Itinerary for 7 day trip to Japan

Japan is a fantastic destination for families, and with a week to explore, you can experience a delightful mix of culture, nature, and fun activities. Here’s a relaxed, family-friendly itinerary that balances sightseeing with downtime. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Morning:

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. After clearing customs, take the Narita Express or the Airport Limousine Bus to your hotel in Tokyo.

Afternoon:

Check into your hotel and freshen up. A family-friendly option is the Shinjuku area, which has plenty of amenities.
Head to for a leisurely stroll. The gardens are beautiful and spacious, perfect for kids to run around.

Evening:

Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) or a family-friendly restaurant like , where you can grill your own meat at the table.
If everyone’s up for it, take a quick visit to the for a free observation deck view of the city.

Day 2: Tokyo - Exploring the City

Morning:

Start your day at . Visit the iconic and explore the surrounding for snacks and souvenirs.

Afternoon:

Head to . You can visit the or the —both are great for kids!
Have a picnic lunch in the park or grab some bento boxes from a nearby convenience store.

Evening:

Explore , the electronics district. Check out the anime and manga shops, and maybe visit a themed café (like a cat café or a maid café) for a unique experience.
Dinner in or head back to Shinjuku for more dining options.

Day 3: Day Trip to

Morning:

Take an early train to (about 2 hours from Tokyo). The scenery is beautiful, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Visit , the ornate resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Afternoon:

Explore the . If the kids are up for it, take a short hike to or enjoy a boat ride on .
Have lunch at a local restaurant—try the yuba (tofu skin), a local specialty.

Evening:

Return to Tokyo and have a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Morning:

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2-3 hours). Kids usually love the train experience!
Check into your hotel and take a moment to relax.

Afternoon:

Visit . The stunning golden temple surrounded by gardens is a hit with families.
Head to and stroll through the . It’s like stepping into another world!

Evening:

Enjoy dinner in . There are many family-friendly restaurants, and you can try some Kyoto-style kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) if you’re feeling adventurous!

Day 5: Kyoto - Temples and Culture

Morning:

Visit , famous for its thousands of red torii gates. The hike up the mountain is beautiful, but you can turn back whenever the kids need a break.

Afternoon:

Head to , the geisha district. You might catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) in the streets.
Have lunch at a local soba or udon restaurant.

Evening:

Attend a traditional tea ceremony. Many places offer family-friendly experiences where kids can participate.
Dinner in or back near your hotel.

Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

Morning:

Take a short train ride to Nara (about 45 minutes). Visit , where you can feed the friendly deer roaming around.

Afternoon:

Explore , home to a giant Buddha statue. The kids will love the sheer size of it!
Have lunch in Nara—try some kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves).

Evening:

Return to Kyoto and enjoy a relaxed dinner. Maybe try some local ramen or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

Day 7: Return to Tokyo and Departure

Morning:

Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Depending on your flight time, you might have a few hours to explore.

Afternoon:

If time allows, visit Odaiba, a futuristic area with attractions like (an interactive art museum) or (home to a giant Gundam statue).
Grab a final lunch in Odaiba.

Evening: