9-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Japan: Culture, Relaxation, and Rail Travel

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00 AM

Check-in at Hotel

After arriving at Narita International Airport, take the Narita Express Train to Tokyo, where you can check into a family-friendly hotel.
Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then walk or take the subway to the hotel.
JPY2000, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh seafood or sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, offering a variety of delicious street foods.
Take the subway from hotel to Tsukiji Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Stroll down Nakamise Street filled with shops leading up to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple.
Subway to Asakusa Station, short walk to Senso-ji.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at Ueno Park

Spend some leisurely time in Ueno Park, where the kids can play and you can enjoy the cherry blossom trees.
Subway to Ueno Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Family-friendly Izakaya

Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at a local izakaya with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.
Walk to nearby izakaya from Ueno Park.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

8:00 AM

Travel to Nikko

Catch an early train from Tokyo to Nikko to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Take the JR Tobu line from Asakusa to Nikko Station.
JPY4000, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Discover the ornate Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, surrounded by beautiful nature.
Take a bus from Nikko Station to the shrine.
JPY1300, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Experience yuba (tofu skin) dishes at a local restaurant, a specialty of Nikko.
Walk to a restaurant near Toshogu Shrine.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Lake Chuzenji

Enjoy the stunning landscapes at Lake Chuzenji and take a short boat ride or stroll around the lake.
Take a bus to Lake Chuzenji.
JPY1500, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Tokyo

Catch a train back to Tokyo, where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Bus back to Nikko Station, then take the JR Tobu line back to Tokyo.
JPY4000, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner near the Hotel

Find a cozy ramen shop near your hotel to end your day with a hearty meal.
Walk to a ramen shop nearby.
JPY1200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Relaxation in Hakone

Hakone, Japan

9:00 AM

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar from Tokyo to Hakone for stunning views of Mount Fuji along the way.
Depart from Shinjuku Station on the Romancecar.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Owakudani Black Eggs Experience

Visit Owakudani Valley and try the famous black eggs, said to extend your life by seven years.
Take the ropeway from Hakone to Owakudani.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hakone Yumoto Station

Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants around the station, offering local cuisine.
Take the bus or walk to Yumoto Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Relax in an Onsen

Take a soak in one of Hakone's famous onsens (hot springs) with family-friendly facilities.
Visit an onsen resort for family access.
JPY2500, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum

Wander through sculptures and artworks in the beautiful outdoor setting of the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Take a short bus ride from the onsen.
JPY1600, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at a Traditional Ryokan

Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, an unforgettable traditional Japanese multi-course meal.
Dine at the ryokan where you stay.
JPY5000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00 AM

Travel to Kyoto

Board the shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto, enjoying the swift and comfortable ride.
Take the shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto Station.
JPY12000, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Zen Buddhist temple, known for its iconic golden exterior and serene gardens.
Take a bus from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Savor street food and local specialties at the bustling Nishiki Market, famous for its food stalls.
Bus back to Kyoto and walk to Nishiki Market.
JPY1500, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, a must-see site in Kyoto.
Take the train to Fushimi Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Traditional Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal featuring Kyoto-style kaiseki or yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a local restaurant.
Take the subway or bus from the shrine to nearby restaurant.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours

8:30 PM

Gion District Stroll

Take a leisurely walk through Gion, the famous geisha district, to spot beautiful teahouses.
Walk to the Gion District from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:30 AM

Travel to Nara

Travel to Nara via a direct train from Kyoto, visiting one of Japan's oldest capitals.
Take the Kintetsu line from Kyoto to Nara Station.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Nara Park

Enjoy the famous Nara Park filled with friendly roaming deer and historical sites like Todai-ji Temple.
Walk from Nara Station to Nara Park.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Taste the delicious yomogi mochi (Japanese rice cake) from this famous shop, a local specialty.
Walk to Nakatanidou near Nara Park.
JPY500, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Tour this impressive wooden temple housing a giant Daibutsu statue, an iconic symbol of Nara.
Short walk from Nara Park to the temple.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Stroll through Naramachi

