After landing and checking in, start gently at Namba Yasaka Shrine, a compact, open-air stop in Namba. Its huge lion-head stage is the memorable sight; allow about 30 minutes, and be mindful that the approach includes some uneven paving. The grounds are generally open during daylight, and there’s no admission fee. From central Namba, it’s an easy walk or a short taxi ride.
Continue to Kuromon Ichiba Market, around 10–15 minutes on foot. Browse the seafood stalls and Osaka snacks at an unhurried pace; many vendors are busiest from late morning into early afternoon, though individual hours vary. Set aside roughly ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person for tastings. It can get crowded, so take breaks at the market’s small seating areas where available.
Walk about 10 minutes to Hozenji Yokocho for its atmospheric, stone-paved lane and the moss-covered statue at Hozenji Temple. It’s a small area, but the paving can be uneven and the lane is narrow—take your time. Then wander along Dotonbori and its canal, enjoying the famous signs and lively street scene. Give yourselves about an hour, with a café stop if the group needs a rest.
Finish at Mizuno in Dotonbori, a well-known spot for Osaka-style okonomiyaki. Budget about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person; queues are common at dinner, so be prepared to wait or arrive a little before the main evening rush. After a travel day, keep the rest of the evening free and take a taxi back if tired—especially handy with seniors and shopping bags.
After breakfast, take the JR Special Rapid from Osaka Station and leave your luggage at your Kyoto hotel or a station locker before sightseeing. Aim to reach Nishiki Market around 9:30–10:00; many stalls open around 10, and Saturday gets busy by lunchtime. Give yourselves about an hour to browse, sharing small bites rather than trying to eat at every stop—budget roughly ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person. The covered arcade is convenient in bad weather, though it can be crowded and slow-moving for seniors.
Take a taxi or a short bus ride to Nijo Castle; allow 1.5–2 hours for the grounds and Ninomaru Palace, and check the last-entry time before setting off (the palace typically stops admitting visitors before the grounds close). Then continue by taxi or bus to Kyoto Imperial Palace in Kyoto Gyoen for a gentler stroll through its broad, level paths and palace precinct; allow about an hour, and check current access hours if you want to enter the palace buildings. Finish at Honke Owariya for soba, about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. This is a tight order: the restaurant usually serves only during daytime hours, so keep the earlier visits brisk and aim to arrive by mid-afternoon; verify its hours before you go, as a late finish may mean it has closed.
Start early at Fushimi Inari Taisha—the shrine grounds are open around the clock, but arriving by 8:00–8:30 helps you enjoy the lower torii-gate paths before the biggest crowds. Allow 1.5–2 hours, and don’t feel you need to climb the whole mountain: the first stretch is striking, and you can turn back whenever the steps or slopes become tiring. From JR Inari Station, take the Nara Line to Tofukuji, then connect to the Keihan Line for Chushojima; allow roughly 25–35 minutes in all, including the change.
From Chushojima, wander the canal-side lanes of the Fushimi sake district, then visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. The museum is typically open 9:30–16:30, with last admission around 16:00; admission is about ¥600, usually including a tasting, though tasting arrangements can vary. Give the district and museum about two hours together. For lunch, Torisei Honten is a convenient sit-down choice for chicken dishes and local sake; budget roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, and expect a possible wait on Sunday—arriving near opening or having a nearby café in mind as a fallback makes the stop easier for the group.
Continue to Tofuku-ji Temple for its gardens and autumn color. From the Fushimi area, take the Keihan Line to Tofukuji Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes to the temple. In the fall foliage season, expect busy paths and queues, especially around the famed bridge viewpoints; the temple’s seasonal visiting hours are generally about 8:30–16:30, with last entry before closing, and fees vary by area, so check the signs on arrival. Allow 1–1.5 hours, wear shoes with good grip, and take the gardens at an unhurried pace.
Go early to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest while the paths are quieter; the grove is open at all hours and the walk takes about 45 minutes. The paths are mostly level, though they can be uneven in places. Then visit Tenryu-ji, which opens at 8:30 a.m.; allow 1–1.5 hours for its garden (about ¥500 per person, with a separate fee for some temple buildings). From there, stroll to Togetsukyo Bridge for river and mountain views, allowing 30–45 minutes. These stops are close together, so there’s no need to rush between them.
Have your tofu-focused lunch at Shoraian. It’s a lovely setting, but reaching it involves an uphill approach and steps, so consider a taxi as far as practical if anyone in your group finds hills difficult. Meals are roughly ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person; reserve ahead and check the restaurant’s opening arrangements for your date.
Finish at Kyoto Railway Museum in Umekoji, which is generally open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and closed Wednesdays; admission is about ¥1,500 for adults. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station—around 15 minutes on the train, followed by a short walk to the museum. Allow 1.5–2 hours indoors, a comfortable way to round out the day after exploring Arashiyama on foot.
After the 4–5-hour rail trip, keep the first part of the afternoon unhurried: at Beppu Station, check in or leave your bags, then take 30–60 minutes to sit down and regroup. If you’re using a JR Pass, check that your chosen trains are covered and reserve seats together where possible; station staff can help with the connection and luggage.
From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Beppu Park, a leafy, mostly gentle place for a short leg-stretch after the journey. Allow around 45 minutes, and take a bench break if anyone is tired. Then continue toward Takegawara Onsen, the atmospheric wooden bathhouse in the city center. You can admire the historic exterior or try the public bath; bathing is usually inexpensive, but bring a small towel or buy one there, and note that the traditional facilities may be less comfortable for anyone with mobility or balance concerns. Check the day’s hours at the entrance before settling in.
Finish at Toyotsune, a central favorite for tempura and Japanese set meals; budget roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. It’s a relaxed first-night choice, but popular at mealtimes, so expect a possible wait. If the long travel day has caught up with your group, keep the onsen visit brief and head to dinner early rather than trying to fit in more.
Take a taxi from your hotel to Umi Jigoku; from central Beppu, the ride is usually around 15–20 minutes. Start when the hells open, typically 8 a.m., to enjoy the blue pond before the day gets busy. Allow about 45 minutes, then walk a few minutes to Oniishibozu Jigoku for its bubbling mud pools. The paths are fairly compact, but there are some uneven surfaces, so take your time. Individual hells generally charge around ¥500 each; a multi-site pass may be better value if you plan to visit several.
Stay in Kannawa for lunch at Jigoku Mushi Kobo Kannawa, where you can steam vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients over natural hot-spring vapour. Expect to spend roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, and allow extra time if there’s a queue; you can also simply sit and watch the cooking if the hands-on process feels like too much. After lunch, take a taxi to Chinoike Jigoku in Shibaseki—this is easier on the legs than combining the areas on foot. The striking red pond and surrounding garden take about 30–45 minutes to see.
From Chinoike Jigoku, take a taxi to Beppu Ropeway for the ride up Mount Tsurumi. Set aside 1.5–2 hours for the transfer, cable car, and a relaxed look at the views; the summit paths can be steep and uneven, so there’s no need to wander far from the upper station. Check the ropeway’s operating hours and weather before setting out, as the final uphill departures are earlier in winter and strong wind or cloud can affect service and visibility. If conditions are poor, enjoy a slower afternoon back in town rather than rushing to the mountain.
Leave Beppu as early as you can: this is a full rail day, and even a smooth connection can put you in Aomori in the late afternoon. Reserve seats for the long-distance trains in advance, especially for your group of six, and keep snacks and water handy for the transfers. Once you reach Aomori Station, check in or leave your bags, then take 30–60 minutes to sit down and recover before heading out.
If you arrive with enough time, browse A-FACTORY, right beside the station, for local apple treats, cider and a light snack; allow 45–60 minutes and about ¥800–¥2,000 per person. Shop hours can vary, so check the day’s closing time before setting out—if the trains run late, don’t rush your parents through it. From there, stroll the nearby waterfront for harbor views of Aomori Bay Bridge; keep it to the level paths by the bay rather than making the bridge itself the goal, and allow 30–45 minutes.
For dinner, head to Osanai, a short walk from Aomori Station, for regional seafood and local dishes; budget roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. It’s a relaxed end to a demanding day, but check its current hours and last-order time, and consider calling ahead if you’ll arrive late or need a table for six.
Start at Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, beside Aomori Station. It generally opens at 9 a.m.; allow about an hour to see the illuminated festival floats and exhibits. Admission is around ¥620 for adults, with discounts for some age groups. From there, walk about 5 minutes along the waterfront to Aomori Prefecture Tourism Center ASPAM. Give yourselves 45 minutes or so to browse local products and take in the bay views from the observation area; check the observation-floor admission when you arrive, as it may be separate.
Take a taxi from central Aomori to Aomori Museum of Art—roughly 20 minutes, depending on traffic. It usually opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.; allow 1.5 hours, and check the current exhibition and admission details before you go. Continue by taxi to Sannai-Maruyama Site, nearby, for an unhurried look at the Jōmon settlement remains. The site typically closes at 5 p.m., with last entry earlier, so keep an eye on the time. Finish at Aomori Gyosai Center (Furukawa Market) for your nokkedon seafood bowl: choose toppings from the stalls and build it ticket by ticket. The market generally closes around 4 p.m., so this is a tight late lunch—leave the site by about 2 p.m. and take a taxi back to town. Allow roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person for the bowl, and confirm current hours before setting out.
