17 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, with its blend of rich culture, modern attractions, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 17-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to your hotel.
- Afternoon: Settle in and explore your neighborhood. If you’re near Shinjuku, visit the for a relaxing stroll.
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) or a sushi restaurant.
Day 2: Tokyo - Explore the City
- Morning: Visit the iconic for panoramic views. Kids will love the glass floor!
- Afternoon: Head to the nearby , then explore the interactive exhibits at the in Ueno Park.
- Evening: Dinner in Ueno, perhaps at a ramen shop.
Day 3: Tokyo - Disney Magic
- All Day: Spend the day at or . Both parks are incredibly family-friendly and offer a magical experience for all ages.
- Evening: Stay for the nighttime parade and fireworks!
Day 4: Tokyo - Cultural Day
- Morning: Visit Asakusa and the . Don’t forget to try some traditional snacks from the .
- Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the to Odaiba. Explore , a digital art museum that’s a hit with kids.
- Evening: Dinner in Odaiba with a view of the .
Day 5: Day Trip to Nikko
- All Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including . Enjoy the beautiful nature and maybe spot some monkeys!
- Evening: Return to Tokyo for a relaxing evening.
Day 6: Tokyo to Hakone
- Morning: Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) with an onsen (hot spring).
- Afternoon: Visit the , which has sculptures and a fun playground for kids.
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 7: Hakone - Nature and Views
- Morning: Take the for stunning views of . Stop at to see volcanic activity.
- Afternoon: Relax at and take a pirate ship cruise.
- Evening: Return to your ryokan for another soak in the onsen.
Day 8: Hakone to Kyoto
- Morning: Travel to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Dinner in the , where you might spot a geisha!
Day 9: Kyoto - Temples and Culture
- Morning: Explore , famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Kids will love the hike!
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is interactive and fun for all ages.
- Evening: Try some Kyoto-style sushi for dinner.
Day 10: Kyoto - Arashiyama Adventure
- Morning: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the .
- Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on the .
- Evening: Dinner in Arashiyama, perhaps at a local soba noodle shop.
Day 11: Day Trip to Nara
- All Day: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and feed the friendly deer in .
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for a relaxing evening.
Day 12: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of the largest in the world.
- Evening: Explore for street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Day 13: Osaka -
- All Day: Spend the day at . Enjoy rides and attractions, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
- Evening: Stay for the nighttime show.
Day 14: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the . It’s a poignant experience but important for understanding history.
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 15: Day Trip to Miyajima
- All Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the famous and hike up for breathtaking views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for a relaxing evening.
Day 16: Hiroshima to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 4 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the for more stunning views and shopping at the .
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 17: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing. If time allows, visit the or for some quirky shops.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your flight home.
Tips for Traveling with Family:
- Transportation: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, which is great for families.
- Food: Japan has a wide variety of family-friendly dining options, from conveyor belt sushi to themed cafes.
- Pacing: Make sure to balance busy days with some downtime to keep everyone happy and energized.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Japan! If you have any specific interests or adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌏✈️
