Family-Friendly Itinerary for Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo in 14 Days

  • Day 1: Osaka Castle
    40 minutes (18 km) from Kansai International Airport

    Osaka Castle is a popular attraction and a great starting point for your trip. The castle grounds are perfect for a picnic, and you can explore the tower and the museum inside. Don't forget to take the boat ride around the moat.

  • Day 2: Universal Studios Japan
    25 minutes (8 km) from Osaka Castle

    Universal Studios Japan is a must-visit for families. You can spend the whole day here and ride the incredible roller coasters and attractions. Make sure to catch the Harry Potter and Minion parades as well.

  • Day 3: Kyoto Imperial Palace
    55 minutes (44 km) from Universal Studios Japan

    The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a beautiful place that showcases Japan's rich history. You can take a tour of the palace and the surrounding gardens, and learn more about the country's traditions and customs.

  • Day 4: Fushimi Inari Shrine
    20 minutes (8 km) from Kyoto Imperial Palace

    One of the most iconic sights in Japan, the Fushimi Inari Shrine features thousands of orange torii gates that form a beautiful hiking trail. You can explore the shrine and its surroundings and take stunning photos.

  • Day 5: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    25 minutes (11 km) from Fushimi Inari Shrine

    Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks. You can walk around the temple complex, admire the stunning city views, and visit the various shrines and pagodas.

  • Day 6: Tokyo DisneySea
    2 hours (460 km) from Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Located inside the Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo DisneySea is a unique theme park that celebrates the wonders of the sea. You can ride the exciting attractions, watch the shows, and indulge in delicious food and snacks.

  • Day 7: TeamLab Borderless
    1 hour (20 km) from Tokyo DisneySea

    TeamLab Borderless is an immersive digital art museum that features breathtaking installations and exhibits. You can experience a world of light and color as you walk through the various rooms and environments.

  • Day 8: Tokyo Skytree
    30 minutes (11 km) from TeamLab Borderless

    The tallest tower in Japan, Tokyo Skytree offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. You can visit the observation decks and the souvenir shops, and dine at the various restaurants and cafes.

  • Day 9: Asakusa
    20 minutes (8 km) from Tokyo Skytree

    Asakusa is a charming district that features the historic Senso-ji Temple and the bustling Nakamise shopping street. You can try traditional street food and souvenirs, and explore the various shrines and alleys.

  • Day 10: Meiji Shrine
    30 minutes (10 km) from Asakusa

    The Meiji Shrine is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo. You can walk through the serene forest and visit the main shrine and the treasure house. The nearby Harajuku district is also a great place to shop and people-watch.

  • Day 11: Shibuya Crossing
    15 minutes (4 km) from Meiji Shrine

    Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world and a famous landmark of Tokyo. You can watch the crowds and the neon lights from the various cafes and shops, and visit the nearby Hachiko statue.

  • Day 12: Tsukiji Market
    30 minutes (5 km) from Shibuya Crossing

    The Tsukiji Market is the largest fish market in the world and a foodie's paradise. You can sample fresh sushi and seafood, and shop for souvenirs and kitchenware. The nearby Ginza district is also a great place to shop and dine.

  • Day 13: Odaiba
    30 minutes (10 km) from Tsukiji Market

    Odaiba is an artificial island that features various malls, museums, and attractions. You can visit the Oedo Onsen Monogatari hot springs, the Gundam statue, and the Miraikan science museum. The Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty replica are also great photo spots.

  • Day 14: Departure
    1 hour (60 km) from Odaiba

    Depart from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Osaka Castle Entrance Fee (2 hours, ¥600)
  • Universal Studios Japan Tickets (1 day, ¥8,200 for adults, ¥5,500 for children)
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Guided Tour (1.5 hours, free)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (2 hours, free)
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple Entrance Fee (2 hours, ¥400)
  • Tokyo DisneySea Tickets (1 day, ¥8,200 for adults, ¥5,400 for children)
  • TeamLab Borderless Tickets (2 hours, ¥3,200 for adults, ¥1,000 for children)
  • Tokyo Skytree Tickets (2 hours, ¥3,000 for adults, ¥1,500 for children)
  • Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street (2 hours, free)
  • Meiji Shrine and Harajuku Shopping District (2 hours, free)
  • Tsukiji Market Tour and Food Tasting (2 hours, ¥4,000)
  • Oedo Onsen Monogatari Entrance Fee (2 hours, ¥2,612 for adults, ¥1,058 for children)
Total Estimated Costs: ¥44,170 for adults, ¥28,858 for children

Transportation

You can travel between Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo by using the Japan Rail Pass or purchasing tickets for the Shinkansen trains or buses. A one-way ticket from Kansai International Airport to Osaka Castle costs around ¥1,500 and takes 40 minutes by train. A one-way ticket from Tokyo DisneySea to Asakusa costs around ¥500 and takes 30 minutes by train.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit other sights in Osaka such as the Dotonbori street and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, or take a day trip to Nara or Kobe. In Kyoto, you can explore the Arashiyama district and the Kyoto Station building. In Tokyo, you can visit the Tokyo Tower and the Ueno Park and Zoo.

If you have less time, you can skip some of the attractions or spend less time at each place. You can also prioritize the sights that interest you the most and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Airports

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, and is the main airport serving Osaka and the Kansai region. It is approximately 50 kilometers from Kyoto and 60 kilometers from Tokyo. Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND) are the two main airports serving Tokyo, with Narita being the primary international gateway and Haneda being the main domestic airport. Narita is approximately 70 kilometers from Kyoto and 80 kilometers from Osaka, while Haneda is approximately 20 kilometers from Tokyo city center.

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