Master Checklist

Land at Haneda Airport.

After immigration, go to the JR East Travel Service Center (Terminal 3, Arrival Lobby 2F) — buy Welcome Suica cards (¥1,500 / ~$10 loaded balance each, works on all trains/buses nationwide)

Haneda Airport Garden is connected to Terminal 3 via walkway — browse the JJK pop-up store, kitchen car with character drinks, and 6 restaurant collabs WITHOUT going through any extra security. Free entry (no tickets needed Jul 9). If jet lag is hitting hard, skip this and hit it on departure day (Jul 27) instead — same event runs through Aug 2.

Limousine Bus, 25-35 min, ¥1,000/person. Alternative: Keikyu Line → Shinagawa (15 min) → Rinkai Line → Kokusai-Tenjijo (18 min). ~45 min total, ~¥650.

5 min walk (~400m). Hotel is adjacent to the exhibition center.

Check in, drop luggage, freshen up. Grab your warm cookie 🍪

~2 min walk to Lawson at Ariake or 7-Eleven. Basque cheesecake (¥300), Karaage-kun (¥220), salmon onigiri (¥150), Melon Cream Soda.

10 min walk (~750m) from hotel. 20+ restaurants, easiest option.

In Ginza, not a 5-min walk from Ariake — takes ~30 min via Yurikamome → Shimbashi → walk. Only if energy allows. Tori Paitan ramen ¥1,200. Carlos: skip ramen — grab gyudon at nearby Yoshinoya or tonkatsu at Wako instead.

Early rest — jet lag is real and you have a big day tomorrow.

Rinkai Line from Kokusai-Tenjijo → Shin-Kiba (8 min) → JR Keiyo → Maihama (15 min). ¥420/person. Total ~30 min. Aim to be at Maihama Station by 7:30 AM.

Slow boat ride through "Let It Go" + "For the First Time in Forever" scenes. Book Premier Access.

Boat ride through the lantern release scene. Long line — get there before 10 AM or use Standby Pass via app.

Enchanted boat ride through 3D projected Neverland scenes — fly over London, sail through mermaid lagoons. One of the most advanced dark rides ever built. Premier Access available (¥2,000, buy in app morning-of).

Kid-friendly tea-cup style ride.

Table service in Frozen castle. Hard to get but worth trying.

Counter service Frozen-themed food.

Table service American comfort food in American Waterfront. Easier alternative.

Counter service: lobster rolls + Duffy show.

Mediterranean Harbor. Daughter loved these in 2023.

Alien mochi at Mysterious Island.

Drop ride in haunted Hightower Hotel. American Waterfront. Often 60+ min wait — get Premier Access (¥2,000) or use Standby.

Mysterious Island. Jules Verne themed roller coaster. Scenic + thrilling.

Mediterranean Harbor. Flight simulator over world wonders. Wife + daughter favorite. Long line, get Premier Access.

Arabian Coast. Slow boat, AC break, beautiful animatronics. Underrated.

Mysterious Island. Slow submarine ride. Quirky, low wait.

DisneySea's nighttime water show in Mediterranean Harbor (~8:00 PM). Get a spot 45 min early. Best views from the harbor's south side.

Table service Italian in Mediterranean Harbor. Dinner before the show.

Quick pizza/pasta from Mediterranean Harbor.

Rinkai Line from Kokusai-Tenjijo (3 min walk from hotel) → Osaki (~8 min train, ¥260) → JR Yamanote → Shibuya (~12 min train, ¥170). Total ~25 min, ¥430. Use Hachiko Exit.

8 min walk (~600m). Walk NW past Hachiko, through Shibuya Center-gai, right on Inokashira-dori. Shop-lined the whole way — easy to lose 20 min window shopping.

15-1 Udagawacho. Opens 10 AM. Take the escalator straight to 6F and work your way down. Free reusable shopping bag at info desk.

Allow 90+ min for this floor alone

HIT THIS FIRST (opened July 2025). Dedicated Project SEKAI / Colorful Stage section with Miku, KAITO, Rin, Len, Luka, MEIKO plushies, acrylic stands, stationery, and apparel. Also Sonic, Persona, Yakuza merch. Your daughter's #1 priority on this floor — Project SEKAI KAITO merch is hard to find anywhere else. Go at opening before summer crowds build. Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM.

Right next door on 6F. Zelda Tears of the Kingdom merch, Splatoon gear, Animal Crossing items, Mario exclusives, Switch accessories you can't get in the US. Something for everyone — daughter (Splatoon, Zelda, AC), wife (Mario, Yoshi), Carlos (classic Nintendo).

Same floor. Bleach, Naruto, Dragon Ball, JJK, My Hero Academia, Saint Seiya merch. For your daughter: MHA character goods (Deku, Bakugo, Todoroki), Naruto headbands (¥1,500-3,000 / $10-20), JJK Gojo blindfold. For Carlos: Ichigo Kurosaki figures, Bleach TYBW goods, Saint Seiya items. Cosplay corner: JJK Itadori hoodie replica (¥5,000-8,000 / $33-53), Gojo sweatshirts, Dragon Ball wearables.

Same floor. Shibuya-exclusive Pikachu plush (Graffiti Art series), Japanese Pokemon cards (boosters ¥165/pack / ~$1 vs $5+ in US), TCG accessories. Quick stop for everyone.

Same floor. Monster Hunter Wilds, Street Fighter 6, Mega Man, Resident Evil collectibles. Carlos territory.

End of 6F loop. 2-meter Godzilla statue photo op, exclusive figures, clothing. Quick browse.

Take escalator down

Evangelion-inspired fashion. Artistic, wearable everyday designs (NOT character-face shirts). Great t-shirts and hoodies. Worth 10 min.

If lunching inside PARCO

Multiple quick lunch options under ¥1,200 / ~$8. Shibuya Cheese Stand for fresh mozzarella burrata bowls (¥1,100 / ~$7). Or exit PARCO for ramen (wife + daughter — see Lunch block).

Exit PARCO. Shibuya Crossing is 400m back toward the station — retrace Inokashira-dori + Center-gai.

Photo from Starbucks 2F (TSUTAYA building, NE corner). Hachiko statue at the station exit (~30m away). Daughter wants the photo from 2023 again.

2-14-3 Yoyogi — 7 min walk TOWARD Shinjuku (away from Shibuya). Tokyo's best tsukemen (dipping ramen). Thick pork/fish broth. Line moves fast (~20 min wait). Get the ajitama topping +¥100 / $0.67. Note: this is near Shinjuku — you could save it for an evening snack when you're already there. Carlos: skip the ramen line — there's a great gyukatsu place 2 min from PARCO instead.

Head back to PARCO B1 food floor if you didn't eat there during the morning loop (see ⑧ above).

JR Yamanote 1 stop (4 min train, ¥150). Use Takeshita Exit.

0 min — right there. Takeshita is a 360m pedestrian street.

TOTTI CANDY FACTORY on Takeshita (~150m in, right side) — Giant rainbow cotton candy (¥900). Marion Crêpes (300m further) for chocolate banana crêpe (¥600-800). Daughter photos.

3 min walk (~250m). Cross Meiji-dori at Omotesando intersection.

4F Tokyu Plaza Omotesando. World's first permanent Miku store. KAITO + all Piapro characters merch. Daughter's #1 Harajuku stop. 45+ min. Hours 11 AM – 9 PM.

Tokyu Plaza → Laforet Harajuku: 5 min walk (~400m) back up Omotesando toward Meiji-dori. World's only permanent Sailor Moon store. New 2026 Naoko Takeuchi art goods. Wife + daughter. 30 min. Skip if running tight on time — Shinjuku is non-negotiable.

B1F, 5-1-15 Jingumae — 3 min walk from Laforet toward Omotesando Station. THE most famous shop in Tokyo for vintage Chanel specifically. 1990s classic double flaps, chain bags, wallets, accessories. English-speaking staff. Tax-free. Bags $1,750-$8,700, wallets/accessories from ~$200. Wife + daughter territory. Quick 20-30 min browse — you're not committing to buy, just scouting prices to compare later. Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM.

Laforet → Kiddy Land: 6 min walk (~500m) south on Omotesando. 5 floors Sanrio / Disney / Snoopy. Cinnamoroll section (daughter's fav). 30 min. Skip if energy is low — Ikebukuro Day 4 has bigger Sanrio overlap at Pokemon Center MEGA area.

JR Yamanote 1 stop (4 min train, ¥150). Use Southeast Exit.

1-1 Nishi-Shinjuku (West Exit, 2 min walk). Tokyo's largest art supply store — 6 floors. Full Copic marker range, Kuretake ZIG brush pens, Kurutoga pencils, watercolors, sketchbooks, washi tape. Daughter's second stationery paradise after Tools Ochanomizu. Quick 30 min stop. Tax-free over ¥5,000. Hours: 9:30 AM – 9 PM.

2 min walk (~150m). Don Quijote is literally at the SE exit.

Opened June 2025. Tax-free (¥5,000 min, bring passport). Snack haul + cosmetics + souvenirs. 45-60 min. Open until 1 AM.

Multiple genre-specific shops on the same street near South Exit. Used CDs, vinyl, rare editions. Great for J-Pop finds: Eve, Ado, 9-Lana albums, limited editions, vinyl pressings. Also anime soundtracks and game music. 20-30 min browse.

7 min walk (~550m). Cross the station via the concourse (west side) then north into Kabukicho district.

Top of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. Best view from the Kabukicho intersection. Quick photo. 5 min.

7 min walk back (~550m).

JR Yamanote 1 stop (2 min train, ¥150).

3 min walk (~250m). 2D Café is at 1-7-5 Hyakunincho, on the main street north of the station.

Daughter's photo wet dream — Every surface painted to look 2D black-and-white sketch. Order the 2D Cake + bubble tea. ¥800-1,200/person. 45 min. Can't find this anywhere else in the world.

JR Yamanote 1 stop back (2 min train, ¥150).

1 min walk (~100m). Under the tracks immediately on the west side.

Yakitori alley. Smoky atmospheric. ¥2,000/person with beer.

Go back to Harajuku Station area (1 Yamanote stop, 4 min) if you didn't eat there earlier. Grilled/boiled gyoza ¥290-340/6.

Shinjuku → Osaki (JR Yamanote, 12 min, ¥200) → Rinkai Line → Kokusai-Tenjijo (8 min, ¥260). Total ~28 min, ¥460. Asleep by 11 PM — Ikebukuro early start tomorrow.

Rinkai Line from Kokusai-Tenjijo (3 min walk from hotel) → Osaki (~8 min) → JR Yamanote → Ikebukuro (~25 min). Use East Exit.

1-20-7 Higashi-Ikebukuro (2 min from East Exit). World's largest anime store — 9 floors. Daughter's #1 stop. JJK, Bleach, Naruto, My Hero Academia, Frieren, Sailor Moon sections. Project SEKAI / Colorful Stage merch — keychains (¥660-3,960 / $4-26), coffee mugs (¥1,900 / ~$13), phone rings (¥1,300 / ~$9), plushies. Also Copic markers on upper floors (your daughter bought Copics here in 2023 — check if the selection is better than Tools Ochanomizu). Also check for: Attack on Titan figures and keychains (Kodansha section), Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) character goods and acrylic stands (huge after 2024-2025 anime), Ranma 1/2 remake merch (new 2024 anime — wife will love this), Spy×Family merch near JJK section. 9F has Vocaloid costumes — full Miku set ¥8,000-15,000 / $53-100, KAITO costumes, wigs. Exclusive "Animate only" goods on 3F. Check the entry floor for current anime collaboration café schedule — cafés rotate every 2-3 weeks. Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM.

5 min walk east toward Sunshine City. The street running alongside Sunshine City. Fan goods, indie doujinshi, and character merch everywhere. Daughter territory — browse the small shops for hidden gems.

Multiple locations along Otome Road. Manga, doujinshi, rare anime goods, vintage figures. Prices are often better than Akihabara. Something for everyone.

Inside Sunshine City — you're already here from Otome Road. Taste-test gyoza from different Japanese regions. Also has dessert theme park. Skip the walk back to the station.

⚠️ 10 min walk back toward station from Sunshine City. 1-17-1 Minami-Ikebukuro (3 min from station). Legendary Ikebukuro tonkotsu ramen. Rich, pork-bone broth with chashu. Expect a 15-20 min line — it moves fast. Get ajitama topping (+¥120 / $0.80). Carlos: gyoza or katsu curry at Gyoza no Manshu (next option) instead.

Cheap and beloved chain. 6 gyoza for ¥290 / ~$2, rice set for ¥590 / ~$4. East Exit, 1 min walk.

FREE exhibition at Anime Tokyo Station (B1F–2F). Life-size Zangetsu replica, TYBW key visuals, character panels, scene recreations, digital Bankai experience, plus goods shop and gashapon on-site. 5 min walk from Sunshine City — same neighborhood, no backtracking. Allow 45-60 min. Closed Mondays (Jul 12 is Sunday — open). Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (exhibition last entry 6:30 PM). Carlos territory.

Massive complex (5 min walk from Otome Road — you're already right there). Enter Alpa mall.

