🇯🇵 JAPAN 14–DAY ITINERARY
(STRUCTURAL VERSION WITH HOTELS ADDED — NO OTHER CHANGES)
Tokyo → Kyoto → Naoshima → Tsumago → Kiso-Fukushima → Tokyo
May 28 – June 11, 2025. (TIPS) (ESSENTIALS)
— Calm • Art • Craft • Walking • Onsen • No Car —
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⭐ DAY 1 — Thu May 28
Fly to Japan
Greenville → Detroit → Tokyo (Haneda)
Total travel time: ~17–18 hrs (incl. layover)
Overnight flight • rest • hydrate
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⭐ DAY 2 — Fri May 29
Arrive Tokyo → Shinagawa (Overnight Reset)
Arrive Tokyo (Haneda Airport)
Arrival → Shinagawa Transfer (Simple & Direct)
Keikyu Line:
Haneda Airport Terminal 3 → Shinagawa Station (~15–20 min)
✔ No transfers
✔ Easy after long flight
Transfer to Hotel
Walk or short taxi to hotel
🏨 Shinagawa Prince Hotel
✔ Large, easy-to-navigate hotel
✔ Directly connected / very close to station
✔ Ideal for next-day Shinkansen
Late Afternoon / Evening — Light Reset
✔ Check in
✔ Shower, decompress
✔ Short walk around Shinagawa area (optional)
👉 Do NOT overplan this window
Dinner (Keep It Easy)
🍜 Menya Tokichi Shinagawa
✔ Eat early, keep it simple
Evening — Wind Down
✔ Prep for next day travel
✔ Charge devices
✔ Early night strongly encouraged
Key Prep for Tomorrow
✔ Shinkansen plan from Shinagawa
✔ Sit on RIGHT side (E seats) for Mt. Fuji
✔ Have light snacks / water for train
Overnight:
🏨 Shinagawa Prince Hotel (Tokyo)
Arrival Flow
Land → immigration → luggage
Keikyu Line to Shinagawa
Hotel check-in
Light dinner → rest
⏱ Total arrival-to-hotel time: ~60–90 minutes (smooth scenario)
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⭐ DAY 3 — Sat May 30
Tokyo → Kyoto — Travel + Soft Landing
8:00–9:00 AM — Breakfast & Prep (Shinagawa)
Breakfast at or near Shinagawa Prince Hotel
✔ Easy morning
✔ Pack + check out
9:00–9:15 AM — Walk to Shinagawa Station
Hotel → Shinagawa Station
⏱ ~5–10 minutes
9:30–11:45 AM — Shinkansen to Kyoto
🚄 Tokaido Shinkansen
Shinagawa → Kyoto Station (~2 hr 10 min)
✔ Sit on the RIGHT side (E seats) for Mt. Fuji views
✔ Best viewing window ~45–60 minutes into ride
⏱ Relaxed, comfortable travel
11:45 AM–12:30 PM — Arrival + Transfer to Hotel
Kyoto Station → Hotel Kanra Kyoto
🚕 Taxi recommended (~10–15 minutes)
Drop bags / check-in if ready
12:30–1:30 PM — Lunch Near Hotel
🍜 Casual lunch
Soba / ramen / café
Keep it light
⏱ ~45–60 minutes
1:30–3:30 PM — Rest & Reset
Return to hotel
✔ Shower
✔ Feet up
✔ Reset before exploring
⏱ This is important — not optional
4:00–5:00 PM — Art & Stationery Stop
🖋️ TAG Stationery Kyoto
Japanese paper, inks, sketchbooks
Calm, design-focused stop
🚕 Taxi (~10–15 min)
⏱ ~45–60 minutes
❗ No reservation needed
5:15–6:45 PM — Early Dinner (Nearby / Central Kyoto)
🍣 Casual dinner
✔ Keep it easy — no pressure tonight
Evening — Return & Wind Down
Short taxi or train back to hotel
Early night encouraged
Overnight:
🏨 Hotel Kanra Kyoto (Night 1)
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⭐ DAY 4 — Sun May 31
Kyoto — Philosopher’s Path → Contemporary Art → One Signature Temple → Gion
8:00–8:45 AM — Breakfast & Morning Prep
Breakfast at or near Hotel Kanra
Pack light
Comfortable walking shoes
9:00–9:25 AM — Taxi to Philosopher’s Path
