Itinerary for trip in July with Kids and Grandparents

Trying to plan a trip with my wife, 2 children (7 and 2) and my wife’s parents. We need to keep things child friendly, but aren’t overly interested in theme parks. Flight dates and arrival in KIX and departure from NRT are fixed, but everything else is flexible. Currently thinking of going straight to Kyoto and using that as a base for first few days, then train to Kanazawa, do a bit of a mountain road trip and then train back to Tokyo. Was originally going to also include Osaka but got worried it’s a bit tight on time so am now thinking going straight to Kyoto might be a better plan.

The idea of heading into the mountains is because a) it’s going to be hot in July, and b) it sounds like it could be interesting and beautiful. Slightly worried we will be limited by not being able to do proper hiking with little people to make the most of it though – would this be doable and fun for the kids?

Here is what I have so far – (The activities are suggestions from ChatGPT not necessarily what we intend to do. Would love any other suggestions of things that might be great for kids).

Day 1: Arrival KIX (July 19)

* 12:10 PM: Arrive at (KIX). Head to Osaka or straight to Kyoto?

Day 2: Osaka  or Kyoto(July 20) 

 Either explore Osaka (Aquarium) or have more time in Kyoto – which might free up time for a side trip (eg Nara?)

Day 3:  Kyoto (July 21)

* Evening: Stroll through the Gion district.

Day 4: Kyoto (July 22)

* Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
* Afternoon: Visit the Kyoto Railway Museum,
* Evening: Dinner in Pontocho Alley.

Day 5: Kyoto (July 23)

* Morning: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the nearby Monkey Park Iwatayama.
* Afternoon: Relax in a local cafe or take a scenic boat ride on the Hozu River.
* Evening: Relax at your hotel or visit an onsen if your hotel has one.

Day 6: Kyoto to Kanazawa (July 24)

* Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 2 hours by train).
* Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
* Evening: Explore the Higashi Chaya District, a historic geisha district with teahouses.

Day 7: Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go (July 25)

* Morning: Hire a car and drive to Shirakawa-go (about 1.5 hours).
* Afternoon: Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. 
* Evening: Stay in a ryokan in Shirakawa-go or continue driving to Takayama (about 1 hour).

Day 8: Shirakawa-go to Takayama (July 26)

* Morning: If staying in Shirakawa-go, drive to Takayama in the morning. Visit Takayama Jinya, a historic government building.
* Afternoon: Explore the old town of Takayama, known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets.
* Evening: Enjoy a local dinner in Takayama and stay overnight.

Day 9: Takayama to Kamikochi (July 27)

* Morning: Drive to Kamikochi (about 2 hours). Kamikochi is a beautiful mountainous area known for its stunning scenery and clear rivers.
* Afternoon: Enjoy the natural beauty of Kamikochi, taking easy walks suitable for all ages.
* Evening: Stay in a hotel or lodge in Kamikochi.

Day 10: Kamikochi to Nagano (July 28)

* Morning: Drive to Nagano (about 2 hours). Return the rental car.
* Afternoon: Visit Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important and popular temples.

Day 11: Nagano to Tokyo (July 29)

* Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo (about 1.5 hours).
* Afternoon: Visit Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo.

Day 12: Tokyo (July 30)

* Morning: Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple.
* Afternoon: Explore the Sumida Aquarium and Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views.
* Evening: Relax in your hotel.

Day 13: Departure from Tokyo (July 31)

* 9:00 AM: Departure from Narita International Airport (NRT).

by zergubin