Japan 2026

Tokyo · Hakone · Kyoto · Osaka

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Sensō-ji, Asakusa

Oct 9–12 · 3 nights

Tokyo

Arrival & first weekend

Photo Alexkom000 · CC BY 4.0, resized

Land Friday afternoon, then a full weekend in the city. Staying at Akariya TokyoHirai (平井3-29-6, Edogawa), our private rental apartment for 3 (Ann, Adam, Tony) just 2–3 minutes' walk from JR Hirai Station on the Chūō-Sōbu Line.

To do before this leg

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Where we're staying

Akariya TokyoHiraiBooked

Oct 9 → Oct 12 · 3nights · check-in 4:00 PM · out 11:00 AM

Room
Entire Apartment (1K · ~33 m²)
Guests
3 adults (Ann, Adam, Tony)
Check-in
Oct 9 · 4:00 PM — strictly 16:00 or later — earlier check-in is NOT possible
Check-out
Oct 12 · 11:00 AM — ~11:00 AM sharp (¥3,000/hr penalty fee if late)
Plan
Private lodging apartment (Hotel Business Act) · self check-in via smart lock

Tokyo-to, Tokyo, 平井3-29-6, Japan (Eiwa Dai-10 Bldg 310, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 132-0035)

Quiet residential base in Edogawa, 2–3 minutes' walk from JR Hirai Station South Exit (Chūō-Sōbu Line · 11 min direct to Akihabara). Equipped with full kitchen and in-unit washer/dryer for our first weekend in Tokyo.

Getting there

Tokyo → Yokohama → Hakone (Options A / B / C)Idea

Midday transit on Monday Oct 12 with an optional Yokohama stopover (decided closer to the date in Japan). 3 routing options are mapped out below for Oct 12: Option A (Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum), Option B (Yokohama Chinatown & Mapo Tofu), or Option C (Direct Romancecar).

Day by day

Oct 9

FriArrival
  • 10:30 AM

    Flight CX6322: Hong Kong → Tokyo Narita

    Booked

    HKG Terminal 1 → NRT Terminal 2

    Boeing 787-8 operated by Japan Airlines (4 hr 25 min). Seat 20C. Connecting after a 5.5 hr layover in Hong Kong.

  • 3:55 PM

    Land at Narita (NRT · Terminal 2)

    Booked

    Narita Airport Terminal 2

    Flight CX6322 lands at Terminal 2. Budget 60–90 min for immigration, baggage claim and customs with Visit Japan Web QR codes ready.

  • 5:30 PM

    Narita Terminal 2 → Hirai Station (Akariya TokyoHirai)

    Locked in

    Narita Airport T2 (Platform 1) → JR Shin-Koiwa → JR Hirai Station

    ★ RECOMMENDED ROUTE (Easiest with luggage, 1 transfer, ~75–80 min, ¥1,340): 1. From Narita Terminal 2 arrivals, head downstairs to JR Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station (Platform 1). 2. Board the direct JR Sōbu Line Rapid (Narita Line Rapid bound for Tokyo, Zushi, or Kurihama). Departures roughly once an hour. • Comfort upgrade: Cars 4 & 5 are double-decker Green Cars with plush reclining seats, drink trays, and dedicated luggage space (+¥1,000 via Suica tap above the seat). 3. Ride ~72 min direct (no intermediate changes) to JR Shin-Koiwa Station (新小岩). 4. Cross the platform at Shin-Koiwa to the JR Chūō-Sōbu Line Local (yellow train, Platform 2 heading towards Akihabara / Shinjuku). 5. Ride 1 stop (3 min) to JR Hirai Station (平井, JB-21). 6. Take JR Hirai South Exit (南口): walk past View Tower Hirai (where QB House is on 1F) and walk 2–3 min (~200m) straight down the street to Akariya TokyoHirai (平井3-29-6). ★ ALTERNATIVE ROUTE (Fastest speed, 2 transfers, ~60 min, ~¥2,800): • Keisei Skyliner from Narita T2 to Nippori Station (36 min, reserved seats, ¥2,570), transfer to JR Yamanote Line south to Akihabara (7 min), then JR Chūō-Sōbu Local to Hirai (11 min). Faster, but requires hauling luggage through 2 busy train transfers. ★ IC Cards: Pick up Welcome Suica or digital Mobile Suica on iPhone before leaving Narita T2.

