11-Day Japan Family Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima and Nagano

Arrival and Check-in

From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express to Shinjuku or Tokyo Station; from Haneda Airport, the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa is usually quickest. Allow roughly 1–1½ hours from the airport, plus immigration and luggage collection. Use an IC card such as Suica or Welcome Suica, and avoid booking anything too tightly after landing. Once you have checked in around Shibuya, take some time to shower, rest, and adjust to the cold December weather before heading out.

Late Afternoon in Shibuya

Walk to Shibuya Crossing around 4:00–4:30 pm, when the winter light is fading and the crossing begins to glow with giant screens. Join the flow from the station’s Hachikō Exit, then watch from the Shibuya Scramble Square or Magnet by Shibuya 109 viewpoints if the teenagers want a higher angle. Allow about 30 minutes, then make your way to Shibuya Sky at Shibuya Scramble Square. Timed tickets are essential and should be reserved well ahead; sunset slots are especially popular. The open-air rooftop is exposed to wind, so bring gloves and a warm layer, and note that access can be restricted in poor weather. Plan for about 1½ hours, including the indoor observation floors and sunset views across Tokyo.

Evening

For dinner, walk a few minutes up Dogenzaka to Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, a lively, casual sushi restaurant where dishes arrive on individual high-speed trays. Expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, with ordering done at a touchscreen—easy and entertaining for a family, though queues are common at dinner. Arrive around 6:30 pm or be prepared to wait 20–40 minutes. Afterward, keep the evening gentle: the neon streets around Center-gai are fun for a short wander, but an early night will make tomorrow’s sightseeing much more enjoyable.

Morning

Start at Senso-ji in Asakusa, ideally around 8:00–8:30, before Nakamise becomes crowded. Walk through Kaminarimon Gate, pause at the incense burner, and take your time around the main hall and quieter side lanes. The temple grounds are open all day and free; shops on Nakamise Shopping Street generally open from about 9:00. December mornings are cold, so this is a good time for hot matcha or a warm snack, but save your appetite for lunch later.

From Senso-ji, walk roughly 10–15 minutes to Kappabashi Dougu Street, the famous kitchenware district between Asakusa and Ueno. Allow about an hour to browse the cookware, knives, ramen bowls, chopsticks and remarkably realistic plastic food samples. Most specialist shops open around 9:00 or 10:00 and close by late afternoon; knife purchases may involve engraving or careful packing, so ask about shipping or airline requirements. The street is easy to explore on foot, and it is worth letting the teenagers choose a small, useful souvenir rather than trying to cover every shop.

Afternoon and Lunch

Continue towards Tokyo Skytree—about 20 minutes by foot, or take the Tobu Skytree Line from Asakusa Station to Tokyo Skytree Station. Allow around two hours for the Tembo Deck and, if visibility is good, the higher Tembo Galleria. Tickets vary by date and timed entry, but budget roughly ¥2,100–¥3,500 per adult depending on the combination and booking method; reserve online if clear weather is forecast, particularly during the busy year-end period. Tokyo Solamachi, beneath the tower, has plenty of family-friendly restaurants and cafés if everyone needs a proper break, though keep the later market visit in mind.

In the late afternoon, travel by subway from Oshiage Station to Tsukijishijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line, usually around 25–30 minutes. Explore Tsukiji Outer Market while stalls are still operating, aiming to arrive by about 15:30–16:00; many vendors close earlier than expected, and the market is generally quietening by late afternoon. Try grilled seafood, tamagoyaki, tuna or uni where it appeals, with casual snacks usually costing ¥500–¥1,500 each and a fuller meal around ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person. Bring cash as some small counters remain cash-only, keep bags close in the narrow lanes, and avoid eating while walking—step aside in the designated areas so the market continues to function for locals.

Morning and Full Day

Make Tokyo Disneyland your one big focus today. From Tokyo Station, follow the signs for the JR Keiyo Line—this involves a long underground walk, so allow 15–20 minutes just to reach the platform. Take a Keiyo or Musashino Line train to Maihama in about 15–20 minutes, then walk to the park entrance. Aim to leave around 06:30–07:00 for an 08:00 opening, especially during the busy Christmas season. Check the official app a few days before arrival for the actual opening time, buy tickets in advance, and link them to the app so you can use standby reservations, mobile ordering, and attraction wait-time updates.

Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland without trying to cross the park constantly. Prioritise your teenagers’ must-do attractions early, then mix rides with the winter decorations, seasonal shows, and parade route. Download the Tokyo Disney Resort app, carry a portable charger, and use mobile food ordering where available; quick meals and snacks generally cost ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person, while a full day with rides, drinks, and treats can easily reach ¥3,000–¥6,000 each. December evenings are cold, and queues can feel colder still, so bring heat packs, gloves, and a compact rain layer. If you want a good parade view, claim a spot well before the start and have one family member collect snacks while the others wait.

Evening at Ikspiari

After the evening entertainment, walk from the park to Ikspiari, the resort’s lively shopping and dining complex beside Maihama Station. It is an easy place to decompress without another train journey: browse the shops, pick up souvenirs, and have dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants. Expect roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person; restaurant queues are common at peak dinner time, so either eat slightly early or use the complex’s restaurant listings to check availability. Finish with a short stroll around the illuminated resort area, then return via Maihama Station—allow extra time for the walk back from the park and the crowds leaving after the final show.

Morning

After breakfast, take the JR Keiyo Line from Maihama to Tokyo Station—about 15–20 minutes with a Suica card—then change to the JR Yamanote Line for Harajuku. Allow extra time at Tokyo Station, where the Keiyo platforms are a surprisingly long walk from the main concourse. Begin at Meiji Jingu, entering through the broad forest approach from Harajuku. The shrine grounds are free and open from sunrise until sunset, though the inner shrine buildings generally operate around 5:00–18:00 depending on the season. In late December, the cool morning air and towering trees make this one of Tokyo’s calmest walks; allow about 1½ hours and keep an eye out for sake barrels and wedding processions.

Late Morning and Lunch

From Meiji Jingu, walk roughly 10 minutes to Takeshita Street. This narrow pedestrian street is at its liveliest late morning, with teenagers browsing character goods, vintage-style clothing and colorful crepes. It can become shoulder-to-shoulder, so keep bags zipped and avoid lingering in the middle of the walkway. Give yourselves about an hour, then take lunch nearby in the wider backstreets of Harajuku, where casual curry, gyoza and rice-bowl restaurants are easier with a family than the busiest Takeshita venues. From Harajuku, take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line from Meiji-jingumae to Nogizaka, then walk about 15 minutes to Azabudai Hills.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend the afternoon at teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills, allowing around two hours. Timed admission is essential—reserve online well ahead, particularly for the holiday period—and adult tickets are typically around ¥4,000–¥5,000, with reduced prices for children depending on age and date. Wear comfortable shoes: there are dark rooms, uneven floors, reflective surfaces and areas where you may need to crouch or move slowly. Afterward, take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line from Kamiyacho or walk toward Roppongi-Itchome, then continue to Ginza for dinner at Ginza Hachigou. This small, highly sought-after ramen counter is known for its refined, limited-service bowls; expect roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, arrive early and check the current opening schedule, as hours and ticketing can change. Since seating is limited and queues are common, treat it as the evening’s main event rather than a quick drop-in.

Morning — Tokyo to Kyoto

Take the reserved Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station around 8:00, allowing time to collect breakfast and reach the platform—the station is large, and the Shinkansen gates are separate from the local lines. Reserve seats together with luggage space if possible; December trains can be busy, and oversized suitcases must go in the designated area behind the last row. The roughly 2-hour-15-minute ride gives you a good first glimpse of Mount Fuji on the right-hand side when travelling west, weather permitting. On arrival at Kyoto Station, use a locker or leave larger bags at your hotel, then take a short bus or taxi ride into central Kyoto.