Take an early local train from Aomori to Shin-Aomori, then the reserved-seat Hayabusa to Tokyo Station. The full trip takes roughly 3½–4 hours, so an early start gives you a useful afternoon; with six travelers, reserve all seats together if possible. On arrival, take 30–45 minutes to admire the restored red-brick Marunouchi façade of Tokyo Station and get your bearings. If you have luggage, use the station’s lockers or arrange to send bags to your hotel before exploring.
Walk about 10–15 minutes from the Marunouchi side to the Imperial Palace East Gardens for a gentle, unhurried stroll, allowing 1–1½ hours and taking breaks on the benches. The gardens are generally open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in November, with last entry around 4 p.m.; they’re usually closed on Mondays and Fridays, but check the official calendar for exceptions. Some paths are gravel or uneven, so comfortable shoes and a slower pace will help. From there, walk or take a short taxi ride to Nihonbashi—about 15–20 minutes on foot—where you can see the historic bridge and browse the grand department-store district, including Nihombashi Mitsukoshi.
Finish at Nihonbashi Kaisen Donburi Tsujihan for its seafood bowl, typically about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. It’s popular and queues can be lengthy, so expect a wait and keep the afternoon flexible; arriving after the main lunch rush may help, though some shops stop accepting diners when they’re near capacity. Ask staff about seating and queue arrangements when you arrive, and consider a taxi back toward your hotel if everyone’s ready for a rest.
Start at Meiji Jingu soon after it opens; the shrine grounds open around sunrise and close at sunset, with hours shifting through the year. From Harajuku Station, follow the broad, shaded gravel approach to the main shrine—allow 1–1½ hours, and take it slowly as the path can be tiring underfoot. Entry is free. If anyone in your group would prefer less walking, taxis can get you closer to the shrine entrance, though you’ll still need to walk through the grounds.
From the shrine, walk to Takeshita Street for about 45 minutes of people-watching and snack browsing. It’s especially lively on Sundays, so expect crowds and move at an easy pace; budget roughly ¥800–¥2,000 per person for treats. Then continue to Omotesando for a calmer change of scene: its broad, tree-lined avenue and striking shop architecture make for a pleasant stroll. Give it about an hour, or pause at a café if the group would welcome a sit-down break.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the Nezu Museum in Aoyama. It’s generally open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and closed Mondays; admission is usually around ¥1,300–¥1,500, depending on the exhibition. Allow 1½–2 hours for the collection and garden. The garden is peaceful but has uneven paths and steps, so enjoy the accessible sections rather than trying to cover every path.
Finish with tonkatsu at Maisen Aoyama Honten, a short walk from the museum. The restaurant is usually open daily from late morning into the evening, but check its hours on the day; Sunday can be busy, so expect a possible wait. Set meals are generally around ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, and the relaxed sit-down meal makes a good final stop after a full day on your feet.
After arriving at Shin-Osaka, continue to your hotel by local train or taxi, drop your bags, and take a proper breather before sightseeing. Head to Osaka Castle Park for an easy-paced stroll and an outside view of the castle; the park grounds are free and open daily, but paths are long, so taxis can save energy between the outer grounds and the main viewpoints. Allow about 1–1½ hours, and skip the tower’s interior if the stairs or queues don’t suit the group.
From the park, walk to the nearby Osaka Museum of History. Its exhibits tell Osaka’s story through life-size displays and city views; plan around 1½ hours, with admission roughly ¥600 per adult. It is generally open 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and closed Tuesdays, so Monday works well. Afterward, take a taxi or use the subway to reach Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street in Kita. Browse a section of this long covered arcade at your own pace—there are plenty of cafés for a sit-down break—and finish at Harukoma Sushi for a casual meal, typically around ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person. It’s popular, so expect a possible wait; with six people, ask about seating before everyone settles in.
For an early flight, arrange a taxi or hotel transfer to Tennoji Station the night before, then take the JR Haruka to Kansai International Airport. The train takes about 35 minutes from Tennoji; allow roughly 45–75 minutes overall from your hotel, depending on its location. Check the first-train timetable for your exact departure date—if it won’t get you to the airport with plenty of time for check-in, book a taxi or airport transfer instead. With six travelers and luggage, confirm vehicle size and pickup time in advance.
At Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, confirm your airline’s terminal before leaving the hotel, then head straight to check-in. Give yourselves a generous buffer for the international-flight check-in and security queues. After security, pick a nearby Terminal 1 café or restaurant for breakfast; budget around ¥800–¥2,000 per person. Keep the group together and check the gate screens before settling in, as gates and boarding times can change.
Make your way to the departure lounge and boarding gate early, especially with the seniors and a group of six. Keep passports and boarding passes easy to reach, and ask airport staff about wheelchair assistance if anyone would find the terminal walk tiring.
No packing list attached yet.