DAY 01 · SUN 6 DECTokyo

Hello, Tokyo!

Arrive in Japan and ease into your Shinjuku base.

• ~7:00 am
  Arrive at Narita AirportApproximate arrival. Allow roughly 1–2 hours for immigration, baggage, IC cards and getting oriented.
• ~9:00–11:30 am
  Narita Express to ShinjukuAllow roughly 80–100 minutes on the train plus airport/station walking and waiting. Train choice not booked.
• Late morning
  Drop bags and find a relaxed lunchAsk your Shinjuku accommodation about luggage drop; do not assume early room access.
• Afternoon
  Recharge / short Shinjuku wanderLong flight day. Keep the day clear of timed sightseeing.
• After dark
  Explore neon ShinjukuShort walk near the hotel: giant screens, illuminated streets, easy ramen or yakitori dinner.

DAY 02 · MON 7 DECTokyo

Shrine, style & skyline

A full Tokyo day: calm forest shrine → fashion streets → giant city views.

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Shinto shrine · torii gate

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Shopping street

• 8:45–10:15 am
  Meiji Jingu Shrine and forest walkStart near Harajuku Station; pass giant torii gates to the peaceful Shinto shrine. Allow ~60–90 minutes.
• 10:30–11:45 am
  Takeshita Street, HarajukuCrepes, quirky clothes, youth fashion, fun snacks and photo opportunities. 10–15 min walk from Meiji Jingu exit.
• 11:45 am–1:15 pm
  Omotesando lunch and shopsStylish boulevard; browse Japanese brands and stop for lunch before the Shibuya afternoon. ~10–15 min walk.
• 1:30–2:30 pm
  Shibuya PARCO and teen shoppingNintendo/Pokémon stores and fashion if of interest. Allow time for shopping instead of racing to another district.
• 2:30–3:15 pm
  Hachikō and Shibuya CrossingSee the famous dog statue, scramble crossing and surrounding viewpoints.
• Approx. 3:15–5:00 pm
  Shibuya Sky — afternoon into sunsetGreat skyline views. Timed admission NOT booked; check official release two weeks ahead. Shift the day around the ticket time.
• Evening
  Dinner in Shibuya; return to ShinjukuRelaxed dinner then rail back to your Shinjuku base; allow ~20–35 min depending on location.

DAY 03 · TUE 8 DECTokyo

Seafood, Ginza & beauty

Tuna and scallops at Tsukiji, then Japanese favourites in Ginza.

🍣

Seafood market

• 8:30–10:30 am
  Tsukiji Outer Market seafood grazingThe plan we chose: wander stalls eating fresh tuna sashimi, oysters and scallops where available — not Toyosu tuna auction.
• 10:30–11:00 am
  Travel to GinzaApproximately 15–25 minutes on foot, depending on the shops you choose.
• 11:00 am–12:15 pm
  MUJI GinzaBrowse cotton pyjamas, stationery, skincare and useful Japanese basics.
• 12:15–1:15 pm
  Lunch / Ginza caféKeep room for snacks and spontaneous discoveries.
• 1:15–3:00 pm
  UNIQLO, Itoya and Japanese beauty shopsGood stop for clothing, SPF, cosmetics, gift shopping and stationery.
• 3:00–5:00 pm
  Japanese facial or head spaA possible pampering slot, not booked. It can instead move to Sunday 20 if you prefer shopping today.
• After dark
  Roppongi Keyakizaka lights + Tokyo Tower viewStroll the FREE Keyakizaka SNOW & BLUE illuminations (2026: 5–10 pm). Tokyo Tower is visible framed by the illuminated street from suitable viewpoints — no separate Tower visit.

DAY 04 · WED 9 DECNikko

Sacred bridge & cedar forests

Leave Tokyo for mountain shrines and a traditional ryokan.

🌉

Sacred red bridge

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Ornate Shinto shrine

• ~7:00 am
  Leave Tokyo for NikkoEarly departure is our preference. Allow ~2–2½ hours overall with station changes; reserve a suitable intercity train.
• ~10:00–10:40 am
  Shinkyō BridgeIconic vermilion sacred bridge; ideal first photo stop near the World Heritage shrine area.
• 10:45 am–12:30 pm
  Nikkō Tōshōgū ShrineExplore ornate carvings and cedar-lined grounds. Allow roughly 90–120 min.
• 12:30–1:30 pm
  Lunch — Nikko yuba dishesSample local tofu-skin dishes around the shrine district.
• 1:30–3:00 pm
  Rinnō-ji or Futarasan shrine precinctPick one extra historic site depending on weather and winter closing times.
• Late afternoon
  Transfer to ryokan and terrace bathCheck in with time to enjoy the private terrace bath and dinner arrangements.

DAY 05 · THU 10 DECNikko

Old Edo adventure

Dress-up streets, costumed performers and a step back in time.

• ~8:30–9:30 am
  Breakfast and transfer toward Edo WonderlandAim near opening; the park is outside central Nikko. Confirm the winter bus/shuttle or arrange a taxi.
• 9:30 am–12:30 pm
  Edo Wonderland — town and ninja/samurai experiencesOfficial calendar shows Thursday 10 Dec OPEN; winter season 9:30 am–4 pm. Admission still to arrange.
• 12:30–1:15 pm
  Lunch inside the Edo villageTry Edo-style food and leave time for performances.
• 1:15–3:30 pm
  More Edo Wonderland shows and strollingChoose the shows that appeal, then allow time to reach the last suitable shuttle/bus; confirm service on the day.
• Evening
  Back to ryokan, bath and dinnerRelax before the long Nikko–Kyoto train journey on Friday.

DAY 06 · FRI 11 DECKyoto

Kyoto by afternoon, Gion by night

A long travel morning, then your booked guided walk through old Kyoto.

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Traditional lane

• ~6:00–7:00 am
  Depart Nikko for KyotoEarly start needed for your preferred 1–2 pm Kyoto arrival; ~5–6+ hours door to door is a planning allowance, not a reserved service.
• ~1:00–2:00 pm
  Kyoto arrival and bag dropYour preferred arrival window, subject to the trains booked and connections.
• 2:00–3:30 pm
  Easy lunch and first Kyoto strollKeep this block flexible after the long journey; café, local streets, or rest.
• 3:30–5:00 pm
  Explore Gion / Hanamikoji nearbyTraditional wooden townhouses and laneways, without overloading the day before your tour.
• 5:00–5:30 pm
  Reach Gion tour meeting pointExact meeting point is in your private booking; allow a margin so you are not rushed.
• 5:45–8:15 pm
  Gion walk with a local guideCONFIRMED Airbnb Kyoto Gion Walk with Local: Culture & Geisha World, 4 people.
• After 8:15 pm
  Easy supper / returnYour guide may have suggestions; no extra ticketed activity tonight.

DAY 07 · SAT 12 DECKyoto

Old Kyoto, orange gates & teamLab

Higashiyama temples first → teppan lunch → Fushimi Inari → booked immersive art.

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Torii-gate tunnels

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Temple terrace

• ~7:45–9:15 am
  Kiyomizu-dera TempleStart early at the famous wooden hillside temple to enjoy the views before the busiest crowds. Opens at 6 am.
• 9:15–11:15 am
  Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka & Yasaka PagodaWalk downhill through the historic stone lanes, craft shops and famous pagoda view. No cross-city transfer.
• ~11:30 am–12:45 pm
  Affordable griddle-cooked lunch near KawaramachiAim for a budget-friendly teppan/okonomiyaki lunch around Kawaramachi, such as Shogetsu (Saturday lunch from 11:30 am), rather than premium wagyu. Confirm the restaurant and queue before relying on it.
• ~12:45–1:25 pm
  Travel Gion area → Fushimi InariUse Keihan toward Fushimi-inari and walk to the shrine, or follow live Google Maps. Allow around 35–50 min including walking.
• 1:25–3:05 pm
  Fushimi Inari — thousands of torii gatesEnjoy the main orange-gate tunnels and a partial uphill walk, not the full summit hike today.
• 3:05–4:15 pm
  Travel toward Kyoto Station & have a breakHead towards teamLab Biovortex in Higashikujo (south-east of Kyoto Station); leave time for a drink, queues and any transport delay.
• 5:30 pm
  teamLab Biovortex KyotoBooked for immersive art. Venue is about 7 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station Hachijo East Gate.
• After teamLab
  Simple dinner / return to Hazuki KyotoKeep the evening flexible after a full sightseeing day.

