Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Vlad
I’ve created two examples of a 10-day itinerary for your family trip to Tokyo, covering key attractions, while balancing city exploration with day trips to nearby areas, and including a mix of cultural experiences and fun activities for children.
These 2 itineraries cover Tokyo & the surrounds only, as exploring Japan wide-and-far may not be doable for many with younger kids.
A few notes about these itineraries:
- The order of activities can be adjusted based on your preferences and the weather forecast.
- For attractions like the Ghibli Museum and Tokyo Disneyland, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance.
- The itinerary allows for some flexibility – you can swap activities or spend more time at places your family particularly enjoys. I’ve packed quite a bit into each day, but feel free to adjust the pace based on your family’s preferences and energy levels.
- Transportation: My two itineraries below do not contain travelling on Shinkansen. For local travel, IC cards like Pasmo or Suica is highly recommended.
- Weather: Be prepared for various weather conditions, especially if you’re visiting during summer (hot and humid) or winter (cold and dry).
- Food: While I’ve suggested some dining options, don’t hesitate to try local restaurants and street food where available. Many restaurants have plastic food displays or picture menus, which can help if you’re not familiar with Japanese dishes.
- Culture: Remember to respect local customs, such as being quiet on public transportation and removing shoes when required in certain places.
10 Day Tokyo Itinerary with Kids – Option 1
Day 1: Arrival and Asakusa
- Morning:
- Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport.
- Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and explore Nakamise Shopping Street.
- Evening:
- Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Asakusa.
Day 2: Tokyo Skytree and Ueno
- Morning:
- Visit Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city.
- One of the world’s tallest towers at 634m
- Two observation decks at 350m and 450m
- Arrive early to avoid long queues
- Visit Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city.
- Afternoon:
- Explore Ueno Park.
- Visit Ueno Zoo (great for kids), Japan’s oldest zoo with over 3000 animals.
- Evening:
- Return to the hotel and have dinner nearby.
Day 3: Disney Magic
- Full Day:
- Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea (choose one based on your preference).
- Evening:
- Stay for the fireworks show and return to your hotel.
Day 4: Odaiba Adventure
- Morning:
- Visit the TeamLab Borderless digital art museum.
- Afternoon:
- Explore Odaiba further: Fuji TV Building observation deck, Yurikamome monorail, and Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation).
- Evening:
- Dinner in Odaiba or back at the hotel.
Day 5: Hakone Day Trip
- Morning:
- Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone.
- Afternoon:
- Ride the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting).
- Cruise on Lake Ashi.
- Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
- Evening:
- Return to Tokyo and relax at the hotel.
Day 6: Yokohama Excursion
- Morning:
- Visit Hakkeijima Sea Paradise for marine fun.
- Afternoon:
- Explore Minato Mirai area in Yokohama: Cosmo World amusement park and Cup Noodles Museum.
- Evening:
- Return to Tokyo for dinner.
Day 7: Tokyo Tower and Surrounding Areas
- Morning:
- Visit Tokyo Tower for a classic view.
- Afternoon:
- Explore nearby attractions: Zojoji Temple, Shiba Park, and Hamarikyu Gardens.
- Evening:
- Dinner in the Roppongi area or a family-friendly restaurant near your hotel.
Day 8: Ghibli Museum and Inokashira Park
- Morning:
- Visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (book tickets in advance).
- Afternoon:
- Relax at Inokashira Park: Rent a swan boat, visit the small zoo within the park.
- Evening:
- Dinner in Kichijoji or back in central Tokyo.
Day 9: Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Q Highland
- Early Morning:
- Take a bus to Fuji-Q Highland.
- Full Day:
- Enjoy the theme park with stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Suitable rides and attractions for kids.
- Evening:
- Return to Tokyo for a relaxed evening and dinner.
Day 10: Last Day in Tokyo
- Morning:
- Visit Meiji Shrine and explore Yoyogi Park.
- Afternoon:
- Shopping and exploring in Harajuku and Shibuya: Walk across Shibuya Crossing, visit Tokyu Hands or Kiddy Land for unique souvenirs.
- Evening:
- Farewell dinner in Shibuya or return to a favorite spot from the trip.
10 Day Tokyo Itinerary with Kids – Option 2
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
- Morning:
- Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport.
- Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon:
- Take it easy after your flight with a stroll around the hotel area.
- Evening:
- Have a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant and get some rest.
Day 2: Asakusa and Skytree
- Morning:
- Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Explore the Nakamise Shopping Street for some local snacks and souvenirs.
- Afternoon:
- Head to Tokyo Skytree. Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo and visit Sumida Aquarium inside the complex.
- Evening:
- Dinner at a nearby family-friendly restaurant or head back to your hotel area.
Day 3: Disneyland or DisneySea
- Full Day:
- Enjoy a magical day at either Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea.
- Evening:
- Stay for the parade and fireworks, then return to your hotel.
Day 4: Cultural Tokyo and Akihabara
- Morning:
- Explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about the city’s history in a fun, interactive way.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Akihabara, the famous electronics and anime district. Check out the various themed cafes and shops.
- Evening:
- Dinner in Akihabara or nearby.
Day 5: Yokohama Day Trip
- Morning:
- Travel to Yokohama and start with Hakkeijima Sea Paradise for a mix of aquarium and amusement park fun. You may end up spending the whole day at Hakkeijima as it’s simply awesome!
- Afternoon:
- Explore the Minato Mirai area. Visit Cosmo World amusement park and the Cup Noodles Museum where kids can make their own unique Cup Noodles.
- Evening:
- Return to Tokyo and have dinner near your hotel.
Day 6: Odaiba and Future Tech
- Morning:
- Visit TeamLab Borderless digital art museum for an immersive experience.
- Afternoon:
- Continue exploring Odaiba with the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation).
- Ride the Yurikamome monorail for a great view of Tokyo Bay. Great for kids.
- Evening:
- Dinner in Odaiba or return to your hotel area.
Day 7: Hakone and Onsen Experience
- Morning:
- Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone.
- Afternoon:
- Explore Hakone: Ride the Hakone Ropeway, cruise on Lake Ashi, and visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
- Evening:
- Stay overnight in a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy a family-friendly onsen (hot spring).
Day 8: Mt. Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes
- Morning:
- Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Visit the Chureito Pagoda for a scenic view of Mt. Fuji.
- Afternoon:
- Spend time at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, known for its massive roller coasters and family attractions. Explore Thomas Land if you have younger kids – my son loved it.
- Evening:
- Return to Tokyo.
Day 9: Ghibli Museum and Western Tokyo
- Morning:
- Visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (ensure tickets are booked in advance).
- Afternoon:
- Relax at Inokashira Park: Rent a swan boat or visit the small zoo.
- Evening:
- Dinner in the Kichijoji area, known for its cozy atmosphere and diverse dining options.
Day 10: Tokyo’s Modern Icons
- Morning:
- Visit Meiji Shrine and take a leisurely stroll through Yoyogi Park.
- Afternoon:
- Head to Harajuku for shopping on Takeshita Street and a visit to Kiddy Land or Tokyu Hands in Shibuya.
- Evening:
- Experience the bustling Shibuya Crossing and have a farewell dinner in Shibuya or return to a favorite spot from your trip.
