Hong Kong & Japan — May/June 2026

Arrive Hong Kong at 9:00pm on CX 801. Clear customs and head to Arrivals Hall B — the Hotel ICON driver will be waiting with a name placard. 6-seater Tesla Mini Van takes you directly to the hotel. Check in around 10:30pm.

Before exiting customs, grab Octopus cards at the Airport Express ticket desk inside the terminal (HK$150/adult, child card for Bea) — you’ll need them for the rest of the trip.

Once we arrive, we’ll, take a short 10-minute walk to Kai Kai Dessert (113–115 Parkes Street, Jordan) — open until 1am. Order the black sesame soup and tofu skin with ginkgo. A Michelin Bib Gourmand dessert stall that started as a street cart in 1979 and moved to Parkes Street in 2025.

Coffee and Pastries Complimentary semi-buffet breakfast at the Above & Beyond Club Lounge or a buffet breakfast at The Market, starting 7am.

Morning — Dim Sum 11am dim sum at Yat Tung Heen (Eaton Hotel, Jordan — 10-minute walk from hotel). This Michelin one-star restaurant has been crafting traditional Cantonese fare since 1990. Done by 12:30pm.

Early Afternoon — Lantau Island MTR to Tung Chung → ride the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car up to the plateau → visit Tian Tan Buddha (the enormous bronze hilltop statue) → walk the Wisdom Path (a 15-min detour from the Buddha — don’t skip it).

Leave Lantau by 4:30pm to make the Ozone 6pm reservation comfortably. Skip the Lantau Trail if time is tight — the Buddha and Wisdom Path take 2–3 hours including the cable car. Pack a daypack with a smart-casual change of clothes for Ozone. Change at the Kowloon Station facilities before heading up.

6:00pm — Ozone Bar From Tung Chung, take the MTR Tung Chung Line directly to Kowloon Station (~27 min, HK$20) — the Airport Express does not stop at Tung Chung. Walk 5 minutes to Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton ICC Tower. Arrive at 6pm for golden hour and sunset views. Smart casual dress code. Note: children under 12 allowed before 9pm.

Dinner — Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice Walk straight from Ozone into Harbour City mall — it’s adjacent to ICC Tower, no transit needed. Dinner at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, a Michelin-recognized Singaporean classic. Order the Hainanese chicken rice, char siu, and roast pork. Casual, no reservation needed. Walk back along the TST waterfront to the hotel.

Coffee and Pastries Complimentary semi-buffet breakfast at the Above & Beyond Club Lounge or The Market. Starts 7am.

Morning — Star Ferry & Kitchen One Roast Goose Leave the hotel by 9:45am. Take the Star Ferry from TST Pier to Central (~10 min). From Central Pier, take the MTR Island Line from Hong Kong Station toward Chai Wan — two stops to Causeway Bay Station (~6 min, exit A). Walk 5 minutes to Kitchen One Roast Goose (Tang Lung St, Tang Fai Building). Order the roast goose, char siu, and roast pork. Done by ~noon.

After lunch, take a taxi from outside the restaurant directly to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road (~15–20 min, HK$80–100).

Late Morning — Victoria Peak Ride the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak. Enjoy sweeping views over the harbour and city skyline, and wander the Peak area. Allow about 2 hours.

Early Afternoon — Hollywood Road, Man Mo Temple & SoHo Take the Peak Tram back down to Garden Road, then walk or take a short taxi to Hollywood Road. Walk along Hollywood Road to the incense-filled Man Mo Temple, then wander through SoHo’s street art scene. Stop at Snack Baby Gelato on Hollywood Road — a 2025 Michelin Guide entry rotating 14 flavors every two weeks using lactose-free milk and real fruit. Try the pistachio crunch.

The Mid-Levels Escalator runs upward from Central from noon onward — useful if approaching from lower Central, but from the Peak Tram terminus it’s easier to taxi or walk the short stretch to Hollywood Road.

Afternoon at Hotel ICON Back at the hotel by mid-afternoon. The Above & Beyond Club Lounge (Level 28) runs complimentary snacks (hors d’oeuvres, pastries, desserts, sandwiches) from 3:00–5:00pm and free-flow happy hour (Champagne, wine, cocktails) from 6:00–8:00pm. Arrive at the lounge around 3pm, graze lightly, and skip the heavy happy hour food to save appetite for dinner.

Dinner — The Market Dinner at The Market, Hotel ICON’s signature dining destination — live cooking stations, roast station, dim sum bar, and a full spread of Asian and Western dishes. A festive final dinner in Hong Kong. 7:00pm, 2 adults + 1 child.

Alternative if energy allows: Off The Eaten Path Food Tour (Humid with a Chance of Fishballs) runs 3–7pm and covers Central/Sheung Wan — could replace the afternoon self-guided wander.

Morning — Depart Hong Kong Check out of Hotel ICON by 7:30am. The Hotel ICON driver picks up at 7:40am from the hotel entrance — 6-seater Tesla Mini Van direct to the airport. CX 520 departs at 10:40am for Tokyo Narita. Cathay Pacific serves an in-flight meal on this ~5 hour flight, so no lunch stop needed.

Complete your Visit Japan Web arrival submission during the flight if you haven’t already — you’ll get a QR code that fast-tracks you through customs at Narita.

Afternoon — Arriving in Tokyo Arrive Narita at 4:05pm. Take the Keisei Skyliner directly to Ueno Station (~41 minutes, ¥2,470). Check in to &Here Tokyo Ueno by around 5:30–6pm.

Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport — covers all Tokyo trains, buses, and convenience store purchases throughout Japan. If you already have Suica on your phone, load money via Apple Pay.

Evening — Ueno Keep the evening local. Ameyoko Market is right outside Ueno Station and comes alive in the early evening — vendors, street food, fresh fish, and great atmosphere. Walk to Shinobazu Pond for a peaceful sunset stroll.

Dinner at 佐渡島へ渡れ (Sadogashima e Watare) — a seafood izakaya specializing in fresh oysters and seasonal sashimi from Sado Island off the Niigata coast, paired with local sake. All private room seating, ~¥4,000–5,000/person, 3-minute walk from JR Ueno Station.

Early Morning (7–8am) — Sensō-ji Head out early to Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa before the tourist buses arrive. The atmosphere at dawn — incense drifting through the great gate, the approach to the main hall empty and hushed — is genuinely magical. Walk Nakamise-dori and explore the backstreets of Asakusa.

Mid-Morning — Yanaka From Asakusa, head to Yanaka — one of Tokyo’s best-preserved shitamachi (old downtown) neighborhoods, largely untouched by war and development. Walk the Yanaka Ginza covered shotengai shopping street for local snacks, crafts, and ceramics. Wander the backstreets and the famously atmospheric Yanaka Cemetery, full of old cherry trees and centuries-old graves. Stop at a local kissaten (old-school coffee shop) for a slow mid-morning break. Unhurried and genuinely lovely — a side of Tokyo most visitors miss entirely.

Lunch — Torimitsukuni Ueno Head back toward Ueno for yakitori at Torimitsukuni — a casual, no-fuss lunch that fits the relaxed morning perfectly.

Afternoon — Suzukien Matcha Gelato, then Skytree Walk to Suzukien on Hanakawado Street — famous for their 7-level matcha gelato, served in small cups in ascending intensity. You’re here for Level 7. Then walk 10 minutes east to the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views across the city. Do Suzukien first — it’s on the way. 2:00–2:29pm · Tembo Deck Floor 350. Browse the Solamachi shopping complex at the base. Allow ~2 hours.

Evening — USHIHACHI Goku Head to USHIHACHI Goku (~15 min from Skytree, north of Ueno Park) for tabletop wagyu yakiniku — each booth has its own small BBQ grill, and you cook the meat yourself. Beautiful view, private booth seating, fully family-friendly. 6:15 PM.

Nightcap — OKACHI Beer Lab A 5-minute walk back toward the hotel — craft beer with serious grilled meat. A convivial end to the day.

