Arrive at Haneda or Narita, clear immigration and take an airport train or limousine bus to central Tokyo; check into your family-friendly hotel and drop bags.
Visit Senso-ji temple and stroll Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and street snacks; it's very family-friendly and the temple area is open 24/7 (shops open from ~9:00).
Walk along the Sumida river to see Tokyo Skytree from below; if you want panoramic views, Skytree observation decks are generally open 8:00–22:00 (check current hours).
Choose a child-friendly izakaya or pick prepared dishes from a department store food floor (depachika) near your hotel — convenient and varied for picky eaters.
Enjoy fresh seafood bowls and family-friendly stalls; outer market stalls typically open from early morning (from ~5:00) until early afternoon (around 14:00).
Take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (~2–2.5 hours) or a train via Otsuki (longer); buses are direct and family-friendly, leaving early to maximise daylight for views.
Short hike to the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint for the classic Mt Fuji & pagoda photo; steps are involved so take it slowly with children. The shrine area is open year-round.
Relaxed dinner near your hotel; consider a Japanese-style family restaurant (family restaurants like Saizeriya or Ootoya are child-friendly and open into the evening).
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi ~1h40m) to Nagoya. Reserve seats in advance for family seating; JR Pass holders can use Hikari services (slightly longer).
Try local specialty hitsumabushi if the family is up for it, otherwise choose kushikatsu or teishoku set meals available around Sakae or Nagoya station.
Science Museum has a planetarium and hands-on exhibits (great for kids); SCMAGLEV museum (near JR Nagoya Tech Park) showcases trains and maglevs — check opening hours (usually ~9:30–17:00).
Have breakfast and take local transit to Ghibli Park (located in Aichi Expo Park, near Nagakute/Koromo area) — allow transit time and confirm the exact station (eg, Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen).
Spend the day at Ghibli Park exploring themed areas and exhibits; tickets are date-and-time specific and often sell out in advance, so book as soon as tickets are released.
Walk through the famous torii gate tunnels; the shrine is open 24 hours so you can plan a shorter visit this afternoon to avoid peak times in the morning.
Visit Arashiyama early to avoid crowds; the bamboo grove is accessible 24/7 and Tenryu-ji temple typically opens around 9:00 — both are great family photo spots.
Have breakfast and take a short JR or private line to Osaka (approx 15–30 minutes); store luggage at your Osaka hotel if early check-in isn't available.
Spend a full day at USJ — a highlight for families, especially Wizarding World/Minion Park; buy timed-entry or Express passes to reduce queue times. Park hours typically ~9:00–19:00 but check the date-specific schedule.
Have a final breakfast in Osaka and pick up last-minute souvenirs in Shinsaibashi or Namba; many shops open from ~10:00, so plan accordingly for earlier snacks.