8-Day Family-Friendly Japan Adventure: Cities, Nature, and Culinary Delights by Train

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your Japanese adventure with a delicious breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, sampling fresh sushi and a variety of local delicacies.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Tsukiji Station.
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ueno Zoo

After breakfast, head to Ueno Zoo to marvel at the diverse range of animals and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Ueno Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ameyoko Market

Stroll over to nearby Ameyoko Market for lunch, where you can taste grilled seafood and nigiri at various food stalls.
Walking distance from Ueno Zoo.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Akihabara

Next, dive into the vibrant world of electronics and anime in the famous Akihabara district, where you can find quirky shops and themed cafes.
Take the Hibiya Line from Ueno to Akihabara Station.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Tokyo Skytree

Conclude your day by visiting the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city at sunset.
Take the Hanzomon Line to Oshiage Station.
JPY3000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Asakusa

Indulge in a wholesome dinner at a local izakaya in Asakusa, famous for its tempura and sashimi.
Take the Tobu Line from Oshiage to Asakusa.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de L'ambre

Start the day with a warm cup of coffee and fresh pastries at this charming café in Ginza.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Ginza Station.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Senso-ji Temple

After breakfast, make your way to Asakusa to explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and its vibrant Nakamise-dori shopping street.
Take the Tokyo Metro from Ginza to Asakusa.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yuyake Dandan

Enjoy some traditional ramen at this popular spot that’s known for its hearty bowls.
Walking distance from Senso-ji Temple.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Harajuku

Venture over to Harajuku to see the vibrant youth culture and quirky shops along Takeshita Street.
Take the Chiyoda Line from Naka-Okachimachi to Meiji-jingumae Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll in Yoyogi Park

Relax in the nearby Yoyogi Park, a beautiful space perfect for family picnics and people-watching.
Walking distance from Harajuku.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gyu-Kaku

Savor Yakiniku at Gyu-Kaku, where you can grill your own meat right at your table.
Take the subway back to Shibuya Station.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

Hakone, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Tokyo before departing for Hakone.
Direct travel via the Shinkansen to Odawara Station.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Arrive in Hakone and visit the captivating Hakone Open-Air Museum featuring stunning sculptures and art installations.
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara to Chokoku-no-Mori Station.
JPY1600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Café Komakai

Enjoy lunch while surrounded by nature at Café Komakai, offering light bites and tea.
Walking distance from the museum.
JPY2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Take the Ropeway

Soar above the mountains on the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking views as you ascend to Owakudani.
Located adjacent to the museum.
JPY1300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Owakudani

At Owakudani, see volcanic activity and try black eggs cooked in the hot springs – a local specialty.
Walking distance from the ropeway station.
JPY500 (tasting black eggs), 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Onsen Experience

Relax in one of Hakone's famous onsen (hot springs) for a rejuvenating experience—a perfect way to unwind.
Go back to your accommodation by public transportation.
JPY3000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hakone Yuryo

End the day with a delightful dinner at Hakone Yuryo with views of the surrounding nature.
Walking distance from your onsen.
JPY3800, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Savor a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan before heading to Kyoto.
Travel via the Shinkansen from Hakone to Kyoto.
Included in ryokan stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, a gold-leaf-covered Zen temple set in beautiful gardens.
Take the bus from Kyoto Station (Bus #101 or #205).
JPY400, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy a light, vegetarian meal at Yudofu Sagano famous for its tofu dishes.
Take the bus back to Kyoto Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Nijo Castle

Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens and historical significance.
Take the bus back to the center of Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Experience the flavors of Kyoto at Nishiki Market, munching on local snacks like pickled vegetables and matcha sweets.
Walking distance from Nijo Castle.
JPY2500, 2 hours
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Day 5: Nature and Temples

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Rhine

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Café Rhine, known for its delicious fluffy pancakes.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Venture to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and get lost in the mesmerizing green pathways of towering bamboo.
Take the JR San-in Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Continue your adventure by visiting the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you can see Japanese monkeys in their natural habitat.
Hike up from the rear of the Bamboo Grove.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shigetsu

Dine at Shigetsu, a beautiful vegetarian restaurant in the heart of the bamboo grove.
Walking distance from the park.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens.
Walking distance from lunch.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Kyoto City

Head back to Kyoto city center in preparation for dinner.
Take the JR San-in Line back to Kyoto Station.
JPY240, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy your dinner at a quaint restaurant in the atmospheric Pontocho Alley along the river.
Walking distance from Kyoto Station.
JPY3500, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historical Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor breakfast at your Kyoto hotel before heading to Nara.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Begin your day at Nara Park where friendly deer roam freely, and you can enjoy a lovely walk among the cherry blossoms.
Walking distance from the station.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Discover the incredible Todai-ji Temple, home of the Great Buddha, and learn about its historical significance.
Walking distance from Nara Park.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Maguro Koya, known for its tuna rice bowls.
Take a short walk back to the city center.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Visit the serene Kasuga-taisha, famous for its hundreds of bronze lanterns and beautiful walks amid ancient trees.
Take a bus from the city center.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto for a free evening to relax.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line back to Kyoto Station.
JPY600, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kaiten Sushi

Enjoy dinner at a Kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi restaurant back in Kyoto—fun for the whole family!
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Food and Fun in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your Kyoto hotel before your trip to Osaka.
Take the JR Special Rapid from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.
Included in hotel stay., 30 minutes

9:00AM

Osaka Castle

Begin your day at Osaka Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens; climb to the top for a panoramic view.
Take the subway from Osaka Station to Tanimachi 4-chome Station.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Dotombori District

Head to the Dotombori district, famous for its neon lights and street food. Explore shops and taste iconic takoyaki.
Walking distance from Osaka Castle.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Have lunch at the Dotonbori Konamon Museum, where you can make your own takoyaki or okonomiyaki.
Walking distance from Dotombori.
JPY2500, 2 hours

3:30PM

Universal CityWalk

Visit Universal CityWalk Osaka for shopping and attractions; perfect for the family.
Take the train from Namba Station directly to Universal City Station.
JPY2000 (for entry and attractions), 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma, famous for skewered and fried meat and vegetables—a local favorite.
Take the Namba Line back to the city center.
JPY2000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Memorable Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your Osaka hotel before taking a trip to Hiroshima.
Travel via Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
Included in hotel stay., 1 hour

9:30AM

Peace Memorial Park

Start your Hiroshima visit at the Peace Memorial Park to learn about Hiroshima's history and significance.
Take the tram from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Visit the museum located within the park for a more in-depth understanding of the events of August 6, 1945.
Located in the park.
JPY200, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a food floor dedicated to this delicious dish.
Take a short tram ride or walk from the museum.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic torii gate and enjoy its natural beauty.
Take the train from Hiroshima to Miyajima-guchi Station, then ferry to the island.
JPY1800 (return trip), 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kakiya

Conclude your trip with a delectable dinner at Kakiya, known for serving fresh oyster dishes, a Hiroshima specialty.
Take the ferry back to Hiroshima City.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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