Largest Pokemon Center in Japan. Japanese-exclusive cards, plush, merch. Something for everyone. ⚠️ Temporarily closed since March 2026 for renovation — check Pokemon Center website before visiting. If still closed, Pokemon Center Shibuya (PARCO 6F, visited Day 3) and Pokemon Store at Tokyo Character Street (Day 17) are alternatives.

6F Ikebukuro PARCO Main Building, East Exit of JR Ikebukuro (2 min walk, directly connected to the station). Moved from Harajuku in 2020 — this is now Tokyo's only official Evangelion store. EVA Unit-01 + Unit-02 figures, Nerv uniform apparel, Asuka/Rei/Mari goods, Longinus spear replicas, Ikebukuro-exclusive items, accessories. Small but deep (~200m²). Hours 11 AM – 9 PM. Carlos territory — budget ¥3,000-20,000 depending on depth.

Inside Sunshine City. Official Shonen Jump store — Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba), JJK, My Hero Academia, One Piece, Chainsaw Man. Exclusive Jump Shop-only merch you can't find at Animate or online. Figures, keychains, apparel, acrylic stands. Wife + daughter territory — they'll find Demon Slayer Hashira goods, Nezuko plushies, Tanjiro figures. Also check for Infinity Castle movie merch (film was the #1 box office hit in Japan 2025, over ¥40 billion — merch is everywhere).

CONFIRMED for your dates! Free-entry event at Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo inside Sunshine City. ufotable original illustrations themed around "recollection," exhibits reviewing the full Demon Slayer anime series, mini-games (paid), and a collaboration café menu. A "five senses" experience. Wife + daughter territory. Hours: 10:00–20:00 (mini-game last entry 19:55). Runs Jun 12 – Jul 26. Same complex as Gashapon Dept Store — zero detour.

Gyoza/dessert theme parks inside Sunshine City. Fun food experiences — taste-test gyoza from different regions of Japan. Quick walk-through on your way to the gashapon floor.

Sunshine City World Import Mart 3F. Daughter will lose track of time. Over 3,000 capsule machines in one spot — the largest gashapon store in Japan. Organized by character/theme: Sanrio row (Cinnamoroll!), Vocaloid/Miku capsules, JJK, MHA, Ghibli, Pokemon, Nintendo, Sailor Moon. Capsules range ¥200-500 / ~$1-3 each. Bring a bag of ¥100 coins (change machines available). Budget ¥3,000-5,000 / ~$20-33 — it adds up fast but every capsule is a surprise. Also has maimai DX and CHUNITHM rhythm game cabinets nearby with Project SEKAI crossover songs. ¥100/play / $0.67.

Inside Seibu Ikebukuro department store, connected to the station (last stop on the way out). Check if the 39Culture 2026 Hatsune Miku pop-up is running during your visit (confirmed through spring 2026, may extend into summer). Acrylic stands, hologram badges, illustration blocks, coasters, desk mats. Spend ¥2,000+ / ~$13 = free random illustration card (18 designs). Verify in June — pop-up dates rotate. Daughter territory.

Solo/family yakiniku (grill at your seat). Sets from ¥780/person / ~$5. Fast, cheap, fun. Multiple Ikebukuro locations.

Sunshine 60 observation deck (60F) — Sky Circus has VR experiences + a café with panoramic night views. Light meals and drinks from ¥1,000-2,000. Note: "Sky Restaurant 634" is at Tokyo Skytree, not Ikebukuro.

If ufotable Café lottery was won: 5-20-1 Nakano, Marui Annex 4F. Demon Slayer themed food + drinks + exclusive coasters. 90 min time slot. From Ikebukuro: JR Chuo-Sobu Line → Nakano (12 min, ¥170). If lottery was not won, skip this.

Rinkai Line from Kokusai-Tenjijo (3 min walk from hotel) → Osaki (~8 min) → JR Yamanote → Akihabara (~30 min). But DON'T exit yet — continue 1 more stop to Ochanomizu.

2-1-30 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku (1 JR stop from Akihabara on Chuo Line, 3 min walk from station). Official Copic manufacturer store (Too Group) — 20% off ALL Copic markers. Daughter's #1 morning stop — she bought Copics at Animate in 2023, but this is the real source. Full range of Copic Sketch, Ciao, and Classic sets, plus refill inks, replacement nibs, Copic Clinic for nib swaps. Also carries Deleter manga supplies, Sakura pens, and pro illustration tools. Look for Kuretake ZIG brush pens (Clean Color Real Brush series, ¥330-440 each — daughter's calligraphy/lettering), Uni Kurutoga mechanical pencils (auto-rotating lead, ¥550-1,100 — smoothest mechanical pencil ever), and Sakura Pigma Micron pens (manga inking standard). Get a free membership card for additional discounts on future purchases. Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (weekends). Hit this first while Akihabara shops are still opening, then walk back (10 min walk through Kanda).

1 min from Electric Town Exit, left side. Bandai's premium figure showroom. Soul of Chogokin line (Mazinger Z, Getter Robo, GaoGaiGar, Combattler V, Voltes V — Carlos's Super Robot holy grail). Also: Saint Seiya Myth Cloth EX, Gundam Metal Build, DX Chogokin Macross, Dragon Ball S.H.Figuarts. Exclusive items only sold here. Display rooms with museum-quality setups. Free entry. Carlos territory. Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM.

Right next to station (literally 30 seconds from Tamashii Nations). 10 floors, 30+ specialty shops. Start at top floor, work down: Yellow Submarine 5F (card games, D&D, Pokemon TCG Japanese boosters), AmiAmi 4F (pre-owned figures at huge discounts), Card Kingdom 3F — Japanese-exclusive Pokemon cards, booster packs ¥165/pack / ~$1 (vs $5+ in US). Something for everyone.

Japanese curry rice, customize spice level (1-10) and toppings. Katsu curry. Fast, satisfying, air-conditioned.

Multiple locations, look for orange signs. Gyumeshi set. Japan's best fast-food beef bowls. Add raw egg (+¥70 / $0.47) for the authentic experience.

10 min walk toward Kanda — 140-year-old soba noodle shop. Hand-cut buckwheat soba. Historic, beautiful, and legit.

Start south (Mandarake + COSPATIO are both in the 3-chome area), then walk back north through the main strip. One clean loop, no zigzagging.

