3‑Week Geek‑Culture Adventure in Japan (Oct 2 – Oct 22)

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Morning: Depart London on an overnight flight, settle into your seat and enjoy in‑flight entertainment. Haneda Airport welcomes you after a 12‑hour journey.

Afternoon: Clear immigration, collect luggage and take the Keikyu Line to your hotel in Shinjuku. Freshen up and unwind after the long trip.

Evening: Stroll through the neon‑lit streets of Shinjuku, sample ramen at a local izakaya and get an early night’s rest.

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Day 2: Akihabara, Harajuku & Shibuya

Morning: Dive into otaku heaven in Akihabara, exploring multi‑story arcades, figure shops and the Mandarake flagship store.

Afternoon: Hop on the Yamanote Line to Harajuku for quirky fashion, then visit the Meiji Shrine for a cultural contrast.

Evening: Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, dine at a themed café and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Shibuya.

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Day 3: Asakusa, Ueno & Ginza

Morning: Wander the historic streets of Asakusa and visit Senso‑ji Temple, stopping at Nakamise for traditional snacks.

Afternoon: Explore Ueno Park and its museums, then browse the electronic wonders of Akihabara Radio Kaikan again.

Evening: Treat yourself to upscale sushi in Ginza and admire the illuminated storefronts.

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Day 4: Odaiba Tech & Night Views

Morning: Head to Odaiba and immerse yourself in the digital art of teamLab Borderless.

Afternoon: Visit the Miraikan Museum for cutting‑edge robotics, then ride the giant Ferris wheel for skyline views.

Evening: Walk across the illuminated Rainbow Bridge and capture the glittering Tokyo Tower.

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Day 5: Ghibli Museum & Nakano

Morning: Reserve tickets for the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, exploring the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli.

Afternoon: Travel to Nakano Broadway, a treasure trove of rare manga, figurines and vintage collectibles.

Evening: Return to Shinjuku, relax at a sentō bathhouse and sample yakitori on Omoide Yokocho.

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Day 6: Travel to Hakone – Onsen Relaxation

Morning: Take the Romancecar to Hakone, enjoying views of the Sagami Bay coastline.

Afternoon: Ride the Hakone Ropeway for vistas of Mount Fuji, then cruise on Lake Ashi.

Evening: Unwind in a traditional ryokan onsen, savor a kaiseki dinner and soak under the stars.

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Day 7: Mount Fuji Exploration

Morning: Board a bus to the iconic 5th Station of Mount Fuji, snap photos and enjoy the alpine air.

Afternoon: Descend to Lake Kawaguchi, rent a bike around the lake and visit the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum.

Evening: Return to Hakone, relax in your onsen and reflect on the day's breathtaking scenery.

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Day 8: Travel to Osaka – Dotonbori Arrival

Morning: Board the Shinkansen to Osaka, marveling at the speed of the Nozomi service.

Afternoon: Check into a hotel in Namba, then wander the bustling streets of Dotonbori and sample takoyaki.

Evening: Enjoy the neon lights along the canal, dine at a okonomiyaki restaurant, and soak in Osaka’s energetic vibe.

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Day 9: Den Den Town & Osaka Castle

Morning: Explore Nipponbashi (Den Den Town), Osaka’s answer to Akihabara, hunting for anime merch and retro games.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Osaka Castle, stroll its park and learn about samurai heritage.

Evening: Ascend the Umeda Sky Building observatory for a panoramic city view, then dine in the nearby Horie district.

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Day 10: Universal Studios Japan – Anime Attractions

Morning: Arrive early at Universal Studios Japan to beat the crowds, head straight to the Super Nintendo World zone.

Afternoon: Experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the limited‑time Anime × USJ collaboration rides.

Evening: Watch the dazzling night parade before returning to your hotel for a restful night.

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Day 11: Day Trip to Nara

Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara, visit the massive Tōdai‑ji Temple and its Great Buddha.

Afternoon: Feed the friendly deer in Nara Park, then explore the tranquil Kasuga Taisha shrine.

Evening: Return to Osaka, enjoy a river‑side dinner in the Tempozan area.

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Day 12: Travel to Kyoto – Gion Evening

Morning: Ride the Shinkansen to Kyoto, check into a machiya‑style guesthouse.

Afternoon: Walk the historic Philosopher’s Path and visit Ginkaku‑ji (Silver Pavilion).

Evening: Stroll through the atmospheric Gion district, spotting geisha and enjoying tea at a traditional house.

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Day 13: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu‑dera

Morning: Climb the endless torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, taking in panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Visit the wooden marvel Kiyomizu‑dera, sip matcha at its famous veranda, and explore nearby Sannen‑zaka lanes.

Evening: Dine in the historic Pontocho alley, sampling kaiseki cuisine.

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Day 14: Arashiyama & Nishiki Market

Morning: Travel to Arashiyama, wander the iconic Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryū‑ji Temple.

Afternoon: Feed the monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park, then return to central Kyoto for a food tour at Nishiki Market.

Evening: Relax at a riverside bar along the Kamo River, watching lanterns reflect on the water.

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Day 15: Manga & Technology Museums

Morning: Dive into the Kyoto International Manga Museum, browsing rare manga volumes and attending a workshop.

Afternoon: Explore the nearby Kyoto Railway Museum for interactive train simulators and historic locomotives.

Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner in the Kiyamachi area, trying local izakaya specialties.

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Day 16: Travel to Hiroshima – Peace Park

Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, check into a centrally located hotel.

Afternoon: Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum.

Evening: Sample Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki at a local eatery, then stroll the illuminated waterfront.

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Day 17: Miyajima Island

Morning: Catch a ferry to Miyajima Island, marvel at the floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine.

Afternoon: Ride the ropeway to Mount Misen for breathtaking views, then explore the island’s friendly deer.

Evening: Return to Hiroshima, enjoy a quiet night in the hotel or explore the Hondōri Shopping Arcade.

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Day 18: Hiroshima Castle & Shukkeien Garden

Morning: Tour the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle, learning about the city’s feudal past.

Afternoon: Wander the tranquil Shukkeien Garden, then visit the Hiroshima Museum of Art for modern masterpieces.

Evening: Dine on fresh oysters at a waterfront restaurant and enjoy a nightcap at a local bar.

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Day 19: Return to Tokyo – Shinjuku Nightlife

Morning: Board the Shinkansen back to Tokyo, arriving around midday.

Afternoon: Check into a hotel near Shinjuku, relax, and explore the nearby Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Evening: Experience the bustling nightlife of Golden Gai and sip cocktails in tiny themed bars.

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Day 20: Odaiba Shopping & Akihabara Night

Morning: Return to Odaiba for last‑minute tech shopping at Aqua City and DiverCity.

Afternoon: Visit the life‑size Gundam Statue and relax at the seaside park.

Evening: End the trip with a late‑night stroll through Akihabara, picking up any final anime collectibles.

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Day 21: Departure from Tokyo

Morning: Pack belongings, enjoy a final Japanese breakfast of rice balls and miso soup.

Afternoon: Transfer to Haneda Airport via limousine bus, completing check‑in and duty‑free shopping.

Evening: Board the flight home, carrying memories of anime, technology, and timeless culture.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Round‑trip flight London–Tokyo – 12 h – £850
  • Japan Rail Pass (21 days, ordinary) – 21 days – £460
  • Accommodation (average £120/night) – 20 nights – £2,400
  • Ghibli Museum ticket – 2 h – £12
  • teamLab Borderless entry – 2 h – £22
  • Miraikan Museum – 2 h – £10
  • Mount Fuji 5th Station tour – 4 h – £35
  • Universal Studios Japan (2‑day pass) – 2 days – £110
  • Kyoto International Manga Museum – 3 h – £8
  • Kyoto Railway Museum – 3 h – £9
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum – 3 h – £5
  • Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima) – 4 h – £8
  • Osaka Castle entry – 2 h – £6
  • Umeda Sky Building observation deck – 1 h – £9
  • Local meals (average £30/day) – 21 days – £630
  • Transportation within cities (metro, buses) – 21 days – £150
  • Miscellaneous souvenirs & fees – – £200
  • Total Estimated Cost: £5,274

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the Mount Fuji side‑trip and one full day in Kyoto; this will still let you hit the major anime and cultural sites while saving around £600 on accommodation and transport. To extend the adventure, add a two‑day visit to the Kansai region’s lesser‑known anime hotspot of Kobe and a night in the hot‑spring town of Kinosaki Onsen, which will enrich your cultural experience and add roughly £400 to the budget.

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