🚕 Hotel Kanra → Philosopher’s Path (Ginkaku-ji side)
⏱ ~20–25 minutes
✔ Arriving early keeps this quiet and special
9:30–11:00 AM — Philosopher’s Path (North → South Walk)
🚶 Philosopher’s Path
Canal, trees, quiet neighborhoods
Optional:
Coffee stop toward the southern end
⏱ ~75–90 minutes
11:00–11:15 AM — Walk into Okazaki / Museum District
Gentle transition into Okazaki Park
11:15 AM–12:45 PM — Contemporary Art Anchor
🎨 Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Modern exhibitions + strong architecture
⏱ ~90 minutes
❗ Tickets on site
✔ This is your primary museum
12:45–1:45 PM — Lunch & Reset (Okazaki Area)
Casual café or museum café
✔ Sit and recharge
✔ Don’t rush this break
⏱ ~60 minutes
1:45–2:45 PM — Optional Second Museum (Flexible)
🖼️ National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
✔ Keep this SHORT (~60 minutes max)
✔ Skip if energy dips
2:45–3:15 PM — Transit to Higashiyama
🚕 Taxi recommended
⏱ ~20–25 minutes
3:15–4:30 PM — Signature Temple Visit
🏯 Kiyomizu-dera
Wooden stage, sweeping views
⏱ ~75 minutes
❗ No reservation needed
✔ Your ONE major temple — strong visual payoff
4:30–5:45 PM — Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
🏘️ Historic streets
Craft shops, tea, sweets
Best in late afternoon light
⏱ ~75–90 minutes wandering
6:00–7:30 PM — Dinner in Gion
🍤 Yasaka Endo
Classic Kyoto tempura
Reservation recommended
⏱ ~90 minutes
7:30–8:15 PM — Evening Walk in Gion
Shirakawa area
Lantern light, quiet streets
✔ One of Kyoto’s best moments
8:15–9:00 PM — Return to Hotel
Taxi recommended (~15–20 minutes)
✔ Reservation & Planning Check
KYOCERA Museum: ❌ No reservation usually required
Modern Art Museum: ❌ No reservation
Kiyomizu-dera: ❌ No
Yasaka Endo: ✅ Reservation recommended
Overnight:
🏨 Hotel Kanra Kyoto (Night 2)
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⭐ DAY 5 — Mon June 1
Kyoto — Craft, Making & Evening Atmosphere
(Workshops locked — structure refined for flow and energy)
8:30–9:15 AM — Breakfast & Prep
Breakfast at or near Hotel Kanra
Bring sketchbook + phone
Documentation day
9:15–9:45 AM — Transit to Woodblock Studio
🪵 Takezasado
Walk + short transit
⏱ ~20–25 minutes
10:00–11:30 AM — Woodblock Printing Workshop
🪵 Takezasado
Traditional woodblock demonstration
Materials, carving, printing process
⏱ ~90 minutes
❗ Reservation required
11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Coffee & Reset
Nearby café
✔ Sit and decompress
✔ Reflect on process
12:30–1:30 PM — Lunch (Light & Local)
Simple lunch near Shijo/Karasuma
✔ Keep it light
1:30–1:50 PM — Transit to Shibori Museum
🧵 Shibori Museum Kyoto
Taxi or short transit
⏱ ~15–20 minutes
2:00–3:30 PM — Shibori Workshop
🧵 Shibori Museum Kyoto
Hands-on dyeing
Take-home textile
⏱ ~90 minutes
❗ Reservation recommended
3:30–5:00 PM — Return & Rest (Important)
Back to hotel
✔ Drop materials
✔ Shower / decompress
⏱ ~60–90 minutes
5:30–7:00 PM — Nishiki Market (Short, Focused Visit)
🛍️ Nishiki Market
Focus on:
• food culture
• ingredients
• visuals
⏱ ~60–75 minutes
7:00–8:30 PM — Pontocho Evening
🌙 Pontocho Alley
Slow walk
Eat where it feels right
✔ No pressure dinner
8:30 PM — Evening Walk
Kamo River
✔ Let the day settle
✔ Reservation & Planning Check
