Japan Trip.

4 adults · Thu Dec 3 – Fri Dec 18, 2026

✈️ flight · 🚅 Shinkansen · 🚆 regular train · 🚇 subway · 🚶 walk · 🏨 stay · 📍 be here by

📅 Trip calendar

Tap a day to open its plan. 🛏 = where you sleep that night.

Tokyo 1KyotoOsakaTokyo 2Flying

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat

3Thu · Dec

✈️ Fly out BWI 6:15 AM ETBe at BWI by 3:45 AM Booked

4Fri · DecTokyo

🛬 Land Narita 4:30 PM

🚆 Trains to Nogata~$76 for 4 Train to buy

Arrive, rest near Nogata

🛏 Nakano Airbnb

5Sat · DecTokyo

Nakano Broadway · Shinjuku

🛏 Nakano Airbnb

6Sun · DecTokyo

Shibuya · teamLab Borderless

🛏 Nakano Airbnb

7Mon · DecTokyo

Tsukiji · teamLab Planets

🛏 Nakano Airbnb

8Tue · DecKyoto

🏨 Airbnb checkout 10:00 AM

🚅 Tokyo → Kyoto ~1:00 PM~$354 for 4 Train to buy

Kyoto Station · Gion at night

🛏 APA Kyoto Eki-Higashi

9Wed · DecKyoto

Fushimi Inari · Kiyomizu · Gion

🛏 APA Kyoto Eki-Higashi

10Thu · DecKyoto

Arashiyama · Kinkaku-ji

🛏 APA Kyoto Eki-Higashi

11Fri · DecKyoto

Nishiki Market · free afternoon

🛏 APA Kyoto Eki-Higashi

12Sat · DecOsaka

🚆 Kyoto → Osaka ~11:20 AM~$15 for 4 Train to buy

Shinsaibashi · Dotonbori

🛏 LEGALIE Shinsaibashi

13Sun · DecOsaka

Osaka Castle · Kuromon

🛏 LEGALIE Shinsaibashi

14Mon · DecOsaka

Universal Studios Japan

🛏 LEGALIE Shinsaibashi

15Tue · DecTokyo

🚅 Osaka → Tokyo ~12:30 PM~$368 for 4 Train to buy

Senso-ji after dusk

🛏 Sakura Cross Ueno

16Wed · DecTokyo

Senso-ji · Ueno Park · Ameyoko

🛏 Sakura Cross Ueno

17Thu · DecTokyo

🚆 Skyliner ~2:20 PM~$63 for 4

✈️ Fly home NRT 6:15 PM Booked

Short last morning

18Fri · Dec

🛬 Arrive BWI 12:48 AM ET

🛒 Still to buy

Bullet-train tickets for Dec 8 and Dec 15 (smartEX is slightly cheaper and refunds for ¥320 per person before departure), plus the local trains on Dec 4, 12, 15 and 17.

Thu, Dec 3

✈️ Fly outBooked

✈️ Depart BWI 6:15 AM ET to Narita (NRT)
2 stops, multiple airlines, about 20h 15m

Thu, Dec 17

✈️ Fly homeFlight booked

Check out by 11:00 AM
🚶 Walk to Iriya Station (4 min)
🚇 Hibiya line 1 stop to Ueno (~2 min)
🚶 Walk to Keisei Ueno (~5 min)
🚆 Keisei Skyliner → Narita, about 41 min · about $63 for 4 (Access Express about $31, 60–70 min)
✈️ Depart Narita 6:15 PM JST · 2 stops, about 20h 33m

Fri, Dec 18

🛬 Arrive BWI 12:48 AM ET

⏱️ Travel legs and suggested times

Date	When	Leg	Time
Dec 3	3:45 AM ET	📍 Be at BWI to check in (about 2.5 hours before an international flight)
Dec 3	6:15 AM ET	✈️ Flight BWI to Narita, 2 stops (lands 4:30 PM JST Dec 4)	20h 15m
Dec 17	11:00 AM	🏨 Check out (ask the front desk to hold bags; last morning in Ueno)
Dec 17	~1:50 PM	🚶🚇🚶 Leave the hotel: walk to Iriya, Hibiya line to Ueno, walk to Keisei Ueno	~15 min
Dec 17	~2:20 PM	🚆 Keisei Skyliner, Keisei Ueno to Narita Airport (arrive ~3:00 PM)	41 min
Dec 17	3:15 PM	📍 Be at airline check-in at Narita, 3 hours before the flight
Dec 17	6:15 PM	✈️ Flight Narita to BWI, 2 stops (lands 12:48 AM ET Dec 18)	20h 33m

Clock times are suggestions in Japan time (JST) unless marked ET. Match them to the actual train you book.

Fri, Dec 4

🛬 Arrive TokyoTrain not booked

🛬 Land Narita 4:30 PM JST
🚆 Keisei Skyliner Narita → Nippori (36 min; e.g. 5:43 → 6:19 PM, backups 5:22 / 6:03)
🚆 JR Yamanote Nippori → Takadanobaba (~17 min)
🚆 Seibu-Shinjuku line Takadanobaba → Nogata (~10 min, Local trains only — rapid and express trains skip Nogata) · about $76 for 4 (¥3,000 each) for this day
🚶 Walk from Nogata Station to the Airbnb (~700 m, 8–10 min)
Allow about 1 hour at the airport for immigration and bags

Fri, Dec 4 – Tue, Dec 8 · 4 nights

🏨 Tokyo: Nakano AirbnbBooked

Wakamiya, Nakano-ku · 🚶 ~8–10 min to Nogata Station (Seibu-Shinjuku line, local trains only)
Seibu-Shinjuku line to Seibu-Shinjuku in ~15 min · Nakano Broadway: Kanto Bus 中01 from Nogata Station to Nakano Station, or ~25–30 min on foot

⏱️ Travel legs and suggested times

Date	When	Leg	Time
Dec 4	4:30 PM	🛬 Land at Narita, then immigration and bags	~1 hr
Dec 4	5:43 PM	🚆 Keisei Skyliner, Narita Airport to Nippori (arrive 6:19 PM; earlier 5:22 or later 6:03 as backups)	36 min
Dec 4	~6:20 PM	🚶 Transfer inside Nippori Station to the JR platforms	~5 min
Dec 4	~6:25 PM	🚆 JR Yamanote line (toward Ikebukuro), Nippori to Takadanobaba (arrive ~6:42 PM)	~17 min
Dec 4	~6:48 PM	🚆 Seibu-Shinjuku line, Takadanobaba to Nogata (arrive ~7:00 PM). Local trains only — rapid and express trains skip Nogata.	~10 min
Dec 4	~7:00 PM	🚶 Walk, Nogata Station to the Airbnb (see Airbnb app for directions)	~8–10 min
Dec 8	10:00 AM	🏨 Check out of the Airbnb (10:00 AM checkout) and walk to Nogata Station (~8–10 min)
Dec 8	~10:15 AM	🚆 Seibu-Shinjuku line local to Takadanobaba (~10 min), then JR Yamanote toward Ikebukuro/Ueno to Tokyo Station (~28 min), arriving ~11:00 AM. That leaves ~1.5 hr at Tokyo Station: coin lockers, early lunch, ekiben shopping at Gransta, or switch to an earlier Nozomi. One transfer, inside Takadanobaba Station. Alternative: Kanto Bus 中01 to Nakano, then JR Chuo Rapid to Tokyo.	~45 min
Dec 8	12:30 PM	📍 Be at the Shinkansen gates at Tokyo Station, 30 min early (grab ekiben lunch)
Dec 8	~1:00 PM	🚅 Nozomi Shinkansen, Tokyo to Kyoto (arrive ~3:15 PM)	~2h 15m
Dec 8	4:00 PM	🏨 Check in at APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi, a short walk from the station

Clock times are suggestions in Japan time (JST) unless marked ET. Match them to the actual train you book.

🗺️ Day by day · Nakano days

Suggested days you can swap. Visit times are approximate. Must-see Optional

Where you’re stayingMust-see, numbered in visit orderOptionalStation / transfer

Day 1 · Fri Dec 4 evening · arrival ~7:10 PM

🗺️ Narita Airport → Nippori Station → Takadanobaba Station → Nogata Station → Airbnb. After you arrive: rest and eat near Nogata Station; save Nakano Broadway for Day 2. Open route in Google Maps

Evening

Optional Rest and eat near Nogata Station, a few minutes from the Airbnb · Nakano Broadway is ~25 min away and Mandarake closes 20:00, so save the full visit for Day 2
If you head to Nakano after dark anyway: Walk the lit, covered Sun Mall arcade from Nakano Station’s north exit to Broadway (~5 min). Most Broadway shops close ~8 PM, so tonight is a quick look; the full browse is Day 2. Upper-floor theme bars stay open until ~midnight (cover charge, often cash only). For dinner, the alleys off the arcade, Fureai Road and Showa Shindo, are packed with tiny izakaya, ramen counters and standing bars until ~11 PM–midnight. Many counters seat only a few, so for 4 an easy pick is Torikizoku (flat-price yakitori) on Sun Mall. Bring cash. The north exit is under construction (new atre Nakano opens Dec 9), but the walk to Broadway is unaffected.
Nakano after dark (Day 1)
Nakano after dark (Day 1)
Nakano after dark (Day 1)

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Nogata Hope (野方ホープ) — the original shop of this tonkotsu-shoyu ramen chain, open very late · by Nogata Station 📍 Map
Akimotoya (秋元屋) — beloved old-school motsu-yaki izakaya; try the miso-dipped skewers · Nogata 📍 Map
Nogata Gyoza (野方餃子) — popular gyoza house that doubles as an izakaya · Nogata 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 2 · Sat Dec 5 · Vintage and Shinjuku

🗺️ Airbnb (Nogata) → Nakano Broadway → Shinjuku → Omoide Yokocho → back to the Airbnb Optional morning: Koenji or Shimokitazawa vintage shops (Koenji is the closer of the two). Open route in Google Maps

Morning

Optional Koenji or Shimokitazawa vintage shops · ~1.5–2 hr · many open around 11:00–12:00 · from the Airbnb, Koenji is an ~18–20 min walk south; Shimokitazawa is ~40 min by train via Shinjuku
Koenji
Koenji
Koenji
Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa
Optional Kichijoji and Inokashira Park — a relaxed alternative to Koenji/Shimokitazawa: shopping streets, Harmonica Yokocho alleys, and a pond-side park · ~2–3 hr · from Nogata, Kanto Bus or taxi to the JR Chuo line, then ~10 min west; or ask a route planner
Kichijoji and Inokashira Park
Kichijoji and Inokashira Park
Kichijoji and Inokashira Park

Midday

Must-see Nakano Broadway (vintage toys, manga, Mandarake) · ~2 hr · go after 12:00, when Mandarake opens (12:00–20:00; building guide 10:00–20:00) · Kanto Bus 中01 from Nogata Station to Nakano Station, or ~25–30 min on foot (5 min from Nakano Station via Sun Mall)
Nakano Broadway
Nakano Broadway
Nakano Broadway

Afternoon / evening

Must-see Shinjuku · ~2–3 hr · JR Chuo from Nakano Station in ~5 min; Seibu-Shinjuku line back to Nogata in ~15 min (local) · evening food in Omoide Yokocho or nearby alleys; Shinjuku Gyoen is optional if you start earlier (confirm park hours)
Shinjuku · Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku · Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku · Omoide Yokocho

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Nakano Aoba (中華そば青葉) — famous “double soup” chuka soba and tsukemen · 3 min from Nakano Broadway 📍 Map
Omoide Yokocho — tiny smoky yakitori counters under the tracks; you may need to split into pairs · Shinjuku west exit 📍 Map
Fuunji (風雲児) — rich chicken-and-fish tsukemen, expect a line · Shinjuku south side 📍 Map
Isetan Shinjuku food hall (B1) — depachika for bento, sweets and takeaway 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 3 · Sun Dec 6 · Shibuya and teamLab Borderless

🗺️ Airbnb (Nogata) → Shibuya Crossing → teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) → back to the Airbnb Alternative: do teamLab Planets on Monday with Tsukiji instead of Borderless today. Open route in Google Maps

Skip Tsukiji today — it’s Sunday, and many outer-market shops are closed.

Morning / afternoon

Must-see Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, and Center-gai · ~2–3 hr · about 30–35 min from the Airbnb via Seibu-Shinjuku and JR · lunch in Shibuya or a depachika
Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, and Center-gai
Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, and Center-gai
Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, and Center-gai

Afternoon / evening

Must-see teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills, near Roppongi) · ~2–3 hr · buy timed tickets ahead · usual hours 8:30–21:00, last entry 1 hour before close · weekend slots sell out · ~20 min from Shibuya, ~45–50 min from the Airbnb
teamLab Borderless
teamLab Borderless
teamLab Borderless
Optional Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka illumination — blue-and-white street lights framing Tokyo Tower, a 10–15 min walk from Borderless · usually early Nov – Dec 25, about 17:00–23:00 (2026 dates not yet officially confirmed) · free
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka illumination
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka illumination
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka illumination
Optional Ebisu Garden Place, Baccarat “Eternal Lights” chandelier — huge crystal chandelier and Christmas market · Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 11, 2027, chandelier ~11:00–23:00 · free · Ebisu is 2 stops from Shibuya on JR Yamanote
Ebisu Garden Place, Baccarat Eternal Lights
Ebisu Garden Place, Baccarat Eternal Lights
Ebisu Garden Place, Baccarat Eternal Lights
Optional If you’d rather do teamLab Planets (Toyosu, barefoot, some knee-deep water, no door tickets), save it for Monday with Tsukiji instead of doing both

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka — touchscreen “bullet train” conveyor sushi — cheap and fun · Shibuya 📍 Map
Tokyu Food Show — big station food hall for a quick lunch · under Shibuya Station 📍 Map
Azabudai Hills Market — food hall in the same complex as teamLab Borderless 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 4 · Mon Dec 7 · Tsukiji, Planets, Akihabara

🗺️ Airbnb (Nogata) → Tsukiji outer market → teamLab Planets → Akihabara → back to the Airbnb teamLab Planets is if you didn’t do Borderless on Sunday. Open route in Google Maps

Morning

Must-see Tsukiji outer market (eat breakfast or an early lunch here) · ~1.5–2 hr · visitor hours 9:00–14:00 · Monday is a market day · ~45–55 min transit from the Airbnb
Tsukiji outer market
Tsukiji outer market
Tsukiji outer market

Afternoon

Must-see teamLab Planets, Toyosu (if you didn’t do Borderless yesterday) · ~1.5–2 hr · buy timed tickets ahead — none are sold at the door · usual hours 8:00–22:00, last entry 1 hour before close · short hop from Tsukiji · wear pants you can roll up
teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets

Late afternoon / evening

Optional Akihabara (electronics, anime, retro games) — optional today since it’s 5–8 min from the Ueno hotel on Days 12–14 · ~2 hr · shops typically ~10:00/11:00–20:00/21:00 · back to the Airbnb in ~40 min (JR Yamanote to Takadanobaba, then Seibu-Shinjuku line to Nogata) · or save a shorter visit for the Ueno stay if the day runs long
Akihabara
Akihabara
Akihabara
Optional Marunouchi illumination — champagne-gold lights along Naka-dori next to Tokyo Station · Nov 12, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027 (hours TBA, typically ~17:00–23:00) · free · a calm alternative to Akihabara if you’re tired
Marunouchi illumination
Marunouchi illumination
Marunouchi illumination

Tue Dec 8 is the Airbnb’s 10:00 AM checkout and a Nozomi around 1:00 PM — no extra sightseeing squeezed in.

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Tsukiji outer market stalls — tamagoyaki on a stick, grilled scallops, tuna bowls — graze for breakfast · go before ~11:00 📍 Map
Sushizanmai Tsukiji main store — reliable sushi chain, seats groups easily · Tsukiji 📍 Map
Kanda Matsuya (神田まつや) — historic soba house in an old wooden building; closed Sundays, open Monday · ~10 min walk from Akihabara 📍 Map
Gyukatsu Motomura — breaded beef cutlet you sear yourself on a hot stone · Akihabara branch 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

🛍️ Shopping and food · Tokyo 1 (Nakano base)

Tax-free shopping (once, for the whole trip): from Nov 1, 2026 you pay the tax-inclusive price at participating shops (bring your passport; usually ¥5,000+ tax-excluded per store per day), then get the refund after a customs check at Narita before airline check-in, at a kiosk or on Visit Japan Web. Keep the goods with you. Details: Japan Customs.

Transit needed Nakano Broadway — vintage toys, manga, figures. Building guide 10:00–20:00; Mandarake 12:00–20:00 and open daily. Some smaller shops close Wednesdays (you’ll be in Ueno on Wed Dec 16). About 5 min from Nakano Station through Sun Mall; from the Airbnb, Kanto Bus 中01 (Nogata Station → Nakano Station) or ~25–30 min on foot. Eat in the basement or along Sun Mall.
Transit needed Shinjuku — department stores, electronics, night-food alleys (Omoide Yokocho). Shop hours vary, often ~10:00–20:00/21:00. Seibu-Shinjuku line from Nogata, about 15 min.
Transit needed Shibuya — fashion, Center-gai, department-store food floors. Typical shops ~10:00/11:00–20:00/21:00. About 30–35 min from the Airbnb via Shinjuku.
Transit needed Akihabara — electronics, anime goods, retro games. Typical shops ~10:00/11:00–20:00/21:00 (some later). About 35–40 min from the Airbnb via Takadanobaba. Easy to pair with Day 4.

Tue, Dec 15

🚅 Osaka → TokyoNot booked

🚇 Midosuji line Shinsaibashi → Shin-Osaka (about 15 min). Bullet trains leave from Shin-Osaka, not Osaka Station
🚅 Nozomi Shinkansen Shin-Osaka → Tokyo Station, about 2h 25m · about $368 for 4 ($92 each)
🚆 JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku line Tokyo → Ueno (about 8 min)
🚇 Hibiya line Ueno → Iriya (1 stop, ~2 min)
🚶 4-minute walk to hotel

Tue, Dec 15 – Thu, Dec 17 · 2 nights

🏨 Tokyo: Sakura Cross Hotel Ueno IriyaBooked

Maisonette Twin Room with 2 Sofa Beds (two levels, sleeps 6)
Check-in 4:00 PM Dec 15 · Check-out 11:00 AM Dec 17
Non-refundable
Address: 3-18-18 Negishi, Taito-ku · 🚶 Iriya Station (Hibiya line) 4-minute walk

⏱️ Travel legs and suggested times

Date	When	Leg	Time
Dec 15	11:00 AM	🏨 Check out of LEGALIE
Dec 15	~11:15 AM	🚇 Midosuji line, Shinsaibashi to Shin-Osaka (arrive ~11:30 AM)	~15 min
Dec 15	12:00 PM	📍 Be at the Shinkansen gates at Shin-Osaka, 30 min early
Dec 15	~12:30 PM	🚅 Nozomi Shinkansen, Shin-Osaka to Tokyo (arrive ~2:55 PM)	~2h 25m
Dec 15	~3:05 PM	🚆 JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku, Tokyo to Ueno	~8 min
Dec 15	~3:20 PM	🚇🚶 Hibiya line, Ueno to Iriya (1 stop), plus walk to hotel	~2 min + 4 min walk
Dec 15	4:00 PM	🏨 Check in at Sakura Cross Hotel Ueno Iriya
Dec 17	11:00 AM	🏨 Check out (ask the front desk to hold bags; last morning in Ueno)
Dec 17	~1:50 PM	🚶🚇🚶 Leave the hotel: walk to Iriya, Hibiya line to Ueno, walk to Keisei Ueno	~15 min
Dec 17	~2:20 PM	🚆 Keisei Skyliner, Keisei Ueno to Narita Airport (arrive ~3:00 PM)	41 min
Dec 17	3:15 PM	📍 Be at airline check-in at Narita, 3 hours before the flight
Dec 17	6:15 PM	✈️ Flight Narita to BWI, 2 stops (lands 12:48 AM ET Dec 18)	20h 33m

Clock times are suggestions in Japan time (JST) unless marked ET. Match them to the actual train you book.

🗺️ Day by day · Ueno days

Suggested days you can swap. Visit times are approximate. Must-see Optional

Where you’re stayingMust-see, numbered in visit orderOptionalStation / transfer

Do not plan Tsukiji for Wed Dec 16 — Tsukiji Uogashi is closed that Wednesday, and many outer-market shops follow the wholesale calendar. Do Tsukiji on Mon Dec 7 (Tokyo 1) instead.

Day 12 · Tue Dec 15 evening · arrival ~3:30 PM, check-in 4:00 PM

🗺️ Hotel LEGALIE Osaka Shinsaibashi East → Shin-Osaka Station → Tokyo Station → Ueno Station → Iriya Station → Sakura Cross Hotel Ueno Iriya Travel day, ending at the new hotel. Evening: Senso-ji grounds and Kaminari-mon after dusk (must-see); optional Akihabara if you skipped it in Tokyo 1. Open route in Google Maps

Evening

Must-see Senso-ji grounds and Kaminari-mon after dusk · ~1 hr · the grounds stay open; the main hall closes at 17:00 in winter, so you may only catch the last minutes of the hall or just the gates and lanterns · about 15–20 min walk or short transit from Iriya
Senso-ji and Kaminari-mon
Senso-ji and Kaminari-mon
Senso-ji and Kaminari-mon
Optional Tokyo Skytree — night views from the Tembo Deck (350 m) · ~1–1.5 hr · ~10:00–22:00, last entry 21:00 · about ¥1,800–2,000 online in advance · 15–20 min from Asakusa on foot or one Tobu stop
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree
Optional Akihabara in the evening if you skipped it in Tokyo 1 · shops into the 20:00s · JR from Ueno in about 5–8 min
Akihabara
Akihabara
Akihabara

Dinner in Asakusa or along Ameyoko (many market stalls wind down by ~20:00).

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Daikokuya Tempura (大黒家) — tendon (tempura rice bowl) since 1887; arrive before ~8 PM · Asakusa 📍 Map
Asakusa Menchi — crispy fried meat cutlets, a perfect snack · Asakusa 📍 Map
Ameyoko stalls — kebabs, seafood bowls and street food as the market winds down 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 13 · Wed Dec 16 · Asakusa and Ueno

🗺️ Sakura Cross Hotel Ueno Iriya → Senso-ji → Ueno Park → Ameyoko → back to the hotel Optional: more Akihabara, or teamLab if you didn’t go in Tokyo 1 (Planets in Toyosu is closer from Ueno). Open route in Google Maps

Morning

Must-see Senso-ji (go early) · ~1–1.5 hr · main hall 6:30–17:00 from October to March; grounds open later than the hall · Nakamise souvenir street on the approach

Midday

Must-see Ueno Park stroll · ~1–1.5 hr · about a 10–15 min walk from the hotel · optional museum inside the park (confirm hours the day before)
Ueno Park
Ueno Park
Ueno Park

Afternoon

Must-see Ameyoko market (snacks, clothes, cosmetics) · ~1–1.5 hr · shops typically ~10:00–20:00 · some close on selected Wednesdays, so a few stalls may be shut today
Ameyoko
Ameyoko
Ameyoko
Optional Kappabashi kitchen street — knives, ceramics, and the plastic food samples · ~1 hr · many shops ~9:00–17:00, some closed Sundays · between Ueno and Asakusa, ~15 min walk from the hotel
Kappabashi kitchen street
Kappabashi kitchen street
Kappabashi kitchen street
Optional More Akihabara, or teamLab if you didn’t go in Tokyo 1 (Planets in Toyosu is the closer of the two from Ueno) · buy timed tickets ahead

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Kagetsudo (浅草花月堂) — giant melon pan, great for breakfast · Asakusa 📍 Map
Ponta Honke (ぽん多本家) — old-school tonkatsu pioneer; closed Mondays, open Wednesday · Ueno-Okachimachi 📍 Map
Ameyoko seafood bowls — cheap kaisen-don counters along the market 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 14 · Thu Dec 17 morning · checkout 11:00 AM, leave the hotel ~1:50 PM

🗺️ Sakura Cross Hotel Ueno Iriya → Iriya Station → Ueno Station → Keisei Ueno Station → Narita Airport Includes the Skyliner to Narita. Optional morning, if you’re back to leave around 1:50 PM: a short stroll in Ueno Park or Ameyoko, or Senso-ji’s Hagoita Market. Open route in Google Maps

Morning

Optional Last stroll in Ueno Park or Ameyoko, bags held at the hotel · keep it short
Optional Yanaka and Yanaka Ginza — old-Tokyo shopping street, temples, and cats · ~1.5 hr · ~15–20 min walk from the hotel (or 1 stop to Nippori) · keep it to the morning so you’re back by ~1:50 PM
Yanaka and Yanaka Ginza
Yanaka and Yanaka Ginza
Yanaka and Yanaka Ginza
Optional Senso-ji’s year-end Hagoita (battledore) Market runs Dec 17–19 — a nice last morning if you go early and are back in time to leave around 1:50 PM
Hagoita (battledore) Market
Hagoita (battledore) Market
Hagoita (battledore) Market

Tsukiji on this Thursday would be a market day (9:00–14:00), but with a 1:50 PM hotel departure for Narita it’s tight — only try it if you missed Dec 7.

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Kayaba Coffee — 1938 coffeehouse known for its egg sandwich · Yanaka 📍 Map
Yanaka Ginza menchi-katsu — fried cutlets from the butcher shops on the shopping street 📍 Map
Ekiben for the airport — grab a bento at Ueno before the Skyliner 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

🛍️ Shopping and food · Tokyo 2 (Ueno base)

See Tokyo 1 for the once-only tax-free / passport note (refund at Narita before check-in).

Walk from hotel Ameyoko — snacks, clothes, cosmetics, street food between Ueno and Okachimachi. Typical shops ~10:00–20:00; some close on selected Wednesdays (this hits Dec 16). About 10–15 min walk from Sakura Cross via Ueno Station.
Walk from hotel Asakusa / Nakamise — souvenirs, snacks, and traditional toys on the approach to Senso-ji. Hours vary; many stalls run morning to early evening. About 15–20 min walk or a short subway hop from Iriya. Eat in Asakusa in the evening (tempura and similar, hours vary).
Transit needed Akihabara (if you want more after Tokyo 1) — same shops as on the Tokyo 1 tab. JR from Ueno in about 5–8 min.

Tue, Dec 8

🚅 Tokyo → KyotoNot booked

🚆 Seibu-Shinjuku line Nogata → Takadanobaba, then JR Yamanote → Tokyo Station (~45 min door to door, one in-station transfer)
🚅 Nozomi Shinkansen, Tokyo Station → Kyoto, about 2h 15m
Reserved seats about $354 for 4 ($88 each). Unreserved about $337

Tue, Dec 8 – Sat, Dec 12 · 4 nights

🏨 Kyoto: APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-HigashiBooked

King × King connecting room with breakfast
Refundable until Dec 7
Confirmation number: check the booking email

⏱️ Travel legs and suggested times

Date	When	Leg	Time
Dec 8	10:00 AM	🏨 Check out of the Airbnb (10:00 AM checkout) and walk to Nogata Station (~8–10 min)
Dec 8	~10:15 AM	🚆 Seibu-Shinjuku line local to Takadanobaba (~10 min), then JR Yamanote toward Ikebukuro/Ueno to Tokyo Station (~28 min), arriving ~11:00 AM. That leaves ~1.5 hr at Tokyo Station: coin lockers, early lunch, ekiben shopping at Gransta, or switch to an earlier Nozomi. One transfer, inside Takadanobaba Station. Alternative: Kanto Bus 中01 to Nakano, then JR Chuo Rapid to Tokyo.	~45 min
Dec 8	12:30 PM	📍 Be at the Shinkansen gates at Tokyo Station, 30 min early (grab ekiben lunch)
Dec 8	~1:00 PM	🚅 Nozomi Shinkansen, Tokyo to Kyoto (arrive ~3:15 PM)	~2h 15m
Dec 8	4:00 PM	🏨 Check in at APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi, a short walk from the station
Dec 12	11:00 AM	🏨 Check out of APA Kyoto and walk to Kyoto Station
Dec 12	~11:20 AM	🚆 JR Special Rapid, Kyoto to Osaka Station (arrive ~11:50 AM)	28 min
Dec 12	~12:00 PM	🚇 Midosuji line, Umeda to Shinsaibashi	~7 min
Dec 12	4:00 PM	🏨 Check in at LEGALIE (ask to leave bags early, then explore Den Den Town and Amerikamura)

Clock times are suggestions in Japan time (JST) unless marked ET. Match them to the actual train you book.

🗺️ Day by day

Suggested days you can swap. Visit times are approximate. Must-see Optional

Where you’re stayingMust-see, numbered in visit orderOptionalStation / transfer

Save Nishiki Market for Friday — many shops close on Wednesdays (Dec 9).

Day 5 · Tue Dec 8 evening · arrival ~3:15 PM, check-in 4:00 PM

🗺️ Airbnb (Nogata) → Takadanobaba → Tokyo Station → Kyoto Station → APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi Travel day, ending at the new hotel. Optional evening: Kyoto Station shopping (Porta, The Cube, Isetan) and/or a first look at Gion after dark. Open route in Google Maps

Evening

Optional Kyoto Station shopping (Porta, The Cube, Isetan) — it’s a short walk from the hotel · and/or a first look at Gion after dark · ~1–1.5 hr · dinner at the station or in Gion / Pontocho
Kyoto Station shopping
Kyoto Station shopping
Kyoto Station shopping
Gion
Gion
Gion

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Kyoto Ramen Koji — alley of ramen shops on the 10th floor of Kyoto Station 📍 Map
Honke Daiichi-Asahi & Shinpuku Saikan — two classic Kyoto ramen shops side by side, ~5 min walk from the hotel 📍 Map
Izuju (いづ重) — Kyoto-style saba (mackerel) sushi in Gion · closed Wednesdays, so tonight rather than tomorrow 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 6 · Wed Dec 9 · East Kyoto (Fushimi, Kiyomizu, Gion)

🗺️ APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi → Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-dera → Gion → back to the hotel Walk down Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka after Kiyomizu-dera, on the way toward Gion. Open route in Google Maps

Morning

Must-see Fushimi Inari — go early · ~45–60 min for the main gates, or ~2–2.5 hr if you walk the mountain · grounds are commonly visited at any hour (the official access page doesn’t list a closing time); no admission fee · JR Nara Line about 5 min from Kyoto Station
Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari
Optional Fushimi sake district — old breweries and the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (9:30–16:30, last entry 16:00) · ~1–1.5 hr · Keihan line from Fushimi-Inari to Chushojima (~5 min) + 5 min walk · tastings included
Fushimi sake district
Fushimi sake district
Fushimi sake district
Optional Sanjusangen-do — 1,001 standing Kannon statues in one long hall · ~45 min · winter hours 9:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30), ¥600 · on the way from Fushimi to Kiyomizu, ~15 min walk from the hotel
Sanjusangen-do
Sanjusangen-do
Sanjusangen-do

Afternoon

Must-see Kiyomizu-dera, then walk down Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka · ~1.5–2 hr including the slopes · opens 6:00; closing time changes by season (typically 18:00 outside summer — confirm on the official page; no December night opening, the autumn evenings ended Nov 30) · bus from Kyoto Station ~15–20 min plus a 10 min uphill walk
Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

Evening

Must-see Gion stroll · ~1–1.5 hr · better after dark; be considerate if you see geiko or maiko
Gion
Gion
Gion
Optional Pontocho dinner — narrow lantern-lit alley of restaurants along the Kamo River, a 5 min walk from Gion · many places need reservations; budget varies widely
Pontocho
Pontocho
Pontocho

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Fushimi Inari approach — snack on inari-zushi and kitsune udon at the shops by the station 📍 Map
Okutan Kiyomizu (奥丹清水) — yudofu (simmered tofu) set meal in a garden, a centuries-old shop · near Kiyomizu-dera · closed Thursdays, open today 📍 Map
Gion Tsujiri — matcha parfaits and sweets · Gion main street 📍 Map
Pontocho — lantern-lit alley for dinner; many places want reservations 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 7 · Thu Dec 10 · Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji

🗺️ APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi → Arashiyama bamboo grove → Kinkaku-ji → back to the hotel Optional: Tenryu-ji garden, next to the grove, before you go on to Kinkaku-ji. Open route in Google Maps

Morning

Must-see Arashiyama bamboo grove — go early · grove itself ~30–45 min, the area ~2–3 hr · free, no gate hours · JR Sagano Line ~15 min to Saga-Arashiyama plus a walk
Arashiyama bamboo grove
Arashiyama bamboo grove
Arashiyama bamboo grove
Optional Tenryu-ji garden, next to the grove · ~45–60 min · 8:30–17:00, last entry 16:50
Tenryu-ji garden
Tenryu-ji garden
Tenryu-ji garden

Afternoon

Must-see Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) · ~45–60 min · official hours 9:00–17:00 daily, adults ¥500 · about 30–40 min by bus from the Arashiyama area
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji
Optional Arashiyama Hanatouro — lantern-lit paths through the bamboo grove and around Togetsukyo · usually held for ~10 days in mid-December, ~17:00–20:30 · 2026 dates not announced yet — if they include Dec 10, end the day back in Arashiyama after dark
Arashiyama Hanatouro
Arashiyama Hanatouro
Arashiyama Hanatouro

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Arashiyama Yoshimura — handmade soba with a view of Togetsukyo Bridge · Arashiyama 📍 Map
% Arabica Arashiyama — riverside coffee stand, short line in the morning 📍 Map
Arashiyama main street — matcha soft-serve, yuba and croquettes to eat as you walk 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 8 · Fri Dec 11 · Nishiki and a looser day

🗺️ APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi → Nishiki Market → back to the hotel Optional afternoon: Nijo Castle or Ginkaku-ji / the Philosopher’s Path, or more Gion and station shopping. Open route in Google Maps

Morning

Must-see Nishiki Market · ~1–1.5 hr · most shops around 9:00/10:00–17:00/18:00, hours vary by stall · Friday is a good day · ~15–20 min transit from the hotel
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market

Afternoon / evening

Optional Nijo Castle or Ginkaku-ji / the Philosopher’s Path — confirm hours the day before · or more Gion and station shopping before tomorrow’s 11:20 train
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle
Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path
Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path
Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path

Sat Dec 12 is checkout at 11:00 AM and the train to Osaka around 11:20 AM.

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Nishiki Market grazing — dashimaki egg, soy-milk doughnuts (Konnamonja), pickles, grilled skewers 📍 Map
Teramachi & Shinkyogoku arcades — casual lunch spots right next to Nishiki 📍 Map
Kyoto Station (back at the hotel) — Porta and Isetan food floors for an easy last Kyoto dinner 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

🛍️ Shopping and food · Kyoto

See Tokyo 1 for the once-only tax-free / passport note (refund at Narita before check-in).

Walk from hotel Porta, The Cube, and JR Kyoto Isetan — souvenirs, food halls, department-store shopping in and under Kyoto Station. Porta shops roughly 10:00/11:00–20:00/20:30 (souvenir floors open earlier/later); Isetan 10:00–20:00. The Cube is now part of Porta. Short walk from APA Kyoto Eki-Higashi.
Walk from hotel Kyoto Avanti — department-store / mall just south of the station (Hachijo). Shopping area 10:00–21:00; Don Quijote on 2F 9:00–24:00 (irregular holidays). Short walk from the hotel.
Transit needed Nishiki Market — Kyoto food, pickles, tea, kitchenware; eat as you walk. Many shops close Wednesdays (hits Dec 9). About 15–20 min by subway or bus from the hotel.
Transit needed Gion-area shops — crafts, souvenirs, and snacks along Hanamikoji and near Yasaka. Hours vary; many open late morning to evening. About 15–20 min by bus or subway from the hotel.

Sat, Dec 12

🚆 Kyoto → OsakaNot booked

🚆 JR Special Rapid, Kyoto → Osaka Station (28 min) · about $15 for 4
🚇 Midosuji subway Umeda → Shinsaibashi (~7 min, about $1.50 each)
🚶 Walk to hotel

Sat, Dec 12 – Tue, Dec 15 · 3 nights

🏨 Osaka: Hotel LEGALIE Osaka Shinsaibashi EastBooked

Superior Twin Type A ("Deluxe Twin Room" on the booking)
Non-refundable

⏱️ Travel legs and suggested times

Date	When	Leg	Time
Dec 12	11:00 AM	🏨 Check out of APA Kyoto and walk to Kyoto Station
Dec 12	~11:20 AM	🚆 JR Special Rapid, Kyoto to Osaka Station (arrive ~11:50 AM)	28 min
Dec 12	~12:00 PM	🚇 Midosuji line, Umeda to Shinsaibashi	~7 min
Dec 12	4:00 PM	🏨 Check in at LEGALIE (ask to leave bags early, then explore Den Den Town and Amerikamura)
Dec 15	11:00 AM	🏨 Check out of LEGALIE
Dec 15	~11:15 AM	🚇 Midosuji line, Shinsaibashi to Shin-Osaka (arrive ~11:30 AM)	~15 min
Dec 15	12:00 PM	📍 Be at the Shinkansen gates at Shin-Osaka, 30 min early
Dec 15	~12:30 PM	🚅 Nozomi Shinkansen, Shin-Osaka to Tokyo (arrive ~2:55 PM)	~2h 25m
Dec 15	~3:05 PM	🚆 JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku, Tokyo to Ueno	~8 min
Dec 15	~3:20 PM	🚇🚶 Hibiya line, Ueno to Iriya (1 stop), plus walk to hotel	~2 min + 4 min walk
Dec 15	4:00 PM	🏨 Check in at Sakura Cross Hotel Ueno Iriya

Clock times are suggestions in Japan time (JST) unless marked ET. Match them to the actual train you book.

🗺️ Day by day

Suggested days you can swap. Visit times are approximate. Must-see Optional

Where you’re stayingMust-see, numbered in visit orderOptionalStation / transfer

Universal Studios Japan is a full day. The plan below puts it on Monday Dec 14, which should be a bit less crowded than Sunday; you can swap the two full days if you prefer.

