6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Japan

  • Day 1: Tokyo Disneyland
    45 minutes (15km) from the city centre

    Get ready for a fun-filled day at Tokyo Disneyland! Experience classic rides, meet familiar Disney characters, and indulge in delicious treats at this magical theme park.

  • Day 2: Ueno Park and Zoo
    30 minutes (11km) from the city centre

    Spend a day at Ueno Park and Zoo, where you'll find an abundance of activities for the whole family. Explore the park's various museums, temples, and shrines and visit the zoo's cute pandas, tigers, and other animals.

  • Day 3: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
    2.5 hours (814km) from Tokyo by shinkansen

    Learn about Japan's history and the tragic events of World War II at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The haunting memorials, museums, and buildings will leave you feeling emotional yet inspired.

  • Day 4: Kyoto Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park
    1 hour 20 minutes (51km) from the city centre

    Take a stroll through the mesmerising bamboo forest and encounter wild monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park. Afterwards, marvel at the historic temples and shrines in Kyoto's charming streets.

  • Day 5: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
    30 minutes (13km) from the city centre

    Discover an underwater world at the impressive Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Get up close with various marine creatures, including whale sharks and dolphins, and learn about the importance of the ocean.

  • Day 6: Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa
    1 hour (19km) from the city centre

    End your trip with stunning views of Tokyo from the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree. Afterward, stroll through traditional Asakusa streets, shop for souvenirs, and visit the historic Sensoji Temple.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tokyo Disneyland (1 day, $75 per person)
  • Ueno Park and Zoo (1 day, $10 per person)
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (1 day, free entry)
  • Kyoto Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park (1 day, $25 per person)
  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (1 day, $25 per person)
  • Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa (1 day, $20 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $455 per person

Transportation

Japan has an extensive railway system that is reliable and convenient for travelling between cities. The JR Pass is a cost-effective way to access most trains throughout Japan, including the shinkansen. Taking local trains and buses around each city is also straightforward, and taxis are readily available for shorter distances. The estimated cost of transportation for this itinerary is about $150 per person, and the total travel time between cities is approximately 7 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other popular destinations like Mount Fuji, Okinawa, or Hokkaido. For shorter trips, focus on specific regions like Tokyo and Kyoto or Hiroshima and Osaka. Don't forget to try local specialties such as ramen, sushi, and matcha, and bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cities.

Airports

Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) is the main airport serving Tokyo and is located about 60km east of the city centre. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) is closer, about 20km south of the city centre, but mainly serves domestic flights. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main airport serving Osaka and is located about 50km south of the city centre.

0