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10-Day Family Adventure in Japan: Cats, Animation & Universal Studios from Edmonton to Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 177 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on August 10, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Edmonton to Tokyo

Depart Edmonton early morning with a connecting flight to Tokyo Narita, aiming for arrival midday. Flights vary but budget airlines with 1 stop are approximately CAD 900-1100 per person roundtrip.
CAD900, 15h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Niwa Tokyo

Comfortable 4-star hotel in central Tokyo with family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to transport. Room rate about CAD 180 per night for a family room.
CAD180, 0h30m

4:00pm

Visit Cat Café Calico in Shinjuku

Popular cat café where teens can enjoy playing with many friendly cats. Open till 8pm. Great introduction to Tokyo’s cat culture.
CAD15 per person, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen, Shinjuku

Famous solo ramen booths offering a fun, customizable meal experience. Open 24 hours, budget-friendly and delicious local food.
CAD10-15 per person, 1h0m
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Day 2: Animation & Akihabara

Tokyo, Japan on August 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Try fresh sushi or tamagoyaki at this lively market open from early morning till afternoon. Great food and cultural vibe.
CAD10-20 per person, 1h0m

10:00am

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Reservations required in advance. Explore the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli animation with exhibits and a short film. Open 10am-6pm.
CAD12 per person, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nakajima Soba, Shinjuku

Michelin Bib Gourmand soba restaurant, affordable and authentic Japanese noodles.
CAD15 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Akihabara Electric Town

Mecca for anime, manga, and electronics shopping. Teens can visit shops like Animate and Mandarake for animation collectibles and games.
Free entry, shopping extra, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Maid Café (e.g., @Home Café)

Experience unique themed café culture in Akihabara. Service and entertainment from friendly staff in themed costumes. Reservations recommended.
CAD20-25 per person, 1h0m
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Day 3: Tokyo Exploration & Travel to Osaka

Tokyo to Osaka, Japan on August 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included with stay, offering convenient energy before travel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kichijoji and cat-themed cafes

Area known for indie vibe and cool cat cafés like MoCHA Kichijoji. Open 12pm to 9pm, perfect for a relaxed morning coffee and cat interaction.
CAD10 per person, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Harmonica Yokocho

A lively alley of small eateries in Kichijoji offering various street foods and casual dining.
CAD10-15 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Osaka via Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station (about 2.5 hours, cost approx CAD 130 per person). Book tickets in advance for best price.
CAD130, 2h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

Four-star hotel near the vibrant Namba district, perfect for easy access to Universal Studios and city attractions. Prices around CAD 160 per night for a family room.
CAD160, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Street

Sample takoyaki and okonomiyaki in this iconic Osaka nightlife area famous for street food and lively atmosphere.
CAD10-20 per person, 1h0m
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Day 4: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included with stay, fueling up before a full day at Universal Studios.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Full day at Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and attractions themed on popular movies and animation. Park opens 9am-9pm. Buy tickets online in advance for around CAD 75 per person.
CAD75 per person, 10h0m

7:00pm

Dinner near Namba Station

Visit Kushikatsu Daruma for delicious fried skewers that Osaka is famous for. Casual and budget-friendly.
CAD15-20 per person, 1h0m
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on August 14, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Osaka to Kyoto

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, approx 30 mins and CAD 10 per person.
CAD10 per person, 0h30m

9:00am

Check-in at Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

Modern 4-star hotel in central Kyoto, convenient for temple visits and exploring the city. Family room approx CAD 200 per night.
CAD200, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, a must-see cultural and photographic spot open 24 hours, free entrance.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Try Kyoto-style inari sushi and other local specialties in a small cozy spot near the shrine.
CAD10-15 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Gion District

Explore traditional streets, tea houses, and possibly spot a geisha. Great for cultural photos and shopping Kyoto souvenirs.
Free unless shopping, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Vibrant alley with various restaurants offering local cuisine, with budget-friendly izakaya options ideal for families.
CAD20-25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Nature & Art

Kyoto, Japan on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included, preparing for a day of temple visits.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Iconic natural destination with beautiful bamboo paths. Best visited early to avoid crowds, open 24 hours free entrance.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sagano-Yu

Unique café set in an old bathhouse with great views and Japanese-Western fusion cuisine.
CAD15-20 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum

Perfect for animation fans, featuring a huge collection of manga, drawing workshops and exhibits. Open 10am-6pm, admission approx CAD 7 per person.
CAD7, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax after an active day with family time.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Katsukura Kyoto Sanjo

Highly recommended tonkatsu specialty restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere and quality Japanese fried cutlets.
CAD20-25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on August 16, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line Rapid Service approx 45 minutes, CAD 10 per person.
CAD10 per person, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple

Famous for friendly deer roaming freely and the massive Great Buddha statue inside Todai-ji Temple. Park open 24 hours; temple open 7:30am-5:30pm. Entry approx CAD 6 per person.
CAD6 per person, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try freshly made mochi, a regional specialty, in this famous mochi shop near Nara Park.
CAD5-10 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Renowned for its stone and bronze lanterns and beautiful forest setting. Shrine open 6am-6pm, free entrance.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Relax on train back to hotel in Kyoto.
Included, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station Food Hall

Lots of dining options offering sushi, ramen, and local dishes, perfect for casual family meal before rest.
CAD15-20 per person, 1h0m
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Day 8: Return to Tokyo

Kyoto to Tokyo, Japan on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included with stay, a calm start before travel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen

Approx 2.5 hours, CAD 130 per person. Pre-book tickets to save time and cost.
CAD130, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Modern 4-star hotel in bustling Shinjuku area, family-friendly with easy access to transit and shopping. Approx CAD 180 per night.
CAD180, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten

Known for crispy, tender tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), a must-try local specialty.
CAD20 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Nakano Broadway

Shopping mall filled with anime, manga, and pop culture stores — a paradise for animation enthusiasts. Open around 10am-8pm.
Free entry, shopping extra, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Fun conveyor-belt sushi experience ideal for teens and adults alike, budget-friendly and casual.
CAD15-20 per person, 1h0m
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Day 9: Final Tokyo Day & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on August 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included, prepare for an active final day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Immersive digital art museum blending animation and interactive exhibits. Open 10am-7pm. Tickets CAD 30 per person.
CAD30 per person, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Aaliya, Meguro

Cozy café famous for pancakes and western-style family fare, loved by locals.
CAD15 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Famous youth fashion district with quirky shops, cat-themed stores, and sweet treats. Great for souvenirs and photo ops.
Free entry, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Afuri Ramen Ebisu

Known for yuzu-flavored ramen, a refreshing twist on classic flavors.
CAD15-20 per person, 1h0m
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Day 10: Departure to Ho Chi Minh City

Tokyo, Japan to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on August 19, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Included, essential before airport transfer and flight.
Included, 1h0m

7:00am

Travel to Narita International Airport

Use Narita Express or airport limousine bus (approx CAD 35 person) for about 1 hour to airport.
CAD35 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight from Tokyo to Ho Chi Minh City

Direct flights take about 6 hours. Budget airlines approximately CAD 300 per person. Departure around 10am recommended for afternoon arrival.
CAD300 per person, 6h0m
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