Take the Narita Express (N'EX) from Narita or the Keikyu/Monorail + JR lines from Haneda to central Tokyo; reserve seats for five in advance. This is efficient with luggage and gets you to a central base like Shinjuku in 60–90 minutes.
Book a 3-bedroom apartment or two connecting hotel rooms to sleep five comfortably (example: 3BR Airbnb in Shinjuku or Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku family suite). Choose central Tokyo to reduce intra-city travel time.
Quick, dairy-free-friendly vegan ramen inside Tokyo Station perfect for arrival days; open ~11:00–21:00. Good for a guaranteed dairy-free meal for five.
Explore historic Senso-ji temple and Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and snacks; temple grounds open all day but shops typically 9:00–18:00. Great intro to Tokyo's older neighborhood culture.
Decide whether you'll buy a 7- or 14-day JR Pass (for long-distance Shinkansen rides) or individual tickets; for 10 days a 14-day is simplest for five travelers — reserve Shinkansen seats for Kyoto/Hiroshima legs.
Explore Ueno Park, Ameyoko shopping street and optionally Tokyo National Museum (museums open ~9:30–17:00). Great for museums and market-style shopping.
Many soba/udon shops are naturally dairy-free — ask staff; Ameyoko has small stalls and restaurants catering to different diets. Soba is quick and safe for dairy-free needs.
Historic, low-rise neighborhood with traditional shops and sweets; open typically 9:00–18:00 and less touristy than central districts. Excellent for authentic shopping and atmosphere.
Cozy spot with clear vegan/dairy-free options; located in neighborhood known for vintage shopping and youth culture (open ~18:00–22:00). Perfect before exploring Shimokitazawa nightlife.
Browse second-hand boutiques and small live venues; most shops open till ~20:00 and live venues run late. Great for finding unique fashion and experiencing local nightlife.
Grab dairy-free onigiri or sandwiches from combini (convenience stores) or a cafe; many options are clearly labeled. Good to eat before early train to Nikko or Takao.
Train ~2h from Tokyo (Tobu or JR + local lines). Toshogu Shrine complex open ~8:00–17:00; a beautiful cultural contrast to city life and worth the day trip.
Try dairy-free yuba (tofu-skin) cuisine, a local specialty typically dairy-free; many restaurants around the shrine open 11:00–15:00. A regional culinary highlight safe for dairy-free diners.
If time allows, bus to scenic Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji; seasonal hours and bus schedules apply (fall weather typically good). A peaceful nature contrast to temples.
Contemporary ramen shop with clear plant-based, dairy-free options and good allergen handling; opens ~11:00–21:00. Reserve or arrive early for a group of five.
Take Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku (reserve seats) or Shinkansen to Odawara then local transport; journey ~1.5–2 hours. Efficient for a morning start to Hakone.
Ride the ropeway for volcanic valley views (ropeway typically 9:00–17:00; Owakudani may close for safety—check current status). Iconic scenery with short walks.
Book a ryokan that accommodates five (private family onsen recommended) for a comfortable, culturally immersive night with kaiseki — request dairy-free kaiseki meals when booking.
Traditional multi-course Japanese dinner; request dairy-free menu at booking and reconfirm on arrival — most ryokan can accommodate allergies with notice.
Many station-area restaurants are dairy-free friendly; choose vegan/plant-based or traditional soba/udon to avoid dairy. Kyoto Station has many options open 10:00–22:00.
Stroll historic streets and spot geisha; small tea houses and cafes offer matcha (confirm dairy-free — many serve with water). Most streets are accessible early evening.
Covered food market with local specialties and small shops — many stalls have dairy-free snacks, and it’s a prime shopping spot for Kyoto goods and souvenirs.
Scenic canal-side walk connecting Ginkaku-ji and smaller temples — a peaceful, slightly off-the-beaten route with tea houses and boutiques open daytimes.
Take a short train north for a serene mountain trail connecting Kurama Temple and the riverside village of Kibune — small eateries open in afternoon but verify seasonal hours.
Ask staff to mark dairy ingredients; many izakaya will adjust grilled fish, vegetable and rice dishes to be dairy-free. Good group atmosphere and local flavors.
Major shopping districts with international brands, local designers and vintage stores; typical shop hours 11:00–20:00. Great for souvenirs and fashion finds.
Dotonbori is a neon-lit dining destination; ask for no-mayo or dairy-free versions of okonomiyaki and takoyaki — many vendors are accustomed to requests. Best visited after sunset.
Multi-floor okonomiyaki building where you can watch chefs prepare food; ask staff to omit mayonnaise/cheese for dairy-free versions. Open into the evening.
Direct Nozomi or Hikari services (Nozomi not covered by some JR passes) — reserve seats for five and use the time to rest or review last-minute shopping lists.
Return to Tokyo for any last-minute shopping in Ginza (luxury/department stores) or Shibuya (youth shopping). Department stores typically open 10:00–20:00.
Choose a restaurant with a clear dairy-free menu to celebrate the trip's end; reserve for five and confirm allergy needs one last time (many city restaurants open till 21:00–22:00).