Japan 11-Day Itinerary: Nagano, Kyoto, Osaka (USJ) & Tokyo — Apr 10–20, 2026 (7‑day Hokuriku Arch Pass)

Nagano · Friday, April 10, 2026

Arrival in Narita and transfer to Nagano — Start Hokuriku Arch Pass

Morning:

After arriving in Narita and activating your Hokuriku Arch Pass, take the morning to catch a limited express or shinkansen connection toward Nagano; enjoy coffee and a light breakfast at Narita Airport Terminal 2 Cafe before boarding. On the train, unwind with views of the Kanto countryside and plan your first evening in Nagano by reading up on Zenko-ji's history and mapping your route from Nagano Station to your hotel.

Afternoon:

After checking into your Nagano hotel, stroll to Nagara River Promenade for a relaxing riverside walk and seasonal sakura views, then stop at Kobayashi Coffee for a late-afternoon matcha latte and local sweets. As dusk approaches, explore the atmospheric alleyways around Higashiyama District-perfect for discovering small craft shops and trying a warm bowl of local soba at Matsushiro Soba before returning to your hotel to rest for the next day's temple visits.

Evening:

Settle into your hotel, then head out to sample Nagano's izakaya scene with a relaxed dinner at Tetsujin Nagano for charcoal-grilled skewers and local sake tasting flights. After dinner, take a peaceful night stroll to Joyama Park for illuminated city views and, if open, stop by Nagano City Library Cafe for a quiet dessert and tea before returning to your room to rest up for tomorrow's temple explorations.

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Nagano · Saturday, April 11, 2026

Explore Nagano — Zenko-ji and local sights

Morning:

Begin your morning with a peaceful stroll through Zenko-ji Temple's outer gardens before joining an early guided visit to see the hidden Buddha replica and the atmospheric inner sanctum; then walk to nearby Zenko-ji Nakamise Street for a snack of freshly made oyaki and roasted chestnuts from local vendors. Afterward, cross the river to explore the leafy Matsushiro Castle Town area-visit the reconstructed samurai residences and the Matsushiro Underground Imperial HQ museum for a compact, fascinating dive into regional history before returning to Nagano Station for a leisurely lunch.

Afternoon:

Wander through the serene grounds of Chausuyama Park for panoramic city views and seasonal flowers, then descend to the bustling Nakamise-dori Shopping Arcade near the station to sample grilled miso dango and browse traditional crafts. In late afternoon, visit the hands-on Nagano City Museum of Art for contemporary exhibitions and finish with a relaxing footbath and local cider tasting at Yudanaka Onsen Foot Spa Corner before returning to your hotel to freshen up for dinner.

Evening:

As dusk falls, enjoy a traditional kaiseki-style dinner at Kappo Takahashi, where seasonal Shinshu ingredients are presented in artful small plates paired with local sake. Afterward, wander the lantern-lit lanes to Matsukawa Onsen for a restorative soak (many ryokan offer public-entry options), then finish the night with a sweet stop at Patisserie Kuraya for a delicate matcha mille-feuille before returning to your hotel.

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Nagano · Sunday, April 12, 2026

Day trip around Nagano / nearby attractions

Morning:

Catch an early express toward the scenic town of Togakushi and start with a refreshing walk along the cedar-lined approach to Togakushi Shrine (Lower Shrine), then continue uphill to explore the atmospheric forest trail toward the Togakushi Ninja Museum, where interactive exhibits and a short ninja skills demo make for playful learning. Afterward, refuel with a hearty plate of handmade Togakushi soba at Kita-an before wandering the nearby mountain paths for panoramic views of the Nagano basin.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, take a short train or bus to Obuse to wander the charming streets lined with merchant houses and visit the intimate Hokusai Museum to see ukiyo-e works and local art; pause at Kuriya no Sato for chestnut sweets and a restorative cup of hōjicha. Later, cycle along the Shinano River Bike Path toward the riverside vineyards, stopping at Maruoka Winery for a tasting of local wines and a light plate of Shinshu cheeses before returning to Nagano with gentle golden-hour scenery to carry into the evening.

Evening:

Return to Nagano and unwind with a sake-pairing dinner at Sanshu Sakaba, where a knowledgeable server guides you through local Shinshu brews matched with pickled vegetables and mountain mushrooms. After dinner, wander the atmospheric lantern-lit lane to Gofuku-dori for late-night street snacks and artisanal sweets, then finish with a quiet nightcap at the cozy jazz bar Bar Roots near the station for a mellow end to your day of exploration.

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Kyoto · Monday, April 13, 2026

Travel Nagano → Kyoto (check out and rail transfer)

Morning:

After an early check-out, catch a Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano and enjoy coffee and pastries at Ekinaka Café Nagano before boarding; the smooth ride gives you time to read up on Kyoto neighborhoods and reserve an afternoon check-in if needed. Arriving in Kyoto mid-morning, store luggage at Kyoto Station Coin Lockers, then stroll to the nearby To-ji Temple grounds to admire the five-story pagoda and a peaceful morning market of antiques and seasonal snacks, ending with a light lunch of yudofu at a nearby shojin-ryori eatery to ease into Kansai flavors.

Afternoon:

After arriving and stowing luggage, ease into Kyoto's tempo with a relaxing stroll through Nishiki Market to sample fresh yuba snacks and sweet tamago-yaki from family stalls, then sip a slow-roasted coffee at the nearby specialty shop %Arabica Kyoto Nishiki. Continue on foot to the atmospheric Pontocho Alley riverside stretch for an early evening preview of Kyoto nightlife-watch geisha activity from a riverside bench and reserve a riverside table at Pontocho Yakiniku (or a nearby tofu kaiseki spot) for a gentle first Kansai dinner before checking into your hotel.

Evening:

After checking in and freshening up, wander to the riverside Kamo River promenade for a relaxed sunset stroll where locals picnic and street musicians often play; stop at Ippodo Tea Room (Kyoto branch) for a calming bowl of matcha and wagashi while watching the river glow. For dinner, head into the atmospheric Kiyamachi Street and enjoy yakitori and local sake at Torito, then finish the night with a craft cocktail at the intimate speakeasy L'Escamoteur for a cozy Kyoto evening before returning to your hotel.

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Kyoto → Osaka / Kyoto base
Osaka / Kyoto base · Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Full day at Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Morning:

Start early with a quick transfer from Kyoto to Universal-City Station, then beat the crowds by joining the timed entry line for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ to sip a butterbeer and experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey; grab a light snack at Three Broomsticks before heading to Minion Park for playful photo ops. Next, reserve a Virtual Line or single-rider slot for The Flying Dinosaur in Jurassic Park and recharge with a savory takoyaki breakfast at Parkside Grill while planning afternoon shows and Express Pass priorities.

Afternoon:

After a morning of headliner rides, relax with a late-lunch reservation at Mel's Drive-In before exploring the park's show lineup; catch the dynamic stunt show at WaterWorld and then wander to Universal Wonderland for gentler rides and cute character meet-and-greets. As the afternoon wanes, grab an iconic park snack like the flame-grilled turkey leg from Discovery Food Court, reserve a timed photo at the colorful Minion Park Stage, and scout evening parade viewing spots near Hollywood Dream - The Ride for prime sightlines.

Evening:

After the park closes, take the short walk to Universal CityWalk Osaka for dinner and lively street performances, choosing from izakaya-style eats at Tavern on the Park or kushikatsu at Daruma for a true Osaka flavor. Finish the night with a riverside drink at The Park Front Hotel's Rooftop Bar to review highlights of the day and plan tomorrow's quieter Kyoto temples before returning to your Kyoto base by late-night train.

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Osaka / Kyoto base → Kyoto
Kyoto · Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Explore Kyoto — temples, Gion, Arashiyama

Morning:

Wake early and wander the mossy pathways of Saiho-ji (Koke-dera)-book ahead for the morning reservation, join the brief temple ritual, and enjoy the tranquil gardens with tea served on-site; afterward, head to Katsura Imperial Villa for a guided stroll through refined stroll gardens and classical architecture that showcase Kyoto's imperial design sensibility. Finish the morning with a riverside coffee and light Kyoto-style sandwich at Saryo Tsujiri (Arashiyama branch) before crossing to explore the scenic foothills and bamboo fringes nearby.