Akiba1131 Building 2F, 1-13-1 Sotokanda (right off Chuo-dori, 3 min walk from Electric Town Exit). "Cyberpunk ver." merch for all 6 Crypton characters. KAITO items: Acrylic Stand ¥1,650, B2 Tapestry ¥3,300, Aurora Acrylic Keychain ¥1,100, Rubber Band ¥1,100, Muffler Towel ¥1,980. Also: Oversized T-shirt ¥4,400, Omamori charm ¥990, trading chibi acrylic stands (6 types, ¥880 each). Purchase bonus: every ¥2,000 spent = 1 random exclusive sticker (12 types). Limit 3 per item. Pick up a stamp rally leaflet here. Weekdays: 12:00–20:00.

Grab your stamp leaflet from AKIBA FAN CUBE or any participating shop. Visit 6 stamp locations across Akihabara — collect 4 or more stamps, then exchange at GiGO Akihabara 3rd Building for a LIMITED EDITION clear file (exclusive art, not sold anywhere). You'll naturally pass stamp shops while doing your Akihabara loop. Also: every ¥1,000 spent at any of ~100 participating Akihabara shops = 1 random Miku card (6 types). Note: AKIBA FAN CUBE and 22 Curry are excluded from the card campaign (they have their own purchase bonuses instead).

3-11-12 Sotokanda (5 min walk south from station). 8 floors of treasure. Start at top, work down: 7-8F — Gundam, mecha, model kits (Carlos). 5F — toys, Transformers, vintage robots (Carlos). 3F — rare manga, first editions (everyone). 2F — Sailor Moon, Ranma 1/2 vintage + NEW 2024 remake merch (wife's territory — the anime remake brought a wave of fresh goods). Opens 12 PM (get here right at noon if you care about rare stock). Cash preferred for rare items.

COSPATIO — 3F GEE! STORE AKIBA, 3-15-5 Sotokanda — Itadori's hoodie, JJK uniforms, Bleach robes, Vocaloid accessories. Also ACOS — 5F Akiba Cultures Zone, 1-7-6 Sotokanda, 4 min from station — full costumes, wigs (from ¥2,000 / $13), props. Both let you try on items. Daughter territory.

Renovated April 2026, 8 floors. Latest seasonal anime goods, CD/DVD, manga. More modern feel than Mandarake. Daughter + wife territory — check for seasonal JJK, Demon Slayer, Frieren, MHA goods. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle merch should still be heavily stocked. Also hunt for: Attack on Titan character goods, Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) acrylic stands and tapestries, Gachiakuta manga volumes, Spy×Family merch near JJK section.

1-8-8 Sotokanda (3 min walk back toward station). Plastic models, bishoujo figures, Frame Arms Girls, gacha wall. 2F has a build-and-paint station. Weekend: 11 AM-8 PM. Carlos territory.

1-11-2 Sotokanda (3 min walk from Mandarake, same street heading back north). 5 floors of retro gaming heaven. 1F-4F: thousands of vintage games — Famicom, Super Famicom, N64, Sega Saturn, Game Boy, Neo Geo. Japanese-exclusive cartridges from ¥100 / $0.67. Retro consoles in working condition from ¥3,000 / ~$20. 5F — Retro Game Bar arcade: playable cabinets (Street Fighter II, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Mario Bros.) at ¥100/play / $0.67. Also sells retro controllers, posters, and game music CDs. Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM (weekends). Don't leave without checking the glass cases on 3F — rare boxed games, sealed Famicom carts, and limited editions. Something for everyone.

2 min from station. Multiple floors of Nendoroids, Gunpla, scale figures. Pre-owned section has finds at 30-50% off retail.

Gashapon rows on the ground floors (anime, Vocaloid, Sanrio capsules — different stock from Ikebukuro). Walls of machines you won't find elsewhere. Upstairs: maimai DX and CHUNITHM cabinets with Project SEKAI crossover songs. ¥100/play / $0.67.

The Demon Slayer café (Nakano) is closed Mondays — your ufotable reservation is booked for Day 4 (Sunday Jul 12). For Demon Slayer themed drinks today, ufotable Mocktail Bar Ginza (7F Arbore Ginza) is an option in the evening if you're passing through.

Miku-themed curry dinner — perfect for the whole family (everyone likes curry!). Order any menu item = 1 random exclusive coaster (7 types). EXCLUSIVE "Cat-ear Cafe ver." merch ONLY available here (not at AKIBA FAN CUBE): KAITO Chibi Acrylic Diorama ¥1,320 (dedicated piece, not random!), BIG Acrylic Stand ¥2,750, Thermo Bottle ¥3,080, Lunch Box ¥2,420, Ema Strap ¥1,650, Clear File ¥440, trading can badges/stickers/rubber straps. Purchase bonus: every ¥2,000 = 1 random chibi sticker (6 types, different from AKIBA FAN CUBE stickers). Weekdays: 12:00–21:00.

Above the station. Established 1949. Premium gyukatsu (deep-fried beef cutlet). Cook it yourself on a hot stone at the table. Multiple floors including a beer hall.

Japan's answer to fast food. Try the Rice Burger (rice buns instead of bread, ¥460 / ~$3) or Teriyaki Chicken (¥420 / ~$3). There's one right outside the station.

9-floor electronics megastore (also has restaurants on 8F, clothing, toys). Toy floors carry current Takara Tomy Transformers lines (Masterpiece, Legacy, Studio Series — Japan-exclusive deco versions). Also Gunpla, Pokemon, and anime figures. Tax-free. Open until 10 PM.

Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) at front desk — ship main luggage to MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo (arrives Jul 16). ~¥2,000-2,500/bag (~$13-17). Front desk handles the form.

✅ PURCHASED — Booking #00068. Hakone 3 (GSE), 10:00 AM → 11:27 AM. Carriage 6, seats 8D/9D/9C. ¥2,880 total (express surcharge). Pick up tickets at Odakyu Shinjuku Station machines — use booking number + credit card ending 2006. Arrive 15-20 min early. GSE has large panoramic windows in standard seats — best ride on the line.

Still need base fare: Buy Hakone Freepass at Odakyu Shinjuku ticket window (¥6,100 adult / ¥1,100 child from Hakone-Yumoto). Covers Tozan Railway, cable car, ropeway, pirate ship, and buses — all the loop transport.

Lunch on the train: Grab ekiben from Odakyu Department Store B2 bento floor at Shinjuku before boarding. Maisen tonkatsu bento (¥1,200) or tamagoyaki + onigiri set for daughter.

12:55 PM — Naraya Café (Gora) ⭐ — Historic café in a 1948 converted ryokan. Naraya Manju (steamed bun) + free foot bath while you eat. ¥400-800/person. 20 min. Food stop 1.

1:15 PM — Watanabe Bakery (2 min from Naraya) — Famous beef stew bread (¥350) baked with real stew inside. Western-style bakery. Food stop 2.

