Japan!! A Family Adventure Through Cities, Culture & Convenience
Our 12-Day Japan Itinerary
Japan has been a dream for sometime now, and with the recent interest of kids in Anime, it was a perfect location that they were interested to explore too. With a plan to cover Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka which is what most first timer's do, here's how we made the most of it:
Other locations considered/known - but was unable to go
* Nikko - day trip from Kyoto
* Fuji 5 Lakes areas
* Kanazawa
* Himeji Castle
* Kobe
* Uje
There are also many other locations, which might be a less crowded too, but with about 11 days, its too hard to plan everything into one trip.
Pre-Trip Checklist for Japan
1. Mobile Connectivity
Consider purchasing an e-sim for better coverage in Japan. Airalo is a recommended provider.
Important: Activate your e-sim in your home country before arriving in Japan.
Consider purchasing an e-sim for better coverage in Japan. Airalo is a recommended provider.
Important: Activate your e-sim in your home country before arriving in Japan.
2. Attraction Reservations
Shibuya Sky:
Book tickets 40 days in advance (or as soon as they become available).
Be prepared for high demand, especially for sunset slots.
TeamLab Planets:
Book tickets 30 days in advance.
Sagano Romantic Train Ride (Arashiyama, Kyoto):
Book tickets 2-3 weeks prior to your trip.
Our tickets were from Saga Station/Arashiyama Station → Kameoka Station
Cafes and Restaurants:
Make reservations for any popular establishments you wish to visit.
3. Immigration and Customs
Shibuya Sky:
Book tickets 40 days in advance (or as soon as they become available).
Be prepared for high demand, especially for sunset slots.
TeamLab Planets:
Book tickets 30 days in advance.
Sagano Romantic Train Ride (Arashiyama, Kyoto):
Book tickets 2-3 weeks prior to your trip.
Our tickets were from Saga Station/Arashiyama Station → Kameoka Station
Cafes and Restaurants:
Make reservations for any popular establishments you wish to visit.
3. Immigration and Customs
Complete online immigration and customs forms to expedite your arrival process in Japan.
Simply show the QR code at the airport to streamline your entry.
Essential Japan Travel Tips: What We Learned
Packing & Shopping
Pack Light: Japan offers a wide range of products, including clothes and toiletries, available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart, and Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
Luggage Space: Leave extra space in your luggage or bring a foldable bag for last-minute shopping.
Don Quijote: A must-visit shopping destination, especially in Tokyo. Allocate ample time to explore.
Skincare and Cosmetics: Japan offers excellent deals, often cheaper than in the US. Even non-shoppers should consider browsing on their last day.
Uniqlo: Widely available and perfect for essentials.
Daily Essentials: Carry extra garbage bags and a small backpack, as trash cans are sparse and you'll be walking a lot.
Carry your passports with you as you explore cities, as any shopping you do, with passport, you can claim tax refund. Tax refund purchases cannot be used in Japan.
Transport Tips
Punctual Trains: Trains are always on time. Use a Japan rail app or Google Maps for navigation.
Suica Cards: Get virtual cards for adults and physical cards for kids. They are versatile for transportation and convenience store purchases.
Cash and Cards: Keep some cash on hand, but Suica and credit cards are widely accepted.
Airport Limousine Bus: Ideal for luggage, especially from Haneda. Luggage transfer services between hotels are efficient and affordable.
Kyoto Cabs: More expensive but reasonable for a family of four.
Accommodation: Stay near a train station, preferably in Shinjuku or Shibuya for a vibrant atmosphere.
Food & Convenience Stores
Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart are lifesavers. Try their egg sandwiches, strawberry sandwiches, curry buns, chicken sandwiches, and fresh smoothies.
Foot Patches: Available to soothe tired feet after long walks.
A Happy Pancake: Delicious and available via Uber Eats.
Ramen: Often surprisingly good in mall food courts.
Izakayas: Japanese bars are great for dinner and drinks. Hoppy Street is a fun option.
Coffee : Don't expect many coffee shops to be open early. Most of them open only by 11 AM. The coffee whatever we had was not the best either.
Try their strawberry shortcake and cheesecake.
Sightseeing & Experiences
Advance Bookings: Book tickets for TeamLab Planets and Shibuya Sky at least a month in advance.
Shrines and Temples: Best visited early in the morning for fewer crowds and a better atmosphere.
Sensoji Temple: Magical at night.
Yasaka Pagoda and Gion District: Stunning after sunset.
Osaka: Stay a night and explore Dotonbori at night.
Umeda Sky Building: Offers amazing views and cool escalators.
Karaoke: Try Karaoke Kan or Rainbow Karaoke in Shibuya.
Arcades: A hit with kids. Plan at least an hour.
Avoid Pepper Parlour Robot Café: Didn't live up to the hype.
Cherry Blossoms : The peak season is end of March to April 1st week, post that you essentially see less of the blossoms. By the time we went, it was April 17th, we only saw a few trees which still had the blossoms. Its difficult to time, but your best bet would be March last week and April first week.
Day Trips & Routes
Nara: Take the direct express train (extra charge but only ~30 mins).
