You Have Been Invited to Tristan’s 30th Birthday Trip in Tokyo Japan!
December 13th, 2027 - December 20th 2027
Konnichiwa!
I’m personally inviting you to join me in Tokyo, Japan, as I celebrate my 30th birthday with an unforgettable international adventure.
From DisneySea, Fuji-Q Highland, and teamLab Borderless to Akihabara, Shibuya, traditional Japanese culture, and late nights in Shinjuku, I’ve planned a trip that combines adventure, entertainment, food, and fun.
This website includes everything you’ll need to learn more about the trip, including the itinerary, activities, hotel information, estimated costs, transportation, frequently asked questions, and RSVP details.
Itinerary
Monday, December 13, 2027
After arriving in Tokyo, we'll travel to our hotel, check in, unpack, and take some time to get settled after the long international flight. This will also be an opportunity to rest, freshen up, and prepare for our first evening exploring the city.
Shibuya
One of Tokyo's most iconic districts, known for its world-famous crossing, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife.
Official Tourism Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/western-tokyo/shibuya/
Tuesday, December 14, 2027
Sensō-ji & Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest temple is located in the historic Asakusa district, where visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture, shopping, and street food.
Official Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/
Tokyo Skytree
The tallest structure in Japan offers panoramic views of Tokyo from two observation decks.
Official Website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/
Sumida River Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Sumida River while taking in beautiful views of Tokyo's skyline, historic landmarks, and iconic bridges. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind after exploring Asakusa before continuing the day's adventures.
Official Website: https://www.suijobus.co.jp/en/
Wednesday, December 15, 2027
Tokyo DisneySea
A one-of-a-kind Disney theme park inspired by the legends and adventures of the sea, exclusive to Japan.
Official Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tds/
Thursday, December 16, 2027
Fuji-Q Highland
One of Japan's premier amusement parks, featuring record-breaking roller coasters and spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
Official Website: https://www.fujiq.jp/en/
Friday, December 17, 2027
teamLab Borderless
An immersive digital art museum where interactive exhibits blend light, sound, and motion to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Official Website: https://www.teamlab.art/e/tokyo/
Akihabara
Known as Tokyo's Electric Town, Akihabara is the center of anime, gaming, arcades, electronics, and pop culture.
Official Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/central-tokyo/akihabara/
Avengers: Secret Wars
Celebrate Tristan's 30th birthday by watching Marvel Studios' newest film on opening weekend in IMAX at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku.
Official Website: TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku
Saturday, December 18, 2027
Odaiba
A modern waterfront district known for its entertainment, shopping, and scenic views of Tokyo Bay.
Official Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/southern-tokyo/odaiba/
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
A large shopping and entertainment complex best known for the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue located outside the mall.
Official Website: https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/divercity-tokyo/en/
Tokyo Christmas Market
Experience one of Tokyo's most festive holiday traditions, featuring seasonal food, holiday decorations, shopping, live entertainment, and a traditional European-style Christmas atmosphere.
Official Website: https://tokyochristmas.net/
Sunday, December 19, 2027
Meiji Jingu
One of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, surrounded by a peaceful forest in the heart of Tokyo.
Official Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/
Harajuku
A vibrant district famous for fashion, shopping, cafés, and the iconic Takeshita Street.
Official Tourism Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/western-tokyo/harajuku/
Osame-no-Kannon Goennichi
The final Kannon festival of the year at Sensō-ji celebrates the approaching New Year with the famous Hagoita Market and traditional festival atmosphere.
Official Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/
Monday, December 20, 2027
Depart Tokyo and begin the journey home after celebrating an unforgettable 30th birthday adventure.
Please Note: This itinerary highlights the primary activities planned for each day. Lunch and dinner will be incorporated into the daily schedule, and on select evenings we may choose to experience Tokyo's nightlife, including bars, clubs, karaoke, or other entertainment venues.
The itinerary is intended to provide structure while allowing flexibility throughout the trip. Activities, dining plans, and event times may be adjusted based on group preferences, weather conditions, attraction availability, and any exciting opportunities we discover while exploring Tokyo together.
Hotel & Flights
To make this trip as enjoyable and convenient as possible, I recommend that everyone stay at the same hotel. While you are welcome to choose your own accommodations, staying together will make it much easier to meet each morning, travel to activities, and enjoy Tokyo's nightlife without worrying about transportation back to separate hotels.
Recommended Hotel
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Located in the heart of Kabukichō, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, nightlife, shopping, arcades, and Shinjuku Station. This central location makes it an excellent home base for our entire itinerary.
The hotel also offers a variety of amenities, including:
Buffet breakfast (optional)
Bar & Lounge
Coffee shop/café
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Concierge services
Laundry facilities
Daily housekeeping
Luggage storage
Convenience store
Terrace
In-room refrigerator
Optional in-room massage services
Hotel Website
Room Options
Room rates currently begin at approximately $1,100 USD for the duration of the trip.
Guests may choose from several room options depending on their preferences. Some room packages include:
Standard Room (No Breakfast)
Room with Daily Breakfast
Premium Room with Breakfast
Premium Room with Lounge Access
Prices increase depending on the room type and amenities selected. Everyone is welcome to choose the option that best fits their budget and travel style.
Payment & Early Booking
Based on the current booking options, hotel reservations require full payment at the time of booking.
Because of this, I highly recommend reserving your room as early as possible once the December 2027 booking window opens. Booking early will provide the best opportunity to:
Secure your preferred room type
Lock in lower room rates before prices increase
Choose between breakfast and non-breakfast packages
Ensure availability, especially if many members of our group are booking the same hotel
Estimated Hotel Cost (Single Occupancy): Approximately $1,100–$1,500 USD, depending on the room package selected.
Flights
Everyone is welcome to book flights independently, and it is not necessary for the group to fly together. The only request is that everyone plan to arrive in Tokyo by the evening of Monday, December 13, 2027, so we can begin the trip together.
Airfare to Tokyo can vary significantly depending on your departure airport, airline, routing, and when you purchase your ticket. Based on current pricing, round-trip airfare from the United States generally ranges from approximately $1,000 to $2,500 USD.
Travelers departing from major international airports such as Los Angeles (LAX) may find fares near the lower end of that range, while travelers departing from airports with fewer nonstop international routes may see higher prices. I encourage everyone to compare prices from nearby airports, different airlines, and various travel dates to find the option that best fits their schedule and budget.
Travel Timeline
Please keep the international travel schedule in mind when requesting time off from work or making other commitments.
Sunday, December 12, 2027
Depart the United States.
Monday, December 13, 2027
Arrive in Tokyo and begin the trip.
Monday, December 20, 2027
Depart Tokyo.
Tuesday, December 21, 2027
Arrive back in the United States after crossing the International Date Line.
Please plan your vacation time accordingly to ensure you are available for the entire trip.
Future Updates
This website serves as the official source of information for the trip and will be updated periodically as we get closer to our departure date. Hotel rates, airfare estimates, attraction pricing, restaurant recommendations, and other travel information may change over time.
As better hotel rates, flight deals, or travel information become available, this page will be updated so everyone has the most current information when planning and booking their trip.
Estimated Budget
The estimated cost of this trip will vary depending on your departure city, airline, hotel room selection, and personal spending habits. The information below is intended to provide a realistic planning estimate and will be updated periodically as we get closer to our departure date.
Estimated Trip Costs
Round-Trip Airfare: Approximately $1,000–$2,500
Hotel (Single Occupancy): Approximately $1,100–$1,500
Estimated Attraction Admission: Approximately $220
Estimated Trip Cost (Before Personal Expenses): Approximately $2,320–$4,220
Please note that this estimate does not include meals, drinks, transportation within Japan, shopping, nightlife, souvenirs, travel insurance, or other personal expenses. I recommend budgeting additional spending money based on your own travel style.