1:30 PM — Gyoza Center (Gora) — 7 gyoza varieties, ¥800-1,200/person. Carlos's pick. 25 min. Food stop 3.

2:10 PM — Hakone Ropeway Sounzan → Owakudani ⭐ Sulfur valley appears below as the ropeway crests. 8 min.

2:20 PM — Owakudani Volcano Valley ⭐ MUST. Walk the sulfur vent path. Eat kuro-tamago (black eggs boiled in sulfur springs, ¥500 for 5 — adds 7 years to your life per legend). Sulfur ice cream (¥400). Handkerchief for sulfur smell. 40 min. Food stop 4 + 5.

3:35 PM — Hakone Shrine (Hakone Jinja) ⭐ MUST. 5 min walk from bus stop. Famous red torii gate standing in Lake Ashi — iconic photo (line up ~15 min). Walk cedar-lined path up to the shrine. 40 min.

4:15 PM — Hakone Cheese Terrace (Moto-Hakone lakeside) — Cheese tarts + cheese soft serve with Lake Ashi views. ¥500-800. Food stop 6.

4:30 PM — Bakery & Table (near Yumoto) — Curry donut (¥350) + second foot bath on the terrace. Western pastries. Food stop 7.

5:20 PM — Odawara Station ekiben: Kamameshi (beef + rice pot, ¥1,200) for the Shinkansen. Food stop 8.

✅ PURCHASED — HIKARI 653, 18:07→19:14. Car 14, seats 16-D/16-E/17-D. ¥8,700/person (smartEX discount). E-ticket — show QR code at Shinkansen gate. Reservation #2000.

7:14 PM — Arrive Nagoya Station. Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel is literally on top of the station — take elevators up from the JR Central Towers complex. Check in. ✅ BOOKED — Conf #96446837.

Misokatsu Yabaton ⭐ — Nagoya's famous miso katsu (breaded pork cutlet with thick red miso sauce). Nagoya Teishoku set (¥1,600) includes miso katsu + tebasaki wings + dote-ni. Perfect for your family — you ALL love katsu.

Furaibo — tebasaki (double-fried chicken wings with sesame), another Nagoya specialty. Share a plate alongside katsu.

Komeda's Coffee — Nagoya's famous Ogura toast (sweet red bean paste on thick toast) for dessert/snack.

10:00 AM — Grand Warehouse ⭐⭐ THE must-do zone. Indoor, air-conditioned — perfect escape from summer heat. Spirited Away bathhouse recreation, Howl's Moving Castle interiors, No-Face train scene (sit next to the animatronic No-Face), Whisper of the Heart antique shop, Mononoke Iron Town forge, Cinema Orion (short Ghibli films). 2.5-3 hours easily. Photo gold for your daughter.

1:15 PM — Hill of Youth — 8 min walk from Grand Warehouse. Whisper of the Heart antique shop interior + The Cat Returns Cat Bureau scenes. Charming, smaller zone. ~30-45 min.

2:00 PM — Mononoke Village — 15 min walk from Hill of Youth through parkland. Iron Town gates, Ashitaka's village recreation, Tatari Gami (Cursed God) photo op, forested walk-through paths. Carlos territory. 1-1.5 hours.

3:30 PM — Ghibli's Grand Warehouse Shop "Adventure Squadron" — Park-exclusive Ghibli merch (different from Donguri Republic stores). Totoro plush, Calcifer goods, No-Face items, park-only limited editions. Allow 30-45 min.

✅ RESERVED — 19:30-20:45 slot, 3 people, ¥1,980 total (¥660/person). Payment ID: 3646666384. BOX cafe&space, Global Gate Nagoya 1F. From hotel: Aonami Line from Nagoya Station → Sasashima-Live Station (1 stop, 3 min) + 3 min walk. Arrive by 19:20. 75-minute session + order at least 1 food/dessert/drink per person. JJK 5th Anniversary themed food, character drinks, exclusive coasters (1 of 13 per drink order). Reservation bonus: ticket-style card (1 of 3 designs). Daughter will love this — Gojo, Yuji, Megumi, Nobara themed dishes. Show reservation on My Page at entry.

Komeda's Coffee — Nagoya's famous Ogura toast (sweet red bean paste on thick toast) for dessert/snack.

Yamato luggage forwarding at hotel front desk → MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo (arrives tonight or tomorrow). ~¥1,500/bag (Nagoya→Kyoto is short distance). Carry only daypacks for Ghibli + tonight in Kyoto.

10:00 AM — Valley of Witches ⭐ Newest zone (opened 2024). Howl's Moving Castle exterior (full-scale!), Kiki's Delivery Service Bakery Gütiokipänja (real working bakery — eat the bread). Daughter's photo dream. 1.5 hours.

11:30 AM — Dondoko Forest — My Neighbor Totoro's Satsuki and Mei's house — walk through the actual house replica from the film. Cat Bus play structure. Forested hillside trail — your daughter will love this. 45 min.

1:00 PM — Grand Warehouse revisit — Anything you missed yesterday. Re-ride the No-Face train scene, re-explore Spirited Away bathhouse, catch a different film at Cinema Orion. ~1 hour.

✅ PURCHASED via Lawson Ticket — Res #8507496856. 2 General (¥4,000) + 1 Jr/Sr High (¥1,500) + system fee ¥990 = ¥6,490 total. Pick up physical tickets at any Lawson Loppi machine before visiting (grab them Jul 14 evening at Nagoya Station Lawson). Matsuzakaya Art Museum, South Building 7F — 5 min walk from Sakae Station exit 16, or directly connected underground from Yaba-cho Station (Meijo Line, 1 stop from Sakae). Akutami Gege's original manuscript art, character development, production process, scene recreations, photo spots. Audio guide available. Free commemorative sticker sheet (B5, 8 designs) with entry. Allow 1.5 hours. Hours: 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30).

✅ PURCHASED — NOZOMI 475, 19:47→20:21. Car 6, seats 9-A/9-B/9-C. ¥5,510/person (smartEX discount). E-ticket — show QR code at Shinkansen gate. Reservation #2002.

Check in at MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo (Jul 16-18, 2 nights). ✅ BOOKED. Family Apartment 40 sqm, kitchen + washer. 3 min walk to Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo Station.

Yasaka Shrine — beautifully lit at night, free. 15 min stop.

Fushimi Inari Taisha — 10,000+ vermillion torii gates winding up Mt. Inari. Free entry, open 24/7. You went in 2023, but you said you wanted to repeat. Walk up at least to the Yotsutsuji intersection (~30 min, halfway up, photo viewpoint). Full summit hike = 2 hours. Buy a small kitsune (fox) charm (¥500). Allow 1.5-2 hours.

