Last Updated on January 31, 2025 by Vlad
I’ve created a family-friendly 2-week itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan, focusing on activities and locations that are enjoyable and suitable for families with younger children (aged 3-15). The itinerary is created based on my young family’s own experience as well as that of others who have asked us for advice.
The suggested itinerary is meant to serve as a guide and is:
- Designed to be more relaxed than a typical adult itinerary, with fewer location changes and more time in each place.
- I’ve included a mix of cultural sites, parks, and kid-friendly attractions to keep things interesting for all ages.
- The order of cities (Tokyo – Hakone – Kyoto – Osaka) minimizes travel time and makes efficient use of the Japan Rail Pass.
- I’ve suggested some alternatives to traditional sightseeing that might be more engaging for children, like interactive museums and theme parks.
- There’s flexibility built in, so you can adjust based on your children’s interests and energy levels.
Without further ado.
2 Week Japan Itinerary for Families with young kinds
Days 1-5: Tokyo
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
- A beautiful park featuring Japanese, French, and English gardens.
- Ideal for picnics and space for children to play games like tag or frisbee.
- Nearby dining: Shake Shack Shinjuku (familiar option for kids).
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building:
- Free observation decks with panoramic city views; kids might enjoy spotting landmarks.
- Visit around sunset for both day and night views.
- Nearby dining: Tsurutontan Shinjuku (kid-friendly udon restaurant).
Day 2: Odaiba
- TeamLab Borderless:
- Immersive digital art museum with interactive installations.
- Book tickets in advance, arrive early to avoid crowds. Older kids might enjoy specific exhibits focused on science and technology.
- Nearby dining: Eggs ‘n Things (Hawaiian-style pancakes, kid-friendly).
- Fuji TV Building:
- Distinctive architecture with a spherical observation deck.
- Offers views of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge; older kids may enjoy learning about its architecture.
- Nearby dining: Takoyaki Museum (food theme park with various takoyaki stands).
- Joypolis:
- Indoor amusement park with VR attractions; check height restrictions for younger kids.
- Older kids (10-15) will enjoy VR and more thrilling arcade games.
- Dining option: In-house food court with various options.
Day 3: Ueno and Asakusa
- Ueno Zoo:
- Japan’s oldest zoo, home to giant pandas and other engaging exhibits.
- A petting zoo area is available for smaller children.
- Nearby dining: Hard Rock Cafe Ueno Station (familiar option with kids’ menu).
- Ueno Park:
- Large public park with museums and street performers.
- Ideal for a picnic lunch and some downtime.
- Nearby dining: Harajuku Gyoza Lou (kid-friendly gyoza restaurant).
- Senso-ji Temple:
- Tokyo’s oldest temple with a five-story pagoda.
- Kids can try omikuji (fortune-telling) and enjoy the Nakamise shopping street.
- Older kids might find the history and architecture interesting; consider a scavenger hunt.
- You can always visit Tokyo Skytree if you have the time and the budget.
- Nearby dining: Ninja Akasaka (themed restaurant where waiters dress as ninjas).
Day 4: Ghibli Museum and Inokashira Park
- Ghibli Museum:
- Showcases works of the famous animation studio.
- Book tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly.
- Older kids interested in animation can learn about the creative process.
- Nearby dining: Tare-man (child-friendly ramen shop).
- Inokashira Park:
- Lovely park with a small zoo and swan boats.
- Great for an afternoon of relaxation and play.
- Nearby dining: Sarashina Horii (famous soba restaurant, good for adventurous kids).
Day 5: DisneySea or Disneyland
- Full day at one of Tokyo’s Disney parks.
- DisneySea is unique to Japan and offers a more immersive experience.
- Dining: Various themed restaurants within the park.
You can view my post ‘Things to do in Tokyo‘ for more ideas and inspirations.
Days 6-7: Hakone
Day 6: Travel to Hakone
- Hakone Ropeway:
- Scenic cable car ride with potential Mt. Fuji views.
