Travel itinerary ideas for 2 adults, 2 children (6 and 7) from Australia – 13 nights in December 2024

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

  • Date: December 7
  • Flight: VA77 arriving at 8 PM
  • Accommodation: Check-in at a family-friendly hotel in Tokyo (e.g., Hotel Gracery Shinjuku or Park Hotel Tokyo)
  • Evening: Rest and relax after the flight

Day 2: Exploring Tokyo

  • Morning:
    • Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
    • Explore the Nakamise Shopping Street
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Ueno Zoo and Ueno Park
  • Evening:
    • Dinner in Akihabara, explore the vibrant electric town
  • Accommodation: Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo Disneyland OR day in Tokyo

  • Full Day:
    • Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland OR Pokemon Centre (kids want to see this)
    • Enjoy family-friendly rides and parades
  • Accommodation: Tokyo

Day 4: Tokyo DisneySea ??

  • Full Day:
    • Spend the day at Tokyo DisneySea
    • Explore themed ports and enjoy unique attractions
  • Accommodation: Tokyo

Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto

  • Morning:
    • Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (approx. 2.5 hours)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
    • Walk through the Torii Gate path
  • Evening:
    • Explore Gion District
    • Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Accommodation: Family-friendly hotel in Kyoto (e.g., Hotel Granvia Kyoto or Hyatt Regency Kyoto)

Day 6: Kyoto

  • Morning:
    • Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • Visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park
  • Evening:
    • Dinner and relax
  • Accommodation: Kyoto

Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

  • Morning:
    • Take the train to Osaka (approx. 30 minutes)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Osaka Castle
    • Explore the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
  • Evening:
    • Dinner in Dotonbori
  • Accommodation: Family-friendly hotel in Osaka (e.g., Swissotel Nankai Osaka or Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka)

Day 8: Universal Studios Japan

  • Full Day:
    • Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan
    • Enjoy rides and attractions, particularly the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Accommodation: Osaka

Day 9: Osaka to Nagano (for Snow)

  • Morning:
    • Take the Shinkansen to Nagano (approx. 4 hours)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit a nearby snow resort (e.g., Shiga Kogen or Hakuba Valley)
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy snow activities and relax at a ryokan (traditional inn) with onsen (hot springs)
  • Accommodation: Ryokan in Nagano

Day 10: Snow Activities in Nagano

  • Full Day:
    • Engage in snow activities (skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing)
    • Explore the local area
  • Accommodation: Ryokan in Nagano

Day 11: Nagano to Tokyo

  • Morning:
    • Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Tokyo Skytree and Sumida Aquarium
  • Evening:
    • Last-minute shopping in Shibuya or Ginza
  • Accommodation: Tokyo

Day 12: Departure from Tokyo

  • Morning:
    • Free time for a final stroll or shopping
  • Afternoon:
    • Pack and prepare for departure
  • Evening:
    • Head to the airport for your flight VA78 departing at 9:55 PM

Questions –

Enough time in each location?

What about snow – best spot to take kids (never skied before) – Nagano?

Any sites to prioritise?

by dahurldog

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