Morning — Meiji Jingu & Harajuku Leave the hotel by 8:30am. Start at Meiji Jingu Shrine — set within 170 acres of forested grounds, serene in the early morning. Follow with a walk through Yoyogi Park, then head to Takeshita Street (~9:30am) for the full Harajuku street fashion spectacle. Walk Cat Street for boutiques, vintage shops, and coffee.

At ~10:00am, stop at The Little Bakery Tokyo (6 Chome-13-6 Jingumae, Shibuya — near Cat Street; opens 10am, closed Mondays) — Good Town Doughnuts operates out of the same location; pick up doughnuts and bread/pastries in one stop. Grab something to eat on the walk and something for the Yokohama journey.

At ~10:30am, stop at AMAM DACOTAN (Kitaaoyama, southern end of Cat Street; opens 10am) — one of Tokyo’s most celebrated bakeries, known for extraordinary sourdough and pastries. Arriving by 10:30 beats the crowds and gets first pick. Depart for Yokohama by 11:15am.

Midday — Travel to Yokohama Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya Station directly to Minatomirai Station (~35 min). Arrive ~12:15pm.

Afternoon — Cup Noodles Museum (~1:00pm) The Chicken Ramen Factory is a hands-on ~90-minute workshop: mix and knead the dough, stretch and cut noodles, flash-fry them in the Ando method. When you arrive, grab a numbered ticket for the My CUPNOODLES Factory (walk-in, ¥400/person) so Bea can customize her own cup. Allow 3–3.5 hours total.

After the museum (~3:00–3:15pm), walk 10 minutes to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse — beautifully restored 1913 port warehouses with an open waterfront park and harbor views. A genuinely lovely 30-minute pause before moving on.

Late Afternoon — Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum From Minatomirai Station, take the Minatomirai Line to Yokohama Station, then the subway Blue Line to Shin-Yokohama (~20 min total). The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a wonderfully atmospheric underground recreation of a 1950s Tokyo backstreet, housing nine ramen shops each representing a distinct regional style. Admission is only ¥380.

The key strategy: order mini (ko) portions at every shop (~¥600–800 each). With the Chicken Ramen Factory earlier in the day, aim for 2 different regional styles — Sapporo miso and Hakata tonkotsu are the essential contrasts. Large laminated English menus at every shop. The museum is open until 9pm so there’s no rush.

Evening — Return to Tokyo From Shin-Yokohama Station, take the JR Yokohama Line to Yokohama Station (~10 min), then transfer to the Tokyu Toyoko Line toward Shibuya (~30 min), then the Yamanote Line north to Ueno (~20 min). Total ~60 min. Light evening back at the hotel.

7:45am — Tsukiji Outer Market Leave the hotel by 7:45am and take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line from Ueno Station to Tsukiji Station (~10 min). Arrive at Tsukiji when it’s at its liveliest. Work through the stalls: coffee at Turret Coffee · warm tamagoyaki at Marutake · eel skewers at Tsukiji Nisshin Tasuke · mochi at Solatsuki · katsuobushi at Isekei. All casual, walk-and-eat style. Done by ~8:45am.

8:45–10:40am — Ginza Walk 10 minutes northwest to Ginza. From 10:00am: pick up melon pan and anbata-pan at Ginza Kimuraya (opens 10am) · browse the Mitsukoshi Ginza basement food hall (opens 10am, allow 20–25 min including the Dominique Ansel Bakery outpost). Then walk 10 minutes to KITTE Marunouchi — or save TRAVELER’S FACTORY STATION for after lunch (opens at 11am, right near Tokyo Station).

11:00am — Nemuro Hanamaru (KITTE Marunouchi, 5F) Nemuro Hanamaru is on the 5th floor — conveyor belt sushi with excellent quality fish sourced from Hokkaido. Arrive at 11:00am on the dot to get ahead of the lunch queue. A great pick for Bea.

teamLab Borderless (2pm) Take the subway to Azabudai Hills for teamLab Borderless (2:00pm). One of the world’s most extraordinary digital art installations. Allow 2–3 hours; the slower you move through it, the better it is.

Large bags must be checked at the entrance. No flash photography.

Evening — Shinjuku Head to Shinjuku (~20 min from Azabudai Hills). Optional warm-up: free night views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck (free, open until 10:30pm, ~30 min). Then walk to Fūunji (near Yoyogi, 10 min south of Shinjuku Station) — arrive by 4:40–4:45pm to queue before the 5pm dinner opening. Their tsukemen dipping ramen is among the best in Tokyo; expect a short wait even arriving early. Alternatively, Udon Shin nearby for their celebrated carbonara udon.

Alternatives if you want something different: Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane, just north of Shinjuku Station West Exit) — narrow alley of yakitori stalls with smoke, atmosphere, and cold beer; no reservations. Tsukada Nojo (Akihabara branch, ~20 min from teamLab toward Ueno) — chicken collagen hot pot in convivial private booth seating; walk-in or book ahead on Tabelog.

Before You Go

• Download the Tokyo Disney Resort Official App before leaving Champaign
• Create an account and link your DisneySea reservation in the app
• Pre-load tickets in the app at the hotel — park gate WiFi is patchy
• App handles: Disney Premier Access purchases, mobile food orders, wait times, maps

Getting There Leave &Here Tokyo Ueno by 7:00am. Take the JR Keiyo Line from Keiyo/Shinonome (or transfer at Tokyo Station) → Maihama Station (~40–45 min). Disney Resort Line monorail → Tokyo DisneySea Station. Aim to be at the gates by 8:00am — park opens 9am; Fantasy Springs queue starts forming early.

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Morning — Fantasy Springs first Fantasy Springs is a ~20-minute walk from the main entrance and the highest-demand area in the park. Head there at rope drop.

As soon as you’re inside: buy Disney Premier Access (DPA) for Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey immediately — this sells out within minutes. DPA is ~¥2,000/person/attraction, capped at one purchase per hour:

• On entry → DPA: Frozen
• 1 hour later → DPA: Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival
• 1 hour later → DPA: Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure

Priority order inside Fantasy Springs:

1. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey — highest demand; waits exceed 120 min by 10am without DPA
2. Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival — second most popular
3. Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure — DPA lasts longest
4. Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies — gentle ride; low wait, good for any time

Mid-morning — low-wait rides while DPA recharges

• Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage — gentle boat dark ride, a DisneySea classic
• Fortress Explorations — walk-through interactive ship; not a ride, no queue, endlessly explorable
• Nemo & Friends SeaRider — gentle submarine ride
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea — DisneySea-exclusive submarine dark ride

Afternoon — thrill rides and flex time

• Indiana Jones Adventure — bumpy jeep ride, thrilling but accessible; shorter waits mid-afternoon
• Toy Story Mania — carnival-style shooting game
• Journey to the Center of the Earth — iconic launch coaster inside a volcano

Dining Eat at 11am or 2pm — noon is peak crowd surge everywhere.

• Royal Banquet of Arendelle (Fantasy Springs) — themed Frozen restaurant; requires mobile order and you must already be inside Fantasy Springs
• Magellan’s (near Fortress Explorations) — DisneySea’s most atmospheric sit-down; book via app in advance
• Vulcania (inside Mount Prometheus) — best quick-service atmosphere; right next to Journey to the Center of the Earth

Use mobile ordering in the app while waiting in standby lines.

Getting Back Leave the park by 7:00–7:30pm. Board the Disney Resort Line monorail back to Maihama Station, then take the JR Keiyo Line from Maihama to Tokyo Station (~20 min). Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line northbound to Ueno (~15 min). Back at hotel by ~8:30pm.

Evening — Convenience Store Wind-Down A convenience store haul is the perfect low-key ending after a full Disney day. Stop at the 7-Eleven or Lawson near the hotel: cold Asahi or Kirin beer, a box of Oni Killer sake (single-serve juice box format), Jagabee potato sticks (shoyu butter flavor), a Black Thunder chocolate bar, seasonal Pocky, and a fresh sandwich (egg salad or katsu). If there’s ice cream in a limited seasonal flavor, get it. This is Japan convenience store culture at its finest.

Morning — Farewell to Ueno Hotel breakfast at ~7:30am. Finish packing and check out luggage with the front desk. Around 10:30am, when Mihashi opens, stop in for one sweet before heading out — the classic anmitsu with shiratama mochi is the order. Then browse 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, the craft and design shops tucked under the JR train viaduct (opens 11am), for any last souvenir shopping. Head to Tokyo Station by ~noon.

