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 central Tokyo hotel. In Tokyo, you'll discover Japan's fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. You can stroll through the Shinjuku business district to recognize some places featured in the movie "Kimi No Na Wa" (Your Name) by Makoto Shinkai. Later visit Senso-ji in Asakusa, a place featured in the manga "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" by Koyoharu Gotoge.

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.

Today, head to Tokyo Dome City and ride the roller coaster Thunder Dolphin. You could have lunch in one of the 70 restaurants in the facility.

In the afternoon, take a stroll through Akihabara, also known as the electric city! Don't miss the four-story Mandarake Store, where you can find hundreds of books in Japanese and English, posters, board games, soft toys, clothing, anime CDs and DVDs, art books, figurines, and more.

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.

Today you could discover the traditional Tokyo with a walk along Nakamise Street to reach Senso-ji temple. On your way don't forget to buy some souvenirs.

After, cross the river by boat to Hamarikyu Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden with a scenic tea house. You can continue your visit with the Zojoji Temple, famous for its Jizo who holds a paper windmill and for its views of the Tokyo Tower 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.

This morning take the train to Iga, home to the ninja. You'll start with a visit to the Iga Ninja Museum, which traces their origins. Depending on the schedule, you can attend a demonstration of this traditional secret art.

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 Shitennô-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 a day dedicated to Universal Studios Japan. With your ~ Flying Dinosaur 4 ~ fast pass, enter the Harry Potter Land to taste a Butterbeer, then ride the Jurassic Park roller coaster before discovering the world of Minions. In the evening, head to the Shinsekai district, literally "The New World '', to soak up your last moments in Japan.

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.