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12-Day Family Friendly Journey Through Japan: City Wonders, Nature, Culture & Culinary Delights

Viewed by 60 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrive in Tokyo

After landing at Narita or Haneda Airport, grab your Japan Rail Pass and head into the bustling city of Tokyo.
Take the Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus to central Tokyo.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-in and Lunch

Check into a family-friendly hotel and then head to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and seafood for lunch.
Take the metro to Tsukiji.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Asakusa

Visit the Sensoji Temple and soak in the traditional atmosphere of Asakusa.
Metro from Tsukiji to Asakusa.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Sumida River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Sumida River, a delightful way to see the city from a different perspective.
Walk to the cruise terminal from Asakusa.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner in Shibuya

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, a fast and fun conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
Metro from Asakusa to Shibuya.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Culture & City Life in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local café like Kyubey, enjoying grilled fish and miso soup.
Walk from the hotel.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Meiji Shrine

Explore this serene Shinto shrine, surrounded by beautiful forested grounds, perfect for a peaceful family walk.
Metro to Harajuku.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Take a stroll in Harajuku

Check out the quirky shops and fashion trends on Takeshita Street, a vibrant hub for youth culture.
Walk to Takeshita Street.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Omotesando

Enjoy a delicious French-Japanese fusion lunch at Maisen, famous for its tonkatsu.
Short walk from Harajuku.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the National Museum of Nature and Science

Explore interactive exhibits and learn about Japan's rich biodiversity and history.
Metro to Ueno Park.
JPY 620, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Akihabara

Enjoy a vibrant dinner at a themed café like Go-Go Curry, perfect for families with kids.
Metro to Akihabara.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Day Trip to Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Enjoy the amenities at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Yokohama

Depart for Yokohama via the JR Negishi Line, a short journey offering lovely views.
Train from Tokyo Station to Yokohama.
JPY 470, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Yokohama Chinatown

Explore the vibrant streets of the largest Chinatown in the world, full of shops and restaurants.
Walk from Yokohama Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Chinatown

Savour delicious dim sum at one of the popular local restaurants such as Heichinrou.
Walk to Heichinrou.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Yamashita Park

Stroll through this scenic seaside park, perfect for relaxing and family picnics.
Walk back to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Cup Noodles Museum

Get creative at this fun museum, where families can make their own instant noodles.
Walk to the museum.
JPY 500, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Red Brick Warehouse

Conclude your day with dinner at one of the restaurants in the historical Red Brick Warehouse.
Metro from Yamashita Park to the warehouse.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Yokohama

Day 4: Nature Retreat in Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Hakone, famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.
Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Wander through beautiful sculptures and installations in this unique open-air museum.
Bus from Hakone-Yumoto to the museum.
JPY 1600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki lunch at a local ryokan, offering multiple courses of Japanese delicacies.
Walk to a nearby ryokan.
JPY 4000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Lake Ashi Cruise

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi with stunning views of Mount Fuji and surrounding landscapes.
Bus to the boat terminal.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Hakone Shrine

Explore the beautiful Hakone Shrine located on the shores of Lake Ashi, blending nature and tradition.
Walk to Hakone Shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Enjoy a cozy family dinner at a local izakaya, exploring Japanese-style pub cuisine.
Walk to a nearby izakaya.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

After breakfast at your ryokan, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan.
Take the Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto.
JPY 10000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Check into hotel

Check into a family-friendly hotel or traditional ryokan in Kyoto.
Walk to hotel from the station.
Varies, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Lunch near Kinkaku-ji

Savour traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot) lunch at a nearby restaurant such as Kinkaku-ji Yudofu.
Taxi to the restaurant.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji

Marvel at the stunning Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by serene gardens.
Walk to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit the nearby Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Take the train to Arashiyama.
JPY 600, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Gion

Enjoy traditional kaiseki dining experiences at Gion, immersing in local culinary customs.
Take a taxi to Gion.
JPY 6000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Exploring Kyoto's Treasures

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a full day of adventures.
Refresh at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through the trees.
Take the train to Fushimi Inari.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch in Ninenzaka

Indulge in soba noodles at a charming restaurant in Ninenzaka, a historic district.
Bus to Ninenzaka.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Experience stunning views and the historical significance of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Walk to Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY 400, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Sanjusangendo

Marvel at the thousand statues of Kannon at this impressive temple.
Taxi to Sanjusangendo.
JPY 600, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a riverside meal at one of the izakayas in the atmospheric Pontocho Alley.
Walk to Pontocho Alley.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

