J4Y – Anime Tour 16 Days - Budget travel to Japan for students

At the airport, we meet our tour leader (your guide for the entire anime pilgrimage). Before we even board, we’re already firing off questions — because we’re beyond hyped to experience the “Land of the Rising Sun…and anime.”

Then it’s time for the long haul: about 11 hours in the air and seven time zones to cross. Perfect excuse to rewatch your favorite series, download a few movies, and get your playlist ready — because once we land, it’s going to be non-stop moments that feel like you’ve stepped straight into an opening scene.

WE’RE HERE! We land at Kansai International Airport near Osaka — aka the hometown of Heiji Hattori from Detective Conan. And yes, the first mission is obvious: taste-test okonomiyaki and see if it lives up to the anime hype.

Even the “Japanese pizza” from the airport convenience store (konbini) surprises us — Japan really doesn’t miss.

After a short bus ride, we arrive at our hotel in the heart of Kyoto, the city of tradition and history. But today? We’re keeping it simple. Jetlag is real, and the bed is calling.

Of course, we try to watch anime on TV… only to discover it usually starts after midnight. Fine. Tomorrow, we go full adventure mode.

Today we explore Kyoto, and honestly it feels like a Japanese class trip straight out of anime. First stop: Fushimi Inari Shrine. That first red torii gate is iconic — but the real “endless torii tunnel” starts deeper behind the main shrine (exactly where it should be).

Our guide breaks down the history and meaning of the shrine, but let’s be real: we’re also here for the photos. And yes — the torii shots go hard.

The Legendary Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Next: Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. The massive wooden terrace is even more impressive in real life than in any screenshot, anime scene, or travel reel. Instant “wow” moment.

Manga Museum + Kyoto’s Shopping Streets

Then we hit the Manga Museum, basically a paradise for manga and anime fans — and yes, they even have some manga in German. After that, we wander through Teramachi Street, a covered shopping arcade packed with cool stores.

We end up on Kawaramachi, one of Kyoto’s main shopping streets, where fan dreams come true: Nintendo vibes, Pokémon energy, and endless places to “just look” (and somehow still buy things).

My wallet is suffering… but this is Japan. It’s part of the experience.

We start the day with Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion — and yes, it’s actually covered in gold leaf. It’s so shiny and unreal that everyone goes quiet for a second. That kind of “no filter needed” beauty.

Then it’s off to scenic Arashiyama. The bamboo grove is exactly how you imagine it: tall green stalks, soft wind, and a vibe that feels straight-up magical. We also visit the Togetsukyo Bridge — a total anime-background classic.

Feeding Monkeys like Mio from K-ON!

Next, we climb up to Iwatayama Monkey Park. At the top, we get to feed the monkeys — and if you’ve watched K-ON!, you already know why this feels iconic. For a moment, it genuinely feels like we’re inside an anime episode.

Today’s mission is for real fans: we head to Nishinomiya. Regular tourists might skip it, but anime fans know the truth — this city is basically holy ground for The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

A Next-Level Anime Pilgrimage

As soon as we arrive at Koyoen Station, it hits: the scenery looks like it jumped straight out of the series. While walking toward Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station, we spot familiar places like Hirota Shrine and Shin-Ike Pond Park. Every stop feels like déjà vu — the good kind.

We wrap it up with a chill break at Coffee-ya Dream Café before heading on to Osaka.

Quick Stop: Umeda Sky Building

In Osaka, we visit the open-air observation deck of Umeda Sky Building. From up high, the city stretches out forever — skyline, sea, and endless rooftops. Osaka looks unreal from here.

We move on to the next city — but first, a special detour to Toyosato. Here we visit an old elementary school building that inspired the Sakuragaoka High School from K-ON!. Walking those halls feels weirdly familiar, like you’ve been there before… because you basically have (through the anime).

The Award-Winning Inspiration

Next, we head to Kiyosu Castle, said to have inspired the visuals behind the Oscar-winning film Spirited Away. Exploring the castle, you can totally understand why creators pull ideas from places like this — the atmosphere feels straight-up enchanted.

After a full day of anime magic, we continue to Nagoya and get ready for the next big highlight.

Today is the day: Ghibli Park in Nagoya. We have the whole day to dive into Studio Ghibli’s world — and it’s pure magic. After yesterday’s “real-life inspiration” spots, today we get to explore detailed recreations and scenes from iconic films.

From My Neighbor Totoro to Howl’s Moving Castle, it feels like walking through imagination. I take an embarrassing number of photos, keep finding tiny details, and basically live my best Ghibli life.

By evening, I’m exhausted — but the happiest kind of exhausted. Tomorrow: early start, new adventure.

Early morning, we take the bus to Shirakawa-go, a peaceful mountain village and UNESCO World Heritage site. It looks calm and cute… which is extra wild when you remember it inspired the dark anime Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.

Gassho-Zukuri Houses — Anime Meets Reality

At the Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en museum, we spot the famous house with the watermill — the friends’ meeting point in the anime. Seeing it in real life is such a surreal “wait… this is real?” moment.

We stroll through the village, admire the steep-roofed traditional houses, and take in the view from the lookout point — it’s postcard-level beautiful.

From Higurashi to Hyouka — Takayama Time

Next up: Takayama and its historic old town. Walking the streets, we recognize scenes from Hyouka. If you’re a fan, this is a straight-up dopamine boost.

