🎎 Japan – Steph and Sarah's Activities Guide (Sep 2025)

πŸ™οΈ Osaka
⭐ Activities
Osaka Castle
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Osaka Castle 🎟️ Tickets Morning Price: Β₯600 Description: Best visited early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the park Pre-book: Yes 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distance: 6.0 km Travel Time: 28 min From Shin-Osaka Station – From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station, then a 15-minute walk to the castle
Universal Studios Japan
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Universal Studios Japan 🎟️ Tickets Morning Price: Β₯8,400 to 9,400 Description: Arrive early to maximize time and avoid long lines Pre-book: Yes 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Distance: 13 km Travel Time: 41 min From Shin-Osaka Station – 5-minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line
πŸ—Ό Tokyo
⭐ Activities
Asakusa Sensoji Temple
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Asakusa Sensoji Temple Early Morning Price: Free Description: Best visited in early morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple’s serene atmosphere Pre-book: N/R 6:00 to 17:00 Distance: 10 km Travel Time: 33 min From Tokyo Station – From Asakusa Station, it’s a short walk to the temple
Ghibli Museum
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Ghibli Museum 🎟️ Tickets One month in advance Price: Β₯1,000 Description: Tickets are hard to secure, highly recommended for Studio Ghibli fans Pre-book: Yes 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Distance: 24 km Travel Time: 56 min From Tokyo Station – Accessible by train to Mitaka Station
Imperial Palace
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Imperial Palace January 2nd and February 23rd Price: Free Description: Home to Japan’s royal family, entry allowed on specific dates Pre-book: N/R 24 hours Distance: 5.2 km Travel Time: 22 min From Tokyo Station – Near Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets and Akihabara neighborhood
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Meiji Jingu Shrine All year round Price: Free Description: Tranquil area with traditional art collections at Nezu Museum Pre-book: N/R 24 hours Distance: 8.5 km Travel Time: 30 min From Tokyo Station – Located in Shibuya neighborhood
Shibuya Crossing
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Shibuya Crossing Evening Price: Free Description: Most vibrant in the evening with neon lights and crowds Pre-book: N/R 24 hours Distance: 7.5 km Travel Time: 26 min From Tokyo Station – From Shibuya Station, it’s a short walk to the crossing
TeamLab Planets
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
TeamLab Planets 🎟️ Tickets Morning or evening Price: Β₯3,200 Description: Interactive digital art exhibition, recommended to book early for specific time slots Pre-book: Yes 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Distance: 8.0 km Travel Time: 32 min From Tokyo Station – Accessible by train from Shin-Toyosu Station
Toyosu Market
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Toyosu Market Early Morning Price: Free Description: Livelier in the early morning, best for fresh seafood Pre-book: N/R 5:00 to 14:00 Distance: 8.5 km Travel Time: 36 min From Tokyo Station – From Tsukiji Station or Tsukiji Shijo Station, it’s a short walk to the market
Shibuya Sky
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Shibuya Sky 🎟️ Tickets Wednesday 3 September Price: Β₯3,400 Description: Observation deck at the top of Shibuya Scramble Square, offering panoramic city views and a stunning open-air rooftop experience, especially beautiful at sunset. Pre-book: Yes 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM Distance: 7.5 km Travel Time: 26 min From Tokyo Station – Floor 1 Β· Shibuya Scramble Square
Making of Harry Potter world
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Making of Harry Potter world 🎟️ Tickets Thursday 4 September Price: Β₯7,000 Description: Immersive studio experience showcasing authentic sets, costumes, and props from the Harry Potter films. A must-visit for fans to explore the Wizarding World behind the scenes. Pre-book: Yes 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Distance: 16 km Travel Time: 44 min From Tokyo Station – 1 Chrome-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima City, Tokyo 179-0074, Japan
⭐ Shopping
Ginza
Activity About Video Map
Ginza Luxury shopping district featuring flagship stores and department stores. Video Map
Shibuya 109
Activity About Video Map
Shibuya 109 Trendy fashion mall catering to youth culture in Shibuya. Video Map
Harajuku Takeshita Street
Activity About Video Map
Harajuku Takeshita Street Youth fashion and colourful subculture shops in a pedestrian-only alley. Video Map
Omotesando
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Omotesando Tokyo's upscale shopping boulevard with elegant flagship stores. Video Map
Nakamise Shopping Street (Asakusa)
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Nakamise Shopping Street (Asakusa) Traditional market street with snacks, crafts, and souvenirs. Video Map
