Highlights
- See exhibits and learn about animé films at Tokyo's Ghibli Museum
- Ascend to panoramic views on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
- Get a glimpse of samurai life at Kyoto's Samurai Ninja Museum
- Say hello to colorful tropical fish at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Guided Tokyo City Tour with Rickshaw Ride | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Family Animé Day: Ghibli Museum, Pokémon Center & Akihabara District | Tokyo |
| Day 4 | Discover Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko & Arakurayama Park, Train to Kyoto | Kyoto |
| Day 5 | Kyoto City Tour, Tea Ceremony, Visit the Samurai Museum | Kyoto |
| Day 6 | Meet the Deer of Nara, Transfer to Osaka, See the Neon Lights of Dotonbori | Osaka |
| Day 7 | Visit Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building & the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan | Osaka |
| Day 8 | Depart Osaka |
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Explore
Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Here, you'll find the perfect blend of modern and traditional, with neon-lit skyscrapers and dense traffic alongside historic temples and lush gardens. Upon arrival, your private transfer will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Once you've checked in and had a chance to regroup, head out with the family to see more of this fascinating urban metropolis.
You can start your self-guided exploration with a visit to the Tokyo Tower, an Eiffel Tower-inspired communications and observation tower that ascends 1,092 feet (333 m). As Japan's second-highest structure, this architectural wonder can be seen from several spots around the city. Take the elevator to the main deck, which sits at the midway point of the tower and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the brightly lit cityscapes. If the visibility is good, the kids may even see Mount Fuji in the distance.
If you've got tweens and teens in your group, they'll love a walk through the whimsical Harajuku district, known for its vibrant street art and edgy youth fashion. Check out the ultra-trendy boutiques, and you may even glimpse the famed "Harajuku Girls." You can also consider having dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Day 2: Guided Tokyo City Tour with Rickshaw Ride
Spend this morning discovering some of Tokyo's most important cultural sites. Meet your guide and start at Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in Tokyo's Shibuya district. The shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, and sits in the middle of a lovely forested area with walking paths and gardens.
Continue to Senso-ji, which dates back to the seventh century and is considered one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples. Visit the temple's main hall and pray to the Kannon deity enshrined there just like the locals do, or pick up an omikuji (fortunes written on paper strips). Take a walk along Nakamise-dori, a street adjacent to the temple lined with shops and food stands. Let the kids pick out souvenirs for family and friends back home or grab a snack from one of the vendors.
End the day with a family rickshaw ride. Hop onboard and let your driver take you along historic streets lined with old shops, soaring skyscrapers, and the city's lively neighborhoods. Learn facts and stories about the different districts, and stop to pick up traditional souvenirs and local snacks for the kids along the way.
Day 3: Family Animé Day: Ghibli Museum, Pokémon Center & Akihabara District
Today, it's all about the animé as your family heads out to the famed Ghibli Museum. Here, you can learn more about classic animé films such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away" and see exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the creations of filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. The kids will love the tiny doors and winding staircases around the property, and you can all take in the views from the rooftop garden.
Stop in at Pokémon Center TOKYO DX, the largest store of its kind in Japan at more than 13,000 square feet (1,300 sq m). Your little ones can realize their Pokémon Master dreams, and you can purchase everything from plush Pikachu dolls to rare trading cards. You can also sample themed sweets and drinks at the adjacent café.
End the day among the neon lights of Akihabara, a busy district packed with themed cafés, electronics stores, arcades, and more. As you walk, you'll come across enthusiastic cosplayers in elaborate costumes and wigs, making you feel as if you've stepped right into the pages of a manga—the kids can even get some pics with their favorite characters! Learn more about the history and evolution of Japanese animation as you go, adding to the depth of your experience.
Day 4: Discover Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko & Arakurayama Park, Train to Kyoto
Depart Tokyo this morning and make your way to the Mount Fuji region. Fuji-san, as the locals call it, is the country's highest peak, stretching into the sky at more than 12,000 feet (3,776 m). A common pilgrimage site, it's considered one of Japan's three sacred mountains. After breakfast, your guide will collect your family from your Tokyo hotel for the scenic 1.5-hour drive.
Arrive and begin with a leisurely cruise on Kawaguchi-ko, a lake nestled at the foot of the mountain, then visit the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. The kids will love riding in the glass-windowed cabin as it ascends to more than 1,300 feet (400 m), and you'll have time to walk around the observation deck for panoramas of the countryside. Tour Arakurayama Sengen Park, where the little ones can burn some energy climbing the hill that leads to photo-worthy views of a pagoda and Mount Fuji. If you happen to be here in the spring, you'll also be treated to glorious cherry blossoms everywhere.
After the tour, you're off to the city of Kyoto. This cultural powerhouse is known for its historic traditions, such as kaiseki dining and geisha entertainers, as well as its numerous temples, gardens, and palaces. You and your family will head to the train station, hopping on board for the quick, one-hour ride. Arrive and meet your driver, who will escort you to your hotel. Check and relax for the evening, or explore on your own.
Day 5: Kyoto City Tour, Tea Ceremony, Visit the Samurai Museum
Today's tour takes you to some of Kyoto's most notable sites. Meet your guide after breakfast and start at Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple with a large golden pavilion. Walk the peaceful grounds, and be sure to take the kids to the temple's top floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf. Then, visit Nijo Castle, once the residence of the first shogun of the Edo period. See the palace's grand design and take a stroll in the gardens, where you'll find blossoming cherry flowers in spring.
The tour ends in the Gion district, where you and the kids can roam at your own pace. Stroll the stone paths of Hanami-koji Street to see the traditional wooden townhouses, many of which have been converted into art galleries, antique shops, and kimono stores. You may even encounter beautiful geishas (female Japanese performing artists) going about their day, and be sure to stop at Ichiriki Ochaya, one of the most historic teahouses in Kyoto.
Later, the whole family can participate in a tea ceremony to learn more about Kyoto's tea culture. Visit a tea house where you'll all don kimonos and enjoy a formal introduction to this ancient tradition. Sip flavorful tea and taste traditional sweets as you indulge in this quintessential Japanese experience. Afterward, walk to the Samurai Ninja Museum. Try on full samurai armor, take fun souvenir pics, and get a glimpse of what it was like to be one of the most prestigious ruling classes of old Japan. The kids can practice holding and sheathing a katana (sword) and learn about the history of this military nobility.
Day 6: Meet the Deer of Nara, Transfer to Osaka, See the Neon Lights of Dotonbori
Head out with your local guide to the peaceful greenery of Nara, located just 30 miles (50 km) from Kyoto and known for its historic sites, gardens, parks, and friendly local deer. There are tons of walking trails around the park area, one of which takes you through Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest and features more than 175 different types of trees. Visit the Todai-ji temple, home to the giant Daibutsu Buddha statue, and let the kids visit with the deer, who are quite likely to approach and let you feed them!
After your tour, you're off to the port city of Osaka, located on the island of Honshu and Japan's third largest city. This busy commercial hub combines sleek architecture, historic sites, and hearty street food. The drive from Nara takes approximately 45 minutes, and after you arrive and get settled at your hotel, take the family on a foodie excursion to Dotonbori.
Nicknamed "Osaka's Times Square," this high-powered sensory overload of neon, tall buildings, and busy throngs offers up food stalls, game arcades, and plenty of shopping. This is a great spot for dinner, with dishes such as grilled crabs, takoyaki (balls filled with vegetables and seafood), or kid-friendly taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) available from the various eateries.
Day 7: Visit Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building & the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Enjoy your last full day in Japan with a family-friendly city tour. You'll begin at the iconic Osaka Castle, where you'll find a wealth of information on Japan's rich history, including dioramas that depict various battles. From here, move on to the Umeda Sky Building and take the elevator to the 39th floor of this more than 500-foot (173 m) building. The kids can look down on the ant-sized pedestrians, and the adults can take in the panoramic views.
Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan next, where you'll be awed by the colorful marine life, including a whale shark that roams freely in the central water tank. The kids can see a multitude of tropical fish and other underwater creatures, and you'll all enjoy learning about the different animals that call the aquarium home. Finish the day with a sky-high ride on the Ferris wheel called Tempozan next to the aquarium. The giant wheel is more than 350 feet tall (112 m) and offers incredible views—catch a ride at sunset for sparkling city lights!
Day 8: Depart Osaka
Sadly, It's time for your family to say goodbye to Japan. After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!
More Great Japan Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other Japan itineraries, explore different ways to spend eight days in Japan with your family, or discover the best time to visit Japan.
Map