Kiyomizu-dera — 13m wooden stage cantilevered over the hillside. ¥400/adult, ¥200/child. You went in 2023 but it's worth the repeat — different season, possibly hydrangeas blooming. Otowa Waterfall at the base — 3 streams, drink from one for love/health/longevity (don't be greedy and drink all 3, considered bad luck). 1 hour.

Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka slopes — preserved Edo-era pedestrian streets descending from Kiyomizu. Tea shops, kimono rentals, matcha ice cream at Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya (the famous tatami-style Starbucks in a 100-year machiya house — Carlos went here in 2023, your daughter will love it). 45 min.

Issen Yoshoku on Hanamikoji — Kyoto's signature okonomiyaki-style dish, ¥780, fast. On-route as you head from Kiyomizu into Gion.

Yasaka Shrine — Famous orange entrance gate. Day visit different from night. Free. 30 min.

Maruyama Park — behind Yasaka Shrine. Quiet stroll, ponds, traditional Japanese garden. Free. 30 min — heat break.

Gion daytime walk — Hanamikoji Street, Shirakawa stream, traditional teahouses. Different vibe than night. 1 hour.

✅ BOOKED for tomorrow (Day 10, Sat Jul 18, 2:00 PM entry). Skip tonight — you'll visit after Nishiki Market tomorrow. Tonight: enjoy Pontocho dinner and the Kamogawa river instead.

Then dinner — Pontocho Alley: narrow lantern-lit dining alley along Kamogawa River. Summer yuka (riverside terraces) over the river — quintessential Kyoto experience. Try Pontocho Izumoya — sukiyaki ¥3,960/person or shabu-shabu ¥4,400.

8:30 AM — Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ⭐ The 2023 miss you've been wanting. From MIMARU: subway Karasuma Line to Kitaoji → Bus #205 → Kinkaku-ji-michi (~35 min total). ¥500/adult, ¥300/child. Opens 9 AM. Gold leaf reflecting in mirror pond. 45 min.

10:00 AM — Ryoan-ji — 15 min walk west of Kinkaku-ji. ¥600/adult. Japan's most famous Zen rock garden — 15 stones on white gravel, designed so you can never see all 15 at once from any angle. Sit on the veranda. 30 min.

Nishiki Market — "Kyoto's Kitchen." 100+ shops across 5 blocks of covered arcade. This is your lunch — eat your way through.

teamLab Biovortex Kyoto — Opened Oct 2025. 10,000 sqm, 50+ interactive digital artworks. Completely different from teamLab Planets (which you visited in 2023) — this one focuses on "biological" art / living ecosystems that react to your movement. Less water wading, more room-scale immersion.

Check in at HOSHINOYA Kyoto — BOOKED (Jul 18-20, 2 nights). Your room: Yamanoha Tatami — 66-82m² suite, 2 full futons + tatami living room, riverside views. Change into yukata + slippers. Yamato luggage from MIMARU morning should already be in your room.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — Free, open 24/7. Arrive BEFORE 7 AM — the towering bamboo stalks create a green cathedral that's nearly empty at dawn. Light filters through the canopy. This is a "core memory" photo spot. Walk slowly, take it in — it takes about 15 min end to end.

Togetsukyo Bridge — 5 min walk from boat landing. Iconic bridge spanning the Oi River with mountains behind. Best photo from the south bank looking north.

Iwatayama Monkey Park — 📍 south side of Togetsukyo Bridge. ¥800 adults / ¥400 kids / ~$5 (cash only). 20-min uphill hike (shaded path). ~120 wild Japanese macaques roaming free at the summit. Buy food (¥100/bag / ~$0.70) and feed them from inside the shelter. Panoramic Kyoto view from the top. Your daughter will love it. Open 9 AM – 4:30 PM.

Lunch: Arashiyama Yoshimura — right on the river, window seats overlooking Togetsukyo Bridge and mountains. Zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles, ¥1,100 / ~$7) or tempura soba set (¥1,650 / ~$11). Stunning setting. Expect 15-20 min wait.

🛶 Hisui Boat Ride with Matcha-Making — private yakata boat on the Oi River. Whisk your own matcha using Uji green tea while drifting through the gorge, paired with seasonal Japanese sweets from a 200-year-old Kyoto confectioner. This is the signature experience. Price: inquire when booking (estimated ¥5,000-10,000/person / ~$33-67).

🎆 Evening Cormorant Fishing Boat (夏限定 — Summer Only!) — private boat with sake and snacks to watch traditional ukai cormorant fishing by torchlight. Ancient Arashiyama tradition. Limited to one group per evening — book when you reserve your room. Price: inquire (estimated ¥8,000-15,000/person / ~$53-100).

🎨 Kneaded Incense Workshop (練香づくり) — create your own traditional Kyoto incense blend using the same methods Heian-era aristocrats used 1,000+ years ago. Natural aromatic ingredients. ~45-60 min. Take your creation home — a unique souvenir you literally made yourself. Price: ~¥5,000-8,000/person / ~$33-53.

🧘 Morning Outdoor Stretch + Riverside Meditation — guided stretching session and meditation on the riverside terraces. The sound of the Oi River is the soundtrack. ~40 min. Complimentary.

🌿 Morning Walk Through Greenery — 40-minute staff-guided walk along the Oi River, through the forested grounds. Learn about the native plants and the property's 400-year history. Complimentary.

🎋 Kimono Experience — HOSHINOYA offers in-house premium kimono wearing with dressing guidance. Your daughter and wife can dress up and take photos on the riverside terraces and gardens. Way more exclusive than a street-side rental. Price: inquire (standard Kyoto rental runs ¥3,500-5,500 / ~$23-37; HOSHINOYA's is likely higher for premium quality).

✍️ Calligraphy / Script Transcription (写経) — practice shakyo, the meditative art of hand-copying Buddhist sutras with brush and ink. Serene, focused, deeply Japanese. ~30-45 min. Complimentary or nominal fee.

🌸 Ikebana (Flower Arrangement) — traditional Japanese floral art workshop. Seasonal summer flowers and branches. ~45 min. Price: inquire.

🃏 Monkō (Incense Guessing Game) — parlor game from 14th-century Kyoto nobility. You smell different incenses and try to identify them — like a wine tasting but for scent. Unique, fascinating, and your daughter will love competing. Price: inquire.

💆 Spa & Wellness — Japanese acupuncture, medicinal baths, moxibustion therapy, and massage programs available. Prices vary; typical spa treatments ¥10,000-25,000 / ~$67-167. Book at front desk.

Nintendo Museum — 📍 Ogura-cho, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Take Kintetsu Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station → Ogura Station (~20 min, ¥310 / ~$2). 5 min walk from station.

