Essential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly Travel (Plus Optional Extension)

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Planning a Japan itinerary for a family is like putting together a giant puzzle: you have to account for transportation schedules, hotel availability, everyone’s interests and the huge variety of opportunities you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It’s a great problem to have!

In this extremely detailed guide, you’ll find out how to make the most of your family trip to Japan with three options for itineraries for Japan with kids that you can use as a launching point based on your needs.

One quick note on how to use this Japan itinerary guide: rather than repeating the same information in each section, in some cases I’ll refer you to previous itineraries that have all of the details. But the beginning of each itinerary has a helpful summary at the beginning that provides an overview of which days you’ll spend in each location, where to stay and what tickets/activities you need to book in advance.

1. Highlights of Japan Itinerary: 10 Days for Family Travelers

There are so many incredible things to do in Japan with kids that your 10 day itinerary will be filled to the brim. Our entire trip was go-go-go, but truthfully we didn’t mind it all because basically everything in Japan is amazing.

Days 1-4: Tokyo

Tokyo is a fascinating, exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming melding of old and new. There’s so much to see and do that it can be very challenging to plan. I’ve put together an in-depth Tokyo with kids itinerary for four days that breaks down what to do each day based on geography and transportation so that you maximize your time.

Day 5: Day trip from Tokyo to Hakone

Head toward Mount Fuji on a wonderful day trip from Tokyo to Hakone, 100km southwest of the city. The journey will take 2 hours by public transit but it’s such a different experience than you’ll find anywhere else!

Pro tip: There’s a lot of different transportation involved in this day trip. One alternative I wish we’d considered is this Hakone/Fuji private tour. While it would have been more expensive, we would have made much better use of our time!

To get to Hakone, you’ll either use your JR Pass (if you’re ready to activate it) or the Hakone Free Pass to get to Odawara station and then continue on the local Tozan train line. To maximize your time, be sure to reserve a private room for your family at Hakone Yuryo onsen for 6pm. More details on that later, but we were not able to get an evening reservation and it definitely messed with our schedule!

I recommend that you proceed all the way to Lake Ashi and start your time in Hakone exploring the town area surrounding the port and you can also consider taking the lovely forest walk to the famous torii gate.

A highlight for the whole family is the pirate boat that takes you across the lake. Supposedly you can see Mount Fuji from the boat, though we weren’t able to because it was a little cloudy surrounding the masive mountain. Even so the views are lovely and you’ll go right by the torii gate.

Once you reach the opposite shore, you’ll have the opportunity to take the Hakone Ropeway up the mountainside – and this is where you should get fantastic views of Mount Fuji if you didn’t see it from the lake! Even on a cloudy day, we could tell how absolutely massive it was – and it kept getting larger as we went higher. This is one of the world’s longest ropeways, taking nearly 30 minutes to complete.

The top of the Ropeway is around 1000 meters elevation. To descend on the other side you’ll take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which connects to the Hakone Tozan Train – so many different forms of transportation, and thankfully they’re all included with the Hakone Free Pass (even the pirate boat)!

Your next stop is the Hakone Open Air Museum. I’ve heard incredible things about it, and this is probably the best art museum in Japan for kids! There are unique artistic play structures, enormous sculptures and more. Unfortunately last admission is at 4:30 and we weren’t able to make it by then because our reservation at Hakone Yuryo onsen was in the morning and pushed everything back.

The last item on your list of things to do in Hakone on a day trip is pay a visit to Hakone Yuryo onsen. This traditional hot spring inn provides a wonderfully relaxing experience and is a must-do in Japan! While there are public baths available here, you’ll want to reserve a private room since you’re visiting Japan with children. We opted for the Type 3 room, which is very serene and includes everything you’ll need for an amazing visit to an onsen with kids – snacks, towels, robes and plenty of space. The room is yours for two hours, so relax and enjoy to wind down after your busy day trip to Hakone!

If you bring a travel car seat with you, the fastest way to get to Hakone Yuryo is by taxi; otherwise you can take the local bus (just use Google Maps to find your way). For your return to the train station, they offer a shuttle van.

