9 day itinerary
Tokyo
Personalized with:Make it family friendlyI want to travel at a relaxed paceInclude short trip nearby for skiingDuring Christmas holidaysAffordable
Itinerary
Tokyo is a fantastic destination, especially during the Christmas holidays when the city lights up with festive decorations. With a family-friendly focus and a relaxed pace in mind, here’s a delightful 9-day itinerary that includes a short skiing trip nearby. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Take your time settling into your hotel. I recommend staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya for easy access to attractions.
- Afternoon: Stroll around . It’s a beautiful park where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and maybe have a picnic if the weather permits.
- Evening: Head to the famous Shinjuku area for dinner. Try a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) or a ramen shop. Don’t forget to check out the dazzling lights around the area!
Day 2: Explore Shibuya and Harajuku
- Morning: Start your day at the iconic . Grab breakfast at a nearby café.
- Midday: Walk to Harajuku and explore , famous for its quirky shops and delicious crepes.
- Afternoon: Visit , a peaceful oasis in the city. It’s a short walk from Harajuku and perfect for a family stroll.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Harajuku. Consider trying a themed café for a fun experience, like a cat café or a robot café!
Day 3: or DisneySea
- All Day: Spend the day at either or . Both parks are incredibly family-friendly and offer a magical experience. Make sure to check the schedule for any special Christmas events!
- Evening: Stay for the nighttime parade and fireworks if you can. It’s a fantastic way to end your day!
Day 4: Asakusa and Ueno
- Morning: Visit in Asakusa. Explore the for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Head to . You can visit the or the , depending on your family’s interests.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Ueno. There are plenty of affordable options, including sushi and tempura.
Day 5: Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to , a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s about 2 hours from Tokyo by train. Visit the stunning and enjoy the beautiful nature.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Day 6: Ski Trip to Nagano
- Morning: Take an early train to Nagano (about 1.5 hours). Head to a family-friendly ski resort like Hakuba or .
- Afternoon: Enjoy skiing or snowboarding lessons for beginners. Many resorts offer rental gear and lessons for families.
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) after a day on the slopes. Have dinner at the resort and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
Day 7: More Skiing or Snow Activities
- All Day: Spend another day in Nagano. If skiing isn’t your thing, consider snowshoeing or building snowmen with the kids.
- Evening: Enjoy a hearty dinner at the resort. Try some local Nagano specialties like soba noodles.
Day 8: Return to Tokyo and Explore
- Morning: Head back to Tokyo. Take your time and enjoy the scenic train ride.
- Afternoon: Explore , the hub of anime and gaming culture. Visit some themed cafés and shops.
- Evening: Have dinner in . There are many affordable options, including curry and ramen.
Day 9: Relax and Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe do some last-minute shopping in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport, allowing plenty of time for check-in and security.
Tips for Your Trip:
- Transportation: Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel on public transport.
- Dining: Look for family-friendly restaurants with English menus or picture menus.
- Weather: December can be chilly, so pack warm clothes and layers.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family in Tokyo! Enjoy your trip, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any more questions! 🎄✈️🏂