13 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Make it family friendlyI want to travel at relaxed paceI want to see typical japanese placesInclude onsen and ryokanExclude the crowd
Itinerary
Japan is such a wonderful place to explore, especially with family. I’ve crafted a 13-day itinerary that balances relaxation, cultural experiences, and some off-the-beaten-path gems. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Take your time settling into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the quiet streets of Yanaka, a charming neighborhood that survived WWII. Visit the and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can try various small dishes.
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration
- Morning: Visit the serene , surrounded by a beautiful forest. It’s a peaceful start to your trip!
- Afternoon: Head to the area. Explore the or the , which is great for kids.
- Evening: Enjoy a family-friendly dinner in the , where you can sample street food.
Day 3: Nikko Day Trip
- Morning: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the stunning , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful nature around and . Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have a relaxing dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Day 4: Travel to Hakone
- Morning: Take the Romancecar train to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) with an onsen (hot spring).
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is family-friendly and has beautiful sculptures.
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan and relax in the onsen.
Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of , then visit .
- Afternoon: Travel to Kyoto (about 2 hours). Check into a family-friendly hotel.
- Evening: Explore the , where you might catch a glimpse of a geisha. Have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Kyoto Temples and Gardens
- Morning: Visit and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the (kids will love it!).
- Evening: Dinner in Arashiyama, perhaps trying yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 7: Nara Day Trip
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and see the Great Buddha.
- Afternoon: Spend time in , where you can feed the friendly deer. It’s a hit with kids!
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 8: Kyoto to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2.5 hours). Check into a ryokan.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming town and visit the various public onsens. Don’t forget to wear your yukata!
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner at your ryokan and soak in the onsen.
Day 9: Relaxation
- Morning: Spend the day hopping between onsens. Try the outdoor baths for a unique experience.
- Afternoon: Visit the for beautiful views of the area.
- Evening: Have a leisurely dinner and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the town.
Day 10: Kinosaki to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the . It’s a poignant experience but very educational.
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner, a local specialty.
Day 11: Miyajima Island
- Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic and see the floating torii gate.
- Afternoon: Hike or take the cable car up for stunning views. There are also some lovely walking trails.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 12: Hiroshima to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and its beautiful park. It’s a great spot for a family picnic!
- Evening: Explore for street food and vibrant nightlife. Try takoyaki and kushikatsu!
Day 13: Departure from Osaka
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you can visit the or relax in a local park.
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or exploring before heading to the airport.
- Evening: Depart from .
Tips for a Relaxed Pace:
- Make sure to take breaks and enjoy the little moments, like sipping matcha in a tea house or watching the sunset.
- Use Japan’s efficient train system to minimize travel time and maximize relaxation.
- Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass for convenience if you plan to travel between cities.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family in Japan! Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️