14 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Make it family friendlyInclude parks and green spacesOff the beaten path
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, and there’s so much to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. Here’s a 14-day itinerary that balances fun, nature, and a bit of adventure while keeping it family-friendly and off the beaten path. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your family-friendly hotel.
- Afternoon: Head to . It’s a spacious park with a zoo, museums, and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Let the kids run around!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) in the Ueno area. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) – a hit with kids!
Day 2: Tokyo - Nature and Culture
- Morning: Visit . It’s a stunning park with traditional Japanese gardens, perfect for a family picnic.
- Afternoon: Explore the for panoramic views of the city. It’s free!
- Evening: Stroll through and grab some crepes from a street vendor. Check out the quirky shops on Takeshita Street.
Day 3: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a train to (about 2 hours). Visit , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Explore . Hike to and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have a relaxing dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 4: Tokyo to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1 hour). Visit the and enjoy the beach.
- Afternoon: Explore and its beautiful gardens. The kids will love the small temple museum and the views.
- Evening: Have dinner in , perhaps trying some local shirasu (whitebait).
Day 5: to
- Morning: Head to (about 1.5 hours). Visit the – it’s fun and interactive!
- Afternoon: Take a ride on the for stunning views of Mount Fuji. Stop at for some black eggs!
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) – many have family-friendly options.
Day 6: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit . Don’t miss the nearby – the kids will love it!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Arashiyama, perhaps trying yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 7: - Temples and Parks
- Morning: Explore and its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Head to and stroll through . The aqueduct is a hit with kids!
- Evening: Dinner in the Gion district, where you might spot a geisha.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Take a short train ride to (about 1 hour). Visit and feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore , home to a giant Buddha statue. The kids will be amazed!
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 9: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours). Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore and let the kids enjoy the surrounding park.
- Evening: Try some local specialties like Kibidango (sweet rice dumplings).
Day 10: to
- Morning: Take a ferry to , the art island (about 1 hour). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the outdoor art installations and beaches. The kids can enjoy some beach time!
- Evening: Stay overnight on . Enjoy a local seafood dinner.
Day 11: to
- Morning: Ferry back to and then take a train to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the . It’s educational and impactful for older kids.
- Evening: Try -style okonomiyaki for dinner – a fun dish to share!
Day 12: to Miyajima
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Visit the famous .
- Afternoon: Hike up to for breathtaking views. There’s a ropeway if you prefer a more relaxed ascent.
- Evening: Return to for the night.
Day 13: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours). Visit and its surrounding park.
- Afternoon: Explore , a shopping complex with a rooftop garden.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in . Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere!
Day 14: - Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or visit if time allows (great for families!).
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips:
- Transportation: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for convenient travel between cities.
- Food: Japanese cuisine is very kid-friendly, with plenty of options like sushi, ramen, and tempura.
- Parks: Always check for local parks and playgrounds in each city for some downtime.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Japan! Enjoy your adventure! 🌸✈️