12 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is such a fantastic destination for families, and with 12 days to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the culture, food, and sights. Here’s a fun and family-friendly itinerary that includes Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, perfectly tailored around your travel dates. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo (May 3)
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . After clearing customs, take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to your hotel in Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head to to see the famous Crossing. Grab lunch at a family-friendly restaurant like for a fun conveyor belt sushi experience!
- Evening: Explore and visit for quirky shops and delicious crepes. Dinner at for a colorful dining experience.
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration (May 4)
- Morning: Visit and explore the . The kids will love seeing the pandas!
- Afternoon: Head to to visit . Don’t forget to try some traditional snacks from the stalls along .
- Evening: Take a river cruise on the for beautiful views of the city. Dinner in at a family-friendly izakaya.
Day 3: (May 5)
- All Day: Spend the day at ! Enjoy the rides, meet characters, and indulge in delicious theme park food. Make sure to check the schedule for parades and shows.
- Evening: Return to your hotel and relax after a fun-filled day.
Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto (May 6)
- Morning: Check out of your hotel and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Kyoto. Visit and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try yudofu (tofu hot pot), a Kyoto specialty.
Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Culture (May 7)
- Morning: Visit and walk through the iconic torii gates. Kids will love the adventure!
- Afternoon: Head to . Walk through the and visit the for some fun with the monkeys.
- Evening: Dinner in , perhaps at a riverside restaurant.
Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka (May 8)
- Morning: Check out of your hotel and take a short train ride to Osaka (about 15-30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of the largest aquariums in the world. The kids will be amazed by the marine life!
- Evening: Explore for dinner. Try local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The neon lights and atmosphere are fantastic!
Day 7: (May 9)
- All Day: Spend the day at ! Enjoy rides and attractions, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Make sure to grab some Butterbeer!
- Evening: Return to your hotel and relax after an exciting day.
Day 8: Osaka to Kyoto (May 10)
- Morning: Head back to Kyoto. Visit and explore its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Take a stroll through the . You might spot a geisha! Visit a traditional tea house for a tea ceremony experience.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Gion.
Day 9: Day Trip to (May 11)
- Morning: Take a train to (about 45 minutes). Visit and feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore , home to a giant Buddha statue. Kids will love the size of it!
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 10: Kyoto to Tokyo (May 12)
- Morning: Check out of your hotel and take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Visit . Explore for an immersive art experience that kids will love.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in , with views of the Rainbow Bridge.
Day 11: Tokyo Free Day (May 13)
- Morning: Free day to explore Tokyo at your leisure! Consider visiting for panoramic views or for some anime and gaming fun.
- Afternoon: Visit in Mitaka if you’re fans of Studio Ghibli films (make sure to book tickets in advance).
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tokyo, perhaps at a themed restaurant like or .
Day 12: Departure (May 14)
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Consider visiting for some fresh sushi breakfast.
- Afternoon: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your flight home on MM773.
And there you have it! A fun-filled, family-friendly itinerary that balances cultural experiences, fun activities, and delicious food. Enjoy your trip to Japan! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌏✈️🍣