Midday — Shinkansen to Atami Check out of &Here Tokyo Ueno. Head to Shinagawa Station and board Kodama 827 at 13:04 (Platform 24) — Car 11, Seats 9-A/B/C. Arrive Atami at 13:42 (~38 min).

Atami Sekaie check-in is 3:00pm (standard ryokan). Arriving at 1:42pm means ~1.25 hours to explore before the room is ready. Store luggage at the ryokan’s front desk on arrival; they’ll call when the room is ready.

Afternoon — Atami Town Stroll the Atami Ginza shopping street — the heart of old Atami, lined with traditional shops and local vendors. Pick up onsen manju (sweet red bean dumplings steamed over hot springs — the city’s signature souvenir). Soak your feet at the free Ieyasu no Yu footbath just outside the station. A gentle, unhurried introduction to Atami.

A 10-minute walk or short taxi from the station brings you to Kiunkaku — a beautifully preserved 1919 villa that served as a retreat for statesmen and artists. The Roman-style bath halls, Art Deco stained glass windows, and lush terraced gardens are genuinely striking. Allow about 45–60 minutes. Closes at 5pm — arrive by 4pm.

The MOA Museum of Art (world-class collection) is a worthwhile visit if you ever return to Atami — but it closes at 4pm (last entry 3:30pm), which is too tight given the midday arrival and Kiunkaku stop.

Evening — Atami Sekaie Check in to your Ocean View Suite Tsuki no Michi at Sekaie. Settle in, take a long soak in the onsen, and let the ryokan experience take over completely. Your kaiseki dinner will be a multi-course feast of local Izu seafood and seasonal ingredients — one of the culinary highlights of the trip.

Morning — Ryokan Breakfast Wake up to a traditional ryokan breakfast — grilled fish, rice, pickles, miso soup, and seasonal sides. Take a final morning soak in the onsen. Leave the ryokan by 10:20am and take a 10-minute taxi to Atami Station.

Travel to Hiroshima Hikari 707 departs Atami at 10:40 → Shin-Osaka 12:57. Transfer at Shin-Osaka to the connecting shinkansen at 13:23 → Hiroshima 14:51. Car and seat assignments are in the private details.

26-minute transfer at Shin-Osaka — straightforward same-platform area; follow signs for the Sanyo Shinkansen.

Lunch on the road: Pick up an ekiben (station bento) at Atami Station before boarding, or grab something from the food stalls in the Shin-Osaka concourse during your transfer. Eating on the Shinkansen is one of the great small pleasures of Japan travel.

Arrival — Baseball Game The Sheraton Grand Hiroshima is directly connected to Hiroshima Station — check-in is effortless. Take a gentle introductory wander through the Hondori covered shopping arcade, Hiroshima’s lively pedestrian main street.

Baseball at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium (18:00) — a 10-minute walk from the Sheraton. One of the best ballparks in Japan; the community-owned Carp are a point of genuine civic pride.

Evening — Club Lounge After 4+ hours on the Shinkansen, have a drink and light snacks at the Club Lounge at the Sheraton. For dinner (if skipping the baseball), the hotel’s own Kazu restaurant or a simple counter stop along the Hondori arcade keeps things low-key.

A dedicated Hiroshima history day. Emotionally powerful and genuinely important — give it space and time.

Morning — Peace Memorial Museum & Park Head out early — the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum opens at 8:00am. Allow at least 2 hours. It is among the most significant and moving museums in the world. Afterward, walk through Peace Memorial Park: the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome — the skeletal ruins of the former Industrial Promotion Hall, left as it stood after the bomb), the Children’s Peace Monument, and the cenotaph. The park asks to be walked slowly and with intention.

Photography is permitted in most of the museum, but not in the main exhibition halls containing victim photographs and personal belongings. Brief your family before entering.

Lunch — Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is layered rather than mixed — noodles, cabbage, egg, and meat stacked on the griddle. Okonomimura (Naka-ku, a short walk from Peace Park) is a three-story building housing ~25 vendors — easy to walk in, point at what looks good, and watch it cook in front of you. Or try Nagataya or Ekohiiki for a sit-down counter experience.

Afternoon Hiroshima Castle (Rijōkaku) — the postwar reconstruction sits on original foundations surrounded by an intact moat. The interior is a museum of Hiroshima history (worth 45 min). Then Hiroshima Orizuru Tower near the Peace Park — striking contemporary architecture with an observation deck and the origami crane drop installation.

Evening — Grill Hikoboshi After a day of genuine emotional weight, dinner at Grill Hikoboshi offers a welcome change of register — intimate, joyful, and focused on pure pleasure. From the Sheraton, walk west through the Hondori covered arcade (~10–12 min on foot, or take the Hiroshima streetcar one stop to Hondori tram stop). The ten-seat counter faces the open kitchen. Order both the omurice (golden egg over seasoned rice with demi-glace) and the hamburger steak sizzling in the same glossy sauce. Reserve as early as possible on Tabelog — this is the hardest reservation on the Hiroshima leg.

An early start. Leave the hotel by 7:30am — the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi takes ~25 minutes, plus a 3-minute walk to the ferry terminal, putting you there by ~8:00am. Take the JR Ferry (~10 min) across to the island.

Morning — Itsukushima Shrine & Torii Gate The famous floating torii gate greets you as you approach by sea. Walk the waterfront to Itsukushima Jinja — built on stilts over the water, extraordinary at high tide when the shrine and gate appear to float. Check tide times before the trip — arriving at or just before high tide is ideal. Walk around to the far side of the shrine for a quieter vantage point away from tour groups.

Mid-Morning — Daishoin Temple Walk uphill from the shrine to Daishoin — one of the most impressive Buddhist temples on the island, far less crowded and utterly serene. Stone lantern-lined paths, spinning prayer wheels, and profound quiet.

Lunch — Oysters Both Yakigaki No Hayashi and Kakiya are celebrated Miyajima oyster specialists. Try them grilled, with cheese and lemon, or in oyster rice. Arrive by 11:30am to beat the lunch rush.

Afternoon — Momijidani Park & Mount Misen Walk through Momijidani Park — beautiful maple-forested valleys. Take the Miyajima Ropeway partway up Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Inland Sea (~¥1,000/adult each way, not covered by JR Pass). If the queue is long or energy is low, the walk through Momijidani alone is lovely.

Before Leaving — Momijido Main Store Pick up momiji manju (maple leaf cakes filled with red bean, custard, or matcha) from Momijido Main Store on Omotesando Street — the quintessential Miyajima souvenir.

Miyajima has its own wild deer that roam freely — keep snacks tucked away. Less accustomed to people than Nara’s deer.

If it’s raining heavily on June 6: Consider swapping June 6 and June 5 — do the indoor Peace Memorial Museum day on June 6, save Miyajima for June 5. Light rain at Miyajima is fine and actually beautiful; only heavy sustained rain warrants a full swap.

Evening — Return to Hiroshima Easy dinner back in Hiroshima. Okkundou Mazemen: mix everything thoroughly before eating so the sauce coats every noodle; don’t ask for broth. Sushi Tatsu Ekie: lead with anago (conger eel — Hiroshima’s signature sushi fish, sweeter and more delicate than unagi) and any Seto Inland Sea seasonal offerings.

Morning — Final Hiroshima Light breakfast in the Club Lounge. Check out by 11:00am. Head to Hiroshima Station for a final Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Hassho (八昌) inside the Ekie food hall — one of Hiroshima’s most respected okonomiyaki names. Order the soba-iri (layered with noodles) topped with pork. If the queue is long, Nagataya has a branch in the same complex. Allow 30–45 min.

~11:30am — Nozomi Shinkansen → Kyoto (~1 hour 40 minutes). Arrive Kyoto ~1:15pm.

Afternoon — Check-in & Higashi Honganji Check in to Hotel Kanra (standard check-in 3pm). At the front desk, ask if the room is available early — if not, leave luggage with the concierge. The hotel is right next to Higashi Honganji, so you’ll be within a few minutes all afternoon.

