What’s missing from the ABD Japan itinerary?

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

We are trying to figure out if we can make ABD Japan work schedule-wise next year. Looking at the itinerary some parts look amazing, some look interesting, and there’s a lot that I don’t really understand, particularly in Tokyo. I know that they don’t do Disneyland Tokyo, but there seems to be very little actual sightseeing in Tokyo, unless it is just not listed in the itinerary. Shibuya Crossing? The fish market? Imperial Palace? Or are we expected to navigate all of that on our own time?

What do you think are the best must-dos that are NOT covered by ABD, that we should do before/after the tour? #1 is obviously Disneyland, but I’m trying to figure out how much more time we will need in country and what else we should be building into our time there.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Part of me feels like we are going to have to book a SEPARATE tour to actually cover the sights of Tokyo, which feels ridiculous given the cost of ABD. My vacation time is limited/precious.

 

[Eastridge]

It would help to know what types of things you are most interested in seeing, or what type of activities.

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea could easily take 2-3 days by themselves. Some people consider DisneySea to be the best Disney park in the world.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

It would help to know what types of things you are most interested in seeing, or what type of activities.

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea could easily take 2-3 days by themselves. Some people consider DisneySea to be the best Disney park in the world.

I’m mentally budgeting 3 days at Disneyland/DisneySea at the end of our trip.

The problem is that I don’t really know what I’m “supposed” to see in Tokyo. That’s why I was so surprised that there was so little in the actual itinerary. My husband knows Japan quite well, but for the rest of us it is our first time there. I think that I’d like to focus on what makes Japan unique/special.


Dinner at Gonpachi
Enjoy a fun and lively meal at this popular destination for Tokyo locals and tourists alike. Hosting the occasional celebrity, the restaurant is also known for its buzzy atmosphere and signature cuisine that pushes traditional Japanese favorites in multiple new directions.
>> Looking on the map this looks like it is near the crossing, but I have no idea whether we get to see it. My daughter, for one, would love to sit in the Starbucks near the crossing and just people watch.

Online this is called the “Kill Bill” restaurant. Having never seen the movie (most of the movies that I watch have had princesses in them for the past decade and a half)…?

Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading out for a day of adventure.

Tokyo SkyTree
Make your way to the top of the tallest structure in Japan and marvel at the magnificent views of the cityscape far below. Measuring at over 2,000 feet (634 meters) tall, Tokyo SkyTree is an active broadcasting facility with modernist charm.
>> Hard no for me.

Asakusa District & Lunch On Your Own
Discover one of Tokyo’s oldest and most famous districts as you wander through local craft shops and enjoy lunch on your own in one of the many traditional food stalls.
>> Are we just expected to wander, or will we have some guidance?

Sensō-ji Temple Visit
Following lunch, you will visit Sensō-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo and one of its most significant.
>> this is the first sightseeing experience listed in Tokyo

Kintsugi Experience
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!”
>> I don’t understand this choice at all

Dinner On Your Own in Tokyo
Discover some of the most unique restaurants in the world that mix eye-popping entertainment and Japanese delicacies.
>> Lunch alone, dinner alone...

Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading out for a day of adventure.

Happo-en Gardens & Tea House
Enjoy a moment of reflection as you walk amongst the beauty of this garden.
>> Sure, I guess?

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
While some tea ceremonies can last for hours and follow strict guidelines, the Happo-en tea house offers a more informal ceremony in a serene setting that allows you to follow the ritual and still feel steeped in Japanese culture.
>> This is interesting, even if I don’t drink tea

TeamLab Borderless
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.
>> Just…why?

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.
>> On our own again???

Farewell Dinner at Shangri-La Tokyo
Celebrate the end of a magnificent journey as you reminisce with your fellow Adventurers in an elegant, private setting.

>> By my reckoning, we’re on our own for the majority of the time in Tokyo. If I’m going to be spending more than $1000/person/day (and we’re a family of 5!) I would expect more than just “go do your own thing.” What am I paying Disney for? Or I’m going to have to hire a guide to take us around while ostensibly on a separate tour.

So many people LOVE this trip, so I feel like I must be missing something.

 

[Eastridge]

I haven't done this trip. I booked it for summer 2020, but of course that got cancelled. Disney does seem to keep changing the Tokyo part, and maybe they provide more "on your own" time there since guests have different tastes.

TeamLab Borderless is an interactive video art installation. I saw a TeamLab installation in the US but not in Japan.