DAY 08 · SUN 13 DECKyoto → Osaka

Bamboo grove + monkeys OR Golden Pavilion → Osaka

Early bamboo grove just after sunrise (~6:55 am), before the crowds; then choose Monkey Park OR Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) before Osaka.

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Golden Zen temple

• ~6:15–7:00 am
  Early departure / luggage planLeave your Kyoto accommodation around 6:15 am (check transport and check-out arrangements). Confirm whether Hazuki can store bags or use a suitable station locker. Avoid taking cases on the bamboo and hill walk.
• 7:15–8:00 am
  Arashiyama Bamboo GroveSUNRISE VISIT: sunrise in Kyoto is around 6:55 am. Aim to arrive at 7:15 am, shortly after sunrise, for quieter paths and beautiful early light as the tall bamboo gradually brightens. The grove is freely accessible; arrive via the Saga-Arashiyama Station side.
• 8:00–8:45 am
  Togetsukyō Bridge and riversideEnjoy the bridge and riverside. If choosing the Golden Pavilion, keep this stop brief and leave Arashiyama earlier.
• OPTION A · ~9:00–10:45 am
  Iwatayama Monkey ParkChoose this OR the Golden Pavilion. Walk uphill around 20–30 minutes each way to see macaques and Kyoto views. Subject to weather.
• OPTION B · ~8:45–11:15 am
  Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) instead of Monkey ParkChoose this OR the monkey park. Transfer from Arashiyama to northwestern Kyoto (~30–45 minutes by public transport, potentially less by taxi), then allow ~45–60 minutes at the golden temple. No need to do both.
• ~11:00 am–noon, depending on choice
  Simple lunch or snackGrab an easy lunch in the area you finish sightseeing. Keep luggage pickup and the Osaka transfer in mind.
• ~noon–1:30 pm
  Collect bags & leave KyotoReturn for stored bags, then head to Osaka. Golden Pavilion visitors should leave enough time to return to luggage storage.
• Early–mid afternoon
  Kyoto → Osaka, Namba check-in/bag dropAllow approximately 60–100 minutes door to door plus time for bag drop. Aim to arrive in Namba well before the 5:30 pm food tour.
• 4:45–5:15 pm
  Make your way to the food-tour meeting pointCheck the booking’s exact meeting point and aim to arrive early.
• 5:30–8:30 pm
  Taste 15 Osaka Dishes & 3 DrinksCONFIRMED food tour for four, on Sunday 13 December.
• Later evening
  Optional Dōtonbori neon walkOnly if the family still has energy after the early Arashiyama start.

DAY 09 · MON 14 DECOsaka

Universal Studios Japan!

Your huge theme-park day with entry and Express Passes already purchased.

• ~7:00 am / park opening
  Travel from Nipponbashi to Universal Studios JapanAllow roughly 45–70 minutes including local rail and entry queues; check the official park opening time.
• All morning
  Universal Studios JapanCONFIRMED Studio Pass and Express Pass. Follow your actual timed attraction windows.
• Lunch
  Eat inside USJChoose according to ride times and queues; avoid crossing the park unnecessarily.
• All afternoon
  Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World / other ridesActual ticket details take priority. Forbidden Journey access confirmed. JAWS versus Jurassic Park option depends on your specific pass.
• Evening
  Return to Namba / recovery dinnerA long day on your feet; keep tomorrow gentle.

DAY 10 · TUE 15 DECOsaka

Luggage, local sights & sumo

Send big suitcases ahead, then get ready for your 3 pm sumo booking.