Day 6: Hiroshima

A logistical recommendation: the stretch in Hiroshima Prefecture is brief but transportation-heavy. You’ll potentially take trains, boats, buses and taxis. If possible, I suggest just bringing a few days worth of clothing in backpacks while the rest of your luggage is sent on to meet you in Kyoto. The excellent Yamato Ta-Q-Bin can be arranged by your hotel or nearest 7-11 and it’s pretty amazing. For just $50, our two suitcases and a box with the kids backpacks was waiting in our Kyoto hotel room!

Today is a long day and an emotionally heavy one, but one that’s worth experiencing if your kids are old enough. You’ll hop the earliest train you can manage all the way to Hiroshima, near the southern end of Japan’s main island. Once you arrive at Hiroshima Station, it’s easy to use the sightseeing bus (included in your JR Pass) to get to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. If you haven’t eaten lunch yet, there are some good options in the Hiroshima Station.

Read more about visiting the A-bomb sites of Hiroshima with kids. There are many factors to weigh as you decide if and how to include Hiroshima in your family’s Japan itinerary.

All in all, we spent just over two hours visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. When you’ve finished there, your next stop is Miyajima Island and there are two ways to get there: the easy way and the cheap/hard way.

We mistakenly did it the cheap/hard way and I do not recommend it. We used the #2 local tram from the Dome station to Miyajimaguchi station (approximately 1 hour) and then took the very pleasant Miyajima ferry. While this option is very inexpensive, I wouldn’t have done it if I realized that the alternative was available and better.

There’s a ferry that picks up near Motoyasubashi Bridge right next to the A-Bomb Dome. It’s the Aqua Net Ferry, and we saw it but weren’t sure if it was legit or not because it didn’t look nearly as polished as every other Japanese transportation option. We were just being silly. While it’s a little pricey at 2200 JPY per adult and 1100 JPY per child, it’ll shave about an hour (and a lot of hassle) off your travels. Just buy a one-way ticket, as on the way back you’ll take the JR Ferry and then connect on a convenient train to Hiroshima Station.

When you arrive on Miyajima, you’ll want to walk to your hotel to drop off your bag and then immediately go get dinner. Everything closes early! Our hotel had to call around to find a place that was open at 7pm, but the ladies at Okonomiyaki Kishibe served up delicious food in as homey a setting as you can imagine.

Day 7: Miyajima Island

The next day and a bit will give you an opportunity to step back in time on Miyajima Island, one of several islands in Hiroshima Bay. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve probably seen photos of its famous “floating” torii gate! It’s an icon of Japan. The logistics of incorporating Miyajima into your itinerary can be tricky but there are a few reasons why you should consider it.

While most other places you’ll visit on this Japan itinerary for families are fairly well developed cities, Miyajima Island remains a quiet, rural area full of cultural and natural highlights. The ancient Itsukushima Shrine is still largely preserved today. While nearby Hiroshima was devastated by the A-bomb, Miyajima was spared other than some debris found nearby.

Much of the island’s developed area is accessible on foot, though you can opt for a ropeway (cable car) to reach the beautiful summit of Mt. Misen. Miyajima is a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring or fiery red maple trees in the fall.

Keep in mind that Miyajima is an island with a population of just 2000 people, and most visitors are day trippers. That means you won’t find a ton of restaurants or stores open once the sun goes down, but you’ll also be able to experience the island’s true magic away from the crowds!

Thanks to its very traditional nature, Miyajima island is a great place to try out staying at a ryokan – a typical Japanese guest house. We had a wonderful stay at Miyajima Kinsuikan, which included a large family room with very comfortable futons set up each night, a yukata for everyone (several kids’ sizes available), unlimited access to the wonderful onsen (geothermal bath) in the basement and a seafood-heavy bento-style breakfast that is typical of the region.

On the last point, I’ll say that the staff tried hard to accommodate our dietary needs but definitely didn’t understand due to the language barrier. I ended up taking the kids to Starbucks (yes, Starbucks!) a block away so that we wouldn’t start our days hungry. If you have dietary restrictions and plan to stay at any ryokan in Japan that offers breakfast, it may be best to tell them what you will eat rather than what you won’t – in retrospect if I had said “only rice, salmon, eggs and vegetables” that probably would have been easier for everyone.

