Active Family Adventure from Kyoto to Tokyo with Unique Stops and Hiking

Day 1: Kyoto arrival & exploration

Kyoto, Japan on December 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style breakfast with freshly brewed coffee at this iconic cafe open from 7:30am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

10:30am

Fushimi Inari Taisha Hike

Hike through thousands of vermillion torii gates on the mountain trails surrounding this famous shrine. The hike up to the summit takes about 2 hours but is well worth it for the views.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto's famous food market and sample local delicacies like yuba, pickles, and takoyaki. Various vendors are open from around 10am to 6pm.
JPY1500 per person approx., 1h30m

3:00pm

Philosopher's Path Walk and Silver Pavilion

Stroll the scenic Philosopher's Path along a canal lined with cherry trees, ending at the serene Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion).
Ginkaku-ji entry JPY500, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try the unique burnt miso ramen for dinner in a cozy setting. Open until about 9pm.
JPY1200, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kyoto temples & active day

Kyoto, Japan on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start with excellent coffee and pastries at this popular café open from 7am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Hiking

Walk early morning through the bamboo forest to beat crowds then hike up to the Arashiyama Monkey Park for panoramic views. The park opens at 9am and the hike totals around 3 hours roundtrip.
JPY550, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy a traditional tofu-based kaiseki lunch overlooking the Katsura River. Reservations recommended, open from 11:30am.
JPY4000+, 1h30m

3:30pm

Rent bicycles by the river

Rent bicycles near Togetsukyo Bridge and cycle along the scenic river paths for 1-2 hours.
JPY1000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Experience a multi-course kaiseki dinner with seasonal ingredients in Gion. Open until 10pm.
JPY8000+, 2h0m
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Day 3: Off the beaten track Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on December 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Veg Out Kyoto

Have a healthy start with fresh vegan breakfast options beside Kamogawa River. Open from 8am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Hiking Kurama to Kibune Trail

Take the train to Kurama station and hike the pleasant mountain trail to Kibune village featuring shrines, riverside cafes, and natural beauty. The hike lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Train JPY410 one-way, Free hike, 4h0m including transit

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Kissa Sakaiki

Enjoy light meals and great coffee near Kibune Shrine. Open from 11am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto and visit Nishijin Textile Center

Learn about traditional kimono weaving and see live demonstrations. Open till 5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Katsukura

Try amazing tonkatsu, a crispy fried pork cutlet specialty. Open till 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Hakone & nature

Hakone, Japan on December 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Kyoto

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing to Hakone. Hotel dining options typically open by 7am.
Included in accommodation, 1h0m

9:30am

Train Kyoto to Odawara, then Hakone

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Odawara (about 2 hours), then local transportation to Hakone region. Total transit approx 3 hours.
JPY14000, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Savor famous tofu cutlet lunch dishes, open from 11am to 3pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hakone Outdoor Sculpture Park

Explore beautiful modern sculptures in a natural forested setting with mountain views. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY1600, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check in to ryokan with onsen

Stay in family rooms with comfortable beds plus enjoy hot springs for relaxation after hiking and travel.
JPY30000 per night approx for family room, Rest of evening

7:00pm

Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Experience traditional multi-course meals made from local seasonal ingredients.
Included or approx JPY6000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Hakone hiking & exploration

Hakone, Japan on December 14, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast to start the day energized for hiking.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Hakone Hiking Course: Lake Ashi to Mt. Komagatake

Take the pirate ship across Lake Ashi then hike up Mt. Komagatake for spectacular views of Fuji and the lake. The hike takes 2-3 hours and the ropeway is open from 9am.
Pirate Ship JPY1030, Ropeway JPY950, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Relax with fresh baked goods and scenic lake views. Open from 9am until 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Open Air Onsen Experience

Enjoy the natural hot spring baths outdoors to soothe tired muscles. Most onsen open till 9pm.
JPY1500, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Try a casual family-friendly izakaya with a variety of small plates and local specialties in Hakone.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Tokyo & urban walk

Tokyo, Japan on December 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Traditional Japanese breakfast before departure to Tokyo.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Train from Hakone to Tokyo

Return to Odawara by bus or train, then take Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo (~1.5-2 hours).
JPY8000 approx, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya

Experience the fun and fast sushi conveyor-belt in Shibuya, perfect for teens and adults alike. Open 11am-11pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Harajuku & Meiji Shrine Walk

Walk through Takeshita Street’s eclectic shops and stroll to the calm Meiji Shrine forest for a nice nature break.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Omotesando

Browse high-end boutiques and admire interesting architecture in this upscale neighborhood.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Afuri Ramen Harajuku

Enjoy yuzu-flavored ramen, a unique twist with delicious broth open until 11pm.
JPY1200, 1h30m
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Day 7: Tokyo offbeat adventures

Tokyo, Japan on December 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at bills Omotesando

Famous for ideal pancakes and fresh juices, perfect start to active day. Open from 8am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Hiking Mount Takao

Take train to Mount Takao for popular hiking close to Tokyo with stunning views, temples and monkey park. Trails open all day but best to start early; cable car available if needed.
Train JPY390 one-way, Cable car JPY490 one-way (optional), 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Takaosan Beer Mount

Have a casual meal and local craft beers at the Mount Takao summit restaurant open till 3pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Rest or explore local neighborhoods near accommodation.
Included in earlier transit, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nabezo Shinjuku

Enjoy interactive shabu-shabu hotpot, a fun and warming meal after hiking, open till 11pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 8: Urban exploration & unique experiences

Tokyo, Japan on December 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe de L'Ambre

Visit this vintage classic coffee bar in Ginza, known for its meticulous coffee brewing since 1948. Opens at 8am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Yanaka Ginza

Walk through this traditional shopping street with nostalgic atmosphere and small artisan shops, great for unique souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji

Famous for fresh sushi near the Tsukiji Outer Market, open till late afternoon.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Sumida Aquarium and Tokyo Skytree

Visit the aquarium located in the Tokyo Skytree Town and enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck. Aquarium open 9am-9pm, Skytree open 8am-10pm.
Aquarium JPY2050, Skytree JPY3200, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax in a local sento bathhouse

Experience a traditional Japanese public bath for a final restorative experience in Japan.
JPY700, 1h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Enjoy a uniquely Tokyo flashy robot cabaret show with dinner in Shinjuku, an unforgettable experience for teens and adults alike.
JPY8000 including show and meal, 2h0m
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