Japan Travel Guide: A 10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary
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Exploring the Land of the Rising Sun.
Hey there! Konnichiwa! So here’s our family's 10-day adventure. Before our trip, we did loads of research, we did the whole social media hunt for must-visit spots to explore, eat, and shop - just like everyone else. With the little ones traveling with us (my daughter and her cousins, aged 6 and 8), we had to plan flexibly, more like loose guidelines than strict schedules. But hey, having a rough idea of what each day might look like definitely kept us on track. And oh boy, did we know there'd be some serious walking involved once we got there – it felt like a walking marathon.
Day 1: Arrival in Japan
We touched down at Narita Airport around 1 PM. After checking into our hotel, we took some time to rest. Then, we headed straight to the Uniqlo Ginza Flagship store, which I'd been eagerly anticipating—it's the world’s largest store with a whopping 12 floors and even has its own coffee shop! There are Uniqlo stores almost everywhere in Tokyo, but the flagship was really cool to explore. If you're a big Uniqlo fan, you've got to check it out. We spent an hour or two there and then, feeling a bit tired, we opted to head back to our hotel and grabbed some dinner from konbini - Family Mart, which is right next to our hotel.
Day 2-4: Exploring Tokyo
Shinjuku. We took a stroll to see the Godzilla head and exchanged our money at Ninja Exchange, located on Omoide Yokocho ticket shop street, just a 2-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Shinjuku Station. There are plenty money exchange stores around but this place offers the best rates! Then, it was time for another shopping spree at GU and Uniqlo stores. Although smaller than the one in Ginza, each store had its own unique selections and sales to explore.
Tokyo Disneyland. We spent the entire day here with the kids! This day probably involved the most walking I've ever done in my entire life. I've never walked 22,000 steps before! We were all completely exhausted that night. (Check out my blog post for an in-depth look at: A Day in Tokyo Disneyland)
Shimokitazawa. This place is a must visit! If you love fashion, this place is a goldmine. There are countless vintage thrift shops offering affordable hidden gems, it’s a paradise for unique secondhand clothes, shoes, arts and more. You could easily spend a full day shopping. Moreover, the area has plenty of food stalls, creating a charming small-town ambiance. It's one of my favorite places in Tokyo, perfect for leisurely strolls along the narrow streets. Getting to Shimokitazawa is simple—just hop on the Odakyu Line or Keio-Inokashira Line to Shimokitazawa Station.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Visited the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing located in front of Shibuya Station! It was quite the experience - busy and exciting, living up to its reputation as a Tokyo landmark. It is known for its large crowds crossing the intersection. We loved the lively atmosphere and found it fascinating how crossing the street became a popular attraction. It's best to visit Shibuya at night to enjoy the city lights—and that's exactly what we did, along with some shopping. Just a tip for parents: use a stroller or hold your child's hand when crossing busy streets to keep them safe.
Day 5-7: Osaka,Kyoto and Nara
Next stop, Kansai Region! We hopped on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto Station - it’s a 2 hour ride. From there, we took the Limited Express Train “Ainoyoshi” to visit Nara Deer Park for a few hours before heading to our hotel located in Shin-Osaka. (Check out my blog post for an in-depth look at: Riding the “Aoniyoshi” Sightseeing Train to Nara Deer Park)
Osaka Aquarium. My daughter absolutely loved it here. It was packed with all sorts or marine creatures. If you're planning a family trip to Osaka, you’ve gotta check out this place. It’s one of the largest in the world. (Check out my blog post for an in-depth look at: A Visit to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan)
Dotonbori. Often considered the beating heart of Osaka, was our destination for the night. It’s like the fusion of Times Square and a bustling Japanese market, with its big screens and vibrant lights creating a lively atmosphere. Here, you'll find mouthwatering street food scene - cool bars too. And if shopping is your thing, Dotonbori won’t disappoint, with its mix of vintage and quirky shops. We saw the famous vintage shop called “2nd Street” - seen this all over social media! And of course, a visit wouldn't be complete without snapping a photo of the iconic Glico Sign, right? One night wasn't enough to explore all the cool shops and experiences this area has to offer. Make sure to put this place on your bucket list when visiting Osaka!