Late Morning — Nishiki Market

Head to Nishiki Market for an easy first taste of Kyoto. Allow about 1½ hours to wander the covered arcade, sampling grilled seafood, tamagoyaki, pickles, yuba and seasonal sweets from individual stalls. It is usually busiest around lunchtime, so arriving late morning works well; most stalls operate roughly 10:00–18:00, though each shop sets its own hours. Eat neatly beside the stall where you bought the food—walking while eating is discouraged in this narrow market. From Kyoto Station, a taxi takes around 15 minutes in light traffic, while the Karasuma Line to Shijo Station followed by a 10-minute walk is more predictable and costs about ¥260 per person.

Afternoon — Nijo Castle

After lunch, walk or take a short taxi ride west to Nijo Castle, the former Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Spend about two hours exploring Ninomaru Palace, listening for its famous “nightingale floors,” then stroll through the gardens and defensive grounds. The castle is generally open from 8:45 to 17:00, with final admission around 16:00; admission is approximately ¥1,300 for adults, with additional charges for the palace interior depending on the current ticketing system. Keep the afternoon unhurried—winter light fades early, and the gardens are particularly pleasant before dusk.

Evening — Pontocho Alley

Finish in Pontocho Alley, reached by a pleasant 15-minute walk east from Nijo Castle or a short taxi ride if everyone is tired. This slim lantern-lit lane beside the Kamo River is best explored slowly, with small restaurants tucked behind traditional façades. For a family dinner, look for a casual yakitori, okonomiyaki or ramen restaurant rather than relying on the most formal kaiseki venues; budget around ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person, excluding drinks. Nearby Kiyamachi has more space and a wider range of restaurants if Pontocho is too crowded. In December, bring warm layers—the river area feels noticeably colder after dark.

Morning

Start at Kiyomizu-dera around 8:00, before the approach becomes busy with tour groups. The temple opens from 6:00, and the main hall’s wooden stage is especially atmospheric in the cool December light, with views across Higashiyama. Allow about two hours, including the Jishu Shrine area and the lanes around the temple. Admission is approximately ¥500 per adult; buses can be slow on the narrow approach roads, so a taxi from central Kyoto—roughly 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic—is often worthwhile for a family of four.

Walk downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, allowing about 1½ hours for small craft shops, tea counters and photo stops. These lanes are cobbled and include steps, so comfortable shoes are essential; keep the group together, as the busiest sections are narrow. For a quieter break, look for a café on a side street rather than stopping immediately on the main slope. Many shops open around 10:00, making this a good place for traditional sweets or small souvenirs after the early temple visit.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue on foot toward Yasaka Shrine through Gion, allowing roughly 20 minutes from Ninenzaka depending on wandering. The shrine grounds are free and open all day, and the vermilion gates and lantern-lined paths make a pleasant contrast to the temple streets. Spend around 45 minutes here, then take a relaxed walk through the surrounding Gion lanes; please keep to public roads and avoid photographing geiko or maiko without permission. For lunch or an early dinner, Gion Duck Noodles is a popular choice, known for rich duck ramen and duck-based dipping noodles. Expect about ¥2,000–¥3,500 per person; queues are common, seating is limited, and the restaurant may sell out, so check its current opening hours and consider dining slightly early.

Morning

Take the JR Nara Line Miyakoji Rapid from Kyoto around 8:00; the ride to JR Nara Station takes about 45 minutes and costs roughly ¥720. Leave larger bags in station lockers—coin lockers can fill quickly, so use the ones near the central gates before heading out. From the station, walk or take a short bus ride toward Nara Park, then begin at Todai-ji. The temple generally opens from 7:30, and arriving early gives you a calmer look at the enormous Buddha Hall before the main visitor groups arrive. Allow around 1½ hours; the scale of the wooden hall is impressive for teenagers, especially when viewed from the approach through the park.

