Magical Japan Family Odyssey: 14 Days of Fun and Discovery

Morning: Arrival at Tokyo

Land at Narita or Haneda Airport and take a comfortable transfer to your centrally located, family-friendly hotel.

Hotel check-in: Settle into your hotel designed with families in mind (with spacious rooms and a kids' play area).

Afternoon & evening: No scheduled sightseeing

Use this time to rest, adjust to the time zone and take a gentle walk around your hotel area.

Tip for parents: Review your itinerary and chat with your kids about the adventures ahead.

Morning: Tokyo National Museum

Highlight: As Japan’s oldest museum, it offers a fascinating collection of traditional art and historical artifacts that bring Japan’s rich heritage to life.

Family note: Engage with interactive displays and learn together about Japan’s past.

Afternoon: Odaiba

Attraction 1: National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

• Highlight: A hands-on science museum where kids can explore interactive exhibits and futuristic technology.

Attraction 2: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

• Highlight: Famous for its life-size Gundam statue and vibrant shopping atmosphere — perfect for family photos and light shopping.

Evening: Dinner at Gusto (Odaiba branch)

Dish: Try their signature teppanyaki, a sizzling and satisfying dish that offers both Japanese and Western flavors.

Tip for parents: Enjoy a relaxing stroll along Odaiba’s waterfront as the city lights up at night.

Morning & afternoon: Tokyo Disneyland

Highlight: Experience classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World. The park’s themed lands and parades create a magical atmosphere that delights children and invites family participation.

Family fun: Enjoy character meet-and-greets, interactive rides and plenty of photo opportunities.

Evening: Dinner at Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall (inside the park)

Dish: Savor their specialty hamburger steak — perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Tip for parents: End your magical day by watching the enchanting evening parade and fireworks show.

Morning: Travel to Mt. Fuji

Depart from Tokyo using a train or chartered car (ideal if you’re not familiar with local transit). Enjoy the scenic journey as you head toward the Mt. Fuji region.

Afternoon: Shinkosha Asama Park

Highlight: Known for its striking five-story pagoda set against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji, this park offers a picture-perfect spot for family photos and tranquil walks.

Evening: Dinner at a traditional ryokan in the Mt. Fuji area

Dish: Try houtou (a regional noodle soup dish), which is both hearty and comforting.

Tip for parents: Relax at a hotel with views of Mt. Fuji and consider enjoying an onsen (hot spring) session with the family.

Morning: Fuji Five Lakes – Kawaguchi Lake

Highlight: Take a family stroll or a boat cruise along the lake to admire the reflective beauty of Mt. Fuji — a perfect blend of nature and serenity.

Afternoon: Fuji World Heritage Center

Highlight: An interactive exhibition that explains the natural and cultural significance of Mt. Fuji, offering an educational experience for the kids while engaging adults with fascinating insights.

Evening: Dinner at Houtou Fudou (near Kawaguchi Lake)

Dish: Savor their traditional houtou noodles, a local specialty with a rich, savory flavor.

Tip for parents: Enjoy an evening lakeside walk as the sun sets behind Mt. Fuji.

Morning: Hakone Ropeway

Highlight: Glide over the dramatic Owakudani Valley with its active volcanic vents — a thrilling and scenic experience for the whole family.

Afternoon: Lake Ashi cruise

Highlight: Board a pirate-ship-themed boat and enjoy panoramic views of the lake, with Mt. Fuji peeking through the distance on clear days.

Evening: Dinner at Tamura Ginkatsu-tei (Hakone Yumoto)

Dish: Enjoy their tofu pork cutlet, a unique local twist that balances crispy texture with tender flavors.

Tip for parents: After dinner, relax in your hotel’s onsen and reflect on the day’s spectacular views.

Morning: Hakone Open-Air Museum

Highlight: Japan’s first outdoor sculpture museum featuring modern artworks in a natural setting. Kids can run around freely while parents appreciate the creative displays.

Afternoon: Hakone Shrine

Highlight: Nestled on the shores of Lake Ashi, this shrine’s red torii gate and serene environment create a magical, almost otherworldly experience.

