Arrive at your departure airport 3 hours before your long-haul flight; check-in, drop luggage and pass security with children and any required assistance.
Board your international flight to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita). Expect an overnight or long daytime flight; plan sleep, snacks and entertainment for kids.
Clear immigration and customs at Haneda or Narita then take the airport train or limousine bus to central Tokyo; check into your family-friendly hotel and drop bags.
A fun, quick conveyor-belt sushi experience with English ordering screens that children usually enjoy; most branches are open from late morning onward.
Visit Senso-ji temple and stroll Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and street snacks; the temple precinct is open 24/7 while shops open from ~9:00.
Walk the riverside for views of Tokyo Skytree; if you want panoramic views, the Skytree observation decks typically operate around 8:00–22:00 (check exact hours and pre-book).
Choose a relaxed izakaya with child-friendly options or pick prepared dishes from a department store food floor (depachika) near the hotel — convenient for picky eaters.
If you prefer a skyline view rather than later in the trip, visit the Skytree observation deck (check hours; typically 8:00–22:00) or explore Solamachi shopping mall and aquarium.
Stroll the peaceful Meiji Shrine (shrine grounds open 24/7) then wander Takeshita Street for colourful shops and crepes — great for kids who enjoy quirky fashion and snacks.
Head to Odaiba for family attractions: immersive digital art at teamLab Planets (hours typically 10:00–19:00, pre-book timed tickets) or the Miraikan science museum (usually 10:00–17:00). Pre-book popular experiences.
Enjoy waterfront views, stroll past the Rainbow Bridge and visit kid-friendly attractions like LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (check opening times, usually ~10:00–18:00).
Take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (~2–2.5 hours) or a train via Otsuki (longer); buses are direct and family-friendly—leave early to maximise views in daylight.
Short hike to the Chureito Pagoda for the classic Mt Fuji & pagoda photo; it involves steps so take it slowly with children. Shrine area is open year-round.
Take the ropeway for panoramic views and visit Oishi Park for shoreline views of Mt Fuji; ropeway hours usually ~9:00–17:00 (seasonal changes possible).
The Science Museum has hands-on exhibits and a planetarium loved by kids; SCMAGLEV Railway Park is great for train fans—both usually open ~9:30–17:00 (check current hours).
Have breakfast and take local transit to Aichi Expo Park (near Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen station). Allow transit time and confirm the station and route beforehand.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera (check seasonal opening times; typically open early morning to late afternoon) 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 9:00—both make beautiful family photo opportunities.
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 with areas like Wizarding World and Minion Park; buy park tickets and Express passes in advance to reduce queue times. Park hours typically ~9:00–19:00 but check the specific date.
Visit Osaka Castle and its park — castle opens typically 9:00–17:00; the grounds are great for children to run and explore historical displays inside the castle museum.
Afternoon for shopping and souvenirs in Shinsaibashi and Namba — many shops and arcades open from ~10:00, good for last-minute gifts and street food tasting.
Have a final breakfast and finish packing. If you need a few final souvenirs, check opening hours—many shops open later, so rely on konbini for early needs.
Take the Haruka Express or airport limousine to Kansai Airport; allow 1–1.5 hours travel time and arrive at least 2–3 hours before your international flight.