Itinerary for 22 day trip to Japan

Japan is a fantastic destination, and with 22 days, you can explore its rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes while keeping it baby-friendly. Here’s a delightful itinerary that balances sightseeing, local experiences, and relaxation, all while avoiding the busiest tourist spots. 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 take a leisurely stroll in . It’s spacious and stroller-friendly.
Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) in the , known for its old-town charm.

Day 2: Tokyo - Local Culture

Morning: Visit the and explore the quaint streets of Yanaka, where you can find local shops and cafes.
Afternoon: Join a cooking class in a local home (look for classes that welcome families) to learn how to make sushi or ramen.
Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the area.

Day 3: Tokyo - Geisha Experience

Morning: Head to Asakusa to visit . It’s less crowded in the morning.
Afternoon: Take a short train ride to the for a geisha performance in a more intimate setting.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some tempura.

Day 4: Tokyo to Nikko

Morning: Take the Tobu Limited Express to Nikko (about 2 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including . The area is stroller-friendly.
Evening: Stay overnight in a ryokan (traditional inn) with onsen (hot springs) facilities.

Day 5: Nikko to Takayama

Morning: Enjoy a traditional breakfast at the ryokan, then take a scenic train ride to Takayama (around 4 hours).
Afternoon: Explore the old town of Takayama, known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, trying Hida beef.

Day 6: Takayama - Local Experience

Morning: Visit the morning market and sample local produce.
Afternoon: Join a local family for a cooking class, learning to make Hida-style dishes.
Evening: Relax at your accommodation.

Day 7: Takayama to

Morning: Take a bus to (about 50 minutes).
Afternoon: Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. It’s a peaceful area, perfect for a stroller.
Evening: Return to Takayama for the night.

Day 8: Takayama to Kanazawa

Morning: Travel to Kanazawa by train (around 2.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. It’s stroller-friendly.
Evening: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Day 9: Kanazawa - Geisha District

Morning: Explore the , known for its traditional teahouses.
Afternoon: Visit the , which is family-friendly.
Evening: Attend a local geisha performance in a more intimate setting.

Day 10: Kanazawa to Kyoto

Morning: Take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (around 2 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the . It’s beautiful and less crowded in the afternoon.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Arashiyama.

Day 11: Kyoto - Samurai Experience

Morning: Visit , where you can learn about samurai history.
Afternoon: Participate in a samurai experience workshop, where you can dress up and learn about their culture.
Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in the Gion district.

Day 12: Kyoto - Local Cooking

Morning: Join a local family for a cooking class, focusing on traditional Kyoto cuisine.
Afternoon: Visit and stroll through its gardens.
Evening: Relax at your accommodation.

Day 13: Kyoto to Nara

Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 45 minutes).
Afternoon: Visit to see the friendly deer and . It’s spacious and stroller-friendly.
Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.

Day 14: Kyoto to Hiroshima

Morning: Travel to Hiroshima by shinkansen (about 2 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the . It’s a moving experience but also educational.
Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

Day 15: Hiroshima to Miyajima

Morning: Take a ferry to to see the famous floating torii gate.
Afternoon: Explore the island, visiting and enjoying the views.
Evening: Return to Hiroshima for the night.

Day 16: Hiroshima to Fukuoka

Morning: Travel to Fukuoka by shinkansen (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Visit , which is great for a stroll with a stroller.
Evening: Enjoy Hakata ramen for dinner.

Day 17: Fukuoka - Local Experience

Morning: Join a local family for a cooking class focusing on regional dishes.
Afternoon: Explore the local markets and try some street food.
Evening: Relax at your accommodation.

Day 18: Fukuoka to Kumamoto

Morning: Take a train to Kumamoto (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit and its beautiful gardens.
Evening: Try local horse meat sashimi for dinner.

Day 19: Kumamoto to Nagasaki

Morning: Travel to Nagasaki by train (about 2 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the Peace Park and the .
Evening: Enjoy Nagasaki’s famous champon (noodle dish) for dinner.

Day 20: Nagasaki to Osaka

Morning: Take a shinkansen to Osaka (about 3 hours).
Afternoon: Visit and its surrounding park.
Evening: Explore for street food and vibrant atmosphere.

Day 21: Osaka - Local Cooking

Morning: Join a local cooking class to learn how to make takoyaki or okonomiyaki.
Afternoon: Visit the , which is family-friendly.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your accommodation.

Day 22: Departure from Osaka

Morning: Last-minute shopping or a stroll in .
Afternoon: Head to Kansai International Airport for your departure.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby:

Stroller: A lightweight, foldable stroller is ideal for navigating trains and city streets.
Baby Carrier: Consider a baby carrier for places with uneven terrain or crowded areas.
Rest Breaks: Plan for plenty of breaks and downtime to keep everyone happy.
Local Amenities: Most train stations have baby-changing facilities, and many restaurants are accommodating to families.

This itinerary offers a wonderful mix of culture, history, and local experiences while keeping it baby-friendly. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! 🌸