But enough about breakfast… Today’s itinerary will seem jam-packed as you read through it, but it really isn’t. You’ll be able to enjoy much of what the island has to offer and feel relaxed while doing it!

One important tip: if you want to walk under the torii, be sure to check the tide schedule in advance. You may need to shift the order of some things around. When we visited, one of the low tide periods lasted for much of the afternoon with just a few inches of water directly under the torii. Prepare for the ground to be very mucky though!

Spend your morning at this fantastic tea ceremony and calligraphy class. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of some traditional aspects of Japanese culture. There are three parts to the experience. First, your family will be dressed in fancy kimonos by the team of experienced ladies. They have a huge range of styles and sizes to choose from, and adult women in particular will get to experience alllll the layers.

Once you’re properly dressed, you’ll participate in a tea ceremony with the head of the cultural center. She clearly explains each step and its significance. You’ll also get some unique chocolates along with the matcha!

Finally, your family will learn some basics of Japanese calligraphy and choose a character to write on your own souvenir! Since you’re already fully dressed, you can also step outside to. the zen garden and have the staff take some photos for you. They took photos of us during the activities as well and shared them via AirDrop – they aren’t professional, but it’s nice to have them included at no additional cost. This was one of my favorite activities to do in Japan with kids. The organizer suggests a minimum age of 6 years old, though I think that for most kids it’s better for 8+.

It’s time for lunch, so head back to Miyajima’s main shopping street – just follow the crowds one block in from the coast. There are plenty of inexpensive options to take away from kiosks, and we opted for delicious cups of fried chicken that we enjoyed in a peaceful courtyard. You’ll also find various options for seafood, momiji manjū cakes and more! If your kids haven’t exhausted their souvenir budget yet, there are plenty of opportunities here as well.

Continue on past the commercial part of town to visit Itsukushima Shrine. It’s a beautiful and serene place with more than a thousand years of history. Like most shrines it’s just a few dollars to enter and you can move as quickly or slowly along the one-way path as you’d like. There isn’t much written information provided on-site, but you can read up in advance here for a fuller understanding of the complex and its history.

When you exit the shrine, look for signs for the Miyajima Ropeway. This is the cablecar that will take you to the summit of Mount Misen, which dominates the island’s landscape. It’s a somewhat steep 15 minute walk to the ropeway station at Momijidani, so if anyone in your family has limited mobility consider taking the free shuttle bus from Momijidani Park – more info here.

The ropeway is a fun activity for kids and parents alike! You’ll transfer mid-way to reach the summit, where you’re treated to spectacular views of Hiroshima Bay and its islands. We enjoyed the view from Shishiiwa Observatory but if you want to hike another 20 minutes you’ll arrive at Mount Misen Observatory and enjoy additional views.

You’ll either take the ropeway back down or hike it – the choice is yours, and may depend on how long the line for the ropeway is! We waited for about 30 minutes shortly before the last descent of the day and honestly it might have been faster just to walk down. We stopped at Niwa Cafe for dinner, which was a great choice!

End your evening with a relaxing soak in the onsen at Miyajima Kinsuikan. You’ve earned it after such a busy day!

Day 8: Osaka

Since this is a fast-paced 10 day Japan itinerary, you’re just going to pop into Osaka on your way from Miyajima Island to Kyoto. The good news is that the trains are very efficient so you’ll have a big chunk of the day to explore!

You’ll take the ferry back to the mainland and then a train to Hiroshima station. From there it’s easy to pick up a bullet train to Osaka. In total, travel time is around 3.5 hours. Once you’re in Osaka and Kyoto, the Kansai Thru Pass is very handy as it covers all of the local rail and bus lines that aren’t already included with your Japan Rail pass.

With just a day in Osaka, you won’t be able to do everything unfortunately. One of the best things to do in Osaka with kids is pay a visit to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. When it opened in 1990 it was the largest aquarium in the world! While it no longer holds that title it’s still a site to behold. There are incredible creatures here including while sharks, and the spiraling design continuously reveals more and more wonders.

If you’re visiting Japan in spring, be sure to check the schedule for the March sumo tournament – typically held during the second and third weeks. You’ll want to buy tickets well in advance, but I highly recommend attending if you can! Sumo is a unique experience and deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. The environment is family-friendly and many visitors bring food from local convenience stores, as concessions are minimal inside the stadium.