The enormous Higashi Honganji Temple is literally next door — a spectacular, free-entry Jodo Shinshu Buddhist complex with one of Japan’s largest wooden structures. A perfect, low-key first Kyoto stop.

Evening — Gion Take a taxi or walk toward Gion for an evening wander. Walk Hanamikoji Street and the quieter backstreets of Gion Shinbashi — Kyoto’s most atmospheric district of narrow stone lanes and wooden machiya townhouses. If lucky, you may spot a maiko in full dress heading to an evening engagement.

Dinner — Gion Kappa Settle in for dinner at Gion Kappa — a beloved casual izakaya tucked into the Gion backstreets. Start with the Kyoto tsukemono (pickles) — a cut above the typical bar fare. Order dengaku (miso-glazed skewers of tofu, eggplant, or konnyaku) and yakitori (chicken thigh momo, negima). Drink sake from Fushimi — ask the server what’s local; the Fushimi breweries are 15 minutes south of Gion and what every serious izakaya here pours.

Nightcap — Yamaneko Gion A short walk in the same neighborhood — excellent craft beer and sake.

Full day in Arashiyama. Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama (~15 min).

Early Morning (by 8am) — Bamboo Forest & Tenryu-ji Arrive at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early — the only way to experience it without wall-to-wall crowds. Walk through into Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with one of Kyoto’s finest pond gardens.

Tenryu-ji garden admission (¥500/adult) is separate from Shigetsu — pay at the temple gate. The 14th-century pond design and borrowed Arashiyama scenery is worth every yen.

Lunch — Shigetsu at Tenryu-ji Shigetsu inside Tenryu-ji’s grounds is one of Japan’s finest shojin ryori restaurants — multi-course Buddhist vegetarian cuisine using seasonal vegetables, tofu, and mountain ingredients, prepared without meat or fish. A genuinely unique and beautiful meal. Lunch seatings run 11am–2pm (last order). Set menus start ~¥4,000/person.

Afternoon Wander the Arashiyama craft shops and the riverside path along Togetsukyo Bridge. Stop at Boulangerie Rauk for an afternoon snack before heading back to central Kyoto (~4:30pm).

If it’s raining heavily on June 8: The bamboo grove and riverside walk become significantly less enjoyable in a downpour, but the day has a strong indoor anchor — Shigetsu lunch at Tenryu-ji proceeds regardless. For the morning, consider replacing the bamboo grove walk with Nijo Castle (Kyoto city center, 20 min from Hotel Kanra — covered walkways throughout, beautifully preserved 17th-century shogun palace). For the afternoon, the Kyoto National Museum in Higashiyama (closed Mondays) has world-class rotating exhibitions. Arashiyama in light or moderate rain is atmospheric and worth going; only sustained heavy rain warrants a full pivot.

Evening — Omen Gion Dinner at Omen Gion — Kyoto’s classic udon restaurant, Gion branch. Thick flat noodles in a light dashi served with a tray of condiments (sesame, ginger, scallion, tofu) that you add yourself. Casual, no reservation needed, distinctly Kyoto in character. Nightcap at Kyoto Beer Lab or Beer Komachi.

Take the Kintetsu Limited Express (Train 807) from Kintetsu Kyoto Station at 8:55am → Kintetsu-Nara at 9:29am. Car 2, upstairs seating.

Morning — Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji & the Deer of Nara Park Arrive by 9:30am. The freely roaming sacred deer of Nara Park greet you immediately — buy deer crackers from vendors. Walk north to Tōdai-ji — the Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden building in the world, housing a 15-meter bronze Buddha of staggering scale. Also visit Kōfuku-ji and its five-story pagoda reflected in Sarusawa Pond.

Mid-Morning — Nakatanidou Don’t miss Nakatanidou on Sanjo Dori — the extraordinary high-speed mochi pounding demonstration. Eat the warm yomogi mochi right on the spot.

Afternoon — Kasugataisha, Naramachi & Salon Naramachi Follow the forest lantern path to Kasugataisha Shrine — one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto sites, lined with roughly 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns that glow hauntingly during festival seasons. Loop back through Naramachi, the preserved old merchant district, for tea at Salon Naramachi cafe. Stop at Maedano Donut for their celebrated inventive donuts. If time and interest allow, Harushika (Imanishi Seibei Shoten) is one of Nara’s most historic sake breweries — tours available.

If it’s raining heavily on June 9: Nara holds up better in rain than Miyajima or Arashiyama — Tōdai-ji is a covered interior experience, and Naramachi has sheltered lanes and cafes. The most rain-affected elements are the long outdoor walk to Kasugataisha and park strolling. If the forecast is truly bad, consider a full Kyoto indoor day: the International Manga Museum (Karasuma-Oike, closed Tuesdays) or the Kyoto National Museum work well.

Evening in Kyoto Return by early evening. Casual dinner at Ginjo Ramen Kubota or Human Beings Everybody Noodles. Drinks at Shalara Craft Beer or MINOH BEER WAREHOUSE.

Kyoto to Osaka is easy and frequent. Best options: Hankyu Limited Express from Kyoto-Kawaramachi to Osaka-Umeda (~42 min, ¥640 — convenient from the Gion/Kawaramachi side), or JR Tokaido Line from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station (~28 min, ¥570). Skip the Shinkansen for this leg; it’s overkill for such a short distance. Head out by 9:30am.

Morning — Tower Knives Osaka & Kuromon Ichiba Market First stop: Tower Knives Osaka in Shinsekai (opens at 10am). Specialist knife shop carrying Sakai-made blades; multilingual staff, duty-free with passport, and they let you handle and test knives before buying. Name engraving available. Allow 30–45 minutes. The surrounding Shinsekai district — Osaka’s retro, Tsutenkaku Tower neighborhood — is worth a brief wander on the way out.

Then head to Kuromon Ichiba — Osaka’s famous covered market, packed with fresh fish, grilled skewers, street food, and local produce. Walk to Namba Yasaka Shrine to see the extraordinary giant lion-head stage.

Midday — Dotonbori & Namba Head to Dotonbori. Start with a takoyaki stop at Wanaka or Aizuya — watching the vendor spin dozens of octopus balls in cast-iron plates is a genuine spectacle. Follow with dumplings at Chao Chao Gyoza nearby. Skip a full sit-down lunch — you want to arrive at Steak Ron hungry.

Afternoon — Shinsaibashi & Amerikamura Walk Shinsaibashi-suji — the centuries-old covered shopping arcade — and wander into Amerikamura for vintage stores, street art, and independent cafes.

5:30pm — Steak Ron (Special Farewell Dinner) Your most special dinner of the entire trip. Steak Ron in Osaka is your wagyu celebration — a proper farewell to Japan after three extraordinary weeks. The counter seats and open kitchen make every piece of A5 wagyu a performance. Dress up a little, take your time, and savor every bite.

Return to Kyoto by late evening train (trains run well past midnight).

6:00am — Kiyomizudera Kiyomizudera opens at 6am and in the early morning is nearly deserted — the wooden stage jutting from the hillside over the waking city is breathtaking in the morning light. Walk down through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka stone-paved lanes on the way back. Allow 45–60 min including the walk down.

8:00am — Return to hotel, breakfast and final pack Hotel breakfast or grab something light from Nishiki Market (5 min walk from Hotel Kanra).

10:00–11:30am — Nishiki Market Kyoto’s famous narrow covered food market — graze through pickles, tofu, wagashi sweets, and edible souvenirs. Most stalls are open by 10am. Keep this relaxed; it’s your last easy morning.

11:30am — Check out of Hotel Kanra

13:00 — Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto Station → Kansai International Airport Arrive KIX 14:20. International check-in typically opens ~2:35pm (3 hours before CX 507’s 5:35pm departure) — use the time to grab lunch in the departures area or browse the terminal. Plenty of buffer for a comfortable close to the trip.

Arrive Hong Kong CX 507 arrives Hong Kong at 8:50pm. Check in to the Skycity Marriott — connected directly to Terminal 1.

CX 806 departs 12:10pm Hong Kong → Chicago O’Hare. Arrives 1:55pm.