Takezasado: ✅ Required
Shibori Museum: ✅ Recommended
Nishiki Market: ❌ No
Pontocho: ❌ Flexible
Overnight:
🏨 Hotel Kanra Kyoto (Night 3)
⭐ DAY 6 — Tue June 2
Kyoto → Naoshima
🏨 Morning Departure
Hotel: Hotel Kanra Kyoto
Leave hotel: ~8:00 AM
Transit to Kyoto Station:
Taxi
⏱ ~7–10 min
🚄 8:39–9:39 — Shinkansen
Kyoto → Okayama
Nozomi or Hikari
⏱ ~1 hr
Reserved seats recommended
Light breakfast / coffee onboard
🚃 9:55–10:45 — JR Local Train
Okayama → Uno Station
JR Uno Line
⏱ ~45–50 min
Easy same-station transfer
⛴️ 11:00–11:20 — Ferry
Uno → Naoshima
⏱ ~20 min
Outdoor deck if weather allows
Arrival Port: Miyanoura Port
🧳 11:30–12:00 — Go Straight to Hotel (Luggage First)
Hotel: Benesse House Park
Transit:
Benesse House shuttle bus directly from the port or taxi
⏱ ~10–15 min
✔ Luggage stored immediately
✔ Brief orientation if needed
✔ No walking with bags
🍱 12:30–1:30 — Lunch (Luggage-Free)
Option A — On Benesse Grounds (Easiest):
Benesse House Restaurant (calm, art-filled setting)
Option B — Near Port (If You Want Village Energy):
Shuttle back toward Miyanoura
Little Plum
🚶 2:00–4:30 — Light Orientation Walk
Choose ONE (keep it gentle):
Option A — Benesse Grounds Walk
Outdoor sculptures
Sea views
Zero transit stress
Option B — Honmura Village (brief wander)
Traditional houses
Art House Project exteriors only
Coffee stop if desired
⏱ This is intentionally light — tomorrow is the big art day.
🌅 5:30–7:30 — Dinner
Preferred:
Benesse House Restaurant (reservation made)
🌙 Evening
Sunset walk on hotel grounds
Early night encouraged after travel day
Overnight:
🏨 Benesse House Park, Naoshima (Night 1)
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⭐ DAY 7 — Wed June 3
Naoshima — Full Art Day
🏨 Morning
Hotel: Benesse House Park
Breakfast: Hotel restaurant
Leave hotel: ~8:45 AM
🏛️ 9:30–11:30 — Chichu Art Museum
Museum: Chichu Art Museum (Ticketing ⚠️)
Transit:
Benesse shuttle bus or hotel shuttle
⏱ ~10–15 min
Notes:
Timed-entry tickets required
No photography
Allow full time — do not rush this visit
🍱 11:30–12:45 — Lunch at Chichu
Restaurant: Chichu Café
Why this works:
Keeps you in the same mental space after the museum
No transit fatigue midday
Clean architectural continuity
📌 Tip: Eat promptly after exiting the museum to avoid café rush.
🖼️ 1:15–2:45 — Benesse House Museum
Museum: Benesse House Museum
Transit:
Shuttle or short walk from Chichu area
⏱ ~10–15 min
Why now:
Natural progression from Chichu
Indoor + outdoor balance
Still high energy window
🏠 3:15–5:00 — Art House Project (Honmura)
Area: Honmura Village
Transit:
Shuttle or bus from Benesse area
⏱ ~15–20 min
Visit Strategy:
Choose 3–4 houses max
Focus on atmosphere, not completion
Short café break encouraged
🍽️ 6:00–7:30 — Dinner in Honmura
Restaurant: Toshi
Why Toshi is perfect tonight:
Local, relaxed, unfussy
Excellent end-of-day village energy
No pressure after a full art day
Transit after dinner:
Taxi or shuttle back to Benesse House
⏱ ~15–20 min
🌙 Evening Wind-Down
Short walk near hotel grounds
Quiet time, early night encouraged
🏨 Benesse House Park, Naoshima (Night 2)
Bag shipping day: ship large bags from Benesse House to Nagiso Station by mid-morning (ideally before 11:00 AM) for next-day pickup.
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⭐ DAY 8 — Thu June 4
Naoshima → NAGISO
🏨 Morning Departure
Hotel: Benesse House Park
Leave hotel: ~8:00 AM
Transit to port:
Benesse shuttle or taxi
⏱ ~10–15 min
⛴️ 8:30–8:50 — Ferry
Naoshima → Uno
⏱ ~20 min
Sit inside, save energy
🚃 9:10–10:00 — JR Local
Uno → Okayama
JR Uno Line
⏱ ~50 min
Simple, same-station transfer
🚄 10:20–12:00 — Shinkansen
Okayama → Nagoya
Nozomi or Hikari
⏱ ~1 hr 40 min
Lunch option onboard or quick bento at Okayama Station
📌 Tip: Buy bento before boarding — you’ll want to stay seated.
🚃 12:40–2:00 — JR Chūō Main Line
Nagoya → Nagiso
⏱ ~1 hr 20 min
Mountain scenery begins
Very relaxing ride
🚶 2:15–3:00 — Arrival + Walk to Lodging
Station: Nagiso Station
Lodging:
🏡 Private Townhouse, Nagiso
📍 35°34'35.3"N 137°35'40.8"E
⏱ ~10–15 min walk from station
Flat, quiet streets
Easy with rolling luggage
🌿 3:30–4:30 — Short Orientation Walk
Area: Nagiso
What to do:
Walk main street
Convenience store / small market stop
Stretch legs after travel
📌 Keep this light — tomorrow is a walking day.
🍜 5:30–6:30 — Dinner (Local & Simple)
Good local-style options (if open):
Small soba or teishoku spot near station
Ask host for nearest reliable place
🚫 Do not hunt for “destination dining” — Nagiso is quiet and closes early.
🌙 Evening
Hot shower
Prep clothes/shoes for next day
Early night strongly recommended
Overnight:
🏡 Private Townhouse, Nagiso (Night 1)
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⭐ DAY 9 — Fri June 5
Nakasendō Walk Day
Nagiso → Magome → Tsumago → Nagiso
🏡 Morning
Lodging: Private Townhouse, Nagiso
Breakfast: At townhouse or simple stop near station
Leave lodging: ~8:00 AM
🚌 8:30–9:00 — Bus
Nagiso → Magome
⏱ ~25–30 min
Pay onboard or IC card (cash handy)
📌 Why bus first:
You walk downhill overall, saving knees and energy.
Arrival: Magome-juku
☕ 9:00–9:30 — Magome Warm-Up
What to do:
Light wander through village
Coffee or tea
Restrooms before the trail
🚫 Don’t linger too long — the trail is the priority.
🥾 9:30–1:00 — Walk: Magome → Tsumago
⏱ 2.5–3.5 hrs (unhurried pace)
Trail Highlights:
Cedar forests
Stone paths
Waterfalls
Historic tea houses (free tea, honor system)
📌 Trail Notes:
Clearly marked
Moderate difficulty
Trekking poles optional but helpful
Carry water + light snack
🏯 1:00–2:15 — Tsumago-juku Arrival + Lunch
Village: Tsumago-juku
Lunch Options:
Simple soba restaurant
Set meal (teishoku) spot
No rush — this is the reward
After lunch:
Slow walk through preserved streets
Small craft shops
Quiet atmosphere (no cars in core area)
🚌 2:30–3:00 — Return to Nagiso
Tsumago → Nagiso
Bus or taxi
⏱ ~10–15 min
📌 Tip: Check return bus times at arrival — they run regularly but not constantly.
🌿 Late Afternoon
🍜 Evening Dinner (Simple & Early)
Where:
Host will make dinner possibility check with him and reserve
📌 Expect limited options — eat when you find something open.
🌙 Evening
Prep bags for next travel day
Early night — this was a good tired
Overnight:
🏡 Private Townhouse, Nagiso (Night 2)
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⭐ DAY 10 — Sat June 6
Nagiso → Kiso-Fukushima
🏡 Morning in Nagiso
Lodging: Private Townhouse, Nagiso
Checkout: By 11:00 AM
Morning options (easy):
Slow breakfast
Final short walk through town
Convenience store stop for snacks
📌 No rush today — this is intentionally light.
🚃 11:30 AM–12:30 PM — JR Chūō Main Line
Nagiso → Kiso-Fukushima
⏱ ~50–60 min on the train
Scenic Kiso Valley ride
Seats usually available (non-reserved)
📌 Clarifying timing:
Train time: ~1 hour
Door-to-door (walks + waiting): ~1.5–2 hours
That’s the real, lived timing.
🚶 12:30–1:00 — Arrival & Walk to Ryokan
Station: Kiso-Fukushima Station
Lodging:
🏯 Kiso Mikawaya Ryokan
⏱ ~10–15 min walk
Flat, easy streets
Luggage storage available if room not ready
🍱 1:00–2:00 — Lunch (Near Ryokan or Station)
Style:
Simple soba or teishoku
Don’t overdo it — ryokan dinner is coming
📌 Ask ryokan staff for the most reliable open spot.
🌿 2:00–4:30 — Easy Afternoon
Choose ONE:
Walk along the Kiso River
Short town wander (shops, shrines)
Return to ryokan early and rest
🚫 Skip museums or long walks — tomorrow is for depth.
♨️ 4:30–6:00 — Onsen & Settle In
Ryokan time:
Onsen soak
Change into yukata
Mental downshift
🍽️ 6:00–7:30 — Kaiseki Dinner
Nagomi-an Hida-tei (reservations)
🌙 Evening
Quiet time
Early night encouraged
Overnight:
🏯 Kiso Mikawaya Ryokan, Kiso-Fukushima (Night 1)
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⭐ DAY 11 — Sun June 7
🏯 Morning Base
Lodging: Kiso Mikawaya Ryokan
Morning tone: Unhurried
Breakfast: At ryokan or nearby café
🎣 OPTION A — Optional Tenkara Fishing (Morning Block)
(Only if weather + energy align)
Time: ~7:00–10:30 AM
Area: Upper Kiso River tributaries
Style: Half-day, relaxed pace
Why morning:
Best water conditions
Leaves afternoon free
No rush afterward
📌 If skipping fishing → start the day slowly with a river walk instead.
🌿 OPTION B — Kiso-Fukushima Town + River Walk + Sketching Art
(Perfect if you skip fishing)
Time: ~8:30–10:30 AM
What to do:
Walk along the Kiso River
Explore quiet town streets
Small shrine or sake shop stop
⏱ Keep this gentle — it’s about atmosphere, not distance.
🚃 11:00 AM–12:30 PM — Narai-juku Excursion
Route:
JR Chūō Main Line
⏱ ~20–25 min each way
Destination: Narai-juku
🏘️ 12:30–3:00 — Narai-juku Visit
What to do:
Walk the long preserved main street
Visit 1–2 craft shops or museums
Lunch at a soba or teishoku restaurant
📌 Narai is longer and flatter than Tsumago — take your time.
Lunch window: ~1:00–2:00 PM
Tip: Eat wherever looks welcoming — quality is generally high.
🚃 3:00–3:30 — Return to Kiso-Fukushima
Same JR line back
Easy, scenic ride
♨️ 4:00–6:00 — Rest / Onsen Time
Back at: Kiso Mikawaya Ryokan
What this block is for:
Onsen soak
Nap / reading
Let the day settle
📌 This is the core of the immersion — don’t skip it.
🍽️ Evening — Dinner (Flexible)
Return to one of your favorite Kiso-Fukushima restaurants
Or eat lightly near the ryokan
Early dinner encouraged
🌙 Evening
Quiet night
Pack calmly for next day’s travel
Deep sleep guaranteed
Overnight:
🏯 Kiso Mikawaya Ryokan, Kiso-Fukushima (Night 2)
Optional bag shipping day: if desired, ship large bags from the ryokan to Hotel Niwa Tokyo by late morning for next-day arrival.