Afternoon:

After a morning in mossy gardens and imperial grounds, cross to the Sagano area to rent a bicycle and follow the riverside toward Okochi Sanso Garden, where you can stroll the hillside tea gardens and enjoy a matcha set with panoramic views. Continue along the Hozu River to board a short scenic Hozugawa River Boat ride (seasonal) for gentle rapids and valley scenery, then finish the afternoon with a visit to Randen Arashiyama Station-browse nearby craft shops and sample freshly grilled sweet potato or yuzu treats from street stalls before returning to Gion for evening plans.

Evening:

As lanterns come alive, follow a food-focused walk through Pontocho Alley sampling yuba croquettes and tempura at small izakaya counters before pausing for a riverside drink at Kamo River Terrace to watch locals unwind. Later, join an intimate evening cultural program at Gion Corner to see condensed performances of tea ceremony, kyogen and maiko dances, then end the night with handcrafted wagashi and a pot of sencha at the serene teahouse Ippodo Soho (Gion branch) or a nearby cozy café.

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Kyoto → Tokyo / Transit to Narita
Tokyo / Transit to Narita · Thursday, April 16, 2026

Travel Kyoto → Tokyo (check out and transfer); note flight timing

Morning:

Pack and check out early, then stroll once more through Nishiki Market's quieter stalls for a final bite of Kyoto-style tamago and fresh yuba before retrieving luggage at Kyoto Station; enjoy a coffee at The Canteen Kyoto on the station concourse while you confirm seat reservations. Board a mid-morning shinkansen toward Tokyo, and upon arrival leave your larger bags in a Tokyo Station coin locker to take a light, refreshing walk through the nearby Marunouchi Naka-dori tree-lined avenue, ducking into Kitte for panoramic rooftop views and a quick bento if you prefer to eat before onward transfer to Narita.

Afternoon:

After dropping luggage at Tokyo Station coin lockers, stroll to the nearby Imperial Palace East Gardens for a calm post-travel walk among manicured lawns and historical stonework, then head to Marunouchi Brick Square for a relaxed lunch at a bistro terrace overlooking the renovated red-brick architecture. Later, take a scenic JR or Narita Express ride toward Narita and pause en route at AEON Mall Narita for last-minute souvenirs and a light snack of fresh melonpan before checking into your Narita-area hotel and preparing for your early flight.

Evening:

After arriving in the Narita area and checking into your airport hotel, enjoy a relaxed riverside stroll along Sakura River Promenade where local izakayas light paper lanterns in the evening; pause at Narita Yokocho for small-plate tasting of yakitori and kushikatsu in a lively, retro-food-stall atmosphere. Finish with a leisurely nightcap and panoramic runway views at Hotel Nikko Narita's Sky Lounge (or your hotel's equivalent) to review the trip highlights and set alarms for your early morning transfer to the airport for the 11:00 flight.

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Tokyo / Transit to Narita → Tokyo
Tokyo · Friday, April 17, 2026

Full day at Tokyo Disneyland

Morning:

Start your magic morning by arriving at Tokyo Disneyland before park opening to join the rope drop and head straight for World Bazaar to grab a specialty coffee and Mickey-themed breakfast bun at Grand Emporium Café; this gives you prime access to ride Pooh's Hunny Hunt with minimal wait. Afterward, stroll to Fantasyland to enjoy Peter Pan's Flight and meet classic characters near Castle Mall, then reserve a timed slot for the popular Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast so you can relax over a mid-morning snack of fresh popcorn from the themed carts while planning the afternoon parade viewing spot.

Afternoon:

After a character-filled morning, drift to Toontown for playful meet-and-greets and take a leisurely ride on Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, then enjoy a themed lunch at Cafe Mickey to refuel with hearty sandwiches and character desserts. Later, settle into a prime spot near Adventureland's parade route to watch the afternoon procession, then explore the immersive Westernland shops for unique souvenirs and a ride on Mark Twain Riverboat as the golden light softens the park for evening entertainment.

Evening:

As dusk deepens, find a cozy riverside spot along Westernland Waterfront to watch the evening illumination show, then drift to Cinderella Castle Plaza for the castle projection mapping and fireworks-grab a hot Disney-themed snack from Sweetheart Confections en route. After the show, head toward Ikspiari near Maihama Station for a relaxed late dinner at Bubby's (American comfort food) or sushi at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi, followed by a stroll through Ikspiari Plaza for souvenir window-shopping before returning to your Tokyo base.

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Tokyo · Saturday, April 18, 2026

Tokyo sightseeing — central Tokyo highlights

Morning:

Begin with a sunrise stroll through the elegant plazas of Hibiya Park, then cross into the nearby Marunouchi area for a coffee and pastry at the stylish Marunouchi Brick Square Café while admiring the modern-meets-historic architecture. From there, walk to Tokyo Station Gallery for a compact dose of design and railway history, then board the Marunouchi Line for a short ride to Ginza Six to browse high-end boutiques and sample seasonal wagashi at Toraya Ginza before lunch - a smooth, central Tokyo start that follows your earlier Marunouchi/Imperial Garden visit and preps you for afternoon neighborhoods.

Afternoon:

After a morning in Hibiya and Ginza, head east to the creative backstreets of Kagurazaka for a leisurely lunch at a charming bistro and to browse independent artisan shops; don't miss a matcha parfait at Akagi Café tucked into a quiet alley. Continue with a calm cultural stop at Sengaku-ji to see the graves of the 47 ronin, then ride the Toei Oedo Line to Roppongi Hills for panoramic city views from the Tokyo City View observation deck and an early-evening visit to the contemporary galleries at Mori Art Museum.

Evening:

As evening falls, head to the historic Asakusa riverside for a twilight stroll along the Sumida and enjoy views of the illuminated Senso-ji pagoda from across the water, then board a short Tokyo Cruise at Sumida River Line (Asakusa Pier) for city lights and bridges. After the cruise, dine at the nearby Edo-kappo Nakamura for seasonal, Edo-style small plates paired with local craft sake, and finish with a rooftop drink and skyline panorama at Asakusa View Hotel Sky Lounge to reflect on the day's highlights before returning to your hotel.

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Tokyo · Sunday, April 19, 2026

Additional Tokyo exploration or shopping

Morning:

Begin with a relaxed designer-hunt in Daikanyama T-Site, browsing curated bookstores and boutique fashion labels before sipping a slow-brew coffee at Sarutahiko Coffee on the terrace; then wander the nearby lanes to discover independent homeware shops like Log-On and artisan stationery at Nakabayashi. Mid-morning, stroll into Ebisu Garden Place to visit the Yebisu Beer Museum for a short self-guided tasting and rooftop views, finishing with a light lunch of seasonal tapas at Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musee to recharge for afternoon explorations.

Afternoon:

Wander the stylish backstreets of Shimokitazawa for vintage-clothing hunting and stop at cozy record shops like Flamingo before enjoying a late-afternoon coffee and homemade cake at the leafy Bear Pond Espresso. Then head to nearby Setagaya Park for a relaxing riverside bench break and finish with a browse through the design-focused shops at Cat Street in Harajuku for unique stationery and boutique souvenirs to round out your Tokyo shopping day.

