Hi everyone!
My family and I are visiting Japan for the first time in April 2025, and we’re excited to experience the culture, cherry blossoms, and hidden gems. We’re a family of four (two adults in our early 30s, and two boys aged 6 and 3). We’ve already booked some hotels but have a few nights open, so we’d love recommendations for lesser-known places to explore beyond the main tourist spots.
Where we’re staying so far:
- Tokyo (5 nights at Mesm by Marriott)
- Lake Kawaguchi (2 nights at Ubuya)
- Kyoto (3 nights at Roku Kyoto)
- Osaka (3 nights at Conrad Osaka)
- We have 2 nights open, and we’re looking for suggestions!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
- Arrive midday, check into Mesm by Marriott, relax, and dinner nearby.
Day 2: Tokyo – Asakusa & Ueno Park
- Morning: Visit Senso-ji Temple (opens 6 AM).
- Afternoon: Walk through Ueno Park for cherry blossoms.
- Evening: Dinner in Akihabara.
Day 3: Tokyo – Shibuya & Meiji Shrine
- Morning: Visit Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky.
- Afternoon: Explore Meiji Shrine (opens 5 AM) and Yoyogi Park for cherry blossoms.
- Evening: Dinner in Omotesando.
Day 4: Open for a Day Trip
- We’re keeping this day open to possibly explore somewhere nearby like Nikko, Hakone, or Yokohama. Any suggestions?
Day 5: Day Trip – Kamakura
- Morning: Take a day trip to Kamakura (45 mins by JR Yokosuka Line) to see the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple (cherry blossoms).
- Evening: Return to Tokyo, relax before the next adventure.
Day 6: Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi
- Morning: Drive to Lake Kawaguchi (2 hours, rental car), check into Ubuya.
- Afternoon: Explore Chureito Pagoda for cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji views.
- Evening: Relax in the onsen at the ryokan.
Day 7: Lake Kawaguchi
- Morning: Visit Oishi Park for cherry blossoms and Fuji views.
- Afternoon: Take a scenic boat ride or cable car to Mt. Tenjo.
- Evening: Onsen and dinner at Ubuya.
Day 8: Lake Kawaguchi to Kyoto
- Morning: Return the rental car at Mishima Station and take the Shinkansen to Kyoto (2 hours).
- Evening: Check into Roku Kyoto, dinner in Gion.
Day 9: Kyoto – Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji
- Morning: Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryuji Temple (opens 8:30 AM).
- Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
- Evening: Dinner along Pontocho Alley.
Day 10: Kyoto – Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera
- Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (opens 24/7) and take a short hike with the kids.
- Afternoon: Explore Kiyomizu-dera (opens 6 AM) and Higashiyama District.
- Evening: Dinner in Gion.
Day 11: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Shinkansen to Osaka (15 mins).
- Afternoon: Explore Dotonbori and Osaka Castle.
- Evening: Check into Conrad Osaka, dinner with a view.
Day 12: Osaka
- Morning: Visit Universal Studios Japan or explore Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower with the kids.
- Evening: Dinner in Dotonbori.
Day 13: Osaka – Nara Day Trip
- Morning: Take a day trip to Nara (45 mins by train). Visit Nara Park and feed the deer.
- Evening: Return to Conrad Osaka and relax.
Day 14: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Shinkansen to Hiroshima (1.5 hours). Visit Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine (cherry blossoms).
- Evening: Return to Osaka Airport, stay in a capsule hotel for the early flight.
Day 15: Osaka Airport
- Morning: Early flight home.
Open Nights (2 Nights):
We’re undecided on how to use these two nights. We’re thinking about exploring less touristy towns or areas with beautiful nature and local culture. Any suggestions?
We’re open to ideas and would love to know about hidden gems outside the typical Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route!
Questions:
- Any suggestions for how we could use the remaining two nights? We’ve heard great things about Kinosaki, Kanazawa, Kurashiki, or Takayama—are these good options, or should we consider other places?
- What are some less crowded cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka?
- Is it worth spending a night somewhere between Kyoto and Osaka to break things up? Any unique places in that area? or should we increase 1 night each in Kyoto and Osaka or should we stay in Hiroshima?
- Should we bring a stroller for our 3-year-old? We’ve heard mixed advice on how stroller-friendly Japan is?
Thank you so much for your help and suggestions!
by Nowornever786