Ohayo from Ohio! Heading to Japan in late May for 13 nights with my 11 yo daughter. She is big into Pokemon, video games, kawaii etc. She is very interested in trying new things however when it comes to food it may be a challenge. I am concerned about jet lag and how long it will take to adjust but also don’t want to plan everything for later in the trip in order to avoid running into the rainy season. So far the only thing booked definitively is our Tokyo hotel. Any suggestions/concerns are appreciated!
**Day 1: Tokyo**
* Arrive at Haneda in the evening, pick up a Wifi Router
* Check-in to hotel near the airport for 1 night, not booked yet (recommendations?)
**Osaka (3 nights)**
**Day 2: shake off jet lag**
* Shinkansen to Osaka (just buying tickets no plans to get rail pass)
* Local train to hotel at USJ, leaning strongly towards The Park Front Hotel at USJ
* Maybe go to Rijuro’s Cheesecake
**Day 3: continue to shake off jet lag**
* Pokemon Center
* Namba Yasaka
* Osaka Castle
* Is there anything for an 11 year old on Dotonbori during the day?
* Maybe half day USJ?
**Day 4: Universal Studios**
* Main draw is Nintendo World and Harry Potter
* Will probably get Express Pass, is only way to order in advance from USA on Klook?
**Nara Area (2 nights)**
**Day 5: Rent a car**
* Would like to find a traditional Japanese hotel or ryokan in the area of Nara but outside the city, leaning towards Temple Town Hotel WAQOO in Horyuji
* Questions: would a ‘half board’ ryokan be worth it for an 11 year old that isn’t interested in raw fish or most soups? We would like to at least drive around the countryside a bit to see rice fields etc. any advice for that area?
**Day 6: Nara Park**
* Deer, temples, etc. I have been before so have a decent understanding but never with a car
* Opinions on Kimono rentals?
**Tokyo (7 nights)**
**Day 7: Shinbashi**
* Shinkansen to Tokyo
* Check into hotel near Shinbashi Station and explore area.
**Day 8: Asakusa/Akihabara**
* Akihabara: Arcades/otaku stores while hopefully avoiding adult content. Any recommendations for trading card stores i.e. Magic the Gathering?
* 3331 Arts Chiyoda
* Asakusa: Temples, shopping
**Day 9: Shibuya/Harajuku**
* Harajuku: animal cafe (leaning towards dog as I’m not sure if I’m ok with some of the others), kawaii stuff, junk food
* Yoyogi Park
* Shibuya: Pokemon Center, Nintendo Store, Disney Store, Mega Don
**Day 10: Takaosan**
* Hike, get out of the city a bit
**Day 11: Tokyo**
* Teamlab Planet
* Pokemon Cafe
* Tsukiji
* Maybe Sumo stable tour
**Day 12: Disneyland or Sea**
* Still deciding if this is worth it, if we do go it will be with limited expectations
**Day 13: Tokyo-last day catch up with what we missed, we obviously won’t make it to all**
* Red tower VR (is this 11 year old English speaking appropriate?)
* Kabukiza Theater
* Kirby Cafe
* Imperial Palace Gardens
* Character Street (Tokyo Station)
* New Harry Potter attraction in Toshimaen
* Hakuhinkan
* Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
**Day 14: Fly home**
Again thanks for read and any recommendations or insight! Restaurants/food recommendations especially. My daughter’s likes are noodles (but not soup), vegetable sushi, deserts, grilled meats (yakitori/yakiniku). Dislikes are soup, cheese, raw seafood.
1 comment
>Harajuku: animal cafe (leaning towards dog as I’m not sure if I’m ok with some of the others),
I went to the Mini pig one. Pigs are domestic so it’s no worse than dogs. The pigs love coming up to you and laying on your lap.
>Red tower VR (is this 11 year old English speaking appropriate?
You shouldn’t have any real problems once you’re in. It was just a little confusing finding the entrance but maybe that’s just me.
>Is there anything for an 11 year old on Dotonbori during the day?
It’s a fairly long street with a Macdonald’s at one end.
>Maybe go to Rijuro’s Cheesecake
You mean Rikuro?
>Will probably get Express Pass, is only way to order in advance from USA on Klook?
Check the USJ app or the official website. I can’t remember exactly. But once you’re in the park you can get them too. And if you’re staying at the hotel right next to the park you should be able to get in early in the morning and beat most of the crowd.