🇯🇵 JAPAN 14–DAY ITINERARY

(STRUCTURAL VERSION WITH HOTELS ADDED — NO OTHER CHANGES)

Tokyo → Kyoto → Naoshima → Tsumago → Kiso-Fukushima → Tokyo
May 28 – June 11, 2025
— 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 → Transfer to Kyoto

  • Tokyo Monorail: Haneda → Hamamatsucho (~20 min)

  • JR Yamanote: Hamamatsucho → Tokyo Station (~10 min)

  • Shinkansen: Tokyo → Kyoto (~2 hr 15 min)

Approx. Japan travel time: 3.5–4 hrs

Overnight:
🏨 Hotel Kanra Kyoto (Night 1)

Arrival Flow

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⭐ DAY 3 — Sat May 30

Kyoto — Temples, Materials & Old Districts (Map)

8:30–9:15 AM — Breakfast & Prep

  • Breakfast at or near Hotel Kanra

  • Depart hotel by 9:15 AM

9:15–9:45 AM — Transit to Stationery Shop

Hotel Kanra → TAG Stationery

  • Walk to Karasuma Station (8 min)

  • Hankyu Kyoto Line → Karasuma-Oike (1 stop, ~3 min)

  • Walk 3–5 min

⏱ Total transit: ~25–30 minutes

10:00–10:30 AM — Art & Stationery Stop

🖋️ TAG Stationery Kyoto

  • Opens 10:00 AM

  • Japanese paper, inks, pens, sketchbooks

  • Calm, design-focused stop

⏱ 20–30 minutes
❗ No reservation needed

10:30–11:15 AM — Transit to Fushimi Inari

TAG Stationery → Fushimi Inari

  • Walk to Karasuma-Oike Station (5 min)

  • Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line → Kyoto Station (~8 min)

  • JR Nara Line → Fushimi Inari Taisha (~5 min)

⏱ Total transit: ~35–40 minutes

11:15 AM–1:00 PM — Fushimi Inari Taisha

⛩️ Fushimi Inari Taisha

  • Walk through lower torii gates

  • Climb partway up the mountain

  • Turn around when it feels right

⏱ Ideal visit: ~1.5 hours
❗ No reservation needed

1:00–1:45 PM — Lunch Near Fushimi Inari

🍜 Kanoko

  • Steps from the shrine

  • Soba, udon, inari sushi

  • Fast, comforting, affordable

Hours: typically late morning–mid afternoon
⏱ 30–45 minutes
❗ No reservation needed

1:45–2:15 PM — Transit to Kiyomizu Area

Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-dera

  • JR Nara Line → Kyoto Station (~5 min)

  • Bus or taxi to Kiyomizu-michi / Gojo-zaka (~15–20 min)

⏱ ~30 minutes total

2:15–3:30 PM — Kiyomizu-dera

🏯 Kiyomizu-dera

  • Main hall and wooden stage

  • City views

  • Slow, steady pace

⏱ ~75 minutes
❗ No reservation needed

3:30–5:00 PM — Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka

🏘️ Sannenzaka
🏘️ Ninenzaka

  • Historic streets

  • Craft shops, tea, sweets

  • Best in late afternoon light

⏱ ~90 minutes wandering

5:00–6:00 PM — Return & Rest

  • Taxi or bus back to Hotel Kanra

  • Shower, feet up, reset

⏱ ~45–60 minutes rest (important)

6:30–7:45 PM — Dinner (Near Hotel)

🍣 Recommended Dinner

Sushi no Musashi

  • Excellent quality for the price

  • Conveyor-style but very fresh

  • Locals eat here

  • Easy after a long day

Hours: typically open until ~9:00 PM
Cost: approx. ¥2,000–¥3,500 per person
❗ No reservation needed (expect a short line on Saturday)

Evening — Return & Wind Down

  • Short walk or train back to Hotel Kanra

  • Early night encouraged

Overnight:
🏨 Hotel Kanra Kyoto (Night 2)

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⭐ DAY 4 — Sun May 31

Kyoto — Philosopher’s Path → Art Museums → Gion at Dusk

8:00–8:30 AM — Breakfast & Morning Prep

Breakfast at or near Hotel Kanra Kyoto

Pack light
Comfortable walking shoes

8:30–9:00 AM — Taxi to Philosopher’s Path

🚕 Taxi: Hotel Kanra → Philosopher’s Path (Ginkaku-ji side)
⏱ ~20–25 minutes

(This saves energy and puts you on the Path before crowds.)

