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.
Take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (~2–2.5 hours) or train via Otsuki for a longer trip; buses are direct and family-friendly — book seats in advance if possible.
Short climb to the Chureito Pagoda for the classic Mt Fuji & pagoda photo; steps are required so take it gently with children. The viewpoint area is open year‑round.
Take the ropeway for panoramic views, then relax at Oishi Park on the lakeshore for playtime and photos; ropeway hours usually ~9:00–17:00 but check seasonal times.
Visit the restored castle and gardens; the palace exhibits have timed entry so check opening hours and book if required. Grounds are good for kids’ exploration.
The Science Museum has a large planetarium and hands-on exhibits; the SCMAGLEV museum (if preferred) showcases shinkansen and maglev trains — check opening hours (usually ~9:30–17:00).
Have breakfast and get the local train/bus to Aichi Expo Park (Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen) where Ghibli Park is located — allow travel time and confirm the station and bus connections.
Visit Kiyomizu‑dera (opening times vary seasonally, commonly early morning to late afternoon) and wander the historic lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
Visit Arashiyama early to avoid crowds; the bamboo grove is open 24/7 and Tenryu‑ji typically opens ~9:00 — both are great for family photos and gentle exploration.
Breakfast and travel to Tempozan harbour area to visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan — typically open ~10:00–20:00 but check the date-specific schedule and pre-book if busy.
World-class aquarium great for children with interactive exhibits and a huge central tank featuring whale sharks; allow a few hours for a relaxed visit.
Start the day at Kuromon Market for fresh snacks, fruit and local treats — many stalls open from morning onwards and it’s a great family breakfast spot.
Visit the calm Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine for a cultural experience, or the interactive Osaka Museum of Housing and Living where kids can see reconstructed Edo/Meiji streets (museum hours usually ~10:00–17:00).
Return to your hotel, collect luggage and take the Haruka Express or airport limousine to Kansai Airport — allow 1–1.5 hours travel time and arrive 2–3 hours before your international flight.