I'll throw out some random ideas, but I have no idea if these are what you'd be interested in:

• Studio Ghibli museum in Mitaka. This is a bit of a trip west and you must reserve tickets beforehand.
• Edo Tokyo museum: A big, unique museum that covers the history of the Tokyo region
• Odaiba: A modern landfill island with unique buildings, shopping malls and attractions. Ride the Yurikamome monorail around the island.
• Akihabara: Shopping, if you like electronics, manga, or anime
• Mario go karts: Groups of people ride go karts in the streets of Tokyo, dressed up as Nintendo characters. I don't think you get to throw stuff at each other.
• Omakase dining: You could reserve a fancy dinner for the "on your own" dinner
• Meiji shrine: Peaceful, with a giant torii gate

Day trips from Tokyo (for after the ABD tour)

• Nikko: Very scenic area with spectacular shrines
• Kamakura: More shrines and a giant Buddha

Sights in or near Kyoto (if you wanted to extend the trip before it starts)

• Shrines: Too many to list, but some popular ones are Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji (golden pavilion), Ginkakuji, Ryoanji (Zen rock garden)
• Nijo castle
• Walk the Philosophers Path
• Himeji: The finest original Japanese castle. Take the shinkansen train from Kyoto station

Hope that is helpful.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

We had a huge family trip booked for 2020 as well (not ABD). Sigh.

Thank you, these suggestions are extremely helpful. I love the idea of a special omakase meal. I also thought about the Meji shrine. Is Uber a thing in Japan? Otherwise I’ll have to figure out how to navigate the subway.

Mario Go-Karts look awesome. I actually sent it to my husband and my son. Unfortunately he will have just turned 16, so that’s not an option unless they have sidecars.

We’re also debating having part of the group hike Mt Fuji, but that would probably have to be before ABD starts.

 

[Mathmagicland]

> By my reckoning, we’re on our own for the majority of the time in Tokyo. If I’m going to be spending more than $1000/person/day (and we’re a family of 5!) I would expect more than just “go do your own thing.” What am I paying Disney for? Or I’m going to have to hire a guide to take us around while ostensibly on a separate tour.

So many people LOVE this trip, so I feel like I must be missing something.

I did this one in 2019, so the original itinerary which has changed based on guest feedback. Of the things you listed as included now, 2019 included the tea house gardens and ceremony, the temple, Asakusa district, the last night dinner. We also had things no longer included, and what feels like less free time than the tour now.

The fish market wasn’t open as it was in process of moving, and not everyone wants to get up early to see it. We had Shibuya crossing one evening, but hard to get to with the bus in order to see it. Our hotel was across from the Palace but I don’t think it was the right time of year for tours, though I was up and walking around the grounds & etc early each morning before the Disney days started. Other people wanted to do luxury shopping or go to exclusive sushi restaurants, or see the Team Lab which is now part of the tour.

I think the challenge for Disney in Tokyo itself is there are so many options, different interests, and time constraints that not everything can be included. Each guest has things they would like to see or do, and those things vary. So Disney tries to hit some main cultural highlights and then allows more free time for people to do what they want. For us, it was anime related things - the Ghibli, and we had to skip something with Disney to do that, plus Akihabara.

And yes, I am one who loved the trip!

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I did this one in 2019, so the original itinerary which has changed based on guest feedback. Of the things you listed as included now, 2019 included the tea house gardens and ceremony, the temple, Asakusa district, the last night dinner. We also had things no longer included, and what feels like less free time than the tour now.

The fish market wasn’t open as it was in process of moving, and not everyone wants to get up early to see it. We had Shibuya crossing one evening, but hard to get to with the bus in order to see it. Our hotel was across from the Palace but I don’t think it was the right time of year for tours, though I was up and walking around the grounds & etc early each morning before the Disney days started. Other people wanted to do luxury shopping or go to exclusive sushi restaurants, or see the Team Lab which is now part of the tour.

I think the challenge for Disney in Tokyo itself is there are so many options, different interests, and time constraints that not everything can be included. Each guest has things they would like to see or do, and those things vary. So Disney tries to hit some main cultural highlights and then allows more free time for people to do what they want. For us, it was anime related things - the Ghibli, and we had to skip something with Disney to do that, plus Akihabara.

And yes, I am one who loved the trip!

What were things that you did that were taken out?

I totally get what you are saying about different interests, options, etc. Eg I can’t imagine spending ABD time shopping (unless somehow it was Disney related), but I guess it is all about priorities. Even within my own family the things that we pick for each kid are vastly different. I’ll just have to do a bunch of research, or put my husband in charge of planning some of the unstructured time.

 

[Mathmagicland]

What were things that you did that were taken out?

I totally get what you are saying about different interests, options, etc. Eg I can’t imagine spending ABD time shopping (unless somehow it was Disney related), but I guess it is all about priorities. Even within my own family the things that we pick for each kid are vastly different. I’ll just have to do a bunch of research, or put my husband in charge of planning some of the unstructured time.