Estimated Attraction Admission
teamLab Borderless: Approximately $25
Tokyo Skytree (Tembo Deck & Tembo Galleria): Approximately $20
Sumida River Cruise: Approximately $10
Fuji-Q Highland (1-Day Pass): Approximately $45
Tokyo DisneySea (1-Day Passport): Approximately $70
Tokyo Christmas Market: Approximately $20
Avengers: Secret Wars (Estimated Premium IMAX Ticket): Approximately $30
Estimated Total Attraction Admission: Approximately $220
Free Attractions
The following activities are free to visit. Food, shopping, optional purchases, and transportation are not included.
Shibuya
Sensō-ji & Asakusa
Odaiba
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Akihabara
Meiji Jingu
Harajuku
Osame-no-Kannon Goennichi (Last Festival of the Year)
Budget Notes
All prices listed on this page are estimates based on currently available information and are intended for planning purposes only. Airfare can vary significantly depending on your departure airport, airline, and when you purchase your ticket. Hotel rates may fluctuate based on room type, availability, breakfast or lounge package selection, seasonal demand, and promotional discounts.
The estimated trip cost includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and attraction admission fees only. It does not include meals, drinks, local transportation, shopping, nightlife, souvenirs, travel insurance, or any other personal expenses.
This page will be updated periodically as we get closer to our departure date to provide the most accurate pricing available and help everyone plan their budget accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I receiving this invitation so early?
International travel requires considerably more planning than a typical vacation, so I wanted to give everyone as much notice as possible. My goal is to give you plenty of time to decide whether this trip is right for you, request time off from work, obtain or renew a passport if needed, make travel arrangements, and gradually save for the trip over time. By planning well in advance, I hope the experience is less stressful and more affordable for everyone who chooses to attend.
Will Tristan's feelings be hurt if I can't attend?
Absolutely not. I understand that this is a significant financial commitment and an international trip taking place just before Christmas. Between airfare, accommodations, time off from work, and holiday expenses, I completely understand if you're unable to attend.
Will my phone work overseas?
Most U.S. cell phone providers require an international plan or international roaming package for service in Japan. Before traveling, contact your wireless carrier to learn about your options and pricing. Another popular alternative is purchasing an eSIM or portable Wi-Fi device for internet access during the trip.
Can I bring my significant other, family members, or friends?
Yes! Everyone is welcome to join the trip. Please keep in mind that this is a group vacation, so I ask that everyone be willing to follow the planned itinerary as much as possible. Because hotel availability is limited, booking early is strongly recommended. Also, many of our activities involve a considerable amount of walking, so be prepared for active days.
When should I confirm my attendance?
I ask that everyone make their final decision approximately one year before our departure date. This will allow plenty of time to book flights and hotels, coordinate activities, and secure reservations before prices increase or availability becomes limited.
Will Tristan be upset if something comes up and I can no longer attend?
Not at all. Life happens, and I understand that unexpected circumstances can arise. If your plans change, I simply ask that you let me know as soon as possible so I can make any necessary adjustments to reservations or group plans.
Is Japan cold during this time of year?
December is winter in Tokyo, but temperatures are generally mild compared to many parts of the United States. Daytime temperatures typically range from 50–56°F (10–13°C), while evenings and early mornings are usually 39–43°F (4–6°C). I recommend packing a warm jacket or coat, comfortable walking shoes, long pants, and a few layers for cooler evenings. If you're planning to visit Fuji-Q Highland, expect colder temperatures there because it's located near Mount Fuji and at a higher elevation.
Will we use cash or credit cards?
Japan accepts major credit cards at many hotels, restaurants, and attractions, but some smaller businesses and local shops still prefer cash. I recommend bringing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and having some Japanese yen available for smaller purchases.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions about the trip, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Whether you need help with booking flights, choosing a hotel room, budgeting, obtaining a passport, or simply deciding if the trip is right for you, I'm happy to help. As we get closer to our departure date, I'll continue updating this website with the latest information to make planning as simple and stress-free as possible for everyone.
How do I RSVP?
To RSVP, click the Contact tab located in the upper-right corner of the website and select the provided RSVP link.
