15 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, and with a baby in tow, you can still enjoy the beauty of nature, historical sites, and delicious food. Here’s a 15-day itinerary that balances all your interests while keeping it family-friendly. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Take a taxi or airport shuttle to your hotel in Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Settle in and take a leisurely stroll around your hotel area. If you’re near , it’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy some greenery.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can try various small dishes. Look for places with high chairs!
Day 2: Tokyo - Nature and Culture
- Morning: Visit the beautiful . It’s stroller-friendly and has lovely walking paths.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic in the garden with some bento boxes from a nearby convenience store.
- Afternoon: Head to the historic Asakusa district to see . The streets leading to the temple are lined with food stalls—perfect for snacking!
- Evening: Dinner at a local ramen shop. Many places have kid-friendly options.
Day 3: Nikko Day Trip
- Morning: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of .
- Lunch: Try yuba (tofu skin) dishes, a local specialty.
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful nature around and . The area is stroller-friendly, but a baby carrier might be handy for some trails.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have a quiet dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Day 4: - Hot Springs and Views
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) with onsen (hot springs).
- Lunch: Enjoy a kaiseki lunch at the ryokan.
- Afternoon: Take a scenic boat ride on with views of Mt. Fuji. The boat is stroller-accessible.
- Evening: Relax in the onsen while your partner takes care of the baby, or enjoy family time in your room.
Day 5: to Kyoto
- Morning: Visit the , which is stroller-friendly and has beautiful sculptures.
- Lunch: Grab a quick bite at a local café.
- Afternoon: Travel to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya or a family-friendly restaurant in Gion.
Day 6: Kyoto - Temples and Nature
- Morning: Visit . The gardens are beautiful and stroller-friendly.
- Lunch: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a nearby restaurant.
- Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the (note: a baby carrier is recommended here).
- Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant in Arashiyama.
Day 7: Kyoto - More Temples
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of torii gates. The lower trails are stroller-friendly.
- Lunch: Enjoy some inari sushi from a local vendor.
- Afternoon: Explore the , a lovely canal-side walk lined with cherry trees (great for a stroller).
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant.
Day 8: Nara Day Trip
- Morning: Take a train to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit to see the free-roaming deer.
- Lunch: Try kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) at a local eatery.
- Afternoon: Visit , home to a giant Buddha statue. The area is stroller-friendly.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 9: Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Lunch: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Visit the . The park is spacious and stroller-friendly.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly izakaya.
Day 10: Miyajima Island
- Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic .
- Lunch: Try grilled oysters, a local specialty.
- Afternoon: Explore the island, including the scenic (take the ropeway for easy access).
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner.
Day 11: Hiroshima to Takayama
- Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 4 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Lunch: Enjoy Hida beef at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the , known for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings.
- Evening: Dinner at your hotel or a local eatery.
Day 12: Takayama - Nature and Culture
- Morning: Visit the , an open-air museum showcasing traditional farmhouses. It’s stroller-friendly.
- Lunch: Try local soba noodles.
- Afternoon: Explore the morning market (if you’re there in the morning) for local crafts and snacks.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 13: Takayama to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Lunch: Try curry at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. It’s stroller-friendly and perfect for a leisurely walk.
- Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant to enjoy fresh sushi.
Day 14: - Culture and Crafts
- Morning: Visit the . The museum is accessible and has family-friendly spaces.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at the museum café.
- Afternoon: Explore the , known for its traditional teahouses. You can find some sweet treats to try!
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya or a restaurant specializing in kaiseki.
Day 15: Departure from Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 2.5 hours). Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Lunch: Enjoy a final meal at a sushi restaurant or a family-friendly café.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby:
- Stroller vs. Carrier: While many places are stroller-friendly, some areas (like temples and parks) may be easier with a baby carrier.
- Rest Breaks: Plan for plenty of breaks to accommodate your baby’s schedule.
- Food: Japan is very baby-friendly, with many restaurants offering high chairs and kid-friendly options.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Japan! Enjoy your trip! 🌸🍣🏞️
