We are a family of 4 (Kids are 5 & 9) from NZ, heading to Japan in May. Our first trip was in November 2022 and it was perfection.
Trying to piece together our itinerary, just have some questions and need help for recommendations.
Land at Narita 19/05
19/05 – Head to Airbnb in Asakusa and relax
20/05 – Asakusa, Ueno
21/05 – Shibuya crossing, Harajuku, Pompompurin Cafe
22/05 – Book tickets for Teamlabs, Tokyo Tower, Ginza
23/05 – Shinjuku National Garden, decide on best tower to view city from.
24/05 – Recommendations?
25/05 – Shinkansen to Kyoto
26/05 – Kiyomizu-dera, Gion and wander nearby area
27/05 – Open to recommendations in Kyoto – Train to Osaka
28/05 – Dotonbori, Namba
29/05 – Osaka Castle
30/05 – Train to Nara – Ryokan? Deer Park, Tōdai-ji
31/05 – Kofuku-ji – Train back to Osaka
01/06 – Open day
02/06 – Fly out of Kansai to Bangkok
**Looking for recommendations on a number of things!**
\- Best tower to view the city from? We tried to do Shibuya Sky in 2022 and the line was too much, can imagine it being even more busy now.
\- We have one open day in Tokyo and would love new recommendations that would be fun for a family.
\- We are staying right by Kiyomizu-dera, which was a highlight from our last trip. We didnt make it to Fushimi, Arashiyama or Kinkaku-ji but worry it is experiencing over tourism at the moment. Are they must do’s or what would be? Also is bus the way to get to that area of the city?
\- Looking at wanting to stay a night at a Ryokan in Nara, we obviously have young children and my husband has allot of tattoos. Is this possible? Are there any recommendations. We also have open accommodation in Osaka so if a Ryokan there or not in Nara?
\- We did Universal in 2022 and paid extra for the fast pass, it made Nintendo world possible but lines are other rides were so long. It was not worth it. We did themeparks in USA and it was great so not looking to do it again. We have one open day at the end of our Osaka trip so open to ideas.
\- My kids love Ghibli, Kirby, Nintendo, Sanrio. Also Kaya Doi and Shinsuke Yoshitake
books. So any must dos? Going to try book the Kirby cafe aswell. I feel going to the Ghibli museum/theme park would be ideal but there is a big closed down period while we are there 🙁
\- We also are absolutely loving the Shogun miniseries so if there are some cool history spots to visit, that would be amazing!
Appreciate any info and advice! Cant wait to get back to Japan 🙂
Arigatou gozaimasu!
by seekingthe-nextlevel