Going to Japan 3/22-4/1. I’ve been to Tokyo several times for work with some fun mixed in, but first time for family (wife, mom, kids 6 and 8). Trying to mainly shoot for one big activity every day and then just wander around a neighborhood or two and see how it goes. I don’t want to run the kids ragged. Mom is mostly able bodied, but does tire some going up hills. I know it will be a lot of walking for them.
Not sure how kids will do with jet lag so first 2 days are a little lighter and less strict as far as schedule.
Hopefully cherry blossoms cooperate, but the projected calendars look good. It just lined up with spring break.
3/22: Family lands at HND around 7 PM. I’ll be there a week ahead of time for work.
3/23: Meiji jingu shrine, harajuku, and shibuya. Depends when they tire out.
3/24: Harry potter studio tour and shinjuku ( Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden) or ikebukuro (maybe sunshine city and seibu rooftop garden) – honestly not sure what to do after Harry Potter, open to suggestions
3/25: DisneySea
3/26: Day trip to Yokohama or Kamakura (leaning Yokohama)
3/27: Bullet train to Kyoto – Nijo castle, imperial palace, Kiyomizu-dera at night
3/28: Nishiki market early, Day trip to Nara, then back to Tokyo
3/29: ueno Park, zoo and ameyoko market
3/30: Day trip to Hakone (may swap Hakone and Ueno days to avoid Hakone on a Saturday)
3/31: Senso-ji temple, asakusa, and boat to odaiba
4/1: flight from Narita.at 5 PM but AirBnb doesn’t offer luggage alstirage so not sure if we’ll do anything in the morning/afternoon. May ship luggage to airport ahead of time but not sure (would probably be 3 suitcases)
If time permits may try to squeeze in Chidorigafuchi to see cherry blossoms.
I’m most torn on the Kyoto part. Is that enough time? Skipping Fushimi-Inari (crowds and not hiking to the top) and Arashiyama (forest seems overrated and not hiking up to the monkey park). Would mostly leave Tenryu-ji temple I think?
Also considered Tokyo to Himeji castle back to Kyoto on 3/27. Seems like a lot of wasted time traveling but exploring outside Himeji during cherry blossom season for a few hours seems enticing. Would probably skip the inside of we went there.
by fksm111