Changes to Japan itinerary

[TXAKDisneyFan]

We got an email today listing several changes to the Japan ABD:

Day 1 – Guests arriving early for their adventure may choose to join an optional tour with their Adventure Guide for a visit to Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple overlooking Kyoto and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adventure Guides will also be happy to provide alternative recommendations for activities or restaurants in the area.

Day 2 – Following exploration of the Arashiyama area, you will express your artistic skills by preparing Yatsuhashi, Kyoto’s signature sweets made of various fillings in an elegant triangle of dough. Taste your creations along with the traditional pairing of Japanese matcha tea to appreciate sweet and bitter tastes, individually and in combination.

Day 4 – Due to weather and river conditions that cause inconsistent availability of the Hozugawa river boat ride, the activity has been removed from our itinerary. We will now tour the Fushimi Inari shrine, previously planned for Day 5. Here, we’ll explore the Torii trail and learn about the significance of this hillside marvel.

Day 8 – Your first full day in Tokyo has been reimagined as an exploration of the art and culture of Japan, from historical to modern. The previous experience included a visit to Tokyo Skytree in the morning, followed by lunch on your own, and Senso-ji Temple self-exploration. Your adventure will now follow the below itinerary:

• Sumida Hokusai Museum – Step back in time to explore the art and influence of one of Japan’s most famous artists, Katsushika Hosukai. Simply referred to by his family name, Hokusai created some of the country’s most famous traditional artwork such as ‘The Wave’ and ‘Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji’. Explore the museum’s exhibits dedicated to the culture and skill of the Master.
• Kintsugi Experience – Previously scheduled in the afternoon, we will embrace the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery—through this hands-on activity that teaches why “imperfections are perfect!”
• Lunch at a Tokyo Restaurant – Previously scheduled as lunch “On Your Own,” we will tempt your tastebuds with cuisine authentic to Tokyo’s traditional yet eclectic food scene.
• TeamLab Borderless – Previously scheduled on Day 9, this activity will immerse your body in borderless art. Wander and explore with intention as you discover this unique place where art and culture come together to enrich people’s hearts and minds. Following the art exploration, join your Adventure Guides for a visit to one of the tallest viewpoints in the city for a birds-eye view of the city’s size and charm.
• Dinner On Your Own in Tokyo – Discover some of the most unique restaurants in the world that mix eye-popping entertainment and Japanese delicacies.

Day 9 – Your final full day in Tokyo will now take you from the busy streets of Shibuya to the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay for two unique vantage points of the bustling city.

• Shibuya and Tokyo Walking Tour – Our previously scheduled tour of Happo-en Gardens with a traditional tea ceremony has been replaced by this tour that lets us experience Japanese culture on foot, exploring the city with your Adventure Guides. Beginning with the famous Shibuya Scramble and a respectful hello to the Hachiko statue, explore the quirky neighborhoods with surprises around every corner.
• On Your Own Lunch and Afternoon in Tokyo – Spend the afternoon exploring Japan’s remarkable capital. Discover what makes this city a perfect blend of old-world traditions and contemporary culture. Ask your Adventure Guides for recommendations on where to enjoy a delicious local lunch.
• Tokyo by Sea Tour and Farewell Dinner – Our Farewell Dinner at the hotel has been replaced by this tour and dinner where we will take to the beautiful Tokyo Bay and Sumida River by boat for a private, unique view of the city and landmarks like Tokyo Skytree and Rainbow Bridge with photographs as you bring your Adventure to a close. Celebrate the end of a magnificent journey as you reminisce with your fellow Adventurers with a feast and a toast.

We are arriving in Kyoto a couple days before the ABD. We're also spending a day in Tokyo after the ABD, before we move over to Tokyo Disney (planning 4 park days).

We admittedly know little about Japan (one of our kids is into Japan and picked this trip). Are there any activities/sites that the ABD misses that we need to do/see, especially taking into account all the changes? We are a family of 6, kids ranging from 8 to 17.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

We are going this summer with kids as well! Which trip will you be on?

Looking at what you described I like most of these changes.

 

[Kwami]

If you have a few extra days in Kyoto, then I'd recommend taking the train over to Himeji to see the castle. It's a short ride on the shinkansen, so you can easily see the castle in half a day.

If you're into shopping (or if the kids are into Nintendo, Sanrio, anime, etc.), then you might also consider a quick ride over to Osaka. There's a big Nintendo store, plus stores for Ghibli, Sanrio, Snoopy, etc. in the malls attached to Osaka/Umeda Stations. Universal Studios Japan is also in Osaka, of course.

It looks like the ABD tour does most of the big touristy things in Kyoto, but if you'd rather stay in Kyoto, then there are all sorts of shrines and temples to see. Some of them have very nice gardens, too. If the kids aren't into that, then there's a new Nintendo museum. You might have trouble getting tickets, though.

In Tokyo, I'd just spend the day shopping somewhere fun like Shibuya. Or, you can visit Meiji Shrine for something more cultural and atmospheric. If the kids are into anime and games, then head to Akihabara. If you like the TeamLab stuff, then there's another big museum called Planets. Or, head up Tokyo Tower or the Skytree for a good view of the city. Or check out the national museum and the zoo in Ueno. You'll never run out of stuff to do in Tokyo.

 

[Mathmagicland]

I second the train to Himeji castle! It is amazing, so special to visit. Disney does lots of temples but no castles. Himeji is a UNESCO site.

When we visited, I found this group ahead of time - they offer free English tours of Himeji castle, very helpful as most all signage is in Japanese. Free because they are volunteers who want to share Himeji with guests. We went to lunch with our guide after and picked up the cost of fhe guide’s lunch.

https://i-guide.jpn.org/

 

[sayhello]

I like all the changes. Except they don't explain what they are doing on Day 5 instead of the Fushimi Inari shrine. Unless they decided Day 5 was too full. It's too bad the Hoguzawa River boat ride is gone, but if they are having availability issues, that's understandable. I also like that Shibuya Crossing is back on the itinerary. It's corny but a lot of fun.

It will be interesting to see if the Sumida River Boat cruise works better as a farewell dinner than it did as an actual activity. I liked it, but a lot of people did not.

But I like the new focus of the Tokyo days on the arts. They've struggled with the Tokyo days since the inception of this trip. Maybe they'll figure it out some day (but I loved the addition of the Kintsugi Experience and Teamlab Borderless, so I'm glad they kept those! I'm jealous we didn't do Kintsugi, and I did Teamlab Borderless OYO and *loved* it!)

You definitely need to report back after your trip and let us know how the changes are!

Sayhello

 

[aggiedog]

There are absolutely giant Pokemon/Ghibli/etc stores in Tokyo. We did an anime walking tour with a guide when we were there (not with ABD) and hit several stores. I have no clue where we were exactly though. I think one was a mall with the name "sunshine" in it? There are also a couple of Pokemon centers, which my kids hit on a different day. One kid brought a whole empty suitcase on the trip and filled it with Pokemon stuff.

 

[aggiedog]

One of my favorite activities in Tokyo was family pictures at Kokomo studios, in geisha and samurai dress. It was a hoot and we got some great, high quality pictures.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

If you have a few extra days in Kyoto, then I'd recommend taking the train over to Himeji to see the castle. It's a short ride on the shinkansen, so you can easily see the castle in half a day.

If you're into shopping (or if the kids are into Nintendo, Sanrio, anime, etc.), then you might also consider a quick ride over to Osaka. There's a big Nintendo store, plus stores for Ghibli, Sanrio, Snoopy, etc. in the malls attached to Osaka/Umeda Stations. Universal Studios Japan is also in Osaka, of course.

It looks like the ABD tour does most of the big touristy things in Kyoto, but if you'd rather stay in Kyoto, then there are all sorts of shrines and temples to see. Some of them have very nice gardens, too. If the kids aren't into that, then there's a new Nintendo museum. You might have trouble getting tickets, though.

In Tokyo, I'd just spend the day shopping somewhere fun like Shibuya. Or, you can visit Meiji Shrine for something more cultural and atmospheric. If the kids are into anime and games, then head to Akihabara. If you like the TeamLab stuff, then there's another big museum called Planets. Or, head up Tokyo Tower or the Skytree for a good view of the city. Or check out the national museum and the zoo in Ueno. You'll never run out of stuff to do in Tokyo.

I forgot to mention in my original post that we are hoping to visit TeamLab Planets on our own. We are also going to the World Expo in Osaka before the ABD.

The castle sounds awesome. One of my kids actually got the Lego set for Christmas (the one who chose this trip in the first place).

My kids are into Nintendo, Sanrio, and Peanuts. Only one has played Pokemon, but it's been a few years. None of us have seen any Studio Ghibli movies (I've heard very good things, I just *really* dislike the animation style).

 

[thanxfornoticin]

What a shame they had to remove the Hozugawa River excursion. That was absolutely a highlight of our trip, but I can also understand with how shallow the river is most places, it could be a problem if water levels don't cooperate. But missing the Skytree? That's such an iconic landmark and was something we never would have wanted to miss. On the other hand, the last night with the boat tour and dinner sounds amazing. So changes and adjustments to the itinerary - not uncommon. It's still an outstanding place to visit. The Japanese people are among the friendliest we've encountered anywhere in the world......

