Family visiting Tokyo/Kyoto in early April

This thread has been very helpful as my family gets ready for our first trip to Japan. Any tips/advice/insights on this itinerary would be welcomed…We are big walkers so hoping to walk and see a lot as part of the fun. I added a few questions at the end. Thank you!

Day 1

Arrive Haneda, monorail to Tokyo Station, Hotel Metropolitan

Dinner Tokyo Ramen Street or somewhere nearby

Day 2 

Walk to Imperial Palace area, Chidorigafuchi Moat, then walk or subway to

Akihabara/Tokyo Tower/Kanda Myojin

Dinner in Akihabara or near hotel at Tempura Shijuku Tsunahachi Ginza 

Day 3

Walking tour of **Asakusa** or **Shibuya**

Yoyogi Park/ Takeshita Street, Harajuko

Walk or subway to **Shinjuku**/Toho Cinemas/[Omoide Yokocho](https://www.japan-experience.com/all-about-japan/tokyo/attractions-excursions/omoide-yokocho)

If there’s time: shopping at Uniqlo, toy stores, visit Grand Hyatt bar

Day 4

**Asakusa** shrines/shopping/food court

SkyTree Tower

Hokusai Museum (no reservations)

Train to **Yokohama** for night baseball game/BayStars 630pm vs. Giants

Take JR Yokosuka or JR Tokaido lines from Tokyo Station

If there’s time before game: Gundam Factory, Cup Noodles Museum 

Day 5

**Leave for Kyoto/** stay at Airbnb near Shosien Garden

​​​​Nijo Castle/Imperial Palace?

​Food options:

​Kagizen Yoshifusa Shijo Main Branch

    Tarokichi, yakitori restaurant

Day 6

Nishiki Market/Samurai Ninja Museum/Imperial Palace

Pontocho Alley for dinner/cherry blossom walk by river

​Gion at night​

Day 7

Philosopher’s Path/explore other nearby options?

Train to night baseball game at **Koshien Stadium,​** Nishinomiya — suggestions for places to eat/things to do nearby?

Day 7

Train back to **Tokyo**, stay in **Odaiba​ Bay**​

Diver City Mall for shopping

Waterfront area, Rainbow bridge

​Dinner nearby?​

Day 8

TeamLab Planets exhibition (morning reservation)

​Possible night tour of **Shibuya**

Day 9

Train to Tsukiji Outer Market

Hamarikyu Park

Giant Ghibli Clock at Nittele Tower, Shiodome

Dinner (maybe) – Bills (Australian) Seaside Mall, views of Odaiba Bay

Day 10

Leave for Haneda

​

**A few questions:**

Ghibli Museum tickets – we tried and failed to get tickets. Is it worth it to take the train out early in case they have no-shows? My kids are​ big Miyazaki fans and are bummed that it’s sold out.

Best places to buy masks and umbrellas and stock up on snacks/drinks near Tokyo Station?

Any recommendations for eateries/sights around Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya? Would it be better to stop in Osaka for a couple of hours before the 6:30 game?