Evening:

As twilight falls, wander the neon-soaked backstreets of Kabukichō for lively street photography and a stop at Robot Restaurant Reimagined (or similar techno-show venue) for an energetic evening spectacle; then stroll to nearby Golden Gai to hop between tiny themed bars and sample local craft sakes in intimate, character-filled rooms. Finish the night with a late supper of oden and charcoal-grilled skewers at Omoide Yokocho near Shinjuku Station, soaking in old-Tokyo atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

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Tokyo → Narita / Tokyo
Narita / Tokyo · Monday, April 20, 2026

Departure from Narita to Jakarta (flight at 11:00)

Morning:

Rise early and take a short taxi or hotel shuttle to Narita Airport Terminal 1 Sakura Lounge (or your airline's check-in counter) to complete baggage drop and security with time to spare; enjoy a calming cup of coffee and a light onigiri from Tabi Cafe while reviewing your boarding pass and passport. If you have a little extra time after security, stroll the duty-free concourse to pick up last-minute snacks at JALUX Shop or a boxed souvenir set from Nippon Souvenir Corner, then head to your gate for boarding to Jakarta with relaxed confidence.

Afternoon:

Since your flight departs mid-morning, use the afternoon before travel to relax and regroup at AEON Mall Narita where you can pick up last-minute snacks, try a seasonal melonpan, and browse gift shops for omiyage; stop by KALDI Coffee Farm for imported treats and a quick coffee. If your schedule allows a light excursion earlier in the day, stroll the historic lanes around Naritasan Omotesando to visit craft shops and enjoy a calming bowl of unagi at Unagidokoro Nodaiwa before returning to the airport hotel to finish packing and catch your transfer to the terminal.

Evening:

If you arrive the night before, settle into a calm pre-flight routine with a light stroll through Narita Airport Garden (inside Terminal 2) to enjoy quiet greenery and late-night bench seating, then savor a soothing bowl of soba at Soba Kyotatsu near the terminal for a final Japanese comfort meal. Finish with a relaxed drink and panoramic runway view at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Observation Deck Café (open late) while checking flight alerts and setting alarms for your morning transfer back through security.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Narita Airport Terminal 2 Cafe¥800
Limited express / Shinkansen (Narita → Nagano) using Hokuriku Arch PassFree
Zenko-jiFree
Nagara River PromenadeFree
Kobayashi Coffee (matcha latte & sweets)¥700
Higashiyama District (walking & shopping)Free
Matsushiro Soba (dinner bowl of soba)¥1,200
Tetsujin Nagano (izakaya dinner)¥3,000
Joyama Park (night stroll)Free
Nagano City Library Cafe (dessert & tea)¥600
Zenko-ji guided inner sanctum visit (typical donation/fee)¥500
Oyaki / street snacks at Zenko-ji Nakamise Street¥400
Matsushiro Castle Town (entry to samurai residences / museum)¥700
Matsushiro Underground Imperial HQ museum¥500
Chausuyama ParkFree
Nagano City Museum of Art¥500
Yudanaka Onsen Foot Spa Corner (public footbath)Free
Kappo Takahashi (kaiseki-style dinner)¥6,000
Matsukawa Onsen (public entry to ryokan bath)¥1,000
Patisserie Kuraya (matcha mille-feuille dessert)¥700
Togakushi Shrine (lower) - approach walkFree
Togakushi Ninja Museum (entry & demo)¥800
Kita-an (Togakushi soba meal)¥1,200
Obuse town strollFree
Hokusai Museum (Obuse)¥300
Kuriya no Sato (chestnut sweets & hōjicha)¥600
Shinano River Bike Path / Maruoka Winery tasting¥1,000
Sanshu Sakaba (sake-pairing dinner)¥3,500
Gofuku-dori (street snacks)¥600
Bar Roots (jazz bar drink)¥1,000
Ekinaka Café Nagano (coffee & pastry)¥700
Hokuriku Shinkansen (Nagano → Kyoto) using Hokuriku Arch PassFree
Kyoto Station Coin Lockers¥500
To-ji Temple (grounds & market)Free
Shojin-ryori yudofu lunch¥1,800
Nishiki Market sampling (yuba, tamago-yaki)¥1,200
%Arabica Kyoto Nishiki (coffee)¥600
Pontocho Alley (riverside preview)Free
Pontocho Yakiniku (early dinner)¥3,500
Kamo River promenade (matcha at Ippodo Tea Room)¥800
Torito (yakitori dinner)¥2,500
L'Escamoteur (craft cocktail)¥1,500
Universal Studios Japan - Park ticket (1-day)¥9,400
Universal Express Pass (recommended - per person)¥6,000
Three Broomsticks (butterbeer & snack)¥1,200
Parkside Grill (breakfast/snack)¥800
Mel's Drive-In (late lunch)¥1,500
WaterWorld stunt show (included in park ticket)Free
Discovery Food Court (turkey leg snack)¥900
Universal CityWalk Osaka dinner (Daruma kushikatsu)¥2,000
The Park Front Hotel Rooftop Bar (drink)¥1,200
Saiho-ji (Koke-dera) reservation & entry¥1,000
Katsura Imperial Villa guided entry (reservation fee)¥1,000
Saryo Tsujiri (coffee / matcha set)¥800
Bicycle rental (Sagano / Arashiyama)¥1,000
Okochi Sanso Garden (entry & matcha set)¥1,200
Hozugawa River Boat (seasonal)¥3,300
Randen Arashiyama Station area snacks¥500
Pontocho Alley food walk (yuba croquettes / tempura)¥2,000
Gion Corner (evening cultural program)¥3,000
Ippodo Soho (Gion branch) - wagashi & sencha¥800
Kyoto → Tokyo Shinkansen (mid-morning) - standard fare (not covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass)¥13,000
Tokyo Station coin locker¥500
Marunouchi Naka-dori / Kitte rooftop (viewing)Free
Imperial Palace East GardensFree
Marunouchi Brick Square lunch (bistro)¥2,000
Narita Express (Tokyo → Narita) - not covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass¥3,000
AEON Mall Narita (souvenirs/snacks)¥1,200
Narita-area hotel (overnight near airport) - per person (shared twin cost estimate)¥6,000
Narita Yokocho (yakitori & kushikatsu tasting)¥2,000
Hotel Nikko Narita Sky Lounge (drink / runway view)¥1,200
Tokyo Disneyland - 1-day ticket¥9,400
Cafe Mickey (themed lunch)¥2,500
Grand Emporium Café (Mickey-themed breakfast bun & coffee)¥800
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (timed entry included in park ticket)Free
Mark Twain Riverboat (ride - included in park ticket)Free
Ikspiari dinner (Bubby's or Uogashi Nihon-Ichi)¥2,500
Hibiya Park (sunrise stroll)Free
Marunouchi Brick Square Café (coffee & pastry)¥800
Tokyo Station Gallery¥300
Ginza Six / Toraya Ginza (wagashi)¥800
Kagurazaka bistro lunch¥2,000
Sengaku-ji (visit)Free
Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills observation deck)¥2,000
Mori Art Museum (evening visit)¥1,800
Asakusa / Senso-ji (twilight stroll)Free
Sumida River Line (Tokyo Cruise - Asakusa Pier)¥1,600
Edo-kappo Nakamura (dinner)¥3,000
Asakusa View Hotel Sky Lounge (drink)¥1,200
Daikanyama T-Site (bookstore & browsing)Free
Sarutahiko Coffee (coffee)¥600
Yebisu Beer Museum (self-guided tasting)¥500
Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musee (lunch)¥2,500
Shimokitazawa vintage shoppingFree
Bear Pond Espresso (coffee & cake)¥800
Setagaya Park (relaxing break)Free
Cat Street (Harajuku shopping)Free
Kabukichō street photographyFree
Golden Gai (bar-hopping - 2 drinks)¥2,000
Omoide Yokocho (late supper - oden & skewers)¥1,800
Narita Airport Terminal 1 Sakura Lounge (access fee if pay-in)¥2,000
Tabi Cafe (onigiri & coffee)¥700
JALUX Shop (duty-free snacks)¥1,000
Unagidokoro Nodaiwa (unagi bowl at Naritasan Omotesando)¥2,500
Narita Airport Garden (Terminal 2 indoor stroll)Free
Soba Kyotatsu (final soba meal)¥1,200
Narita Airport Terminal 1 Observation Deck Café (drink)¥800
Estimated Total (per person)¥122,200
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