Last Updated on September 1, 2024 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 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.