✅ PURCHASED via Asoview — "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" Collaboration Ticket (Observation Deck Admission + Sticker + Stamp Rally Sheet). 2 Adults × ¥2,500 + 1 Jr/Sr High × ¥1,700 = ¥6,700 total. Valid until Jul 22. Show QR code from Asoview app at entry. Japan's tallest building (300m) — 360° panoramic views of Osaka. Frieren character panels, stamp rally across the observatory floors, and the signature feature: nighttime character projections on the glass after sunset (~7:06 PM). Arrive by 6:15 PM to explore before sunset, then watch the projections as darkness falls. Allow ~1.5 hours.

Check in at Courtyard Osaka Honmachi (~8:00 PM). You stayed here in 2023 — you know the drill. 1 min from Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station. Onsen on-site.

Walk to Dotonbori (~15 min walk or 2 subway stops). Street food runs late — everything is open until 11 PM+. Get your photo with the Glico Running Man neon sign from Ebisu Bridge.

Quick bites tonight: Takoyaki Wanaka (crispy outside, gooey inside, ¥500 / ~$3 for 8) + kushikatsu at Kushikatsu Daruma (from ¥130 / $0.87/skewer — do NOT double-dip the sauce). Wash it down with an Asahi draft (¥500 / ~$3) from any street vendor.

Kushikatsu Daruma — from ¥130 / $0.87/skewer.

~9:00 AM — The Flying Dinosaur (Express anytime slot from 4-D & Backdrop pass — pick Flying Dinosaur over Forbidden Journey as your Choice A). Jurassic Park area.

9:30 – 10:30 AM — Explore Wizarding World. Butterbeer, Ollivanders wand shop, photos at Hogwarts Castle.

10:50 – 11:20 — Flight of the Hippogriff (Express Pass 4: 4-D & Backdrop). Wizarding World.

11:20 – 12:20 — Lunch at Three Broomsticks in Wizarding World. Refill water. Eat slowly, you have an hour before the SNW window.

12:20 – 13:20 — SUPER NINTENDO WORLD entry window (Express Pass 5: Race & Minecart Special). Walk north from Wizarding World — adjacent areas.

12:20 – 12:50 — Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge (Express Pass 5). Pick up the AR wristband if you want the full SNW experience.

12:50 – 13:20 — Mine Cart Madness (Express Pass 5). Exit SNW after, walk south.

13:50 – 14:10 — Jujutsu Kaisen: The Real 4-D (Express Pass 4: 4-D & Backdrop). Air-conditioned theater — perfect escape from the heat. Do not rush out.

16:30 – 17:00 — Hollywood Dream The Ride: Backdrop (Express Pass 4: 4-D & Backdrop). Backwards-launching coaster — fun finale.

Hotel breakfast at Courtyard. Pack daypack. Send main luggage via Yamato direct from Courtyard → DoubleTree Tokyo Ariake (~¥2,500/bag, arrives evening). Front desk handles.

Your 2023 fix. From Courtyard: subway to Tanimachi-yonchome (~10 min) → 10 min walk to Castle Park. ¥600 adult, ¥0 children under 15 (your daughter free!). Opens 9 AM.

Permanent Sanrio character café — themed drinks, character latte art, Cinnamoroll-shaped desserts. Reservation via TableCheck recommended. Daughter will LOVE this (she's a Cinnamoroll fan).

3 floors of retro games, consoles, and playable arcade cabinets. Famicom, Super Famicom, N64, Sega Saturn — Carlos's nostalgia trip. Allow 45-60 min.

5-floor anime/manga megastore — manga, doujinshi, figures, cosplay, vintage toys, cels. Allow 45-60 min.

Official anime merchandise chain — character goods, latest releases. JJK, Frieren, MHA merch for daughter. Allow 30 min.

Machines outside every shop throughout Den-Den Town — Cinnamoroll, anime characters, Gundam capsules. Daughter's favorite activity.

2-1-23 Shinsaibashisuji — from Den-Den Town, walk north on Sakai-suji 10 min to Shinsaibashi-suji shopping arcade (or subway 1 stop). Newest large-format store (opened Jun 2025), 3 floors. Built for international tourists — multilingual staff. Chanel, Hermès, LV, Gucci at 30-70% off retail. All authenticated. Tax-free. Wife + daughter — compare prices to Amore Vintage (Day 3). 20-30 min. Then walk 3 min south to Namba Station for Shinkansen transit. Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM.

✅ PURCHASED — NOZOMI 40, 17:30→19:57. Car 6, seats 7-A/7-B/7-C. ¥14,520/person (smartEX). Reservation #2009. Eastbound evening train — Mt. Fuji is south side (D/E) but it'll be dusk, so views won't matter much.

Round 2! (Jul 22-27, 5 nights). ~8:30 PM check-in. Same hotel, Honors Discount Advance Purchase. Yamato bags from Osaka should be waiting. Settle in.

333m, painted orange (taller than Eiffel Tower by 9m). 2 observation decks. Main Deck (150m): ¥1,500 adult / ¥600 child. Top Deck (250m): ¥3,500 adult / ¥1,400 child (combo). Top Deck includes guided tour + drink. Allow 1.5 hours total.

teamLab Borderless — Azabudai Hills, Minato-ku (moved from Odaiba, reopened Feb 2024). Completely different from teamLab Planets (which you did in 2023). This is the immersive digital art museum — artworks that move between rooms, flow out into hallways, merge with each other. No fixed route — wander and discover. The Crystal Universe, Infinity of Flowers, and Forest of Resonating Lamps are the standout rooms.

634m, world's tallest tower. Tembo Deck (350m): ¥2,400 adult / ¥1,100 child. Tembo Galleria (450m): combo ¥3,500 adult / ¥1,550 child. Important: Buy Fast Skytree Ticket at the kiosk (¥3,500/¥1,550 combo, skip-the-line) to avoid 60+ min wait in summer. Optional if you've done it before — Skytree photos from outside still cool. 1.5 hours if you go up.

312-shop mall in Skytree complex. Spans 7 floors of stores + restaurants. Your shopping target.

4F — exclusive Pikachu plush + Skytree-themed merch. Daughter + Carlos.

4F — back for any Ghibli items missed at the park.

4F — Cinnamoroll merch.

4F.

4F sub-branch.

4F.

Vocaloid CDs/DVDs Japanese pressings, anime soundtracks.

Japan's largest music store — 7 floors. THE stop for J-Pop: Eve CDs and limited-edition vinyl, Ado albums and exclusive merch, 9-Lana releases. Also Vocaloid CDs, Project SEKAI merch, anime soundtracks, exclusive first-press editions with bonus tracks. Check the in-store events board for any artist pop-up signing/merch corners running in July. Daughter + Carlos shopping target. Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM.