Ameya-Yokocho (Ueno)
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Ameya-Yokocho (Ueno) Lively street market with food stalls and bargain goods. Video Map
Ikebukuro Sunshine City
Activity About Video Map
Ikebukuro Sunshine City Shopping complex with PokΓ©mon Center, aquarium, and more. Video Map
Akihabara Electric Town
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Akihabara Electric Town Electronics and anime shopping heaven, with gaming and gadgets. Video Map
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (Odaiba)
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DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (Odaiba) Popular mall home to life-size Gundam and fashion stores. Video Map
Kappabashi Street
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Kappabashi Street Known for Japanese kitchenware, ceramics, and fake food models. Video Map
Lumine Est Shinjuku
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Lumine Est Shinjuku Trendy fashion mall near Shinjuku Station with youth-focused fashion, makeup, and accessories. Video Map
Shinjuku Isetan
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Shinjuku Isetan Upscale department store known for premium fashion, cosmetics, and food halls. Video Map
Omotesando Hills
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Omotesando Hills Sleek complex featuring designer boutiques, local labels, and beauty brands. Video Map
Laforet Harajuku
Activity About Video Map
Laforet Harajuku Cutting-edge fashion building with over 140 stores including independent designers. Video Map
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
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Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Stylish shopping complex with youth fashion, lifestyle brands, and rooftop cafΓ©. Video Map
Atre Ebisu
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Atre Ebisu Fashionable shopping and lifestyle centre connected to Ebisu Station. Video Map
Shibuya Hikarie
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Shibuya Hikarie Multi-use skyscraper featuring beauty, fashion, and culture-focused floors. Video Map
Marui Shibuya
Activity About Video Map
Marui (0101) Shibuya Trendy department store with youthful women's fashion, shoes, and jewellery. Video Map
⛩️ Kyoto
⭐ Activities
Camellia Tea Ceremony
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Camellia Tea Ceremony 🎟️ Tickets Afternoon Price: Β₯4000 Description: A serene experience in the calm afternoon, perfect for immersing in the Japanese tea ritual Pre-book: Yes Varies by venue Distance: 5.5 km Travel Time: 20 min From Kyoto Station – Locations vary; many are in central Kyoto, accessible by bus or train from Kyoto Station
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Fushimi Inari Shrine Early Morning Price: Free Description: Best visited early morning for tranquility and stunning views of red torii gates Pre-book: N/R 24 hours Distance: 3.2 km Travel Time: 10 min From Kyoto Station – Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5 minutes), or the Keihan Main Line to Fushimi Inari Station
Gion District
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Gion District Evening Price: Free Description: Beautifully lit up after dark, with chances of seeing geiko or maiko on their way to appointments Pre-book: N/R 24 hours Distance: 5.0 km Travel Time: 17 min From Kyoto Station – Take the Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station or the Hankyu Line to Kawaramachi Station, both a 10-minute walk
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) 🎟️ Tickets Early Morning Price: Β₯500 Description: Golden reflection on the pond is most beautiful under the morning sun Pre-book: Yes 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distance: 9.3 km Travel Time: 32 min From Kyoto Station – Bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji-michi bus stop (40 minutes)
Nijo Castle
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Nijo Castle 🎟️ Tickets All year round Price: Β₯800 Description: Explore the historical castle, former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns Pre-book: Yes 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM Distance: 4.8 km Travel Time: 25 min From Kyoto Station – Accessible by bus from Kyoto Station
Gion Corner
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Gion Corner 🎟️ Tickets Evening Price: Β₯5500 Description: Traditional performing arts showcase (maiko dance, tea ceremony demonstration, etc.) Pre-book: Yes Shows – Times vary Distance: 5.2 km Travel Time: 20 min From Kyoto Station – In Gion; short walk from Gion-Shijo Station
⭐ Shopping
Shijo Kawaramachi
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Shijo Kawaramachi The heart of Kyoto's downtown, offering a mix of modern and traditional experiences with access to the covered shopping arcades and department stores. Video Map
Shinkyogoku Shopping District
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Shinkyogoku Shopping District A covered, 500-meter-long arcade with over 150 shops selling fashion, souvenirs, and local foods. Video Map
