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12-Day Family Spring Japan Itinerary (28 Mar–08 Apr 2026): Tokyo → Mount Fuji → Nagoya (Ghibli) → Kyoto → Osaka

Viewed by 140 travelers

Day 1: International travel

Departure (Croatia) → In flight on March 28, 2026

08:00am

Airport check-in

Arrive at your departure airport 3 hours before your long-haul flight to complete check-in and security with children and any special assistance.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Flight to Tokyo (overnight)

Board your scheduled international flight to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita). Expect an overnight flight; plan sleep and entertainment for kids.
JPY0, 12h0m

11:30pm

In-flight rest and meals

Use airline meals and in-flight entertainment; have travel-ready snacks and a small kids' kit for comfort.
JPY0, 7h0m

Day 2: Tokyo arrival

Tokyo, Japan on March 29, 2026

09:30am

Arrive Tokyo & transfer to hotel

Clear immigration at Haneda or Narita, take the airport train or limousine bus to central Tokyo; check into your family-friendly hotel and drop bags.
JPY3000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — Genki Sushi (family conveyor)

Fun conveyor-belt sushi that children enjoy; many branches near major stations offer English touchscreen ordering and quick service.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Asakusa & Senso-ji

Visit historic Senso-ji temple and stroll Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and snacks; temple grounds are open 24/7 and shops open from around 09:00.
JPY0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Sumida River promenade & Tokyo Skytree view

Walk the riverside for views of Tokyo Skytree; if you want panoramic vistas consider the Skytree observation decks (usually open ~08:00–22:00 — check dates).
JPY2100, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner — family izakaya or depachika

Choose a child-friendly izakaya or pick prepared dishes from a department store food floor (depachika) near your hotel for variety and convenience.
JPY3000, 1h15m

8:00pm

Hotel and rest

Return to the hotel, pick up essentials at a konbini (convenience store) for breakfast items and late-night needs.
JPY500, 0h20m

Day 3: Tokyo highlights

Tokyo, Japan on March 30, 2026

07:30am

Breakfast — Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh seafood bowls and family-friendly stalls; outer market vendors are typically open early morning until early afternoon (approx 05:00–14:00 for many stalls).
JPY2500, 1h0m

09:30am

Ueno Park & Ueno Zoo

Stroll Ueno Park (great for early blossom viewing) and visit Ueno Zoo if the children like animals — zoo hours usually 09:30–17:00 (last entry ~16:00).
JPY700, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Ameya-Yokocho street food

Sample tempura, yakitori and crepes in the lively market street near Ueno — informal and good for families with varied tastes.
JPY1800, 1h0m

02:30pm

Akihabara — arcades & anime shops

Explore arcades, toy shops and family-friendly game centres; short visits are ideal for kids who enjoy gaming and anime merchandise.
JPY0, 1h30m

04:30pm

teamLab Planets or Mori Digital Art (pre-book)

Visit an immersive digital art museum children find mesmerising; opening hours vary (commonly 10:00–19:00) so pre-book timed tickets.
JPY3200, 1h30m

07:00pm

Dinner — family ramen

Enjoy a casual ramen dinner (Ichiran or local family-friendly ramen shops) — quick and comforting after a busy day.
JPY1500, 1h0m

Day 4: Shibuya & Harajuku

Tokyo, Japan on March 31, 2026

08:00am

Breakfast at hotel / local café

Grab breakfast and prepare for a day around Shibuya and Harajuku — easy walking and plenty of kid-appealing shops.
JPY1500, 0h45m

09:30am

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

Visit peaceful Meiji Shrine beside Yoyogi Park — a calm nature spot that’s accessible and enjoyable for families; shrine grounds are open daily.
JPY0, 1h15m

11:00am

Harajuku (Takeshita Street) — snacks & shopping

Explore the colourful youth street with crepe stands and character shops — great for kids to try fun snacks and pick small souvenirs.
JPY1200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — family café in Omotesando

Relaxed lunch in Omotesando (cafés with child seats and varied menus) before heading to Shibuya.
JPY2000, 1h0m

02:00pm

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko statue

Experience the famous scramble crossing and visit the Hachiko statue — fun photo opportunities and easy to combine with shopping centres like Shibuya 109 or Hikarie.
JPY0, 1h0m

03:30pm

Shinjuku Gyoen (cherry blossom spot)

If blossoms are present, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the city’s best hanami parks; check opening times (usually 09:00–16:00/17:00 depending on season).
JPY500, 1h30m

06:30pm

Dinner — family restaurant in Shinjuku

Dine at a family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku with early-evening service to suit children.
JPY3000, 1h15m

Day 5: Odaiba & museums

Tokyo (Odaiba/Toyosu), Japan on April 1, 2026

08:00am

Breakfast & travel to Odaiba

Have breakfast and take the Yurikamome line to Odaiba, a family-friendly waterfront area with interactive museums and shopping malls.
JPY800, 1h0m

09:30am

Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science) or teamLab Planets (Toyosu)

Miraikan has hands-on exhibits about robots and space that fascinate children (typically 10:00–17:00); alternatively visit teamLab Planets in Toyosu for immersive digital art (pre-book required).
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — DiverCity/Palette Town food court

Large food courts and family restaurants in DiverCity or Decks Tokyo Beach offer varied menus to satisfy picky eaters.
JPY2000, 1h0m

01:30pm

Gundam statue & seaside park

See the full-scale Gundam statue at DiverCity and enjoy open spaces along the waterfront for kids to run and play.
JPY0, 1h0m

03:00pm

Odaiba shopping / Palette Town attractions

Family-friendly entertainment options include small arcades, shopping centres and the Odaiba Seaside Park promenade — good for a relaxed afternoon.
JPY0, 1h30m

06:00pm

Dinner — waterfront restaurant

Enjoy dinner with views across Tokyo Bay; many restaurants accommodate families and open into the evening.
JPY3000, 1h15m

Day 6: Mount Fuji day

Kawaguchiko / Mount Fuji, Japan on April 2, 2026

06:30am

Early departure from Tokyo (Shinjuku or Tokyo Station)

Take a direct highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (~2–2.5 hours) or travel by train via Otsuki; buses are easy with luggage and children and leave early to maximise daylight.
JPY2700, 2h30m

09:30am

Chureito Pagoda viewpoint

Short climb to the Chureito Pagoda for the classic Mt Fuji & pagoda photo; the site is open year-round but involves steps — go at a relaxed pace with kids.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:00am

Lake Kawaguchi — boat or lakeside walk

Enjoy a sightseeing boat (if operating) or stroll the lakeside parks with scenic views — early April can offer great spring scenery.
JPY1500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — try Hoto noodles

Hoto is a local, hearty noodle dish (kid-friendly and warming) served in many Kawaguchiko restaurants.
JPY1800, 1h0m

02:00pm

Kachi Kachi Ropeway & Oishi Park

Ride the ropeway for panoramic views of Mt Fuji and visit Oishi Park for shoreline vistas; ropeway hours are commonly ~09:00–17:00 but check the day’s schedule.
JPY900, 1h0m

04:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Board the late afternoon bus or train back to Tokyo to arrive in time for dinner and a restful evening.
JPY2700, 2h30m

07:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Have a relaxed family dinner close to your hotel; family restaurants like Ootoya or Saizeriya are reliable for varied tastes.
JPY2500, 1h0m

Day 7: Travel to Nagoya

Travel: Tokyo → Nagoya, Japan on April 3, 2026

08:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Enjoy breakfast, check out and store any luggage at reception if your Nagoya hotel check-in will be later.
JPY1500, 0h45m

09:30am

Shinkansen to Nagoya

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi ~1h40m) to Nagoya; reserve seats ahead for a comfortable family carriage. JR Pass holders can use Hikari services.
JPY11000, 1h40m

11:30am

Arrive Nagoya & check into hotel

Drop bags, get oriented and relax; central Nagoya hotels are family-friendly and close to public transport.
JPY0, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch — Hitsumabushi or family alternative

Try the local eel speciality hitsumabushi if the family is adventurous, otherwise choose teishoku sets or noodles around Nagoya Station or Sakae.
JPY2500, 1h0m

02:00pm

Nagoya Castle & gardens

Visit the reconstructed Nagoya Castle and enjoy open grounds where kids can run; palace exhibits may have timed entries so check current opening hours.
JPY500, 1h30m

04:00pm

Nagoya City Science Museum or SCMAGLEV & Railway Park

Choose the Science Museum for hands-on exhibits and the planetarium, or the Railway Park for trains and maglev displays — both appealing to kids (hours usually ~09:30–17:00).
JPY800, 1h45m

07:00pm

Dinner — family restaurant

Relaxed dinner near your hotel with options for children and early service.
JPY2500, 1h15m

Day 8: Studio Ghibli Park

Aichi (Nagoya area), Japan on April 4, 2026

08:00am

Breakfast & travel to Ghibli Park (Aichi Expo Park)

Have breakfast and take local transit to Aichi Expo Park (Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen station area); allow time for transfer and walking to the park entrances.
JPY800, 1h0m

10:00am

Studio Ghibli Park (timed entry — pre-book required)

Explore the themed areas and exhibits based on Studio Ghibli films; tickets are date-and-time specific and often sell out in advance so book as soon as possible.
JPY2000, 4h0m

02:00pm

Lunch — cafés inside Expo Park

There are cafés and family-friendly eateries in and around the Expo Park — bringing snacks for small children is advisable.
JPY1800, 1h0m

03:30pm

Explore Expo Park grounds

Enjoy the park's gardens and outdoor spaces for a relaxed afternoon and playtime before returning to Nagoya.
JPY0, 1h30m

