14-day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Japan

  • Day 1: Tokyo Disneyland
    40 minutes (13.5 miles) from Tokyo Station

    Tokyo Disneyland is a fun-filled theme park that offers a variety of attractions, from classic Disney rides to exciting parades and shows. Get ready to meet your favorite Disney characters and enjoy a day filled with family-friendly entertainment.

  • Day 2: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    20 minutes (6.3 miles) from Tokyo Disneyland

    This picturesque garden located in the heart of Tokyo is a perfect spot for a relaxing family picnic. Take a stroll and admire the beautiful landscapes, walk through Japanese cherry blossom trees, and spot the various bird species that visit the gardens.

  • Day 3: Universal Studios Japan
    55 minutes (9.4 miles) from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    Universal Studios Japan offers a wide range of attractions based on blockbuster films such as Harry Potter, Despicable Me, and Jurassic Park. It’s the perfect place for a family day out filled with unforgettable experiences and unique photo opportunities.

  • Day 4: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Universal Studios Japan

    Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world and an excellent place to learn about marine life. See a range of sea creatures from whale sharks to manta rays and giant spider crabs.

  • Day 5: Nara Park
    35 minutes (11 miles) from Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

    Nara Park offers the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with Japan's friendly Sika deer, who roam freely around the park. It's a unique chance for families to interact with nature and enjoy a picturesque walk in Japan's stunning countryside.

  • Day 6: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
    70 minutes (33 miles) from Nara Park

    Take a moment to learn about Japan's tragic past at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The park offers a peaceful place for reflection to promote the importance of world peace, with a variety of interesting memorials and exhibitions that educate visitors about the atomic bomb.

  • Day 7: Beppu Onsen Hot Springs
    2 hours 50 minutes (110 miles) from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

    Beppu Onsen Hot Springs is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, offering a variety of unique hot springs that provide relaxation and healing benefits. After a long day of traveling, families can enjoy a dip in the warm waters of Beppu and recharge their batteries for the rest of the journey.

  • Day 8: Kyoto Imperial Palace
    2 hours 45 minutes (100 miles) from Beppu Onsen Hot Springs

    Embark on a cultural experience and visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Once the residence of Japan's emperors, this historical site offers a glimpse of Japan's traditional architecture and design. You and your family will learn about Japan's history and culture while admiring its beauty.

  • Day 9: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    30 minutes (7.5 miles) from Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Enjoy a family hike through the beautiful and peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The tall bamboo trees create a stunning atmosphere and unique photo backdrop for families to explore nature and create unforgettable memories.

  • Day 10: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    15 minutes (5.5 miles) from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Explore the iconic and impressive Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, dedicated to the god of rice and sake. The shrine's bright orange torii gates are a beautiful backdrop for photos, and the hike through the forested trails is a peaceful and spiritual experience for the whole family.

  • Day 11: Himeji Castle
    1 hour 30 minutes (40 miles) from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Visit one of Japan's most beautiful and fascinating castles at Himeji Castle. Known as the "White Heron Castle," it's a perfect example of traditional Japanese architecture and provides a beautiful insight into Japan's rich history and traditions.

  • Day 12: Mount Fuji
    4 hours 50 minutes (200 miles) from Himeji Castle

    Experience Japan's most well-known mountain and symbol, Mount Fuji. Take a family trip and enjoy stunning views of the mountain from Fuji Five Lakes or consider climbing Mount Fuji for a magical and unforgettable experience.

  • Day 13: Tokyo Skytree
    2 hours (65 miles) from Mount Fuji

    Capture the stunning views of Tokyo's skyline with a visit to the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world. The panoramic observation decks provide breathtaking sights of Japan's bustling capital city.

  • Day 14: Shibuya Crossing
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Tokyo Skytree

    End your journey with a visit to Japan's busiest and most exciting pedestrian crossing, Shibuya Crossing. This iconic landmark features an incredible choreography of foot traffic and a vibrant atmosphere of neon lights and billboards. It's the perfect place to feel the energy of Japan's capital city and to say goodbye to your incredible trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tokyo Disneyland (1 day, ¥8,200)
  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (2 hours, ¥500)
  • Universal Studios Japan (1 day, ¥7,600)
  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (2 hours, ¥3,000)
  • Nara Park (3 hours, Free)
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (2 hours, Free)
  • Beppu Onsen Hot Springs (1 day, ¥2,200)
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace (2 hours, Free)
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (2 hours, Free)
  • Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (2 hours, Free)
  • Himeji Castle (2 hours, ¥1,000)
  • Mount Fuji (1 day, ¥3,500)
  • Tokyo Skytree (2 hours, ¥3,000)
  • Shibuya Crossing (2 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ¥31,600

Transportation

Japan's extensive transportation network makes it easy and efficient to travel around the country. Families can enjoy using the bullet train, local trains, buses and taxis to get around. The Japan Rail Pass is an excellent option for families traveling by train and allows for unlimited travel on Japan Railways lines, including the bullet train, for a set number of days at an affordable price. Taxis can be expensive, but they are perfect for shorter journeys or late-night outings.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Japanese countryside or travel to the Northern or Western parts of Japan. If you have less time, consider spending fewer days in Tokyo or Osaka and more time in Kyoto or Hiroshima. Always check opening dates and times before traveling, and consider purchasing tickets in advance for popular attractions. Finally, consider staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Airports

Japan has numerous airports, but the most popular entry points for international travelers are Tokyo's Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND), Osaka's Kansai Airport (KIX), and Nagoya's Chubu Airport (NGO). Narita Airport is located approximately 37.5 miles from Tokyo city centre, while Haneda Airport is closer, only approximately 9.5 miles away from central Tokyo.

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