14 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination for families, with its blend of modern attractions, rich history, and beautiful nature. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 14-day itinerary that includes Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, along with some day plans for each day. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple. Explore the Nakamise shopping street for snacks and souvenirs.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya or try some delicious ramen nearby.

## Day 2: Tokyo - Disney Magic

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea. Both parks are incredibly family-friendly and offer a magical experience for all ages.
• Evening: Return to your hotel and relax. Maybe grab a quick bite at a nearby convenience store!

## Day 3: Tokyo - City Exploration

• Morning: Visit Ueno Park and explore the Ueno Zoo and Tokyo National Museum.
• Afternoon: Head to Akihabara for some anime and gaming fun. Don’t forget to check out the themed cafes!
• Evening: Dinner in Akihabara or head to Shibuya to see the famous crossing and grab dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

## Day 4: Tokyo - Cultural Day

• Morning: Visit Meiji Shrine and take a stroll through Yoyogi Park.
• Afternoon: Explore Harajuku for some quirky shops and delicious crepes.
• Evening: Head to Shinjuku for dinner and visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free observation deck view of the city.

## Day 5: Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine and enjoy the beautiful nature in the area.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax at your hotel.

## Day 6: Travel to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner or a family-friendly meal in the Gion district.

## Day 7: Kyoto - Temples and Culture

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and hike through the iconic torii gates.
• Afternoon: Explore Arashiyama and walk through the Bamboo Grove. Don’t miss the Iwatayama Monkey Park!
• Evening: Dinner in Arashiyama, perhaps trying some local yudofu (tofu hot pot).

## Day 8: Kyoto - More Temples

• Morning: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and enjoy the views of the city.
• Afternoon: Stroll through the historic streets of Higashiyama and visit some local shops.
• Evening: Head back to your hotel and relax.

## Day 9: Day Trip to Nara

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour from Kyoto). Visit Todai-ji Temple and feed the friendly deer in Nara Park.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.

## Day 10: Travel to Osaka

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Osaka (about 15-30 minutes).
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and explore the surrounding park.
• Evening: Head to Dotonbori for a vibrant atmosphere and try local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

## Day 11: Osaka - Universal Studios

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan. Enjoy the rides and attractions, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
• Evening: Return to your hotel and unwind.

## Day 12: Osaka - Aquarium and Shopping

• Morning: Visit the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan), one of the largest in the world.
• Afternoon: Explore Shinsaibashi for shopping and grab lunch at a local café.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

## Day 13: Day Trip to Hiroshima

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours by Shinkansen). Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating torii gate.
• Evening: Return to Osaka for the night.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Osaka.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure flight.

Tips for Traveling with Family:

• Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, which can save you money.
• Always have some snacks and water on hand, especially for the kids.
• Make use of Japan’s clean and efficient public transport system.
• Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and enjoy the journey!

I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable family adventure in Japan! If you have any specific interests or need adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌏✈️