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; the temple grounds are open 24/7 and shops typically open from ~9:00.
Walk along the Sumida river to see Tokyo Skytree from below; Skytree observation decks are generally open ~08:00–22:00 but check current hours before visiting.
Choose a child-friendly izakaya or pick prepared dishes from a department store food floor (depachika) near your hotel — convenient for picky eaters and open into the evening.
Enjoy fresh seafood bowls and family-friendly stalls; outer market stalls typically open early (from ~5:00) and many operate until early afternoon (~14:00).
Wide choice of family-friendly restaurants and themed cafes near the full-size Unicorn Gundam statue; indoor seating and toilets make it easy with kids.
Indoor Lego attraction with rides, play zones and a 4D cinema — great for younger children; typical opening hours ~10:00–18:00 but check before you go.
Relax on the waterfront, play on the sand (season permitting) and take a ride on the giant ferris wheel for skyline views; ferris wheel hours vary, often into the evening.
Short climb to the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint for the classic Mt Fuji & pagoda photo; steps are involved so take it slowly with children. Shrine area open year-round.
Take the ropeway for panoramic views and explore Oishi Park for lakeshore views of Mt Fuji; ropeway generally operates ~09:00–17:00 but confirm seasonal hours.
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 speciality hitsumabushi (grilled eel) if the family is up for it, otherwise choose kushikatsu or teishoku set meals around Sakae or Nagoya Station.
Visit the reconstructed castle and gardens; the palace exhibits have timed entry and the grounds are good for kids to run around. Check seasonal opening hours.
Science Museum has a large planetarium and hands-on exhibits; SCMAGLEV museum showcases trains and maglev technology — both suit curious children and typically open ~09:30–17:00.
Have breakfast and take local transit to Ghibli Park (Aichi Expo Park, near Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen). Allow transit time and confirm station and transfers.
Spend the day at Ghibli Park exploring themed areas and exhibits; tickets are date-and-time specific and often sell out quickly, so book as soon as tickets release.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera (typically opens early morning to late afternoon; check seasonal times) and wander the historic streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
Visit Arashiyama early to avoid crowds; the bamboo grove is accessible 24/7 and Tenryu-ji typically opens around 09:00 — both are lovely 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.
One of the world's largest aquariums with a huge central tank and varied marine life; Kaiyukan generally opens around 10:00 (times vary), so check the day's schedule and aim to arrive early to avoid crowds.
Ride the nearby ferris wheel for great harbour views and enjoy any indoor play attractions; check Legoland Discovery Centre hours if you want more playtime for younger kids.
If the family has energy, visit Osaka Castle Park for open spaces and photos, or head to Kids Plaza Osaka for hands-on exhibits and play — check opening hours, usually ~09:30–16:30/17:00 for Kid's Plaza.
Have a final breakfast in Osaka and pick up last-minute souvenirs in Shinsaibashi or Namba; many shops open from ~10:00, so plan for earlier snacks if needed.