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12-Day Family Friendly Rail Journey Through Japan: Culture, Cuisine, and City Adventures

Viewed by 76 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrive at Narita International Airport

Upon arrival, you'll head to your hotel to check in and freshen up after the journey.
Take the Narita Express train to Tokyo Station, about 1 hour.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kyubey

Indulge in a premium sushi experience at the renowned Kyubey in Ginza.
Take a taxi for a short 10-minute ride.
JPY 15000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Tokyo Tower

Visit this iconic landmark and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Take the Toei Oedo Line to Akabanebashi Station then a 10-minute walk.
JPY 1200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Savor the world-famous xiao long bao dumplings amid a lively atmosphere.
Take the subway to Shibuya, easy access from Tokyo Tower.
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bistro at Tsubaki

Start your day with a hearty Japanese-Western fusion breakfast.
Short walk from the hotel.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Meiji Shrine

Experience a moment of peace in this beautiful spiritual site surrounded by nature.
Walk to Harajuku Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Enjoy a unique conveyor belt sushi experience that the kids will love.
Take the train to Shibuya Station.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Akihabara

Delve into the world of anime, gaming, and electronics in famous Akihabara.
Train ride from Shibuya to Akihabara Station.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Soba Noodles Matsugen

Relax and enjoy delicious handmade soba noodles for dinner.
Train from Akihabara back to Shinjuku.
JPY 3600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Journey to Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Savor a traditional Japanese breakfast with grilled fish and rice.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Take a scenic train ride to Hakone, known for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.
Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY 2200, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hakone Yuba (Tofu) restaurant

Experience a variety of delicious dishes made from local tofu.
Walk to the restaurant from the station, about 15 minutes.
JPY 3000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Open-Air Museum

Discover an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures in a stunning outdoor setting.
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY 1700, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at an Onsen

Unwind in one of Hakone's famous hot springs, perfect for the family.
Transfer to the onsen by shuttle.
JPY 3000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Agedashi Tofu Restaurant

Finish the day with a warm kimono and hot tofu dinner.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
JPY 3500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy another delicately prepared Japanese breakfast at your ryokan.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen train to Kyoto, home of beautiful temples and shrines.
Take the Romancecar from Hakone to Shinjuku and transfer to Shinkansen.
JPY 7000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen

Dive into a bowl of authentic Japanese ramen at an iconic restaurant.
Transfer from Kyoto Station to the restaurant by taxi.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera

Explore this landmark temple known for its wooden stage that offers stunning city views.
Take bus 100 from Kyoto Station.
JPY 400, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Gion District

Wander through this historical district and possibly spot a Geisha.
Walk back down the hill to Gion.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kikunoi

Experience kaiseki dining in one of Kyoto's most prestigious restaurants.
Short walk from Gion.
JPY 20000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Delight in breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients from the region.
At your ryokan.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through this enchanting bamboo forest and enjoy its serene beauty.
Take the JR train to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yoshimura

Taste delicious soba noodles garnished with fresh seasonal toppings.
Walk to the nearby restaurant.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Tenryuji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
Short walk from Yoshimura.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony and learn about Japanese customs.
Return to the city for the ceremony.
JPY 4500, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from various delightful restaurants in Kyoto's famous dining alley.
Walk to Pontocho Alley.
JPY 4000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy the delightful ryokan breakfast.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nara

Take a local train to Nara, well-known for its friendly deer in Nara Park.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto Station.
JPY 600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Nara Park

Visit the famous Nara Park and interact with the wild deer roaming freely.
Walk from the station into the park.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor delicious fresh tuna donburi in a cozy local eatery.
Walk to the restaurant from the park.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha housed in this monumental temple.
Walk back toward Nara Park.
JPY 600, 2 hours

4:15PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto for the evening.
Take the same train back to Kyoto Station.
JPY 600, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Enjoy Kyoto-style okonomiyaki at this great family-friendly restaurant.
Walk from the station.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 7: Culinary Delight in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with views of Kyoto's skyline.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the local train to Osaka, known as the culinary capital of Japan.
Take the JR train from Kyoto to Osaka Station.
JPY 640, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this historic landmark showcasing stunning architecture and gardens.
Walk from Osaka Station for about 15 minutes.
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savor street food in the lively Dotonbori district, famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take the subway one stop to Namba.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Osaka Aquarium