  • 7:00 PM

    Check in — Akariya TokyoHirai (平井3-29-6)

    Booked

    Akariya TokyoHirai (平井3-29-6, Edogawa)

    Self-check-in with smart lock (strictly 16:00 or later). Check-in PIN (6 digits) is messaged on the day of check-in: enter 6 digits, then press the check mark (✓) at the bottom right to unlock. Advance guest registration form (passport photo for each of the 3 guests) was required ahead of check-in; submitted before departure. Payment note: When settling or verifying the Booking.com charge, use Wise card and verify the transaction is processed in Japanese Yen (JPY / ¥) rather than USD to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) markup.

  • 8:00 PM

    First dinner — Hirai South Exit shopping street

    Idea

    Hirai Station South Exit (平井駅南口商店街)

    Keep it relaxed after 25+ hours of travel. Hirai Station South Exit (under 2–3 minutes from the apartment) has a vibrant local shotengai (shopping street) packed with cozy ramen shops, yakitori joints, izakayas, and 24-hr convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart).

Oct 10

SatTokyo — Saturday
  • morning

    Morning Task: 10-Min Haircut (QB House) & Prescription Glasses (Zoff)

    Locked in

    Hirai (1 min walk) & Kameido (1 stop)

    🔒 LOCKED-IN TRIP TASK · Two essential first-weekend errands: 1. QB House Hirai Station South Exit (ビューネタワー平井 1F): Literally a 1-minute walk (<100m) from our apartment! Buy a ticket from the machine (¥1,400, cash/IC card) for a clean, 10–15 min trim with vacuum cleanup. No shampoo, no blowout. 2. Zoff Atre Kameido (5F): Ride 1 stop (2 min) on JR Chūō-Sōbu Line to Kameido Station. Free computerized eye exam on-site (no overseas prescription needed), 10% tax-free at the till with physical passport. Standard stock lenses ready in 30–60 minutes; if custom lab prescription (7–10 days), arrange pickup in Tokyo during our final leg (Oct 19–22) near Gotanda. 3. Kameido Tenjin Shrine (亀戸天神社): 10 min walk north of Kameido Station. Famous for picturesque vermilion drum bridges (Taiko-bashi) framing dramatic views of Tokyo Skytree, tranquil koi ponds, and lush gardens. 4. Lunch spot — Kameido Gyoza (亀戸餃子 本店): Right by Kameido Station. Legendary 70-year-old shop serving only crisp, juicy pan-fried gyoza (¥300 for 5; minimum 2 plates per person).

  • afternoon

    Tokyo Skytree, Sumida River Walk & Historic Asakusa

    Idea

    Oshiage / Tokyo Skytree Town → Asakusa (Sensō-ji)

    Seamless transit loop from Hirai (10-min bus or 1 stop from Kinshicho): 1. Tokyo Skytree & Solamachi: Visit the 634-meter tower's Tembo Deck, Pokémon Center Skytree Town, Donguri Republic (Ghibli), and the renewed Sanrio Tokyo Solamachi store (4F East Yard, confirmed tax-free). 2. Tokyo Mizumachi & Sumida River Walk: Stroll westward along the pedestrian footbridge over the Sumida River, lined with waterside cafes, bakeries, and craft shops nestled under the railway viaduct. 3. Sensō-ji Temple (浅草寺) & Nakamise-dori: Tokyo's oldest temple (founded 645 AD) fronted by the iconic Kaminarimon red lantern and traditional snack stalls (freshly baked melonpan, ningyo-yaki). 4. Optional craft detour: Walk 10 min west to Kappabashi Kitchen Town (合羽橋道具街), Tokyo's renowned 170-shop wholesale district for artisan Japanese chef knives, handmade ceramic bowls, and hyper-realistic wax food samples.

