In my research I see tons of tips and help for couples, solo travelers and families with younger kids, but am looking for a few suggestions for pre-teen and young teens.
We have travelled a fair amount, but mainly throughout the americas and Caribbean. In the past, I have over scheduled hikes and nature and burnt out my little guys a little bit on that side. Japan will be a new experience and trying to make it all about them (to an extent).
Any tips are greatly appreciated. General schedule is below, and is written with them in mind.
Day 1 – land at 4 local time, travel to hotel
In Shibuya and eat and crash.
Day 2 – explore Shibuya, Shibuya, sky, crossing, arcade. (Looking for more suggestions for this day, traveling is ok)
Day 3 – Odaiba – team labs, round 1 arcade, general walk around. (Looking for more suggestions for this day, traveling is ok)
Day 4 – Early Shinkansen to Osaka. Staying next to Universal. Hit up the aquarium, and then possibly the castle or other temple. Possibly end the day in dotonbori. (Looking for more suggestions for this day, traveling is ok)
Day 5 – universal all day. Dinner just out side the park close to the hotel.
Day 6 – early trip to Kyoto. Explore Gion, ninenzaka, and maybe Mishima Market. (Looking for more suggestions for this day)
Day 7 – romantic railroad, ride the boat down the river, quick stop at the monkey park and bamboo forest. (Looking for more suggestions for this day, a temple visit or other suggestion would be great.)
Day 8 – early train to Shinjuku. Explore the area. Robot restaurant. (Looking for a few additional suggestions)
Day 9 – Tokyo tower. (Looking for more suggestions for this day, traveling is ok)
Day 10- fly back home.
Thanks in advance for any help and tips. Fun restaurants and stops that are great for kids at that age would be greatly appreciated. My 11 year old has had the Japan trip Dream for a while and trying to make this one he will
Not forget.
Edit: just a note that it will just be the three of the us.
2 comments
On Day 7, Tenryū-ji Temple is a temple right next to the bamboo forest! On Day 8, I’m pretty sure Robot restaurant is closed, unfortunately.
You have a great itinerary lined up! If you have time while in Tokyo, my kids enjoyed exploring the food and shopping in Harajuku and spending a day at DisneySea. If you can fit in a stop at Nara from either Kyoto or Osaka, feeding the deer in the park and visiting the Todaiji temple was one of our favorite memories.