Japan had been at the top of our family’s travel list for years, and after spending a week exploring Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto with our three boys, we can confidently say it exceeded every expectation.
From futuristic cityscapes and ancient temples to wagyu beef, sushi-making classes, bullet trains, and Super Nintendo World, Japan is one of the easiest—and most rewarding—countries to visit as a family.
This itinerary shares exactly what we did, what we’d change, and our best tips for making your own family adventure even smoother.
Before You Leave: Don’t Skip Visit Japan Web
Before boarding your flight, complete your immigration and customs information through Visit Japan Web. Doing this ahead of time generates QR codes that dramatically speed up immigration and customs when you land.
Other pre-trip tips:
- Download Google Maps- everything including trains is easily navigated with this.
- Add a digital Suica card to your phone before arriving.
- Carry some cash—many smaller shops are still cash-only.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes. We averaged 20,000+ steps every day.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – TeamLabs, Shinjuku & an Incredible Food Tour
Our biggest surprise? The sun rises around 4:00 AM during summer. Keep those blackout curtains closed unless you enjoy accidental sunrise wake-up calls.
After breakfast, our first stop was grabbing cash from a 7-Eleven ATM—a convenient option you’ll use often throughout Japan.
teamLab Borderless
Starting the trip at teamLab was the perfect introduction to Japan. There are two version of this immersive digital art museum- Borderless and Planets. Borderless described for its work of artworks without boundaries, without a map and flowing into the next exhibit. Planets is an experience that uses your body and the presence of people to become part of the art.
We choose Borderless based on its proximity to our hotel. It was a family favorite stop, especially the kids, who loved creating drawings that magically appeared inside the exhibits.
It’s one of the best family attractions in Tokyo.
Exploring Shinjuku
Next we navigated Tokyo’s incredible train system to Shinjuku.
We wandered through Bic Camera, grabbed fresh sushi and pastries from the station market, and began discovering one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world.
Pro Tip: Shinjuku Station serves over five million passengers daily and has roughly 200 exits. Give yourself extra time because getting lost is practically a rite of passage.
Capybara Café
One of the more unique stops was a Capybara Café.
If your kids love animals, it’s a memorable experience and definitely something you won’t find back home.
Tokyo Food Tour
The evening ended with one of the highlights of our entire trip—a guided food tour through Shinjuku and Kabukicho.
We sampled:
- Fresh sushi and sashimi
- Fried pork tenderloin
- Okinawan specialties
- Sea grapes
- Sweet potatoes
- Pork belly
- Even snail
Dessert? A surprisingly delicious fried fish pastry.
By the end of the night, two of our boys had fallen asleep, so an Uber back to the hotel was well worth the roughly $30 fare.
Day 2: Temples, Sushi Making & Shibuya
We began with a walking tour of Sensō-ji Temple.
Learning about both Buddhism and Shintoism added so much context to everything we’d experience throughout Japan.
Watching locals purify themselves with water and incense before entering the temple made the visit feel far more meaningful than simply walking through another tourist attraction.
Make Your Own Sushi
One of the best family experiences was a nearby sushi-making class.
Everyone learned the history of sushi before making:
- Maki rolls
- Nigiri
The kids loved eating creations they’d made themselves.
Ginza Shopping
Later we explored Ginza, visiting:
- Itoya Stationery Store
- Nissan Gallery
Jet lag finally caught up with everyone, so we headed back for some downtime before venturing out again.
Shibuya Crossing at Night
No first trip to Tokyo feels complete without standing in the middle of Shibuya Crossing.
Dinner at a local ramen shop capped off another unforgettable day.
One child even managed to sleep through dinner.
Day 3: Riding the Shinkansen to Osaka
Today’s adventure centered around Japan’s famous bullet train.
Watching Mount Fuji disappear behind us while racing toward Osaka was unforgettable.
One thing we’d change?
Instead of Tokyo → Osaka → Kyoto, we’d recommend:
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka
Kyoto sits between Tokyo and Osaka, making the routing much more efficient.
Bento Box Tip
Purchase your bento boxes before entering the Shinkansen security area if you want the largest selection.
Once in Osaka, we checked into a hotel connected to Universal CityWalk.
Unfortunately, a typhoon rolled through, so we kept the evening simple with Japanese McDonald’s, exploring CityWalk, and discovering one of Japan’s greatest inventions…
Night milk.
Trust us.
Day 4: Universal Studios Japan
The weather cleared just in time.
Universal Studios Japan easily ranks among the world’s best theme parks.
Arrive Early
Even though official opening was 9:00 AM, crowds begin lining up well before then because the park sometimes opens early.
Super Nintendo World
The biggest attraction was Super Nintendo World.
We purchased Power-Up Bands, collected coins, punched question blocks, and somehow survived the Donkey Kong ride without anyone getting sick.
Harry Potter
Our oldest was unfortunately too tall for one ride but Universal handled it wonderfully by issuing Express Passes for other attractions.
Those passes ended up being used on Flying Dinosaur, which our son ranked alongside Cedar Point’s best roller coasters.
Day 5: Kyoto’s Iconic Temples
Kyoto offers a completely different side of Japan.
Instead of skyscrapers, you’ll find peaceful temples, shrines, gardens, and centuries of history.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Our morning began at Kyoto’s most famous landmark.
Walking through thousands of bright orange torii gates winding through the forest felt almost surreal.
The fox statues protecting the shrine fascinated the kids.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Beautiful?
Absolutely.
Crowded?
Also absolutely.
If this stop is on your bucket list, arrive as early as possible.
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
Another iconic stop, and another reminder that Japan’s most famous attractions are popular for good reason.
Even with the crowds, seeing the Golden Pavilion reflecting across the water is unforgettable.
Sushi Lunch & Shopping
Lunch at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant became another family favorite before spending the afternoon shopping.
Our oldest scored an incredible deal on Onitsuka Tiger shoes.
Dinner at Hafuu introduced the kids to even more Wagyu beef.
They’re developing expensive tastes.
Day 6: Markets, Shopping & Kyoto’s Cocktail Scene
Today’s focus was simply enjoying Kyoto.
Coffee from School Bus Coffee started the morning before wandering through picturesque Pontocho Alley.
Nishiki Market
This market quickly became one of our favorite food experiences.
Some lessons learned:
- Touch it, buy it.
- Fruit in Japan is stunning—and expensive.
- Tempura shrimp is worth every yen.
The kids accidentally sampled some very overpriced grapes and strawberries. Hey, fruit.
Shopping in Kyoto
If you’re looking for affordable fashion, Kyoto has fantastic shopping.
Favorites included:
- Uniqlo
- GU
- Zara
- H&M
- Don Quijote
That evening, the adults escaped for cocktails at two outstanding hidden bars serving creative tea-inspired drinks –
Day 7: One Last Day Before Flying Home
Our final morning began with coffee, cinnamon rolls, and avocado toast before visiting Nijo Castle and strolling through Kyoto National Garden.
Lunch came courtesy of everyone’s favorite Japanese convenience store—7-Eleven.
Yes, the fried chicken really is that good.
We then boarded one final Shinkansen to Nagoya before heading to the airport.
One final travel hack?
We spent our remaining Suica card balances on vending machine ice cream before boarding our flight home.
Perfect ending.