  • evening

    Ryogoku Sumo Heritage & Chanko Hotpot Dinner (3 stops from Hirai)

    Idea

    JR Ryogoku Station (両国) & Sumida Hokusai Museum

    Just 3 stops (6 min direct) on the JR Chūō-Sōbu Line from Hirai Station: 1. The Sumida Hokusai Museum: A sleek architectural gem designed by Pritzker laureate Kazuyo Sejima (SANAA), celebrating master ukiyo-e woodblock artist Katsushika Hokusai (creator of The Great Wave off Kanagawa) in his birthplace neighborhood. 2. Ryogoku Edo Noren: Historic 1929 station building converted into an Edo-style culinary hall centered around an official full-size sumo ring (dohyo). 3. Chanko Nabe Dinner: Savor a bubbling pot of traditional Chanko Nabe (the protein-rich stew eaten daily by sumo wrestlers, packed with chicken meatballs, seafood, dashi, and seasonal vegetables) at Chanko Dining Kirishima.

Oct 11

SunTokyo — Sunday
  • morning

    North Tokyo Heritage: Nezu Shrine & Yanaka Ginza Nostalgia Walk

    Idea

    Nezu Shrine → Yanaka Ginza (Yanesen District)

    Explore Tokyo's best-preserved historic shitamachi (old downtown) that miraculously survived WWII bombings and the 1923 earthquake: 1. Nezu Shrine (根津神社): Built in 1706 (Edo period). Features an enchanting tunnel of vivid vermilion torii gates (Senbon Torii) winding through hillside greenery, koi ponds, and historical wooden architecture without the crushing Kyoto crowds. 2. Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street (谷中銀座): A nostalgic retro pedestrian shotengai with street-food vendors, cat-themed pastries, fresh menchi-katsu (crispy beef croquettes), roasted senbei crackers, and craft gift shops. 3. Yanaka Cemetery to Nippori: Walk the peaceful, historic tree-lined avenue toward Nippori Station (where the famous Nippori Textile Town has 80+ specialty fabric shops).

  • afternoon

    Ueno Cultural Park & Ameyoko Street Market

    Idea

    Ueno Park (TNM) & Ameyoko Market (上野・アメ横)

    A pleasant walk or 1 stop south to JR Ueno Station: 1. Ueno Park (上野恩賜公園): Stroll around Shinobazu Pond to the Tokyo National Museum (TNM) — Japan's oldest and premier national museum, holding over 120,000 artifacts including samurai armor, katana swords, Buddhist art, and national treasures. Alternatively, admire Le Corbusier's UNESCO-listed National Museum of Western Art. 2. Ameyoko Market (アメヤ横丁): Buzzing post-war market street running along the elevated train tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi. Vibrant street food stalls (yakitori skewers, fresh fruit sticks, seafood donburi, takoyaki) and bargain shopping.

  • evening

    Evening Task: Buy DJI Kit at Bic Camera AKIBA & Kanda Myojin

    Locked in

    Akihabara (秋葉原) & Kanda Myojin Shrine

    🔒 LOCKED-IN TRIP TASK · Buy DJI camera/drone on arrival weekend so we can use it for the whole trip: 1. Bic Camera AKIBA 5F: Show physical passport for 10% tax-free PLUS the digital 7% camera coupon barcode (screenshot saved before flying). Check online stock the night before. (Backup: Yodobashi Akiba 3F, 6 min walk away). 2. Electric Town & Retro Arcades: Explore multi-level retro gaming and anime specialty stores (Mandarake Complex, AmiAmi, Super Potato, GiGO arcades). 3. Kanda Myojin Shrine (神田明神): 1,300-year-old historic shrine illuminated by atmospheric red lanterns at night, famous for IT device blessings and omamori charms. 4. Return to Hirai: Board the yellow JR Chūō-Sōbu Line at JR Akihabara Station Platform 6 for a quick 11-minute direct ride home without transfers.

Oct 12

MonTokyo → Yokohama Stopover → Hakone
  • 9:30 AM

    Check out & forward luggage (Strict 11:00 AM deadline)

    Locked in

    Akariya TokyoHirai

    Check-out is strictly by 11:00 AM (host charges ¥3,000/hr for late checkout). Ensure all appliances and lights are off, trash is separated into bins or left grouped in room, and lock door. Forward big suitcases directly to the Kyoto hotel via Yamato Transport (Takkyubin from the 7-Eleven or Yamato counter near Hirai Station) so we travel light with daypacks for our 2 ryokan nights in Hakone.

  • 10:30 AM

    Option A: Shin-Yokohama & Ramen Museum

    Idea

    Shin-Yokohama (Ramen Museum)

    🍜 Stopover: 1958 Showa retro townscape with 6–8 regional mini ramen stalls (lockers on site). 🗺️ Route & Stops: 1. Tokyo / Shinagawa / Shibuya ➔ Shin-Yokohama Station (新横浜駅) • Shinkansen from Tokyo (17m) / Shinagawa (11m) or Tokyu Line from Shibuya (25m direct) • North Exit (北口) ➔ 5 min walk to Ramen Museum 2. Shin-Yokohama ➔ Odawara Station (小田原駅) • JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Kodama/Hikari) · 15 min 3. Odawara ➔ Hakone-Yumoto Station (箱根湯本駅 · OH51) • Hakone Tozan Railway (Platform 7/11) · 15 min 4. Walk 5 min (350m) across Ajisai Bridge to Hotel Kajikaso

  • 10:30 AM

    Option B: Yokohama Chinatown & Bishinshuka (Mapo Tofu)

    Idea

    Yokohama Chinatown (Hong Kong Road)

    🌶️ Stopover: Viral table-side fresh Mapo Douhua (silky tofu formed at the table) + hand-pulled Biangbiang noodles. 🗺️ Route & Stops: 1. Shibuya ➔ Motomachi-Chukagai Station (元町・中華街駅 · MM06) • Tokyu Toyoko / Minatomirai Line (F-Liner) · 35 min DIRECT (no transfer!) • Exit 2 or 3 ➔ 5 min walk down Hong Kong Road (lockers at station) 2. Motomachi-Chukagai ➔ Yokohama Station (横浜駅) • Minatomirai Line · 8 min 3. Yokohama Station ➔ Odawara Station (小田原駅) • JR Tokaido Line (Rapid Acty or Local) · 45–50 min 4. Odawara ➔ Hakone-Yumoto Station (箱根湯本駅 · OH51) • Hakone Tozan Railway (Platform 7/11) · 15 min 5. Walk 5 min (350m) across Ajisai Bridge to Hotel Kajikaso

  • 10:30 AM

    Option C: Direct Romancecar to Hakone (No Stopover)

    Idea

    Shinjuku Station ➔ Hakone-Yumoto

    🗺️ Route & Stops: 1. Shinjuku Station ➔ Hakone-Yumoto Station • Odakyu Romancecar (Limited Express) · 85 min direct (reserved seat) 2. Arrive around noon for riverfront lunch (Yubadon Naokichi / Hatsuhana Soba) before 15:00 check-in.

Details

Apartment, Check-in & House RulesKeyless check-in · policies & 11 house rules

Apartment Overview & In-Room Amenities

Entire Apartment (1K · ~33 m²)

Private apartment unit with 6-digit smart lock, full kitchen (induction stove, microwave, fridge, kettle), washing machine, bathroom dryer, bidet toilet, and air conditioning.

Layout
≈ 33 m²
Occupancy
3 adults (Ann, Adam, Tony)
Plan
Private lodging apartment (Hotel Business Act) · self check-in via smart lock

Amenities & Appliances in Unit

  • In-room Kitchen & Appliances: Induction cooktop, refrigerator, microwave oven, electric kettle, cookware, and tableware.
  • In-room Washer & Bathroom Clothes Dryer: Private washing machine in unit; detergent, fabric softener, and hangers are provided. Bathroom has an overhead hot-air dryer for drying laundry.

Smart Lock & Access Guide

6-digit digital smart lock

Please proceed from the front of the building toward the back and take the stairs on your left up to the second floor. Follow the corridor to the right, and you will see Unit 202 with a blue door. Unlock the door by entering the PIN code on the keypad. After entering the code, press the check mark at the bottom right to unlock the door. Press the button at the bottom left to lock it.

PIN Code Delivery: 261582

Mandatory Advance Guest Registration

All guests must submit their information in advance prior to arrival: full legal names, email, age, gender, occupation, home address, nationality, passport numbers, check-in/out dates, and passport photo copies.

Check-in / Check-out Timing & Policies

Check-in
4:00 PM — strictly 16:00 or later — earlier check-in is NOT possible
Check-out
11:00 AM — ~11:00 AM sharp (¥3,000/hr penalty fee if late)
Luggage storage
Lockers at Hirai Station (2–3 min walk) if arriving before 16:00 check-in or departing after 11:00 check-out.

Practical Information & Payment Details

Address
Tokyo-to, Tokyo, 平井3-29-6, Japan (Eiwa Dai-10 Bldg 310, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 132-0035)
Station
JR Hirai Station (Chūō-Sōbu Line) — 2–3 min walk (South Exit / 南口)
Host contact
Contact via Booking.com message or info@grasses.jp
Payment
Payment is handled via Booking.com / host using your Wise debit card. Ensure the transaction is billed strictly in Japanese Yen (JPY / ¥) rather than US Dollars (USD). Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at checkout or on terminals so that funds are deducted directly from your Wise JPY balance at the real mid-market exchange rate without merchant FX markup.

House Rules (11 Rules)

  • TAKE OFF your shoes when entering the room.
  • Turn OFF AC/heater, room lights, and electrical appliances when going out.
  • The apartment is strictly 100% NON-SMOKING.
  • Eating and drinking allowed in rooms; do not soil futons or carpets, otherwise cleaning fees will be billed.
  • Do not flush anything other than toilet paper. Absolutely no facial tissues or plastics as they clog pipes.
  • NO pets allowed.
  • Report immediately if any trouble occurs with water, electricity, or security.
  • Strictly NO PARTIES and NO loud music.
  • Do NOT invite any unauthorized outside friends/visitors into the apartment.
  • Any damage to equipment or facilities will be charged at actual replacement cost.
  • Separate garbage into the provided sorting bins. If unsure how to sort, leave it in the room.
eSIM Setup (Klook, Japan-only)First eSIM? Install at home, switch it on after landing · data budget inside

The decision, so it stays decided

Japan-only Klook eSIM. The Hong Kong layover runs on HKIA's free airport wi-fi plus a VPN, which is good enough for five hours, so the regional Asia plan buys nothing worth its validity-clock risk: eSIM validity starts at the FIRST network connection, and a plan that starts counting in Hong Kong on Oct 9 has to reach Oct 23.

Before flying (at home, on wi-fi)

  1. Buy the Japan-only eSIM in Klook and read the fine print: validity must cover Oct 9 → Oct 23 counted from first connection, and note whether it is a total-GB plan or a daily-capped unlimited plan. The exact one being purchased: Klook Japan eSIM — high-speed data QR voucher.
  2. Klook delivers the eSIM as a QR code (under My Bookings in the app, and by email). Screenshot it and save it offline.
  3. Install it: iPhone: Settings ➔ Cellular ➔ Add eSIM ➔ scan the QR code (or add it from a photo). Android (Pixel/Samsung): Settings ➔ Network & internet ➔ SIMs ➔ Add eSIM ➔ scan. Label the line Japan.
  4. ⚠️ Install does not mean activate. Once the QR installs, leave the Japan line toggled OFF. If it connects to any network at home, some plans start their validity clock immediately.
  5. Keep the home SIM line active: SMS two-factor codes still arrive on your home number.