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. We headed to Kyoto early to see the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Unfortunately, heavy rain made it difficult to fully enjoy the experience, especially with the kids. Instead we had quick lunch nearby until the rain stopped. Then we explored Kyoto for a bit, took a stroll to the famous Togetsukyo Bridge. This landmark has been a part of Western Kyoto's Arashiyama District for over four hundred years, spanning the Katsura River in front of the mountain and offering incredible views. Another highlight for the kids was the adorable Rilakkuma Tea House, where we bought plenty of cute souvenirs, although we didn’t have time to visit the tea house upstairs. In the afternoon, we hopped on the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
Day 8-10: Back to Tokyo
Tokyo Tower. Japan's famous landmark, looks a lot like the Eiffel Tower and acts as both a communication hub and an observation deck – it's slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower. Best times to visit are in the morning or afternoon, when you can take in the tower and check out the nearby temples and parks. We spent less than an hour there, enjoying the beautiful views.
Odaiba. We visited a fun place in Tokyo called Odaiba, where my daughter had a great time. Odaiba is an island in Tokyo Bay known for shopping and entertainment. We first went to Aqua City Odaiba - a big mall by the bay. They have a unique ramen food park on the fifth floor where you can taste different ramen from all over Japan. A must-try! We also checked out DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, a complex with shops, restaurants, and fun activities and it has a giant Gundam statue. There's so much to see and try in these malls that one day wasn't enough! Lots of cute stuff and delicious food to explore.
Tsukiji Market. Tsukiji Market stands as one of Japan's largest fish markets and a breakfast destination in Chuo City. It's not just a popular for tourists but also a favorite among locals, where you can explore an array of fresh seafood options, from sushi to sashimi, as well as souvenirs like kitchen supplies. Just brace yourself for the hustle and bustle of large crowds, which can make maneuvering with children and strollers a bit tricky. Nevertheless, our visit was thoroughly enjoyable—an experience we won't soon forget!
Hakuhinkan Kids & Baby Park. I highly recommend this must-see spot in Ginza for families with kids. This massive toy store, spanning four floors is like a wonderland for children of all ages. It’s one of Japan's largest toy stores, offering unique Japanese toys and souvenirs. Even if you're just browsing, it's fun to wander around. We ended up staying here for hours buying plenty of toys and souvenirs—we just couldn’t resist!
Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Skytree blew me away when I discovered it's the tallest tower in the world! Nestled in Sumida, Tokyo, it's not just a broadcasting tower but also an observation deck. What surprised me more was its location within a mall, shops, a food court, restaurants, and cafes, including the Tokyo Skytree shops. There are plenty of kawaii shops like Pokemon Cafe, Kirby Cafe, Ghibli Store, and more. Sadly, we didn’t get to explore or buy anything this time.
Senso-ji Temple. We walked along the Sumida River to see Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. Even with lots of people, it looked stunning! The street to the temple, Nakamise-dori, was lined up with shops offering a variety of goods. Prices may be a bit higher here, given its status as a tourist attraction. However visiting the temple and Asakusa is a unique blend of ancient and old customs, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Meiji-dori Ave, Shibuya. We took a chance to check out the Sakura before catching our flight at night! And yes, we got lucky to find the whole street lined with pink trees, as my daughter said :) It was my first time seeing cherry blossoms, or maybe they were plum trees. But who cares, it was pretty and pink!
Ten days just weren't enough to truly experience all that Japan has to offer! We really enjoyed our time there. It felt like being immersed in a lively masterpiece, a vibrant work of art, with beauty and cuteness everywhere you look…it's no wonder people keep coming back year after year for more adventures—there's always something fresh to uncover. We're already counting down the days until we can return for more exploration! Japan has truly captured our hearts :)
