12-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrival at Narita International Airport

Settle in at your accommodation and prepare for an adventure ahead.
Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station.
JPY 3000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and street food from the many vendors at this bustling market.
Walk from your hotel or take a quick taxi.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Ueno Zoo

Spend the afternoon exploring Japan's oldest zoo, home to giant pandas and many other animals.
Take the subway to Ueno Station.
JPY 600, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ikebukuro Sunshine City

Explore the vibrant shopping complex followed by a hearty meal at one of the family restaurants.
Just a short subway ride away.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a traditional Japanese breakfast including grilled fish and rice.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo's oldest temple amidst bustling shops.
Take the subway to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local soba restaurant

Discover the delights of handmade soba noodles.
Walk around Asakusa for local options.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Tokyo Skytree

Ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city.
Subway to Tokyo Skytree Station.
JPY 2500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Akihabara Electronics District

Discover the world of anime, manga, and electronics – fun for all ages!
Take the subway to Akihabara Station.
Free browsing, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a themed restaurant

Experience a unique dining experience at a robot or ninja restaurant.
Located in Akihabara.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Get ready with a healthy continental breakfast.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Nikko

Journey through beautiful landscapes to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa Station.
JPY 5000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Marvel at the intricately decorated shrine set within beautiful cedar forests.
20-minute walk from train station.
JPY 1300, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Savor yuba, a local delicacy made from tofu skin.
Many options around Toshogu Shrine.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Kegon Falls

Witness one of Japan's most famous waterfalls, an awe-inspiring sight.
Take a bus from the station.
JPY 600, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Conclude your day trip with a scenic return journey.
Take the bus back to the train station and the Tobu train.
JPY 5000, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a soba restaurant

Enjoy a warm bowl of soba noodles upon returning to Tokyo.
Walk from hotel.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Journey to Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a full Japanese breakfast to prepare for the day.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Head to Hakone, famous for its hot springs and views of Mt. Fuji.
Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station.
JPY 2500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore unique sculptures in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Short taxi or bus ride from the station.
JPY 1600, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a local café

Enjoy light sandwiches and desserts in a cozy environment.
Nearby the museum.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hakone Ropeway

Experience stunning views of Mt. Fuji from the sky.
Take the ropeway from the museum vicinity.
JPY 3000, 1 hour

4:30PM

Onsen Experience

Relax in a traditional hot spring, a true Japanese experience.
Visit a nearby onsen.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hakone

Indulge in kaiseki dining for a multi-course meal.
Many restaurants nearby.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Savor a healthy breakfast with both local and continental options.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Witness the beauty of the countryside on your train ride.
Shinkansen from Odawara Station.
JPY 10000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Take in the stunning sight of this zen temple covered in gold leaf.
Take a bus from the station.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a traditional Kyoto restaurant

Taste Yudofu (tofu hot pot), a local specialty.
Various options are available.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic torii gates that lead up Mount Inari.
Take the train to Fushimi Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Experience a tea ceremony

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to learn its significance.
Join a local class.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner in Gion District

Wander through Gion and enjoy the atmosphere while dining on yakitori.
Explore local restaurants in Gion.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for another exciting day with a hearty breakfast.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through towering bamboo stalks for an enchanting nature experience.
Take the train to Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Togetsukyo Bridge Walk

Stroll along this beautiful bridge with scenic views.
Short walk from the bamboo grove.
Free, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at a riverside restaurant

Savor river fish dishes with a view.
Nearby Togetsukyo Bridge.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and discover its stunning architecture.
Train from Arashiyama to Nijo Station.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Philosopher's Path

Enjoy this scenic walkway surrounded by cherry trees and small temples.
Bus to the path.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Taste various small dishes in a lively casual atmosphere.
Various options in Kyoto.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a cheerful breakfast before heading out.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Enjoy a short train ride to the first capital of Japan.
Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Meet the friendly free-roaming deer in this beautiful park.
Walk from the station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local udon restaurant

Try Nara's famous thick noodles.
Options available in Nara.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha statue housed in this impressive temple.
Short walk from Nara Park.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Walk through the serene path adorned with lanterns leading to this shrine.
Bus or walk from Todai-ji.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Wrap up your day in Nara with a pleasant train ride back.
Kintetsu train back to Kyoto.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at a ramen shop

Enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen to conclude the day.
Many options in Kyoto.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Osaka City Adventures

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Delight in a hearty breakfast full of variety.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Head to the bustling metropolis known for its food and entertainment.
Take the train to Osaka Station.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its beautiful gardens.
Walk from Osaka Station.
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Experience local street food including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take the subway to Namba Station; the area is walkable.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions for the family.
Take a train to Universal City Station.
JPY 8500, 5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Universal City

Enjoy a themed dining experience within the park.
Onsite dining options.
JPY 3500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Hiroshima History

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the journey with a fortifying breakfast.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Experience the historic journey to Hiroshima, focusing on peace.
Take Shinkansen from Osaka Station.
JPY 13000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Learn about the impact of history and the importance of peace.
Take a tram from the station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomi-mura

Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a local favorite.
Short walk from the park.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome

A haunting reminder of the past, preserving history.
Walk from lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Tram Ride to Shukkeien Garden

Relax in this tranquil Japanese garden filled with seasonal beauty.
Take the tram back.
JPY 260, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Experience more local cuisine to conclude the day.
Various options nearby.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Excursion to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a scenic day of exploration.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Miyajima

Visit the sacred island and its famous floating torii gate.
Take a tram and ferry to Miyajima.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Itsukushima Shrine

Marvel at Japan’s famous shrine and its historical significance.
A short walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY 300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at a local seafood restaurant

Try the local grilled oysters and other seafood delicacies.
Nearby the shrine.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Take the Mount Misen Ropeway

Experience breathtaking views and explore hiking trails.
Head to the ropeway station.
JPY 1800, 2 hours

3:30PM

Hike down from Mount Misen

Enjoy nature as you hike down from the mount.
Free (included with ropeway), 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hiroshima

Ease back and enjoy the ferry ride once more.
Ferry back to Hiroshima.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hiroshima

Delight in more okonomiyaki or other local dishes.
Several options nearby.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Beach Day in Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a relaxed beach day ahead.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Okinawa

Fly from Hiroshima Airport to Naha Airport.
Direct flight.
JPY 13000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at beach resort

Settle into your beautiful beachfront accommodation.
Transport from Naha Airport.
Free (Accom price), 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at resort

Enjoy local specialties such as Okinawa soba.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Beach Time

Relax at the pristine beach and partake in water activities.
Just outside the resort.
Free, 2-3 hours

5:00PM

Explore Naha Market

Discover local goods and traditional Okinawan snacks.
Ride to Naha Market.
Free (shopping cost varies), 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy various Okinawan dishes in a fun atmosphere.
Within Naha.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at resort

Delight in a tropical breakfast as your last treat in Okinawa.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Fly back to Tokyo for the final leg of your journey.
Direct flight from Naha.
JPY 13000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at hotel

Settle into your Tokyo accommodation for the night.
Transport from airport.
Free (Accom price), 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at a local curry shop

Taste the delightful flavors of Japanese curry.
Nearby area.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Harajuku

Discover youthful fashion and fun shops in this trendy area.
Subway to Harajuku Station.
Free browsing, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Experience tranquility in this beautiful Shinto shrine.
Walk from Harajuku.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at a conveyer belt sushi

End your trip with delicious sushi on a conveyor belt for a fun dining experience.
Nearby Harajuku.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability