Anime De-Tour | May 27-June 5, 2014

de-tour2014In 2012, Anime Twin Cities (you know, the folks who bring you Anime Detour) teamed up with PacSet to bring you Minnesota’s first pop culture and anime-themed tour to Japan. The response we got was amazing, and the tour was awesome. Now, in 2014, the Anime De-Tour returns – and it’s better than ever!

This time, we’ll not only experience the best of Tokyo – Nakano Broadway, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Akihabara, etc. – we’ll also be visiting the legendary temples and shrines of Kyoto, the neon streets of Osaka, and the scenic fishing village of Tomonoura, which inspired the backdrop for the Hayao Miyazaki film Ponyo. PLUS: A visit to Gundam Front, a ride on the iconic Himiko ferry designed by Leiji Matsumoto, the Shinagawa Sanno Festival, and much, much more – all in a package that includes round trip airfare from Minneapolis! This is one Detour you won’t want to miss!

This tour departs from Minneapolis ONLY. If you are not from the Minnesota area or have never attended Anime Detour, please consider our other tours as this was a tour specifically created for the Minnesota-based convention.


Tour includesTour itinerary:
  • R/T airfare from MSP
  • Travel to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Tomonoura
  • Hostel or hotel accommodations
  • All transportation (train, bus, shinkansen/bullet train) within Japan
  • Meals at Ninja Sweets Cafe in Kyoto and Takonotetsu in Osaka
  • Professional bilingual guide services
  • Custom tour guidebook
  • Admission to all activities
  • Much, much more!

Day 1: Departure!
The departs from Minneapolis for Tokyo!

Day 2: Arrival in Japan
We arrive and check in at our respective accommodations. In the evening, join the guides for an optional evening of fun and games in Akihabara.

Day 3: Gundam, I Choose You!

The day begins in Asakusa, where the famous Kaminarimon Gate and Sensoji Temple await for an early morning shopping trip. Then it’s off to board the Himiko, a special ferry boat designed by famed Anime creator Leiji Matsumoto, as it whisks us off to Odaiba. Upon arrival, guests will get to visit a full-scale model robot at “Gundam Front”, shop the afternoon away, or take an
optional afternoon away to relax in the hot springs of Odaiba’s Oedo Onsen. After a train ride back across the bay, we’ll stop at the Pokemon Center to give you the chance to pick up some limited edition merchandise from that famous anime and video game series.
Option: Oedo Onsen $35

Day 4: Animated Akihabara
Today, we begin by visiting the Ghibli Museum, a museum dedicated to the works of Hayao Miyazaki and his famous animation studio. After that, we head to the main event of the day: a full afternoon in Akihabara, where guests can check out the latest in anime merchandise, scope out a few video arcades, shop for figures, and even join us for an optional jaunt to a maid
café. That evening, choose to relax or head to Roppongi to see a performance by the amazing Roppongi Kingyo cabaret – an amazing music and dance show performed by some guys who just happen to look more like girls. Trust us – it’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Options: Maid Cafe $40, Roppongi Kingyo Cabaret Show $60

Day 5: Festivities Abound
We begin in Harajuku to check out Japan’s most iconic neighborhood for alternative culture. Check out the latest in kitschy fashion or pick up some limited edition Evangelion Merchandise at the Evangelion Store. That afternoon, we head south to Shinagawa for the Shinagawa Sanno Matsuri, a famous shinto festival procession that is bound to impress and amaze. Finally, we
head to the otaku shopping paradise of Nakano Broadway to finish the day.

Day 6: FREE DAY!
Participants are free to explore as they wish today! Guides will be on hand in the morning for a “concierge time” to help participants get where they want to go or arrange for activities.

Day 7: Osamu and Osaka
The tour heads west – via the famous Shinkansen “bullet train” – to Osaka, where we’ll start off with a visit to the museum dedicated to Japan’s most famous manga author, Osamu Tezuka. That night, guests will be whisked back to Umeda, one of Osaka’s prime areas for exploring and partying, before sitting down for a dinner of two Osakan delicacies: savory Takoyaki and
Okonomiyaki (this meal is included with the tour).

Day 8: Capital Experience
Today we spend a full day in Japan’s ancient capital city, Kyoto. A private bus will take you to the famous Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji and the Kyoto villa of the Tokugawa shogunate, Nijo Castle. After sneaking around the castle, we’ll proceed to lunch before visiting Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto’s most famous Temple which offers a fantastic view of the city. Satisfy your sweet tooth in the evening with a trip to Kyoto’s Ninja Sweets Café, where you’ll get an all-you-can-eat buffet of food, drinks, and cakes – 30 kinds of them, in fact – presented to you by the in house ninjas.

Day 9: Tomonoura!
Today we leave the city for the country – but not just anywhere. We’ll be spending the day in Tomonoura, an ancient fishing village which inspired the backdrop for the Miyazaki/Ghibli anime film Ponyo. Explore shops, sample locally brewed drinks and wine, climb up to scenic temples or just take in the beautiful sea views – the choice is yours!

Day 10: Return home ;_;
We depart for Minneapolis.

  • email: info [at] pacsettours.com
    tel: +1.310.218.3816
    hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm PST
    (closed during major holidays)
    CST#2107554-40
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