18 day itinerary
Japon
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, with its blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and modern attractions. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 18-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the vibrant neighborhood of . Don’t miss the famous !
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) or a themed restaurant like Robot Restaurant.
Day 2: Tokyo - Asakusa and Ueno
- Morning: Visit in Asakusa. Enjoy some traditional snacks at .
- Afternoon: Head to . Visit the or the .
- Evening: Dinner in Ueno. Try some delicious ramen!
Day 3: Tokyo - and
- Morning: Explore , the hub for anime and gaming. Check out the various shops and arcades.
- Afternoon: Head to . Visit , a digital art museum that kids will love!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at and see the giant .
Day 4: Tokyo - Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about 2 hours by train). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including and the beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch in nature!
Day 5: Tokyo to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
- Afternoon: Visit the . Kids will love the sculptures and playground!
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan and relax in an onsen (hot spring).
Day 6: to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the Ropeway for stunning views of , then head to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the . Look out for geisha!
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Kyoto-style sushi.
Day 7: Kyoto - Arashiyama
- Morning: Visit the . Don’t forget to take lots of photos!
- Afternoon: Explore the . Kids will love seeing the monkeys up close!
- Evening: Dinner in Arashiyama. Try yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 8: Kyoto - Temples and Shrines
- Morning: Visit and (rock garden).
- Afternoon: Head to , famous for its thousands of torii gates. Kids can enjoy the hike!
- Evening: Dinner in the Pontocho alley, known for its traditional atmosphere.
Day 9: Kyoto to Nara
- Day Trip: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit to see the friendly deer and , which houses a giant Buddha statue. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park!
Day 10: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and its beautiful park.
- Evening: Explore for street food. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
Day 11: Osaka -
- All Day: Spend the day at . Enjoy rides and attractions suitable for all ages, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Day 12: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the . It’s a moving experience for the whole family.
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 13: Hiroshima -
- Day Trip: Take a ferry to . Visit the iconic and hike up for stunning views. Enjoy some local snacks like momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes).
Day 14: Hiroshima to Okayama
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 1 hour). Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore . Kids can enjoy the castle grounds.
- Evening: Dinner in Okayama. Try some local specialties.
Day 15: Okayama to Takamatsu
- Morning: Travel to Takamatsu (about 1 hour). Visit , a stunning landscape garden.
- Afternoon: Explore the local area and try some sanuki udon (thick wheat noodles).
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the waterfront.
Day 16: Takamatsu to
- Day Trip: Take a ferry to , known for its contemporary art museums and installations. Visit the and the . Kids will love the art-filled outdoor spaces!
Day 17: Takamatsu to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 4 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the for panoramic views of the city.
- Evening: Dinner in the Skytree Town area. Enjoy shopping and entertainment!
Day 18: Departure from Tokyo
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in or . Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs!
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!
This itinerary offers a mix of cultural experiences, fun activities, and relaxation, making it perfect for families. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! If you have any specific interests or need adjustments, feel free to ask!