06:00pm

Return to Nagoya & dinner

Head back to central Nagoya for dinner — many family-friendly noodle and set-meal restaurants are available near the station.
JPY2500, 1h15m

Day 9: Travel to Kyoto

Travel: Nagoya → Kyoto, Japan on April 5, 2026

08:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Relaxed breakfast and pack for the short train ride to Kyoto; check hotel check-in times and leave luggage if you plan to sightsee immediately.
JPY1200, 0h45m

09:30am

Shinkansen or rapid train to Kyoto

Take the shinkansen or rapid express from Nagoya to Kyoto (approx 35–50 minutes); reserve seats for family comfort if possible.
JPY3500, 0h50m

11:00am

Check into Kyoto hotel & freshen up

Drop bags and get ready to explore central Kyoto; many hotels provide coin lockers if early check-in isn't possible.
JPY0, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch — Nishiki Market sampling

Wander Nishiki Market and sample small bites like grilled skewers, mochi and local snacks — stalls typically open from ~09:00 until afternoon.
JPY1800, 1h0m

01:30pm

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through the iconic torii gate tunnels; the shrine is open 24 hours so you can time your visit to avoid crowds and walk as far as comfortable with kids.
JPY0, 1h0m

03:00pm

Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama

Visit Kiyomizu-dera (check seasonal opening times) and stroll the historic Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets for souvenirs and snacks.
JPY400, 1h30m

06:30pm

Dinner — Pontocho or Gion

Dine in Pontocho alley or Gion where many restaurants provide family set menus; reserve if you prefer a specific place.
JPY3000, 1h15m

Day 10: Kyoto temples & Arashiyama

Kyoto, Japan on April 6, 2026

07:00am

Arashiyama bamboo grove & Tenryu-ji

Visit Arashiyama early to avoid crowds; the bamboo grove is open 24/7 and Tenryu-ji usually opens around 09:00 — both make great family photo spots.
JPY500, 2h0m

10:30am

Monkey Park Iwatayama (optional)

If your family enjoys wildlife and a short hike, visit Iwatayama for macaque monkeys and views — involves steps and a small entrance fee.
JPY550, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — riverside café

Relaxed lunch near the Katsura River before heading back to central Kyoto for afternoon sightseeing.
JPY2000, 1h0m

02:30pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the striking Golden Pavilion and walk the pond-side path (generally open 09:00–17:00); easy to manage with children and short visits are rewarding.
JPY400, 1h0m

04:00pm

Nijo Castle or Kyoto Railway Museum

Choose Nijo Castle for samurai-era architecture or the Railway Museum for interactive exhibits that children enjoy; check opening hours (museums often ~10:00–17:00).
JPY620, 1h30m

07:00pm

Dinner — okonomiyaki or yakiniku

Finish the day with fun, family-style meals such as okonomiyaki or yakiniku (grill your own) — both entertaining for kids.
JPY3000, 1h15m

Day 11: Osaka & USJ

Travel: Kyoto → Osaka, Japan on April 7, 2026

07:30am

Breakfast & travel to Osaka

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.
JPY560, 0h40m

09:00am

Universal Studios Japan (full day)

Spend a full day at USJ — a highlight for families with Wizarding World and Minion Park; buy timed-entry or Express passes to reduce queues. Park hours vary (commonly ~09:00–19:00) so check your date.
JPY8200, 9h0m

07:30pm

Return to central Osaka & dinner in Dotonbori

Enjoy the neon-lit Dotonbori area for dinner (takoyaki, okonomiyaki) and a lively evening stroll that's fun for families.
JPY2500, 1h30m

09:30pm

Evening walk along Dotonbori canal

Take in the famous Glico sign and canal views; the area is iconic and family-friendly though lively at night.
JPY0, 0h30m

Day 12: Departure day

Osaka → International departure (Kansai), Japan on April 8, 2026

07:00am

Breakfast & last-minute shopping

Have a final breakfast in Osaka and pick up last-minute souvenirs in Shinsaibashi or Namba; note many shops open around 10:00 so plan early snacks accordingly.
JPY1500, 1h0m

10:30am

Check out & travel to Kansai Airport (KIX)

Allow 1–1.5 hours for the Haruka Express or airport limousine to Kansai Airport; arrive at least 2–3 hours before your international flight.
JPY1200, 1h20m

01:00pm

Airport formalities & lunch

Complete check-in and security, and enjoy a light airport meal before boarding — keep passports and any small gifts handy for last-minute packing.
JPY2000, 2h0m

03:30pm

Depart Japan (flight home)

Board your international flight back to Croatia; if returning via Tokyo adjust transfers accordingly.
JPY0, 12h0m

11:30pm

In-flight rest

Use in-flight entertainment and meals; prepare kids' kits for a comfortable journey home.
JPY0, 8h0m
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