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14-Day Family Friendly Road Trip in Japan: A Cultural and Culinary Adventure

Viewed by 59 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

3:00PM

Check into hotel

Settle into your family-friendly hotel in the bustling Shinjuku district, the perfect base for your Tokyo adventures.
From Narita Airport, take the N'EX train directly to Shinjuku Station.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Enjoy an afternoon stroll through this spacious park featuring traditional Japanese landscape gardens great for families.
Walk 15 minutes from your hotel to Shinjuku Gyoen.
JPY 500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Savor delicious yakitori and ramen at this lively narrow alley lined with small eateries and atmosphere.
A short 10-minute walk back to Shinjuku district.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Culture

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a hearty Japanese-style breakfast featuring grilled fish and miso soup.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Tokyo National Museum

Explore Japan’s fine art and antiquities—great educational fun for the kids!
Take the metro from Shinjuku to Ueno Station.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ameyoko Market

Enjoy fresh sushi or street food while taking in the lively atmosphere of this local market.
A short walk from the museum.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Experience vibrant traditional culture and view one of Tokyo's most famous temples.
Take the metro to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Take a Sumida River Cruise

Enjoy the sights of Tokyo from the water before heading to the next stop.
Walk to the riverboat dock near Asakusa.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hananomai

Taste traditional kaiseki cuisine in a setting that showcases the art of Japanese fine dining.
Take the metro back to Shinjuku and walk to the restaurant.
JPY 8000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Japan

6:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast featuring Western options to start your day early.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Head to Nikko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful nature and historic sites.
Take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station.
JPY 2600, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the ornate shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, filled with intricate carvings.
Walk from the station to the shrine.
JPY 1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local soba restaurant

Try delicious buckwheat noodles, a regional specialty in Nikko.
There are several places around the shrine.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kegon Falls

Experience stunning views of one of Japan's most famous waterfalls surrounded by lush scenery.
Take a bus from Tōshō-gū.
JPY 550, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to the city for a relaxing evening.
Take the Tobu Nikko Line back to Asakusa.
JPY 2600, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi

Indulge in a lively izakaya experience with favorites like tempura and yakitori.
Return to the Shinjuku area and walk to the restaurant.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 4: Hakone Adventure

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy the fresh and filling Japanese breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Head to the onsen town famous for its hot springs and stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto.
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore an amazing collection of sculptures and art set in beautiful gardens.
Take a bus from the station.
JPY 1600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a lakeside café

Enjoy lunch with a view of Lake Ashi while sampling local specialties.
Bus to Lake Ashi.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Boat ride on Lake Ashi

Take a scenic cruise on the lake offering fantastic views of Mount Fuji.
Board the pirate ship (yes, it's really pirate-themed) at the dock.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at a local ryokan

Experience traditional kaiseki dining in a charming ryokan, perfect for an authentic Japanese night.
Pre-arranged through your hotel, transportation can be provided.
JPY 8000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 5: Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the ryokan

Delight in a traditional Japanese breakfast, complete with grilled fish and pickled vegetables.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Journey to historic Kyoto rich in culture and temples.
Take the Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto Station.
JPY 22000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto's food market and sample various traditional snacks and dishes.
Walk from Kyoto Station to the market.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at this iconic zen temple topped with gold leaf which reflects beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Take a bus from the market.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Gion District

Wander the streets of Gion and keep an eye out for geisha while enjoying the traditional wooden architecture.
Take a bus back to Gion.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Savor a kaiseki meal in the heart of Kyoto, a perfect end to the day.
Walk five minutes from your stroll in Gion.
JPY 8000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy another delightful breakfast featuring local ingredients.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Wander through thousands of iconic vermillion torii gates winding up the mountain.
Take the JR Nara line from Kyoto Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local ramen shop

Sample delicious and warming bowls of ramen in a popular local eatery.
There are several options near Fushimi Inari.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the serene bamboo forest, an otherworldly experience for the whole family.
Return to Kyoto Station and take the train to Arashiyama.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Interact with wild macaques and enjoy views of the city from atop the hill.
Hike up to the park after visiting the bamboo grove.
JPY 550, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hoshinoya Kyoto

Indulge in gourmet dining at this luxurious riverside ryokan.
Return to Kyoto, a pre-arranged ride can be provided.
JPY 10000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before heading out for the day.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nara

Embark on a cultural day in Japan's first capital with UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto to Nara.
JPY 560, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha statue housed in one of the world’s largest wooden buildings.
Walk from Nara Station.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Feeding the deer in Nara Park

Enjoy feeding the friendly free-roaming deer that inhabit the park.
Take a short walk within Nara Park.
JPY 500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at a café in the park

Relax with light bites while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
Cafés are available throughout the park.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Experience the serene beauty of this ancient shrine lined with hundreds of stone lanterns.
Walk within Nara Park to the shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back after a day filled with culture and wildlife interaction.
Kintetsu Nara Line back to Kyoto.
JPY 560, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Dine in Gion at a charming restaurant serving traditional dishes.
Taxi or a short train ride from your hotel.
JPY 6000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 8: Osaka Adventure