Day 9 · Sat Dec 12 afternoon / evening · arrival ~12:10 PM

🗺️ APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi → Kyoto Station → Osaka Station → Shinsaibashi Station → Hotel LEGALIE Osaka Shinsaibashi East Travel day, ending at the new hotel. After you arrive: Shinsaibashi-suji (must-see), optional Amerika-mura and/or Den Den Town, then Dotonbori in the evening. Open route in Google Maps

Afternoon

Must-see Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street · ~1–2 hr · walk from LEGALIE (you’re on it) · leave bags at the hotel; official check-in is 4:00 PM
Shinsaibashi-suji
Shinsaibashi-suji
Shinsaibashi-suji
Optional Amerika-mura streetwear and vintage · ~1 hr · ~5–10 min walk · shops often ~11:00/12:00–20:00
Amerika-mura
Amerika-mura
Amerika-mura
Optional Den Den Town (Nipponbashi) for toys, anime, and retro games · ~1–2 hr · ~10–15 min walk · many shops ~11:00–20:00
Den Den Town
Den Den Town
Den Den Town

Evening

Must-see Dotonbori lights and street food · ~1.5–2 hr · ~5–10 min walk from the hotel
Dotonbori
Dotonbori
Dotonbori
Optional Hozenji Yokocho — quiet stone-paved alley with a moss-covered Fudo statue, right behind Dotonbori · ~20–30 min · free
Hozenji Yokocho
Hozenji Yokocho
Hozenji Yokocho
Optional Midosuji illumination — 4 km of lit ginkgo trees along Midosuji, steps from the hotel · Nov 3 – Dec 31, 2026, ~17:00–late · free
Midosuji illumination
Midosuji illumination
Midosuji illumination

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Okonomiyaki Mizuno (美津の) — Michelin Bib Gourmand okonomiyaki, expect a queue · Dotonbori 📍 Map
Takoyaki stands — Kukuru or Wanaka for Osaka’s octopus balls · Dotonbori / Namba 📍 Map
Kinryu Ramen — the dragon-sign ramen stand, open round the clock · Dotonbori 📍 Map
Rikuro Ojisan — jiggly Japanese cheesecake fresh from the oven · Namba 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 10 · Sun Dec 13 · Osaka Castle, Kuromon, and the neighborhood

🗺️ Hotel LEGALIE Osaka Shinsaibashi East → Osaka Castle → Kuromon Market → back to the hotel Optional: Namba Parks, or more Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. Open route in Google Maps

Morning

Must-see Osaka Castle keep and park · ~1.5 hr · 9:00–18:00, last entry 17:30 · open Dec 13 (closed only Dec 28–Jan 1) · about 20–25 min by subway from Shinsaibashi
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle

Midday

Must-see Kuromon Market (eat here) · ~1–1.5 hr · many shops ~8:00/9:00–17:00/18:00; some close on Sundays, but the market as a whole stays lively · ~15 min walk or a short subway hop from the hotel
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market
Optional Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku — retro 1950s streets and kushikatsu (fried skewers; don’t double-dip the sauce) · ~1.5 hr · Sakaisuji line to Ebisucho, 1–2 stops from Nipponbashi
Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku
Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku
Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku

Afternoon / evening

Optional Namba Parks (shops 11:00–21:00, restaurants 11:00–22:00) or more Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori · walk ~10–15 min to Namba Parks, or one subway stop
Namba Parks
Namba Parks
Namba Parks
Optional Umeda Sky Building at sunset — open-air rooftop deck 173 m up · ~1 hr · roughly 9:30–22:30, ¥2,000 adults (confirm on the official site) · Midosuji line to Umeda, ~10 min from Shinsaibashi
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building
Optional Nara half-day — bowing deer in Nara Park and the giant Buddha at Todai-ji · ~4–5 hr round trip · Kintetsu line from Osaka-Namba to Kintetsu-Nara, ~40 min · would replace the optional afternoon
Nara half-day
Nara half-day
Nara half-day

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Kuromon Market — wagyu skewers, fresh uni and fruit — pricey but fun · near the hotel 📍 Map
Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma, Shinsekai Sohonten — the classic kushikatsu shop: no double-dipping · Shinsekai 📍 Map
Hankyu Umeda food hall — huge depachika if you go to Umeda Sky 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

Day 11 · Mon Dec 14 · Universal Studios Japan

🗺️ Hotel LEGALIE Osaka Shinsaibashi East → Universal Studios Japan → back to the hotel Open route in Google Maps

All day

Must-see Universal Studios Japan · full day, about 8–10 hr · buy a Studio Pass ahead · WaterWorld is closed Nov 28–Dec 27, 2026 · consider an Express Pass (sold separately, date-specific) · Super Nintendo World may need an Area Timed Entry ticket (buy ahead, or a free timed/standby ticket in the official USJ app after you enter — the app is required for those tickets) · December is busy even on a weekday · hours change by day, so check the official schedule before you go (a November 2026 look at that calendar listed Dec 14 9:00–21:00, and Dec 13 9:00–22:00 if you swap days) · about 30–40 min transit from Shinsaibashi
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan

Tue Dec 15 is checkout at 11:00 AM and a Nozomi around 12:30 PM — morning is for bags and the train, not sightseeing.

🍜 Where to eat nearby

Kinopio’s Cafe — mushroom-themed food inside Super Nintendo World; book through the USJ app 📍 Map
Three Broomsticks — pub food in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter area 📍 Map
Universal CityWalk — food court and restaurants just outside the gate for after the park 📍 Map

Popular picks, not reservations. Hours change — check Google Maps the day before. Small places are often cash-only and seat few.

🛍️ Shopping and food · Osaka

See Tokyo 1 for the once-only tax-free / passport note (refund at Narita before check-in).

Walk from hotel Shinsaibashi-suji — fashion, souvenirs, a long covered arcade. Typical shops ~10:00–20:00; the street is open daily. Walk from LEGALIE. Easy lunch stop.
Walk from hotel Dotonbori — food souvenirs, character shops, and the best street-food evening. About 5–10 min walk.
Walk from hotel Amerika-mura — streetwear and vintage. Shops often ~11:00/12:00–20:00. About 5–10 min walk.
Walk from hotel Den Den Town (Nipponbashi) — electronics, anime, retro games (Osaka’s Akihabara). Many shops ~11:00–20:00. About 10–15 min walk.
Walk from hotel Namba Parks — mall and rooftop garden. Shops 11:00–21:00, restaurants 11:00–22:00. About 10–15 min walk, or one subway stop.

⏱️ Travel times for every leg

Date	When	Leg	Time
Dec 3	3:45 AM ET	📍 Be at BWI to check in (about 2.5 hours before an international flight)
Dec 3	6:15 AM ET	✈️ Flight BWI to Narita, 2 stops (lands 4:30 PM JST Dec 4)	20h 15m
Dec 4	4:30 PM	🛬 Land at Narita, then immigration and bags	~1 hr
Dec 4	5:43 PM	🚆 Keisei Skyliner, Narita Airport to Nippori (arrive 6:19 PM; earlier 5:22 or later 6:03 as backups)	36 min
Dec 4	~6:20 PM	🚶 Transfer inside Nippori Station to the JR platforms	~5 min
Dec 4	~6:25 PM	🚆 JR Yamanote line (toward Ikebukuro), Nippori to Takadanobaba (arrive ~6:42 PM)	~17 min
Dec 4	~6:48 PM	🚆 Seibu-Shinjuku line, Takadanobaba to Nogata (arrive ~7:00 PM). Local trains only — rapid and express trains skip Nogata.	~10 min
Dec 4	~7:00 PM	🚶 Walk, Nogata Station to the Airbnb (see Airbnb app for directions)	~8–10 min
Dec 8	10:00 AM	🏨 Check out of the Airbnb (10:00 AM checkout) and walk to Nogata Station (~8–10 min)
Dec 8	~10:15 AM	🚆 Seibu-Shinjuku line local to Takadanobaba (~10 min), then JR Yamanote toward Ikebukuro/Ueno to Tokyo Station (~28 min), arriving ~11:00 AM. That leaves ~1.5 hr at Tokyo Station: coin lockers, early lunch, ekiben shopping at Gransta, or switch to an earlier Nozomi. One transfer, inside Takadanobaba Station. Alternative: Kanto Bus 中01 to Nakano, then JR Chuo Rapid to Tokyo.	~45 min
Dec 8	12:30 PM	📍 Be at the Shinkansen gates at Tokyo Station, 30 min early (grab ekiben lunch)
Dec 8	~1:00 PM	🚅 Nozomi Shinkansen, Tokyo to Kyoto (arrive ~3:15 PM)	~2h 15m
Dec 8	4:00 PM	🏨 Check in at APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi, a short walk from the station
Dec 12	11:00 AM	🏨 Check out of APA Kyoto and walk to Kyoto Station
Dec 12	~11:20 AM	🚆 JR Special Rapid, Kyoto to Osaka Station (arrive ~11:50 AM)	28 min
Dec 12	~12:00 PM	🚇 Midosuji line, Umeda to Shinsaibashi	~7 min
Dec 12	4:00 PM	🏨 Check in at LEGALIE (ask to leave bags early, then explore Den Den Town and Amerikamura)
Dec 15	11:00 AM	🏨 Check out of LEGALIE
Dec 15	~11:15 AM	🚇 Midosuji line, Shinsaibashi to Shin-Osaka (arrive ~11:30 AM)	~15 min
Dec 15	12:00 PM	📍 Be at the Shinkansen gates at Shin-Osaka, 30 min early
Dec 15	~12:30 PM	🚅 Nozomi Shinkansen, Shin-Osaka to Tokyo (arrive ~2:55 PM)	~2h 25m
Dec 15	~3:05 PM	🚆 JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku, Tokyo to Ueno	~8 min
Dec 15	~3:20 PM	🚇🚶 Hibiya line, Ueno to Iriya (1 stop), plus walk to hotel	~2 min + 4 min walk
Dec 15	4:00 PM	🏨 Check in at Sakura Cross Hotel Ueno Iriya
Dec 17	11:00 AM	🏨 Check out (ask the front desk to hold bags; last morning in Ueno)
Dec 17	~1:50 PM	🚶🚇🚶 Leave the hotel: walk to Iriya, Hibiya line to Ueno, walk to Keisei Ueno	~15 min
Dec 17	~2:20 PM	🚆 Keisei Skyliner, Keisei Ueno to Narita Airport (arrive ~3:00 PM)	41 min
Dec 17	3:15 PM	📍 Be at airline check-in at Narita, 3 hours before the flight
Dec 17	6:15 PM	✈️ Flight Narita to BWI, 2 stops (lands 12:48 AM ET Dec 18)	20h 33m

Clock times are suggestions in Japan time (JST) unless marked ET, worked back from the flights, 4 PM check-ins and 11 AM hotel check-outs (10 AM at the Nakano Airbnb). Match them to the actual train you book.

