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Japan Family Itinerary from Narita with Tokyo, Disney, and Fukuoka

Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.

Day 1
Narita, Japan

Arrival in Narita

  1. Narita International Airport → Narita — Airport to Narita Station by train or taxi; allow ~30–60 minutes including baggage and check-in, then settle in.
  2. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple — Narita; explore the historic temple complex and park, ~1.5 hours.
  3. Naritasan Park — Behind the temple; a calm garden walk, ~45 minutes.
  4. Omotesando Street — Narita; browse traditional shops and try local eel, ~1 hour.
  5. A restaurant near Narita Omotesando — Narita; eel or Japanese set meal, approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Arrival and settling in

From Narita International Airport, allow roughly 30–60 minutes to collect luggage, clear immigration, and reach Narita Station. The simplest option is the JR train to Narita Station—about 10 minutes from Terminal 1 or 2·3, with a short walk afterward. A taxi is easier with four large suitcases but costs considerably more, often around ¥3,000–¥5,000 depending on the terminal and traffic. Leave luggage at your hotel before sightseeing; if your room is not ready, ask about storage.

Once settled, walk toward Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The approach is along Omotesando Street, but visit the temple first while you still have energy and before the afternoon crowds build. Allow about 1½ hours for the pagodas, prayer halls, gates, and hillside paths. The grounds are generally free, though some special buildings may charge a small admission fee. Be respectful around worshippers, and check the temple’s official site if you hope to see a particular ceremony, since schedules vary.

Temple grounds and lunch

Continue behind the temple into Naritasan Park, a peaceful change from the busy approach street. The paths around the ponds and wooded slopes take about 45 minutes; they can be uneven, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile. Return via Omotesando Street for browsing—look for rice crackers, pickles, sweets, and small crafts. This is also the place to try Narita’s local specialty, grilled eel, traditionally served over rice.

For lunch or an early dinner, choose a restaurant near Narita Omotesando, such as Kawatoyo Honten, known for freshly prepared unagi, or Sushidokoro Edokko, a more flexible choice if someone prefers sushi. Budget approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. Many traditional restaurants close between lunch and dinner or finish service relatively early, so check same-day hours and eat before about 2:00 PM for lunch, or from 5:00 PM onward for dinner. Keep the evening easy after the flight: return to the hotel, organize luggage, and confirm tomorrow’s train route rather than adding another major sight.

Day 2
Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo highlights

Getting there from Narita, Japan
JR Narita Express (N'EX) from Narita Station to Tokyo/Shinjuku (about 55–90 min, ¥3,000–¥3,500). Book or check routes with JR East; depart early morning to reach Meiji Jingu comfortably.
  1. Meiji Jingu — Harajuku; peaceful forest shrine visit, ~1 hour.
  2. Takeshita Street — Harajuku; browse youth fashion and snacks, ~1 hour.
  3. Nezu Museum — Aoyama; enjoy Japanese art and its garden, ~1.5 hours; advance ticket recommended.
  4. Shibuya Scramble Crossing — Shibuya; see Tokyo’s iconic intersection, ~30 minutes.
  5. Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka — Shibuya; conveyor-belt sushi dinner, approximately ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: Meiji Jingu and Harajuku

After arriving in Tokyo, head first to Meiji Jingu—the planned route from Narita should put you near the shrine late morning if you leave early. Allow time for luggage drop-off at your hotel and the transfer to Harajuku Station. From the station, it is a short walk through the wooded approach to the shrine; the visit itself takes about an hour. The broad gravel paths are peaceful even when nearby Takeshita Street is busy. Wear comfortable shoes, and remember that the inner shrine grounds are open from sunrise until sunset, while seasonal hours vary.

Walk back toward Takeshita Street for an hour of browsing and casual snacks. It is particularly lively around midday, so keep bags close and expect queues at popular crepe and candy shops. Rather than making this a full meal stop, share a few treats and save room for sushi later. A 10–15-minute walk, or a short train ride via Omote-sando Station, brings you to Aoyama.

Afternoon: Nezu Museum

Spend roughly 90 minutes at the Nezu Museum, whose collection focuses on Japanese and East Asian art. The garden is the highlight for many visitors—a quiet change from Harajuku’s crowds, with stone paths, ponds, and seasonal planting. The museum is generally closed on Mondays and may have changing exhibitions, so confirm the opening day and exhibition schedule before setting out; advance tickets are sensible for popular shows. Allow about 20–30 minutes to travel from Harajuku and time for the entrance queue.

