Here is my itinerary for families who are visiting Japan as first timers and want a realistic framework for their Japan trip with kids.
Take just the bits you like to match with the number of days you have available.
Day 1: If you fly into Narita, you will arrive at your Tokyo hotel around 3-3.5 hours after you land
Here are my recommended ways to get from Narita into the city there (we always do the airport limousine bus from Narita to the closest stop to our hotel and then a short taxi)
Not sure where to stay in Tokyo with kids? Here is my Tokyo hotel guide based on ages, budgets and interests.
See here if you would like to go through my full list of accommodation options I recommend for families in Tokyo.
Here is where to stay if you are a family of 5 or more.
If you fly into Haneda, you will arrive at your hotel at approx 1.5-2 hours after you land.
Here are my recommended ways to get there (We usually just take a taxi outside of arrivals and, depending on your hotel, the airport limousine bus is a great option too.)
Day 2: I would make this day a combination of Harajuku and Shibuya day (play options are included in each of these articles but you could head to Roppongi by train or taxi after that if you still have energy- doubt you will though but it’s a little back up)
Harajuku with kids
Shibuya with kids
Roppongi with kids (by far the most kid-friendly area for families for playgrounds, parks and restaurants in my opinion)
Day 3 : Kidzania morning shift and then I’d do Team Lab Planets in the afternoon with a late lunch in between (Team Lab Planets is just a few mins walk away)
Here are other things to do in that immediate area
Day 4: You’ll be all getting quite tired by this day. I recommend a slower morning and exploring the area around your hotel (and some much needed park /playground time.) Use the search function on this site to search by immediate area.
Here are my breakfast / brunch favourites in Tokyo.
In the afternoon, I’d do something a bit more traditional in Tokyo. Here are my suggestions.
If today is a rainy or crazy hot day- go for some daytime karaoke as a family.
In the evening, take a yakatabune.
Day 5: Shinjuku & Ginza (this is a big city kind of day – a good day for sightseeing + eating + shopping)
Shinjuku with kids
Ginza with kids
Not really shopping and big city people? How about doing one of the following things instead?
Taking a morning food tour in Tsukiji and then explore the Tsukiji area as a family?
How about taking a day trip to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour?
Or a day trip to Kamakura
One more idea – how about having dinner with a Japanese family?
Days 6-12 : Stay in Kyoto OR Osaka and day trip to the other.
See here for where to stay in Kyoto with kids.
See here for where to stay in Osaka with kids
Sightseeing in Kyoto with kids
Sightseeing in Osaka with kids
Day trips to do while staying in this area
Arashiyama
Nara
Kobe
Universal Studios Japan
Days 13-17 : Tokyo Disney days
Stay at one of these either side of your park days at Tokyo Disneyland and/or Tokyo Disneysea.
Read this if you only have time for one of the two Tokyo Disney Parks and can’t decide which one is right for you.
Here is my guide on a full day at Tokyo Disneyland.
Here is my guide on a full day at Tokyo Disneysea.
On the last day and/or first day in the disney area – I would do these things
Please make sure you go through my list of what to book and by when here.
And here are things to pack for your trip (specific for families)
I hope this helps!
Jo
