Pop Japan Travel

We depart the urban sprawl of LA on a flight to Tokyo!

After changing our money into yen, we'll take a bus to our hotel and get checked in. If the jet lag isn't getting to you, join us for a trip up scenic Tokyo Tower to catch a glimpse of the city around you. Click on the option link below for details!

First stop: Harajuku - a youthful district where you'll find lolita, visual kei, and
cosplayers walking the streets. Spend some time exploring unique stores such as Daiso (Japan's version of a 99 cent store), Kiddyland (a 6-story toy store), and Laforet (a shopping center filled with all the latest Japanese brands). We'll have lunch in the city and some downtime to visit the art gallery at Design Festa, plus a possible meet and greet with some of their hot local artists!

Later that day, we'll head to Shinjuku & the art stores for even more shopping, sightseeing, and art appreciation.

In the morning we'll go to Asakusa, visit Senso-ji, and browse the long road of temple vendors.

We'll meet for lunch, and after, we'll knock on the doors of a manga studio for a glimpse at a professional mangaka's daily progress.

You'll also have the option to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOT). Featured exhibits include the Tokyo Art Meeting Transformation and the Catalysis for Life- New Language of Dutch Art & Design.

Comitia - the "original independence comic exhibition" of Japan.  The order of the day: doujinshi, doujinshi, artists, and more doujinshi!  Get your energy up for a full day of the con, held at the Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba.

At the end of the day, we'll retreat back to the hotel.  For those still jazzed for more, we'll have an optional dinner and social night on the town

Choose your inspiration!  This morning, you can either check out Honmonji Temple for a sketch reference session, or take a ride to Akihabara (a.k.a. electric town) to browse through the latest Japanese video game, anime and music merchandise.

In the afternoon, we'll join together in Nakano to explore Nakano Broadway- a haven of floor to floor otaku goods.

Our evening will conclude with an art jam: meet and eat with the Art Circle.

Say good-bye to Tokyo as we bullet train out to Kyoto. We'll make a stop at the hotel to drop off luggage, then it's off to Kinkakuji, the famous gold-leaf temple. Later you'll have the chance to either drop by Nijo Castle or visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum!

We'll be taking the scenic route as we visit Kyoto's famed Kiyomizu Temple, where you can wander through shadowy passages under the temple and shop for delicious traditional sweets. After lunch, it's off to Nanzenji and Ginkakuji for more sightseeing and surprises along the way.

Feel like reliving Japanese history? Select the option here to get a professional outfit you in the dress of a traditional Maiko (a geisha in training) or Samurai!

Spend the day in Osaka - visit the Tezuka Museum in Takarazuka, stroll through Osaka-jo Castle and Park, experience the live venues and arcades of Namba and Shinsaibashi, and feast on okonomiyaki and other delicious Kansai food!

Transfer to the airport, return home, and tell your friends how much fun you had!