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⭐ DAY 12 — Mon June 8
Kiso-Fukushima → Tokyo
JR Chūō Line / Ltd. Express → Nagoya (approx. 2.5 hrs)
Shinkansen → Tokyo Station (approx. 1 hr 40 min)
JR Chūō–Sōbu Line → Suidōbashi (approx. 10 min)
Walk to Hotel Niwa (approx. 5 min)Arrival window: 3:30–4:30 PM
Late Afternoon — Jimbochō (walkable from hotel)
– 10-minute walk from Hotel Niwa
– Used bookstores
– Academic cafés
– Stationery browsingTime: 60–90 minutes, relaxed pace
Dinner (near hotel)
– Casual Japanese or noodle restaurant near Suidōbashi
– Early night (next day is full)
Approx. travel time: 4–4.5 hrs
Overnight:
🏨 Hotel Niwa Tokyo (Night 1)
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⭐ DAY 13 — Tue June 9
Tokyo — Art Day
Design, Architecture, Contemporary Art + Shibuya at Night
Morning — Nezu Museum
Hotel Niwa → Nezu Museum
Walk to Suidōbashi Station (5 min)
JR Chūō–Sōbu Line → Ochanomizu
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line → Nezu Station
Walk 5 minTransit time: approx. 30–35 minutes door to door
Nezu Museum
Arrive near opening (10:00 AM ideal)
Time on site: approx. 90 minutes (including garden)Late Morning — Omotesandō Architecture Walk
Nezu Museum → Omotesandō
Walk to Nezu Station
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line → Omotesandō
Transit time: approx. 15 minutesWalk Omotesandō focusing on architecture:
– Prada Aoyama
– Tod’s Omotesando
– Dior OmotesandoTime: 60–75 minutes
Lunch — Omotesandō
– Simple café or set lunch
– No reservation needed
– Light meal (save appetite for sushi)Afternoon — Mori Art Museum
Omotesandō → Roppongi Hills
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line → Shibuya
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line → Roppongi
Transit time: approx. 25 minutesMori Art Museum
Time on site: 90–120 minutes
Optional observation deck if visibility is goodEvening — Sushi + Shibuya Crossing
Sushi Dinner (affordable, high quality)
Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka (20–30 minute wait at peak dinner hours (7:00–8:00 PM)
Mori Art Museum → Uobei
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line → Shibuya
Transit time: approx. 20 minutesShibuya Crossing (night visit)
– 3-minute walk from restaurant
– Cross once
– Brief pause
– Exit via a side streetBest time: 8:00–9:30 PM
Return to Hotel Niwa
JR Yamanote Line: Shibuya → Akihabara
JR Chūō–Sōbu Line: Akihabara → Suidōbashi
Transit time: approx. 30 minutes
Overnight:
🏨 Hotel Niwa Tokyo (Night 2)
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⭐ DAY 14 — Wed June 10
Old Tokyo + Design Thinking + River
Morning — Yanaka (Old Tokyo)
Hotel → Yanaka
JR Chūō–Sōbu Line → Nippori
Transit time: approx. 20 minutes
Yanaka neighborhood
– Temples and cemetery paths
– Crafts and small shops
– Uneven streets, lived-in feel
Time: approx. 90 minutes
Lunch
– In Yanaka or back near the hotel
Afternoon — 21_21 Design Sight
Yanaka → Roppongi area
JR → Ueno
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line → Aoyama-itchōme
Walk 5 minutes
Transit time: approx. 35–40 minutes
21_21 Design Sight
Time on site: 60–90 minutes
Late Afternoon — Meguro River
Roppongi → Meguro River
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line → Naka-Meguro
Transit time: approx. 20 minutes
Meguro River
– Calm stretch
– Walk as long or short as desired
Final Evening
– Return to hotel
– Pack
– One last neighborhood dinner
Overnight:
🏨 Hotel Niwa Tokyo (Night 3)
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⭐ DAY 15 — Thu June 11
Depart Japan
Hotel Niwa → Haneda Airport
Approx. travel time: 45–60 min
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