u/GreyEyedOwl

How was it? Is it worth going?

I am debating seeing the Super Kabuki adaptation of Princess Mononoke while I'm in Tokyo next month. I'm a Studio Ghibli fan, and have seen most of the movies. Spirited Away is actually my favorite, so the purists maybe wouldn't consider me a real fan, lol.

I only have a few days in Tokyo and it's a pretty big cost and time commitment. See this post for the rest of my itinerary: [https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/1v3j03n/7\\\_days\\\_kyototokyo\\\_in\\\_august\\\_help\\\_me\\\_prune/\](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/1v3j03n/7\_days\_kyototokyo\_in\_august\_help\_me\_prune/)

I also don't speak Japanese, but I'm very familiar with the story and would have no problem following along if it sticks to the movie plot.

On a scale of "original cast of Hamilton, absolute can't miss experience" to "there are way better things to do in Tokyo with your time and money" where would you put it?

I'm a woman in my 40s traveling solo as an extension to a work trip. I want to make the most of a free flight to Japan, even if it's in August. This will be my second time in Japan. I did most of the main touristy sites on the golden route last time (2018) so less interested in that this time.

This time I've fallen into the FOMO trap and have a million things I'm trying to cram in. Part of me says that indoor, scheduled activities are better than wandering around aimlessly in 100 degree heat, but I know I probably need to scale back. Generally, I like experiences, hands on workshops, food. I'm less into museums, castles, fighting crowds of tourists (I know somewhat unavoidable, but hoping to minimize)

Most of it is either not booked yet or refundable, so not much set in stone. What's worth keeping and what should I skip? Anything I'm missing that's worth adding in?

Sat, Kyoto
Morning: train to Kyoto, arrive late morning. Sanjusangendo.
Midday: sushi lunch in Higashiyama.
Afternoon: wander Shichijo - mitarashi dango, warabimochi, iced matcha, kakigori etc.
Late afternoon: check in to a temple stay in Higashiyama

Sun, Kyoto
Early morning: morning service, temple breakfast, checkout.
Late morning: kumihimo braiding workshop
Afternoon: Drop bags, wander, light lunch.
Evening: fancy kaiseki dinner

Mon, Wazuka tea farm
Mid morning: shuttle from Kizu Station out to Obubu Tea Farm.
Day at the farm.
Late afternoon: shuttle back, train to Kyoto.
Early evening: taiko performance, 45 minutes.
Evening: walk in dinner near hotel

Tue, Kyoto to Tokyo
Morning: shinkansen to Tokyo, arrive late morning. Bag drop at hotel near Ueno Station
Midday: sushi lunch near Ueno
Early afternoon: check in, shower, rest
Late afternoon to evening: Super Kabuki Princess Mononoke, 16:00 to 19:40.
After: Ueno summer festival stalls at Shinobazu Pond.

Wed, Asakusabashi, Kuramae, Ginza
Early morning: lotus in bloom at Shinobazu Pond.
Morning: 2 hour tatami making workshop in Asakusabashi.
Late morning to early afternoon: wander Asakusabashi wholesale supply streets, then Kuramae maker shops. walk-in light lunch
Early afternoon: back to the room, shower, rest.
Late afternoon: Ginza. Jazz kissaten, shopping
Evening: fancy tempura dinner.

Thu, Yanaka
Mid morning to late afternoon: Yanesen neighborhood food tour, 10:00 to 16:00.
Late afternoon: Himitsudo for kakigori.
Early evening: back to the room, shower, pack.
Evening: Kabukiza single act ticket, dance program, 19:00 to 20:50. Light dinner/dessert after if hungry

Fri, departure
Early morning: sumo stable morning practice, 8:30 to 10:30.
Mid morning: hoping to get a late check out and a shower before storing bags. If not, check out before sumo.
Midday: Lunch or souffle pancakes near Ueno.
Early afternoon: Skyliner from Keisei-Ueno.
Evening: 18:00 flight out of Narita.

Other stuff of interest that didn't make the cut:

• Papermaking experience in Asakusa
• Kappabashi
• Nippori Fabric Town
• Tokyo National Museum
• A jazz club set
• Shimokitazawa
• Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Komaba
• JINS, Kaneko Optical,
• yarn shopping