Japan Trip
CreatorDavid Hartzog
DateMay 28, 2026
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Day 1
Jul 20
- Pre-trip support day
- Drop off Rocket and Ritter between 3:00–4:30 PM at 23621 Welby Way, West Hills
- Aim to have airport bags and medication setup finished tonight
Day 2
HNDJul 21
- Depart LAX Terminal 3 at 10:40 AM on Delta DL0007
- Wheelchair assist confirmed
- Keep essentials and first-night items in carry-ons
Day 3
Jul 22
Grand Nikko Daiba
- Arrive Haneda Terminal 3 at 2:00 PM
- Private van transfer to Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
- Evening split: David & Kim explore Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane; Robert & Nancy keep it easy with a flat promenade stroll and hotel dining
Day 4
Jul 23
Grand Nikko Daiba
- Mt. Fuji & Hakone tour day
- David & Kim can add trails plus Tokyo Skytree later if energy allows
- Robert & Nancy can choose the Hakone Pirate Ship Tōgendai Port for an easier scenic option
Day 5
Jul 24
- Shopping day only — sumo removed
- Morning in Kappabashi / Asakusa
- Afternoon at teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM
- David & Kim: Harajuku/Aoyama denim hunt, then optional views from MAGNET by SHIBUYA109
- Robert & Nancy: Ginza stationery browsing and cafe tea break
Day 6
Jul 25
- Check out of Grand Nikko at 11:00 AM
- Head to Tokyo International Cruise Terminal for embarkation
- Group lunch before boarding if timing is easy
- Ship sails at 4:30 PM
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Day 7
Jul 26
- Shimizu shore day
- David & Kim: temple stairs route
- Robert & Nancy: ropeway and tea terrace
- Leave buffer time returning to the ship
Day 8
Jul 27
- Osaka port day
- David & Kim: Umeda Sky Building and denim shopping
- Robert & Nancy: Osaka Castle Park with the electric road train
- Evening together in Dotonbori for street food
Day 9
Jul 28
- Private Kyoto tour day
- Route includes Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nishiki Market
- Keep lunch and rest breaks planned in advance for the moderate track
Day 10
Jul 29
- Kochi port day
- David & Kim can add Kochi Castle if they want a more active option
- Robert & Nancy focus on Hirome Market and an easy lunch stop
- Keep enough time to explore nearby before heading back
Day 11
Jul 30
- Sea day or recovery day
- Laundry, spa, and slower ship time fit well here
- Reconfirm details for the next port if needed
Day 12
Jul 31
- Busan temple day
- Wear comfortable shoes and plan for some stairs and walking
- Leave extra transit buffer returning to port
Want to tweak this itinerary?
Day 13
Aug 1
- Another lighter ship day works well here
- Good day to sort photos, rest, and prep for Hokkaido and Aomori
- Double-check festival meeting points and tickets
Day 14
Aug 2
- Hakodate day
- Spend time in Motomachi District before the ropeway
- Ride Mt. Hakodate Ropeway later in the day for the best view if port hours allow
Day 15
Aug 3
- Aomori festival night 1
- See the giant floats at Nebuta Hut Rasse Land before heading to the reserved grandstand seating
- Eat early and bring light layers
Day 16
Aug 4
- Aomori festival night 2
- Start with breakfast at Aomori Gyosai Center (Aomori Nokkedon) for nokke-don
- Keep the daytime lighter so everyone still has energy for the evening
Day 17
Aug 5
- Ship day / return toward Tokyo
- Good time for packing, laundry, and final onboard logistics
- Make sure airport transfer details are settled
Day 18
LAXAug 6
- Disembark around 8:30 AM
- Final lunch at Haneda Airport Garden
- Depart Haneda at 4:35 PM and arrive LAX at 11:05 AM
- Pick up the dogs by 6:00 PM
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