Tech & Gaming Focused Two-Week Japan Summer Trip: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka with Cat Café and Modern Experiences

Day 1: Travel & Shibuya Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on August 23, 2025

6:00pm

Flight Jersey to Tokyo

Depart Jersey late evening with flights connecting through European hubs to Tokyo Narita or Haneda.
Approx GBP700 per person round trip, 14h00m (including layovers)
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Day 2: Tokyo Arrival & Shibuya

Tokyo, Japan on August 24, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Tokyo; transfer to hotel in gaming-friendly Shibuya or Akihabara area for easy gaming & tech district access.
Train/bus approx GBP15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing & Gaming Store

Experience vibrant Shibuya Crossing, then visit SEGA Shibuya for classic and new arcade gaming excitement.
Free entry; games pay per play, 2h00m

7:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Tech-savvy conveyor belt sushi introduces fun, fast dining with a futuristic touch.
GBP15, 1h00m
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Day 3: Akihabara Gaming & Cat Café

Tokyo, Japan on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Lumine Shinjuku

Start with classic fusion breakfast near transport for easy city access.
GBP20, 1h00m

9:30am

Akihabara Electronics & Gaming District

Explore electronics shops, retro and modern game stores, and immersive VR game centers.
Free entry; optional game costs, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gundam Café Akihabara

Eat at the themed café dedicated to the legendary mecha anime and gaming giant.
GBP25, 1h00m

1:30pm

Visit Cat Café MoCHA Akihabara

Relax with friendly cats in a beautiful modern environment after gaming exploration.
GBP10 per hr, 1h30m

3:30pm

VR Zone Shinjuku

Immerse in high tech, cutting-edge VR games, simulators, and futuristic entertainment.
GBP25, 2h00m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shinjuku

Enjoy individualized booth dining with rich tonkotsu ramen for focus and flavor.
GBP12, 1h00m
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Day 4: Tokyo Skytree & Odaiba

Tokyo, Japan on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Onibus Coffee Nakameguro

Enjoy hand-crafted coffee and light pastries in a hip neighborhood.
GBP10, 1h00m

9:30am

Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple [Brief Visit]

Quick cultural stop to see iconic temple entrance and shopping street for souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Travel to Tokyo Skytree

Head to Tokyo Skytree for afternoon views.
Train approx GBP5, 1h00m

12:00pm

Lunch and Observatory at Tokyo Skytree

Dine at Skytree’s high-floor restaurant with sweeping city views, then explore the observatory decks (open 8:00am–10:00pm).
JPY2100 (~GBP13) + GBP50, 3h30m

4:00pm

TeamLab Planets (Optional, shorter visit)

Visit this immersive digital art tech exhibit if time and mood allow for high-tech but less traditional art.
JPY3200 (~GBP20), 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy classic grilled Japanese dishes in this iconic setting with modern vibes.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Shinjuku & Ikebukuro Gaming

Tokyo, Japan on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brot by David Myers

European style pastries energize your day in Omotesando area.
GBP22, 1h00m

9:30am

Shinjuku’s VR and Arcade Centers

Discover state-of-the-art gaming centers and arcades including VR Park Tokyo.
GBP25, 2h00m

12:00pm

Lunch at Butagumi Tonkatsu

Enjoy rare Japanese pork in a warm but modern venue.
GBP30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Ikebukuro Sunshine City & Sega Arcade

Check out one of Tokyo's biggest gaming arcades and high-tech entertainment centers.
Free entry; games pay to play, 3h00m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ninja Akasaka

Experience futuristic dining with ninja-themed interactive entertainment and technology-enhanced service.
GBP45, 1h30m
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Day 6: Odaiba Tech Playground

Tokyo, Japan on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Odaiba

Wake up with bay views and contemporary fusion breakfast.
GBP25, 1h00m

9:30am

Explore Odaiba Electronic and Gaming Spots

Visit high-tech entertainment like Joypolis (Sega arcade), teamLab Borderless (digital art playground), and Digital Media Museum.
Joypolis approx GBP25 entrance, 5h00m

3:30pm

Relax at Oedo Onsen Monogatari

Unwind at this Edo-period themed hot spring facility with futuristic touches for a modern Japanese-offbeat experience.
JPY2500 (~GBP15), 2h00m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ramen Museum or Floor Food Courts

Sample various ramen styles in a lively, tech-themed space before heading back.
GBP20, 1h30m
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Day 7: Gamer Districts & Ikebukuro

Tokyo, Japan on August 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Flipper's Pancakes Shimokitazawa

Enjoy the famous soufflé pancakes before exploring vintage shops.
GBP18, 1h00m

10:00am

Shimokitazawa Walk & Game Shops

Visit retro gaming shops and hipster cafés in this relaxed district.
Free entry, games optional, 2h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Kissa Sakaiki

Experience specialty kissaten coffee culture with light meals.
GBP15, 1h00m

2:00pm

Return to Ikebukuro for More Gaming

Dive into multi-floor mega-arcades such as SEGA or Taito Station with extensive offerings of modern and classic games.
Free entry, games pay, 3h00m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Ikebukuro

Final ramen meal with unique booth seating for immersive flavor focus.
GBP12, 1h00m
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Day 8: Day Trip Hakone (Optional)

Tokyo - Hakone, Japan on August 30, 2025

7:00am

Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone

Optional scenic escape by train for hot springs and nature, suitable if desired break from tech focus.
JPY2000 (~GBP12), 1h30m

9:00am

Hakone Open-Air Museum or Alternate Tech Stop

Visit outdoors art space or for a pure tech day opt for Yodobashi Akiba for electronics shopping in Tokyo instead.
JPY1600 or free, 2h00m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gora Brewery & Grill or local Oedo Onsen restaurant

Relaxed dining at brewery or onsen if Hakone chosen, or local Tokyo ramen otherwise.
GBP25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Return from Hakone or spend afternoon in Tokyo gaming hub.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Harajuku & Takeshita Street Gaming

Tokyo, Japan on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Start with ricotta pancakes in trendy area.
GBP22, 1h00m

9:30am

Takeshita Street & VR Gaming Spots

Explore eccentric fashion and pop culture alongside AR and VR pop-up gaming booths.
Free entry, games pay, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kawaii Monster Cafe

Dine in a playful pop-art themed cafe reflecting Harajuku’s vibrancy.
GBP25, 1h00m

2:00pm

Sumida Aquarium at Tokyo Skytree Town

Visit modern aquarium with tech-enhanced exhibitions and koi ponds, less art and more interactive experiences.
JPY2050 (~GBP13), 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Torikizoku (Yakitori Chain)

Casual yakitori with affordable prices and lively atmosphere favored by local youth and gamers.
GBP20, 1h30m
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Day 10: Tech Shopping & Ikebukuro Return

Tokyo, Japan on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tully's Coffee Ikebukuro

Light start for day of tech and gaming shopping.
GBP12, 1h00m

9:00am

Yodobashi Camera Akiba Mega Store

Spend the morning in one of the world's largest electronics and gaming stores with all the latest gadgets.
Free entry, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at nearby family restaurant Saizeriya

Enjoy affordable Italian-Japanese casual dining with variety.
GBP10, 1h00m

2:00pm

Relax or additional gaming centers

Spend the afternoon revisiting favorite arcades or trying new VR experiences.
Varies, 3h00m

7:00pm

Dinner at Maisen Tonkatsu Aoyama

Premium tonkatsu dinner in a chic environment for your final Tokyo night.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 11: Travel Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast before departure.
GBP15, 1h00m

10:00am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Travel by bullet train for about 2h20m to culturally rich Kyoto.
JPY13000 (~GBP80), 2h20m

12:30pm

Hotel check-in in Kyoto

Stay centrally with easy access to sites.
GBP100 per night, 1h00m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kyoto Gogyo (Burnt Miso Ramen)

Relish rich and smoky ramen, a modern Kyoto specialty.
GBP15, 1h00m

3:00pm

Fushimi Inari Shrine Walk

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates, accessible blend of tradition and scenic tech photography opportunities.
Free, 2h00m

6:00pm

Pontocho Alley Evening Stroll

Explore atmospheric dining alley with mix of tradition and modern nightlife.
Free walk, 1h00m

7:30pm

Dinner at Modern Kyoto Cuisine Restaurant

Enjoy creative kaiseki blending old and new.
GBP40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Coffee Kyoto

Top-notch hand-brewed coffee to start day.
GBP12, 1h00m

9:00am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Visit

Visit famous UNESCO temple with panoramic views.
JPY400 (~GBP2.50), 2h00m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gion Karyo

Modern kaiseki dining with excellent balance of tradition and innovation.
GBP70, 2h00m

2:30pm

Higashiyama Gem Arcade

Stop by unique modern boutique gaming or collectible arcades blending Kyoto’s cultural streets.
Varies, 2h00m
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Day 13: Kyoto to Osaka Gaming Night

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisure morning meal before short travel.
GBP15, 1h00m

10:00am

Train to Osaka

Short 30-minute train ride to vibrant Osaka.
JPY560 (~GBP3.50), 0h30m

11:00am

Hotel check-in near Dotombori

Stay close to nightlife and gaming hotspots.
GBP100 per night, 1h00m

12:30pm

Kuromon Ichiba Market Food Sampling

Try variety of fresh and street food specialties.
GBP30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Dotombori & Nipponbashi Den Den Town (Gaming & Electronics)

Discover rich gaming shops, arcades, and tech gadget stores.
Free entry, pay games, 3h00m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Dotombori

Relish Osaka’s iconic fried skewer specialties in lively local atmosphere.
GBP25, 1h30m
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Day 14: Universal Studios & Final Night

Osaka, Japan on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a full day of fun.
GBP15, 1h00m

8:00am

Universal Studios Japan Full Day

Enjoy advanced themed rides and attractions focused on immersive gaming and cinematic worlds.
JPY8800 (~GBP55) per person, 9h00m

6:00pm

Return and rest

Relax after a day packed with excitement.
Free, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki Dotombori

Taste authentic and hearty savory pancakes favored in Osaka culture.
GBP20, 1h00m
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Day 15: Departure

Osaka, Japan on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Last Japanese breakfast and prepare for departure.
GBP15, 1h00m

10:00am

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Direct airport bus or train for flight home via European connection.
JPY1000 (~GBP6), 1h00m
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