Flight times are from the booking and include layovers; the segment and layover breakdown isn't on file. Rail times are typical; ~ means approximate.

🚆 Train costs (all 4 travelers)

Date	Leg	Time	Distance	Approx. cost
Dec 4	🚆 Narita → Nippori → Takadanobaba → Nogata	36 min + ~31 min	~74 km (46 mi)	$76
Dec 8	🚅 Tokyo → Kyoto (Nozomi, reserved)	~2h 15m	514 km (319 mi)	$354
Dec 12	🚆 Kyoto → Osaka (JR Special Rapid)	28 min	43 km (27 mi)	$15
Dec 15	🚅 Shin-Osaka → Tokyo (Nozomi, reserved)	~2h 25m	553 km (343 mi)	$368
Dec 17	🚆 Ueno → Narita (Skyliner)	41 min	64 km (40 mi)	$63
	Total	~6h 56m	~1,248 km (776 mi)	≈ $876 / ¥138,410

Distances are official rail route lengths (JR operating km for the Shinkansen and Kyoto line; Keisei Sky Access for the Skyliner); the Dec 4 JR and Seibu parts are approximate. Fares from a Nov 9, 2026 check at about ¥158 per $1. Short subway hops add a few dollars. A JR Pass (about $1,266 for 4) isn't worth it. Bullet-train tickets on smartEX cost ¥320 per person to refund before departure.

📝 Kyoto booking note

APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi: King × King connecting room with breakfast, refundable until Dec 7. Find the confirmation number in the booking email before check-in.

🧾 Hotel confirmations

Stay	Details
Osaka · Dec 12–15 Hotel LEGALIE Osaka Shinsaibashi East	Superior Twin Type A ("Deluxe Twin Room" on the booking) · non-refundable
Tokyo · Dec 15–17 Sakura Cross Hotel Ueno Iriya	Maisonette Twin with 2 Sofa Beds (sleeps 6) · non-refundable Check-in 4:00 PM Dec 15 · check-out 11:00 AM Dec 17 3-18-18 Negishi, Taito-ku · 4 min walk to Iriya Station
Kyoto · Dec 8–12 APA Hotel Kyoto Eki-Higashi	Booked separately · confirmation number not found yet

🚅 Train booking tips

smartEX membership is free. Needs a 3D Secure credit card and a member 18 or older. Up to 6 people per booking, so all 4 fit on one.
Tickets: board with a QR ticket, a paper pickup at the station, or an IC card.
Changes and refunds: free changes until 4 minutes before departure; a refund costs ¥320 per person.
Hayatoku 21 discount: Nozomi Tokyo ↔ Shin-Osaka for ¥12,980 per adult (fare sheet from Mar 13, 2026). Book by 23:30 JST, 21 days ahead: Nov 17 for Dec 8 and Nov 24 for Dec 15. Kyoto is a slightly shorter trip, so check its fare in smartEX.
Booking hours: 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM JST.
Maintenance: smartEX blocks login from midnight to 5:30 AM JST on many November dates, including Nov 15. Maintenance notice
Alternatives: JR-West Online Train Reservation, a Midori no Madoguchi ticket office once in Japan, or Klook (with a markup). Hyperdia has shut down.

📷 Photo credits

Photos are from Wikimedia Commons. The HTML file embeds a downsized (~800px wide) copy of each photo so it still works offline.