Tokyo's oldest temple (founded 645 AD). Walk through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate (giant red lantern — THE photo spot). Stroll Nakamise-dori — 250m shopping street with 90+ traditional stalls. Perfect for kimono photos.

Dragon Ball Official Store — 1F Tokyo Character Street / First Avenue (Yaesu North Exit). World's first permanent DB store (opened Nov 2025). Exclusive figures, history wall, animation cels, replica items. Carlos territory. Hours 10 AM – 8:30 PM. 30-45 min.

Tokyo Character Street (same B1 area) — 30+ character shops all connected: Donguri Republic (Ghibli), Ultraman World, Rilakkuma Store, Snoopy Town, Shonen Jump Store, Pokemon Store Tokyo Station. 30 min browse — don't over-spend here, you're hitting Odaiba flagship stores next.

Tokyo Joypolis — Decks Tokyo Beach floors 3-5 (5 min walk from DiverCity). SEGA's indoor amusement park. Passport (unlimited rides): ¥5,800 adult / ¥4,800 student (daughter qualifies at 15). ⭐ Attack on Titan THE ATTRACTION — walk-through experience with sound, lighting, special effects (daughter's AOT fix). ⭐ Transformers Human Alliance — ride (Carlos territory). Also: Half Pipe Tokyo (VR skateboarding), Storm-G (spinning coaster). Joypolis Sports X (NEW July 2026, 5F) opening for 30th anniversary. Buy Passport tickets on Klook in advance to skip counter line. Allow 2-3 hours.

Life-size Unicorn Gundam statue — outside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. 19.7m tall. Transforms at scheduled times (check the board near the base for daily schedule — usually every 2 hours). Best photo angle: stand at the foot looking up or from the 2F terrace. Photo op for everyone.

Gundam Base Tokyo — 7F DiverCity. World's largest official Gunpla store. Tokyo-exclusive kits (clear/metallic variants you can't get anywhere else). Building stations where you can assemble purchases. Factory zone with demo builds. Free entry. Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM. Carlos territory.

Donguri Republic (Ghibli Store) — 5F DiverCity. Official Studio Ghibli shop — Totoro, Kiki, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle plushies, tote bags, stationery, figurines. Beautiful interior (ceiling designed like Totoro's forest turning to night sky). Quick 10-min browse.

Sanrio Gift Gate Odaiba — in DiverCity or Aqua City (check both). Hello Kitty plush, accessories, Odaiba-exclusive goods. Daughter + wife territory.

Aqua City Tokyo 5F food court: ramen for wife + daughter (Ramen Kokugikan has 6 top regional shops, ¥900-1,300/bowl) AND non-ramen for Carlos (gyoza, katsu curry, yakiniku sets). Something for everyone. Tokyo Bay views.

2-7-15 Ginza. Japan's most famous stationery store since 1904. 12 floors: fountain pens (Pilot, Platinum, Sailor — Japanese Big 3), Kuretake ZIG brush pens, Kurutoga mechanical pencils, notebooks (Midori, Life, Kokuyo), washi tape wall (200+ patterns), letter sets, art supplies. Daughter's dream. ¥5,000+ for tax-free. Allow 45-60 min. ⚠️ CLOSES 7 PM on Sundays.

8-8-3 Ginza. Shiseido's global flagship — beauty bar, skincare consultations, exclusive Ginza-only products. Wife + daughter territory. The 2F Beauty Boost Bar does 15-min skin consultations with product samples. Japan-exclusive Shiseido lines not available in the US. 30-45 min. Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM.

5-5-9 Ginza — 2 min walk from Shiseido. 4 floors of pre-owned luxury. 3F is dedicated entirely to Hermès Birkin & Kelly bags. Strong Chanel, LV, Gucci selection. Tax-free. Final chance to buy if wife found something she liked at Amore Vintage (Day 3) or KOMEHYO Osaka (Day 14) — or discover something new. 20-30 min. Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM.

12 floors. Most complete anime UT collaboration selection in Japan — JJK, Demon Slayer, Dragon Ball, Pokemon tees (¥1,500/shirt). Also Airism for summer comfort. Quick stop for last-minute anime fashion. 20 min.

Don Quijote Ginza — beauty products (Biore UV sunscreen, Shiseido, DHC lip cream), Japanese candy by the bag, cosmetics, last-minute souvenirs. Tax-free with passport. Buy an extra foldable duffel bag (¥1,500-2,500 / ~$10-17) if you need one for all the merch.

Hit a Lawson, 7-Eleven, and FamilyMart (Ginza or near hotel). Stock up on Japanese snacks for home: Kit Kat matcha (¥300-500 / ~$2-3), Tokyo Banana (¥1,000 / ~$7/box), Hi-Chew limited editions, Pocky seasonal flavors, mochi ice cream packs, rice crackers. These make incredible gifts.

Put fragile figures in the center of your suitcase wrapped in clothes. Seal snacks in ziplock bags (customs inspection). If you're over airline weight limits, ship a box home via Japan Post EMS from any post office (~¥5,000-10,000 / ~$33-67 for a medium box to the US, arrives in 5-7 days). The Ginza Post Office is nearby.

Limousine Bus from Tokyo Big Sight (right next to hotel) → Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (¥1,000/person, ~25-35 min). ⚠️ TARGET: 12:30 PM bus to arrive by 1:00-1:30 PM — 3 hours before your 4:35 PM DL0008 flight. Buy tickets at the hotel front desk the night before. Alternative: Rinkai → Shinagawa → Keikyu Line → Haneda (~50 min, ¥650).

Tax refund: If you have tax-free purchases sealed in bags, you may need to show them at customs before check-in. Have receipts ready.

Haneda has excellent shops after security — Pokemon Store Haneda (airplane-pilot Pikachu exclusive!), Japanese Kit Kat corner (flavors you can't find elsewhere), Uniqlo (last-chance basics), and a Don Quijote in the terminal.

Haneda Airport Garden is connected to Terminal 3 via walkway (accessible before security). JJK pop-up store with exclusive goods, kitchen car with character-themed drinks (Gojo, Sukuna, Itadori, etc.), 6 restaurant collabs with themed menus, and photo spots throughout. Shopping campaign: spend ¥2,000 = 1 random JJK postcard (8 types). Free entry — no tickets needed for Jul 27. This is your LAST chance to grab JJK merch in Japan!

If you used physical Welcome Suica cards, they expire after 28 days — spend remaining balance at konbini or vending machines before boarding. Mobile Suica balances stay on your phone.