Japan & Hong Kong Expedition

Flight JL7355

Flight JL7011 — Begin the 13+ hour journey across the Pacific. Crossing the International Date Line overnight.

Terminal 2

JR Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then 5-minute taxi to hotel.

Ginza-dori branch (5-min walk from Hotel The Celestine). Relaxed arrival meal. The chain is owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the self-proclaimed "Tuna King," famous for spending millions to win the first bluefin tuna auction of the year.

Turret Coffee Ginza: Cult-favorite specialty coffee shop, 6-minute walk from hotel. Famous for heavy-hitting lattes and industrial vibe.

A Happy Pancake Ginza (7-min walk from hotel). Instagram-famous fluffy soufflé pancakes.

Experience Highlights:

• Imperial Grandeur: Pedaling along the moats of the Imperial Palace Plaza
• Hidden Akasaka: Winding streets and neighborhood shrines
• The Shimbashi Pulse: Cycling past the "Salaryman" standing bars under the train tracks

Options:

• Yakitori Shinkura — Refined yakitori with premium Jidori chicken (3-min to Bar Centifolia)
• Savoy Azabu-Juban — Legendary wood-fired Neapolitan pizza (4-min to Bar Centifolia)
• Afuri Ramen — Modern ramen with signature yuzu shio broth (5-min to Bar Centifolia)

Masterful theatrical mixology featuring dramatic liquid nitrogen performances. Set alarm for Feb 25th, 9:00 AM CST for reservation.

Bongen Coffee: Minimalist, boutique coffee stand with beautiful bonsai trees (8-min walk from hotel).

What to Expect: Contrast between spiritual serenity and cutting-edge urban style. Serene forest escape vs. vibrant Harajuku streets.

Route:

1. Meiji Jingu: Walk the main forested path to the inner shrine
2. Omotesando Dori: The "Champs-Élysées of Tokyo" with luxury architecture
3. The Backstreets (Ura-Hara): Hidden cafes and local boutiques
4. Cat Street: Follow the winding pedestrian path toward Shibuya. Stop at The Roastery by Nozy Coffee
5. Ending Point: Exit near Miyashita Park in Shibuya

GetYourGuide Tour
Experience Highlights: Smoke-filled Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) yakitori, neon chaos of Kabukicho, and miniature bars of Golden Gai.
Menu: Charcoal-grilled Wagyu, handmade gyoza, Tsukemen. Book in advance.

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple. Enter through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate and walk down Nakamise-dori for traditional snacks and crafts.

3-hour guided tour exploring Tokyo's hub for manga, anime, and video game enthusiasts. Understand the roots of Japanese otaku culture through its living marketplace.

Ginza Ukai-tei — High-end Teppanyaki in a fusion setting.

Visit Ekiben-ya Matsuri inside Tokyo Station to pick up high-end bento boxes. Download SmartEX App to book on Feb 15th.

Seats E for Mt. Fuji views. Enjoy your Ekiben during the 2.5-hour journey.

Check-in at The Blossom Kyoto

Stroll at dusk to spot Maiko heading to appointments.

Shijo-Kawaramachi. Award-winning, bite-sized gyoza in a fun, casual environment. (15-min walk from hotel)

What to Expect:

• Traditional Performance: Seasonal dance by Maiko (apprentice Geisha)
• Matcha Ritual: Meticulous preparation of Matcha tea with wagashi sweets
• Interaction: Ask questions via translator about training and lifestyle
• Photo Op: Formal photo opportunity with performers

• Gion Duck Noodles: Refined duck ramen & tsukemen (duck emoji on sign)
• Izuju Sushi: Historic Kyoto-style sushi, famous for Saba-zushi (cured mackerel)

Oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, located in Gion. Stunning rock gardens and massive "Twin Dragons" ceiling painting in the Hatto hall. Peaceful self-guided afternoon.

• Kyoto Rocking Chair: Sophisticated cocktail in fireplace-lit setting
• Robin: 150-year-old townhouse, seasonal Kyoto ingredients & charcoal-grilled dishes
• Pontocho Yurara: Small plates & sake with river views

Walden Woods Kyoto: Minimalist white coffee "forest," 6-minute walk from hotel. Unique tiered seating and house-roasted beans.

Torisei Honten: Converted sake cellar. Premier yakitori & sake-brewing-water-based dishes.

Brewery tour and tasting in Japan's premium sake district.

Deep-dive into 800-meter covered arcade frequented by locals. Book GetYourGuide tour.

Arashiyama's most important Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Sogenchi Garden (centuries old) and famous "Cloud Dragon" ceiling painting.

Arashiyama Yoshimura — Handmade soba noodles with incredible views of Togetsukyo Bridge and Oi River.

Arashiyama/Sagano route. Hear the clacking of Bamboo Grove, cycle quiet residential hamlets, wide river views.

Kyoto institution. Udon with seasonal vegetables, sesame, ginger. Healthy, flavorful end to active day.

Nishiki Market ("Kyoto's Kitchen"): 400-year-old marketplace. Watch local chefs source ingredients, try seasonal street food.
Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Arcades: Covered shopping streets for traditional crafts, world-class matcha at Ippodo Tea Co., artisanal paper at Kyukyu-do.

Kura Sushi (Nijo) — Fun, high-tech conveyor belt sushi near castle area.

Nijo Castle (Nijojo): UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Ninomaru Palace with "nightingale floors" (chirp when stepped on to warn of assassins) and palace gardens.

Elite Knife Shopping:

• Aritsugu: Inside Nishiki Market; legendary swordsmith founded 1560
• Shigeharu: Only remaining swordsmith with physical shop in Kyoto; intimate experience

• Premium Robata Sanda: Sophisticated modern robata. Watch chefs grill high-grade Sanda beef & seasonal vegetables over binchotan charcoal. Book via TableCheck for March 21.
• Musashi (Pontocho): Classic, high-energy traditional robatayaki. Chefs kneel behind fresh ingredients, serve with long wooden paddle (shamoji).

Yamaneko Gion: Sake in a historic teahouse.

Take JR Special Rapid Service (29 mins) to Osaka Station, then Midosuji Line to Namba. Check-in: Hotel Royal Classic Osaka

GetYourGuide Tour — Explore Namba's vibrant nightlife and hidden bars.

Namba to Kansai Airport (KIX)

Flight JL7053

Airport Express to Central. Check-in: Butterfly on Wellington

Michelin-starred dim sum experience

Experience sunset over Hong Kong's iconic skyline

Pre-order Peking Duck. Book at least 30 days in advance.

Man Mo Temple visit or final shopping in Central

Begin journey home

Flight JL0026