Nakano Broadway — Kentin, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Nakano broadway entrance.JPG
Nakano Broadway — Dick Thomas Johnson, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Nakano Broadway (53147264156).jpg
Nakano Broadway — Asanagi, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Mandarake Nakano main store 2024-04-11.jpg
Shinjuku · Omoide Yokocho — Dick Thomas Johnson, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Omoide Yokocho (53146846682).jpg
Shinjuku · Omoide Yokocho — Dick Thomas Johnson, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Omoide Yokocho (53150330935).jpg
Shinjuku · Omoide Yokocho — Dick Thomas Johnson, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Omoide Yokocho (53147422411).jpg
Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, and Center-gai — Benh Lieu Song, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tokyo Shibuya Scramble Crossing 2018-10-09.jpg
Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, and Center-gai — Joli Rumi, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: The Hachiko statue at Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.jpg
Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, and Center-gai — Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Shibuya Center-Gai at night.jpg
teamLab Borderless — Syced, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Azabudai Hills, opening day 67.jpg
teamLab Borderless — Syced, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Azabudai Hills 3.jpg
teamLab Borderless — Danny With Love, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: TeamLab Borderless Azabudai Hills.jpg
Tsukiji outer market — Aimaimyi, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tsukiji Outer Market -08.jpg
Tsukiji outer market — Aimaimyi, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tsukiji Outer Market -02.jpg
Tsukiji outer market — Aw1805, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tsukiji Outer Market 2.jpg
teamLab Planets — Syced, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Teamlab toyosu.jpg
teamLab Planets — Sasa0403, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Photos at teamlab planets tokyo.jpg
teamLab Planets — Maarten Heerlien, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Japan 2024-04-28 (53893216070).jpg
Akihabara — Jakub Hałun, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo, 20240823 1617 5580.jpg
Akihabara — Jmho, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Akiba denkigai.jpg
Akihabara — Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Akihabara Electric Town bei Nacht 08.jpg
Koenji — Suikotei, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Koenji pal 2019.jpg
Koenji — Yoshibay, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons: 20140416 kouenji-pal-shouten-gai.jpg
Koenji — Kentin, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Koenji look entrance suginami tokyo 2009.JPG
Shimokitazawa — Aw1805, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Shimokitazawa Street 2015.jpg
Shimokitazawa — Stephen Kelly, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Dense Street in Shimokitazawa (11919213554).jpg
Shimokitazawa — Syced, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Walk in Shimokitazawa 5.jpg
Senso-ji and Kaminari-mon — Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sensoji at night 8.jpg
Senso-ji and Kaminari-mon — Akonnchiroll, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Sensoji 2023.jpg
Senso-ji and Kaminari-mon — Kakidai, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sensoji at night.JPG
Ueno Park — Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Walkway by Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park, Ueno-kōen, Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, 2024 May - 2.jpg
Ueno Park — Thomas Woodtli, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tokyo National Museum at Ueno Park (8208602431).jpg
Ueno Park — Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Shinobazu Pond @ Ueno Park (11096168286).jpg
Ameyoko — AugustGresh, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Ameya-Yokochō Entrance.jpg
Ameyoko — Syced, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Ameyoko June 2022.jpg
Ameyoko — Wpcpey, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Ueno Ameya-Yokocho shops under track 2015.jpg
Hagoita (battledore) Market — 江戸村のとくぞう, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Hagoita-1.jpg
Hagoita (battledore) Market — Shoestring, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Hagoita fair, Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan.JPG
Hagoita (battledore) Market — Nesnad, CC BY 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Hagoita-onsale-zoomin-asakusa-dec2014.jpg
Nakano after dark (Day 1) — Charlie fong, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Nakano San Mall Shopping Street.jpg
Nakano after dark (Day 1) — Asanagi, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Kaisen Misakiko Nakano Sun Mall kita branch 2017-12-06.jpg
Nakano after dark (Day 1) — Unknown chemist8103, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: 中野駅北口.JPG
Kyoto Station shopping — Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kyoto Station November 2016 -02.jpg
Kyoto Station shopping — Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kyoto Station November 2016 -03.jpg
Kyoto Station shopping — NevinThompson, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kyoto Station building (Hiroshi Hara, 1997) from Karasuma Street, April 2015.jpg
Gion — Kanchi1979, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: JP-Kyoto-Gion-Area-Street-Night-View.jpg
Gion — lumoplank, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Streets of Gion, Kyoto - Gion7708.jpg
Gion — dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Gion, Kyoto, Japan30.jpg
Fushimi Inari — DuckMaestro, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: 2026-06-29 kyoto-fushimi-inari torii-romon night.jpg
Fushimi Inari — Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Fushimi Inari Taisha tunnel.jpg
Fushimi Inari — Balon Greyjoy, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: 20181110 Fushimi Inari shrine 11.jpg
Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka — Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto, November 2016 -01.jpg
Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka — Vinodmp, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kiyomizu dera in Kyoto.JPG
Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka — Aporon999, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sannenzaka-kyoto.JPG
Arashiyama bamboo grove — Naokijp, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: 2021 Sagano Bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan.jpg
Arashiyama bamboo grove — Mitchwandrew, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.jpg
Arashiyama bamboo grove — Benh LIEU SONG from Torcy, France, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Benh 2018-10-17.jpg
Tenryu-ji garden — Celuici, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tenryu-ji garden, May 2017 1.jpg
Tenryu-ji garden — Chainwit., CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sand garden at Tenryū-ji (2020) - img 02.jpg
Tenryu-ji garden — Marco Almbauer, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tenryū-ji Garten.jpg
Kinkaku-ji — Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kinkaku-ji in November 2016 -01.jpg
Kinkaku-ji — Jakub Hałun, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto, 20240820 1523 5130.jpg
Kinkaku-ji — Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Water reflection of Kinkaku-ji Temple a sunny day, Kyoto, Japan.jpg
Nishiki Market — Joli Rumi, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: A view of Nishiki Market, Kyoto, Japan.jpg
Nishiki Market — Sergiy Galyonkin from Raleigh, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Nishiki Market, Kyoto - Flickr - Sergiy Galyonkin.jpg
Nishiki Market — collinox, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tsukemono shop by collinox in Nishiki Ichiba, Kyoto.jpg
Nijo Castle — Corpse Reviver, CC BY 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Nijo Castle J09 61.jpg
Nijo Castle — Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kyoto Nijo-jo Ninomaru-goten-Palast 01.jpg
Nijo Castle — Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kyoto Nijo-jo Blick auf den Honmaru-goten-Palast 9.jpg
Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path — Marie-Sophie Mejan, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Ginkaku-ji (Silver pavilion).jpg
Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path — DimiTalen, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: View of Ginshadan, Kogetsudai and the Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto, 2016.jpg
Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path — Sun jess, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: The Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto.jpg
Shinsaibashi-suji — Francisco Restivo from Porto, Portugal, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Shinsaibashi-suji (4793145349).jpg
Shinsaibashi-suji — そらみみ, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street 20190201.jpg
Shinsaibashi-suji — Don Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Shinsaibashi Suji Shopping Street Osaka Japan by Don Ramey Logan.jpg
Amerika-mura — W236 at Japanese Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: American-Village -01-.jpg
Amerika-mura — No machine-readable author provided. Davey 88 assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Americamura.JPG
Amerika-mura — Wpcpey, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Amerikamura 2014.jpg
Den Den Town — Stéfan Le Dû, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Den den town electric street osaka japan.jpg
Den Den Town — Oilstreet, CC BY 2.5. Wikimedia Commons: Nipponbashi Osaka Japan01-r.jpg
Den Den Town — Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Den Den Town, Osaka (44195719941).jpg
Dotonbori — Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Dotonbori, Osaka, at night, November 2016.jpg
Dotonbori — Schellack, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Glico Man sign, Dotonbori.JPG
Dotonbori — Joli Rumi, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Entrance to Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan.jpg
Osaka Castle — Don Ramey Logan, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Osaka Castle 2 Osaka Japan by Don Ramey Logan.jpg
Osaka Castle — Spudgun67, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Gokuraku-bashi Bridge - 1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan.jpg
Osaka Castle — Takipoint123, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Osaka Castle August 2024.jpg
Kuromon Market — Bgabel, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: JP-osaka-arkade.jpg
Kuromon Market — Mc681, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kuromon-ichiba in 201408.JPG
Kuromon Market — DVMG, CC BY 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kuromon Market - panoramio (5).jpg
Namba Parks — 663highland, CC BY 2.5. Wikimedia Commons: 150328 Namba Parks Osaka Japan02s5.jpg
Namba Parks — Wpcpey, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: NAMBA PARKS Overview 201306.jpg
Namba Parks — 663highland, CC BY 2.5. Wikimedia Commons: Namba parks04s3872.jpg
Universal Studios Japan — Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN GATE.jpg
Universal Studios Japan — Csiiiyu, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Universal Studios Japan entrance.jpg
Universal Studios Japan — Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Helix of Hollywood Dream – The Ride.jpg
Kichijoji and Inokashira Park — ARandomName123, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Inokashira park pond 2024.jpg
Kichijoji and Inokashira Park — Syced, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Harmonica Yokocho 2.jpg
Kichijoji and Inokashira Park — Stephen Kelly from San Francisco, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji (53417122805).jpg
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka illumination — Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Illumination 2024 (1).jpg
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka illumination — Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Illumination 2024 (5).jpg
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka illumination — Syced, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Keyakizaka illuminations 2023 year end.jpg
Ebisu Garden Place, Baccarat Eternal Lights — Syced, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Ebisu Garden Place, Lustre Baccarat Eternal Light.jpg
Ebisu Garden Place, Baccarat Eternal Lights — Wadakuramon, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Baccarat Chandelier 2026–1-6.jpg
Ebisu Garden Place, Baccarat Eternal Lights — Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Baccarat Chandelier in Tokyo.JPG
Marunouchi illumination — Shoestring, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Marunouchi Illumination, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan.JPG
Marunouchi illumination — Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Marunouchi Illumination 2022 (52646781419).jpg
Marunouchi illumination — Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Marunouchi Illumination 2022 (52646958335).jpg
Tokyo Skytree — Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Views from Tokyo Skytree at night 20200815.jpg
Tokyo Skytree — 4300streetcar, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tokyo Skytree at night from Asakusa June 2025.jpg
Tokyo Skytree — Kaydee H, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tokyo Skytree Night View.jpg
Kappabashi kitchen street — Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kappabashi-dori streetcorner (Kitchen town - southern end) a sunny morning in Tokyo Japan.jpg
Kappabashi kitchen street — Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Cream and red coffee cup-shaped balconies, Niimi Tableware, Kappabashi Dougu Street, Tokyo, Japan.jpg
Kappabashi kitchen street — Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kappabashi Hondori @ Asakusa (13824478025).jpg
Yanaka and Yanaka Ginza — Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Yanaka Ginza 2.jpg
Yanaka and Yanaka Ginza — 1904.CC, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Yanaka Ginza entrance.jpg
Yanaka and Yanaka Ginza — Stephen Kelly from San Francisco, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Yanaka Ginza, Yanaka (53417016334).jpg
Fushimi sake district — 663highland, CC BY 2.5. Wikimedia Commons: Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum02s4592.jpg
Fushimi sake district — 663highland, CC BY 2.5. Wikimedia Commons: Gekkeikan Sake Brewing02st3200.jpg
Fushimi sake district — Sake-simon~commonswiki, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Gekkeikan Uchigura.JPG
Sanjusangen-do — 663highland, CC BY 2.5. Wikimedia Commons: Sanjusangendo temple01s1408.jpg
Sanjusangen-do — Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kyoto Sanjusangen-do Haupthalle 06.jpg
Sanjusangen-do — Eric Salard, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: KYOTO TEMPLE SANJUSANGEN-DO TEMPLE OF 1000 BOUDDHA (16224344660).jpg
Pontocho — Sergiy Galyonkin from Raleigh, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Pontocho Alley, Kyoto - Flickr - Sergiy Galyonkin.jpg
Pontocho — Wolfiewolf from Pontocho street in Nakagyo, Kyoto, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Pontocho by Wolfiewolf in Nabeyacho, Kyoto.jpg
Pontocho — kissh from Pontocho street in Nakagyo, Kyoto, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Pontocho by kissh in Kyoto.jpg
Arashiyama Hanatouro — そらみみ, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Lights of Arashiyama-Hanatoro 20131217.jpg
Arashiyama Hanatouro — 松岡明芳, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Arashiyama Hanatōro 嵐山花灯路渡月橋付近DSCF5514.JPG