Evening: Dinner at Hatsuhana Soba (Hakone Yumoto)

Dish: Try the yam soba (buckwheat noodles with mountain yam) for a light, refreshing meal.

Tip for parents: Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and use the time to share family stories over dinner.

Morning: Travel to Kyoto

Depart Hakone via Shinkansen (bullet train) or opt for a chartered car if you prefer a more flexible schedule.

Afternoon: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Highlight: Marvel at the shimmering golden temple reflected in the tranquil pond — a stunning blend of art and nature perfect for family photos.

Evening: Dinner at Gion Karyo (Kyoto)

Dish: Enjoy a modern take on traditional kaiseki cuisine with seasonal ingredients — many dishes are subtly flavored to suit both adults and children.

Tip for parents: Take an evening stroll in the historic Gion district, soaking in the ancient ambiance.

Morning: Sagano Bamboo Grove (Arashiyama)

Highlight: Wander through towering bamboo stalks that create a serene and almost magical pathway — an enchanting experience for kids and adults alike.

Afternoon: Arashiyama Iwatayama Monkey Park

Highlight: Watch playful monkeys in their natural habitat while enjoying panoramic views over Kyoto’s lush landscape.

Evening: Dinner at Arashiyama Soba

Dish: Try this family-friendly local eatery's handmade soba with seasonal vegetables — a light yet satisfying dish that appeals to all ages.

Tip for parents: Use the quiet post-dinner time to reflect on nature’s beauty and share stories with your children.

Morning: Travel to Osaka

Use a train or a chartered car for a smooth journey from Kyoto to Osaka.

Afternoon: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Highlight: One of the world’s largest aquariums, offering mesmerizing underwater views that captivate kids and provide relaxing moments for parents.

Evening: Dinner at Mizuno (in the lively Dotonbori district)

Dish: Savor their renowned Osaka-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with fresh ingredients and beloved by families.

Tip for parents: Wander along Dotonbori’s neon-lit streets after dinner, taking in the vibrant urban atmosphere.

Morning: Travel to Hiroshima

Depart Osaka by train or chartered car for a comfortable journey.

Afternoon: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Highlight: This poignant site offers a thoughtful, age-appropriate introduction to history and peace, allowing families to learn and reflect together.

Evening: Dinner at Okonomi-mura

Dish: Indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki — a comforting dish, layered and rich in flavor, that tells a story of the city’s culinary heritage — in a famed food village in Hiroshima.

Tip for parents: Take a quiet evening walk around the park to absorb the powerful messages of peace.

Morning: Ferry to Miyajima Island

Highlight: Board a short ferry to this scenic island, famous for its friendly deer and calm, natural beauty.

Itsukushima Shrine: Admire the iconic “floating” torii gate — a breathtaking sight that seems to defy gravity and enchants both children and adults.

Afternoon: Island exploration

Highlight: Let the kids roam the open spaces while parents relax in a traditional tea house, sampling local sweets.

Evening: Dinner at Miyajima Local Kitchen

Dish: Enjoy this family-friendly eatery's specialty grilled oysters, a fresh seafood delight that captures the island’s maritime charm.

Tip for parents: Embrace the tranquil island atmosphere and reflect on the harmonious blend of history and nature.

Morning: Further exploration on Miyajima

Highlight: Continue to wander the island’s scenic trails or visit local craft shops, creating lasting memories with your children.

Afternoon: Return journey

After lunch, travel back to Osaka by train or chartered car. Use this time to share your favorite moments of the trip as a family.

Evening: Dinner at Izakaya Toyo in Osaka

Dish: Try their special grilled chicken skewers — flavorful and satisfying, a perfect end to your urban adventure.

Tip for parents: Enjoy some last-minute shopping or simply reminisce about the journey with your loved ones.

Morning: Leisurely breakfast

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel with a hearty breakfast.

No scheduled sightseeing: Use this time to pack and reflect on your memorable journey.

Afternoon: Transfer to Kansai International Airport

Depart from Osaka with plenty of time for check-in and a final look at the city.

Evening: Departure

Say farewell to Japan, taking home lasting memories of a magical family odyssey.