20 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination, especially for families, and it offers a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. Here’s a 20-day itinerary that focuses on stunning natural spots, views of Mount Fuji, onsen experiences, and less touristy areas, all while being baby-friendly. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Take it easy and settle into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Stroll around . It’s spacious and has lovely walking paths, perfect for a stroller.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in the , known for its old-town charm.
Day 2: Tokyo to Hakone
- Morning: Take the Romancecar train to Hakone (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is stroller-friendly and has beautiful sculptures.
- Evening: Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) with an onsen. Enjoy a relaxing soak while the baby naps.
Day 3: Hakone
- Morning: Take the for stunning views of Mount Fuji.
- Afternoon: Visit and try the famous black eggs (kuro tamago).
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 4: Hakone to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a lakeside hotel with views of Mount Fuji. Take a leisurely walk around .
- Evening: Relax at the hotel and enjoy the view of Mount Fuji at sunset.
Day 5:
- Morning: Visit the area for some family-friendly attractions (there are gentle rides).
- Afternoon: Explore the , which is stroller-friendly and has beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: to Matsumoto
- Morning: Travel to Matsumoto (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful castles. The surrounding park is great for a stroll.
- Evening: Check into a local onsen hotel.
Day 7: Matsumoto to
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely hike along the . The trails are stroller-friendly for the most part.
- Evening: Return to Matsumoto for the night.
Day 8: Matsumoto to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the , known for its traditional wooden houses.
- Evening: Try Hida beef at a local restaurant.
Day 9: to
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Evening: Return to for the night.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens. It’s stroller-friendly and beautiful.
- Evening: Explore the for dinner.
Day 11: to
- Morning: Rent a car and drive to the (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit Wajima and explore the morning market.
- Evening: Stay at a local ryokan with an onsen.
Day 12:
- Morning: Visit the scenic coastline and the famous .
- Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the quaint villages.
- Evening: Relax at the ryokan.
Day 13: to Kyoto
- Morning: Drive back to and take the train to Kyoto (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the . It’s magical and stroller-friendly.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Arashiyama area.
Day 14: Kyoto
- Morning: Visit . The gardens are lovely for a stroll.
- Afternoon: Explore the , a beautiful canal-side walk.
- Evening: Dinner in , where you might catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Day 15: Kyoto to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Visit , where you can see the famous free-roaming deer.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for the night.
Day 16: Kyoto to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a ryokan and explore the charming onsen town.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxing onsen experience and a traditional dinner.
Day 17:
- Morning: Spend the day hopping between the different public onsens.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the willow-lined streets and enjoy the local shops.
- Evening: Relax at your ryokan.
Day 18: to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 19: Hiroshima to Miyajima
- Morning: Take a ferry to (about 30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Visit the iconic and enjoy the views of the floating torii gate.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for the night.
Day 20: Departure from Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, explore or the for some last-minute shopping and food.
- Evening: Head to for your departure.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby:
- Stroller: A lightweight, foldable stroller is ideal for navigating cities and public transport.
- Onsen: Many ryokans have private onsen baths that you can reserve, making it easier to enjoy the experience with your baby.
- Pacing: Take it slow and allow for plenty of breaks. Japan is very baby-friendly, with nursing rooms and family facilities in many places.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Japan! Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️
