9-Day Family-Friendly Rail Journey Through Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Start your adventure with a relaxing stroll in this beautiful blend of traditional Japanese, English, and French-style gardens.
Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku Station, then walk to the garden.
JPY 500, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and local delicacies at one of the many street stalls and restaurants in the market.
Take the Toei Oedo Line from Shinjuku to Tsukijishijo Station.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and wander the vibrant shopping street of Nakamise-dori.
Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line from Tsukijishijo to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Shibuya

Dine at a family-friendly izakaya, enjoying various Japanese dishes in the bustling atmosphere of Shibuya.
Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line from Asakusa to Shibuya Station.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with fluffy pancakes or traditional Japanese breakfast at a local café.
Walk to the nearest café.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Odaiba

Discover this futuristic entertainment district with attractions like TeamLab Borderless and a giant Gundam statue.
Take the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station to Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station.
JPY 2,800, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Grab a bite at the food court featuring delicious ramen and other Japanese favorites.
Stroll within Odaiba.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tokyo Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of the city and beyond from this iconic symbol of Tokyo.
Return via the Yurikamome Line to Shimbashi Station and walk.
JPY 1,200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Roppongi Hills

Savor delicious Italian dishes with a family-friendly atmosphere at a restaurant in Roppongi.
Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line from Roppongi to Akasaka Station.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone

Hakone, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to Hakone.
Walk to the station.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Board the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Enjoy the scenic train ride.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the beautiful outdoor sculpture park and interactive art installations.
Take a local bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY 1,600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Try the famous Hakone black eggs at a nearby eatery.
Walk from the museum.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Lake Ashi Cruise

Relax on a boat cruise across the stunning Lake Ashi, with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Take the bus to Togendai Port.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo after a day of exploration.
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway back to Hakone-Yumoto Station and Odakyu Line to Shinjuku.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ikebukuro

Indulge in a relaxing dinner at a family-style izakaya.
Catch a train from Shinjuku to Ikebukuro via JR Yamanote Line.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Board the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, enjoying the comfortable ride.
Arrive at Tokyo Station and board the Shinkansen.
JPY 14,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit the famous shrine known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Take a local train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore this vibrant market and sample various street foods from skewers to matcha sweets.
Take the subway back to Shijo Station.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at this stunning golden zen temple surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take a bus from Nishiki Market.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner near Gion District

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner of ramen or tempura in a charming setting.
Take a bus back to the city center.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Heritage & Culture in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe

Start your day with fresh coffee and pastries at a local bakery.
Walk to the nearest cafe.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the iconic bamboo forest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Take the JR San-In Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Arashiyama

Savor traditional soba noodles at a local restaurant.
Walk nearby for dining options.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens.
Walk to the temple from the restaurant.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Nijo Castle

Discover the historical importance of this magnificent castle and its gardens.
Take a train back to Kyoto Station.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a delightful dinner in this narrow alley famous for its dining options.
Walk from Nijo Castle.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Osaka Day Trip

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

A hearty breakfast before setting out for a busy day in Osaka.
N/A
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the JR Train from Kyoto to Osaka.
Easily accessible by local rail.
JPY 560, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Experience thrilling rides and shows at this fun-filled theme park.
Take the JR Train to Universal-City Station.
JPY 8,400, 6 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

After a fun day, enjoy street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Osaka’s famous district.
Take the subway to Dotonbori area.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast with an option of traditional Japanese or Western style.
N/A
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Travel by Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
Board at Osaka Station.
JPY 10,500, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

A reflective visit to the park and museum dedicated to the memory of the atomic bomb victims.
Take a tram from Hiroshima Station to the park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch near Peace Memorial Park

Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a local eatery.
Walk from the park.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the beautiful castle grounds and its impressive museum.
Take a tram from the park to the castle.
JPY 370, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Experience local flavors in a cozy izakaya setting.
Walk from the castle.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Day Trip to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast.
N/A
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take a train and ferry to the picturesque island famous for its floating torii gate.
Take a tram to Miyajimaguchi, then ferry.
JPY 2,300, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Itsukushima Shrine

Visit this stunning shrine built over the water and learn about its significance.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY 300, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch with a Harbor View

Enjoy a relaxed meal at a restaurant overlooking the sea.
Dine near the shrine.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Mount Misen

Take the ropeway up for splendid views and a family-friendly hiking experience.
Walk to the ropeway station.
JPY 1,800, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hiroshima

Travel back to Hiroshima after an enchanting day.
Ferry back and take tram to Hiroshima station.
JPY 2,300, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner in Hiroshima

Savor dinner at a local restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes.
Walk from your accommodation.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast in Hiroshima before traveling back.
N/A
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Board the Shinkansen for a comfortable ride back to Tokyo.
Head to Hiroshima Station.
JPY 18,000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Last-Minute Shopping in Harajuku

Explore Harajuku’s trendy shops and unique fashion boutiques.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Takeshita Street

Satisfy your cravings with trendy crepes and other street food along Takeshita Street.
Stroll through Harajuku.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Akihabara

Dive into the world of anime and gaming in this famous district known for its shops and arcades.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Akihabara Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner near Tokyo Station

Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner with delicious sushi or tempura.
Walk from Akihabara.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability