Day 1 – Arrival in Japan
Our adventure kicked off with an 11-hour direct flight from LAX to Japan. We lucked out with an empty row, allowing us to stretch out and relax during the flight. With tasty food, free Wi-Fi, and a few naps, the journey went by smoothly. Upon arrival, we took a bus into the heart of Tokyo and checked into our hotel.
After settling in, we wasted no time and headed out to satisfy my goal of eating at a tiny, authentic local restaurant. We stumbled upon the perfect spot—a hole-in-the-wall ramen joint that served the best ramen I’ve ever tasted. Despite the long travel day, I was so excited for what lay ahead in the coming week.
Day 2 – Jet Lag, Coffee Flights, and Sushi Making
Thanks to jet lag, I was up bright and early at 2 a.m. while the city still slept. Our first stop of the day was Starbucks Reserve in Tokyo, a location I’d been eager to visit. The coffee flight I ordered was fantastic, paired with a delicious pistachio pastry that made the morning even better.
Afterward, we hit the mall for some retail therapy, including a visit to Lululemon.
Later, we picked up snacks for a taste test video (check out our TikTok and Instagram videos!) and rested before heading to one of the most memorable activities of the trip—a sushi-making class. This intimate, hands-on experience was a dream come true. I’ve never felt more connected to the culture and cuisine than I did in that class. Today was a whirlwind of emotions, and I found myself tearing up a few times, feeling incredibly grateful for this journey.
Day 3 – Exploring Tokyo’s Icons: Shrines, Towers, and Temples
After finally getting a full night’s sleep, we started the day with coffee and donuts from Mister Donut before embarking on a 7-hour guided city tour. Our day was filled with iconic Tokyo sights:
Meiji Shrine: A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
Tokyo Tower: Stunning views of the sprawling metropolis.
Tsukiji Market: An incredible lunch stop where we tasted fresh seafood.
Imperial Palace Gardens: Beautifully manicured grounds steeped in history.
Sensoji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple, where we soaked in the traditional atmosphere.
The day was topped off with a visit to the shops near Sensoji Temple, where we all picked out personalized, engraved chopsticks—souvenirs to cherish! Our private guide was amazing, making the day both educational and fun. Every moment felt like a gift, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how each day in Japan seemed to be the "best day ever!"
Day 4 – Immersive Art, Hedgehogs, and Foodie Delights
We began Day 4 with a visit to TeamLab Planets Tokyo, an immersive digital art museum that completely blew my mind. Walking through rooms filled with light and interactive elements was a surreal experience. Next, we headed to Shibuya, home to the famous Shibuya Crossing—the busiest crosswalk in the world. We couldn’t resist grabbing lunch at Tokyo McDonald’s, and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations!
From there, the day took a cute turn as we visited a Hedgehog Café, followed by a stop at a Cat Café. Both were adorable and offered a unique opportunity to unwind and enjoy some animal cuddles. Later, we strolled down Takeshita Street for a bit more shopping before heading back to the hotel to rest up for the night. Our evening was spent on a traditional Tokyo food and drink tour, where we sampled everything from sushi to ramen, and even more adventurous dishes like pickled plum and chicken meatballs. I didn’t love every single bite, but I was proud of myself for trying it all!
Day 5 – A Journey to Mount Fuji
Today’s adventure took us on a 10-hour round trip to the legendary Mount Fuji. Despite the overcast skies, the beauty of Mount Fuji was breathtaking, and seeing it in person was something I’ll never forget. Our private driver took us to several fascinating stops along the way, making the trip even more enriching. We enjoyed an incredible lunch, and by 2 p.m., we were at the top of the lookout point for Mount Fuji. The views were unforgettable, and the feeling of standing in front of Japan’s most iconic mountain was humbling.
Day 6 – Tokyo Disney Dreams Come True
Today was our Tokyo Disneyland day, and it was beyond magical. Now, I wouldn’t call myself a Disney fanatic, but experiencing Disneyland in Japan was a whole new level of wonder. I found myself tearing up at least five times—it was that emotional! There’s something special about seeing a familiar place in a completely different cultural context.
We spent the entire day riding rides, indulging in all the food, and soaking up the magic of this incredible park. Our hotel was just as spectacular, making the whole Disney experience one I’ll remember forever. Even though I thought today was the pinnacle, we still had one more Disney day left—Tokyo DisneySea!
Day 7 – Tokyo DisneySea and a Bittersweet Farewell
Our final full day in Japan was spent at Tokyo DisneySea, which has to be one of the most unique Disney parks in the world. From Aladdin to The Little Mermaid, each themed land was beautifully designed and felt like stepping into another world. We rode rides that aren’t available at other Disney parks, and once again, we ate all the food. Tokyo DisneySea truly surpassed my expectations.
As the day wound down, I felt a bittersweet mix of happiness and sadness. I was excited to return home to see my husband and pups, but I knew I would miss Tokyo dearly. This has undoubtedly been the best trip of my life, and I’m already dreaming about when I can return. In fact, we’re thinking about organizing a Tokyo Pixie Planner group trip April 2026!
As this incredible journey comes to an end, I can’t help but reflect on the countless memories and experiences that made Japan unforgettable. From the cultural wonders of Tokyo to the magic of Disney, every moment was filled with excitement, awe, and adventure.
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Japan—or any other destination—why not make it a reality? Whether you want to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich history, take in the beauty of Mount Fuji, or experience the wonder of Tokyo Disney, we’re here to help you plan your perfect getaway. Every adventure is unique, and we’re passionate about crafting personalized itineraries that reflect your travel dreams.
Let us help you plan your dream Japan vacation tailored to you! Visit www.thepixieplanner.com/social or reach out to your favorite Pixie Planner to request your free quote today!
We’re The Pixie Planner—We Know Because We Go! ✈️
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