Ryokan Night + Onsen Relax

Tonight we stay in a traditional ryokan with a real onsen. Thanks to anime, we already know the basic etiquette — and after soaking, we sleep like we’ve been reset.

We continue exploring Takayama, starting at the peaceful Hie Shrine. Looking at it, I swear I’ve seen it before — and our guide confirms it: this shrine inspired scenes in Your Name (as the shrine connected to the fictional village of Itomori).

Later, we visit Hida-Furukawa Station, another spot that feels instantly familiar to fans. Standing there in real life is honestly surreal.

Shinkansen Ride to Tokyo

In the afternoon, we board the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo. Fast, smooth, iconic — it’s a Japan experience on its own.

Tokyo hits us with its energy the moment we arrive, but after a packed day, we recharge early. Tomorrow is Tokyo nostalgia overload.

Today we dive into Japan’s capital — the stage for countless anime stories. First stop: Tokyo Tower. Seeing it in real life after watching it in Sailor Moon as a kid is actually emotional. From the observation deck, the city looks endless.

We also visit Azabu Hikawa Shrine (a familiar spot for many Sailor Moon fans) and the peaceful Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park.

Odaiba — Tokyo’s Futuristic Island

In the afternoon, we head to Odaiba. We walk through Daiba Park, visit the beach area, and enjoy skyline views.

Then we stop at Fuji TV — and yes, the building looks exactly like the one from Digimon. We even get to go inside the famous sphere. This day is pure nostalgia and it hits hard.

We start the day slow with a relaxed walk through Shinjuku Gyoen. Calm gardens, fresh air — the perfect warm-up before Tokyo goes full speed again.

Tokyo’s Most Famous Stairs

Next: Suga Shrine. On the way, we spot the staircase with the red handrail — the iconic scene from Your Name. Standing there feels unreal, like you’ve stepped into a frame you’ve replayed a hundred times.

After that, we head to the chaotic heart of Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing.

Crêpes in Harajuku → Anime Heaven in Akihabara

After a quick stop at Yoyogi Park, we hit Harajuku — and yes, we’re getting crêpes. If you’ve seen Jujutsu Kaisen, you already know the vibe.

Then it’s time for Akihabara, the ultimate anime + tech district. We visit Yanagimori Shrine (featured in Steins;Gate), then dive into Electric Town.

Radio Kaikan is the dream: figures, collectibles, merch, rare finds — everything. The only problem is figuring out how to fit it all in your suitcase.

We leave Tokyo for the coastal town of Kamakura. First stop: Sasuke Inari Shrine, reached by a short but steep climb. The fox charms here are adorable and make the perfect souvenir.

Then we head to Yuigahama Beach for real vacation vibes. We continue to Joju-in Temple, and suddenly it hits: this area shows up in Elfen Lied. Being in a place you recognize from an anime is always a crazy feeling.

Sunset on Enoshima

In the afternoon, we ride the charming Enoden train to Enoshima. It’s romantic, scenic, and full of couples — our guide explains it’s not only popular with fans of Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, but also with couples chasing that perfect sunset.

And yeah… the sunset over the ocean is genuinely magical. Perfect ending.

Today we visit Chichibu, a cozy town full of anime magic. First up is the famous Old Chichibu Bridge, instantly recognizable to fans of Anohana. We also visit Jorin-ji Temple and Chichibu Shrine, key spots where the characters often meet. It’s emotional and nostalgic in the best way.

Back to the Action: Ikebukuro

After peaceful countryside vibes, we return to Tokyo — and head straight to Ikebukuro. We hit Sunshine 60 Street, packed with game centers and claw machines full of Pokémon plushies. The energy is loud, bright, and fun.

And yes, we joke about hoping Shizuo from Durarara!! isn’t around throwing vending machines today.

We head to Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city — modern harbor vibes mixed with historic charm. We start at the Harbor View Park Observatory for incredible views over the city and port.

And if you’re a Bungo Stray Dogs fan, you’ll be looking around like: “Is this where it happens?” Because yes, the series is set here.

Japan’s Biggest Chinatown + Street Food

Next: Yokohama Chinatown, the largest in Japan. It’s colorful, busy, and packed with street-food stands. We snack our way through and then continue to the Red Brick Warehouse. Along the way, we even spot Pokémon manhole covers — a small detail, but weirdly exciting.

Free Time in Minato Mirai

In the afternoon we walk along the waterfront to Minato Mirai and explore freely. Options are dangerous (in a good way): the Cup Noodles Museum or Yokohama Cosmo World with its giant Ferris wheel and harbor views. Either way, Yokohama leaves a strong impression.

Today is fully yours: explore Tokyo however you want. But first, I interrogate our guide for tips — because Tokyo’s subway system is basically a boss level if your sense of direction is weak.

With the best routes and recommendations in hand, it’s time to go full adventure mode. Shopping, cafés, hidden streets, anime spots, museums — build your own final Tokyo chapter.

Today we head back home. On the way to the airport, everything replays in my head: the real-life anime locations, the places I only knew from screens, and those moments that felt genuinely magical.

One thing is 100% certain: I’m coming back.

Japan is so much more than what you see in anime — and that’s exactly why this isn’t the end. It’s just the first season.

Mata-ne, Japan — Until Next Time!