21 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Make it family friendlyStart in tokyo for 5 days
Itinerary
Japan is such a fantastic destination for families, and I’m excited to help you plan a fun-filled 21-day itinerary. Starting in Tokyo for 5 days is a great choice, as there’s so much to see and do! Let’s dive right in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to to visit the iconic . Don’t forget to stroll through for some delicious snacks and souvenirs!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) nearby. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and tempura!
Day 2:
- All Day: Spend the day at ! It’s a magical place for kids and adults alike. Make sure to check out the parades and character meet-and-greets. Grab lunch in the park and enjoy the rides!
- Evening: Return to your hotel and relax. If you have energy, consider a casual dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 3: Explore and
- Morning: Start your day in . Visit the famous and take a photo with the .
- Afternoon: Head to . Explore for quirky shops and delicious crepes. Visit for a peaceful break in nature.
- Evening: Dinner in . Try a themed café, like a cat café or a kawaii (cute) café!
Day 4: and Museums
- Morning: Visit . It’s a lovely place for a family stroll. Check out the if your kids love animals!
- Afternoon: Explore the or the . Both are very family-friendly and educational.
- Evening: Dinner in the Ueno area. Try some sushi or ramen!
Day 5: Adventure
- Morning: Head to , a futuristic island in Tokyo Bay. Visit , an interactive art museum that kids will love!
- Afternoon: Explore and see the giant . You can also enjoy some shopping and lunch here.
- Evening: Relax at and enjoy the view of the Rainbow Bridge. Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in .
Day 6: Travel to
- Morning: Take the train to (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) for a unique experience!
- Afternoon: Visit the . The sculptures and art installations are fun for all ages.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan and relax in an onsen (hot spring).
Day 7: Explore
- Morning: Take the for stunning views of . Stop at to try the famous black eggs!
- Afternoon: Visit . You can take a pirate ship cruise across the lake, which is super fun for kids!
- Evening: Return to your ryokan for another relaxing evening.
Day 8: Travel to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit (the Golden Pavilion). The gardens are beautiful and great for a family photo!
- Evening: Dinner in the Gion district. You might even spot a geisha!
Day 9: Kyoto Temples and Culture
- Morning: Visit . The thousands of red torii gates are a must-see! Kids will love walking through them.
- Afternoon: Head to . Walk through the and visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Kyoto-style sushi!
Day 10: Day Trip
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about 1 hour from Kyoto). Visit to see the friendly deer and explore .
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner. Consider trying yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 11: Adventure
- Morning: Travel to (about 30 minutes from Kyoto). Start at and explore the surrounding park.
- Afternoon: Head to for lunch. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
- Evening: Visit if your family enjoys theme parks! Otherwise, explore more of at night.
Day 12:
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen to (about 1.5 hours). Visit the and Museum.
- Afternoon: Take a ferry to to see the famous and the floating torii gate.
- Evening: Return to for dinner. Try some -style okonomiyaki!
Day 13: Travel to Hokkaido
- Morning: Fly or take the train to in Hokkaido (about 1.5 hours by plane).
- Afternoon: Visit the and . If it’s winter, enjoy some snow activities!
- Evening: Try ramen for dinner. It’s a local specialty!
Day 14: Explore
- Morning: Take a day trip to (about 30 minutes from ). Explore the charming canal area and visit the glass shops.
- Afternoon: Try some fresh seafood at the .
- Evening: Return to for a relaxing evening.
Day 15: Travel to
- Morning: Fly to (about 2.5 hours). Check into a beach resort.
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach or explore the .
- Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner with fresh seafood.
Day 16: Beaches and Culture
- All Day: Spend the day at the beach! Consider snorkeling or visiting to see the amazing marine life.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya. Try some Okinawan dishes!
Day 17: Travel to
- Morning: Fly to (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and enjoy a family picnic.
- Evening: Explore for dinner. Try Hakata ramen!
Day 18: Day Trip
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about 2 hours by train). Visit the and .
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 19: Back to Tokyo
- Morning: Fly or take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Visit for some anime and gaming fun! Explore the shops and arcades.
- Evening: Dinner in . Try a themed restaurant for a unique experience!
Day 20: Day Trip to Nikko
- All Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours by train). Visit and enjoy the beautiful nature.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo for your last dinner. Celebrate with a nice meal!
Day 21: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Tokyo. Consider visiting for some fresh sushi!
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!
And there you have it! A fun, family-friendly 21-day itinerary in Japan. Each day is packed with exciting activities, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Enjoy your trip, and feel free to ask if you have any questions or need more details! 🌸✈️🍣