20 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Exclude religious placesAvoid crowded touristy placesMore ghibli and star wars and cozy cafesThis is for 2 adults and a 10 year oldThis is our first visit to Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination, and I’m thrilled to help you craft a cozy, Ghibli-filled, and Star Wars-inspired itinerary for your family. Let’s dive into a 20-day adventure that balances exploration with relaxation, all while avoiding the hustle and bustle of the more crowded tourist spots.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Take a taxi or train to your accommodation in a quieter neighborhood like or .
- Afternoon: Settle in and explore the local area. Grab a bite at a cozy café.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) that welcomes families.
Day 2: &
- Morning: Head to Mitaka to visit the (be sure to book tickets in advance!).
- Afternoon: Stroll through , where you can rent a swan boat or just enjoy the scenery.
- Evening: Have dinner at a nearby café, perhaps one with a Ghibli theme!
Day 3: &
- Morning: Explore , a treasure trove of anime and manga shops.
- Afternoon: Head to , known for its vintage shops and cozy cafés. Stop for lunch at a local café.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in , perhaps trying some local ramen.
Day 4: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a train to (about an hour). Explore the charming streets and visit the Great Buddha (not a religious site, just a cultural one!).
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a cozy café and then hike the trails to see the beautiful views.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 5: Studio Ghibli &
- Morning: Visit the if you didn’t get enough the first time!
- Afternoon: Explore , a lovely neighborhood with shops and cafés. Don’t miss the charming alley.
- Evening: Dinner at a cozy café in .
Day 6: &
- Morning: Explore , the mecca for anime and gaming. Check out the themed cafés (like maid cafés) that are family-friendly.
- Afternoon: Walk to and visit some of the quieter music shops and cafés.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya or a themed restaurant.
Day 7: Travel to
- Morning: Take a train to (about 30 minutes). Visit the for a fun, interactive experience.
- Afternoon: Explore the waterfront area and enjoy lunch at a café with a view.
- Evening: Visit the for dinner and try different types of ramen.
Day 8: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take an early train to (about 2 hours). Explore the beautiful nature and scenery.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have a quiet dinner.
Day 9: Travel to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into a cozy ryokan (traditional inn).
- Afternoon: Explore the area, including the bamboo grove (less crowded in the afternoon).
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10:
- Morning: Take a train to Ghibli Park in Nagakute (about 1.5 hours). Enjoy the park’s attractions.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at the park’s café.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and have dinner at a cozy café.
Day 11: Kyoto’s Hidden Gems
- Morning: Visit the , a beautiful and less crowded area.
- Afternoon: Stop at a local café for lunch and then explore the nearby shops.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 12: Day Trip to Nara
- Morning: Take a train to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit to see the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local café and explore the quaint streets.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 13: Travel to
- Morning: Take a short train ride to (about 30 minutes). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the area, but focus on the quieter side streets for unique cafés.
- Evening: Dinner at a local okonomiyaki restaurant.
Day 14: ’s Hidden Cafés
- Morning: Visit the for a unique experience.
- Afternoon: Explore the area, known for its cozy cafés and vintage shops.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 15: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a train to (about 1 hour). Visit (the grounds are beautiful and not overly crowded).
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in and explore the gardens.
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 16: Travel to
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen to (about 1.5 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the (a cultural experience).
- Evening: Dinner at a local okonomiyaki restaurant.
Day 17:
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Explore the island and see the famous floating torii gate.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch on the island and explore the local shops.
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 18: Travel to
- Morning: Take a train to (about 1 hour). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the area and visit cozy cafés.
- Evening: Dinner at a local ramen shop.
Day 19: ’s Parks and Cafés
- Morning: Visit for a relaxing morning.
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby art museum and enjoy lunch at a café.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 20: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary balances Ghibli magic, cozy cafés, and unique experiences while steering clear of the more crowded tourist spots. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! If you have any specific interests or adjustments, feel free to let me know!