WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM JAPAN?
Japan is a beautiful blend of modernity and tradition, making it an ideal destination for families who seek diverse experiences. This 10-day itinerary covers the bustling cityscapes of Tokyo and the serene temples of Kyoto. With highlights ranging from anime adventures to Harajuku street fashion, you’re in for a cultural rollercoaster! FOMO warning- there is so much to do in Japan, there’s just no way to fit everything in, so plan on having a fair amount of FOMO– but all the more reason to visit again.
Given 10 days isn’t enough see an entire country that has given us so much cultural relevance (great book on it here), we narrowed it down to Tokyo and Kyoto only. These two cities represent the very different sides of Japan, Tokyo the electric city, and Kyoto, the traditional side of Japan. Of course there is so much more to the country, beautiful countrysides, tropical beaches, and amazing skiing, but it will have to be on trip #2 to Japan.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN JAPAN
- Enjoy amazing food
- Soak in the Harajuku fashion
- Get lost in Tokyo
- Stroll in the traditional Kyoto
- Eat your way around a market
- Get your fill of Anime and Manga
- Get snuggles at pet cafes
- Wander around serene temples
- Partake in a tea ceremony
Tokyo is huge, so make sure you’re staying in a neighborhood that is family friendly and near some of your activities. VRBOs are great for our size families (6 of us), most hotels will have 2-4 per room and are pretty small. If you have older kids, you can stay in a cool or funky hotel, consider a capsule hotel, but be careful not to book a love hotel! We stayed in Ueno and really liked its accessibility, ease of transport, big park (hello cherry blossoms!), and restaurant options. Here are some great Tokyo neighborhood options for families:
- Shinjuku – Vibrant area with huge transport hub, kid-friendly museums, and beautiful parks like Shinjuku Gyoen. Close to theme parks.
- Shibuya – Youthful, iconic area with shopping and entertainment. Near Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine for outdoor time.
- Ueno – Home to Ueno Park and Zoo, museums, and culture. Has traditional market and dining. More relaxed pace.
- Asakusa – Gorgeous Sensoji Temple, old-town ambiance, riverfront views, craft shops. Lots of kid activities.
- Odaiba – Artificial island with beachfront, malls, science museum, and fun themed attractions like Legoland.
- Roppongi – Expat-friendly neighborhood with international food and family-oriented attractions like Tokyo Tower.
- Ginza – Upscale area that’s very walkable and architecturally interesting. Department store toy floors for kids.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE (10 DAY)
Days 1-5: The Tokyo Chapter
Day 1: Arrival and Anime Adventure
Day 2: Asakusa and Nakamise Shopping Street
Day 3: Harajuku and Takeshita Street : Kawaii (cute) day!
Day 4: Tsukiji Fish Market
Day 5: Free Day options: Day Trips or Theme parks
Days 6-10: The Kyoto Experience
Day 6: Arrival and Gion District
Day 7: Temples and Tea Ceremony
Day 8: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey
Day 9: Nishiki Market and Kiyomizu Temple
Day 10: Departure
See more in detail here
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING
Accommodation – Hotel prices vary widely, but you can expect to pay around $100-200 per night for a decent hotel room in Tokyo or other large cities in non peak times (like cherry blossom season). Airbnbs and vacation rentals can also be a budget-friendly accommodation choice, this would be my recommendation for a family if you can find something in a good neighborhood. Note that it will take sufficient documentation ahead of time to unlock access to a VRBO or Airbnb (we’ve been stuck before without a code- don’t let this happen to you!).
Food – Food is generally high quality and can get expensive pretty fast. Prioritize the must do food experiences for your family and save on the rest with convenience and grocery stores.
Transportation -Public transportation like trains, subways and buses are very convenient and affordable in Japan. A 7-day Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains nationwide costs around $300. Individual train and subway tickets within cities cost a few dollars per ride. Taxis are quite expensive at $1-2 per km.
