Arrive at your departure airport 3 hours before your long-haul flight to complete check-in and security with children and any special assistance required.
Arrive at Haneda or Narita, clear immigration and take the 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; temple grounds are open 24/7 while shops typically open from ~9:00.
Walk along the Sumida River to view Tokyo Skytree; if you want a high viewpoint, Skytree observation decks are generally open daily (usual hours 8:00–22:00, check current hours and book ahead for busy dates).
Sample fresh seafood bowls, tamagoyaki and small Japanese breakfast bites; many stalls open from early morning until early afternoon (approx 5:00–14:00).
Stroll Ueno Park for early cherry-blossom viewing and visit Ueno Zoo (typically 9:30–17:00, last entry around 16:00), which is very popular with children.
Immersive digital art museum with large-scale interactive exhibits that delight children; typical opening hours around 10:00–19:00 but check and pre-book timed entry in advance.
Hands-on science exhibits, robots (ASIMO area) and kid-friendly displays; Miraikan typically opens 10:00–17:00 (hours may vary), so pre-check and allow 1.5–2 hours.
Choose LEGOLAND Discovery Center (indoor play, ideal for younger children — pre-book tickets) or enjoy the Palette Town / Daikanransha Ferris wheel for sweeping Tokyo Bay views (ferris wheel runs into the evening).
Board a highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (~2–2.5 hours) or take a train via Otsuki; buses are direct and family-friendly and maximise sightseeing time at Mt Fuji.
Short climb to the Chureito Pagoda for the classic Mt Fuji and pagoda photo — the shrine area is open year-round but steps can be steep, so take it at the children's pace.
Enjoy a sightseeing boat (if operating) or a calm walk along the lakeside with panoramic views; early April offers good landscape and blossom sightings.
Take the ropeway for panoramic views and then visit Oishi Park for shoreline views of Mt Fuji; ropeway hours typically ~9:00–17:00 but verify seasonally.
Enjoy breakfast at your Tokyo hotel and check out; if your Nagoya hotel can't check in early, leave luggage with reception or use station luggage services.
Visit the reconstructed castle and its gardens; the palace exhibits have set opening hours (check seasonal times) and the grounds are spacious for kids to run.
Pick the Science Museum for an impressive planetarium and hands-on exhibits, or SCMAGLEV & Railway Park to see trains and maglev prototypes — both are excellent for children (museum hours typically ~9:30–17:00).
Eat breakfast and take local transit to Aichi Expo Park (Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen area); allow transfer time and check the exact station route for your hotel location.
Explore themed areas and exhibits dedicated to Ghibli films; tickets are date-and-time specific and often sell out, so book as soon as tickets are released.
Stroll Nishiki Market for small bites like grilled mochi, takoyaki and pickled vegetables — good for sampling a variety of kid-friendly treats (shops often open ~9:00–17:00).
Visit Kiyomizu-dera (typically open early morning to late afternoon — check seasonal times) and wander the historic Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets for souvenirs and snacks.
If the family is up for a short hike, Iwatayama offers views and wild macaque monkeys — it involves steps and a small entrance fee, great for animal-loving kids.
Pick Nijo Castle for history and gardens or the Kyoto Railway Museum for interactive, kid-loved displays; check opening hours (often ~10:00–17:00) and choose based on family interest.
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 and a sure hit with children, showcasing the Pacific Rim ecosystems and a large central whale shark tank; typical hours vary (often 10:00–20:00), so check the date-specific schedule and pre-book if busy.
Take the Ferris wheel for panoramic Osaka Bay views (usually open into the evening) and relax in the adjacent park — great for calmer afternoon time after the aquarium.
Have a final breakfast in Osaka and collect last-minute souvenirs in Shinsaibashi or Namba; many souvenir shops open around 10:00, so plan for earlier snacks if needed.