Family-Friendly 8-Day Japan Rail Adventure: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on October 20, 2024

10:00AM

Arrival at Narita International Airport

Welcome to Japan! Begin your adventure by exchanging your JR Pass and getting your luggage before heading into the city.
Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station.
JPY3000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ichiran Ramen

Enjoy a delicious bowl of authentic tonkotsu ramen at the famous Ichiran, where you can savor flavors in your own personal booth.
Walk to Ichiran, about 10 minutes from Tokyo Station.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ueno Park & Zoo

Explore the beautiful Ueno Park, which includes a fantastic zoo, perfect for family-friendly animal encounters.
Take the Yamanote Line to Ueno Station, about 10 minutes.
JPY600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Relax and freshen up at your hotel located in the bustling Shinjuku area, known for its vibrant nightlife and accessibility.
Take the Oedo Line to Shinjuku Station, about 20 minutes.
JPY20000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Stroll through the famous Omoide Yokocho alley, sampling various yakitori and other dishes that create a lovely Tokyo dining experience.
Walk to Omoide Yokocho, about 5 minutes from your hotel.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on October 21, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and seafood in an authentic atmosphere at one of the stalls in the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market.
Take the Oedo Line to Tsukiji Station, about 20 minutes.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Japan's oldest temple, as you wander through the Nakamise shopping street.
Take the Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa's Tempura Daikokuya

Indulge in authentic tempura for lunch at this popular restaurant known for its crispy delights.
Walk from Senso-ji, about 10 minutes.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Odaiba and TeamLab Borderless

Experience the digital art museum, TeamLab Borderless, which is a stunning and immersive attraction that will captivate the whole family's imagination.
Take the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station to Odaiba, about 30 minutes.
JPY3200, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Shinjuku

Head back to Shinjuku for dinner at a restaurant of your choice or explore Golden Gai for unique bar hopping.
Take the Yurikamome Line back to Shimbashi, then transfer to the Yamanote Line to Shinjuku, about 30 minutes.
JPY500, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden area

End your day with family-friendly dining at a nearby izakaya, where you can share a variety of dishes.
Walk for 10 minutes.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Hakone

Hakone, Japan on October 22, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Hakone.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Board the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara; switch to the Hakone Tozan Railway to reach Hakone.
JR Pass covers this trip, total travel around 2 hours.
JPY0 (using JR Pass), 2 hours

12:30PM

Check into Hotel Green Plaza Hakone

Relax at your hotel with stunning views of Mount Fuji and Japanese-style rooms.
JPY25000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Hakone Open-Air Museum Café

After checking in, enjoy lunch at the café inside the famous Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Walk to the museum, about 10 minutes.
JPY1800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum

Discover art and nature combined at this unique museum featuring sculptures and installations in a stunning outdoor setting.
Continue walking within the museum grounds.
JPY1600, 2 hours

5:30PM

Enjoy an Onsen experience at the hotel

Relax and rejuvenate in the soothing waters of the onsen at your hotel, a must-do experience in Hakone.
In-house.
Included, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional kaiseki dinner at your hotel, showcasing a variety of seasonal dishes.
In-house dining.
JPY8000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Hakone

Hakone, Japan on October 23, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring grilled fish, rice, and pickles.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hakone Ropeway & Owakudani

Ascend the mountain via the Hakone Ropeway, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and visit the volcanic Owakudani area.
Take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Gora Station, then transfer to the Ropeway.
JPY3000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Owakudani Restaurant

Savor black eggs (kuro-tamago) cooked in hot springs while enjoying the dramatic landscape.
On-site eateries at Owakudani.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Lake Ashi

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi and enjoy views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding nature.
Board the cruise from Hakone-machi.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Hakone Shrine

After the cruise, visit the serene Hakone Shrine nestled among the trees by the lake.
Walk to the shrine from the cruise terminal, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hotel for Onsen

After a full day, enjoy another calming soak in the onsen to unwind.
Walk back to the hotel, about 20 minutes.
Included, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Relish another delightful kaiseki meal at your hotel, with seasonal specialties.
In-house dining.
JPY8000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on October 24, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another round of a traditional breakfast before heading to Kyoto.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Board the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station.
JR Pass covers this trip, travel duration is around 2 hours.
JPY0 (using JR Pass), 2 hours

11:30AM

Check into Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Settle into your centrally located hotel, connected directly to Kyoto Station.
JPY23000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Kyoto Station’s Ramen Street

Pick from various renowned ramen shops and enjoy a quick and tasty lunch.
Walk within the station.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic shrine with thousands of vermillion torii gates, perfect for an afternoon hike.
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station, about 5 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel

Rest before an evening outing.
Take the JR Nara Line back to Kyoto Station.
JPY500, 10 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion District

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal or try some street food delicacies in this historic neighborhood.
Take the bus or walk to Gion.
JPY4000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on October 25, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the iconic bamboo forest, a tranquil setting perfect for family photos.
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savor delicious soba noodles at this picturesque riverside restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning gardens and cultural significance.
Short walk from lunch location.
JPY500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway

Enjoy a scenic train ride through the beautiful mountains and along the Hozu River.
Board from the nearby station.
JPY620, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Walk back to the hotel, about 20 minutes.
Free, 20 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Indulge in local cuisine and atmosphere by exploring dining options in the quaint Pontocho alley.
Take a short walk to Pontocho.
JPY5000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on October 26, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Osaka.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Catch the train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station in just a few minutes.
JR Pass covers this trip.
JPY0 (using JR Pass), 30 minutes

11:00AM

Check into Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

Settle into your hotel located not far from Osaka's attractions.
JPY22000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Dive into Osaka's street food scene by trying takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the famous Dotonbori district.
Take the subway to Dotonbori, about 15 minutes.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Marvel at one of the world's largest aquariums, featuring mesmerizing marine life from the Pacific Rim.
Take the subway to Osakako Station, about 30 minutes.
JPY2400, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Dotonbori for Shopping

Explore the shops and vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori and grab a quick snack.
Subway back to Dotonbori.
JPY500, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Dine in Dotonbori, sampling more street food and enjoying the illuminated atmosphere.
Walk to a restaurant of your choice.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore Osaka & Departure

Osaka, Japan on October 27, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Japan at the hotel.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the stunning grounds and impressive architecture of Osaka Castle.
Take the subway to Osakajokoen Station, about 30 minutes.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Taste the various seafood and fresh produce at this bustling market, perfect for lunch.
Take the subway, about 20 minutes.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Souvenir Shopping in Namba

Spend your last hours shopping for unique souvenirs in the vibrant Namba district.
Take the subway, about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel and Check-Out

Head back to the hotel to collect your bags and prepare for your departure.
Take the subway back, about 10 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Transfer to Kansai International Airport

Take the Nankai Airport Line from Namba to Kansai Airport to catch your flight home.
Nankai Line, about 45 minutes.
JPY1500, 1 hour
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