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day right with another delicious breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

A day for family-friendly fun awaits in vibrant Osaka!
Take the JR train from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY 560, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Visit Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

Discover an incredible array of marine life that the kids will surely love.
Take the subway to Osakako Station.
JPY 2400, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Sample local favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in this bustling district.
Take a subway to Namba Station.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its beautiful park surroundings providing an insight into Japan's history.
Take the subway to Osakajokoen Station.
JPY 600, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy a fun and flavorful meal of skewered and deep-fried delicacies in a family-friendly restaurant.
Take the subway back to Namba.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 9: Hiroshima Day Trip

Hiroshima, Japan

6:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have a quick breakfast before another full day of exploration.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Explore the poignant history of Hiroshima city.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka Station to Hiroshima.
JPY 11800, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay respects at this important historical site and learn about the impact of atomic warfare.
Walk from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Sample Hiroshima's unique version of okonomiyaki in this lively food hall.
A short walk from the park.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle surrounded by beautiful gardens and great views.
Take a tram from Hirose-dori Station.
JPY 370, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka after a meaningful day.
Shinkansen back to Osaka.
JPY 11800, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Beef Steak

Indulge in a sumptuous steak dinner featuring high-quality Matsusaka beef.
Return to your hotel in Osaka.
JPY 15000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 10: Miyajima Island

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your trip to Miyajima Island.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Head to the sacred island famous for its floating torii gate.
Take a ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Admire the iconic shrine that appears to float on the water during high tide.
A short walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY 300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at a seafood restaurant

Sample local delicacies such as grilled oysters fresh from the sea.
There are several options near the shrine.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Mount Misen

Take a ropeway ride or hike up this sacred mountain for panoramic views.
Board the ropeway near the ferry terminal.
JPY 2000, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Return to Hiroshima for dinner after a day full of adventure.
Ferry back to Hiroshima.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with an assortment of local dishes.
Walk to a nearby izakaya from Hiroshima Station.
JPY 4000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 11: Himeji Castle

Himeji, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Refuel with a hearty breakfast before heading to Himeji.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Himeji

Visit one of Japan’s most impressive castles, known as the White Heron.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Himeji.
JPY 5600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and its beautiful gardens.
Walk from Himeji Station to the castle.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant with views of the castle.
Walking distance from the castle.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Kokoen Garden

Stroll through the scenic landscape of this beautiful Japanese garden.
Adjacent to Himeji Castle.
JPY 300, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Head back after a day of history and beauty.
Shinkansen back to Osaka.
JPY 5600, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Enjoy a lively dinner experience with a variety of Japanese dishes.
Head to the Dotonbori District.
JPY 4000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Himeji

Day 12: Okayama Gardens

Okayama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have a traditional breakfast to start your day.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Okayama

Discover Okayama, known for its beautiful gardens and castle.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Okayama.
JPY 10000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Korakuen Garden

Explore one of Japan's top three gardens, showcasing traditional landscaping.
Take a bus from Okayama Station to the garden.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a cafe in the garden

Enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by serene nature.
There are a few cafés within the garden area.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Okayama Castle

Visit the castle known for its black exterior and beautiful views.
A short walk from Korakuen Garden.
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Journey back after a day of gardens and culture.
Take the Shinkansen back to Osaka.
JPY 10000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at a sushi restaurant

Savor authentic sushi before concluding your Osaka stay.
Dotonbori is filled with great options.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Okayama

Day 13: Takamatsu City

Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to ready for a day traveling.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Takamatsu

Visit the Shikoku region, known for its udon and beautiful Ritsurin Garden.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Takamatsu.
JPY 10000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Ritsurin Garden

Explore one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, featuring ponds and classic landscaping.
Walk from Takamatsu Station to the garden.
JPY 410, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a local udon shop

Sample the famous Sanuki udon, a local specialty.
There are plenty of udon restaurants nearby.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Takamatsu Castle

Explore the ruins and learn about the history of the castle.
A short walk from Takamatsu Station.
JPY 200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Travel back after exploring the lovely Takamatsu.
Shinkansen back to Osaka.
JPY 10000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a teppanyaki restaurant

Try a lively teppanyaki experience, where chefs prepare meals right in front of you.
In the Dotonbori area.
JPY 8000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Takamatsu

Day 14: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading back for your final day.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Tokyo

Journey back to Tokyo for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo.
JPY 15000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Harajuku

Grab a meal in this trendy area that features unique shops and vibrant culture.
Metro from Tokyo Station to Harajuku.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Last-minute shopping in Shibuya

Explore famous shopping streets and pick up unique souvenirs.
Metro to Shibuya Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a themed restaurant

End your adventure with a fun dining experience at a themed restaurant.
Choose from various options in the Shibuya area.
JPY 4000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Return to hotel

Head back to your hotel to rest before your departure.
Take metro back to Shinjuku.
JPY 300, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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