Are you one of those who have developed an interest in Japan through subcultures like anime, manga, idols, or games? This article proposes an itinerary where you can fully immerse yourself in Japanese subculture and experience the latest technology. From iconic spots in Tokyo, the epicenter of global subcultures, to innovative experiences and unconventional foods found only in Japan, this itinerary covers it all.
If this is your first visit to Japan, I recommend reading the article “First-time in Japan: 10-Day Itinerary Exploring All the Highlights“.
- Overview of the Itinerary
- Detailed Daily Itinerary
- Day 1: Tokyo -Retro Experience
- Day 2: Tokyo -Otaku’s Mecca
- Day 3: Tokyo -The Latest Subculture
- Day 4: Tokyo -Subculture Rooted in Daily Life
- Day 5: Tokyo -Fusion of Technology and Subculture
- Day 6: Nagoya -The Quirky City
- Day 7: Kyoto -Anime Sacred Place
- Day 8: Kyoto -Fusion of Traditions and Subculture
- Day 9: Osaka -Meet Up with Popular Characters
- Day 10: Osaka -Wrap Up Your Journey
Overview of the Itinerary
Spend ample time exploring Tokyo, where every corner is filled with subcultural experiences. Then, hop on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya, and delve into their distinctive culture. Continue on to Kyoto to enjoy the fusion of otaku culture and tradition, and finally soak up the vibrant subculture atmosphere of Osaka.
Cities to Visit
- Tokyo (5 days)
- Aichi (1 day)
- Kyoto (2 days)
- Osaka (2 days)
Places to Visit
Tokyo
- Asakusa
- Akihabara
- TeamLab
- Ikebukuro Sunshine
- Harajuku
- Shinjuku
- Godzilla head
- Life-size Gundam
- Shimokitazawa
- Odaiba
Aichi
- Ghibli Park
- Legoland
- Osu Shopping Street
Kyoto
- Gion
- Kyoto International Manga Museum
Osaka
- Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
- Nipponbashi
Things to Do
Tokyo
- Ninja experience
- Food sample making
- Maid cafe
- Idol concerts
- Themed restaurants
- Game centre
- Shopping at a convenience store
- Karaoke
- AR sports
- Capsule hotel
Aichi
Kyoto
- Anime sites visiting
- Rent a kimono
- Fantasy cafe
Osaka
- Charactor’s hotel
- Takoyaki making
Things to Eat
Tokyo
- Melonpan
- Monjayaki
- Ramen
Aichi
- Tiwan ramen
- Hitsumabushi
- Miso-katsu
- Azuki bean toast
Kyoto
- Wagashi
Osaka
- Takoyaki
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo -Retro Experience
Asakusa is famouse as a place where retains traditional Japanese vibes. Here you can catch a glimpse of Tokyo during the Edo period. It’s easily accessible from both Narita and Haneda airports, making it perfect for your first day. If you want to learn more about Tokyo, please visit “Tokyo comprehensive prefecture guide.”
Take a stroll through Asakusa Rokku
Asakusa Rokku is where Tanjiro, the hero of the globally renowned anime “Demon Slayer”, encounters his enemy, Kibutsuji. Although the anime is set about 100 years ago, you can still find traces of Asakusa from that period. The Rokku area of Asakusa is particularly lively, with numerous shops and restaurants, offering enjoyable walks even for those who are not fans of Demon Slayer.
Ninja Experience
Anime with ninja and samurai themes, such as “NARUTO“‘ and “Rurouni Kenshin,” are extremely popular. In Asakusa, there is a place where you can become a ninja or a samurai. At the Samurai Ninja Museum, visitors can not only see authentic swords and armor but also dress up as a ninja and practice ninja techniques like shuriken throwing.
Food Sample Making
Kappabashi is located within walking distance from Asakusa and is well-known for its quality kitchenware wholesalers. Here, you can try your hand at making food samples, wax food replicas, which are often displayed in restaurant showcases. One could say that these quirky items are part of Japan’s subculture.
Try Melonpan
Asakusa is filled with countless snack stalls, making it a delightful place for foodies. Among them, melonpan is a Japanese original sweet, loved for its cute appearance and nostalgic taste. Enjoy the harmony of sweet biscuits resembling melons and fluffy brioche bread. The melonpan from Kagetsudo is especially popular.
Eat Monjayaki
Monjayaki has been a popular dish since the Edo period and is still loved today in East Tokyo areas like Tsukishima. In Tokyo, monjayaki and okonomiyaki are typically provided in self-cooking style. On a hot plate at the table, not only can you enjoy eating, but also have the cooking experience.
Day 2: Tokyo -Otaku’s Mecca
Tokyo is home to numerous places catering to otaku interests. Among them, Akihabara, also known as “Akiba,” is an unmissable spot. Leave behind the ordinary and immerse yourself in the deep otaku world.
Explore Akihabara
Akihabara is a sacred place for otaku where they dream of visiting. From the latest electronic gadgets to the characters’ figures, the rare trading cards, retro games, and underground idol performances, there’s something to please all types of geeks. Kanda Shrine, collaborated with the anime “Love Live!” and known as a sacred place for otaku, is also located in this area.
