April 18–28 · Tokyo → Fuji → Tokyo → Kyoto
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The bullet train (Shinkansen) is how we get between Tokyo and Kyoto — reserved seats sell out, so book now.
When: Apr 24 (Tokyo → Kyoto) and Apr 28 (Kyoto → Tokyo)
How: Register at smart-ex.jp or use the smartEX app
Stations: Tokyo Station ↔ Kyoto Station
⚠ Use a Mastercard or American Express. US-issued Visa cards frequently fail on this platform.
Open smartEX → ↓ Show on itineraryYou'll land with luggage and need a plan to get from the airport to the hotel — options range from direct buses to trains to taxis.
Bybees: We're taking the Airport Limousine Bus from Haneda Terminal 3 → Shinjuku Station West Exit (~5 PM departure). Save the QR code to your phone — scan at the airport kiosk to print your physical ticket.
limousinebus.co.jp →Others: If you're arriving at a different airport or terminal, arrange your own transport — train, bus, or taxi all work.
↓ Show on itineraryJapan's digital immigration and customs form — fill it out before you fly so you can skip the paper forms and move through arrival faster.
How: Register at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp
Process: Complete Immigration and Customs forms. Screenshot both QR codes (Yellow and Blue) for offline access.
Visit Japan Web → ↓ Show on itineraryJapanese law requires lodging providers to verify guest identities — hotels and Airbnbs won't release check-in details until this is done.
Action: Follow pre-registration links in confirmation emails for Hotel Gracery, Mitsui Garden Kyobashi, and both Airbnbs.
⚠ Door codes for the Fuji and Kyoto Airbnbs are legally withheld until both guests' passport photos are uploaded.
↓ Show on itinerarySuica is a rechargeable transit card — tap to ride trains, subways, and buses, and pay at convenience stores and vending machines. You'll use it every day.
Terminal: American Airlines arrives at Haneda Terminal 3
Android: Buy physical Welcome Suica at the red vending machine at the Monorail entrance
iPhone: Add Suica to Apple Wallet with ¥3,000 balance. Use Mastercard/Amex for top-ups.
↓ Show on itineraryOur Fuji train tickets were booked online through Klook but require physical tickets — you need to print them at a machine before boarding.
Where: Shinjuku Station, on Apr 19 or 20
Action: Find a Green JR-East machine (clover logo) and print BOTH outbound (AXH678228) and return (EMH324888) tickets at the same time.
⚠ You cannot easily print return tickets at Kawaguchiko station.
↓ Show on itineraryThe fishing charter is at Lake Biwa, about 20 minutes by train from Kyoto — know the route so the guys can get there on time.
Route: Kyoto Station → guide's marina via JR Kosei Line (typically platform 3)
Payment: Tap-and-go with Suica
↓ Show on itineraryLast day logistics — how to ditch your bags, explore Tokyo hands-free, and get to the airport for evening flights.
Timing: Board a Shinkansen arriving Tokyo Station by 10:30 AM
Bybees + Goods: Walk to Sagawa Express counter (Nihonbashi Exit inside Tokyo Station). Walk-up, no reservation needed. Hand over your bags, tell them Haneda Terminal 3. ~¥3,100/bag. Drop-off deadline is 11 AM — bags arrive at the airport by 4 PM. Go explore Tokyo hands-free, then head to Haneda and pick up bags at the Sagawa counter in Terminal 3 before check-in.
Eslicks: Grab a coin locker at Tokyo Station (Suica tap-to-pay). Plenty available on a Tuesday. Retrieve bags when you're ready to head to your hotel.
To airport (Bybees + Goods): Depart ~4:30 PM. JR Yamanote → Hamamatsucho → Tokyo Monorail → Haneda Terminal 3.
↓ Show on itineraryHotel Gracery Shinjuku
1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8466
Check-in Apr 19 (2 PM) · Check-out Apr 20 (11 AM)
Twin Room, Non Smoking · Reserved for Dave Bybee
Expedia: 73412518118266
You'll be jet-lagged but wired. Shinjuku is sensory overload at night — neon alleys, yakitori smoke, tiny ramen counters. Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) near the station is worth a wander. Don't overthink sushi — pop into whatever looks busy.
Fuji Excursion 93 · Shinjuku 11:34 → Kawaguchiko 13:31 (1h 57m, direct)
Reserved seat, Ordinary Car · Adults × 4
Ref: AXH678228 · Klook · $121.76
Home in Fujikawaguchiko · Hosted by Yoshi
2357-2, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0302
Check-in Mon, Apr 20 (3 PM) · Checkout Wed, Apr 22 (10 AM)
Rooftop deck with BBQ grill, Mt. Fuji views
Hit a local supermarket or fish market near the station for wagyu, seafood, and veggies. Yoshi's place has a rooftop BBQ grill with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop — first night dinner sorted.