Evening: Shibuya and dinner

From Aoyama, walk or take the subway toward Shibuya, then spend about 30 minutes around Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The best first look is from the station’s upper walkways, followed by a crossing at street level; early evening gives you the full neon-and-crowds atmosphere without requiring a long stop. Continue a few minutes uphill into Dogenzaka for dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, a casual, high-value conveyor-belt sushi restaurant. Orders arrive directly at your seat, and a meal usually runs about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Expect a queue at peak dinner time, so joining the digital or in-person waitlist before wandering around Shibuya is worthwhile.

Day 3
Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo neighborhoods

  1. Senso-ji — Asakusa; Tokyo’s most atmospheric major temple, ~1.5 hours.
  2. Nakamise-dori — Asakusa; traditional souvenirs and snacks, ~45 minutes.
  3. Kappabashi Dougu Street — Asakusa; browse Japan’s famous kitchenware district, ~1 hour.
  4. Tokyo Skytree — Oshiage; city views and shopping, ~2 hours; reserve timed entry if visiting the observation decks.
  5. Solamachi restaurant district — Oshiage; dinner with Skytree views, approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: Senso-ji and Nakamise-dori

Begin around 9:00 AM at Senso-ji, when the temple grounds are lively but not yet at their busiest. Walk through Kaminarimon Gate and allow about 90 minutes for the main hall, incense burner, smaller temple buildings, and the surrounding lanes. The temple grounds are free; arrive early if you want family photos before tour groups fill the approach. From the main hall, continue along Nakamise-dori for roughly 45 minutes. This is a good place to try ningyoyaki cakes, senbei rice crackers, or melon-pan, though the most central stalls tend to be more expensive than shops on the side streets.

Lunch and Afternoon: Kappabashi Dougu Street

Walk west toward Kappabashi Dougu Street—about 15 minutes from Senso-ji—for an hour of browsing Japan’s famous kitchenware district. Look for distinctive restaurant signs, high-quality knives, lacquerware, ceramics, chopsticks, and compact cooking tools that are easy to take home. Many shops close around 5:00–6:00 PM and some may have irregular holiday closures, so visiting before lunch or mid-afternoon is safest. For lunch, choose a small soba, tempura, or curry restaurant around Asakusa rather than waiting until Solamachi; allow roughly ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person and expect limited seating in smaller establishments.

Late Afternoon and Evening: Tokyo Skytree and Solamachi restaurant district

From Kappabashi Dougu Street, take a taxi to Tokyo Skytree for the easiest family transfer—about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic—or walk to Asakusa Station and ride the Tobu Skytree Line to Tokyo Skytree Station, usually around 10 minutes plus station walking time. Allow two hours for the tower and its shopping complex. If you want the Tembo Deck or Tembo Galleria, reserve a timed ticket in advance; sunset periods and weekends commonly sell out, and your ticket time should include a queue buffer. Finish in the Solamachi restaurant district, where dinner generally runs about ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. Choose a table with a view if available, but the popular restaurants can have waits; arrive before the usual 7:00 PM dinner rush. IC cards work on the trains, and the total local transport cost should usually stay below ¥1,000 per person excluding any taxi.

Day 4
Urayasu, Japan

Tokyo Disney day

Getting there from Tokyo, Japan
JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama (about 15–20 min, ¥230–¥300), then walk or take the Disney Resort Line. Use Google Maps/JR East; depart around 7:00–7:30 AM before the park opens.
  1. Tokyo Disney Resort — Maihama; travel from central Tokyo by JR Keiyo Line, ~30–45 minutes; arrive before opening.
  2. Tokyo Disneyland — Maihama; spend the full day on major rides, parades, and themed areas, ~8–10 hours; park admission and popular attractions require advance planning.
  3. イクスピアリ (Ikspiari) — Maihama; convenient dinner and shopping after the park, approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: Getting to Tokyo Disney Resort

Leave central Tokyo around 7:00–7:30 AM and allow 30–45 minutes door to door, including the long transfer inside Tokyo Station to the JR Keiyo Line platforms. Take a train to Maihama Station, then follow the signs for Tokyo Disneyland; it is a straightforward walk, so the Disney Resort Line is usually unnecessary unless you are heading elsewhere in the resort. Arriving before opening gives your family the best chance of joining a popular attraction queue and booking same-day options through the official Tokyo Disney Resort app. Check the park’s actual opening time and ticket requirements beforehand—entry tickets should be purchased in advance, and attraction access may depend on Premier Access or the app’s current reservation system.

Full day: Tokyo Disneyland

Plan to spend roughly 8–10 hours inside Tokyo Disneyland, concentrating first on the rides your teenagers most want rather than trying to cross the park repeatedly. Use the app for live wait times, mobile food ordering, and parade information; popular attractions can require advance paid access, and queues are longest after late morning. Take a proper lunch break in one of the park restaurants, and keep the evening flexible for a parade or nighttime entertainment if the schedule suits your visit. Bring a refillable bottle and portable battery, and expect plenty of walking—comfortable shoes matter more than trying to fit in every attraction.