Visit a Maid Cafe
Maid cafes are a unique type of cafe, where waitresses in maid outfits welcome you. Maids may playfully interact with customers by pretending to cast spells or draw cute designs with ketchup on your meals. In Akihabara, you’ll find not only maid cafes but also various types of cafes, such as butler cafes and school-themed cafes.
Experience Idol Concert
Akihabara is home to many idol groups, performing live in various places every day. Unlike typical idols, they position themselves as idols you can meet, actively talking to fans and shaking hands with them. At the AKB48 Theater, globally renowned group AKB48’s concerts are held regularly.
Dine at a Themed Restaurant
Tokyo is home to various themed restaurants. You can have unique dining experiences such as restaurants where ninjas serve as waiters, restaurants replicating Japanese elementary schools, and restaurants where you can fish and eat the catch.
Day 3: Tokyo -The Latest Subculture
Japanese subculture is ever-evolving. In the western side of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro, you can catch a glimpse of future subcultures while keeping up with the latest trends.
See TeamLab Exhibition
Exhibitions of TeamLab, pioneers of digital art, are held at Mori Building in Azabu and Toyosu, where the fish market is. Interactive experiences utilising light, sound, and images give you a feeling of wandering into the world of the future. TeamLab’s constant pursuit of new challenges is highly regarded worldwide.
Play at Game Centers
Japanese game centers are filled with the games utilising the latest technologies. In large game centers in places like Akihabara or Shinjuku, you can also find games played with VR and AR technologies, ensuring you won’t be bored all day.
See the Godzilla Head in Shinjuku
Did you know there’s a giant Godzilla in the heart of Shinjuku that you can see? This Godzilla roars and shoots beams! You can see his performance every day between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. If you go up to the cafe on the 8th floor of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, you can look up at the dynamic Godzilla up close.
Have Fun at Ikebukuro Sunshine
Sunshine City in Ikebukuro is a huge complex where shopping and entertainment converge. It offers an abundance of anime, manga, and game shops, attractions, and events. Alongside Akihabara, Ikebukuro is considered one of the otaku beloved areas in Japan.
Walk in Harajuku
If you want to discover fashion trends and street culture, Harajuku, once a cosplay paradise, is recommended. With colorful streets and unique shops and cafes, Harajuku is always a fun place for strolling.
Day 4: Tokyo -Subculture Rooted in Daily Life
Let’s peek into the daily lives of people in Japan, where you can feel the scent of subculture everywhere.
Go to a Convenience Store
Japanese convenience stores are strongly integrated into subculture. They sell various products in collaboration with anime and manga. You can find items commonly seen in the 2D-world, such as onigiri, yakisoba-pan, and pop sweets. You may also want to read our article “Convenience Store in Japan: Major Chains, Services, and Must-Try Products” for more information on Japanese convenience stores.
Stroll Through Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is a town where art, music, and underground culture thrive. Unique shops such as vintage clothing stores, record shops, and art galleries dot the area. Explore the city’s subcultures while feeling the local atmosphere.
Enjoy at Karaoke Box
Karaoke is a staple activity in Japan. Besides having basic functions to enjoy karaoke such as scoring and voice effects, modern karaoke machines also allow recording, collaborating with other users remotely, etc., offering various ways to enjoy. At a very affordable price of around ¥1000 for 3 hours, it’s also a big draw.
Eat Ramen
Ramen is loved all over the world and is considered a part of Japanese culture. Sapporo miso ramen, Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Kitakata shoyu ramen, and many other famous ramen flavors are available in Japan. Tokyo is an ideal place to try them all as it gathers prominent ramen restaurants from all over Japan.
Day 5: Tokyo -Fusion of Technology and Subculture
When cutting-edge technology merges with subculture, the excitement knows no bounds. Experience the forefront of the world’s subculture. Odaiba offers numerous interactive activities using the latest technology, which will be unforgettable especially for game enthusiasts.
Play at Immersive Fort Tokyo
Immersive Fort Tokyo is an entertainment facility where you can immerse yourself in the worlds of movies and anime like Sherlock Holmes and Tokyo Revengers, using AR and VR technologies. Instead of being mere spectators, you will become one of the protagonists in these worlds!
See the Life-Size Gundam
The life-size Gundam statue in Odaiba is a symbol of the area. You can witness the Gundam transformation daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, home to the Gundam statue, features multiple Gundam-related shops and is a dream destination for Gundam fans.
Participate in AR Sports
R sports use augmented reality technology used in games like Pokémon GO, and HADO in Odaiba is one of them. Anyone can easily play regardless of physical abilities, body size, age, or gender. When you release energy balls by moving your own hands, you’ll feel like you are a player of Street Fighters.
Stay in a Capsule Hotel
Capsule hotels are a unique style of accommodation in Japan. Sleeping in a capsule lined up in a narrow room offers an unusual staying experience, making you feel like you’ve become a robot. Many capsule hotels also have shared lounges, and interacting with other travelers is one of the fun aspects of staying in a capsule hotel.
Day 6: Nagoya -The Quirky City
Nagoya is an interesting city where cultures from the east and west mingle, forming a unique atmosphere. You can find strong subculture elements in the city, as well as world-renowned theme parks like Ghibli Park and Legoland. Its accessibility, just 90 minutes from Tokyo and 50 minutes from Osaka, is another selling point.
Go to Ghibli Park (Option 1)
Ghibli Park is a theme park where you can dive into the world of Studio Ghibli, the works of director Hayao Miyazaki. In March 2024, with the opening of “Valley of the Witches”, all five areas became accessible to the public. The park faithfully replicates the worlds of the movies, with delightful discoveries waiting for you everywhere.
Play at Legoland (Option 2)
Legoland is a theme park recommended especially for families with small children, offering plenty of attractions and activities. Most of the park’s buildings and furniture are made of colorful and pop Legos, which will offer you an incredibly exciting experience.
Stroll Through Osu Shopping Street
Osu Shopping Street in Nagoya is a lively area where you can feel the otaku culture and local atmosphere. Browse shops selling anime and manga goods, retro toys, and local souvenirs while tasting Nagoya’s specialties like Taiwanese ramen miso-katsu and hitsumabushi.
Eat Azuki Bean Toast
Nagoya has a deeply rooted cafe culture. Try out a typical Nagoya breakfast by sitting on a sofa at a cozy cafe, sipping coffee, and eating the local specialty, azuki bean toast.
Day 7: Kyoto -Anime Sacred Place
Kyoto is known for its traditional charm, but it also has a thriving subculture scene. Kyoto appears frequently as a setting in anime and is a dream destination for anime fans. If you with to learn more about Kyoto, visit “Kyoto comprehensive prefecture guide.”
Visit Anime Sites
There are countless tourist attractions in Kyoto that have appeared as settings in famous anime. For example, there’s Nanzen-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari, which appeared in “K-On!”, Togetsukyo Bridge from the opening of “Rurouni Kenshin“, and Nijo Castle, featured in the film “A Silent Voice”. Visiting tourist spots while imagining anime scenes will make your sightseeing even more enjoyable.
Day 8: Kyoto -Fusion of Traditions and Subculture
The unique worldview created by the fusion of tradition and subculture in Kyoto is truly one-of-a-kind. Enjoy a unique experience that can only be done here.
Walk Through Gion in Kimono
Gion in Kyoto is a historical district where traditional houses and streets remain. Renting a kimono and strolling through the ancient capital feels like embarking on an adventure through time and space. Tea ceremony experiences and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) making experiences are also recommended.
Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum
This museum is dedicated to manga, housing around 300,000 manga materials. Among them, 50,000 books are available for anyone to read freely, including manga translated into multiple languages and manga published overseas. In the Future Manga Laboratory, you can enjoy manga that utilises new technology, such as “Cyber Manga” streamed in multiple languages.
Spend Time at Fantasy Cafes
In Kyoto, there are cafes where you can feel like you’ve stepped into a dream world. “Cafe cherish” serves float drinks with mermaids diving, “Soiree” offers a retro space and colorful drinks, “Tea Room Wakana” serves cute sweet dumplings perfect for Instagram, and “Tamago Parlor” lets you feel like you’re traveling back in time.
Day 9: Osaka -Meet Up with Popular Characters
Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), said to be one of the world’s most popular theme parks. It offers not only Hollywood films but also subculture worlds like manga and games, providing a unique experience that can only be found in Japan. If you want to know more about Osaka, please read the Osaka Prefecture Guide.
Experience USJ
At Universal Studios Japan (USJ), you can encounter beloved characters like Mario and Minions. Enjoy a various of attractions meticulously recreated from the worlds of films such as Harry Potter and Spider-Man. There are also attractions and shows from popular manga in Japan such as Demon Slayer and One Piece.
Stay in a Character’s Hotel
In Osaka, there are hotels collaborating with USJ. You can have a fun night in rooms featuring popular characters from the park, such as Sesame Street, Peanuts and Minions. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience, especially for children.
Day 10: Osaka -Wrap Up Your Journey
Despite being Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka is known for its welcoming vibe, much like its lively subculture. Let’s wrap up your journey by discovering the city’s fun and friendly atmosphere.
Stroll Through Nipponbashi
Nipponbashi in Osaka is an area strongly rooted in pop culture and is known as the otaku heaven in the west. It’s lined with shops selling electronics, manga, games, maid cafes, and more. At shops like “Hero Toy Specialty Shop” and “Volks Osaka Showroom,” you can find collector’s items from popular anime, making it the perfect Japanese souvenir for yourself.
Make Takoyaki
In Osaka, there are restaurants where you can try your hand at making takoyaki, the city’s iconic soul food. At Takonotetsu, a famous takoyaki restaurant, they use large-sized octopus as an ingredient and also offer other local dishes like okonomiyaki. If you’re having trouble following the English instructions for making takoyaki, you can ask the staff for assistance.
With this itinerary to fully enjoy Japanese subculture and the latest technology, you can experience the fusion of tradition and the future. From ninja experiences and anime spots to encounters with famous characters, embark on a dream-like adventure of Japan.
