12 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination for families, with a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun activities. Here’s a 12-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring everyone in the family has a great time!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Take the Airport Limousine Bus or Narita Express to your hotel in Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Settle in and explore your neighborhood. If you’re near Shinjuku, visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a relaxing stroll.
• Evening: Head to the famous Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku for a dazzling show (note: check age restrictions for kids).

## Day 2: Tokyo - Exploring the City

• Morning: Visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Don’t forget to try some traditional snacks from Nakamise Street!
• Afternoon: Head to Ueno Park. You can visit the Ueno Zoo or the Tokyo National Museum, depending on your family’s interests.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Akihabara, where you can explore the vibrant anime and gaming culture.

## Day 3: Tokyo - Disney Magic

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea. Both parks are incredibly family-friendly, with rides and attractions for all ages. Make sure to grab a map and plan your must-see attractions!

## Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

• Morning: Take the Romancecar train to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where art and nature blend beautifully. Kids will love the interactive exhibits!
• Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) at your ryokan (traditional inn). Many ryokans are family-friendly and have private baths.

## Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of Mount Fuji, then head to the Owakudani Valley.
• Afternoon: Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen (bullet train). Check into your hotel and take a breather.
• Evening: Explore the Gion district, where you might spot a geisha. Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner (make sure to check for kid-friendly options).

## Day 6: Kyoto - Temples and Culture

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the famous Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park (kids will love seeing the monkeys!).
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) or a family-friendly restaurant.

## Day 7: Kyoto - More Adventures

• Morning: Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. It’s a bit of a hike, but the views are worth it!
• Afternoon: Visit the Kyoto Railway Museum, which is great for kids and train enthusiasts.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the Nishiki Market for some street food.

## Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Osaka (about 15 minutes).
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park. Kids can run around and enjoy the scenery.
• Evening: Head to Dotonbori for dinner. Try local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The neon lights and atmosphere are a hit with families!

## Day 9: Osaka - Universal Studios Japan

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan. With attractions like Harry Potter World and Minion Park, it’s a fantastic day of fun for the whole family!

## Day 10: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Travel to Hiroshima via Shinkansen (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. It’s a poignant experience, but it’s important for families to learn about history.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner. It’s a unique twist on the classic dish!

## Day 11: Hiroshima - Miyajima Island

• Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine and see the floating torii gate.
• Afternoon: Hike or take the cable car up Mount Misen for breathtaking views. There are also deer roaming around the island!
• Evening: Return to Hiroshima for a relaxing evening.

## Day 12: Departure from Osaka

• Morning: Head back to Osaka (about 1.5 hours). Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Afternoon: Depart from Kansai International Airport.

Tips for Traveling with Family:

• Transportation: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, which can save you money and make travel easier.
• Food: Japan is very family-friendly when it comes to food. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly options, and convenience stores have a variety of snacks.
• Pacing: Make sure to balance busy days with some downtime to avoid overwhelming the kids.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Japan! If you have any specific interests or adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌏✈️