Japan with Kids Itinerary: 10-Day Family Trip to Tokyo & Kyoto
Planning a Japan with kids itinerary feels different. It's not just about temples and sushi. It's about finding the elevator in Shinjuku Station with a stroller, knowing which theme park ride has the shortest line for a five-year-old, and discovering the restaurant that won't blink at a spilled bowl of rice. I've done this trip with my own family, and the magic is absolutely there—you just need the right map.
What's Inside This Guide
Your 10-Day Japan with Kids Itinerary: Tokyo & Kyoto
This loop hits the classics while respecting a family's pace. We split time between hyper-modern Tokyo and traditional Kyoto, with a buffer day for surprises or tired feet. The Shinkansen (bullet train) link is an event in itself for kids.
- Days 1-3: Tokyo – Arrival, Disney magic, and classic sights.
- Days 4-6: Kyoto – Temples, gardens, and cultural vibes.
- Days 7-10: Back to Tokyo – Tech, shopping, and flexibility.
Tokyo with Kids: Days 1-3
Day 1: Arrival & Ueno Park Ease
Land, clear customs, and do not overplan. Get your pocket Wi-Fi or SIM, pick up an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for train fares, and head to your hotel. If you arrive early afternoon, Ueno Park is a perfect, low-pressure first stop.
Ueno Park (Ueno Kōen) is massive. You can visit the National Museum of Nature and Science (fantastic for kids, about ¥630 for adults, closed Mondays) or just wander. The park has a zoo, paddle boats, and street food stalls. It's a soft landing into Japan.
For dinner, dive into Ameya Yokochō (Ameyoko) market beside Ueno Station. It's loud, crowded, and full of energy. Grab takoyaki, fresh fruit, or a cheap sushi plate. Kids love the spectacle.
Day 2: Choose Your Disney Adventure
You have two choices: Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea. DisneySea is unique in the world and has more adventurous rides, but Disneyland is the classic castle experience for younger kids.
Tokyo Disney Resort Info: Tickets start around ¥7,900 for adults (ages 18+), ¥6,600 for juniors (12-17), ¥4,700 for children (4-11). Buy online well in advance. Opens at 8 or 9 AM. Take the JR Keiyo Line to Maihama Station.
My take? With under-7s, go Disneyland. With tweens seeking something different, DisneySea wins. Use the official app for wait times and fast passes (now called "Standby Pass" or "Premier Access").
Day 3: Old & New Tokyo – Asakusa & Odaiba
Morning in Asakusa. See the giant Kaminarimon gate, walk down Nakamise-dori for souvenirs and snacks (try the melon-pan or ningyo-yaki), and visit Senso-ji Temple. It's touristy but essential. For a fun twist, take a rikisha (rickshaw) ride—drivers often speak English and give great history snippets.
Afternoon, hop on the water bus from Asakusa to Odaiba. This futuristic island is a kid's dream.
- teamLab Borderless (relocating, check status) or teamLab Planets are immersive digital art museums. Planets involves walking through water, so bring a towel.
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza features a life-size Unicorn Gundam statue that lights up at night.
- Odaiba Seaside Park offers a small beach and views of Rainbow Bridge.
Kyoto Cultural Immersion: Days 4-6
Take the morning Shinkansen Nozomi or Hikari from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station (about 2-2.5 hours). Store your large luggage at Tokyo Station (coin lockers available) or use a luggage forwarding service to your Kyoto hotel. Travel light.
Day 4: Fushimi Inari & Downtown Kyoto
Head straight to Fushimi Inari Taisha from Kyoto Station (5 min by JR Nara Line). This is the famous path of thousands of red torii gates. Go early to beat crowds. You don't need to hike the whole mountain—even the first dense section is breathtaking. Let kids count the fox statues.
Afternoon, explore Nishiki Market ("Kyoto's Kitchen"). It's covered, so weather-proof. Sample pickles, fish cakes, and sweet mochi. For dinner, Pontocho Alley is atmospheric, but with younger kids, the restaurants along the Kamo River might be more relaxed.
Day 5: Arashiyama's Bamboo & Monkeys
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. Walk to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It's a short path, but magical. Go early—by 10 AM it's a river of people.