I assume the other days remain the same or similar? The trip to Peace Park and the museum in Hiroshima was an experience we feel most people should do, it's that historically important. And adding on the extra days for Tokyo and TDR is perfect. The Tokyo Disney Resort experience was amazing. It's the ideal way to end the trip after ABD. We still don't understand why ABD doesn't offer add-ons for TDR, but I guess it's something TDR just isn't interested in coordinating. Enjoy your experiences!!

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I thought that this:
Following the art exploration, join your Adventure Guides for a visit to one of the tallest viewpoints in the city for a birds-eye view of the city’s size and charm.

Might be the Skytree? Maybe not though.

 

[sayhello]

The Tokyo Disney Resort experience was amazing. It's the ideal way to end the trip after ABD. We still don't understand why ABD doesn't offer add-ons for TDR, but I guess it's something TDR just isn't interested in coordinating. Enjoy your experiences!!

ABD actually *did* offer a TDR add-on the first year they offered the Japan ABD (2019) and it was wonderful. I agree it was the ideal way to end the trip! It included a 2 night, 3 day stay in the Disneyland Hotel, tickets, monorail pass, drink coupons, tons of fastpasses, early entry, a couple of gifts, transportation to the hotel then the airport, etc. I thought the price for all you got (including the convenience) was reasonable (around $2200). But that was the only year they offered it, so my assumption is that the logistics or the cost (or both) just ended up being problematic for ABD, since they've never offered it since. I mean, Disney doesn't own a part of TDR, so it's not as straight-forward as it might be with Disneyland Paris. Or maybe, as you said, TDR didn't care to continue it for some reason. I hadn't thought of it that way. I think about half the people on my trip took advantage of the add-on, so it wasn't a popularity thing.

I thought that this:
Following the art exploration, join your Adventure Guides for a visit to one of the tallest viewpoints in the city for a birds-eye view of the city’s size and charm.

Might be the Skytree? Maybe not though.

I missed that! You could be right. Or it might be Tokyo Tower, since it says "one of the tallest viewpoints in the city". I'm pretty sure the Skytree is *the* tallest viewpoint in Tokyo?

Sayhello

 

[AquaDame]

It could also be the Metropolitan tower; they still go to Shinjuku, right? Skytree is kind of like the Eiffel; sure its nice to go up it, but the view OF it is better IMO.

https://www.japan.travel/en/my/travelers-blog/where-get-best-view-tokyo-free/

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

There are absolutely giant Pokemon/Ghibli/etc stores in Tokyo. We did an anime walking tour with a guide when we were there (not with ABD) and hit several stores. I have no clue where we were exactly though. I think one was a mall with the name "sunshine" in it? There are also a couple of Pokemon centers, which my kids hit on a different day. One kid brought a whole empty suitcase on the trip and filled it with Pokemon stuff.

We don't really know anything about anime. Do you think the walking tour would be interesting to people even if they aren't already anime fans?

One of my kids used to play Pokemon Go, but that was a few years ago.

We do have IP that we are interested in (HP, Disney/Pixar/Marvel/Star Wars, Nintendo), but we aren't opposed to experiences involving other fandoms.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

We are going this summer with kids as well! Which trip will you be on?

Looking at what you described I like most of these changes.

June 15

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

June 15

Dang it. We’re going a month later.

 

[aggiedog]

We don't really know anything about anime. Do you think the walking tour would be interesting to people even if they aren't already anime fans?

One of my kids used to play Pokemon Go, but that was a few years ago.

We do have IP that we are interested in (HP, Disney/Pixar/Marvel/Star Wars, Nintendo), but we aren't opposed to experiences involving other fandoms.

Nope! LOL. DH and I just wandered around, wondering what we were looking at. The worst was a 6 story building of nothing but manga items. Definitely skip it if it's not your thing!

We do love Ghibli, and did the Ghibli park, but that is in a different city and needs a fully day.

 

[jimmymc]

In Kyoto, I don't think AbD visits the Rokuon-ji Kinkaku, also known as the Golden Temple. I would check it out on one of your pre-nights. Otherwise, AbD covers pretty much everything in Kyoto.

I would recommend taking the train to Osaka and Kobe for two of the pre-nights. Osaka has Osaka Castle, Universal Japan, a large aquarium, Dotonbori for food and arcades, and Shinsaibashi for shopping. It's a modern city compared to Kyoto, and if you can stay until after sundown, the atmosphere is really cool. Kobe has Kobe beef and the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway. You take a cable car to the top of a hill with great views of Osaka Bay, then walk down through different gardens. You could potentially combine this with a visit to Himeji Castle if you wake up early enough and want to get as much done as possible.

