I am planning the Japan itinerary for my family. We are a group of 10 adults, 1 child and 1 baby. We will be arriving in Kansai international airport (OSAKA) on December 30, 2024 and will be in Japan until January 8, 2025. I was planning to explore the usual Osaka-Nara-Kyoto area. But my parents really want to insert a trip to Tokyo. I could not dissuade them so this is currently the itinerary I have.Â
I am open to any tips, advise, even hotel/Airbnb recommendations. Is this good? Thank you!
**Day 1: Arrival in Osaka (December 30, 2024)**
* Arrive in Osaka around 8 PM.
* Take Haruka Express train to Shin-Osaka Station
* Transfer to Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo
* Have a quiet evening settling in after your journey.
**Day 2: Tokyo Exploration (December 31, 2024)**
* Tokyo Disneyland
* Spend the evening exploring the area around hotel.
**Day 3: Tokyo Exploration (January 1, 2025)**
* Visit Asakusa to see Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple.
* Explore Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
* Enjoy a relaxing stroll in Ueno Park.
* Explore the bustling streets of Shibuya.
* Return to your accommodation in Tokyo for the night.
**Day 4: Tokyo Exploration (January 2, 2025)**
* Visit the historic Meiji Shrine in Shibuya.
* Explore the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku.
* Visit the observation deck of Tokyo Tower for panoramic views.
* Explore the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku.
* Return to your accommodation in Tokyo for the night.
**Day 5: Tokyo to Osaka (January 3, 2025)**
* Check out from your accommodation in Tokyo.
* Travel back to Osaka by Shinkansen.
* Check into your accommodation in Osaka.
* Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the local area.
**Day 6: Osaka Exploration (January 4, 2025)**
* Visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful gardens.
* Explore the lively Dotonbori district for lunch.
* Take a leisurely walk along Shinsaibashi Shopping Street.
* Return to your accommodation in Osaka for the night.
**Day 7: Day Trip to Nara (January 5, 2025)**
* Take a day trip to Nara.
* Visit Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha.
* Explore Nara Park and feed the friendly deer.
* Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of lanterns.
* Return to Osaka in the evening.
**Day 8: Ski Day (January 6, 2025)**
* Take a day trip to a nearby ski resort like Biwako Valley or Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake for skiing or snowboarding.
* Enjoy the winter sports and beautiful scenery.
* Return to Osaka in the evening.
**Day 9: Kyoto Exploration (January 7, 2025)**
* Take a day trip to Kyoto.
* Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and its serene surroundings.
* Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple.
* Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
* Return to Osaka in the evening.
**Day 10: Departure from Osaka (January 8, 2025)**
* Check out from your accommodation.
* Depending on your flight timing, spend your last few hours in Osaka doing some last-minute shopping or enjoying a final meal.
* Head to the airport for your departure around 8 PM, concluding your memorable winter trip to Japan.
by n0t-mylk