12 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Make it family friendlyGastronomy
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, and with its rich culture, delicious food, and friendly atmosphere, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 12-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, gastronomy, and some unique experiences. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to to visit the iconic . Stroll through for some traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki (small cakes filled with red bean paste) and senbei (rice crackers).
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) in . Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and other small dishes.
Day 2: Tokyo - Exploring the City
- Morning: Visit and explore the . The kids will love seeing the pandas!
- Lunch: Grab a bento box from a local convenience store or a nearby restaurant.
- Afternoon: Head to for some anime and gaming fun. Check out the themed cafes, like a cat café or a maid café.
- Evening: Dinner in . Try some ramen at a family-friendly spot. Don’t forget to take a picture at the famous !
Day 3: Tokyo - Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about 2 hours by train). Visit the stunning and enjoy the beautiful nature. Pack a picnic lunch or try some local yuba (tofu skin) dishes.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have a relaxing dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Day 4: Tokyo to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) for a unique experience.
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy the beautiful sculptures. Don’t miss the foot bath!
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, featuring seasonal ingredients.
Day 5: to
- Morning: Take a scenic boat ride on and enjoy views of .
- Afternoon: Travel to (about 2.5 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
- Evening: Explore the and have dinner at a local restaurant. Try some -style sushi or yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 6: - Temples and Gardens
- Morning: Visit (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Lunch: Try some matcha (green tea) desserts at a nearby café.
- Afternoon: Head to to see the and visit the . The kids will love seeing the monkeys!
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly izakaya in .
Day 7: - Cultural Experiences
- Morning: Participate in a family-friendly kimono-wearing experience. Take a stroll through the streets of in traditional attire.
- Lunch: Enjoy a soba noodle lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Visit and walk through the famous torii gate pathway.
- Evening: Dinner at a local okonomiyaki (savory pancake) restaurant.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 15 minutes by train). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and its surrounding park. Have a picnic lunch in the park.
- Evening: Explore for street food! Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki. The neon lights and lively atmosphere are a hit with families!
Day 9: -
- All Day: Spend the day at ! Enjoy the rides and attractions, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Evening: Have dinner at the park or nearby. Try some themed snacks!
Day 10: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the and Museum. It’s a poignant experience, but important for understanding history.
- Evening: Try -style okonomiyaki for dinner. It’s different from ’s version and delicious!
Day 11: - Day Trip to Miyajima
- All Day: Take a ferry to . Visit the famous and see the floating torii gate. Hike up to for stunning views.
- Lunch: Try some local specialties like anago (grilled eel) on the island.
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 12: Departure from
- Morning: Travel back to (about 1.5 hours). Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Lunch: Enjoy a final meal of sushi or ramen before heading to the airport.
- Afternoon: Depart from .
Tips for Traveling with Family:
- Transportation: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, which is great for families.
- Food: Japan is very family-friendly when it comes to food. Many restaurants offer child-friendly options, and convenience stores have a variety of snacks.
- Pacing: Make sure to balance busy days with some downtime to relax and recharge.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Japan! Enjoy your trip! 🍣🏯🎉