25 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, and with a 1.5-year-old, you’ll want to keep things relaxed and enjoyable. Here’s a 25-day itinerary that balances nature, art, and family-friendly activities while keeping costs manageable. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Take a shuttle or train to your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Settle in and take a stroll around your neighborhood. If you’re near Ueno, visit for a leisurely walk.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) nearby.
Day 2: Tokyo - Asakusa and Ueno
- Morning: Visit in Asakusa. The temple grounds are stroller-friendly.
- Afternoon: Head to . It’s small and manageable with a toddler.
- Evening: Dinner in Ueno. Try some local street food at .
Day 3: Tokyo - Shinjuku and Shibuya
- Morning: Explore . Perfect for a picnic!
- Afternoon: Visit the for free panoramic views.
- Evening: Head to Shibuya to see the famous crossing and grab dinner.
Day 4: Tokyo - Art Day
- Morning: Visit the . They often have family-friendly activities.
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby for a peaceful walk.
- Evening: Dinner in the area, perhaps at a family-friendly ramen shop.
Day 5: Day Trip to Nikko
- Morning: Take an early train to Nikko (2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the natural beauty of and .
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have a quiet dinner.
Day 6: Tokyo to Hakone
- Morning: Travel to Hakone (1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is stroller-friendly.
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 7: Hakone - Nature Day
- Morning: Take the for stunning views of .
- Afternoon: Relax at and try the black eggs!
- Evening: Soak in the onsen (hot spring) at your ryokan.
Day 8: Hakone to Kyoto
- Morning: Travel to Kyoto (2.5 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is great for kids.
- Evening: Dinner in the area, perhaps at a local izakaya.
Day 9: Kyoto - Arashiyama
- Morning: Explore the . It’s magical and stroller-friendly.
- Afternoon: Visit the (note: it’s a bit of a hike).
- Evening: Dinner in Arashiyama.
Day 10: Kyoto - Temples and Gardens
- Morning: Visit . The gardens are beautiful.
- Afternoon: Head to for the rock garden and peaceful surroundings.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 11: Kyoto - Nara Day Trip
- Morning: Take a train to Nara (1 hour). Visit and feed the deer.
- Afternoon: Explore .
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 12: Kyoto to Kanazawa
- Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (2.5 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Dinner in the .
Day 13: Kanazawa - Art and Culture
- Morning: Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 14: Kanazawa to Takayama
- Morning: Travel to Takayama (2 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the , a historical government building.
- Evening: Stroll through the old town and have dinner.
Day 15: Takayama - Nature Day
- Morning: Take a day trip to , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Evening: Return to Takayama for dinner.
Day 16: Takayama to Matsumoto
- Morning: Travel to Matsumoto (2 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit , which has beautiful grounds.
- Evening: Dinner in the city.
Day 17: Matsumoto - Nature Day
- Morning: Take a day trip to for stunning mountain scenery.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely hike (stroller-friendly paths available).
- Evening: Return to Matsumoto for dinner.
Day 18: Matsumoto to Nagano
- Morning: Travel to Nagano (1 hour). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit , a beautiful and historic site.
- Evening: Dinner in Nagano.
Day 19: Nagano to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the digital art museum in Odaiba.
- Evening: Dinner in Odaiba with a view of the Rainbow Bridge.
Day 20: Tokyo - Day Trip to Yokohama
- Morning: Take a train to Yokohama (30 minutes). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the waterfront and the beautiful .
- Evening: Return to Tokyo for dinner.
Day 21: Tokyo - Relaxation Day
- Morning: Visit a local park, like , for some fresh air.
- Afternoon: Explore and its quirky shops.
- Evening: Dinner in .
Day 22: Tokyo to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (4 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Dinner in the city, trying local okonomiyaki.
Day 23: Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
- Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic .
- Afternoon: Explore the island and enjoy the views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner.
Day 24: Hiroshima to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (1.5 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit and its surrounding park.
- Evening: Explore for street food and vibrant atmosphere.
Day 25: Departure from Osaka
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or a visit to a local park.
- Afternoon: Head to for your departure.
Tips for Traveling with a Toddler:
- Stroller: A lightweight, foldable stroller is ideal for navigating cities and parks.
- Breaks: Plan for plenty of breaks and downtime.
- Food: Look for family-friendly restaurants and convenience stores for quick meals.
- Transportation: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for long-distance travel.
I hope this itinerary helps you have a wonderful and memorable trip to Japan with your little one! Enjoy the beautiful blend of nature and art, and take in all the amazing experiences Japan has to offer! Safe travels! 🌸✈️