Evening: イクスピアリ (Ikspiari)

After leaving the park, walk from Maihama Station into イクスピアリ (Ikspiari), the shopping and dining complex beside the resort. It is an easy, low-effort place for dinner after a full park day, with Japanese, Italian, casual family restaurants, and dessert options; budget approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. Allow about an hour to eat and browse, then return to Maihama Station for the JR Keiyo Line back to Tokyo. Restaurants can be busy at park closing time, so either eat a little earlier or expect a short wait.

Day 5
Fukuoka, Japan

Travel to Fukuoka

Getting there from Urayasu, Japan
Travel from Maihama to Tokyo Station, then Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi to Hakata (about 5 hr 30 min–6 hr total, roughly ¥23,000–¥24,000). Reserve on SmartEX; take an early train, ideally around 7:00 AM.
  1. Tokyo → Hakata by Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen — Travel from Tokyo Station to Hakata, about 5 hours; reserve seats and allow ~45 minutes for station access and boarding.
  2. Hotel check-in and Hakata Station — Hakata; leave luggage and orient yourself, ~45 minutes.
  3. JR Hakata City rooftop garden — Hakata; easy city views after the long transfer, ~45 minutes.
  4. Canal City Hakata — Hakata; shopping, fountains, and casual entertainment, ~1.5 hours.
  5. Hakata ramen near Canal City — Hakata; dinner, approximately ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: Tokyo to Hakata

Take an early Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Hakata Station, allowing roughly 5½–6 hours from your hotel in Urayasu to arrival in Fukuoka. Include time for the walk through Tokyo Station to the Shinkansen platforms, collecting a station breakfast, and boarding—about 45 minutes at the station is sensible. Reserve four seats together through SmartEX if possible; a reserved Nozomi seat is usually around ¥23,000–¥24,000 per person one way. Buy an ekiben and drinks before boarding, since the long ride is easiest treated as travel time rather than a sightseeing morning.

Afternoon: Hakata Station and Canal City

After reaching Hakata Station, leave your luggage at the hotel or use station lockers, then take about 45 minutes to check in and get oriented. Start at JR Hakata City, where the rooftop garden offers an easy first look over Fukuoka without adding another long transfer; it is generally open into the evening, though hours can vary. From there, walk west through the Hakata streets to Canal City Hakata—roughly 15 minutes—or take a short taxi if everyone is tired. Allow about 1½ hours for its shops, fountains, arcades, and casual entertainment. The complex is useful on a travel day because it is weather-proof and has plenty of seating; individual stores and attractions keep their own hours, commonly into the evening.

Evening: Hakata ramen

Have dinner near Canal City Hakata at Hakata Ramen Shinshin, a popular local-style choice known for thin noodles and a rich but approachable tonkotsu broth. Expect roughly ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person, with lines possible at peak dinner time. If the wait is long, nearby Ramen Stadium inside Canal City gives the family several alternatives without another journey. Keep the evening relaxed after the train ride: walk back toward Hakata Station through the Kushida Shrine area if energy allows, or return directly to the hotel and save the livelier Tenjin district for another day.

Day 6
Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka city day

  1. Ohori Park — Central Fukuoka; relaxed lakeside walk, ~1 hour.
  2. Fukuoka Art Museum — Ohori; varied collection and a slower indoor break, ~1.5 hours.
  3. Fukuoka Castle ruins — Maizuru; historic viewpoints and stone walls, ~1 hour.
  4. Tenjin shopping district — Tenjin; department stores and local boutiques, ~1.5 hours.
  5. Yatai stalls along Nakasu — Nakasu; sample street food and small plates, approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, ~1.5 hours.

Morning: Ohori Park and Fukuoka Art Museum

Start around 9:00 AM at Ohori Park, one of Fukuoka’s nicest places for an easy first look at the city. Walk the broad path around the lake—about an hour at a relaxed pace—and pause on the small bridges or near the Japanese garden area. The park is free, while boat rentals are optional and usually cost roughly ¥800–¥1,200 depending on the type and duration. From the park, walk a few minutes to the Fukuoka Art Museum for about 1½ hours indoors. Its collection ranges from Japanese art to modern works, and the museum is a useful slower break if the weather is wet. Allow for a possible closed day, since museum schedules vary; admission is commonly around ¥200–¥500 for the collection, with special exhibitions priced separately.

Lunch and Afternoon: Fukuoka Castle ruins and Tenjin shopping district

Have lunch near Ohori Park or along the edge of Maizuru Park before exploring the Fukuoka Castle ruins. The castle itself no longer stands, but the remaining stone walls, gates, and elevated viewpoints give a good sense of the old fortifications; allow about an hour. The walk is mostly outdoors, with uneven stone paths and stairs, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile. Then continue toward Tenjin shopping district, roughly 15–20 minutes on foot or a short subway ride from the castle area. Spend about 1½ hours browsing Tenjin Core-area department stores, Fukuoka PARCO, and the smaller boutiques around Daimyo; this is a good place to pick up snacks, clothing, or Japanese stationery before dinner.

Evening: Yatai stalls along Nakasu

Walk from Tenjin toward Nakasu—around 10–15 minutes—or take the subway one stop if everyone is tired. Arrive around 6:00 PM, before the busiest dinner period, and choose a yatai with a visible menu and a steady local crowd. Try small bowls of tonkotsu ramen, yakitori, gyoza, oden, or mentaiko dishes; expect approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person depending on drinks and how much you share. Seating is close together, and many stalls prefer cash, so carry smaller yen notes. Yatai generally operate in the evening only and may close in poor weather or on quiet days, so treat this as weather-dependent rather than a guaranteed late-night stop.

Day 7
Dazaifu, Japan

Dazaifu day trip

Getting there from Fukuoka, Japan
Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) to Dazaifu, usually via Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi (35–45 min, ¥420–¥500). Check routes on Nishitetsu or Google Maps; depart around 8:30–9:00 AM.
  1. Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station → Dazaifu Station — Take the Nishitetsu train, about 35–45 minutes each way; depart around 8:30–9:00 AM.
  2. Dazaifu Tenmangu — Dazaifu; Kyushu’s best-known shrine, ~1.5 hours; check current renovation arrangements before visiting.
  3. Dazaifu Tenmangu approach — Dazaifu; try umegae-mochi and browse souvenir shops, ~45 minutes.
  4. Kyushu National Museum — Dazaifu; excellent regional history and culture, ~2 hours.
  5. Kamakura Museum of Art? — Dazaifu; instead, allow extra time for Komyozenji Temple, a quiet Zen garden near the shrine, ~45 minutes.
  6. Dazaifu restaurant near the station — Dazaifu; udon or grilled local specialties, approximately ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: Dazaifu Tenmangu

Leave Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station around 8:30–9:00 AM for Dazaifu Station; the journey usually takes 35–45 minutes, often with a change at Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi. Use an IC card if convenient, and note that the direct train pattern varies. From Dazaifu Station, it is a straightforward five-minute walk to Dazaifu Tenmangu. Allow about 1½ hours for the shrine grounds, including the torii-lined approach, bridge, main worship area, and the temporary arrangements around the ongoing renovation works. Check the shrine’s official site shortly before visiting, as access and the appearance of the main hall may change.

Late Morning: Dazaifu Tenmangu approach

Spend another 45 minutes along the approach street, where small shops sell souvenirs, local sweets, and the classic umegae-mochi—a warm rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste. The busiest section is closest to the station, so look into the side lanes for quieter cafés and craft shops. Afterward, follow the signs toward the Kyushu National Museum; the covered escalator and uphill route take roughly 10–15 minutes from the shrine area.

Afternoon: Kyushu National Museum and Komyozenji Temple

Allow around two hours at the Kyushu National Museum, particularly if your family enjoys history. Its exhibits explain Japan’s connections with Korea, China, and the wider Asian mainland, making it more engaging than a purely local-history museum. Admission to the permanent collection is generally around ¥700 for adults, with special exhibitions costing extra; check the current schedule and last admission time before setting out. When you return toward the shrine, stop at Komyozenji Temple, only a few minutes away, for its restrained Zen gardens and a much quieter atmosphere. Allow about 45 minutes, but confirm opening arrangements since small temples can occasionally close or limit entry.

Evening: Dinner and return to Fukuoka

Have an early dinner near Dazaifu Station before returning to Fukuoka. Yasutake Udon is a practical choice for bowls of noodles and simple set meals, while Kasanoya is convenient for local specialties and a relaxed family meal; budget roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Trains back to Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station take about 35–45 minutes, and returning around 6:00–7:00 PM leaves room for a final stroll through Tenjin without making the day feel rushed.

Day 8
Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka and Hakata

Getting there from Dazaifu, Japan
Nishitetsu train from Dazaifu to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin), usually via Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi (35–45 min, ¥420–¥500). No advance booking is needed; return after breakfast or when convenient.
  1. Hakata Machiya Furusatokan — Hakata; learn about traditional Hakata crafts and homes, ~1 hour.
  2. Kushida Shrine — Hakata; important local shrine and festival center, ~45 minutes.
  3. Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum — Hakata; see regional crafts, ~1 hour.
  4. Hakata Riverain Mall — Hakata; browse shops and take a break, ~1 hour.
  5. Motsunabe restaurant in Hakata — Hakata; try Fukuoka’s signature hot pot, approximately ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person, ~1.5 hours.

Morning: Hakata’s old town

After returning from Dazaifu, take the Nishitetsu train to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin), then continue by subway or taxi toward Hakata. Allow about 35–45 minutes from Dazaifu, plus another 15–20 minutes to reach the old-town sights. Begin at Hakata Machiya Furusatokan, a compact museum in a restored traditional townhouse where you can see Hakata textiles, woodworking, and demonstrations of local crafts. It is usually open during daytime hours, but check the current schedule before setting out; admission is generally only a few hundred yen.

Walk about 5 minutes to Kushida Shrine, the spiritual center of Hakata’s famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. The shrine is free to enter and takes around 45 minutes, including time to see the large festival floats displayed on the grounds. Continue through the nearby traditional lanes to the Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum. Its exhibits focus on regional techniques and finished pieces, making it a quieter complement to the hands-on atmosphere of the morning museums. Allow roughly an hour and check the museum’s opening day before visiting, as schedules can vary.

Afternoon and evening: Riverain and motsunabe

For a relaxed break, walk toward Hakata Riverain Mall, around 10–15 minutes from the craft museum. Browse the shops and take a rest in the mall’s cafés rather than trying to add another major attraction; this is a good point in the day to slow down after the morning’s walking. If anyone wants a short riverside stroll, the paths beside the Hakata River are pleasant around late afternoon. For dinner, reserve a table at a well-regarded motsunabe restaurant in Hakata—Motsunabe Yamanaka is a popular choice, while Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka Akasaka is another dependable option if you are willing to travel slightly farther. Expect about ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person, and allow 1½ hours. Motsunabe is commonly ordered with additional vegetables or noodles, so a shared pot works well for four; reservations are strongly recommended, especially on busy evenings.

Day 9
Hiroshima, Japan

Travel to Hiroshima

Getting there from Fukuoka, Japan
Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi from Hakata to Hiroshima (about 1 hr, approximately ¥9,000–¥10,000). Reserve via SmartEX or JR West; depart around 7:30–8:00 AM for a full sightseeing day.
  1. Hakata → Hiroshima by Sanyo Shinkansen — Travel about 1 hour; allow ~30–45 minutes for station access, luggage, and check-in.
  2. Hotel check-in near Hiroshima Station — Hiroshima; drop luggage and refresh, ~45 minutes.
  3. Hiroshima Castle — Central Hiroshima; explore the reconstructed castle and grounds, ~1.5 hours.
  4. Shukkeien Garden — Near Hiroshima Station; peaceful landscaped garden, ~1 hour.
  5. Okonomiyaki near Hiroshima Station — Hiroshima; try Hiroshima-style savory pancakes, approximately ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: Hakata to Hiroshima

Take an early Sanyo Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Hiroshima Station; the ride is about one hour, but allow 30–45 minutes beforehand for breakfast, luggage, and finding the correct platform. With a departure around 7:30–8:00 AM, you should reach Hiroshima in the late morning. After arriving, leave your bags at your hotel near Hiroshima Station or use station lockers, then allow about 45 minutes to check in or freshen up. The Shinkansen fare is approximately ¥9,000–¥10,000 per person; reserve seats through SmartEX or JR West, especially for four travelers with luggage.

Afternoon: Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden

From the station, take a local tram or taxi toward Hiroshima Castle—roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic—and spend about 90 minutes exploring the reconstructed keep, samurai-era exhibits, and surrounding grounds. The castle museum commonly operates during daytime hours, but confirm the current schedule before setting out; admission is generally around ¥370 for the keep. From there, walk or take a short taxi ride to Shukkeien Garden, a compact Edo-period landscape of ponds, bridges, tea houses, and carefully shaped hills. Allow about an hour here; it is a particularly good place to slow down after the morning train ride. Garden admission is usually around ¥260, with seasonal hours and closures worth checking locally.

Evening: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

Return toward Hiroshima Station for dinner at Okonomiyaki Mizutani or one of the established counters in Okonomiyaki Kōbō, the station’s multi-floor okonomiyaki area. Watch the cooks layer cabbage, noodles, pork, egg, and sauce directly on the hotplate; expect about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Go before 6:00 PM or be prepared for a queue, particularly on evenings and weekends. This is an easy first night in Hiroshima: keep the rest of the evening relaxed, since tomorrow’s Miyajima visit is best started early.

Day 10
Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima city day

  1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum — Peace Memorial Park; essential but emotionally substantial visit, ~2 hours; reserve tickets if timed entry is operating.
  2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park — Naka Ward; reflect at the cenotaph and A-Bomb Dome, ~1.5 hours.
  3. Hondori Shopping Street — Central Hiroshima; covered shopping and cafés, ~1 hour.
  4. Shukkeien? — Already visited; instead visit Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art — Hijiyama; modern art and city views, ~2 hours.
  5. Anago meshi restaurant — Central Hiroshima; try local grilled conger eel, approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Start around 9:00 AM at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Peace Memorial Park. Allow about two hours; the exhibits are essential but emotionally heavy, so avoid rushing and leave a little quiet time afterward. Timed-entry procedures can vary, so check the museum’s official site shortly before visiting and reserve if required. Admission is generally inexpensive—around ¥200–¥300 per adult—but queues can form, especially during busy periods.

After the museum, walk through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park for roughly 90 minutes. Visit the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, the Children’s Peace Monument, and the A-Bomb Dome, taking time to reflect rather than treating the park as a checklist. Everything is walkable, and the riverside paths provide a calmer transition before lunch.

Afternoon: Hondori Shopping Street and Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art

Walk or take the tram toward Hondori Shopping Street, Hiroshima’s covered downtown arcade. Spend about an hour browsing shops and stopping for a light lunch or coffee; Parco and the side streets around Tatemachi offer more casual choices than the main arcade. A simple meal typically costs ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person, and the covered walkway is useful in wet weather.

In the mid-afternoon, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway or a taxi to the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art on Hijiyama. Allow about two hours for the galleries and the hilltop views over the city. A taxi is easiest for four people, while the tram-and-walk option is cheaper but involves an uphill approach. Check the museum’s current opening day and exhibition schedule before setting out, as museum closures and special exhibitions can change.

Evening: Anago meshi

Finish with anago meshi, Hiroshima-style grilled conger eel served over rice. Look for a central restaurant around Hatchobori or Hondori; expect approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, with dinner queues possible at popular shops. The flavor is gentler than it sounds—sweet-savory eel with fragrant rice—and it makes a good change from the okonomiyaki you may have elsewhere in Hiroshima. After dinner, return to your hotel by tram or walk through central Naka Ward; most downtown connections are straightforward, but allow extra time if traveling during the evening rush.

Day 11
Miyajima, Japan

Miyajima day trip

Getting there from Hiroshima, Japan
JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi (about 25–30 min, ¥420), then JR West Miyajima Ferry (10 min, ¥200 plus visitor tax). Use an IC card; depart around 7:30–8:00 AM to avoid crowds.
  1. Hiroshima Station → Miyajimaguchi → Miyajima ferry — Allow ~1–1.25 hours each way door-to-door; depart early to avoid crowds.
  2. Itsukushima Shrine — Miyajima; Japan’s iconic “floating” shrine, ~1 hour; tide conditions affect the scenery.
  3. Omotesando Shopping Street — Miyajima; sample oysters and maple-leaf cakes, ~1 hour.
  4. Daisho-in Temple — Miyajima; atmospheric temple with hillside views, ~1 hour.
  5. Momijidani Park — Miyajima; scenic woodland walk, ~45 minutes.
  6. Miyajima oyster restaurant — Miyajima; lunch or early dinner, approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: Itsukushima Shrine

Leave Hiroshima Station around 7:30–8:00 AM for Miyajimaguchi, then take the JR West Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima. Allow about 1–1¼ hours door to door, including the walk to the platform and ferry wait. An IC card works on the JR train and ferry; the island also charges a small visitor tax. From the ferry terminal, walk about 15 minutes through the waterfront lanes to Itsukushima Shrine. Allow roughly an hour, checking the tide table beforehand—the famous torii and shrine seem to float at high tide, while low tide lets you walk out toward the gate. Arriving early is worthwhile before tour groups build up.

Late Morning: Omotesando Shopping Street and Daisho-in Temple

Continue along Omotesando Shopping Street, the liveliest route through the island’s center. This is a good place to try grilled oysters and momiji manju, Miyajima’s maple-leaf-shaped cakes; individual snacks are usually ¥300–¥800. After browsing, walk uphill for about 15 minutes to Daisho-in Temple, a quieter and more atmospheric stop than the main shrine, with rows of small Buddhist statues, prayer wheels, and views across the Inland Sea. Give the temple about an hour, and wear comfortable shoes—the approach includes steps and a steady incline.

Afternoon: Momijidani Park and lunch

From Daisho-in, follow the wooded paths down through Momijidani Park, allowing around 45 minutes for an easy descent. The route is especially pleasant in spring, with streams, maples, and shaded viewpoints, though it can be damp after rain. Have lunch afterward at a Miyajima oyster restaurant near Omotesando or the waterfront. Kakiya is a dependable choice for oyster rice, grilled oysters, and oyster set meals, generally about ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person; queues are common at lunchtime, so consider eating slightly early or late. Finish by returning to the ferry terminal at a relaxed pace, allowing time for one last snack or souvenir stop.

Evening

Take the ferry back to Miyajimaguchi and the JR train to Hiroshima Station. Aim to leave the island by roughly 4:30–5:30 PM, particularly if you have dinner plans or want to avoid the busiest return period. Keep the evening light after the walking: Hiroshima Station’s ekie shopping and dining complex is convenient for a casual meal, and it is better suited to tired legs than adding another sightseeing stop.

Day 12
Tokyo, Japan

Return to Tokyo

Getting there from Miyajima, Japan
Ferry to Miyajimaguchi, JR train to Hiroshima, then Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi to Tokyo (about 4 hr 45 min–5 hr 30 min door-to-door, roughly ¥20,000–¥21,000). Book via SmartEX; depart around 7:00 AM to preserve the afternoon.
  1. Hiroshima → Tokyo by Sanyo/Tokaido Shinkansen — Travel about 4 hours; allow ~45 minutes for station access and boarding.
  2. Hotel check-in and Tokyo Station — Marunouchi; see the historic station exterior and nearby streets, ~1 hour.
  3. Imperial Palace East Gardens — Marunouchi; spacious historic gardens, ~1.5 hours; confirm current opening days.
  4. Nihonbashi — Nihonbashi; explore traditional department stores and bridges, ~1 hour.
  5. Ningyocho — Nihonbashi; small eateries and traditional sweets, approximately ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: Miyajima to Tokyo

Take an early ferry back from Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi, then continue to Hiroshima Station for the Nozomi Shinkansen to Tokyo Station. From the island, allow roughly 4¾–5½ hours door to door, including the ferry, local train, station access, and boarding time. A departure around 7:00 AM is worthwhile; reserve seats through SmartEX, especially for four travelers, and keep luggage compact enough for the train. You should reach Tokyo Station around lunchtime or shortly afterward.

Afternoon: Marunouchi and the East Gardens

After leaving bags at your hotel or using station lockers, spend about an hour around Tokyo Station and Marunouchi. Walk outside to admire the red-brick Tokyo Station facade, then follow Marunouchi Nakadori toward the palace district. Have a quick lunch at KITTE Marunouchi or the station’s underground food halls—both offer plenty of choices without committing to a long restaurant wait.

Continue to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, roughly a 15-minute walk from the station. The grounds combine broad lawns, stone walls, former castle foundations, and carefully planted gardens, making this a pleasant low-key stop after the long train ride. Entry is free, but opening days and hours vary, and the gardens may close on certain weekdays or for palace events, so check the Imperial Household Agency website before relying on this visit. Allow about 90 minutes and bring water; there is little shade in some sections.

Late Afternoon and Evening: Nihonbashi to Ningyocho

From the gardens, walk or take the Tokyo Metro one stop toward Nihonbashi, where a more traditional side of central Tokyo begins. See the Nihonbashi Bridge, then browse Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi and the surrounding historic department-store district. The basement food halls are excellent for beautifully prepared sweets, bento, and small gifts, and are an easy option if everyone is tired.

Finish with a relaxed wander through Ningyocho, about a 10-minute walk away. Its older streets are known for small eateries and traditional sweets rather than major landmarks. Look for tamagoyaki, ningyoyaki cakes, and other snacks from long-established shops; plan roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person for a casual meal and tasting. This is a good evening to keep unstructured—after the long journey, choose a nearby izakaya or return to the hotel rather than adding another distant neighborhood.

Day 13
Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo flexible day

  1. teamLab Borderless — Azabudai Hills; immersive digital-art experience, ~2 hours; advance timed ticket required.
  2. Tokyo Tower — Akabanebashi; classic Tokyo views, ~1.5 hours; reserve observation-deck admission if needed.
  3. Zojo-ji Temple — Shiba; temple grounds with a Tokyo Tower backdrop, ~45 minutes.
  4. Ginza — Ginza; department stores, galleries, and final shopping, ~2 hours.
  5. Tsukiji Outer Market — Tsukiji; seafood and casual dinner, approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning: teamLab Borderless

Make Azabudai Hills your first stop, ideally arriving 15–20 minutes before your timed entry at teamLab Borderless. Set aside about two hours: the installations are spread through dark, maze-like rooms, and it is easy to lose track of time. Wear comfortable shoes, and avoid bringing bulky luggage or clothing with long, loose hems. Tickets must be booked in advance for a specific time; availability and entry rules can change, so check the official site before leaving your hotel. Afterward, Azabudai Hills has convenient cafés for a quick drink or pastry, though the family may prefer to save room for lunch later.