We had a sushi making class which ended with eating our creations for lunch, a ride on a boat down the river in Tokyo ( which is what we skipped to go to the Ghibli ), another temple, the Shibuya Crossing, and the Cup O’Noodles experience. We also saw a giant iron Buddha. And, we did the Hakone Outdoor Art Museum, this was the morning before heading in to Tokyo but they took this out when they replaced the bus ride from Takayama with a train ride, because rumor had it feedback said people didn’t like that second day of a long afternoon bus ride ( the first being Kyoto to Takayama) but it also shortened the trip by a day when they made this change. We did not have the Tokyo SkyTree, Kitsungi experience, or the TeamLab. And I don’t remember our group going to Gonpachi so that might also be new with the change to the train ride.

We found the trains easy to do on our own, we used them to get to/from Akihabara, the Ghibli, and to Himeji Castle out of Kyoto on the day before the Disney trip started. The stations have English as an option on the ticket machines, and walk-up counters for those who are more comfortable speaking with someone to be sure the right tickets are being purchased.

It does take a lot of research to figure out the on your own time, but it can be fun to do to find things. Disney has also changed their hotel in Tokyo; someone here mapped the new location and it is s lot closer to a central train station there which makes it easier to get to places around the city not within easy walking distance to the hotel. The trade off there is you are no longer staying across the street from the imperial palace.

Not sure where you iive, are you anywhere close to one of the Travel and Adventure shows? https://travelshows.com/. Japan has a huge presence at the ones on the west coast and those folks are a valuable resource to help with planning a visit to most every area of Japan, logistics, things to see, etc.

 

[Mathmagicland]

Himeji: The finest original Japanese castle. Take the shinkansen train from Kyoto station

Himeji castle was amazing! So easy to get to from Kyoto. And I found a site that books free English speaking guides to tour the castle, where most signage is in Japanese. The volunteer guides want to both share the beauty and history of Himeji castle and practice their English.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Himeji castle does look amazing! My son has talked about wanting to hike Mt Fuji. Maybe I take my daughter there instead of hanging out around Mt Fuji or in Tokyo with her???

 

[Mathmagicland]

Himeji castle does look amazing! My son has talked about wanting to hike Mt Fuji. Maybe I take my daughter there instead of hanging out around Mt Fuji or in Tokyo with her???

The two locations are quite a distance apart, even via Shinkansen. Himeji is west of Kyoto, approx half way to Hiroshima and about an hour on the Shinkansen from Kyoto. Mt Fuji is closer to Tokyo. It would a VERY long day from Tokyo. For us it was an entire day out of Kyoto, with an early train ride to get to Himeji to be at the castle shortly after opening, about 4 hours at Himeji Castle & the gardens, late lunch, and a visit to the only all-black-cats cat cafe in Japan. Then the train back to Kyoto and I think we were back in Kyoto after dinner time.

The non-stop trains from Tokyo show as 3-3.5 hours ride each way, so if you’re up for lots of time on the trains, it is doable.

 

[Mathmagicland]

Himeji castle does look amazing! My son has talked about wanting to hike Mt Fuji. Maybe I take my daughter there instead of hanging out around Mt Fuji or in Tokyo with her???

Here is the site where I reserved the free Himeji Castle English speaking tour guide. I did not do the English tours offered at the castle entrance; this was a private guide for just the two of us.

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

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

The two locations are quite a distance apart, even via Shinkansen. Himeji is west of Kyoto, approx half way to Hiroshima and about an hour on the Shinkansen from Kyoto. Mt Fuji is closer to Tokyo. It would a VERY long day from Tokyo. For us it was an entire day out of Kyoto, with an early train ride to get to Himeji to be at the castle shortly after opening, about 4 hours at Himeji Castle & the gardens, late lunch, and a visit to the only all-black-cats cat cafe in Japan. Then the train back to Kyoto and I think we were back in Kyoto after dinner time.

The non-stop trains from Tokyo show as 3-3.5 hours ride each way, so if you’re up for lots of time on the trains, it is doable.

Yes, my ill-thought out plan was to “finish” Tokyo (we have other things to do there pre-trip) and then both parties head out on our way to Kyoto. DH/DS would split off to go to Mt Fuji and DD and I would continue on. Eventually we’d reunite in Kyoto for the start of the tour. But maybe it would make more sense to hang out by Mt Fuji instead? I believe hiking is a 2 day affair, so we’d be spending the night somewhere anyway.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Yes, my ill-thought out plan was to “finish” Tokyo (we have other things to do there pre-trip) and then both parties head out on our way to Kyoto. DH/DS would split off to go to Mt Fuji and DD and I would continue on. Eventually we’d reunite in Kyoto for the start of the tour. But maybe it would make more sense to hang out by Mt Fuji instead? I believe hiking is a 2 day affair, so we’d be spending the night somewhere anyway.

So 3.5 hours from Tokyo to the castle, a couple of hours there, and then 2 hours back to Kyoto.

 

[jimmymc]

I totally agree that the Japan itinerary seems lacking compared to the price you're paying for ABD. It seems like they expect you to do a lot of Tokyo on your own either during or after the trip. The Kyoto and Takayama portions do seem pretty good. I'm putting together my own trip, and this video has been a huge help:

 

[sayhello]

Dinner at Gonpachi
Enjoy a fun and lively meal at this popular destination for Tokyo locals and tourists alike. Hosting the occasional celebrity, the restaurant is also known for its buzzy atmosphere and signature cuisine that pushes traditional Japanese favorites in multiple new directions.
>> Looking on the map this looks like it is near the crossing, but I have no idea whether we get to see it. My daughter, for one, would love to sit in the Starbucks near the crossing and just people watch.

Online this is called the “Kill Bill” restaurant. Having never seen the movie (most of the movies that I watch have had princesses in them for the past decade and a half)…?

I haven't seen "Kill Bill" either, but apparently a huge fight breaks out in a scene in the movie. Quentin Tarantino wanted to actually film it at Gonpachi, but they said "No", so he re-created it for the film. It's a cool restaurant, good food, and the entertainment is a really excellent Taiko drumming group (at least it was when I went the first year, in 2019).

Tokyo SkyTree
Make your way to the top of the tallest structure in Japan and marvel at the magnificent views of the cityscape far below. Measuring at over 2,000 feet (634 meters) tall, Tokyo SkyTree is an active broadcasting facility with modernist charm.
>> Hard no for me.

A lot of people I know really enjoyed this. It was added after I did the ABD.

Kintsugi Experience
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!”
>> I don’t understand this choice at all

This is a hands-on arts & crafts activity. I really love when ABD does these. They always end up being a highlight. This one sounds particularly cool. Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using golden lacquer. (The philosophy is that rather than throwing out the broken item, the gold makes it stronger and more beautiful). I'm friends with one of the Adventure Guides from my Japan ABD, and she posted about this activity. My understanding is they give you the broken pottery, and teach you how to repair it, making a more beautiful piece. The instructor for this activity is a well-known Kintsugi artist. I really wish we'd had this activity when I went!

TeamLab Borderless
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.
>> Just…why?

I did Teamlab Borderless, which is an interactive, digital art installation, during one of the OYO afternoons in 2019. It was *fabulous*! Wandering through the various rooms, experiencing the art was a really amazing experience. I highly recommend it! I'd never heard of such a thing before, and it was just so unique and fascinating. It seemed to reflect very Japanese sensibilities to me.

>> By my reckoning, we’re on our own for the majority of the time in Tokyo. If I’m going to be spending more than $1000/person/day (and we’re a family of 5!) I would expect more than just “go do your own thing.” What am I paying Disney for? Or I’m going to have to hire a guide to take us around while ostensibly on a separate tour.

So many people LOVE this trip, so I feel like I must be missing something.

As @Mathmagicland said, ABD has changed the Tokyo portion of this trip quite frequently. I agree that it seems like there is just SO MUCH to do in Tokyo that they don't feel like things they choose will appeal to everyone, that everyone will want to do and see something different, so they leave it open for folks to do what interests them. They've tried picking stuff, and I guess just got a lot of pushback on what they chose.

The rest of the itinerary is very full. It's really only the Tokyo days that are quite so OYO.

And I don’t remember our group going to Gonpachi so that might also be new with the change to the train ride.

We went to Gonpachi in 2019. It was in the original itinerary, and I did one of the first departures in May of 2019. Maybe they removed it later in the summer? I can't think why, unless they continued to have issues getting there on time (but our issue was that then President Trump was in Tokyo at the same time, and some roads were blocked. It doesn't seem like it would have been an ongoing issue? But who knows?

Sayhello

 

[Mathmagicland]

We went to Gonpachi in 2019. It was in the original itinerary, and I did one of the first departures in May of 2019.

We did go there! I was April, the departure before yours. Your pics refreshed my memory as soon as I saw them. And I remember those drummers!

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I totally get why SkyTree is on the itinerary. I’m sure it’s great. But I was downtown on 9/11, so…I will find something else to do while others go up there.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

@sayhello - Thank you for writing such a detailed description of the pros of Disney’s choices. A quick question though on why you like the arts and crafts activities so much. Are you and artsy person in real life? Is this something that you might choose to do at home if given the opportunity? We are not, so I’m trying to think about whether this is something that would appeal to us. Along the same lines for TeamLab Borderless, do you like (modern) art (museums)? It does look very Japan-ese, but it definitely isn’t something that I would have added to our family’s itinerary given that we have a rather limited tolerance for art (that can be measured in minutes). BUT I have had some great experiences in the past when letting other people pick things that I might not have, so maybe that’s ok?