How many days do you need in japan?

This itinerary covers 9 days in japan, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for japan?

Plan your perfect 9 days trip to japan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

9-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Japan: Culture, Nature & City Experiences

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Arrive in Tokyo

Land in Tokyo and head to your family-friendly hotel.

JPY3000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and seafood at one of the many stalls and restaurants.

JPY2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ueno Park

Take a stroll in Ueno Park, where you can visit the museum, see cherry blossoms, or let the kids enjoy a playground.

Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Ainu Restaurant, Yukar

Taste Hokkaido-inspired Ainu cuisine, perfect for a unique family dining experience.

JPY5000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sarabeth's

Indulge in American-style breakfast with pancakes and eggs.

JPY1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Tokyo Tower

Experience breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck.

JPY1200, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Harajuku

Try instant ramen or crepes on Takeshita Street, fun and trendy for the kids.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Meiji Shrine

Participate in a traditional Shinto ceremony at this serene shrine amidst the bustling city.

Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

Enjoy kid-friendly dishes like fried chicken and yakitori, an immersive experience for the family.

JPY4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Journey to Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast before traveling.

Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar train for a scenic ride to Hakone.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore this unique museum featuring sculptures and structures built into the beautiful mountains.

JPY1600, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Museum Cafe

Savor a light lunch overlooking the sculpture garden.

JPY2000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ride the Hakone Ropeway

Enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding lakes.

JPY2800, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Yakiniku Saito

Experience grilling marbled meats at this family-friendly Japanese BBQ spot.

JPY3500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with another delightful Japanese breakfast.

Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Hop on the Shinkansen to Kyoto, the heart of Japanese culture.

JPY5000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the beauty of this iconic temple beautifully set against nature.

JPY400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Musashi Sushi

Experience conveyor belt sushi, fun for the whole family.

JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through towering bamboo trees for a magical experience.

Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Gion Corner

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal, a multi-course dining experience steeped in culture.

JPY6000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Traditions

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up again with a traditional breakfast.

Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates, kids will love exploring this iconic sight.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Naritaya Ramen

Enjoy delicious ramen in this family-friendly restaurant.

JPY1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the stunning architecture and gardens of Japan's historic castle.

JPY600, 2 hours

4:00PM

Kyo-Mai Kimono Experience

Dress up in traditional kimonos and learn a traditional dance, a fun and engaging experience for families.

JPY4000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ippudo

Savor delicious ramen with various toppings that kids will love.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Osaka Day Trip

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another fulfilling breakfast before heading to Osaka.

Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a short train ride to Osaka, known for its vibrant street food scene.

JPY500, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the castle grounds and learn about Japanese history, offering plenty of activities for kids.

JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Dive into Osaka's famous street food, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

JPY2000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world, great for the entire family to enjoy.

JPY2400, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and various local dishes at this vibrant market.

JPY3500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 7: Exploring Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, setting you up for a fun day ahead.

Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Experience thrilling rides and themed attractions for an exciting family day out.

JPY8000, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch in the Park

Enjoy a variety of family-friendly meals available in the park.

JPY2500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Wrap up your park visit with a dinner at one of Osaka's local izakayas.

JPY4000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 8: Nature in Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast to fuel your day trip to Nara.

Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take a train to Nara, famous for its free-roaming deer and temples.

JPY600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Nara Park

Interact with the friendly deer and enjoy a lovely day surrounded by nature.

Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor delicious sushi and sashimi, found near Nara Park.

JPY3000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha statue and the impressive wooden architecture.

JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka to conclude your family trip.

JPY600, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at an Okonomiyaki Restaurant

End the day with delicious okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loved by locals.

JPY3000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Nara

Day 9: Departure from Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a farewell breakfast at the hotel before departure.

Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-minute shopping in Shinsaibashi

Explore Shinsaibashi shopping area for souvenirs and last-minute gifts.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Diner

Try some final ramen or curry before leaving Japan.

JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Catch your flight back home.

JPY1000, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Osaka

Step 1 Outline Preview:

9-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Japan: Culture, Nature & City Experiences

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 3: Journey to Hakone

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

7:30AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Traditions

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 6: Osaka Day Trip

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 7: Exploring Osaka

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

5:00PM

Day 8: Nature in Nara

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 9: Departure from Osaka

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

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