9-Day Family Friendly Cultural Immersion and Foodie Itinerary in Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive at your hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and refresh after your journey.
Walk 10 minutes from the Shinjuku Station to your hotel.
JPY20000, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Take a serene walk through the forested grounds of Meiji Shrine and learn about Shinto traditions.
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku to Harajuku (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Ichiran Ramen

Savor delicious tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran, famous for its solo dining booths.
Walk 5 minutes from Meiji Shrine to Ichiran.
JPY1500, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Harajuku

Stroll through the colorful streets of Harajuku, visiting quirky shops and sampling street food.
Easily walk around Harajuku.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Dine at the restaurant that inspired the famous fight scene in Kill Bill, famous for its soba and yakitori.
Take a taxi or local train to Gonpachi.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Adventures in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Delight in fresh sushi breakfast at one of the many stalls at the market.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station (15 minutes).
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and the bustling Nakamise shopping street filled with traditional snacks.
Take the subway from Tsukiji to Asakusa (30 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Asakusa Yudofu

Enjoy a healthy, traditional yudofu meal made with tofu in a serene setting.
Walk 5 minutes to the restaurant.
JPY2500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Sumida River Cruise

Relax and enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Sumida River, taking in views of Tokyo from the water.
Walk to the nearby boat terminal (10 minutes).
JPY1300, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum

Wander through Ueno Park, home to museums and a zoo, and visit the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Japan's history.
Take the subway to Ueno Station (20 minutes).
JPY620, 3 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Matsuya

Grab a quick and hearty gyudon bowl at Matsuya, a popular chain known for its quality beef rice bowls.
Take the subway back to Shinjuku (30 minutes).
JPY800, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
N/A
JPY2500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Hop on the Shinkansen for a quick ride to Kyoto, where history and culture await.
Walk to Tokyo Station (10 minutes); take the Shinkansen (2 hours).
JPY14000, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Check-in at Kyoto Hotel

Settle into your hotel in Kyoto’s city center and prepare for the day's exploration.
Take a taxi from Kyoto Station to your hotel (10 minutes).
JPY15000, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s famous Nishiki Market, sampling local delicacies such as yudofu and matcha sweets.
Walk to Nishiki Market (15 minutes).
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Wander the gardens surrounding this iconic golden temple and admire its stunning reflection on the pond.
Take a bus to Kinkaku-ji (30 minutes).
JPY400, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Kikunoi Roan

Experience kaiseki dining, a multi-course Japanese dinner that highlights seasonal ingredients, at a highly-rated restaurant.
Return to city center by bus (30 minutes).
JPY10000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a day full of exploration.
N/A
JPY2500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the magical bamboo forest of Arashiyama and capture stunning photos.
Take a local train to Arashiyama (30 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike up to the monkey park for a playful encounter with Japanese macaques amid stunning views.
Walk 30 minutes to the park entrance.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy a delicious soba meal at this restaurant overlooking the river.
Walk back to Arashiyama area (30 minutes).
JPY3000, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
Walk to Tenryu-ji (10 minutes).
JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy a hot pot of yudofu in a peaceful setting, great for a family meal.
Return to city center by train (30 minutes).
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before heading to Nara.
N/A
JPY2500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Nara

Catch a train to Nara, famous for its friendly deer and historic temples.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto (45 minutes).
JPY600, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Nara Park

Roam among the free-roaming deer in Nara Park and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Walk 10 minutes from Nara Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Maguro Donya

Savor a fresh fish bowl (donburi) at this popular local lunch spot.
Walk 10 minutes to the restaurant.
JPY1800, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore this impressive temple housing a giant Buddha statue, an iconic sight of Nara.
Walk to Todai-ji (20 minutes).
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Naramachi

Wander the historic merchant district filled with traditional wooden buildings and shops.
Take a bus to Naramachi (15 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Kawatana

Taste local udon noodles and enjoy a cozy family-friendly atmosphere.
Return to Nara Station (15 minutes).
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Osaka's Culinary Delights

Osaka, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your Kyoto hotel before checking out.
N/A
JPY2500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Osaka

Travel to Osaka, the food capital of Japan famed for its street food scene.
Take the JR train from Kyoto to Osaka (30 minutes).
JPY500, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the iconic castle and its beautiful park, a historic symbol of Osaka.
Take the subway to Osaka Castle (30 minutes).
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Delight in street food classics like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the bustling Dotonbori district.
Subway to Dotonbori (20 minutes).
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Kuromon Market

Enjoy a culinary exploration at this famous market, with fresh seafood and many tastings available.
Walk to Kuromon Market (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Beef Steak Sazanka

Indulge in a premium Matsusaka beef steak dinner that’s sure to impress the family.
Take a subway or taxi (15 minutes).
JPY12000, 2 hours
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Day 7: History in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Osaka hotel before checking out.
N/A
JPY2500, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Travel to the historical city of Hiroshima via the Shinkansen.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima (1.5 hours).
JPY10000, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on the tragic history as you explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
Take a tram to the park (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Okonomi-mura

Sample various styles of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this unique food complex.
Walk to Okonomi-mura (15 minutes).
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens.
Take a taxi to the castle (10 minutes).
JPY600, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Kakiya

Enjoy fresh oysters at Kakiya, famous for their Hiroshima-style seafood dishes.
Take a walk back to Densha-cho (15 minutes).
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Day Trip to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel in Hiroshima before the exciting day ahead.
N/A
JPY2500, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Ferry to Miyajima

Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, famous for its iconic floating torii gate.
Walk to the ferry terminal (10 minutes).
JPY1800, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine surrounded by stunning waterfront views.
Short walk to the shrine (10 minutes).
JPY300, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Yakigaki-no-Hayashi

Savor grilled oysters at this local favorite known for its fresh seafood.
Walk 10 minutes from the shrine.
JPY2500, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Mount Misen

Take the cable car up Mount Misen and enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Walk to the cable car station (15 minutes).
JPY2000, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry back to Hiroshima for dinner and continue your travel adventure.
Ferry back to Hiroshima (1 hour).
JPY1800, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Kakiya

End the day with another fantastic seafood dinner at Kakiya in Hiroshima.
Walk to Kakiya (15 minutes).
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your Hiroshima hotel.
N/A
JPY2500, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Shinkansen back to Tokyo

Hop on the Shinkansen for your return trip to Tokyo for some last-minute exploration.
Take the train from Hiroshima to Tokyo (4 hours).
JPY20000, 4 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Sushiko

Savor a delectable sushi meal at this renowned sushi restaurant in Tokyo's Tsukiji.
Take the subway to Tsukiji (30 minutes).
JPY4500, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Shopping at Ginza

Explore the luxury retail district of Ginza and indulge in some shopping.
Take the subway to Ginza (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit TeamLab Borderless

Dive into the mesmerizing digital art experience at TeamLab Borderless that the whole family will enjoy.
Take the subway to Odaiba (30 minutes).
JPY3200, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Farewell Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Conclude your adventure with a memorable dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu, where the ambiance and food create the perfect send-off.
Take the subway back to Nishiazabu (40 minutes).
JPY6000, 2 hours
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