8-Day Family Friendly Rail Trip Itinerary in Japan

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with a delicious breakfast of fresh sushi at one of the local stalls.
Take the subway to Tsukijishijo Station.
JPY 1500, 1.5h

10:30AM

Tokyo Tower

Visit this iconic landmark and enjoy breathtaking views of Tokyo from the observation deck.
Take the Toei Oedo Line to Akabanebashi Station.
JPY 1200, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Roppongi Hills

Savour a family-friendly meal at one of the delicious restaurants offering Japanese cuisine.
Walk to Roppongi Hills.
JPY 4000, 1.5h

3:00PM

Ueno Zoo and Park

Spend the afternoon exploring Ueno Zoo to see endangered species, followed by a relaxing stroll in the surrounding park.
Take the subway to Ueno Station.
JPY 600, 3h

6:30PM

Dinner at Sushizanmai

End the day with a fun sushi experience at this famous chain, where you can let the kids try various types of sushi.
Take the subway back to Tokyo Station.
JPY 3000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for a day of adventure.
JPY 2000, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Immerse yourself in traditional culture at Tokyo's oldest temple.
Take the subway to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa's Nakamise Street

Sample various street foods from vendors lining Nakamise Street as you enjoy the local atmosphere.
Explore the market on foot.
JPY 1500, 1.5h

1:30PM

TeamLab Borderless Museum

Experience the stunning interactive exhibitions that delight both kids and adults at TeamLab Borderless.
Take the subway to Odaiba.
JPY 3200, 2h

4:00PM

Odaiba Seaside Park

Let the kids play in the park while you enjoy views of the Rainbow Bridge.
Walk to the park from the museum.
Free, 1.5h

6:30PM

Dinner at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Dine at one of the family-friendly restaurants and then check out the life-size Gundam statue.
Walk to DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
JPY 2500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Scenic Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a scenic day ahead.
JPY 2000, 1h

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Catch the Shinkansen to Odawara, followed by the Hakone Tozan Train to Hakone Yumoto.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station.
JPY 6000, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Hakone Yumoto Station

Enjoy a local noodles dish at one of the station eateries.
JPY 1800, 1h

1:30PM

Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore stunning sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting at this family-friendly art museum.
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway.
JPY 1600, 2.5h

4:00PM

Gondola Ride on Hakone Ropeway

Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the volcanic landscape from the gondola.
Take the ropeway from the museum.
JPY 3000, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at local onsen ryokan

Experience a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner at a family-friendly ryokan.
Head back to your ryokan.
JPY 5000, 2h
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Day 4: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast in your ryokan.
JPY 2500, 1h

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station.
Catch the Shinkansen.
JPY 11000, 2.5h

12:00PM

Lunch at Kyoto station

Try the famous Kyoto-style sushi or yudofu at one of the restaurants within the station.
JPY 4000, 1.5h

1:30PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden architecture of Kinkaku-ji and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
Take bus #101 from Kyoto Station.
JPY 400, 2h

4:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the enchanting beauty of walking through the towering bamboo stalks in Arashiyama.
Take the train from Kinkaku-ji back to Kyoto then transfer to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner in Arashiyama

Dine at a family-friendly restaurant alongside the river, enjoying seasonal dishes.
Walk along the riverbank.
JPY 3000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your hotel before a day of exploration.
JPY 2000, 1h

9:30AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous shrine known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, a perfect walk for the family.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Taste local specialities, such as inari-zushi, near the shrine.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY 1500, 1h

1:30PM

Nijo Castle

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and walk through its beautiful gardens and historic structures.
Take bus #50 from Inari to Nijo Castle.
JPY 600, 1.5h

3:30PM

Kyoto Railway Museum

Delve into the fascinating history of rail travel in Japan, with interactive exhibits that kids will love.
Take the train back to Kyoto Station then walk to the museum.
JPY 1200, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at an izakaya

Experience a casual dining atmosphere with a variety of dishes that are perfect for families.
Find a nearby izakaya.
JPY 2500, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Vibrant Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
JPY 2000, 1h

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a short train ride from Kyoto to Osaka, just 30 minutes away.
Board the JR Line from Kyoto Station.
JPY 560, 30min

10:30AM

Osaka Castle

Explore this impressive historic castle, where kids can enjoy the surrounding park.
Take a short tram ride from the station.
JPY 600, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Enjoy iconic Osaka street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the vibrant streets.
Take the subway to Dotonbori.
JPY 2500, 1.5h

2:30PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Experience one of the largest aquariums in the world, showcasing magnificent marine life.
Walk from Dotonbori.
JPY 2500, 2h

5:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Experience a friendly atmosphere at an izakaya that offers a variety of Japanese dishes.
Walk back to Dotonbori for dining options.
JPY 3000, 2h
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Day 7: Nature and Wildlife in Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your journey to Nara.
JPY 2000, 1h

9:30AM

Travel to Nara

Take a train from Osaka to Nara, a short ride of around 45 minutes.
Board the Kintetsu Nara Line.
JPY 620, 45min

10:30AM

Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer in this famous park while exploring its scenic beauty.
Walk to Nara Park from the station.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch near Nara Park

Have a relaxing lunch at a nearby restaurant serving local delicacies.
Walk from the park.
JPY 2000, 1.5h

2:30PM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the Great Buddha in this iconic and majestic temple, a must-see attraction.
Walk back to Todai-ji.
JPY 600, 1.5h

5:00PM

Travel back to Osaka

Return to Osaka for your final evening.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line back.
JPY 620, 45min

6:30PM

Dinner at Osaka Station City

Enjoy a variety of dining options in the bustling Osaka Station before your last night.
Walk to Osaka Station City.
JPY 3000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your journey back to Tokyo.
JPY 2000, 1h

9:30AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka back to Tokyo.
Catch the Shinkansen from Osaka Station.
JPY 14000, 2.5h

12:00PM

Lunch at Tokyo Station

Try a bento box lunch from one of the many shops in Tokyo Station.
JPY 1500, 1h

1:00PM

Explore Akihabara Electric Town

Spend the afternoon browsing the unique shops and anime culture in Akihabara.
Take the subway to Akihabara.
Free, 3h

4:00PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Venture to Shibuya for shopping and enjoy the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Take the subway to Shibuya.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Final Dinner at Gonpachi

Conclude your trip with dinner at the iconic Gonpachi, famed for its role in Kill Bill.
Take the subway to Nishi-Azabu.
JPY 5000, 2h
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