After breakfast, take the train to Nara, famous for its free-roaming deer and ancient temples.
Train from Kyoto to Nara.
JPY 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Spend time among the friendly deer in Nara Park, feeding them special deer crackers.
Walk from the station.
JPY 300, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Todai-ji Temple

Visit one of Japan's most famous temples, home to a giant Buddha statue.
Walk to Todai-ji from Nara Park.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local café

Savour some local seasonal dishes at a nearby café, such as nabemono (hot pot).
Walk to a nearby café.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Isuien Garden

Stroll through these beautiful traditional gardens that are sure to charm every family member.
Walk to the gardens.
JPY 900, 1 hour

3:30PM

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto and enjoy the scenic train rides.
Train from Nara to Kyoto.
JPY 600, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner in Kyoto

Conclude the day with a relaxed dinner of ramen or okonomiyaki at a family-friendly restaurant.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 8: Food Adventure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Kyoto hotel before heading to Osaka.
Prepare at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a short train ride to Osaka, known as the kitchen of Japan.
Train from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY 560, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its beautiful surrounding park.
Walk from the station.
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Dive into the flavours of Osaka at Dotonbori, sampling takoyaki and okonomiyaki at famous street stalls.
Metro to Dotonbori.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit one of the world's largest aquariums to witness marine life from the Pacific Rim.
Metro to the aquarium.
JPY 2300, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy dinner tasting various local specialities at the Kuromon Ichiba Market, which is perfect for foodies.
Walk to Kuromon Ichiba Market.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 9: History & Peace in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Depart for Hiroshima after breakfast, steeped in history yet showcasing a vibrant culture.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
JPY 11000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Explore the memorial park dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb, inspiring reflection and peace.
Short tram ride from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Shukkeien Garden

Delight in a scenic lunch at a local restaurant surrounded by the tranquillity of Shukkeien Garden.
Walk to the garden.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Hiroshima Castle

Explore this historic castle and appreciate its traditional architecture and surroundings.
Tram to Hiroshima Castle.
JPY 370, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome

Witness the reality of Hiroshima's past by visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk from the castle.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Okonomimura

Enjoy Hiroshima's renowned okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a building full of local eateries.
Metro to Okonomimura.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 10: Island Exploration in Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Miyajima

Savour breakfast at your hotel before heading to Miyajima Island, home to the famous floating torii gate.
Take the ferry from Hiroshima.
JPY 1800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Itsukushima Shrine

Marvel at the stunning scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, particularly the iconic torii gate.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hiking Mount Misen

Embark on a family-friendly hike up Mount Misen, offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Use the trailhead from the shrine.
JPY 1000, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Relax and enjoy some delicious anago (grilled eel) at a nearby restaurant.
Walk to a local eatery.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Wildlife spotting

Take in the beautiful nature and maybe spot some local deer and other wildlife on the island.
Explore around the ferry terminal.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Hiroshima for Dinner

Head back to Hiroshima and enjoy dinner at a local izakaya to wrap up the day.
Ferry back to Hiroshima.
JPY 1800, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 11: Discovering Okayama

Okayama, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Okayama

Depart for Okayama after a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Hiroshima.
Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Okayama.
JPY 5400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Korakuen Garden

Relax in Korakuen, known as one of Japan’s top three gardens, perfect for family strolls.
Walk from Okayama Station.
JPY 400, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Okayama Castle

Admire the stunning black castle, also known as 'Crow Castle', right next to the garden.
Walk to Okayama Castle.
JPY 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Relish delicious local cuisine like Okayama's famous barazushi (sushi served on a plate).
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Okayama Orient Museum

Discover art and culture from Eastern countries, ideal for immersing in local history.
Walk to the museum.
JPY 800, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Okayama

Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at an izakaya to wind down your trip.
Walk to a nearby izakaya.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Okayama

Day 12: Final Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a lovely breakfast at your hotel before heading back to Tokyo.
Prepare at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Return to Tokyo

Experience a relaxed trip back to Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Take the Shinkansen from Okayama to Tokyo.
JPY 18000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local ramen shop

Savour iconic Japanese ramen at a highly-rated local favourite such as Ichiran.
Metro to Ichiran.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Spend your afternoon shopping and exploring the sights in the trendy Shibuya district.
Walk to Shibuya.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit TeamLab Borderless

Experience the immersive and interactive art installations at TeamLab Borderless to end your trip on a high note.
Metro to Odaiba.
JPY 3200, 2 hours

7:30PM

Farewell Dinner

Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner at a traditional teppanyaki restaurant like Katsuya.
Metro back towards your hotel.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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