Late Morning and Afternoon

After Todai-ji, spend about 1½ hours wandering through Nara Park, keeping a little distance from the deer that look overly polite but can be persistent around food and maps. Walk east through the wooded paths toward Kasuga Taisha, allowing roughly 25–30 minutes from the temple area. The shrine’s stone lanterns and mossy forest approach are particularly atmospheric in winter; allow another 1½ hours, and bring a warm layer because the shaded paths feel colder than the open park. Return gradually toward Naramachi, where Nakatanidou is a good short stop for its energetic traditional mochi pounding—timings are not always fixed, so treat it as a lucky bonus rather than a scheduled show. A freshly made yomogi mochi makes an easy snack, though the shop can be crowded and the viewing area is brief.

Evening

For dinner, head back toward JR Nara Station and settle in at Kameya Kiyonaga, a relaxed local choice where a family meal usually runs about ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. It is worth arriving before the busiest dinner period, around 17:30–18:00, particularly with four people. Afterward, collect your bags from the station lockers and take the next convenient JR Nara Line train back to Kyoto; allow about 45 minutes, and keep your ICOCA or Suica ready for the return journey.

Morning — Arrive and settle in

After the early journey from Nara, aim to reach Hiroshima Station in the late morning. Leave larger bags at your hotel if it is nearby, or use the station’s coin lockers; for a family of four, the hotel front desk is usually easier if your room is not ready. Take the Hiroshima Electric Railway tram from the station toward Eba or Hiroden Miyajima-guchi, alighting at Genbaku Dome-mae—allow about 20 minutes. Have a quick lunch nearby before entering the museum; Kissa Saeki, a small café in the Otemachi area, is convenient for sandwiches and coffee, while Nagata-ya is a popular option for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki if the queue is manageable.

Late Morning and Afternoon — Peace Memorial Park

Spend around two hours at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which generally opens at 7:30 or 8:30 depending on the season and costs roughly ¥200 per adult; check the official schedule closer to December, as opening arrangements can change. The exhibits are powerful and sometimes upsetting, so allow the teenagers to move at their own pace and consider starting with the East Building before the more emotionally intense displays. Afterwards, walk through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, Children’s Peace Monument, and Atomic Bomb Dome. Keep the afternoon unhurried—the park is best experienced quietly, and the winter light is lovely along the Motoyasu River. The Peace Memorial Museum and surrounding memorials are all within easy walking distance, so there is no need to take another tram.

Evening — Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

Walk or take a short tram ride into downtown for dinner at Okonomimura, a multi-storey building filled with small okonomiyaki counters. Most stalls open from late morning into the evening, and dinner typically costs ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Each cook prepares the dish directly in front of you, layering cabbage, noodles, pork or seafood, egg, and sweet-savory sauce on the hotplate. Go around 17:00–17:30 to avoid the longest queues, especially during the Christmas holiday period; popular stalls such as Mitchan Sohonten may have waits, but almost any busy counter is a fun family choice. Hiroshima is chilly after dark in December, so keep the walk through downtown short and return to your hotel after dinner rather than trying to add another major sight.

Morning and Journey North

Leave Hiroshima Station around 7:00 for the long journey to Nagano, changing trains in Tokyo. Reserve seats together in advance and, if possible, use a luggage-delivery service so you are not manoeuvring several suitcases through Tokyo Station. With the connection, expect to arrive in Nagano around mid-afternoon; buy breakfast and lunch before boarding, as the station shops offer excellent ekiben but family-friendly choices can disappear quickly on busy departures.

Late Afternoon — Zenko-ji

From Nagano Station, take a taxi for about 10 minutes or walk roughly 25 minutes north through the central streets to Zenko-ji. This is a good time to visit: the crowds have thinned, the low winter light suits the temple approach, and the main grounds are generally accessible until around 16:30–17:00, although exact hours and admission charges vary by section. Allow about 1½ hours for the main hall, surrounding courtyards and, if everyone still has energy, the paid underground passage beneath the hall. Keep shoulders and voices respectful inside—the atmosphere is much more contemplative than the lively temple approach.

Early Evening — Nakamise-dori and Dinner

Spend 45 minutes wandering Nakamise-dori, the approach directly outside Zenko-ji, where small shops sell chestnut sweets, oyaki dumplings, pickles and Nagano apple treats. In December, many shops close around 17:00, so browse before settling in for dinner. Return toward Nagano Station by taxi—particularly sensible with luggage and tired teenagers—or walk about 25 minutes through the lit city centre. Finish at Kurita Farm, near the station, for a relaxed local meal; allow roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person and check the evening closing time or reserve ahead for four, as restaurants around the station can fill quickly after 18:00.