Arashiyama Hanatouro — 松岡明芳, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Arashiyama Hanatōro 嵐山花灯路 DSCF5423.JPG
Hozenji Yokocho — Ethan Doyle White, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Moss Covered Statue at Hozenji, Osaka.jpg
Hozenji Yokocho — Mr.ちゅらさん, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Hozenji Yokocho 2023-11.jpg
Hozenji Yokocho — KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Hozenji-yokocho1.jpg
Midosuji illumination — Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Midosuji illumination 2022.jpg
Midosuji illumination — Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Midosuji illumination 2022 (1).jpg
Midosuji illumination — Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: MIDOSUJI ILLUMINATION 2019.jpg
Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku — Sakai Yayoi, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower.jpg
Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku — Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku at night 2019-04-12.jpg
Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku — king nikochan from Shinsekai, Naniwa, Osaka, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Blowfish and Tsutenkaku by king nikochan in Shinsekai, Osaka.jpg
Umeda Sky Building — Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, November 2016 -02.jpg
Umeda Sky Building — DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: View of Kita-Ku, Osaka, from Umeda Sky Building 20190415 1.jpg
Umeda Sky Building — Sakai Yayoi, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Umeda Sky Building 2026.jpg
Nara half-day — Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sika deer in Nara Park, November 2016.jpg
Nara half-day — Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato), CC BY 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: 003 Nara deer in Japan - deer of Nara Park under autumn leaves.jpg
Nara half-day — Gilles Desjardins, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Daibutsu Grand bouddha - Tōdai-ji - Nara.jpg
Food: Bento — Blue Lotus, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Bento at Hanabishi, Koyasan.jpg
Food: Bento — andrewarchy from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Chicken Bento Box with Shrimp Tempura @ Sakura Korean Japanese Restaurant (5690273727).jpg
Food: Bento — andrewarchy from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Chicken Bento Box @ Ichiban Sushi House (5622576361).jpg
Food: Butterbeer — Karen Roe from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: The Making of Harry Potter 29-05-2012 (7472381716).jpg
Food: Butterbeer — Karen Roe from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: The Making of Harry Potter 29-05-2012 (7472381344).jpg
Food: Butterbeer — Karen Roe from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: The Making of Harry Potter 29-05-2012 (7472381512).jpg
Food: Cheesecake — No machine-readable author provided. Marubatsu assumed (based on copyright claim, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons: Japanese Cheesecake.jpg
Food: Cheesecake — stu_spivack, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Plain cheesecake slice.jpg
Food: Cheesecake — Douglas Paul Perkins, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Piece of Cheesecake.jpg
Food: Depachika food hall — ayustety, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Depachika.jpg
Food: Depachika food hall — Dom Pates, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Items in Yokohama department store (5843418699).jpg
Food: Depachika food hall — Kent Wang from London, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: 大海老フライ (37686899324).jpg
Food: Depachika food hall — Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter from California, USA, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tokyo (53442436492).jpg
Food: Egg sandwich — 芳蘭徐芳蘭, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: たまご色の皿 (38656497622).jpg
Food: Egg sandwich — Quercus acuta, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Japanese egg sandwich in a sandwich case.jpg
Food: Egg sandwich — ClickCh, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tamago Sando elaborado en Argentina.jpg
Food: Gyoza — David Pursehouse from Kawasaki, Japan, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Gyouza (2731408211).jpg
Food: Gyoza — David Pursehouse from Kawasaki, Japan, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Gyouza (3316390842).jpg
Food: Gyoza — Francesc Fort, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Gyoza - Tora.jpg
Food: Gyukatsu — hekke from Ryogoku, Tokyo, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Katsu sandwich by hekke in Ryogoku, Tokyo.jpg
Food: Gyukatsu — Pocsywe, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Beef at Gyukatsu Ichinisan in Akihabara.jpg
Food: Gyukatsu — Kykk wiki, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Beef-cutlet sandwich of coffee shop Yamamoto.jpg
Food: Inari-zushi — stu_spivack, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Inarizushi by stu spivack.jpg
Food: Inari-zushi — jetalone, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Inarizushi by jetalone.jpg
Food: Kaiseki — Unknown, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Japanese Cuisine Kaiseki Ryori 2.jpg
Food: Kaiseki — Unknown, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Japanese Cuisine Kaiseki Ryori 3.jpg
Food: Kaiseki — Unknown, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Jisaku Kaiseki Ryori 03.jpg
Food: Kaisendon (seafood bowl) — yoppy from Sushi restaurant Edomae Dining Sushi Gokoro in Akasaka, Tokyo, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Chirashi don by yoppy in Akasaka, Tokyo.jpg
Food: Kaisendon (seafood bowl) — 663highland, CC BY 2.5. Wikimedia Commons: Hakodate Asaichi Hokkaido Japan10bs.jpg
Food: Kaisendon (seafood bowl) — nesnad, CC BY 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kaisendon - sashimi fish bowl - July 2014.jpg
Food: Conveyor-belt sushi — cyclonebill, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Flickr - cyclonebill - Sushi (9).jpg
Food: Conveyor-belt sushi — ben britten, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sushi train.jpg
Food: Conveyor-belt sushi — Daderot, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Conveyor belt in Seoul, Korea - DSC00733.JPG
Food: Kitsune udon — rhosoi, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kitsune udon.jpg
Food: Kitsune udon — unforth from New York City, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kitsune udon in NYC by unforth by unforth.jpg
Food: Kitsune udon — chou_i_ci from Kyoto, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kitsune udon by chou i ci in Kyoto.jpg
Food: Kushikatsu — https://www.flickr.com/photos/jetalone/, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kushiage and Tonjiru Teishoku (Teisyoku-tei, Shintomi-cho, Tokyo) By jetalone.jpg
Food: Kushikatsu — かつはん, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: 茄子田楽の串揚げ（Kushiage）.JPG
Food: Kushikatsu — nesnad, CC BY 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kushiyaki on a plate - September 2014.jpg
Food: Latte — Pemba.mpimaji, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Bem Vindo 2.jpg
Food: Latte — Markus Spiske, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Barista italian coffee style.jpg
Food: Latte — Athena Lam thecupandtheroad, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Athena Lam 2016 (Unsplash).jpg
Food: Matcha parfait — Misaochan2, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Matcha parfait at dessert parlour in Brisbane.jpg
Food: Matcha parfait — bryan... from Taipei, Taiwan, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: 抹茶豪華聖代, 108 MATCHA SARO 抹茶茶廊, 一〇八抹茶茶廊, 108 MATCHA SARO, 台北 (15440371501).jpg
Food: Matcha parfait — 経済特区, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: アニーのアイスクリーム屋さんのアイスクリーム3トッピング(自家製あんこ，抹茶のムース，抹茶わらび餅).jpg
Food: Matcha soft-serve — Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Taiyaki (00224).jpg
Food: Matcha soft-serve — Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Taiyaki (00237).jpg
Food: Matcha soft-serve — bryan... from Taipei, Taiwan, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: 抹茶北海道霜淇淋, 108 MATCHA SARO 抹茶茶廊, 一〇八抹茶茶廊, 108 MATCHA SARO, 台北 (15256851000).jpg
Food: Melon pan — Sakurai Midori, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Melonpan.jpg
Food: Melon pan — No machine-readable author provided. 小太刀~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: CodazziMelonpan1.jpg
Food: Melon pan — Janine from Mililani, Hawaii, United States, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Melon pan & iced coffee.jpg
Food: Menchi-katsu — jetalone from Naha Airport, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Minced katsu sandwich by jetalone in Naha, Okinawa.jpg
Food: Menchi-katsu — Iwao, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kitajima's sandwich 2011 (5695092793).jpg
Food: Menchi-katsu — 江戸村のとくぞう, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Kosuke Kitajima-3.jpg
Food: Motsuyaki — Anzai Keisuke, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Horumonyaki.jpg
Food: Motsuyaki — Ocdp, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Horumonyaki 001.jpg
Food: Motsuyaki — くろふね, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: ホルモン焼（むつ菊）.jpg
Food: Nigiri sushi — Danny Choo, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sushi Tokyo.jpg
Food: Nigiri sushi — MF14 at English Wikipedia, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons: FreshWaterEelSushi.jpg
Food: Nigiri sushi — HanSangYoon, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: HSY- Sushi, Tai.jpg
Food: Okonomiyaki — Washisama at Japanese Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Hirosima okonomi.JPG
Food: Okonomiyaki — woinary from Food court Okonomi Hiroba in Hiroshima Airport in Mihara, Hiroshima, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Hiroshima yaki by woinary at the food court in Hiroshima Airport.jpg
Food: Okonomiyaki — Alpha, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Bacon and cheese okonomiyaki.jpg
Food: Pizza — Valerio Capello at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Eq it-na pizza-margherita sep2005 sml.jpg
Food: Pizza — Lombroso, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Pizza Margherita ().JPG
Food: Pizza — stu_spivack, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Pizza Margherita stu spivack.jpg
Food: Saba-zushi — Yones, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons: Saba zushi.JPG
Food: Saba-zushi — 7'o'7, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sabazushi.jpg
Food: Saba-zushi — MemColorLab, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Mackerel sushi (sabazushi).jpg
Food: Grilled scallops — Eximiousincorp, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Grilled Scallops.jpg
Food: Grilled scallops — CNEcija12345, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Grilled garlic scallops.jpg
Food: Shoyu ramen — The Other View from Onomichi, Hiroshima, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Onomichi ramen and jiaozi by The Other View in Onomichi.jpg
Food: Shoyu ramen — Luis Carlos Diaz, CC BY 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Ramen 2.jpg
Food: Shoyu ramen — Miscellaneous contributor, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Shoyu Ramen with Sushi and Tempura.jpg
Food: Small doughnuts — Hajime NAKANO, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: ドーナツひゅうず 2016 (30253084985).jpg
Food: Street food — No machine-readable author provided. Ro-~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons: Japan Oden.JPG
Food: Street food — Dai44 from Taiyaki shop Myodai Taiyaki Fukugi (名代たいやき福義) in Higashi-Ikebukuro, T, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Taiyaki shop by Dai44 in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.jpg
Food: Street food — ivva from Oden shop Oden Yoshidaya on the Sunamachi Ginza street, Kitasuna, Koto, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Oden shop by ivva in Sunamachi Ginza, Tokyo.jpg
Food: Street food — Kanko*, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Ishi yaki imo by Kanko.jpg
Food: Street food — 100yen, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: 8line corn.jpg
Food: Takoyaki — Blue Lotus from Blue Lotus's Home, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Homemade takoyaki 4.jpg
Food: Takoyaki — Matt Biddulph, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: A Takoyaki.jpg
Food: Takoyaki — PekePON, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: JR Kyushu 787 buffet 2002-5.jpg
Food: Tamagoyaki — jetalone from Sushi bar Hamashige Sushi in Tsukiji fish market, Tsukiji, Chuo, T, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tamagoyaki by jetalone in Tsukiji fish market, Tokyo.jpg
Food: Tamagoyaki — naotakem, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tamagoyaki by naotakem in Tokyo.jpg
Food: Tempura — Geoff Peters from Vancouver, BC, Canada, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Ebi Chili Mayo (3470640292).jpg
Food: Tempura — Savannah Rivka, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Tempura shrimp and rice at Shirakawa-go (19).jpg
Food: Tempura — Unknown, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Marugame Udon Shrimp prawn tempura Ebi-TenD.jpg
Food: Tonkatsu — Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Pork cutlet, Tonkatsu Menu, Tonkatsu Tombo, Paris 6 December 2016 001.jpg
Food: Tonkatsu — pelican from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sesame pork cutlet (2238267183).jpg
Food: Tonkatsu — pelican from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Pork cutlet (4021393625).jpg
Food: Tonkotsu ramen — Nesnad, CC BY 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Bowloframen-akihabara-jan2016-anaglyph.jpg
Food: Tonkotsu ramen — Wesoree, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Ikkousha tonkotsu bowl.jpg
Food: Tonkotsu ramen — Unknown, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons: Umami Tonkotsu ramen bowlB.jpg
Food: Tsukemen — Jastrow, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons: Zaru ramen Paris.jpg
Food: Tsukemen — Douglas Perkins, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Tsukemen bowls.jpg
Food: Tsukemen — Wei-Te Wong from Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Wongwt 六厘舍沾麵 (17283725301).jpg
Food: Tsukemono (pickles) — Decosu, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons: Ikaninjin1.jpg
Food: Uni (sea urchin) — self, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: Sushi uni.jpg
Food: Uni (sea urchin) — Douglas P. Perkins, CC BY 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: UniIkuraDon.jpg
Food: Yakitori — No machine-readable author provided. Fg2 assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain. Wikimedia Commons: YakitoriM0826.jpg
Food: Yakitori — Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Yakitori skewers, Yoki restaurant, Paris 28 September 2016.jpg
Food: Yakitori — Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Beef and cheese skewers, Yakitori, Madama restaurant, Paris 001.jpg
Food: Yudofu — Joi Ito from Inbamura, Japan, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Yudofu.jpg
Food: Yudofu — Kykk wiki, CC0. Wikimedia Commons: Seizansoudou Yudoufu.jpg
Food: Yudofu — Richard, enjoy my life! from 台北市, ROC Taiwan, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: 丹沢大山出遊大食 (11541486413).jpg
Food: Zaru soba — No machine-readable author provided. 小太刀~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons: CodazziSeiroSoba1.jpg
Food: Zaru soba — shibainu from Soba restaurant Tamaya near the Ryōgoku Station, Sumida, Tokyo, CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Towari soba by shibainu in Ryogoku, Tokyo.jpg
Food: Zaru soba — woinary from Soba restaurant Toraya in Nagatoro, Saitama, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons: Chichibu soba woinary in Nagatoro, Saitama.jpg