The Anime Pilgrimage
A fan’s dream journey through Japan’s most iconic anime and manga landmarks, from Akihabara’s glow to the magic of Ghibli Park.
Cities in this Itinerary:
Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto
Itinerary Overview:
8
Nights
Tokyo – 4 nights
The capital of anime culture,Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Odaiba, anime cafés, and shoppingNagoya – 2 nights
Home base for a day trip to Ghibli Park, Toei Animation Museum, and otaku boutiquesKyoto – 2 nights
Cultural tie-ins and real-life inspiration behind countless anime (e.g., Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion streets)
Verified
Kabuk Hotels
In This Trip:
Recommended
Cultural Experiences:
Akihabara shopping: Mandarake, Animate, Gundam Base
Ikebukuro’s Otome Road + Pokémon Center
Ghibli Park (ticketed entry; reserve in advance)
Toei Animation Museum or Osu Shopping Street (Nagoya)
Kyoto International Manga Museum + Fushimi Inari walk
Concierge-suggested themed cafés, exhibitions, or pop-ups during your trip dates
Day-by-Day
Journey
Day 1 — Arrival in Tokyo: Enter the Anime Capital
Arrival & Transfer: Land in Tokyo (Haneda/Narita); check in to NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO.
Evening Walk: Akihabara’s electric streets — arcades, figure shops, capsule toys, and ramen stalls.
Dinner: Local izakaya or themed café (Gundam, Square Enix, or Final Fantasy).
Day 2 — Akihabara & Ikebukuro Adventures
Morning: Explore Mandarake, Animate, and Radio Kaikan — collectors’ havens.
Afternoon: Head to Ikebukuro’s Otome Road, Sunshine City, and Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo.
Evening: Relax at a manga café or check out limited-time anime pop-ups.
Day 3 — Odaiba & Studio Stops
Morning: Visit DiverCity Tokyo Plaza for the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue.
Afternoon: teamLab Planets or Fuji TV building, both featuring anime tie-ins.
Evening: Dine at Odaiba’s bay-side restaurants with skyline views.
Day 4 — Tokyo Hidden Fandom Gems
Morning: Explore Nakano Broadway, Tokyo’s treasure trove of retro manga and merch.
Afternoon: Optional studio-themed visit (e.g., Suginami Animation Museum).
Evening: Shinjuku nightlife or anime film screening at a local theater.
Day 5 — Tokyo → Nagoya: Journey to Ghibli Park
Morning Transfer: Shinkansen to Nagoya (~1 hr 45 min).
Check-In: Ibis Styles Nagoya — modern base near Nagoya Station.
Afternoon: Visit Osu Shopping Street (vintage shops, anime boutiques, and crepe cafés).
Evening: Dine in Nagoya’s izakaya district; unwind with city views.
Day 6 — Ghibli Park & Toei Animation Magic
Morning: Ghibli Park (advance ticketed entry). Wander Dondoko Forest and the Ghibli Grand Warehouse.
Afternoon: Toei Animation Museum or Nagoya City Science Museum (depending on time).
Evening: Return for a quiet dinner; optional stroll through Nagoya TV Tower lights.
Day 7 — Nagoya → Kyoto: Culture Meets Fantasy
Transfer: Shinkansen to Kyoto (~40 min); check in to OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts.
Afternoon: Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum or take a café break in Kawaramachi.
Evening: Walk Gion’s lantern alleys — echoes of anime like Kimi no Na wa (Your Name).
Day 8 — Kyoto: Real-Life Inspirations
Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine, seen in countless anime scenes.
Afternoon: Explore Higashiyama streets or Ninenzaka for traditional backdrops.
Evening: Optional dinner with a Kyoto view — or a quiet night sketching in your journal.
Day 9 — Departure
Morning: Final breakfast and souvenir stop.
Transfer: Depart via Kyoto Station to Osaka (KIX) or Tokyo (HND/NRT).
