12-Day Family Friendly Adventure Road Trip in Japan

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your Japanese adventure tasting fresh sushi at the celebrated Tsukiji Outer Market.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Asakusa and Sensoji Temple

Wander through the historic streets of Asakusa and visit the iconic Sensoji Temple.
Take the subway to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa Menchi

Enjoy a delicious lunch of croquettes at this local favourite.
Short walk from Sensoji Temple.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ueno Zoo

Spend the afternoon at Ueno Zoo, a great spot for families to see a variety of animals.
Ride the subway to Ueno Station.
JPY600, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

End your day with a delicious gyukatsu (breaded beef cutlet) at this popular eatery.
Take the subway from Ueno to Shibuya, then walk.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy classic Kyotoian breakfast at this traditional coffee shop.
Take the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
JPY2500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take bus no. 101 from Kyoto Station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Experience street food galore at the famous Nishiki Market.
Take the bus back to Kyoto Station, then walk.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through the iconic torii gates at this famed Shinto shrine.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Taste authentic Kyoto-style kaiseki at this traditional restaurant.
Walk through Gion District.
JPY5000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Takamura

Enjoy traditional pancakes paired with fine coffee.
Take the train to Nara from Kyoto Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nara Park

Interact with the friendly deer and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Nara Park.
Walk from the cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha in this impressive temple.
Short walk from Nara Park.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Relish fresh sashimi bowls in this local restaurant.
Short walk from Todai-ji.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Take a stroll through the forested paths leading to this peaceful shrine.
Bus from Nara Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Naramachi Sushi

Enjoy delightful sushi prepared fresh in this quaint restaurant.
Walk back to Naramachi.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Vibrant Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before departing for Hiroshima.
Take the train from Nara to Hiroshima.
JPY2500 + hotel cost, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on the past at this poignant historical site.
Walk from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this famous food court.
Short walk from the park.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle and its beautiful gardens.
Take tram no. 2 from the station.
JPY600, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Nagata-ya

Savour delicious Hiroshima-style noodles in a casual setting.
Return on tram to the city centre.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Miyajima Day Trip

Miyajima Island, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up at your hotel for a day at Miyajima Island.
Take the train from Hiroshima to Miyajima Ferry Terminal.
JPY2500 + hotel cost, 1 hour

9:30AM

Miyajima Ferry Ride

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island.
Ferry from terminal.
JPY1800, 20 min

10:00AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the famous shrine and the iconic floating torii gate.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kakiya

Indulge in fresh oysters, a local specialty.
Short walk from shrine.
JPY2000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Take a hike to Mount Misen

Enjoy stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea on this scenic hike.
Take the ropeway then hike.
JPY3000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hoshinoya

Treat yourself to a fine dining experience with local ingredients.
Return to ferry and head back.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Okayama

Okayama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to Okayama.
Take the ferry back to Hiroshima and then the train to Okayama.
JPY2500 + hotel cost, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Okayama Korakuen Garden

Stroll through one of Japan's most celebrated landscapes gardens.
Walk from Okayama Station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sata Andagi

Taste delicious Okinawan doughnuts in this charming café.
Short walk from the garden.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Okayama Castle

Visit this striking castle known as the 'Crow Castle'.
Walk to the castle.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Katetei

Enjoy hearty soba noodles in this local hit.
Walk back to the station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Charming Kurashiki

Kurashiki, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a generous breakfast at your hotel.
Take a local train from Okayama to Kurashiki.
JPY2000 + hotel cost, 30 min

9:00AM

Visit Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Stroll through beautifully preserved Edo period streets.
Walk from the station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Ohara Museum of Art

Explore Japan's first museum of Western art.
Short walk from the historical quarter.
JPY1300, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shokudo Sabou

Taste fresh sushi and seasonal dishes in this charming restaurant.
Short walk from the museum.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Boat ride on Kurashiki River

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the historic canal area.
Boat rentals nearby.
JPY1500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Kushiya

Feast on delicious grilled skewers made with fresh local ingredients.
Walk back to the station.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Picturesque Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to start the day.
Take a train from Kurashiki to Takamatsu.
JPY2000 + hotel cost, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Ritsurin Garden

Explore the stunning landscaped gardens with beautiful ponds.
Ride the local streetcar to the garden.
JPY410, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Kagawa Olive Park Lunch

Sample olive-related dishes at this scenic park.
Take a bus from the gardens.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Takamatsu Castle

See the stunning views from Takamatsu Castle, surrounded by a moat.
Take a bus from the park.
JPY200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Sanuki Udon

Savour the famous Sanuki udon noodles in this well-known restaurant.
Travel back to the city centre by bus.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Historic Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to Matsuyama.
Take the ferry or train to Matsuyama.
JPY2000 + hotel cost, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Matsuyama Castle

Explore the iconic castle that overlooks the city.
Train to Matsuyama Station.
JPY500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Oden Shokudo

Sample the local favourite, oden, in this cozy eatery.
Walk from the castle.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Dogo Onsen

Relax in one of Japan's oldest hot springs, a perfect family treat.
Take tram no. 5 from station.
JPY800, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kyu-emon

Enjoy grilled fish and seasonal local dishes.
Return on tram to the city centre.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Vibrant Kobe

Kobe, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel before travelling to Kobe.
Take the train from Matsuyama to Kobe.
JPY2000 + hotel cost, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Nunobiki Herb Garden

Stroll through beautiful herb gardens with stunning city views.
Take the cable car from Shin-Kobe Station.
JPY1500, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kobe Beef Steakhouse

Indulge in world-famous Kobe beef for an unforgettable dining experience.
Take a bus down from the garden.
JPY8000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Kobe Maritime Museum

Explore maritime history and exhibits at this engaging museum.
Walk to the museum.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nankinmachi

Enjoy a range of Chinese dishes in Kobe's Chinatown.
Short walk from the museum.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Exciting Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before diving into the Osaka experience.
Take the train from Kobe to Osaka.
JPY1500 + hotel cost, 1 hour

9:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day at this fun-filled theme park, perfect for families!
Subway to Universal City Station.
JPY8600, 8 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Delight in street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the bustling area.
Take the subway to Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 2 hours
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Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before your journey back to Tokyo.
Take the shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo.
JPY2000 + hotel cost, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Shopping at Shibuya

Enjoy a final shopping spree in one of Tokyo's trendiest districts.
Take the subway to Shibuya.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ichiran Ramen

Savour delicious tonkotsu ramen at this famous chain.
Short walk in Shibuya.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Akihabara

Discover Japan's electronics and otaku culture hub.
Train from Shibuya to Akihabara.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Final Dinner at Sushi Zanmai

Celebrate your incredible journey with a final dinner of fresh sushi.
Train back toward Shibuya.
JPY4000, 2 hours
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