15 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination for families, with a perfect blend of culture, nature, and fun. Here’s a 15-day itinerary that balances amusement parks, parks, and green spaces, ensuring everyone has a blast!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore Ueno Park. Visit the Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum.
• Evening: Dinner in Ameyoko Market, where you can try various street foods.

## Day 2: Tokyo Disneyland

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland! Enjoy classic rides, meet Disney characters, and don’t miss the parades.
• Evening: Have dinner at one of the themed restaurants in the park.

## Day 3: Tokyo DisneySea

• All ## Day: Another magical day at Tokyo DisneySea, which is unique to Japan. Explore the different themed ports and enjoy the water rides.
• Evening: Return to your hotel and relax.

## Day 4: Explore Tokyo

• Morning: Visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Don’t forget to stroll through Nakamise Street for snacks and souvenirs!
• Afternoon: Head to the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Dinner in the Skytree Town area.

## 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 Nikko National Park.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo and rest.

## Day 6: Travel to Hakone

• Morning: Take the train to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and enjoy the hot springs.
• Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.

## Day 7: Explore Hakone

• All ## Day: Take the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of Mount Fuji. Visit Owakudani Valley and Lake Ashi, where you can take a pirate ship cruise.
• Evening: Relax in the onsen (hot spring) at your ryokan.

## Day 8: Travel to Kyoto

• Morning: Head to Kyoto via Shinkansen (bullet train, about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Dinner in the Gion district, where you might spot a geisha!

## Day 9: Kyoto Temples and Parks

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
• Afternoon: Explore the Philosopher’s Path, a lovely walk lined with cherry trees and small temples.
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly izakaya.

## Day 10: Nara Day Trip

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

## Day 11: Universal Studios Japan

• All ## Day: Travel to Osaka (about 15 minutes from Kyoto) and spend the day at Universal Studios Japan. Enjoy attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Minion Park.
• Evening: Dinner in the Universal CityWalk area.

## Day 12: Osaka Exploration

• Morning: Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
• Afternoon: Head to the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan), one of the largest in the world.
• Evening: Explore Dotonbori for street food and neon lights.

## Day 13: Hiroshima Day Trip

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

## Day 14: Return to Tokyo

• Morning: Travel back to Tokyo via Shinkansen (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a relaxing stroll.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant streets of Shinjuku and have dinner.

## Day 15: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping in Harajuku or Akihabara.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Transportation: Get a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, which is great for families.
• Food: Try local specialties in each region, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations!
• Pacing: Feel free to adjust the itinerary based on your family’s interests and energy levels.

I hope this itinerary helps you create unforgettable memories in Japan! Enjoy your adventure! 🌸🎢