Another great option is to reserve a table at the Osaka Pokemon Cafe – check the calendar 31 days in advance. It can be very hard to get a table (we tried!) but thankfully there are other Pokemon things to do in Japan to entertain kids of all ages.

While you’re in Osaka, walk around the famous Dotonbori area to see the lights and spectacle. You can grab dinner nearby if you’re able to find a table without a huge line – there are some amazing options nearby for beef and seafood! If all else fails, check out the standby of CoCo ICHIBANYA for delicious curry.

Wrap up your day by taking the train from Osaka to your Kyoto hotel. It’s only about an hour, though it’s the end of a long and transit-heavy day.

Days 9-10: Kyoto

You’ve reached the final leg of your family Japan itinerary, which is bittersweet. Kyoto is a wonderful place to conclude your trip because it feels so distinctly Japanese (with a thick overlay of tourists, to be completely honest). It’s truly a great city and such a unique place to spend a few days since it retains the traditional architecture and vibe of pre-war Japan.

A quick note on where to stay in Kyoto: there are lots of excellent hotels, and it’s much more compact than Tokyo (for example). But in Kyoto you have two excellent opportunities to stay in a Pokemon themed room at Mimaru Kyoto Station and Mimaru Nishinotoin Takatsuji. We stayed at the latter because it was available, but the entire chain is extremely family-friendly. To say that my kids lost their minds from the surprise when we walked into our room is an understatement. If you can book one of those rooms, it’s 100% worth it.

Kyoto is a beautiful city full of ancient sites blended with modern culture. Follow our 2 day Kyoto with kids itinerary to learn exactly how to make the most of your visit!

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2. Extended Japan Itinerary: 2 Weeks With Kids

If I had my druthers, we would have followed this longer Japan itinerary for 2 weeks of family travel. I’ve offered it here in case you’re lucky enough to visit for longer.

This itinerary covers roughly the same geographic area as the itinerary we did above but allows you to see more. Be sure to read the 10 day itinerary above – I’ll reference that in this expanded itienrary! Pay close attention to the overview, as there are some additional hotel stops and a slightly different transportation strategy.

Days 1-5: Tokyo & day trip to Hakone

Spend days 1-5 as described above in the 10 day Japan itinerary for families.

Days 6-7: Tokyo Disney

On the morning of Day 6, transfer to a hotel near Tokyo Disney like Hilton Tokyo Bay. While you could stay at a hotel elsewhere in Tokyo, it’s hard to beat the convenience of being right on the monorail! The quieter waterfront location can also be a nice respite after the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Tokyo Disney includes both Disneyland and DisneySea. Many Disney lovers regard these as some of the best parks in the world, as they’re very efficiently run and include some unique rides you won’t find elsewhere. And the tickets are a fraction of what you’d pay to visit Walt Disney World! Buy your tickets in advance and just flash the QR code to enter.

After you buy your tickets, be sure to download the Tokyo Disney Resort App. That will grant you access to the free Priority Pass system, which allows you to schedule return times for some attractions.

Before you go, read these helpful DisneySea tips and Tokyo Disneyland tips.

Day 8: Hiroshima

Spend day 8 visiting the A-bomb sites of Hiroshima. You’ll be spending this night (and the following) on Miyajima Island at Miyajima Kinsuikan, so if you don’t feel that visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the right choice for your family you can go directly to the island and spend the afternoon at its excellent aquarium.

Day 9: Miyajima Island

Spend day 9 on Miyajima island as described above. You’ll do a tea ceremony and calligraphy class in the morning, visit the Itsukushima Shrine shrine after lunch and then take the ropeway to the top of Mount Misen to enjoy stunning views of Hiroshima Bay.

Days 10-12: Osaka

While we only spent one day in Osaka, I wish we’d had longer to base ourselves there! Not only does the city have some wonderful family-friendly attractions but it also makes a great base for day trips.

On your way back from Hiroshima to Osaka, stop at Himeji Castle for several hours. It’s the most impressive castle in the country and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original structure was built in 1333 but what you see today dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. For a deeper look, book this excellent private tour of Himeji Castle.