On Day 8 in Tokyo, I would suggest taking the subway a few stops to either Ueno (cheaper) or Roppongi (higher-end) for dinner. Okachimachi Station is actually closer to the middle of Ueno than Ueno station. Tokyo Station also has a lot of restaurants and a Pokemon store, if you'd like to check that off the list. You can also get a pikachu plush with a train conductor uniform, which I think is a cool souvenir.

On Day 9, what to do with your free time really depends on where the dinner cruise starts. The Zojo-ji Temple is cool and right next to Tokyo Tower. There are also plenty of museums around the city. Okubo, just north of Shinjuku, is Tokyo's Koreatown and has a lot of good places to eat.

For your days after the AbD but before Tokyo Disney, Yokohama and Kamakura are both good day trips. Nakano was one of my favorite smaller neighborhoods to visit. Akihabara has all the video game and trading card shops, if any of the kids are into that. Ikebukuro has the largest pokemon store and is the home of many manga and anime companies. They also have the largest manga store in Tokyo. If you want some fresh air without having to leave Tokyo, then Yoyogi Park is nice.

Tokyo is massive and has a lot to do, so it really depends on what you and the family want to see. There are also plenty of places to just go bowling or sing karaoke if you need a rest day.

 

[jimmymc]

I like all the changes. Except they don't explain what they are doing on Day 5 instead of the Fushimi Inari shrine. Unless they decided Day 5 was too full. It's too bad the Hoguzawa River boat ride is gone, but if they are having availability issues, that's understandable. I also like that Shibuya Crossing is back on the itinerary. It's corny but a lot of fun.

Based on the current itinerary, it looks like the shrine was a quick stop on the way to the sumo experience and Nara. My guess is they'll just make breakfast a little later and go right to the rest of the activities.

 

[sayhello]

Based on the current itinerary, it looks like the shrine was a quick stop on the way to the sumo experience and Nara. My guess is they'll just make breakfast a little later and go right to the rest of the activities.

It was always a stop before the sumo experience and moving on out of Kyoto. But it was not a quick stop, we spent a sizeable amount of time there. It was early in the morning to miss out on all the other tourists (which we did - we saw the hordes arriving as we left). But yes, maybe they'll just make it a later morning.

Sayhello

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

In Kyoto, I don't think AbD visits the Rokuon-ji Kinkaku, also known as the Golden Temple. I would check it out on one of your pre-nights. Otherwise, AbD covers pretty much everything in Kyoto.

I would recommend taking the train to Osaka and Kobe for two of the pre-nights. Osaka has Osaka Castle, Universal Japan, a large aquarium, Dotonbori for food and arcades, and Shinsaibashi for shopping. It's a modern city compared to Kyoto, and if you can stay until after sundown, the atmosphere is really cool. Kobe has Kobe beef and the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway. You take a cable car to the top of a hill with great views of Osaka Bay, then walk down through different gardens. You could potentially combine this with a visit to Himeji Castle if you wake up early enough and want to get as much done as possible.

On Day 8 in Tokyo, I would suggest taking the subway a few stops to either Ueno (cheaper) or Roppongi (higher-end) for dinner. Okachimachi Station is actually closer to the middle of Ueno than Ueno station. Tokyo Station also has a lot of restaurants and a Pokemon store, if you'd like to check that off the list. You can also get a pikachu plush with a train conductor uniform, which I think is a cool souvenir.

On Day 9, what to do with your free time really depends on where the dinner cruise starts. The Zojo-ji Temple is cool and right next to Tokyo Tower. There are also plenty of museums around the city. Okubo, just north of Shinjuku, is Tokyo's Koreatown and has a lot of good places to eat.

For your days after the AbD but before Tokyo Disney, Yokohama and Kamakura are both good day trips. Nakano was one of my favorite smaller neighborhoods to visit. Akihabara has all the video game and trading card shops, if any of the kids are into that. Ikebukuro has the largest pokemon store and is the home of many manga and anime companies. They also have the largest manga store in Tokyo. If you want some fresh air without having to leave Tokyo, then Yoyogi Park is nice.

Tokyo is massive and has a lot to do, so it really depends on what you and the family want to see. There are also plenty of places to just go bowling or sing karaoke if you need a rest day.

It sounds like one could spend years in Tokyo and not see everything. Luckily, my husband wants to run the world marathon majors, so we'll have at least one more trip there (and I'm sure more, since it sounds like most people who visit Japan love it).