Otaku Japan

Today you will board your flight to Japan on an overnight flight so get ready to discover this fascinating and amazing country through its pop culture.

You'll arrive in Tokyo and take a shuttle to your hotel in the heart of the city. Here, Japan’s dynamic blend of past and future comes to life. For a first glimpse into Tokyo’s pop culture world, head to Akihabara — a lively district known for its anime, gaming, and tech culture.

Wander through multi-storey shops filled with model kits, character goods, and collectibles, and don’t miss a stop at Kotobukiya, a flagship for anime enthusiasts. For those with a soft spot for retro games, the nostalgic charm of Super Potato is a must, offering everything from vintage consoles to pixel-era classics.

Today you'll explore the universe of Hayao Miyazaki with a visit to the Ghibli Museum. You will be greeted by Totoro, and you're free to enjoy all the wonders imagined by the creator of the place. Next, head to the district of Shibuya, and take a picture with the statue of the Hachiko dog. Stroll through Harajuku, where you learn about the latest fashion trends, before rejuvenating at Meiji Jingu Shrine; on your way, don't forget to try the rainbow cotton candy at Totti Candy Factory. End your day at the Tokyo City Hall Observatory with a splendid view of the metropolis.

Today take the metro to Nakano Manga School for your 10 am lesson. Enjoy two hours of classes in English with a professional illustrator, during which you will be introduced to drawing techniques needed to create manga. After visit Nakano Broadway, this shopping centre offers a large concentration of stores specializing in anime and retro gaming products. Then, head to the Samurai Museum to admire armour, helmets and swords dating back 400 years.

Start your day with a thrill at Tokyo Dome City, where the iconic Thunder Dolphin roller coaster races through a building and around the Big-O Ferris wheel — a real-life anime energy! If you're into collecting themed goods or spotting collabs with anime franchises, the shops around the area often carry exclusive finds. Refuel at one of over 70 restaurants inside the complex — perfect for fans of themed cafés and cute desserts.

In the afternoon, take the train to nearby Saitama and dive into Japan’s deep love for trains at the Railway Museum. Here, you’ll find full-size shinkansen, retro carriages straight out of a Ghibli scene, and plenty of interactive exhibits. Spread across several halls, the museum offers an impressive collection of interactive exhibits and historical displays, offering a fascinating look into how rail travel shaped Japan's modern culture.

Start this colourful day with a visit to the teamLab exhibition (optional) in futuristic Odaiba. Stroll through Venus Fort, an Italian-decorated shopping mall inspired by the 1800s. A 10-minute walk away is a life-size reproduction of Gundam. Don't forget to visit the Gundam café to have bubble tea and check out the Gundam shop. Spend your afternoon marvelling at the creations of the Legoland Discovery Center, and finally, go for a stroll on Odaiba Beach, admiring the sunset and the illuminations of the Rainbow Bridge.

Start your morning stepping into the world of historical Tokyo with a walk down Nakamise Street, the bustling, lantern-lit shopping lane leading to Senso-ji Temple.This area isn't just a tourist favorite — it's been featured countless times in anime and manga, including Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, where the temple grounds inspired some of the atmospheric Edo-style scenes. With all the paper lanterns, kimono rental shops, and nostalgic snack stalls, you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a live-action episode. Along the way, be sure to browse the many shops for unique souvenirs and local treats.

Afterwards, take a short boat ride across the Sumida River to Hamarikyu Garden, where you can relax with a cup of matcha in a lakeside teahouse — a perfect moment of calm. You may wish to end your day at Zojoji Temple, known for its rows of Jizo statues holding colourful paper windmills and its striking view of Tokyo Tower rising in the background.

This morning, you'll leave Tokyo to take the train to traditional Kyoto. On the way, you'll stop at Hamamatsu. You could visit Nukumori no Mori or "The Forest of Heat", a model village in the style of Studio Ghibli.

Kyoto is the most traditional city of your trip. You will find many temples and shrines, and some are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you are hungry, take the time to have lunch in one of the restaurants available in the train station, and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace.

You'll start your day with a cooking class, take public transportation to the meeting place. Meet at 9:20 am to prepare a bento (the famous Japanese lunch box). Then, head to the International Manga Museum, inaugurated in 2006. You will be able to find a massive selection of manga here to browse. To end your day, you could discover the Nijo Castle, built in 1603, which served as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns during their stays in the city.

Start your day admiring the city from Kiyomizu-dera, and as you descend the stairs of Sannenzaka, be sure to admire the stalls to Yasaka Shrine. On your way, taste the traditional confection called "yatsuhashi" you will find different flavours like cinnamon, strawberry, banana, and chocolate on your way. Stroll through the Gion district, known for its Geisha. If you are lucky, you could be able to see one.

Later you have a 5 pm Kembu demonstration at the Samurai Kembu theatre, followed by a souvenir photoshoot with the masters of this martial art. You will also have the opportunity to learn the art of handling the sword (fake katana) in traditional attire.

Today, journey north into the scenic mountains of Gifu Prefecture to the town of Hida-Furukawa, a peaceful destination known for its traditional charm and slower pace of life. The town is famous for its picturesque canals lined with koi fish, narrow streets flanked by white-walled storehouses, and beautifully preserved wooden homes.

For anime fans, Hida-Furukawa holds special significance — it served as one of the real-life inspirations for the hit film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) by Makoto Shinkai. Fans may recognise the train station, the surrounding countryside, and the quiet townscape that were faithfully recreated in the movie’s background art. Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the streets that blend history with a touch of cinematic magic before settling in for your overnight stay.

Today you'll head to Osaka, the last stop of your trip. The city is famous for its street food as takoyaki but also for its modern architecture, nightlife and entertainment parks.

Stroll through the grounds of Osaka Castle, and admire the view from atop Harukas Tower. Visit one of the oldest temples in the city, the Shitenno-ji temple, before spending your evening in the Dotonbori district, a popular place in Osaka along the canal where you can find all the necessary entertainment: karaoke, bars, pachinko, shops and restaurants!

Today is dedicated to Universal Studios Japan, one of the country’s top theme parks for film and game lovers alike. With your ~ Flying Dinosaur 4 ~ fast pass, start your day by stepping into the spellbinding Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can sip on a frothy Butterbeer and explore the iconic village of Hogsmeade. Then, brave the Jurassic Park roller coaster and meet the Minions in their colourful, chaotic corner of the park.

Don’t miss Super Nintendo World, a must-see for gamers and fans of Super Mario. From entering through the warp pipe to exploring Princess Peach’s Castle and racing on Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, this immersive area brings the beloved Nintendo universe to life in a way that delights both kids and grown-ups alike.

In the evening, head to the Shinsekai area of Osaka, literally meaning “The New World.” With its nostalgic 20th-century atmosphere, neon lights, and famous Tsutenkaku Tower, it’s the perfect place to soak up your final evening in Japan. Grab a local kushikatsu skewer and reflect on your adventure-filled day.

You will be picked up at your hotel by a driver to go to Osaka Kansai Airport. Buy your last souvenirs at the duty-free shops before taking your flight to Europe. We hope this has been an adventure you'll never forget.