- Older kids might be fascinated by the geology of the volcanic valley, Owakudani.
- Lake Ashi:
- Enjoy a pirate ship-themed boat cruise across the lake; consider sharing local legends for an engaging experience.
- Nearby dining: The Fujiya Hotel (historic hotel with kid-friendly dining options) or Bakery & Table Hakone (café with play area for kids).
Day 7: Hakone continued
- Hakone Open Air Museum:
- Outdoor sculpture park with interactive art pieces.
- Features a Picasso exhibition and a play forest for younger kids.
- On-site café available for lunch.
- Yunessun:
- Hot spring theme park with various themed baths; older kids might enjoy quirky baths like coffee or wine baths.
- Includes a water park area suitable for younger children.
- On-site food court available.
You can check my Hakone travel guide here.
Days 8-11: Kyoto
Day 8: Arrive in Kyoto, visit Arashiyama
- Bamboo Grove:
- A magical forest of towering bamboo, best visited early morning to avoid crowds.
- Nearby dining: Arashiyama Yoshimura (soba restaurant with river views).
- Iwatayama Monkey Park:
- Hilltop park with wild monkeys and great views of Kyoto.
- Kids can feed monkeys and learn about their behaviors.
- Nearby dining: Pizzeria Lugara (Italian option for a change of pace).
Day 9: Central Kyoto
- Nijo Castle:
- UNESCO World Heritage site with ‘nightingale floors’ that chirp as you walk on them.
- Audio guides available for historical context, which might interest older kids.
- Nearby dining: Mishima-tei (sukiyaki restaurant, fun for kids to cook at the table).
- Kyoto Railway Museum:
- Large interactive museum showcasing Japanese train history.
- Features a train simulator and mini train rides; great for kids who love trains.
- On-site restaurant with train-themed dishes.
Day 10: Eastern Kyoto
- Kiyomizu-dera:
- Hillside temple with stunning views.
- Kids might enjoy drinking from the “waterfall of fortune.”
- Older kids might be interested in the temple’s architecture and history.
- Nearby dining: Issen Yoshoku (Kyoto-style okonomiyaki, fun for kids).
- Maruyama Park:
- Beautiful park, perfect for a break and some playtime.
- Nearby dining: Rokudai Fujino (family-friendly tempura restaurant).
Day 11: Nara Day Trip
- Nara Park:
- Home to over 1,000 free-roaming deer that kids can feed.
- Older kids might enjoy learning about the cultural significance of deer in Nara.
- Nearby dining: Nakatanidou (famous for mochi pounding performances).
- Todaiji Temple:
- Houses one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues.
- Kids might enjoy squeezing through the hole in a pillar (said to grant enlightenment).
- Nearby dining: Tonkatsu Ganko (family-friendly tonkatsu restaurant).
Days 12-13: Osaka
Day 12: Osaka Castle and Dotonbori
- Osaka Castle:
- Historic castle with a museum inside.
- The surrounding park is great for kids to run around and play.
- Nearby dining: Kuma Kafe (bear-themed café with cute latte art).
- Dotonbori:
- Lively street with huge signs and delicious street food.
- Suggest specific street foods like taiyaki and matcha-flavored treats for older kids.
- Nearby dining: Kushikatsu Daruma (famous for deep-fried skewers).
Day 13: Universal Studios Japan
- Full day at Universal Studios Japan.
- Features Harry Potter World, Minion Park, and Nintendo World.
- Recommend getting express passes to avoid long waits.
- Dining: Various themed restaurants available in the park.
Day 14: Return to Tokyo and Depart
- Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama (if time allows):
- Interactive museum where kids can design their own cup noodle.
- Older kids might enjoy the creative aspect of designing and making their own cup noodles.
- On-site noodle bazaar with international noodle dishes.
Would you like me to make a different 2 week Japan Itinerary for Families with kids example? Just let me know.