Take a walk through the preserved historic district, Naramachi, filled with traditional houses and shops.
Take a walk from Todai-ji Temple to Naramachi.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Experience a casual dinner at a family-friendly izakaya, offering a variety of Japanese dishes.
Take a train back to Nara Station, then nearby restaurant.
JPY2000, 2 hours

8:30 PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto to relax at your accommodation after an exciting day.
Kintetsu train back to Kyoto.
JPY800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Adventure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00 AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a quick train ride from Kyoto to Osaka to explore the vibrant city.
Take the JR line from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY560, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle, surrounded by beautiful park grounds perfect for a family picnic.
Take the subway from Osaka Station to Osaka Castle.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savor Osaka’s famous street food at Dotonbori, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Subway to Namba Station, walk to Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

Visit one of the world’s largest aquariums, home to a variety of marine life - a hit with kids and adults alike.
Take the subway to Osakako Station, then walk to the aquarium.
JPY2400, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Universal CityWalk

Enjoy shopping and dining at Universal CityWalk, offering various entertainment options.
Walk to Universal CityWalk from the aquarium.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe

Indulge in a west-meets-east dining experience at Hard Rock Cafe, featuring classic American burgers and desserts.
Walk to Hard Rock Cafe in Universal CityWalk.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historical Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

9:00 AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima, an essential part of your cultural journey.
Take the shinkansen from Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.
JPY11000, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at the Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb.
Short walk from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a food theme park dedicated to the dish.
Walk to Okonomimura from Peace Park.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Hiroshima Castle

Visit the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle, surrounded by a beautiful garden and a museum.
Take the tram from the park to Hiroshima Castle.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Learn at Hiroshima Museum of Contemporary Art

Discover modern art exhibits in a tranquil setting at the Hiroshima Museum of Contemporary Art.
Walk or take a tram to the museum.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Experience the local night scene with dinner at a lively izakaya in Hiroshima.
Walk to an izakaya near your hotel.
JPY2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Miyajima Island Excursion

Miyajima, Japan

7:30 AM

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Catch an early ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island to see the iconic torii gate.
Take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station.
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on stilts over the water.
Walk from the ferry terminal to the shrine.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Hike up Mount Misen

Take a scenic hike or a cable car up Mount Misen for amazing panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Cable car station is near the shrine; tickets available on-site.
JPY1800, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch with a View

Dine at a hilltop restaurant with beautiful views after your hike.
Return to the cable car station for a restaurant choice.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Deer on Miyajima

Spend some time with the friendly roaming deer on the island—a big hit for the kids.
Stroll around the island; deer are often seen near the ferry terminal.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Hiroshima

Catch the ferry back to Hiroshima and relax at your hotel before dinner.
Ferry back to Miyajimaguchi Station, then walk or take a train to hotel.
JPY2000, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at a Traditional Restaurant

End your adventures with a farewell dinner enjoying local favorites in Hiroshima.
Walk to a local restaurant near your hotel.
JPY2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00 AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Take the shinkansen from Hiroshima back to Tokyo to conclude your journey.
Depart from Hiroshima Station to Tokyo Station.
JPY19000, 4 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Shinjuku Gyoen

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the picturesque Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden after arriving back in Tokyo.
Take the subway to Shinjuku Station.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Head to Shibuya for some last-minute shopping and visit the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Take the subway to Shibuya Station.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at a Themed Restaurant

Conclude your adventure in Japan with a memorable dinner at a themed restaurant like Robot Restaurant or Alice in Wonderland Cafe.
Subway back to Shinjuku or nearest themed restaurant.
JPY5000, 2 hours

8:30 PM

Evening Stroll in Tokyo

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the vibrant streets of Tokyo, absorbing the sights and sounds one last time.
Walk around your area or to the nearest famous spot.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability