Third Impact | October 20-29, 2014
The year is 2014: the year in which one of the most legendary anime series of all time, Neon Genesis Evangelion, is first set. Although the Angels have not wreaked the havoc we once expected them to, EVA fandom is at an all time high. PacSet is proud to present a unique tour crafted just for these fans: a tour of the sites, sounds, and culture behind Evangelion.
We will be working our way through modern Tokyo – Tokyo-1 – to see some of the shops and restaurants (yup, restaurants) dedicated to Evangelion. We then retreat to Tokyo-2, also known as Matsumoto, to see the old castle that ties the city to its past and hints at the city’s role after Second Impact. Finally, after a visit to the Evangelion theme park at the foot of Mt. Fuji, we will arrive at Hakone – Tokyo-3 – to relax at a luxury hot spring ryokan and explore the sites and areas that inspired the look and feel of Evangelion. On top of all that, we’ve also upgraded all the hotel accommodations to accommodate even the most discerning of guests.
Whether you are a casual fan of the series or can sing Cruel Angel’s Thesis from memory, this is a tour that you won’t forget. While we aren’t expecting the end times, you’ll want to be there for the Third Impact.
- R/T airfare from Los Angeles
- Luxury hotel accommodations in Tokyo-1 (3 nights), Tokyo-2/Matsumoto (2 nights), and 3 nights at a hot spring onsen in Tokyo-3/Hakone
- Stops in Tokyo, Matsumoto, Fuji Q Highland Park, Hakone
- All transportation (train, ropeway, bus, shinkansen/”bullet train”, etc.) within Japan
- Professional bilingual guide services
- Admission to all activities
- Customized tour guidebook
- Nightly turndown service with local snacks and homemade sweets
- Much, much more!
We know there are a lot of Evangelion fans out there, and we wanted to create something special just for you. Our PacSet Picks are a bit adventurous, but we’re hoping you’ll join us in this one of a kind adventure!
We board a plane from LAX to Tokyo-1.
Day 2: Synchronize
Upon arrival, we’ll jet to our hotel before checking out Tokyo Tower – a place where a few other anime have said the world will begin or end (but what do they know?). Take in the views before a late dinner and the inevitable post-flight jetlag recovery nap.
Day 3: Outfitting Unit-1
The day will begin in Harajuku, where the official Evangelion Store awaits your visit. The later hours will see us in Shinjuku – the cultural center of Tokyo-1 – to have a uniquely “Evangelion”-flavored dining experience at Bar NERV.
Day 4: Self-reliance
You can do whatever you like today (as always, a guide will be on hand to help with directions), but if you mustn’t run away, stick with us as we head to Akihabara and Nakano Broadway to see what Evangelion goodies we can dig up!
Day 5: The Black Fortress
Send your bags ahead to Hakone and pack something smaller – we’re heading out on the train to Tokyo-2! Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll pass the scenic hillsides and avenues of the city on our way to Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest and most well-known castles.
Day 6: Plug Suited
The Evangelion section of the Fuji-Q Highland theme park is our destination today, where you’ll have the chance to step a little closer to the universe that the characters of Evangelion live in. After a long day at the park, we retire to the city and a night out, where we can drink like Misato (if you like ^-~).
Day 7: Kaji’s Fields
The time has come: Tokyo-3 – Hakone – is our destination today! Upon arriving, we’ll drop our stuff off at the hot spring and proceed to the volcanic caldera of Owakudani, where sulphur-scented vapors hint at what NERV might be hiding below. In the evening, we’ll get together for the first “ryokan party” of the trip!
Day 8: Dance like you want to win!
The time to explore Tokyo-3 is upon us! We’ll hit a number of sites that inspired the look of Evangelion today, including Lake Ashi and the old Hakone checkpoint. A boat cruise may also await us…
Day 9: Instrumentality
Today is all yours. Relax in the hot spring waters, explore the hills, hike the mountains, or ask your guide for some suggestions on activities and extensions you can participate in.
Day 10: Impact
We return home from Japan with a suitcase full of merchandise, a head full of memories, and lots of stories to tell.