Late Morning and Afternoon: Tokyo Tower, Zojo-ji Temple, and Ginza

Walk or take a short taxi ride—roughly 10 minutes—to Tokyo Tower in Akabanebashi. The main observation deck usually takes about 1½ hours including queues, security, and time for photographs. Reserve a timed observation-deck ticket if your family wants a particular viewing time, especially on weekends or during school holidays; visibility is best on a clear day, but the skyline is still enjoyable in hazy weather. From the tower, walk about 10 minutes to Zojo-ji Temple in Shiba. Allow 45 minutes for the main grounds, the gate, and the striking view of the tower behind the temple. Keep voices low around the prayer areas, and note that the grounds are free even when some interior areas have separate fees. For lunch, take the subway or taxi toward Ginza—around 15–20 minutes—and spend the early afternoon browsing Matsuya Ginza, GINZA SIX, and the smaller galleries along the side streets. Department-store basement food halls are a practical choice for a varied family lunch, generally ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person.

Evening: Tsukiji Outer Market

Finish in Tsukiji Outer Market, about 10 minutes by subway from Ginza on the Hibiya Line, or a similar taxi ride depending on traffic. The market is liveliest in the morning, so treat this as an evening food stop rather than expecting every specialty stall to be open. Wander the covered lanes and choose a casual seafood dinner—grilled seafood, sushi, tamagoyaki, or rice bowls—budgeting approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. Check individual shop hours, as many vendors close by late afternoon and some restaurants do not serve dinner. From Tsukiji, the Hibiya Line makes it easy to return toward Ueno, Akihabara, or central Tokyo; otherwise, a taxi is worthwhile for four people after a full day, particularly if everyone is carrying final shopping.

Day 14
Narita, Japan

Return to Narita

Getting there from Tokyo, Japan
JR Narita Express from Tokyo/Shinjuku to Narita (about 55–90 min, ¥3,000–¥3,500), booked via JR East; alternatively, Keisei Skyliner from Ueno/Nippori takes about 40–55 min and costs roughly ¥2,600–¥2,800. Arrive at the airport 2–3 hours before an international flight.
  1. Tokyo → Narita Airport — Narita Express from major Tokyo stations or Keisei Skyliner from Ueno/Nippori; allow ~1.5–2 hours door-to-door and depart according to flight time.
  2. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple — Narita; optional final visit if the flight is late and luggage is stored, ~1 hour.
  3. Narita Omotesando — Narita; final snack and souvenir shopping near the station, ~45 minutes.
  4. Narita → Narita International Airport — Take the train or taxi; arrive at least 2–3 hours before an international departure.

Morning: Tokyo to Narita

Plan to leave your Tokyo hotel 3½–4 hours before your international flight. The easiest option is the Narita Express from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station; allow about 55–90 minutes on the train, plus hotel checkout, walking through the station, and a buffer for luggage. The Keisei Skyliner from Ueno Station or Nippori Station is usually faster if you are staying near eastern Tokyo, taking roughly 40–55 minutes. Expect approximately ¥3,000–¥3,500 for the Narita Express or ¥2,600–¥2,800 for the Skyliner, and reserve seats once you know your flight time.

If your flight is late enough to leave luggage at Narita Station or in a station locker, make a short final visit to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The walk from the station takes about 15 minutes along Narita Omotesando, and the temple grounds are free; allow around an hour for the main gate, pagoda, gardens, and a quiet final look at traditional Japan. This only works comfortably with a generous flight buffer—skip it if you would need to hurry.

Final snack and airport transfer

Walk back down Narita Omotesando for about 45 minutes of souvenir shopping and a final snack. Look for local unagi restaurants, rice crackers, sweets, and small craft gifts; Kawatoyo Honten is a classic choice for eel if it is open and you have time, while the street’s smaller shops are better for quick takeaway treats. Keep luggage and train timing in mind, as the slope and crowds can make the return walk slower than expected.

From Narita Station, continue to Narita International Airport by JR or Keisei train, or take a taxi if you have bulky luggage. Be at the terminal at least 2–3 hours before an international departure—more if you need a tax refund, checked baggage, or are returning a rental item. Check the terminal carefully before boarding; the airport’s terminals are connected, but transferring between them takes additional time.

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