The journey of a lifetime, completed.

Arrive Hong Kong at 9:00pm on CX 801. Clear customs and head to Arrivals Hall B — the Hotel ICON driver will be waiting with a name placard. 6-seater Tesla Mini Van takes you directly to the hotel. Check in around 10:30pm.

Before exiting customs, grab Octopus cards at the Airport Express ticket desk inside the terminal (HK$150/adult, child card for Bea) — you’ll need them for the rest of the trip.

Once we arrive, we’ll, take a short 10-minute walk to Kai Kai Dessert (113–115 Parkes Street, Jordan) — open until 1am. Order the black sesame soup and tofu skin with ginkgo. A Michelin Bib Gourmand dessert stall that started as a street cart in 1979 and moved to Parkes Street in 2025.

Coffee and Pastries Complimentary semi-buffet breakfast at the Above & Beyond Club Lounge or a buffet breakfast at The Market, starting 7am.

Morning — Dim Sum 11am dim sum at Yat Tung Heen (Eaton Hotel, Jordan — 10-minute walk from hotel). This Michelin one-star restaurant has been crafting traditional Cantonese fare since 1990. Done by 12:30pm.

Early Afternoon — Lantau Island MTR to Tung Chung → ride the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car up to the plateau → visit Tian Tan Buddha (the enormous bronze hilltop statue) → walk the Wisdom Path (a 15-min detour from the Buddha — don’t skip it).

Leave Lantau by 4:30pm to make the Ozone 6pm reservation comfortably. Skip the Lantau Trail if time is tight — the Buddha and Wisdom Path take 2–3 hours including the cable car. Pack a daypack with a smart-casual change of clothes for Ozone. Change at the Kowloon Station facilities before heading up.

6:00pm — Ozone Bar From Tung Chung, take the MTR Tung Chung Line directly to Kowloon Station (~27 min, HK$20) — the Airport Express does not stop at Tung Chung. Walk 5 minutes to Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton ICC Tower. Arrive at 6pm for golden hour and sunset views. Smart casual dress code. Note: children under 12 allowed before 9pm.

Dinner — Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice Walk straight from Ozone into Harbour City mall — it’s adjacent to ICC Tower, no transit needed. Dinner at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, a Michelin-recognized Singaporean classic. Order the Hainanese chicken rice, char siu, and roast pork. Casual, no reservation needed. Walk back along the TST waterfront to the hotel.

Coffee and Pastries Complimentary semi-buffet breakfast at the Above & Beyond Club Lounge or The Market. Starts 7am.

Morning — Star Ferry & Kitchen One Roast Goose Leave the hotel by 9:45am. Take the Star Ferry from TST Pier to Central (~10 min). From Central Pier, take the MTR Island Line from Hong Kong Station toward Chai Wan — two stops to Causeway Bay Station (~6 min, exit A). Walk 5 minutes to Kitchen One Roast Goose (Tang Lung St, Tang Fai Building). Order the roast goose, char siu, and roast pork. Done by ~noon.

After lunch, take a taxi from outside the restaurant directly to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road (~15–20 min, HK$80–100).

Late Morning — Victoria Peak Ride the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak. Enjoy sweeping views over the harbour and city skyline, and wander the Peak area. Allow about 2 hours.

Early Afternoon — Hollywood Road, Man Mo Temple & SoHo Take the Peak Tram back down to Garden Road, then walk or take a short taxi to Hollywood Road. Walk along Hollywood Road to the incense-filled Man Mo Temple, then wander through SoHo’s street art scene. Stop at Snack Baby Gelato on Hollywood Road — a 2025 Michelin Guide entry rotating 14 flavors every two weeks using lactose-free milk and real fruit. Try the pistachio crunch.

The Mid-Levels Escalator runs upward from Central from noon onward — useful if approaching from lower Central, but from the Peak Tram terminus it’s easier to taxi or walk the short stretch to Hollywood Road.

Afternoon at Hotel ICON Back at the hotel by mid-afternoon. The Above & Beyond Club Lounge (Level 28) runs complimentary snacks (hors d’oeuvres, pastries, desserts, sandwiches) from 3:00–5:00pm and free-flow happy hour (Champagne, wine, cocktails) from 6:00–8:00pm. Arrive at the lounge around 3pm, graze lightly, and skip the heavy happy hour food to save appetite for dinner.

Dinner — The Market Dinner at The Market, Hotel ICON’s signature dining destination — live cooking stations, roast station, dim sum bar, and a full spread of Asian and Western dishes. A festive final dinner in Hong Kong. 7:00pm, 2 adults + 1 child.

Alternative if energy allows: Off The Eaten Path Food Tour (Humid with a Chance of Fishballs) runs 3–7pm and covers Central/Sheung Wan — could replace the afternoon self-guided wander.

Morning — Depart Hong Kong Check out of Hotel ICON by 7:30am. The Hotel ICON driver picks up at 7:40am from the hotel entrance — 6-seater Tesla Mini Van direct to the airport. CX 520 departs at 10:40am for Tokyo Narita. Cathay Pacific serves an in-flight meal on this ~5 hour flight, so no lunch stop needed.

Complete your Visit Japan Web arrival submission during the flight if you haven’t already — you’ll get a QR code that fast-tracks you through customs at Narita.

Afternoon — Arriving in Tokyo Arrive Narita at 4:05pm. Take the Keisei Skyliner directly to Ueno Station (~41 minutes, ¥2,470). Check in to &Here Tokyo Ueno by around 5:30–6pm.

Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport — covers all Tokyo trains, buses, and convenience store purchases throughout Japan. If you already have Suica on your phone, load money via Apple Pay.

Evening — Ueno Keep the evening local. Ameyoko Market is right outside Ueno Station and comes alive in the early evening — vendors, street food, fresh fish, and great atmosphere. Walk to Shinobazu Pond for a peaceful sunset stroll.

Dinner at 佐渡島へ渡れ (Sadogashima e Watare) — a seafood izakaya specializing in fresh oysters and seasonal sashimi from Sado Island off the Niigata coast, paired with local sake. All private room seating, ~¥4,000–5,000/person, 3-minute walk from JR Ueno Station.

Early Morning (7–8am) — Sensō-ji Head out early to Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa before the tourist buses arrive. The atmosphere at dawn — incense drifting through the great gate, the approach to the main hall empty and hushed — is genuinely magical. Walk Nakamise-dori and explore the backstreets of Asakusa.

Mid-Morning — Yanaka From Asakusa, head to Yanaka — one of Tokyo’s best-preserved shitamachi (old downtown) neighborhoods, largely untouched by war and development. Walk the Yanaka Ginza covered shotengai shopping street for local snacks, crafts, and ceramics. Wander the backstreets and the famously atmospheric Yanaka Cemetery, full of old cherry trees and centuries-old graves. Stop at a local kissaten (old-school coffee shop) for a slow mid-morning break. Unhurried and genuinely lovely — a side of Tokyo most visitors miss entirely.

Lunch — Torimitsukuni Ueno Head back toward Ueno for yakitori at Torimitsukuni — a casual, no-fuss lunch that fits the relaxed morning perfectly.

Afternoon — Suzukien Matcha Gelato, then Skytree Walk to Suzukien on Hanakawado Street — famous for their 7-level matcha gelato, served in small cups in ascending intensity. You’re here for Level 7. Then walk 10 minutes east to the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views across the city. Do Suzukien first — it’s on the way. 2:00–2:29pm · Tembo Deck Floor 350. Browse the Solamachi shopping complex at the base. Allow ~2 hours.

Evening — USHIHACHI Goku Head to USHIHACHI Goku (~15 min from Skytree, north of Ueno Park) for tabletop wagyu yakiniku — each booth has its own small BBQ grill, and you cook the meat yourself. Beautiful view, private booth seating, fully family-friendly. 6:15 PM.

Nightcap — OKACHI Beer Lab A 5-minute walk back toward the hotel — craft beer with serious grilled meat. A convivial end to the day.

Morning — Meiji Jingu & Harajuku Leave the hotel by 8:30am. Start at Meiji Jingu Shrine — set within 170 acres of forested grounds, serene in the early morning. Follow with a walk through Yoyogi Park, then head to Takeshita Street (~9:30am) for the full Harajuku street fashion spectacle. Walk Cat Street for boutiques, vintage shops, and coffee.