Hakone: Get the Hakone Free Pass at Odawara Station
Fuji viewing : Best from Fuji 5 Lakes area. Lake Kawaguchiko, and if you research in youtube, there are couple of locations where you can view Mt Fuji beautifully. There are trains from Tokyo to reach these locations, and as well as buses.The most convenient way would be to rent a private car via Klook/Viator, and travel around Fuji. Fuji's visibility changes very quickly.
Luggage Transfer Service: Worth every yen, especially with family or heavy bags.
What We'll Miss About Japan
7-Eleven Magic: Delicious sandwiches and unparalleled convenience.
Shopping: Great value and unique finds.
Luggage Transport Services: Incredibly handy when city-hopping.
Street Food: Always something sizzling and ready, perfect for families.
Strawberries & Candy: Sweet, fresh, and addictive.
Trains (Especially the Shinkansen): Clean, fast, and fun.
Thoughtful Design: Everyday products in Japan are well-designed and functional.
Final Reflections
Multiple Visits Needed: Japan's magic can't be covered in one trip.
Walking: Expect lots of it. Foot patches from convenience stores can help.
Plan for Heat: In warmer months, plan indoor or shaded activities in the afternoons
Complete online immigration and customs forms to expedite your arrival process in Japan.
Simply show the QR code at the airport to streamline your entry.
Essential Japan Travel Tips: What We Learned
Packing & Shopping
Pack Light: Japan offers a wide range of products, including clothes and toiletries, available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart, and Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
Luggage Space: Leave extra space in your luggage or bring a foldable bag for last-minute shopping.
Don Quijote: A must-visit shopping destination, especially in Tokyo. Allocate ample time to explore.
Skincare and Cosmetics: Japan offers excellent deals, often cheaper than in the US. Even non-shoppers should consider browsing on their last day.
Uniqlo: Widely available and perfect for essentials.
Daily Essentials: Carry extra garbage bags and a small backpack, as trash cans are sparse and you'll be walking a lot.
Carry your passports with you as you explore cities, as any shopping you do, with passport, you can claim tax refund. Tax refund purchases cannot be used in Japan.
Transport Tips
Punctual Trains: Trains are always on time. Use a Japan rail app or Google Maps for navigation.
Suica Cards: Get virtual cards for adults and physical cards for kids. They are versatile for transportation and convenience store purchases.
Cash and Cards: Keep some cash on hand, but Suica and credit cards are widely accepted.
Airport Limousine Bus: Ideal for luggage, especially from Haneda. Luggage transfer services between hotels are efficient and affordable.
Kyoto Cabs: More expensive but reasonable for a family of four.
Accommodation: Stay near a train station, preferably in Shinjuku or Shibuya for a vibrant atmosphere.
Food & Convenience Stores
Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart are lifesavers. Try their egg sandwiches, strawberry sandwiches, curry buns, chicken sandwiches, and fresh smoothies.
Foot Patches: Available to soothe tired feet after long walks.
A Happy Pancake: Delicious and available via Uber Eats.
Ramen: Often surprisingly good in mall food courts.
Izakayas: Japanese bars are great for dinner and drinks. Hoppy Street is a fun option.
Coffee : Don't expect many coffee shops to be open early. Most of them open only by 11 AM. The coffee whatever we had was not the best either.
Try their strawberry shortcake and cheesecake.
Sightseeing & Experiences
Advance Bookings: Book tickets for TeamLab Planets and Shibuya Sky at least a month in advance.
Shrines and Temples: Best visited early in the morning for fewer crowds and a better atmosphere.
Sensoji Temple: Magical at night.
Yasaka Pagoda and Gion District: Stunning after sunset.
Osaka: Stay a night and explore Dotonbori at night.
Umeda Sky Building: Offers amazing views and cool escalators.
Karaoke: Try Karaoke Kan or Rainbow Karaoke in Shibuya.
Arcades: A hit with kids. Plan at least an hour.
Avoid Pepper Parlour Robot Café: Didn't live up to the hype.
Cherry Blossoms : The peak season is end of March to April 1st week, post that you essentially see less of the blossoms. By the time we went, it was April 17th, we only saw a few trees which still had the blossoms. Its difficult to time, but your best bet would be March last week and April first week.
Day Trips & Routes
Nara: Take the direct express train (extra charge but only ~30 mins).
Hakone: Get the Hakone Free Pass at Odawara Station
Fuji viewing : Best from Fuji 5 Lakes area. Lake Kawaguchiko, and if you research in youtube, there are couple of locations where you can view Mt Fuji beautifully. There are trains from Tokyo to reach these locations, and as well as buses.The most convenient way would be to rent a private car via Klook/Viator, and travel around Fuji. Fuji's visibility changes very quickly.
Luggage Transfer Service: Worth every yen, especially with family or heavy bags.
What We'll Miss About Japan
7-Eleven Magic: Delicious sandwiches and unparalleled convenience.
Shopping: Great value and unique finds.
Luggage Transport Services: Incredibly handy when city-hopping.
Street Food: Always something sizzling and ready, perfect for families.
Strawberries & Candy: Sweet, fresh, and addictive.
Trains (Especially the Shinkansen): Clean, fast, and fun.
Thoughtful Design: Everyday products in Japan are well-designed and functional.
Final Reflections
Multiple Visits Needed: Japan's magic can't be covered in one trip.
Walking: Expect lots of it. Foot patches from convenience stores can help.
Plan for Heat: In warmer months, plan indoor or shaded activities in the afternoons