9:00–10:15 AM — Philosopher’s Path (North → South Walk)

🚶 Philosopher’s Path

  • Start at Ginkaku-ji

  • Walk at an easy, unhurried pace

  • Canal, stone paths, small shrines, neighborhood life

Optional:

  • Coffee stop near the southern end

  • Brief pause near Nanzen-ji approach (no obligation to enter)

⏱ ~75 minutes

10:15–10:30 AM — Walk into Okazaki / Museum District

Gentle transition from the end of the Path into Okazaki Park

10:30 AM–12:00 PM — Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art

🎨 Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art

  • Meiji-era architecture with modern renovation

  • Modern Japanese art + rotating exhibitions

  • Architecture alone is worth the visit

⏱ Ideal visit: ~90 minutes
❗ Tickets on site; reservations usually not required

12:00–12:30 PM — Museum District Walk / Coffee Reset

Short walk through Okazaki Park
Coffee or light snack
Reset before lunch

12:30–1:45 PM — Lunch (Near Museums)

Casual café or museum café in Okazaki

Light lunch recommended — dinner is the highlight
⏱ ~75 minutes

1:45–3:15 PM — National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

🖼️ The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

  • Focus on modern Japanese art

  • Calm, well-paced galleries

  • Smaller and more concentrated than KYOCERA

⏱ 75–90 minutes
❗ No reservation typically required

3:15–3:45 PM — Transit to Gion

Museum District → Gion

  • Walk to Higashiyama Station

  • Tozai Line → Sanjo Keihan

  • Walk ~10 minutes into Gion

⏱ ~30 minutes

3:45–5:00 PM — Rest / Wandering in Gion

No agenda (this buffer still matters)

  • Café stop

  • Slow walk along Shirakawa

  • Light browsing

5:00–5:30 PM — Yasaka Shrine at Dusk

⛩️ Yasaka Shrine

Lanterns begin to glow
Short, atmospheric visit
One of Kyoto’s best dusk moments

6:00–7:30 PM — Dinner in Gion

🍤 Yasaka Endo

  • Classic Kyoto tempura

  • Refined but relaxed

  • Seasonal, memorable, not heavy

Reservation recommended
Set menu preferred
⏱ ~90 minutes

7:30–8:15 PM — Evening Walk in Gion

Post-dinner stroll
Shirakawa is especially beautiful at night
No rushing

8:15–9:00 PM — Return to Hotel

Gion → Hotel Kanra Kyoto

  • Taxi recommended: ~15–20 minutes

  • Bus + short walk: ~30 minutes

✔ Reservation & Planning Check

  • KYOCERA Museum: ❌ No reservation usually required

  • Museum of Modern Art Kyoto: ❌ No reservation usually required

  • Yasaka Shrine: ❌ No

  • Yasaka Endo (Dinner): ✅ Reservation recommended

Overnight:
🏨 Hotel Kanra Kyoto (Night 3)

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⭐ DAY 5 — Mon June 1

Kyoto — Craft, Making & Evening Atmosphere

8:30–9:15 AM — Breakfast & Prep

  • Breakfast at or near Hotel Kanra

  • Depart hotel by 9:15 AM

  • Bring a small sketchbook and phone camera (documentation day)

9:15–9:45 AM — Transit to Shibori Workshop

Hotel Kanra → Shibori Studio

Recommended Workshop

🧵 Shibori Museum Kyoto

Transit

  • Walk to Gojo Station (5 min)

  • Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line → Shijo Station (1 stop, ~2 min)