Teramachi Street
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Teramachi Street Adjacent to Shinkyogoku, this area blends historical buildings with modern shops, providing a diverse shopping experience. Video Map
Nishiki Market
Activity About Video Map
Nishiki Market A food-focused marketplace located near Shijo Street, offering a wide array of local ingredients and street food. Video Map
πŸ—» Mount Fuji
⭐ Activities
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Fuji Shibazakura Festival 🎟️ Tickets 12 Apr – 25 May Price: Β₯1300 Description: Moss phlox bloom, onsen foot bath with Mount Fuji in the background Pre-book: Yes 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM β€” β€” From Tokyo Station – Located near Lake Motosuko, accessible by car
Mount Fuji Fifth Station
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Mount Fuji Fifth Station 🎟️ Tickets July to September Price: Β₯4000 Description: Drive halfway up to the summit, dress warmly even in summer Pre-book: N/R 24 hours β€” β€” From Tokyo Station – Accessible by car
πŸ•ŠοΈ Hiroshima
⭐ Activities
Hiroshima Castle (Main Keep)
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Hiroshima Castle (Main Keep) 🎟️ Tickets Morning Price: Β₯370 Description: Admission ends 30 minutes before closing. Pre-book: Yes 9:00 AM - 18:00 β€” β€” From Hiroshima Station – 10-minute walk from Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-higashi tram stop, 12 minutes, 220 yen from Hiroshima Station
Mazda Museum
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Mazda Museum Afternoon Price: Free Description: Please arrive at the Mazda Head Office lobby 15 minutes before the above departure time. Pre-book: Yes 14:15 to 16:15 β€” β€” From Hiroshima Station – Take a local train from Hiroshima to Mukainada Station (5 minutes), then a 5-minute walk
Peace Memorial Park
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Peace Memorial Park 🎟️ Tickets Afternoon Price: Β₯200 Description: Admission ends 30 minutes before closing. Pre-book: Yes 7:30 to 19:00 β€” β€” From Hiroshima Station – From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 2 or 6 to Genbaku-Domu Mae stop, 15 minutes, 220 yen
Shukkeien Garden
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Shukkeien Garden 🎟️ Tickets Afternoon Price: Β₯260 Description: Admission ends 30 minutes before closing. Pre-book: Yes 9:00 AM - 18:00 β€” β€” From Hiroshima Station – 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, or take tram line 9 from Hiroshima Station, costs 220 yen, 15 minutes
βš“ Kobe
⭐ Activities
Kobe Harborland
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Kobe Harborland Evening Price: Free Description: The harbor area is especially beautiful at night, with the lights reflecting off the water. Pre-book: N/R 24 hours β€” β€” From Shin-Kobe Station – Short walk from Kobe Station or Harborland Station
🌊 Yokohama
⭐ Activities
Baseball Games
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Baseball Games 🎟️ Tickets Afternoon or Evening Price: Β₯Varies by game Description: Watching a Yokohama DeNA BayStars game is a popular activity. Check the team's schedule to find a game during your visit Pre-book: Yes Varies by game β€” β€” From Shin-Yokohama Station – Yokohama Stadium is a short walk from Kannai Station on the JR Negishi Line, or a 15-minute walk from Yokohama Station
Landmark Tower Sky Garden
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Landmark Tower Sky Garden 🎟️ Tickets Evening Price: Β₯1,000 Description: Visit the observation deck on the 69th floor of Landmark Tower for panoramic views of Yokohama and, on clear days, Mount Fuji Pre-book: Yes 10:00 AM - 21:00 PM β€” β€” From Shin-Yokohama Station – Located in Minato Mirai, a short walk from Minato Mirai Station or Sakuragicho Station
Minato Mirai 21
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Minato Mirai 21 Evening Price: Free Description: Minato Mirai 21 is a seaside urban area in central Yokohama, known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as stunning night views of the harbor. Pre-book: N/R 24 hours β€” β€” From Shin-Yokohama Station – Easily accessible from Minato Mirai Station on the Minatomirai Line or from Yokohama Station
Sankeien Garden
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Sankeien Garden 🎟️ Tickets Morning Price: Β₯700 Description: A traditional Japanese garden that showcases historic buildings and beautiful seasonal flowers Pre-book: Yes 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM β€” β€” From Shin-Yokohama Station – Bus from Yokohama Station bound for Honmoku, get off at the Sankeien Iriguchi stop
Yokohama Chinatown
Activity When Price Description Pre-book needed? Hours Distance Travel Time Directions
Yokohama Chinatown Afternoon to Evening Price: Free Description: The largest Chinatown in Japan, offering a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural experiences Pre-book: N/R 24 hours β€” β€” From Shin-Yokohama Station – Short walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line