On arrival day

  1. When you actually need data (after the stamp and the QR, if you like), toggle the Japan line ON.
  2. Enable Data Roaming for the Japan line only. Yes, really: Japanese prepaid eSIMs need the roaming switch even though the carrier is local. This is the number-one first-time trap.
  3. Set Mobile Data to the Japan line; leave your default voice line on the home SIM.
  4. No signal? Toggle airplane mode, confirm the Japan line is selected for mobile data, then check remaining data or expiry in Klook.

In Japan

  • The eSIM is data-only: no phone number. Calls and iMessage or WhatsApp run over data, and SMS codes keep arriving on the home SIM.
  • Hotspot is allowed on the Klook plan if a laptop needs tethering (Settings ➔ Personal Hotspot).
  • Running low or out: Klook ➔ My Bookings ➔ the eSIM order shows remaining data and expiry; top up there if offered, otherwise buy a second eSIM and repeat the QR install.

How much data?

Budget ~1 GB a day: maps, translation, messaging and lookups are light, and streaming and big downloads go over wi-fi, not the eSIM. Rules of thumb: 5 GB works with strict wi-fi habits, 10 GB is comfortable, a daily-capped unlimited plan is the zero-math option, and 20 GB+ only makes sense for heavy laptop tethering. The eSIM stays off in Hong Kong, so nothing is burned during the layover.

Klook's official step-by-step walkthrough, with screenshots for every stage, lives in the next section: Klook eSIM: Official Setup Steps.

Klook eSIM: Official Setup StepsActivate before travel · Klook's official walkthrough with screenshots

Klook's own instructions for the Japan eSIM, kept step by step with the screenshots in order. The two rules that matter repeat here on purpose: install before you fly, and switch the line on only after landing.

Things to know first

  • How it works: a Japan eSIM digitally adds a mobile plan to your device. Purchase the prepaid plan, install it through the Klook app or a QR code, and get connected as soon as you arrive. Hotspot and tethering are supported, and if you run out of data you can add more to the same eSIM.
  • Why eSIM: no physical SIM to swap, no expensive roaming, and Klook's Japan plan rides SoftBank 5G for fast, reliable coverage.
  • Keep your number: dual SIM means the home SIM stays in your phone for calls and SMS while the eSIM handles data.

Activate your eSIM before travel

Activate your eSIM via Klook in-app activation, scanning the QR code, or entering the SMDP+ details manually

1. Click Add eSIM to device on your booking to start the installation. Don't worry, data and validity will only commence when you reach your destination.

2. Installation of your eSIM will start automatically.

3. iOS installation — set up the Klook eSIM for travel on iOS.

4. Your eSIM is ready for use! Usage and validity start only when the eSIM connects to an overseas network

5. Turn on Klook eSIM and select Klook eSIM for mobile data.

6. Data roaming — switch on data roaming at your destination to start using the eSIM.

7. Your klook esim is connected! Track your data balance and validity through the Klook app.

Stamps to hunt8 spots on this leg
  • Tokyo Skytree — stamp at Floor 345 Tembo Deck beside the Skytree Post (the highest mailbox in a Japanese building), plus Solamachi info counters (1F/3F).
  • Asakusa & Sensō-ji — free tourist stamp near Sensō-ji temple grounds, alongside the Tobu/Subway Asakusa station master stamp.
  • Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park) — commemorative visitor stamp in the Honkan main building lobby, plus JR Ueno Station's classic giant panda eki stamp.
  • Tokyo Station Character Street — custom character stamps at Studio Ghibli Donguri Republic, Jump Shop, and Sanrio Gift Gate (First Avenue B1).
  • Akihabara Electric Town & Kanda Myojin — shrine precinct souvenir stamp at 1,300-year-old Kanda Myojin, plus JR Akihabara Station stamp at the Central ticket gate.
  • Tokyo Station — one of the richest single spots in Japan; stamps at Marunouchi underground ticket gates & JR East Travel Service Center.
  • JR Chūō-Sōbu Line neighborhood stations — JR Hirai Station (our home base ticket gate), JR Kameido (1 stop), and JR Ryogoku (sumo dohyo design at Edo Noren).
  • Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway stations — distinct stamp tables on the Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and Hanzomon Line.

How the stamp rally works →