Morning — Nagano to Jigokudani Monkey Park

Leave Nagano Station around 7:30 on the Nagano Dentetsu limited express to Yudanaka, then continue by local bus or taxi toward Snow Monkey Park. The Snow Monkey Pass is usually the simplest option for the train, bus and park access, but check the winter timetable shortly before travelling. From the bus stop or car park, allow 30–40 minutes for the forest trail; it can be icy, so proper shoes with grip are essential. The park is generally open from around 8:30 to 17:00 in winter, with entry about ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children, although the macaques’ behaviour is never guaranteed.

Spend roughly two hours at Jigokudani Monkey Park, watching the Japanese macaques move between the snowy rocks and hot spring. Keep food and bags closed, stay on the marked path and do not touch the monkeys—telephoto phone shots are better than getting too close. Return toward Yudanaka late morning; a taxi is worthwhile for four people if the bus timing is awkward, especially in snow.

Afternoon and Evening — Shibu Onsen

After lunch in Yudanaka, take the short bus or taxi ride to Shibu Onsen, then wander its compact lanes of wooden ryokan, stone bridges and steam rising from the hot-spring drains. The famous public bathhouses are mainly for overnight guests holding a ryokan key, so do not assume the nine-bath circuit is open to day visitors; instead, look for a ryokan day-use bath or reserve a private onsen if the family would like to soak. Keep swimsuits out of traditional baths, and note that tattoos may require covering or advance confirmation.

Finish at Kokuya for dinner, a relaxed traditional ryokan-style meal featuring seasonal mountain and Nagano ingredients. Expect approximately ¥4,000–¥8,000 per person when dining without a stay package, and reserve ahead because winter seating is limited. After dinner, walk back through the lantern-lit streets to your accommodation; wear warm layers and shoes with traction, as the stone lanes freeze quickly after dark.

Morning — Yamanouchi to Hakuba and settling in

Take your reserved Alpico bus or private transfer from Yamanouchi around 7:00, allowing roughly 1½–2 hours from the Nagano area once connections and ski luggage are factored in. A private transfer is worth considering for four people with bulky bags, particularly if the direct seasonal bus timetable does not line up neatly. Arrange drop-off near your accommodation or the Happo Bus Terminal, where you can leave luggage with your hotel or use local storage before collecting ski equipment. Rental shops around Happo-Waretai and the terminal can fit teenagers with helmets, boots and clothing; reserve equipment and lessons ahead during the Christmas holiday period.

Day on the slopes — Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort

Spend around six hours at Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort, one of the valley’s classic ski areas, with expansive runs and mountain views on clear days. From the Happo base area, take the appropriate gondola or lifts after checking the day’s operating status and snow conditions; lift access and terrain can vary with weather. Teenagers who are new to skiing will do best with a morning group lesson, while confident skiers can arrange a guide or explore the linked terrain independently. Expect a full-day lift pass to cost approximately ¥8,000–¥10,000 for adults, with youth pricing varying by age and season, plus rentals and lessons. Have lunch slope-side, then finish by mid-afternoon so you are not rushing the changeover to the onsen.

Evening — Happo Onsen and dinner

After returning your gear, walk or take the local shuttle to Happo Onsen for about an hour in the hot spring baths. Happo-no-Yu is a convenient large public bath near the village centre, while Mimizuku-no-Yu is another good option if you are staying farther east; bring a small towel, and remember that guests wash thoroughly before entering the baths. Admission is generally around ¥800–¥1,000, though hours and pricing can change seasonally. For dinner, head to Hakuba Brewing Company for relaxed local food and house-brewed beer, budgeting roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. It is a good family-friendly finish to the day, but reserve or arrive early in the Christmas week rush, and confirm the kitchen’s final-order time before settling in.