Ghibli & Beyond: A Tokyo Itinerary for Malaysians
Our 8D7N Itinerary: Tokyo & Beyond!
Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Cultural Immersion
After touching down at Narita (around 6 AM!), we'll grab a private transfer to Tokyo. First stop: Yushima Tenmangu Shrine for a dose of culture. Afterwards, it's on to Asakusa Temple, one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks.
By 4:30 PM, we'll head to the hotel to check in, then off for dinner and a visit to Yokohama's Red Brick Warehouse, followed by a delicious dinner in Yokohama's Chinatown.
Day 2: Studio Ghibli Magic!
Breakfast at 7 AM, then we're off to Studio Ghibli! It's about an hour's drive from central Tokyo. Tickets are roughly ¥1000 for adults, ¥700 for junior high students, and ¥400 for kids under 12.
Pro Tip: Secure those tickets beforehand! Traveloka could be your friend.
Lunch can be enjoyed at Hotel Gajoen. Our trusty tour guide will be with us all day, helping with translations and ensuring a smooth experience. Around 6:30 PM, we'll head back to the hotel after dinner.
Day 3: Hakone & Mount Fuji Views!
Early start at 7 AM to check out and head towards Mount Fuji. Our Hakone adventure begins!
- First stop: Owakudani volcanic valley.
- Don't forget to try the legendary black eggs for long life!
- Enjoy a scenic cable car ride and a pirate ship cruise. Arrr!
- Check-in time at Lake Kawaguchiko for iconic Mount Fuji views.
We'll settle into our 3-star hotel (Toyoko Inn Shin-Fuji-eki Minami-Guchi) around 5 PM.
Day 4: Yamanaka Lake & Oshino Hakkai
7 AM breakfast, then off to Yamanaka Lake for some swan-gazing. Next, we explore Oshino Hakkai, a charming traditional village. After that, we'll ascend to Chureito Pagoda for postcard-perfect Mount Fuji views and explore Honcho Street, famous for its beautiful views. By 3:30 PM, we'll be on our way to Nagoya for dinner and a good night's sleep.
Day 5: Takayama's Old Town & Shirakawa-go Village
After breakfast, we check out and explore Takayama's Old Town, often called "Little Kyoto". Immerse yourself in the local culture and warm hospitality. By 11:30 AM, we'll grab lunch before heading to Shirakawa-go, one of Japan's most famous historical villages.
Day 6: Kyoto's Temples & Gion's Charm
Time for Kyoto! First up is Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates. Then, it's on to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a symbol of Kyoto, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where you can pray for good fortune at the three sacred water fountains.
Around 5 PM, we'll check into our hotel in Gion, Kyoto's geisha district. In the evening, we can take a stroll through the lively streets and find some tasty local delicacies.
Day 7: Amanohashidate & Ine no Funaya: Scenic Wonders!
Today, we explore some of Japan's most stunning natural landscapes:
- Amanohashidate: One of Japan's three most scenic views.
- Ine no Funaya: A traditional fishing village with over 200 boathouses along Ine Bay, often called "The Venice of Japan".
After soaking in the beauty until 4:30 PM, we'll head back to our hotel in Osaka.
Day 8: Osaka Castle & Departure
On our final day, we check out and head to Osaka Castle. After exploring the castle grounds, we'll head straight to Narita Airport, aiming to arrive by 4 PM for our flight home.
Safe travels, everyone!
