Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Japan with Nintendo World

  • Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
    From Narita International Airport, take the train to Shinjuku station (1 hour, $25 AUD)

    Welcome to Tokyo! Start your trip by experiencing the bustling street of Shinjuku. Stroll around the city and try local restaurants as you adapt to the Japanese lifestyle.

  • Day 2: Senso-ji Temple
    From Shinjuku station, take the train to Asakusa station (30 minutes, $5 AUD)

    Immerse yourself in Japanese history while visiting Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and most iconic temple in Tokyo. Far from the neon of Shinjuku, the temple exudes calm and spirituality.

  • Day 3: Shibuya Crossing and Harajuku
    From Asakusa station, take the train to Shibuya station (30 minutes, $5 AUD)

    Experience the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world and the center of Tokyo's youth culture at Shibuya Crossing. Then, head to Harajuku to explore the quirky shops and fashionable atmosphere.

  • Day 4-6: Kyoto
    From Shibuya station, take the train to Kyoto station (2.5 hours, $130 AUD)

    Welcome to the heart of traditional Japan. Take your time exploring the stunning temples and shrines, picturesque streets and gardens, and enjoy the serene atmosphere that Kyoto offers.

  • Day 7-8: Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
    From Kyoto station, take the train to Hiroshima station (2 hours, $90 AUD)

    Visit the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, an important site that explores the devastation of the atomic bomb. Then, enjoy the pristine beauty of Miyajima Island with its famous Itsukushima Shrine and friendly deer.

  • Day 9-11: Osaka
    From Hiroshima station, take the train to Shin-Osaka station (2 hours, $80 AUD)

    Experience the energy and excitement of Osaka, home to Osaka Castle and Dotonbori, a famous street filled with restaurants, shops, and attractions. Be sure to try the famous street food, too!

  • Day 12-13: Hakone
    From Shin-Osaka station, take the train to Odawara station (3 hours, $120 AUD)

    Get away from the city and enjoy the natural scenery of Hakone. Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi and relax in an onsen, a traditional hot spring bath.

  • Day 14: Tokyo DisneySea and Disney Resort
    From Odawara station, take the train to Maihama station (1.5 hours, $20 AUD)

    Spend the day at the Tokyo Disney Resort, home to two theme parks. Check out DisneySea, a unique and beautifully designed park for a perfect ending of your Japan trip.

  • Day 15: Nintendo World and Akihabara
    From Maihama station, take the train to Akihabara station (30 minutes, $5 AUD)

    Finish your cultural immersion by visiting the iconic Nintendo World. Located in Akihabara, the mecca of Japanese pop culture, be sure to experience the exciting gaming world and shop for exclusive Nintendo products.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tokyo Skytree ($40 AUD, 2 hours)
  • Ghibli Museum ($15 AUD, 3 hours)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (Free, 2 hours)
  • Nara Park (Free, 3 hours)
  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan ($40 AUD, 3 hours)
  • Robot Restaurant ($70 AUD, 2 hours)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $370 AUD

Transportation

Japan offers an extensive transportation system, including trains, buses, and subway systems. Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass is a great way to save money if you plan to travel across different parts of the country. For short term travel, you can purchase a Pasmo or Suica card for easy commuting. Taxis are also readily available but can be quite expensive.

Estimated transportation cost for this itinerary: $550 AUD and 30 hours total travel time.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Northern Japan for the beautiful natural scenery and Sapporo's famous beer festival. If you have less time, skip Hiroshima or Hakone to shorten the itinerary. Alternatively, you can opt only for Tokyo and Kyoto to merge the classic and modern Japanese experience in a shorter period. Finally, learn a few basic Japanese phrases and customs to communicate effectively and show respect for their culture.

Airports

The main airports in Tokyo are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Narita Airport is farther from the city center, but it connects to more international flights. Haneda Airport is closer to the city center, and most domestic flights operate from there. Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) is another massive airport, especially for international flights.

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