10 Day Japan's Pop Culture, Anime & Art Scene

10 Day Japan’s Pop Culture, Anime & Art Scene

A cultural phenomenon since the 1950s (and with roots stretching even further back in history), anime rivals only sushi and Godzilla as Japan’s most universally beloved cultural export. Those who love Japanese pop culture really love it, and it’s for those dedicated Japanophiles and otaku that we’ve developed this eye-popping love-letter of a trip.

The adventure begins in the only place it can: fascinating and futuristic Tokyo. First, witness the curious dichotomy of ancient and modern on a private half-day tour with stops at the Imperial Palace, the seventh-century Senso Temple, and the forested Meiji Shrine, as well as the stylish Omotesando high street and the Asakusa district – a living time capsule of pre-World War II Tokyo – before visiting the Ghibli Museum, a mecca for Japanese anime. Later, lose yourself in the colorful world of manga on private tours of J World and the Pokémon Center (travel advisory: Here be pocket monsters!) before spending an afternoon in the famous Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara districts, ground-zero for Japan’s youth culture and street-style scenes. Before departing Tokyo, you’ll also get to try your hand at the ancient arts of laido (swordsmanship) and shodo (calligraphy), and visit the Shinjuku Samurai Museum.

After a day spent exploring the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and unwinding for the night at a traditional ryokan, you’ll arrive in the heartland of traditional Japanese culture: Kyoto. After taking in the sites, including the serene Kinkaku-ji , also known as the “Golden Pavilion”, Shinto shrines, and the elegant Nijo Castle, spend a full day studying the blade in the village of Iga, where some of the first shinobi were trained in the art of ninjitsu. After a visit to Kyoto’s International Manga Museum, the tour continues to its last stop: Osaka, where you’ll sample some of the country’s top street food on an evening tour before discovering the city’s urban highlights – Osaka Castle, the foodie haven of Dotombori, and the Kuchu Teien Observatory high atop the city’s tallest building.

Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.