14 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Family hotelsFew templesGood foodNon-touristLocal
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, and I’m excited to help you craft a 14-day itinerary that balances local experiences, delicious food, and a sprinkle of culture without overwhelming you with temples. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Check into a family-friendly hotel in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
- Afternoon: Stroll through for a relaxing start.
- Evening: Head to (Memory Lane) for some local yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and other izakaya-style dishes.
Day 2: Tokyo - Local Culture
- Morning: Visit the , known for its old-town charm. Explore the narrow streets and local shops.
- Lunch: Try some traditional soba noodles at a local eatery.
- Afternoon: Visit and check out the local street food stalls.
- Evening: Dinner in , where you can sample various street foods like takoyaki (octopus balls) and grilled seafood.
Day 3: Tokyo - Family Fun
- Morning: Spend the day at or (both are fantastic for families!).
- Lunch: Enjoy a themed meal in the park.
- Evening: Return to your hotel and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Shibuya, like a conveyor belt sushi place.
Day 4: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take an early train to (about 2 hours). Explore the beautiful nature and local food.
- Lunch: Try yuba (tofu skin) at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Visit the scenic and .
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 5: Tokyo to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours). Check into a family-friendly ryokan (traditional inn).
- Lunch: Enjoy a kaiseki lunch at the ryokan.
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is fun for all ages.
- Evening: Relax in the onsen (hot springs) and have dinner at the ryokan.
Day 6: to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the scenic train to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Lunch: Try Kyoto-style sushi or yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Explore the and the nearby .
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya in the Arashiyama area.
Day 7: Kyoto - Local Experiences
- Morning: Visit the for breakfast and sample local delicacies.
- Lunch: Try some matcha-flavored treats at a local café.
- Afternoon: Explore the , where you might catch a glimpse of a geisha.
- Evening: Dinner at a local ramen shop.
Day 8: Kyoto to
- Morning: Travel to (about 30 minutes). Check into a family hotel.
- Lunch: Try ’s famous okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Visit the , one of the largest in the world.
- Evening: Explore for street food like takoyaki and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
Day 9: - Day Trip to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 45 minutes). Visit and feed the friendly deer.
- Lunch: Try kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) at a local eatery.
- Afternoon: Explore the local shops and enjoy some matcha ice cream.
- Evening: Return to for dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours). Check into a family hotel.
- Lunch: Try -style okonomiyaki at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya, sampling local seafood.
Day 11: Day Trip to Miyajima
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Visit the famous floating torii gate.
- Lunch: Try anago (grilled eel) at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Explore the island, hike to if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 12: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1 hour). Check into a family hotel.
- Lunch: Try ramen at a local shop.
- Afternoon: Visit for a leisurely stroll and some family time.
- Evening: Explore for street food and local delicacies.
Day 13: - Local Culture
- Morning: Visit the and explore the local art scene.
- Lunch: Try mentaiko (spicy cod roe) at a local eatery.
- Afternoon: Visit the for some beach time.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local izakaya, reminiscing about your trip.
Day 14: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in or .
- Lunch: Enjoy a final meal of your favorite Japanese dish.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary balances family-friendly activities, local food experiences, and a touch of culture without overwhelming you with temples. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! If you have any specific preferences or adjustments, feel free to let me know!