At ~10:00am, stop at The Little Bakery Tokyo (6 Chome-13-6 Jingumae, Shibuya — near Cat Street; opens 10am, closed Mondays) — Good Town Doughnuts operates out of the same location; pick up doughnuts and bread/pastries in one stop. Grab something to eat on the walk and something for the Yokohama journey.

At ~10:30am, stop at AMAM DACOTAN (Kitaaoyama, southern end of Cat Street; opens 10am) — one of Tokyo’s most celebrated bakeries, known for extraordinary sourdough and pastries. Arriving by 10:30 beats the crowds and gets first pick. Depart for Yokohama by 11:15am.

Midday — Travel to Yokohama Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya Station directly to Minatomirai Station (~35 min). Arrive ~12:15pm.

Afternoon — Cup Noodles Museum (~1:00pm) The Chicken Ramen Factory is a hands-on ~90-minute workshop: mix and knead the dough, stretch and cut noodles, flash-fry them in the Ando method. When you arrive, grab a numbered ticket for the My CUPNOODLES Factory (walk-in, ¥400/person) so Bea can customize her own cup. Allow 3–3.5 hours total.

After the museum (~3:00–3:15pm), walk 10 minutes to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse — beautifully restored 1913 port warehouses with an open waterfront park and harbor views. A genuinely lovely 30-minute pause before moving on.

Late Afternoon — Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum From Minatomirai Station, take the Minatomirai Line to Yokohama Station, then the subway Blue Line to Shin-Yokohama (~20 min total). The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a wonderfully atmospheric underground recreation of a 1950s Tokyo backstreet, housing nine ramen shops each representing a distinct regional style. Admission is only ¥380.

The key strategy: order mini (ko) portions at every shop (~¥600–800 each). With the Chicken Ramen Factory earlier in the day, aim for 2 different regional styles — Sapporo miso and Hakata tonkotsu are the essential contrasts. Large laminated English menus at every shop. The museum is open until 9pm so there’s no rush.

Evening — Return to Tokyo From Shin-Yokohama Station, take the JR Yokohama Line to Yokohama Station (~10 min), then transfer to the Tokyu Toyoko Line toward Shibuya (~30 min), then the Yamanote Line north to Ueno (~20 min). Total ~60 min. Light evening back at the hotel.

7:45am — Tsukiji Outer Market Leave the hotel by 7:45am and take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line from Ueno Station to Tsukiji Station (~10 min). Arrive at Tsukiji when it’s at its liveliest. Work through the stalls: coffee at Turret Coffee · warm tamagoyaki at Marutake · eel skewers at Tsukiji Nisshin Tasuke · mochi at Solatsuki · katsuobushi at Isekei. All casual, walk-and-eat style. Done by ~8:45am.

8:45–10:40am — Ginza Walk 10 minutes northwest to Ginza. From 10:00am: pick up melon pan and anbata-pan at Ginza Kimuraya (opens 10am) · browse the Mitsukoshi Ginza basement food hall (opens 10am, allow 20–25 min including the Dominique Ansel Bakery outpost). Then walk 10 minutes to KITTE Marunouchi — or save TRAVELER’S FACTORY STATION for after lunch (opens at 11am, right near Tokyo Station).

11:00am — Nemuro Hanamaru (KITTE Marunouchi, 5F) Nemuro Hanamaru is on the 5th floor — conveyor belt sushi with excellent quality fish sourced from Hokkaido. Arrive at 11:00am on the dot to get ahead of the lunch queue. A great pick for Bea.

teamLab Borderless (2pm) Take the subway to Azabudai Hills for teamLab Borderless (2:00pm). One of the world’s most extraordinary digital art installations. Allow 2–3 hours; the slower you move through it, the better it is.

Large bags must be checked at the entrance. No flash photography.

Evening — Shinjuku Head to Shinjuku (~20 min from Azabudai Hills). Optional warm-up: free night views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck (free, open until 10:30pm, ~30 min). Then walk to Fūunji (near Yoyogi, 10 min south of Shinjuku Station) — arrive by 4:40–4:45pm to queue before the 5pm dinner opening. Their tsukemen dipping ramen is among the best in Tokyo; expect a short wait even arriving early. Alternatively, Udon Shin nearby for their celebrated carbonara udon.

Alternatives if you want something different: Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane, just north of Shinjuku Station West Exit) — narrow alley of yakitori stalls with smoke, atmosphere, and cold beer; no reservations. Tsukada Nojo (Akihabara branch, ~20 min from teamLab toward Ueno) — chicken collagen hot pot in convivial private booth seating; walk-in or book ahead on Tabelog.

Before You Go

• Download the Tokyo Disney Resort Official App before leaving Champaign
• Create an account and link your DisneySea reservation in the app
• Pre-load tickets in the app at the hotel — park gate WiFi is patchy
• App handles: Disney Premier Access purchases, mobile food orders, wait times, maps

Getting There Leave &Here Tokyo Ueno by 7:00am. Take the JR Keiyo Line from Keiyo/Shinonome (or transfer at Tokyo Station) → Maihama Station (~40–45 min). Disney Resort Line monorail → Tokyo DisneySea Station. Aim to be at the gates by 8:00am — park opens 9am; Fantasy Springs queue starts forming early.

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Morning — Fantasy Springs first Fantasy Springs is a ~20-minute walk from the main entrance and the highest-demand area in the park. Head there at rope drop.

As soon as you’re inside: buy Disney Premier Access (DPA) for Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey immediately — this sells out within minutes. DPA is ~¥2,000/person/attraction, capped at one purchase per hour:

• On entry → DPA: Frozen
• 1 hour later → DPA: Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival
• 1 hour later → DPA: Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure

Priority order inside Fantasy Springs:

1. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey — highest demand; waits exceed 120 min by 10am without DPA
2. Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival — second most popular
3. Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure — DPA lasts longest
4. Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies — gentle ride; low wait, good for any time

Mid-morning — low-wait rides while DPA recharges

• Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage — gentle boat dark ride, a DisneySea classic
• Fortress Explorations — walk-through interactive ship; not a ride, no queue, endlessly explorable
• Nemo & Friends SeaRider — gentle submarine ride
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea — DisneySea-exclusive submarine dark ride

Afternoon — thrill rides and flex time

• Indiana Jones Adventure — bumpy jeep ride, thrilling but accessible; shorter waits mid-afternoon
• Toy Story Mania — carnival-style shooting game
• Journey to the Center of the Earth — iconic launch coaster inside a volcano

Dining Eat at 11am or 2pm — noon is peak crowd surge everywhere.

• Royal Banquet of Arendelle (Fantasy Springs) — themed Frozen restaurant; requires mobile order and you must already be inside Fantasy Springs
• Magellan’s (near Fortress Explorations) — DisneySea’s most atmospheric sit-down; book via app in advance
• Vulcania (inside Mount Prometheus) — best quick-service atmosphere; right next to Journey to the Center of the Earth

Use mobile ordering in the app while waiting in standby lines.

Getting Back Leave the park by 7:00–7:30pm. Board the Disney Resort Line monorail back to Maihama Station, then take the JR Keiyo Line from Maihama to Tokyo Station (~20 min). Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line northbound to Ueno (~15 min). Back at hotel by ~8:30pm.

Evening — Convenience Store Wind-Down A convenience store haul is the perfect low-key ending after a full Disney day. Stop at the 7-Eleven or Lawson near the hotel: cold Asahi or Kirin beer, a box of Oni Killer sake (single-serve juice box format), Jagabee potato sticks (shoyu butter flavor), a Black Thunder chocolate bar, seasonal Pocky, and a fresh sandwich (egg salad or katsu). If there’s ice cream in a limited seasonal flavor, get it. This is Japan convenience store culture at its finest.

Morning — Farewell to Ueno Hotel breakfast at ~7:30am. Finish packing and check out luggage with the front desk. Around 10:30am, when Mihashi opens, stop in for one sweet before heading out — the classic anmitsu with shiratama mochi is the order. Then browse 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, the craft and design shops tucked under the JR train viaduct (opens 11am), for any last souvenir shopping. Head to Tokyo Station by ~noon.