Delve into the wonders of marine life at one of the world's largest aquariums.
Take subway to Osakako Station.
JPY 2500, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M,

Indulge in premium Matsusaka beef at this high-end barbecue restaurant.
Take taxi from the aquarium.
JPY 10000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 8: Hiroshima's Resilience

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Savor a comforting Japanese breakfast at your hotel.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima and prepare for an emotionally moving day.
From Osaka to Hiroshima Station.
JPY 10000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Learn about Hiroshima's history and resilience at this impactful memorial park.
Walk from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Discover a building filled with stalls serving the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Short walk from the park.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Explore the museum that chronicles the story of Hiroshima before and after the atomic bombing.
Adjacent to the park.
JPY 200, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel

After a poignant day, return to your accommodations.
Take the Shinkansen back to Osaka.
JPY 10000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Enjoy a leisurely dinner back in Osaka, tasting whatever suits your fancy.
Walk to Dotonbori.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 9: Miyajima Island Adventure

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast spread to energize for the day.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Hop on a ferry to Miyajima, famous for its floating torii gate.
First, take the JR train to Miyajimaguchi, then the ferry.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore this iconic shrine while learning about its captivating history.
After disembarking, it's a short walk to the shrine.
JPY 300, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Momiji-Tei

Grab lunch featuring the famous oyster dishes Miyajima is known for.
Short walk from the shrine.
JPY 3000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Mount Misen

Take the cable car up Mount Misen and enjoy picturesque views.
Access the cable car from the base station.
JPY 1800, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Take the ferry back to Hiroshima for the evening.
Return ferry ride.
Included, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Okonomimura

Enjoy more delightful Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki before ending the day.
Short walk from your hotel.
JPY 1500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 10: Okayama and Korakuen Garden

Okayama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast to start your travel day.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Okayama

Take the Shinkansen to Okayama.
From Hiroshima to Okayama Station.
JPY 2200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Korakuen Garden

Marvel at one of Japan's three great gardens with stunning seasonal views.
Short walk from the station.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okayama Kizuna

Savor local specialties at this popular restaurant with friendly service.
Walk to the restaurant nearby.
JPY 3000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Okayama Castle

Explore this scenic castle, offering beautiful views of the garden below.
Walk to the castle from the restaurant.
JPY 300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Travel to Himeji

Make your way to Himeji, known for its stunning castle.
Take the Shinkansen from Okayama to Himeji Station.
JPY 1000, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore one of Japan's most beautiful and well-preserved castles.
Take a short walk from Himeji Station.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

End your day with a cozy dinner at a local izakaya serving various dishes.
Find an izakaya near the castle.
JPY 3500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Okayama

Day 11: Returning to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in Himeji before your travel day.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo, packing up memories and souvenirs.
From Himeji to Tokyo Station.
JPY 12000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Katsu Midori

Feast on conveyor belt sushi in the bustling Shinjuku area.
Short walk from Tokyo Station.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit TeamLab Borderless

Innovative digital art exhibition that will mesmerize the entire family.
Take the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station.
JPY 3200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Shopping at Ginza

Take some time to shop in the luxury shops of Ginza.
Walk from TeamLab Borderless.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sushi Sho

Experience a modern touch of sushi tasting course in an intimate setting.
Walk to the restaurant from Ginza.
JPY 30000, 2.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 12: End of Journey

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast filled with memories from your travels.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Free Time for Last-Moment Shopping

Explore any areas you might have missed on your trip or pick up souvenirs.
Travel via subway back to Shibuya or Akihabara for last-minute shopping.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

Enjoy a lunch of delicious gyukatsu, breaded and fried beef cutlet.
Travel to the restaurant via subway.
JPY 3000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Departure from Narita International Airport

Bid farewell to Japan with a heart full of memories.
Take the Narita Express from Tokyo.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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