Day 1: Ohayo, Tokyo!
The adventure began with a 6:15 AM touchdown at Narita International Airport, where the crisp Tokyo air welcomed us to Japan. After a seamless transfer to the city in a comfy 10-seater van (booked via Klook for S$324.89), we grabbed our JR Passes (S$470.60) and headed to JR-East Hotel Mets Gotanda (¥96,500), perfectly perched right at Gotanda Station. With check-in still hours away, we stashed our bags at the hotel and dove into our first taste of Japan: a hearty breakfast at Yoshinoya, where steaming bowls of gyudon set the tone for the trip.
Our morning was spent wandering the neon-lit aisles of Don Quijote’s Gotanda East Entrance Store, a treasure trove of quirky snacks and souvenirs. After checking into our cozy hotel at noon, we ventured to Ueno Park, where cherry blossoms hinted at spring’s arrival. Dinner at Carroll Diner Cafe Bar was a delightful mix of comfort food and retro vibes. Though we missed Tokyo Tower and the Meguro River’s cherry blossom promenade due to time constraints, the day’s energy left us buzzing for more.
Day 2: Mt. Fuji’s Majestic Views
We kicked off day two with an 8:00 AM private charter (S$625.25 via Klook) to the breathtaking Fuji Five Lakes region. Lake Kawaguchiko stole our hearts, especially during a serene ride on the Appare sightseeing boat (¥1000/adult, ¥500/child), with Mt. Fuji’s snow-capped peak reflecting on the water. Lunch at Tsujiya was a cozy affair, filled with local flavors.
Next, we climbed the steps of Arakura Sengen Shrine, where the iconic Chureito Pagoda framed Mt. Fuji in all its glory—a postcard moment. Unfortunately, the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway’s long queue kept us grounded, but we didn’t mind. Back in Tokyo, dinner at Nakau in Gotanda was a quick, satisfying end to the day. Before crashing, we booked our train seats to Osaka at Gotanda Station, ready for the next leg.
Day 3: Harajuku’s Colorful Chaos
Harajuku and Takeshita Street were a sensory overload of kawaii culture, crepes, and quirky fashion. We fueled up with lunch at SEIKO-EN Harajuku, savoring juicy yakiniku. Shibuya was next, where we navigated the iconic Shibuya Crossing, snapped a pic with Hachiko’s statue, and shopped at Shibuya 109. The highlight? Shibuya Sky at 4:20 PM (S$18.19/adult, S$5.05/child), where Tokyo’s skyline sparkled from 229 meters up.
Dinner at Toriya Kou Neo was a delicious dive into yakitori, and though we skipped Daiso, Eiswelt Gelato, and Shibuya Parco’s Pokémon Center, the day’s vibrant energy was more than enough. Yoyogi Park and Hello Kitty Japan will have to wait for next time!
Day 4: Kimono Dreams in Asakusa
On day four, we embraced tradition with a kimono experience in Asakusa (S$99.69 via Klook, including professional hairstyling). Dressed in vibrant silks, we strolled through Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street, nibbling on street food and soaking in the historic charm. Sensoji Temple’s grandeur left us in awe, its red pagoda towering over the bustling crowds.
Lunch at Kobe Beef Daia Asakusa was a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence, followed by another Don Quijote spree. For dinner, we grabbed bento boxes from SEIJO ISHII at Gotanda JR Station—perfect for a cozy night in. Nishisando Shopping Street was a miss, but Asakusa’s magic made the day unforgettable.
Day 5: Anime Haven in Akihabara
Akihabara was every anime fan’s dream! From 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM, we explored GiGO’s arcade, Animate’s manga paradise, and Don Quijote’s 24-hour geek emporium. Lunch at Densetsu No Sutadon’ya was a hearty bowl of rice topped with crispy katsu, while dinner at Mos Burger brought classic Japanese fast food to the table.
We skipped the maid café and Tokyo Anime Center (relocated to Ichigaya), as well as Shinjuku and Sunshine City, but Akihabara’s electric vibe was a highlight. The neon lights and otaku culture had us hooked.
Day 6: Osaka’s Dazzling Dotonbori
With bento lunches from JR Station in hand, we hopped a train to Osaka and checked into the modern I Cube Kozu Apartment (¥60,580). Dotonbori’s canal-side chaos was a feast for the senses—think giant crab signs and sizzling street food. Dinner at 炭火焼きくまのもり was a smoky, savory delight.
We wandered Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street, posed by the iconic Glico Sign, and hit Don Quijote’s Ferris wheel-topped store. Osaka’s bold energy was the perfect contrast to Tokyo’s polish.
Day 7: Osaka’s Historic and Modern Blend
Day seven was a mix of old and new. We started with a Family Mart bento lunch, then marveled at Osaka Castle’s golden accents and sprawling grounds. Lunch at Osaka Street was a quick street food fix before exploring Shinsekai’s retro charm, where Tsutenkaku Tower loomed overhead. Dinner at 鹤龟家 was a cozy end to a day of discovery.
Day 8: Cup Noodles and Kuromon Market
Kuromon Ichiba Market was a foodie paradise, with fresh seafood and sizzling skewers at every turn. We grabbed a supermarket bento for lunch, then headed to the Cup Noodle Museum, where we customized our own noodle cups—a quirky, hands-on experience. Den Den Town was a miss, but the day’s culinary adventures kept us smiling.
Day 9: Kyoto’s Timeless Beauty
A 30-minute JR Kyoto Line train ride brought us to Kyoto, where we checked into Hotel Imagine Kyoto (¥74,664) near Kyoto Station. Lunch at P Dining Kyoto Avanti was a quick bite before diving into Gion’s lantern-lit streets. We strolled past geisha teahouses and Tatsumi Bridge, though Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple were saved for later. Dinner was a Lawson bento, enjoyed in the quiet of our hotel. Kyoto’s elegance was already stealing our hearts.
Day 10: Kyoto’s Sacred Sites
A Kyoto Day Tour (S$426.65 via Klook) took us to Fushimi Inari Shrine’s endless red torii gates, a mesmerizing hike through the forest. The Golden Pavilion’s shimmering reflection was next, followed by Arashiyama’s ethereal bamboo forest. Dinner at Nichigetsuan was a refined taste of Kyoto’s cuisine, while a stop at Rilakkuma Cafe added a dose of kawaii. Kiyomizu-dera Temple was skipped, but the day’s spiritual serenity was profound.
Day 11: DisneySea’s Nautical Magic
Back in Tokyo, we dove into DisneySea (S$92.29/adult, S$54.99/child), where volcanic Mount Prometheus and nautical-themed lands created a magical escape. From thrilling rides to whimsical shows, the day was pure joy.
Day 12: Disneyland’s Classic Charm
Disneyland Tokyo (S$91.85/adult, S$54.69/child) brought out our inner kids. Parades, castle selfies, and Space Mountain kept us grinning all day. It was the perfect cap to our theme park adventure.
Day 13: Farewell, Japan
As we packed our bags, Japan’s blend of tradition, innovation, and warmth lingered in our hearts. From Tokyo’s neon buzz to Kyoto’s tranquil shrines, this 13-day journey was a love letter to a country that surprises at every turn. Until next time, sayonara!
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