14 Days Family-Friendly Itinerary in Tokyo

  • Day 1: Ueno Park and Zoo
    20 minutes (6 km) from Narita International Airport

    Ueno park offers a great opportunity to admire nature as well as learn about the culture and history of Tokyo. The zoo is located in the park and is home to over 400 species of animals from around the world. Highlights include the giant pandas and the polar bear.

  • Day 2: Tokyo Tower and Tsukiji Fish Market
    30 minutes (8 km) from Ueno Park

    The Tokyo Tower is a classic landmark and offers amazing aerial views of the city. After that, head to Tsukiji Fish Market for a culinary exploration of fresh seafood, especially sushi. Go early in the morning for the tuna auction and then enjoy sushi breakfast in the nearby alleys.

  • Day 3: Studio Ghibli Museum and Inokashira Park
    40 minutes (14 km) from Tsukiji Fish Market

    The Ghibli Museum is an interactive exhibition that showcases the animation and art of the famous Japanese animation studio. You need to book your tickets in advance. After that, take a leisurely stroll in Inokashira Park, the source of inspiration for the legendary Studio Ghibli movie, My Neighbor Totoro.

  • Day 4: Tokyo Disneyland
    30 minutes (15 km) from Inokashira Park

    Get ready for some family fun at the Tokyo Disneyland. The theme park offers a variety of attractions, shows, and parades inspired by your Disney favorites.

  • Day 5: Ginza and Hamarikyu Gardens
    40 minutes (17 km) from Tokyo Disneyland

    Ginza is Tokyo's luxury shopping district, where you can find flagship stores of high-end fashion brands, renowned art galleries, and gourmet restaurants. End the day with a relaxing boat ride at Hamarikyu Gardens, an oasis of serenity and natural beauty in the heart of Tokyo.

  • Day 6: Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, and Tokyo Skytree
    30 minutes (12 km) from Hamarikyu Gardens

    Asakusa is known for its historical vibes, traditional streets, souvenir shops, and delicious street food. Walk towards the Senso-ji Temple located at the end of the street. End the day with great views from the Tokyo Skytree observation deck, one of the tallest structures in the world.

  • Day 7: Odaiba and Joypolis Indoor Theme Park
    30 minutes (14 km) from Tokyo Skytree

    Odaiba is Tokyo's artificial island and entertainment hub, where you can find attractions like the Gundam statue, Legoland, the Miraikan museum, and the Joypolis indoor theme park. It's an ideal destination for family entertainment.

  • Day 8: Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
    2 hours (130 km) from Odaiba

    A day trip from Tokyo will bring you to the iconic symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji. The best spot for viewing the majestic mountain is from Lake Kawaguchi. Enjoy the stunning natural scenery and try some local delicacies.

  • Day 9: Harajuku and Shibuya
    2 hours (90 km) from Lake Kawaguchi

    Harajuku is the center of Japanese youth culture, fashion, and trendy cuisine. Takeshita Street, the main shopping street, is known for its quirky atmosphere and sugar rush sweets. Shibuya, on the other hand, is an exciting and colorful district, where the famous Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, is located.

  • Day 10: Shinjuku and Robot Restaurant
    20 minutes (10 km) from Shibuya

    Shinjuku is another bustling and vibrant district of Tokyo, where you can find skyscrapers, flashing lights, department stores, and entertainment centers. Enjoy a memorable dinner show performance at the Robot Restaurant, where you can witness the futuristic side of Tokyo.

  • Day 11: Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrine
    20 minutes (7 km) from Robot Restaurant

    Yoyogi Park is a spacious and serene park that offers a perfect place for a morning jog or picnic. Meiji Jingu Shrine, located adjacent to Yoyogi Park, is a symbol of Japanese Shinto religion and a popular cultural site in Tokyo. Take a stroll in the forest and enjoy the tranquility.

  • Day 12: Sumida River and Yakatabune Dinner Cruise
    30 minutes (14 km) from Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Experience a unique cultural activity by hopping onto a Yakatabune, Japanese traditional boat, for a river dinner cruise on Sumida River. Enjoy the city views, night lights, and delicious food, drink, and music.

  • Day 13: Akihabara and Maid Cafe
    30 minutes (10 km) from Yakatabune Dock

    Akihabara is Tokyo's paradise for anime, manga, gaming, and electronic enthusiasts. Explore the district's narrow streets and multistory buildings packed with shops and arcades. End the day with a visit to a themed cafe, such as a maid cafe, to experience the unique coffee culture of Japan.

  • Day 14: Departure Day
    One last sushi breakfast or souvenir shopping (depending on departure time)

    It's time to say goodbye to Tokyo and all the amazing memories. Enjoy one last sushi breakfast or souvenir shopping (depending on departure time) before heading to Narita International Airport for your flight back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ueno Zoo (4 hours, 600 Yen)
  • Tokyo Tower (2 hours, 1200 Yen)
  • Tsukiji Fish Market (3 hours, 3500 Yen)
  • Studio Ghibli Museum (3 hours, 1000 Yen)
  • Tokyo Disneyland (1 day, 8200 Yen)
  • Ginza (2 hours, Free entry)
  • Hamarikyu Gardens (2 hours, 300 Yen)
  • Senso-ji Temple (2 hours, Free entry)
  • Tokyo Skytree (2 hours, 2060 Yen)
  • Joypolis Indoor Theme Park (3 hours, 4000 Yen)
  • Mount Fuji and Kawaguchi (6 hours, 10000 Yen)
  • Harajuku (3 hours, Free entry)
  • Robot Restaurant (3 hours, 8000 Yen)
  • Yoyogi Park (2 hours, Free entry)
  • Meiji Jingu Shrine (2 hours, Free entry)
  • Sumida River Yakatabune Dinner Cruise (3 hours, 8000 Yen)
  • Akihabara (3 hours, Free entry)
  • Maid Cafe (2 hours, 4000 Yen)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 49,760 Yen (Approx. $461 USD)

Transportation

Travel around Tokyo with the subway system, with single fares starting at 170 Yen ($1.6 USD) or get a rechargeable Suica or Pasmo IC card for more convenience.

For the day trip to Mount Fuji and Kawaguchi, take the highway bus from Shinjuku Station for 2000 Yen ($19 USD) one way. You can also consider renting a car for a more flexible itinerary.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring the Tokyo outskirts or nearby cities like Yokohama or Kamakura by day trips.

If you have less time, you can shorten the itinerary by combining some activities or eliminating some destinations.

Airports

Tokyo has two main airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Narita Airport is the main international gateway, located around 70 km east of central Tokyo, and offers various transportation options, such as train, bus, and taxi. Haneda Airport is more convenient, located around 20 km south of central Tokyo, and offers convenient connections to many domestic destinations as well.

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