventurous. ¥2,000–3,000/pp.

🍢 Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Day 12 · Wed 30 Sep · 18:00 · Osaka · Walk-in

The original (1929). Crispy panko-battered skewers. No-double-dipping rule! ~¥1,000–1,500/pp + ice-cold nama beer.

🍽️ HOTORIYA

Day 14 · Fri 2 Oct · 12:00–13:00 · Hakone · Walk-in

Lakefront lunch at the pirate ship dock. Curry, pancakes, grilled dango, craft beer. ¥1,000–2,000/pp. L.O. 15:30.

🇯🇵

Japan Survival Guide

Quick reference

🚨 Emergency

📞110 — Police
📞119 — Fire / Ambulance
💊Pharmacies: look for the ⚕️ sign. Many common meds need a Japanese prescription.
🏥Hospitals: your hotel front desk can direct you. Travel insurance is essential.

♨️ Onsen Etiquette

🚿Wash thoroughly BEFORE entering the bath. Showers and stools are provided.
🙈Nude only. No swimsuits. Small towel modesty cover is okay — but don't put it in the water.
🚫No soap in the bath. Rinse off before re-entering.
📿Tattoo policy varies. Ryokan with private baths (like Tenyu) are fine.
💧Tie long hair up. Keep your head above water.

🚃 Train Manners

🤫Quiet carriages. No phone calls. Silent mode.
🎒Backpacks off on crowded trains. Put them on the rack or carry in front.
🍱No eating on local/metro trains. Eating on Shinkansen is encouraged (ekiben!).
🚪Let people exit before boarding. Queue on the platform markings.
♿Priority seats: give them up for elderly, pregnant, disabled passengers.

🍙 Konbini Guide

7️⃣7-Eleven: Best ATMs (international cards), strong egg sandwich, Famichiki rival.
🔵FamilyMart: Best coffee (famiMA COFFEE), good pasta salads.
🍓Lawson: Best fried chicken (Kara-age-kun), famous baked goods.
💳All accept Suica/IC cards. Most have free WiFi and clean toilets.
⏰Open 24/7. Your breakfast, snack, and water source for the whole trip.

💴 Money & Tipping

🚫NEVER tip. It's considered rude. Good service is included.
💵Cash is still common. Carry ¥10,000–20,000 each.
🏧ATMs: 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept international cards.
📱Suica works at most shops, konbini, vending machines.
🧾Keep receipts — some stores offer tax-free for tourists (¥5,000+).

🗑️ Trash & Recycling

🔥Burnable (food, paper) — usually collected twice a week.
♻️PET bottles — separate, remove caps, crush flat.
📦Non-burnable (plastic, metal) — collected monthly.
🚯Public bins are rare. Carry your trash until you find a konbini or station bin.

👟 Shoes

🥿Easy slip-on shoes — you'll be taking them off constantly (ryokan, temples, restaurants).
🚫No shoes on tatami. Ever.
🧦Clean socks daily — you'll be in them a lot indoors.
🪝Toilets have separate slippers — don't wear them outside the toilet room!

🗣️ Useful Phrases

✋Sumimasen — Excuse me / Sorry (the most useful word)
🙏Arigatou gozaimasu — Thank you very much
😋Oishii! — Delicious!
❓Eigo ga wakarimasu ka? — Do you understand English?
🚻Toire wa doko desu ka? — Where is the toilet?
💳Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? — Can I use a card?
🍺Biru o kudasai — One beer please

✅

Before You Go

Pre-trip checklist

📋 Everyone

Add Suica to Apple Wallet

Before departure. Load ¥1,000 to test your card works. Mastercard/Amex more reliable than Visa.
Passport validity check

Must be valid for the duration of your stay. Australians don't need a visa for stays under 90 days.
Travel insurance

Essential. Medical care in Japan is excellent but expensive without insurance.
eSIM or pocket WiFi

Book before departure. Ubigi eSIM (~$39/15 days) or NINJA WiFi (~¥396/day).
Notify bank of overseas travel

So your card doesn't get blocked in Japan. Bring a backup card.
Download offline maps

Google Maps offline area for Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takayama, Osaka, Hakone. Also: NAVITIME app.
Pack slip-on shoes

You'll take shoes off constantly. Easy slip-ons save time and frustration.

🚗 Tim & Nick Only

International Driving Permit (IDP)

From VicRoads. Required for car rental in Kanazawa. Both Tim and Nick need one. Takes ~5 min at VicRoads.
Book Toyota rental cars

rent.toyota.co.jp/eng — window opens ~June 26, 2026. 2 cars: W2 (Voxy/Noah) + W1 (Sienta). Kanazawa pickup Sep 24 → Takayama drop Sep 26.

🎫 Tim Only

Book Shinkansen tickets

Via Smart EX (Tokaido/San'yo legs) + Eki-net (JR East/Hida legs) before departure. See Transport section for all train details.
Pre-book teamLab Borderless

~Aug 1 (60-day window) — 16:00 entry for 8 on Sep 21.
Pre-book Shibuya Sky

~Aug 23 (4 weeks ahead) — sunset slot ~16:30 on Sep 20.
USJ tickets + Express Pass 7

~Aug 1 (60-day window) — Tue 29 Sep. Express Pass 7 + timed Super Nintendo World entry.
VASARA Kimono Rental

Book ahead for 8 people — Kenrokuen Store, morning slot Sep 23.
Message Airbnb host Summer

On Sep 25 — arrange early bag drop for Sep 26 arrival. +81 90-4941-5104.

🎒 Packing Suggestions

Essentials

Passport + travel insurance card
iPhone (with Suica loaded)
Cash ¥20,000+ (7-Eleven ATMs as backup)
2x credit cards (different banks)
Universal adapter (Japan is Type A/B, 100V)
Portable battery pack

Clothing

Slip-on shoes (you'll take them off a LOT)
Light rain jacket
Layers — warm days, cool evenings
Smart-casual outfit for nice restaurants
Clean socks (daily — you'll be in them indoors)
Small daypack or crossbody bag

Nice to Have

eSIM activated before landing
NAVITIME app (Japanese transit)
Google Translate app (camera mode)
Small towel (onsen use)
Reusable water bottle
Thermos for hot drinks (vending machines!)

📸

Gallery

Illustrations & trip art

Ghibli-style illustrations of our adventure. More photos to come once we're on the ground!

🇯🇵 The adventure begins — Tokyo to Hakone

🌆 Tokyo — Shibuya at golden hour

🏮 Shirakawa-go — Gassho-zukuri farmhouses

🌃 Osaka — Dotonbori neon night

⛩️ Kyoto — Fushimi Inari torii gates

♨️ Hakone — Onsen ryokan at dusk

🏴‍☠️ Hakone — Pirate ship on Lake Ashi

Andersons in Japan!

—

お帰りなさい！ 🎌