  • Walk 5 minutes

⏱ Total transit: ~20–25 minutes

10:00–11:30 AM —

🧵 Shibori Museum Kyoto - Shibori Workshop

  • Hands-on shibori dyeing

  • Excellent introduction to resist techniques

  • Take-home textile included

⏱ ~90 minutes
❗ Reservation recommended (especially for hands-on course)

11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Transition & Coffee

  • Short walk

  • Coffee nearby

  • Mental reset before printmaking

12:00–12:45 PM — Lunch (Light & Local)

  • Simple set lunch near Shijo/Karasuma

  • Keep it light (printing requires focus)

⏱ 30–45 minutes

12:45–1:15 PM — Transit to Woodblock Printing Studio

Shijo/Karasuma → Print Workshop

Recommended Demonstration Course

🪵 Takezasado

Transit

  • Walk to Karasuma Station

  • Hankyu Kyoto Line → Kawaramachi (~2 min)

  • Walk 8–10 minutes

⏱ Total transit: ~20–25 minutes

1:30–3:00 PM — Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Demonstration

🪵 Takezasado

https://www.takezasa.co.jp/mokuhan/mokuhan05.html

⏱ ~90 minutes
❗ Reservation required
💡 Buy prints here if you want one meaningful souvenir

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back up if Takezasado not availiable

11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Lunch + Reset (Important)

  • Casual lunch near Shijo/Karasuma

  • Sit down, slow down

⏱ Full hour buffer — this keeps the day intact

12:30–1:10 PM — Transit to Kyoto Handicraft Center

Shijo/Karasuma → Kyoto Handicraft Center

  • Karasuma Line → Karasuma-Oike

  • Tozai Line → Keage Station

  • Walk 5–7 min

⏱ ~35–40 minutes

1:30–3:00 PM — Woodblock Printing Workshop

🪵 Kyoto Handicraft Center

  • Guided ukiyo-e printing experience

  • Print to take home

  • Clear start/end time

⏱ ~90 minutes ❗ Reservation required (but dependable)

3:00–3:30 PM — Transition Break

  • Coffee or restroom break

  • Light walking nearby

  • No rushing

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3:00–4:00 PM — Nishiki Market (Short, Focused Visit)

🛍️ Nishiki Market

  • Walk 10 minutes from print studio

  • Focus on:

    • food culture

    • ingredients

    • visuals, not shopping overload

⏱ 45–60 minutes max (don’t let it sprawl)

4:00–5:30 PM — Return & Rest

  • Walk or short taxi back to Hotel Kanra

  • Shower, feet up, decompress

⏱ Rest matters today

5:45–7:30 PM — Pontocho Evening

🌙 Pontocho

Transit

  • Taxi from hotel (~10–15 min) or

  • Subway + short walk (~25 min)

What to do

  • Slow walk along the alley

  • Peek into restaurants

  • Eat where it feels right (no pressure)

💡 No fixed reservation needed unless you want a river-view dinner.

7:30–8:30 PM — Evening Walk

  • Walk along the Kamo River

  • Let the day settle

  • This is the exhale after making

✔ Reservation & Planning Check

  • Shibori Museum Kyoto: ✅ Reservation recommended

  • Takezasado (Ukiyo-e): ✅ Reservation required

  • Nishiki Market: ❌ No

  • Pontocho dinner: ❌ No (unless choosing a specific restaurant)
    🏨 Hotel Kanra Kyoto (Night 4)

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⭐ 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

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

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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)

-google map

🌙 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 browsing

    Time: 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 min

    Transit 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 minutes

    Walk Omotesandō focusing on architecture:
    – Prada Aoyama
    – Tod’s Omotesando
    – Dior Omotesando

    Time: 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 minutes

    Mori Art Museum
    Time on site: 90–120 minutes
    Optional observation deck if visibility is good

    Evening — 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 minutes

    Shibuya Crossing (night visit)
    – 3-minute walk from restaurant
    – Cross once
    – Brief pause
    – Exit via a side street

    Best 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

Approx. travel time: 45–60 min

Depature Flow

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