7-Day Cultural & Adventure Japan Trip: Tokyo, Ghibli, Pokémon, Skiing & More

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & City Tour

Tokyo, Japan on October 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese dishes at Tsukiji Outer Market, perfect for experiencing Tokyo’s culinary scene.
AUD20, 1h

10:30am

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore historic Tokyo with a visit to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and stroll Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Sushi

Enjoy affordable and unique conveyor-belt sushi, offering a fun and delicious experience in Shibuya area.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

A peaceful walk through a famous Shinto shrine surrounded by forest and next door Yoyogi Park. Great for cultural immersion.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Experience Tokyo’s youth culture and street fashion along Takeshita Street with quirky shops and cafes.
Free entry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Savor iconic tonkotsu ramen in a cozy setting, perfect for your first night in Tokyo.
AUD20, 1h

Day 2: Tokyo Pokémon & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on October 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Light breakfast to prepare for a busy day of fun.
AUD15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo (Ikebukuro)

Shop exclusive Pokémon merchandise and enjoy interactive exhibits in this flagship store.
Free entry, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sunshine City food court

Diverse food options to suit any taste while in Ikebukuro.
AUD20, 1h

2:00pm

Shop at Akihabara

Explore Tokyo’s electronics and anime hub with numerous shops and themed cafés.
Free entry, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten

Enjoy premium Japanese tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), a beloved local dish.
AUD30, 1h

Day 3: Ghibli Museum & Mitaka Exploration

Mitaka, Japan on October 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early to head to Mitaka for the Ghibli Museum visit.
AUD15, 1h

9:30am

Ghibli Museum

Explore the magical world of Studio Ghibli with exclusive exhibits and beautiful animation art. Tickets must be booked in advance.
AUD37, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mitaka café Sarabeth’s

Enjoy western-style Japanese café dishes in a cozy space close to the museum.
AUD30, 1h

2:30pm

Inokashira Park Walk & Boat Rental

Relax with a scenic walk or paddle boat ride on Inokashira Pond, near the museum.
AUD10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Tokyo; Relax or shopping

Free time to rest or explore local shopping districts such as Shinjuku or Ginza.
Varies, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Enjoy authentic small Izakaya bars and local street food in this famous alleyway.
AUD25, 1h30m

Day 4: Matsumoto Culture & Castle

Matsumoto, Japan on October 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Matsumoto by limited express train

Early train to Matsumoto city (approx 2.5 hours); enjoy scenic countryside views.
AUD40, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Nakasendo café

Try local coffee and light pastries near central Matsumoto.
AUD15, 1h

11:00am

Matsumoto Castle

Visit one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles, known as the 'Crow Castle' for its black exterior.
AUD6, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Swiss Chalet

Experience local soba noodles or hearty German-influenced cuisine popular in Matsumoto.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Nakamachi Street Exploration

Walk historic streets with Edo period buildings featuring traditional crafts and shops.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Travel to Hakuba

Train and bus connection to Hakuba ski area (approx 1.5h). Prepare for skiing day tomorrow.
AUD25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya in Hakuba

Enjoy warming Japanese comfort food after travel day.
AUD30, 1h

Day 5: Ski Day in Hakuba

Hakuba, Japan on October 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Healthy Japanese breakfast to fuel your ski day.
Included hotel, 1h

8:30am

Full day skiing at Hakuba Valley

Experience Japan’s alpine slopes known for great powder snow and stunning mountain views. Ski rental and lift passes available on-site.
AUD100 (ski rental + lift pass), 7h

4:00pm

Relax in an Onsen (hot spring)

Unwind your muscles at one of Hakuba’s local onsen after skiing.
AUD15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hakuba Izakaya

Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes and hearty meals perfect after a long day outdoors.
AUD35, 1h30m

Day 6: Kyoto Temples & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on October 20, 2025

6:00am

Travel from Hakuba to Kyoto (via train)

Long train ride (~4.5-5 hours) to cultural capital Kyoto. Early departure recommended.
AUD80, 5h

12:00pm

Lunch near Kyoto station at Musashi Sushi

Try affordable and fresh conveyor-belt sushi close to transport hub.
AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous red torii gate walk, an iconic spiritual experience of Kyoto.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this historic temple with panoramic views of Kyoto city.
AUD5, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Gion District

Enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine or local delicacies while exploring historic geisha district ambiance.
AUD40, 1h30m

Day 7: Return to Tokyo & Departure Prep

Tokyo, Japan on October 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast.
Included hotel, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo Shinkansen

Fast train journey (~2.5 hours) back to central Tokyo to prepare for departure or further exploration.
AUD90, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Sample the best ramen ramen shops gathered in one convenient location at Tokyo Station.
AUD25, 1h

2:00pm

Last minute shopping in Ginza or Shinjuku

Pick up souvenirs, electronics, or fashion for your trip home.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Early dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Celebrate an amazing trip with classic Japanese dishes in the restaurant that inspired the Kill Bill set.
AUD40, 1h