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 Haneda Airport. Take it easy and settle into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Stroll around Ueno Park. It’s spacious and has lovely walking paths, perfect for a stroller.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in the Yanaka district, 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 Hakone Open-Air Museum, 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 Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of Mount Fuji.
• Afternoon: Visit Owakudani Valley and try the famous black eggs (kuro tamago).
• Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.

## Day 4: Hakone to Fujikawaguchiko

• Morning: Travel to Fujikawaguchiko (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into a lakeside hotel with views of Mount Fuji. Take a leisurely walk around Lake Kawaguchi.
• Evening: Relax at the hotel and enjoy the view of Mount Fuji at sunset.

## Day 5: Fujikawaguchiko

• Morning: Visit the Fuji-Q Highland area for some family-friendly attractions (there are gentle rides).
• Afternoon: Explore the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, which is stroller-friendly and has beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 6: Fujikawaguchiko to Matsumoto

• Morning: Travel to Matsumoto (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Matsumoto Castle, 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 Kamikochi

• Morning: Take a bus to Kamikochi (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely hike along the Azusa River. The trails are stroller-friendly for the most part.
• Evening: Return to Matsumoto for the night.

## Day 8: Matsumoto to Takayama

• Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the Sanmachi Suji district, known for its traditional wooden houses.
• Evening: Try Hida beef at a local restaurant.

## Day 9: Takayama to Shirakawa-go

• Morning: Take a bus to Shirakawa-go (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
• Evening: Return to Takayama for the night.

## Day 10: Takayama to Kanazawa

• Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens. It’s stroller-friendly and beautiful.
• Evening: Explore the Higashi Chaya district for dinner.

## Day 11: Kanazawa to Noto Peninsula

• Morning: Rent a car and drive to the Noto Peninsula (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Wajima and explore the morning market.
• Evening: Stay at a local ryokan with an onsen.

## Day 12: Noto Peninsula

• Morning: Visit the scenic coastline and the famous Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the quaint villages.
• Evening: Relax at the ryokan.

## Day 13: Noto Peninsula to Kyoto

• Morning: Drive back to Kanazawa and take the train to Kyoto (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It’s magical and stroller-friendly.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Arashiyama area.

## Day 14: Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). The gardens are lovely for a stroll.
• Afternoon: Explore the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful canal-side walk.
• Evening: Dinner in Gion, 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 Nara Park, where you can see the famous free-roaming deer.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto for the night.

## Day 16: Kyoto to Kinosaki Onsen

• Morning: Travel to Kinosaki Onsen (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: Kinosaki Onsen

• 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: Kinosaki Onsen to Hiroshima

• Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

## Day 19: Hiroshima to Miyajima

• Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island (about 30 minutes).
• Afternoon: Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine 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 Osaka Castle or the Dotonbori area for some last-minute shopping and food.
• Evening: Head to Kansai International Airport 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! 🌸✈️