Midday — Shinkansen to Atami Check out of &Here Tokyo Ueno. Head to Shinagawa Station and board Kodama 827 at 13:04 (Platform 24) — Car 11, Seats 9-A/B/C. Arrive Atami at 13:42 (~38 min).

Atami Sekaie check-in is 3:00pm (standard ryokan). Arriving at 1:42pm means ~1.25 hours to explore before the room is ready. Store luggage at the ryokan’s front desk on arrival; they’ll call when the room is ready.

Afternoon — Atami Town Stroll the Atami Ginza shopping street — the heart of old Atami, lined with traditional shops and local vendors. Pick up onsen manju (sweet red bean dumplings steamed over hot springs — the city’s signature souvenir). Soak your feet at the free Ieyasu no Yu footbath just outside the station. A gentle, unhurried introduction to Atami.

A 10-minute walk or short taxi from the station brings you to Kiunkaku — a beautifully preserved 1919 villa that served as a retreat for statesmen and artists. The Roman-style bath halls, Art Deco stained glass windows, and lush terraced gardens are genuinely striking. Allow about 45–60 minutes. Closes at 5pm — arrive by 4pm.

The MOA Museum of Art (world-class collection) is a worthwhile visit if you ever return to Atami — but it closes at 4pm (last entry 3:30pm), which is too tight given the midday arrival and Kiunkaku stop.

Evening — Atami Sekaie Check in to your Ocean View Suite Tsuki no Michi at Sekaie. Settle in, take a long soak in the onsen, and let the ryokan experience take over completely. Your kaiseki dinner will be a multi-course feast of local Izu seafood and seasonal ingredients — one of the culinary highlights of the trip.

Morning — Ryokan Breakfast Wake up to a traditional ryokan breakfast — grilled fish, rice, pickles, miso soup, and seasonal sides. Take a final morning soak in the onsen. Leave the ryokan by 10:20am and take a 10-minute taxi to Atami Station.

Travel to Hiroshima Hikari 707 departs Atami at 10:40 → Shin-Osaka 12:57. Transfer at Shin-Osaka to the connecting shinkansen at 13:23 → Hiroshima 14:51. Car and seat assignments are in the private details.

26-minute transfer at Shin-Osaka — straightforward same-platform area; follow signs for the Sanyo Shinkansen.

Lunch on the road: Pick up an ekiben (station bento) at Atami Station before boarding, or grab something from the food stalls in the Shin-Osaka concourse during your transfer. Eating on the Shinkansen is one of the great small pleasures of Japan travel.

Arrival — Baseball Game The Sheraton Grand Hiroshima is directly connected to Hiroshima Station — check-in is effortless. Take a gentle introductory wander through the Hondori covered shopping arcade, Hiroshima’s lively pedestrian main street.

Baseball at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium (18:00) — a 10-minute walk from the Sheraton. One of the best ballparks in Japan; the community-owned Carp are a point of genuine civic pride.

Evening — Club Lounge After 4+ hours on the Shinkansen, have a drink and light snacks at the Club Lounge at the Sheraton. For dinner (if skipping the baseball), the hotel’s own Kazu restaurant or a simple counter stop along the Hondori arcade keeps things low-key.

A dedicated Hiroshima history day. Emotionally powerful and genuinely important — give it space and time.

Morning — Peace Memorial Museum & Park Head out early — the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum opens at 8:00am. Allow at least 2 hours. It is among the most significant and moving museums in the world. Afterward, walk through Peace Memorial Park: the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome — the skeletal ruins of the former Industrial Promotion Hall, left as it stood after the bomb), the Children’s Peace Monument, and the cenotaph. The park asks to be walked slowly and with intention.

Photography is permitted in most of the museum, but not in the main exhibition halls containing victim photographs and personal belongings. Brief your family before entering.

Lunch — Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is layered rather than mixed — noodles, cabbage, egg, and meat stacked on the griddle. Okonomimura (Naka-ku, a short walk from Peace Park) is a three-story building housing ~25 vendors — easy to walk in, point at what looks good, and watch it cook in front of you. Or try Nagataya or Ekohiiki for a sit-down counter experience.

Afternoon Hiroshima Castle (Rijōkaku) — the postwar reconstruction sits on original foundations surrounded by an intact moat. The interior is a museum of Hiroshima history (worth 45 min). Then Hiroshima Orizuru Tower near the Peace Park — striking contemporary architecture with an observation deck and the origami crane drop installation.

Evening — Grill Hikoboshi After a day of genuine emotional weight, dinner at Grill Hikoboshi offers a welcome change of register — intimate, joyful, and focused on pure pleasure. From the Sheraton, walk west through the Hondori covered arcade (~10–12 min on foot, or take the Hiroshima streetcar one stop to Hondori tram stop). The ten-seat counter faces the open kitchen. Order both the omurice (golden egg over seasoned rice with demi-glace) and the hamburger steak sizzling in the same glossy sauce. Reserve as early as possible on Tabelog — this is the hardest reservation on the Hiroshima leg.

An early start. Leave the hotel by 7:30am — the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi takes ~25 minutes, plus a 3-minute walk to the ferry terminal, putting you there by ~8:00am. Take the JR Ferry (~10 min) across to the island.

Morning — Itsukushima Shrine & Torii Gate The famous floating torii gate greets you as you approach by sea. Walk the waterfront to Itsukushima Jinja — built on stilts over the water, extraordinary at high tide when the shrine and gate appear to float. Check tide times before the trip — arriving at or just before high tide is ideal. Walk around to the far side of the shrine for a quieter vantage point away from tour groups.

Mid-Morning — Daishoin Temple Walk uphill from the shrine to Daishoin — one of the most impressive Buddhist temples on the island, far less crowded and utterly serene. Stone lantern-lined paths, spinning prayer wheels, and profound quiet.

Lunch — Oysters Both Yakigaki No Hayashi and Kakiya are celebrated Miyajima oyster specialists. Try them grilled, with cheese and lemon, or in oyster rice. Arrive by 11:30am to beat the lunch rush.

Afternoon — Momijidani Park & Mount Misen Walk through Momijidani Park — beautiful maple-forested valleys. Take the Miyajima Ropeway partway up Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Inland Sea (~¥1,000/adult each way, not covered by JR Pass). If the queue is long or energy is low, the walk through Momijidani alone is lovely.

Before Leaving — Momijido Main Store Pick up momiji manju (maple leaf cakes filled with red bean, custard, or matcha) from Momijido Main Store on Omotesando Street — the quintessential Miyajima souvenir.

Miyajima has its own wild deer that roam freely — keep snacks tucked away. Less accustomed to people than Nara’s deer.

If it’s raining heavily on June 6: Consider swapping June 6 and June 5 — do the indoor Peace Memorial Museum day on June 6, save Miyajima for June 5. Light rain at Miyajima is fine and actually beautiful; only heavy sustained rain warrants a full swap.

Evening — Return to Hiroshima Easy dinner back in Hiroshima. Okkundou Mazemen: mix everything thoroughly before eating so the sauce coats every noodle; don’t ask for broth. Sushi Tatsu Ekie: lead with anago (conger eel — Hiroshima’s signature sushi fish, sweeter and more delicate than unagi) and any Seto Inland Sea seasonal offerings.

Morning — Final Hiroshima Light breakfast in the Club Lounge. Check out by 11:00am. Head to Hiroshima Station for a final Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Hassho (八昌) inside the Ekie food hall — one of Hiroshima’s most respected okonomiyaki names. Order the soba-iri (layered with noodles) topped with pork. If the queue is long, Nagataya has a branch in the same complex. Allow 30–45 min.

~11:30am — Nozomi Shinkansen → Kyoto (~1 hour 40 minutes). Arrive Kyoto ~1:15pm.

Afternoon — Check-in & Higashi Honganji Check in to Hotel Kanra (standard check-in 3pm). At the front desk, ask if the room is available early — if not, leave luggage with the concierge. The hotel is right next to Higashi Honganji, so you’ll be within a few minutes all afternoon.

