12 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Make it family friendly
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 . 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 for a relaxing stroll.
- Evening: Head to the famous in Shinjuku for a dazzling show (note: check age restrictions for kids).
Day 2: Tokyo - Exploring the City
- Morning: Visit the iconic in Asakusa. Don’t forget to try some traditional snacks from !
- Afternoon: Head to . You can visit the or the , depending on your family’s interests.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in , where you can explore the vibrant anime and gaming culture.
Day 3: Tokyo - Disney Magic
- All Day: Spend the day at or . 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 , 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 for stunning views of , then head to the .
- Afternoon: Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen (bullet train). Check into your hotel and take a breather.
- Evening: Explore the , 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 and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the famous Bamboo Grove and visit the (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 , famous for its thousands of red torii gates. It’s a bit of a hike, but the views are worth it!
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is great for kids and train enthusiasts.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the for some street food.
Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Osaka (about 15 minutes).
- Afternoon: Visit and its surrounding park. Kids can run around and enjoy the scenery.
- Evening: Head to for dinner. Try local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The neon lights and atmosphere are a hit with families!
Day 9: Osaka -
- All Day: Spend the day at . 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 . It’s a poignant experience, but it’s important for families to learn about history.
- Evening: Try for dinner. It’s a unique twist on the classic dish!
Day 11: Hiroshima -
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Visit the famous and see the floating torii gate.
- Afternoon: Hike or take the cable car up 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 .
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! 🌏✈️