Pop Japan Travel

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

After changing our dollars 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!

For our first day in Tokyo, we'll head to the Ghibli Museum, where we'll celebrate the creation of some of the most influential and adored anime films in Japanese history.

For our second big day in the city, you'll have the option of waking up early to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the Tsukiji Fish Market, as well as sample a taste of the day's fresh catch.

Today, it's shop til you drop as we scour our way through the streets of Harajuku.  You'll experience the vibrant power of Japan's street fashion on Takeshita St, and perhaps get inspired to pick up some kakkoii  (good lookin') threads for yourself and your friends back home.  We'll also hit Kiddy Land, a multi-story toy store where you're bound to find something for the kid in all of us.  And if that doesn't make you nostalgic, a visit to the Meiji Shrine will be sure to spark some child-like wonder inside.

Following lunch, we'll be off to Akihabara, a.k.a. Akiba for short, home to the anime/manga/electronics otaku. Try your luck at the giant UFO catchers, stock up on gashapon figures, buy the latest Japanese game, or even pamper yourself at a maid cafe!

For our last day in Tokyo, we'll be hitting some of the hot-spots you've seen portrayed again and again in dozens of anime. You'll have this morning free to peruse the ward of your choice: Shinjuku or Shibuya. Traverse the famous pedestrian scramble crossing on your way to shop the leading contemporary fashion trends or the underground Mandarake (anime consignment store) in Shibuya, or go to Shinjuku to visit the Square Enix store or Tokyu Hands, a department store specializing in a wide variety of uniquely Japanese products, such as games, costumes, hobby materials, and DIY supplies.

Be among the first to experience Anime Contents Expo! Shop for anime and character goods, get sneak peeks at the hottest upcoming anime projects, and even see some anime entertainment live on stage! Feeling musical? Have the option of attending A Fes, or Anime Song Festival, which is taking place in the same convention center!

Pick your destination! Regretting passing up that figure in Nakano Broadway? Didn't get enough shopping time in Harajuku? Here's your chance to cover all the bases! Need some help? Ask your handy dandy tour guide and we'll be happy to assist you! You can even use the day to visit Tokyo Anime Fair!

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 you can select to visit the Manga Museum!

Spend the day in Osaka - visit the Tezuka Museum and the Takarazuka Theater Museum, 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 specialties!

We'll be taking the scenic route as we visit temples like Kiyomizu, Nanzenji and the aqueduct, and Ginkakuji. There will be plenty of downtime for history and culture buffs to explore the streets of Gion.  Moreover, you can even choose to relive the Gion heyday: join the option to get dressed up as a Maiko (a geisha in training)!

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