• 9:00–10:30 am
  Yamato luggage forwarding — large suitcasesPlanned: use a staffed Yamato near your Osaka base; send big bags to Tokyo hotel for Fri 18 Dec. Confirm exact office, acceptance and delivery date; not yet booked.
• 10:30 am–12:00 pm
  Kuromon Ichiba MarketSeafood snacks and local market exploring near Nipponbashi.
• 12:00–1:00 pm
  Lunch + optional Namba Yasaka ShrineSee giant lion-head shrine if time allows. Watch transfer time to sumo meeting point.
• 1:00–2:30 pm
  Buffer / head to booked sumo venueAvoid cramming another faraway attraction into the pre-show window.
• 3:00–4:30 pm
  Sumo Experience & Audience ChallengeCONFIRMED Airbnb sumo for four.
• Evening
  Dōtonbori neon or ShinsekaiChoose one easy night wander and dinner after sumo.
• Before bed
  Pack four carry-ons for HiroshimaLarge cases go ahead to Tokyo; keep essential clothes and items for two nights.
• Early evening
  Optional Round1 Stadium SennichimaeBowling, games and Spo-Cha in Namba, convenient for your Osaka accommodation. Under-18 entry hours apply; choose this OR a long neon walk.
• Evening
  Dōtonbori / Shinsekai if you prefer to strollKeep flexible depending on sumo and how much everyone wants games versus sightseeing.

DAY 11 · WED 16 DECHiroshima

History & reflection

Get to Hiroshima in time for your booked 10:30 am peace walk.

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Peace memorial

• ~6:30–7:00 am
  Leave Osaka for HiroshimaAllow about 2–3 hours overall including station transfers, bag storage and reaching the meeting point. Book rail around 10:30 am tour.
• ~9:30–10:10 am
  Arrive, store carry-ons and reach tourAim at Hiroshima early enough to manage luggage; no specific locker or storage site is yet confirmed.
• 10:30 am–12:30 pm
  Hiroshima History & Peace Walking TourCONFIRMED Airbnb tour for four. Expect the guide to discuss Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome; do not duplicate blindly.
• 12:30–1:30 pm
  Lunch near Peace Memorial ParkTake a breather after the historical walk.
• 1:30–3:30 pm
  Hiroshima Peace Memorial MuseumMuseum may be emotionally demanding and sometimes busy; allow ~1½–2 hours, adjust if included in your tour.
• After 3:30 pm
  Free time around the memorial districtReturn to the dome only if the tour did not cover the experience you wanted.
• Evening
  Hiroshima-style okonomiyakiTry an okonomiyaki restaurant, perhaps around Okonomimura.

DAY 12 · THU 17 DECHiroshima

Miyajima island day

A famous sea gate, relaxed island lanes and sacred scenery.

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Sea torii gate

• ~8:00–9:30 am
  Train and ferry to MiyajimaAllow roughly 60–90 minutes from central Hiroshima, depending on starting point.
• 9:30–11:00 am
  Itsukushima Shrine and the great sea toriiExplore the shrine and look for the iconic red gate. Check tide predictions closer to your visit.
• 11:00 am–12:30 pm
  Miyajima Omotesandō shopping streetBrowse souvenir stalls, momiji manjū cakes and fresh grilled oysters when offered.
• 12:30–1:30 pm
  Lunch on MiyajimaSeafood or local set meal; leave time to linger.
• 1:30–3:30 pm
  Daishō-in Temple or Mt Misen ropewayChoose one depending on energy, daylight and ropeway operation.
• ~4:00–5:30 pm
  Ferry and train back to HiroshimaAllow winter daylight and transport buffer.
• Evening
  Dinner / early rest before ShinkansenSort bags for Friday’s long Tokyo trip.

DAY 13 · FRI 18 DECTokyo

Bullet train to Akihabara

Return to Tokyo and settle into your final base.

🎮

Arcade & shopping district

• ~9:00–10:00 am
  Check out and go to Hiroshima stationAllow time for bags and breakfast; target around 10 am Shinkansen departure, not yet booked.
• ~10:00 am–2:30 pm
  Hiroshima → Tokyo by ShinkansenApprox. 4–4½ hours rail plus connections. Book seats and check Fuji-view side on appropriate train section; visibility depends on weather.
• ~3:00–4:00 pm
  Reach Akihabara base / collect forwarded luggageConfirm the hotel's acceptance of Yamato delivery and that your cases have arrived.
• 4:00–6:00 pm
  Akihabara Electric TownAnime shops, tech stores, games and gacha machines.
• Evening
  Easy dinner and prepare parkrun kitLay out running shoes and parkrun barcode for Saturday’s 8 am start.

DAY 14 · SAT 19 DECTokyo

Parkrun, Asakusa & old Tokyo

An early 5 km Tokyo parkrun followed by temples, shopping lanes and street food.

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Buddhist temple · red gate

• ~6:50–7:00 am
  Leave Akihabara for Kita-AkabaneBudget approximately 40–60 minutes for train plus walking; check the exact route the previous night. Arrive early.
• 8:00–~9:00 am
  Shingashigawa Ukima parkrun — 5 kmOUR PLANNED TOKYO PARKRUN (restored). Usually Saturdays 8 am near Kita-Akabane/Shingashi River Terrace. Bring barcode; verify the 19 Dec event and course before travel.
• ~9:00–10:30 am
  Post-run coffee / travel to AsakusaAllow time to finish, recover and travel across town (~45–70 min planning allowance). Non-runners can meet the group at Asakusa.
• ~10:30 am–12:00 pm
  Sensō-ji Temple and Kaminarimon gateFamous giant red lantern, incense and temple precinct.
• 12:00–1:00 pm
  Nakamise shopping street and lunchBrowse Japanese souvenirs and snacks on the approach to the temple.
• 1:00–3:00 pm
  Kappabashi kitchenware streetLook for Japanese knives, bowls and remarkable plastic food models; optional if you are tired after the run.
• 3:00–5:00 pm
  Ueno/Ameyoko or return to AkihabaraOnly do the extra market if everyone has energy. Tokyo Skytree is a nearby alternative from Asakusa.
• Evening
  Flexible dinner and early nightKeep this relaxed after a full day that began before 7 am.

DAY 15 · SUN 20 DECTokyo

Mt Fuji option OR Tokyo Skytree day

Keep this final full day genuinely flexible: choose a full-day Fuji excursion or a Tokyo skyline, shopping and head-spa day.

• OPTION A · ~7 am–early evening
  OPTIONAL full-day Mt Fuji / Kawaguchiko tourIf you choose the Fuji outing, it replaces Skytree, shopping and the head spa today. A full-day excursion can take 10–12+ hours; book and confirm departure point, returns and weather policy.
• OPTION B · 9:00–11:30 am
  Tokyo Skytree and SolamachiLIKELY TOKYO CHOICE: skyline observation deck and adjacent shopping. Timed admission not yet booked.
• OPTION B · 11:30 am–1:30 pm
  Skytree / Solamachi lunch and shopsStay in one area after the observation deck; browse gifts and character stores.
• OPTION B · 1:30–4:30 pm
  Japanese head spa, facial or final shoppingChoose a head spa appointment or spend the afternoon on MUJI, SPF, stationery and gifts.
• Evening
  Final family dinner in TokyoDinner near Akihabara or wherever you finish your chosen day. Not booked.

DAY 16 · MON 21 DECTokyo

Sayonara, Japan

A little final exploring before travelling to Narita.

• Morning
  Breakfast and final packingDeparture day is Monday 21 Dec 2026. Check room checkout and keep passports and essentials accessible.
• Late morning
  Small nearby shopping stop (only if convenient)Do not commit to a distant ticketed attraction.
• Early afternoon
  Travel from Akihabara area to Narita AirportFor the ~7 pm flight, choose a conservative airport transfer leaving substantial time for check-in, security and possible disruption.
• ~7:00 pm
  Depart Japan from NaritaApproximate flight time from previous itinerary; verify on airline confirmation.