Once you arrive in Osaka itself and settle into your hotel, head out to see the bright lights of Dotonbori and grab dinner. This would also be a great time to visit Pokemon Cafe if you’re able to get a table (reservations open 31 days in advance but there are occasionally walk in tables).

For days 11 and 12 you’ll have some tough choices to make! With young children, make the Aquarium Kaiyukan a priority – it’s really remarkable. If you’re visiting Japan with teens, tweens or older kids then plan to spend a day at Universal Studios Japan – it has favorites like Harry Potter World and Super Nintendo World and is extremely easy to get to if you stay at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or nearby.

If you’re visiting Osaka in March, consider spending a few hours at the huge sumo tournament at Edion Arena!

Be sure to stop by A Happy Pancake for breakfast or lunch. They have both sweet and savory options, and their distinctively Japanese pancakes are the thickest and fluffiest you’ve ever seen! The Doyamacho location is the most convenient in Osaka (there are also outposts in Tokyo and Kyoto).

You’ll probably also want to squeeze in a day trip to Nara to see the famous deer of Nara Park. Don’t miss the “big Buddha” and the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine while you’re there, along with cherry blossoms in the spring and bright red foliage in the fall. It’s exactly one hour each way using public transit, so if you feel tight on time you can go for just a half day.k

At the end of day 12, hop on a quick train to Kyoto to settle into your hotel for the last stop on your Japan adventure.

Days 13-14: Kyoto

Spend days 13 and 14 exploring Kyoto as described in our 2 day Kyoto itinerary.

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3. Slower Pace Itinerary for Japan With Kids: 10 Days

Are you looking for an itinerary that’s a little slower, whether because you’re visiting Japan with toddlers or just prefer not to cram so much in? I’ve got you covered. In this itinerary you’ll only split your time between two bases and you’ll enjoy plenty of activities that are unique to Japan but still extremely little kid friendly!

To really level up this kid-friendly Japan trip, book your flights into Tokyo and out of Kansai International Airport (KIX) south of Osaka. You’ll save travel time and train fare since you really don’t need a Japan Rail pass for this itinerary!

Days 1-5: Tokyo with day trip to Disney

Follow our 4 day Tokyo itinerary for families to explore the city’s many facets, but break up your time with a day trip to DisneySea.

Days 6-10: Kyoto + day trips

Follow our 2 day Kyoto itinerary for families. Add in at least one day trip to Osaka to visits sites like Aquarium Kaiyukan and a day trip to Nara to see the famous deer. You might even have time to go to Universal Studios Japan! It’s even possible to take a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima to pay your respects at the A-bomb sites, and some families may opt to send one parent to do that while the other pursues more kid-friendly options in Kyoto.

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Tips for visiting Japan with kids

I’ve written up many helpful Japan travel tips, but I want to highlight a few here that are specific to visiting with kids.

• Plan well in advance. Many hotel rooms are only rated for two people, so your options for a family will be even more limited if you wait too long.
• Bring a folding car seat with you. While public transportation is excellent in Tokyo and between cities, you may want to take a taxi from the airport with your luggage after a long flight. We also found that Kyoto public transportation wasn’t nearly as robust.
• Let your kids go wild in convenience stores! They’re a great place to grab unique candies, sandwiches for a picnic or even delicious fried chicken.
• Get your kids involved in planning. Check out my son’s favorite things to do in Japan with kids.
• Bring a portable charger (or two) since you’ll be using your phone all day long to take pictures, translate menus and look up directions.

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Planning your trip to Japan

I hope these family-friendly Japan itineraries have give you the confidence to plan your own adventure!

Ready to dive in? Don’t miss these helpful resources for planning your own Japan trip!

• Buy your Japan Rail Pass
• Best Things to do in Japan With Kids: A Kid’s Take
• 9 Tips for Japan Travel You Can’t Afford To Miss
• What to Pack for Japan in Spring (and What to Leave at Home)
• Things to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and New
• The Best Hotels in Tokyo for Families (and How to Choose Yours)
• Visiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel Tips
• Best Family Hotels in Kyoto
• Awesome Pokémon Things to do in Japan
• Visiting the A-Bomb Sites in Hiroshima with Kids
• 10 Japan Cultural Activities & Attractions For Your Bucket List

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