Ancient volcanic forest at the base of Mt. Fuji. NaturaBase offers 3hr private guided treks (~$288/group of 4) with hotel pickup. Lava caves, moss-covered trails, eerie quiet. Bring layers.
Rent a swan boat or rowboat for the iconic Fuji-over-water shot. Walk-up at the lakefront, no reservation. ~¥1,000/30 min.
Cozy lakeside cafe with Fuji views. Good matcha, light snacks, wind-down vibe after a morning in the forest. Walk-in.
Fuji Excursion 36 · Kawaguchiko 14:58 → Shinjuku 16:59 (2h 1m, direct)
Reserved seat, Ordinary Car · Adults × 4
Ref: EMH324888 · Klook · $121.76
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi Tokyo Station
1-3-6 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0031
Check-in Wed, Apr 22 (3 PM) · Check-out Fri, Apr 24 (11 AM)
Reserved for Dave Bybee
Expedia: 73418681310474
Getting there: From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) to Tokyo Station. Use the Yaesu Central Exit — 5-min level walk to the hotel.
Tokyo's upscale district — 10-min walk from the hotel. Department stores, art galleries, backstreet izakayas. Good for the ladies to browse while the guys hit tackle shops.
100+ year old tackle shop. Two buildings — one for freshwater bass/trout, one for saltwater. Premium JDM lures: Megabass, Deps, Jackall, Evergreen, O.S.P. Tax-free with passport. 5-min walk from Samurai Restaurant.
Theatrical samurai-themed dinner with live sword performances. Book at least 2 weeks out. Aim for 6 PM show.
shinjuku-samurai.com →Outer market: street food stalls, tiny sushi counters. Maguroya Kurogin for fatty tuna — arrive by 8 AM, first-come first-served. Tamagoyaki and fresh uni are walk-up musts.
Birdland: Michelin-starred yakitori. Book via TableCheck or Pocket Concierge. If unavailable, Mitsui Garden concierge for a Kyobashi izakaya. Welcome dinner for all six.
100-Year Machiya w/ Garden · 3BR+BA · Detached house
Hosted by Domo Plus
295 Daikoku-cho, Kyoto 605-0832
Check-in Fri, Apr 24 (4 PM) · Checkout Tue, Apr 28 (11 AM)
Confirmation: HM2WF4JDAE
Live sumo demo with audience participation + chanko nabe dinner. ~$63/person, 3:30 PM show. High demand Fridays — book early.
kyotosumoclub.com →Kyoto's geisha district at dusk — lantern-lit streets, teahouses, Pontocho alley along the Kamogawa River with tiny restaurants and bars. Best for an evening stroll.
Iconic orange torii gate tunnel up a mountainside. Go by 7 AM — by 10 it's a zoo. Full hike ~2hr round-trip, best photos in the first 20 min. Free, 24/7 access.
Five-block covered market — graze through grilled mochi, takoyaki, tofu, sake tastings. Houkyuuan for unique ice cream, Horaido Tea for matcha. Plan 1.5–2 hours.
Two parallel covered shopping arcades right next to Nishiki Market. Souvenir shops, Japanese knives, ceramics, clothing, snack stalls. Good for gifts. Open until evening.
祇園にしかわ (Gion Nishikawa)
Sat, Apr 25 · 6:30 PM · 6 guests
Zashiki (tatami floor) seating · Occasion: birthday
Dress code: smart-casual · ⚠ Strict 15-min late cancellation policy
Confirmation: Z7QDKG via TableCheck
16km scenic float, hand-poled wooden boats, class 1–2 rapids. JR Sagano Line → Kameoka (20 min), walk to pier. Book ~1 week before via Klook. 9 AM slot recommended.
hozugawakudari.jp →Boat ride ends at Arashiyama — walk straight into the bamboo grove from the river landing. Towering stalks, winding path. Free, open 24/7. Natural pairing with the river boat.
JOYSOUND Kiyamachi — private rooms, English songs, drinks included. ~$30–50/person for 2 hours. Walk-in or book same-day.
Japan Bass Fishing Agent
Lake Biwa · Mon, Apr 27 · Full day, back ~5 PM
Payment confirmed Feb 15, 2026
Pickup time TBD — guide will contact closer to date
Contact: contact@japanbassfishingagent.com
Their call — Kyoto has plenty: kimono rentals in Gion, tea ceremonies, temple walks, ryokan spa day, or revisit Nishiki Market. No need to plan this one.
Narrow alley along the Kamogawa River, packed with small bars and grills. Walk-in, hop between spots, small plates and drinks at each. Last night in Kyoto, all six. Best after 6 PM.