[UPDATE] I have regenerated my itinerary. Decided to skip the Fireworks/crazy crowds and add stay in Hiroshima instead. Changed a few hotels based on recs from insidekyoto.com Have incorporated useful feedback from u/myselfamwar, u/disc_infiltrator, u/cookieaddictions
First of all, I wanted to comment on how amazing it is to see so much helpful advice from Japan travel veterans on this board. Thank you.
Family of 4 with 11 and 12 year old. I used ChatGPT as a starting point and then made tweeks based on various tips or suggestions I've seen on these + other boards. The itinerary is a bit of a Frankenstein.
We know it is going to be really hot. I'll be honest, we are kind of lazy travelers. We love the cruise experience. We want to have a nice relaxed vacation. The plan is to wake up early, go do a few activities and eat, hide back in the comfortable hotel A/C room, go back out later in areas right near the hotel.
We get really excited about great food. We want to learn and experience Japanese culture, but are honestly not that excited about shrines, museums, etc. We don't have FOMO (fear of missing out). Unique fun experiences (such as TeamLabs, or Nara deers, Monkeys ) sound very interesting. Nightlife isn't important/applicable. Would like to avoid tourist traps where the main benefit is to snap a photo or see something pretty. Love the convenience/buzz/energy of walking out of hotel and having access to lots of food, shops, interesting things nearby.
Questions:
- How does this itinerary sound? We likely will only do a fraction of it.
- Would love to hear feedback about our Hotel choices based on our itinerary/travel plans/requirements. I tried to pick hotels that are very convenient to trains/subway. Some people see the hotel room as a place to sleep. I do appreciate hotels that are more spacious, modern, newer.
- Any other feedback, things to remove, etc are very welcome.
[UPDATE 1] Itinerary for Japan Trip (July 22 – August 8, 2024) for a Family of 4
Family Details:
- This itinerary is for a family of four, including two children aged 11 and 12.
- The family prefers a relaxed pace and aims to escape the heat as much as possible.
- The family loves food and would like recommendations for highly recommended restaurants for each area.
Day 1: July 22, 2024 – Arrival in Tokyo
- Arrive at Haneda Airport
- Clear customs and immigration
- Take the airport limousine bus or train to Hotel RYUMEIKAN TOKYO
- Accommodation: Hotel RYUMEIKAN TOKYO
- Evening: Explore the nearby area and have dinner at T's Tantan (vegetarian ramen) in Tokyo Station
Day 2: July 23, 2024 – Tokyo
- Morning: Visit Tokyo DisneySea, with frequent breaks to rest and hydrate
- Afternoon: Continue enjoying Tokyo DisneySea
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Ikspiari shopping complex near Disney
Day 3: July 24, 2024 – Tokyo
- Morning: Visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (reserve tickets in advance)
- Afternoon: Explore Inokashira Park with shaded areas, lunch at a local café
- Evening: Return to central Tokyo and have dinner in the Shibuya area at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka (conveyor belt sushi)
Day 4: July 25, 2024 – Tokyo
- Morning: Visit TeamLab Borderless in Odaiba
- Afternoon: Explore Odaiba (Palette Town, Toyota Mega Web, etc.), lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
- Evening: Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu (inspiration for the restaurant in "Kill Bill")
Day 5: July 26, 2024 – Tokyo to Kyoto
- Morning: Visit the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama
- Pick up ekiben at Tokyo Station
- Afternoon: Shinkansen to Kyoto, check-in at MIMARU SUITES KYOTO SHIJO
- Evening: Dinner at Omen Kodai-ji (udon restaurant in Kyoto)
Day 6: July 27, 2024 – Kyoto
- Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine early to avoid the heat and crowds
- Afternoon: Explore Nishiki Market for lunch, visit Nijo Castle
- Evening: Dinner at Ganko Sushi
Day 7: July 28, 2024 – Kyoto
- Morning: Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, taking advantage of the shade
- Afternoon: Visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park, lunch in Arashiyama
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and have dinner in the Pontocho area at Pontocho Kamoichi (kappo cuisine)
Day 8: July 29, 2024 – Kyoto
- Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Afternoon: Explore Kyoto Imperial Palace, lunch at Honke Owariya (soba restaurant)
- Evening: Dinner at a local Kyoto restaurant
Day 9: July 30, 2024 – Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Morning: Shinkansen to Hiroshima, check-in at Sheraton Hiroshima
- Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, lunch at Okonomimura (okonomiyaki village)
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 10: July 31, 2024 – Hiroshima
- Morning: Visit Miyajima Island (Itsukushima Shrine)
- Afternoon: Explore the island, lunch at Yakigaki no Hayashi (grilled oysters)
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima and have dinner at Nagataya (okonomiyaki)
Day 11: August 1, 2024 – Hiroshima to Osaka
- Morning: Shinkansen to Himeji
- Visit Himeji Castle early to avoid the heat
- Afternoon: Explore the Himeji Castle grounds, lunch at Himeji Gochisou (local cuisine)
- Continue to Osaka and check-in at Osaka Marriott
- Evening: Explore Dotonbori and have dinner at Ichiran Dotonbori (ramen)
Day 12: August 2, 2024 – Osaka
- Morning: Visit Universal Studios Japan, including Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue and Universal Wonderland
- Afternoon: Continue enjoying Universal Studios Japan
- Evening: Dinner at City Walk Osaka
Day 13: August 3, 2024 – Osaka to Nara
- Morning: Day trip to Nara
- Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park (feed the deer)
- Afternoon: Explore Nara's attractions, lunch at Maguro Koya (tuna dishes)
- Evening: Return to Osaka and have dinner in Umeda at Kiji Umeda Sky Building (okonomiyaki)
Day 14: August 4, 2024 – Osaka to Tokyo
- Morning: Shinkansen to Tokyo, check-in at Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
- Afternoon: Visit the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Ikebukuro
- Evening: Dinner in the Akasaka area at Ninja Akasaka (themed restaurant)
Day 15: August 5, 2024 – Tokyo
- Morning: Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
- Afternoon: Explore Akihabara, including the Pokémon Center DX and Cafe, lunch at Kanda Matsuya (soba restaurant)
- Evening: Dinner in Akihabara at Gyukatsu Motomura (beef cutlet)
Day 16: August 6, 2024 – Tokyo
- Relaxing Day
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel
- Midday: Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful stroll and picnic lunch
- Afternoon: Visit a local onsen (hot spring) such as Oedo Onsen Monogatari for relaxation
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the Ginza area at Tempura Tsunahachi (tempura restaurant)
Day 17: August 7, 2024 – Departure from Tokyo
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing
by dlca1