How many days do you need in Japan?

This itinerary covers 8 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 8 days trip to Japan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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.

JPY 1500, 1.5h

10:30AM

Tokyo Tower

Visit this iconic landmark and enjoy breathtaking views of Tokyo from the observation deck.

JPY 1200, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Roppongi Hills

Savour a family-friendly meal at one of the delicious restaurants offering Japanese cuisine.

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.

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.

JPY 3000, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Tokyo

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.

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.

JPY 1500, 1.5h

1:30PM

TeamLab Borderless Museum

Experience the stunning interactive exhibitions that delight both kids and adults at TeamLab Borderless.

JPY 3200, 2h

4:00PM

Odaiba Seaside Park

Let the kids play in the park while you enjoy views of the Rainbow Bridge.

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.

JPY 2500, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Tokyo

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.

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.

JPY 1600, 2.5h

4:00PM

Gondola Ride on Hakone Ropeway

Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the volcanic landscape from the gondola.

JPY 3000, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at local onsen ryokan

Experience a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner at a family-friendly ryokan.

JPY 5000, 2h

Find Hotels in Hakone

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.

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.

JPY 400, 2h

4:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the enchanting beauty of walking through the towering bamboo stalks in Arashiyama.

Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner in Arashiyama

Dine at a family-friendly restaurant alongside the river, enjoying seasonal dishes.

JPY 3000, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Kyoto

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.

Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Taste local specialities, such as inari-zushi, near the shrine.

JPY 1500, 1h

1:30PM

Nijo Castle

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and walk through its beautiful gardens and historic structures.

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.

JPY 1200, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at an izakaya

Experience a casual dining atmosphere with a variety of dishes that are perfect for families.

JPY 2500, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Kyoto

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.

JPY 560, 30min

10:30AM

Osaka Castle

Explore this impressive historic castle, where kids can enjoy the surrounding park.

JPY 600, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Enjoy iconic Osaka street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the vibrant streets.

JPY 2500, 1.5h

2:30PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Experience one of the largest aquariums in the world, showcasing magnificent marine life.

JPY 2500, 2h

5:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Experience a friendly atmosphere at an izakaya that offers a variety of Japanese dishes.

JPY 3000, 2h

Find Hotels in Osaka

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.

JPY 620, 45min

10:30AM

Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer in this famous park while exploring its scenic beauty.

Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch near Nara Park

Have a relaxing lunch at a nearby restaurant serving local delicacies.

JPY 2000, 1.5h

2:30PM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the Great Buddha in this iconic and majestic temple, a must-see attraction.

JPY 600, 1.5h

5:00PM

Travel back to Osaka

Return to Osaka for your final evening.

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.

JPY 3000, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Nara

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.

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.

Free, 3h

4:00PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Venture to Shibuya for shopping and enjoy the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Free, 2h

6:30PM

Final Dinner at Gonpachi

Conclude your trip with dinner at the iconic Gonpachi, famed for its role in Kill Bill.

JPY 5000, 2h

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Family Friendly Rail Trip Itinerary in Japan

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:30PM

Day 2: Cultural Tokyo

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 3: Scenic Hakone

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Historic Kyoto

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Vibrant Osaka

8:00AM

9:30AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 7: Nature and Wildlife in Nara

8:00AM

9:30AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

6:30PM

Day 8: Return to Tokyo

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

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