14 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, with its blend of rich culture, beautiful parks, and kid-friendly attractions. Here’s a fun and engaging 14-day itinerary that balances all your needs. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Take a shuttle or train to your hotel in Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Settle in and explore the local area. Head to , where you can visit the and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms if it’s spring.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) nearby. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) that kids usually love!
Day 2: Tokyo - Culture and Fun
- Morning: Visit and explore . Don’t forget to try some traditional snacks from the stalls along Nakamise Street!
- Afternoon: Head to for breathtaking views of the city. There’s also an aquarium and shopping complex at the base.
- Evening: Dinner in the Skytree area. Consider a themed restaurant like the for a fun experience!
Day 3: Tokyo - Disney Magic
- All Day: Spend the day at or . Both parks are incredibly family-friendly and offer a magical experience for kids and adults alike.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the park or at a nearby hotel.
Day 4: Tokyo to Nikko
- Morning: Take a train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the stunning , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Explore . Enjoy a family-friendly hike to and take in the beautiful scenery.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo for dinner or stay overnight in Nikko for a traditional ryokan experience.
Day 5: Tokyo to Hakone
- Morning: Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Visit the , which is great for kids with its interactive sculptures.
- Afternoon: Take a ride on the for stunning views of . Stop at for some volcanic activity and black eggs!
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner.
Day 6: Hakone to Kyoto
- Morning: Head to Kyoto via the Shinkansen (bullet train). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Dinner in the . You might even spot a geisha!
Day 7: Kyoto - Temples and Nature
- Morning: Explore . Walk through the and visit the where kids can see monkeys up close!
- Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on the or visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Kyoto-style kaiseki (multi-course meal).
Day 8: Kyoto - Cultural Experiences
- Morning: Participate in a tea ceremony experience, which is both educational and fun for the kids.
- Afternoon: Visit with its famous torii gate pathway. Kids will love running through the gates!
- Evening: Dinner in the area, perhaps some delicious ramen.
Day 9: Kyoto to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara. Visit , where you can feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore , home to a giant Buddha statue. The kids will be amazed!
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 10: Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 2 hours). Visit the and Museum.
- Afternoon: Take a ferry to to see the famous and the floating torii gate.
- Evening: Enjoy some local okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) for dinner.
Day 11: Hiroshima to Osaka
- Morning: Head to Osaka (about 1.5 hours). Visit and its surrounding park.
- Afternoon: Explore for a day of fun and adventure!
- Evening: Dinner in , famous for its street food. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushikatsu (fried skewers).
Day 12: Osaka - More Fun
- All Day: Spend another day at or visit , one of the largest aquariums in the world.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 13: Osaka to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo via Shinkansen. Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and see the famous Crossing. Explore and .
- Evening: Dinner in the Harajuku area. Don’t miss the quirky shops and crepes!
Day 14: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in or for souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Reflect on all the amazing memories you’ve made!
Tips:
- Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, which is great for families.
- Always check the opening hours and any reservation requirements for attractions.
- Pack comfortable shoes for all the walking and exploring!
I hope this itinerary helps you create unforgettable memories in Japan with your family! Enjoy your adventure! 🌸✈️