The enormous Higashi Honganji Temple is literally next door — a spectacular, free-entry Jodo Shinshu Buddhist complex with one of Japan’s largest wooden structures. A perfect, low-key first Kyoto stop.

Evening — Gion Take a taxi or walk toward Gion for an evening wander. Walk Hanamikoji Street and the quieter backstreets of Gion Shinbashi — Kyoto’s most atmospheric district of narrow stone lanes and wooden machiya townhouses. If lucky, you may spot a maiko in full dress heading to an evening engagement.

Dinner — Gion Kappa Settle in for dinner at Gion Kappa — a beloved casual izakaya tucked into the Gion backstreets. Start with the Kyoto tsukemono (pickles) — a cut above the typical bar fare. Order dengaku (miso-glazed skewers of tofu, eggplant, or konnyaku) and yakitori (chicken thigh momo, negima). Drink sake from Fushimi — ask the server what’s local; the Fushimi breweries are 15 minutes south of Gion and what every serious izakaya here pours.

Nightcap — Yamaneko Gion A short walk in the same neighborhood — excellent craft beer and sake.

Full day in Arashiyama. Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama (~15 min).

Early Morning (by 8am) — Bamboo Forest & Tenryu-ji Arrive at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early — the only way to experience it without wall-to-wall crowds. Walk through into Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with one of Kyoto’s finest pond gardens.

Tenryu-ji garden admission (¥500/adult) is separate from Shigetsu — pay at the temple gate. The 14th-century pond design and borrowed Arashiyama scenery is worth every yen.

Lunch — Shigetsu at Tenryu-ji Shigetsu inside Tenryu-ji’s grounds is one of Japan’s finest shojin ryori restaurants — multi-course Buddhist vegetarian cuisine using seasonal vegetables, tofu, and mountain ingredients, prepared without meat or fish. A genuinely unique and beautiful meal. Lunch seatings run 11am–2pm (last order). Set menus start ~¥4,000/person.

Afternoon Wander the Arashiyama craft shops and the riverside path along Togetsukyo Bridge. Stop at Boulangerie Rauk for an afternoon snack before heading back to central Kyoto (~4:30pm).

If it’s raining heavily on June 8: The bamboo grove and riverside walk become significantly less enjoyable in a downpour, but the day has a strong indoor anchor — Shigetsu lunch at Tenryu-ji proceeds regardless. For the morning, consider replacing the bamboo grove walk with Nijo Castle (Kyoto city center, 20 min from Hotel Kanra — covered walkways throughout, beautifully preserved 17th-century shogun palace). For the afternoon, the Kyoto National Museum in Higashiyama (closed Mondays) has world-class rotating exhibitions. Arashiyama in light or moderate rain is atmospheric and worth going; only sustained heavy rain warrants a full pivot.

Evening — Omen Gion Dinner at Omen Gion — Kyoto’s classic udon restaurant, Gion branch. Thick flat noodles in a light dashi served with a tray of condiments (sesame, ginger, scallion, tofu) that you add yourself. Casual, no reservation needed, distinctly Kyoto in character. Nightcap at Kyoto Beer Lab or Beer Komachi.

Take the Kintetsu Limited Express (Train 807) from Kintetsu Kyoto Station at 8:55am → Kintetsu-Nara at 9:29am. Car 2, upstairs seating.

Morning — Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji & the Deer of Nara Park Arrive by 9:30am. The freely roaming sacred deer of Nara Park greet you immediately — buy deer crackers from vendors. Walk north to Tōdai-ji — the Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden building in the world, housing a 15-meter bronze Buddha of staggering scale. Also visit Kōfuku-ji and its five-story pagoda reflected in Sarusawa Pond.

Mid-Morning — Nakatanidou Don’t miss Nakatanidou on Sanjo Dori — the extraordinary high-speed mochi pounding demonstration. Eat the warm yomogi mochi right on the spot.

Afternoon — Kasugataisha, Naramachi & Salon Naramachi Follow the forest lantern path to Kasugataisha Shrine — one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto sites, lined with roughly 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns that glow hauntingly during festival seasons. Loop back through Naramachi, the preserved old merchant district, for tea at Salon Naramachi cafe. Stop at Maedano Donut for their celebrated inventive donuts. If time and interest allow, Harushika (Imanishi Seibei Shoten) is one of Nara’s most historic sake breweries — tours available.

If it’s raining heavily on June 9: Nara holds up better in rain than Miyajima or Arashiyama — Tōdai-ji is a covered interior experience, and Naramachi has sheltered lanes and cafes. The most rain-affected elements are the long outdoor walk to Kasugataisha and park strolling. If the forecast is truly bad, consider a full Kyoto indoor day: the International Manga Museum (Karasuma-Oike, closed Tuesdays) or the Kyoto National Museum work well.

Evening in Kyoto Return by early evening. Casual dinner at Ginjo Ramen Kubota or Human Beings Everybody Noodles. Drinks at Shalara Craft Beer or MINOH BEER WAREHOUSE.

Kyoto to Osaka is easy and frequent. Best options: Hankyu Limited Express from Kyoto-Kawaramachi to Osaka-Umeda (~42 min, ¥640 — convenient from the Gion/Kawaramachi side), or JR Tokaido Line from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station (~28 min, ¥570). Skip the Shinkansen for this leg; it’s overkill for such a short distance. Head out by 9:30am.

Morning — Tower Knives Osaka & Kuromon Ichiba Market First stop: Tower Knives Osaka in Shinsekai (opens at 10am). Specialist knife shop carrying Sakai-made blades; multilingual staff, duty-free with passport, and they let you handle and test knives before buying. Name engraving available. Allow 30–45 minutes. The surrounding Shinsekai district — Osaka’s retro, Tsutenkaku Tower neighborhood — is worth a brief wander on the way out.

Then head to Kuromon Ichiba — Osaka’s famous covered market, packed with fresh fish, grilled skewers, street food, and local produce. Walk to Namba Yasaka Shrine to see the extraordinary giant lion-head stage.

Midday — Dotonbori & Namba Head to Dotonbori. Start with a takoyaki stop at Wanaka or Aizuya — watching the vendor spin dozens of octopus balls in cast-iron plates is a genuine spectacle. Follow with dumplings at Chao Chao Gyoza nearby. Skip a full sit-down lunch — you want to arrive at Steak Ron hungry.

Afternoon — Shinsaibashi & Amerikamura Walk Shinsaibashi-suji — the centuries-old covered shopping arcade — and wander into Amerikamura for vintage stores, street art, and independent cafes.

5:30pm — Steak Ron (Special Farewell Dinner) Your most special dinner of the entire trip. Steak Ron in Osaka is your wagyu celebration — a proper farewell to Japan after three extraordinary weeks. The counter seats and open kitchen make every piece of A5 wagyu a performance. Dress up a little, take your time, and savor every bite.

Return to Kyoto by late evening train (trains run well past midnight).

6:00am — Kiyomizudera Kiyomizudera opens at 6am and in the early morning is nearly deserted — the wooden stage jutting from the hillside over the waking city is breathtaking in the morning light. Walk down through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka stone-paved lanes on the way back. Allow 45–60 min including the walk down.

8:00am — Return to hotel, breakfast and final pack Hotel breakfast or grab something light from Nishiki Market (5 min walk from Hotel Kanra).

10:00–11:30am — Nishiki Market Kyoto’s famous narrow covered food market — graze through pickles, tofu, wagashi sweets, and edible souvenirs. Most stalls are open by 10am. Keep this relaxed; it’s your last easy morning.

11:30am — Check out of Hotel Kanra

13:00 — Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto Station → Kansai International Airport Arrive KIX 14:20. International check-in typically opens ~2:35pm (3 hours before CX 507’s 5:35pm departure) — use the time to grab lunch in the departures area or browse the terminal. Plenty of buffer for a comfortable close to the trip.

Arrive Hong Kong CX 507 arrives Hong Kong at 8:50pm. Check in to the Skycity Marriott — connected directly to Terminal 1.

CX 806 departs 12:10pm Hong Kong → Chicago O’Hare. Arrives 1:55pm.

The journey of a lifetime, completed.