Next, visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park. It's a 20-minute uphill walk, but the reward is monkeys roaming freely and a stellar view over Kyoto. You feed them from inside a caged area (¥550 for adults, ¥250 for kids 4-15).
Consider a relaxing boat ride on the Hozu River or visit the Kimono Forest at Randen Arashiyama Station.
Day 6: Kinkaku-ji & Kiyomizu-dera (The Classics)
Morning at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). It's a stunning, postcard-perfect sight. The grounds are relatively small and manageable with kids (¥400 entry). It's always crowded, but the path moves one way.
Afternoon, head to Kiyomizu-dera. The walk up Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka preserved streets is part of the charm. The temple's wooden stage is impressive. Be warned: there are many steps. With a stroller, it's challenging. The Jishu Shrine here is for finding love—teenagers might get a kick out of the "love stone" challenge.
Back to Tokyo & Practical Tips: Days 7-10
Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. These last days are for deep dives or revisiting favorites.
Day 7: Shibuya & Shinjuku Energy
See the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from the second-floor Starbucks or the new Shibuya Sky observatory. Visit the Hachiko statue. For kids, Miyashita Park is a rooftop park with climbing walls.
In Shinjuku, the Metropolitan Government Building offers free panoramic views. At night, walk through the sensory overload of Kabukicho (stick to main streets) or the more family-friendly Omoide Yokochō alleyways for tiny yakitori stalls.
Day 8: A Flexible Day – Your Choice
Options based on your kids' interests:
- Ghibli Museum: A must for fans. Tickets are like gold dust—book exactly at 10 AM JST on the 10th of the month prior. (Mitaka, Tokyo).
- Tokyo National Museum in Ueno: If you missed it Day 1.
- Ikebukuro: Visit Sunshine City with its aquarium, planetarium, and Pokemon Center.
- Day Trip to Yokohama: See the Cup Noodles Museum (make your own cup!) and Chinatown.
Days 9 & 10: Final Souvenirs & Departure
Use Day 9 for last-minute shopping. Don Quijote stores are chaotic but great for souvenirs and snacks. Kiddy Land in Harajuku is a toy paradise. Akihabara is for anime/game fans (go during the day).
Day 10 is for airport travel. Leave ample time for Narita Express (N'EX) or monorail to Haneda.
Expert Tips to Avoid Common Family Travel Mistakes in Japan
Here's what most generic guides won't tell you.
Stroller Strategy: Bring a lightweight, umbrella-style stroller that reclines. You will need to fold it on crowded buses and sometimes on trains. A sturdy baby carrier is non-negotiable for subway stations where elevators are hidden or non-existent. Look for the station map near exits—the elevator location is marked.
The Bathroom Hurdle: Public restrooms are plentiful but often only have squat toilets. Major stations, department stores, and family restaurants always have Western toilets. Look for the accessible/family restroom sign. Always carry a small pack of tissues and hand sanitizer.
Quiet Culture Clash: Japan is quiet on trains and in many public spaces. A loudly crying toddler draws stares. It's not hostility, but discomfort. Have small snacks, a favorite toy, or a smartphone with cartoons (and headphones) ready for train journeys. Don't stress, but be aware.
My #1 Money-Saver: Use luggage forwarding (takkyubin) between Tokyo and Kyoto hotels. Services like Yamato Transport (the black cat) are reliable and cost about ¥2,000 per suitcase. Send it in the morning, it arrives the next day. Traveling on the Shinkansen with just a day bag is a game-changer.
Japan with Kids: Food & Accommodation Guide
Family-Friendly Food Finds
Beyond ramen and curry, seek out these spots:
- Family Restaurants (Famiresu): Gusto, Jonathan's, Saizeriya. They have picture menus, kids' meals (often with a toy), high chairs, free drink bars, and are noise-friendly. Saizeriya is incredibly cheap.
- Department Store Food Halls (Depachika): In the basement of stores like Isetan, Takashimaya, or Daimaru. They sell exquisite bento boxes, sushi, and pastries. Perfect for a picnic or hotel room dinner.
- Convenience Stores (Konbini): 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart. Lifesavers. Onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, yogurt, fruit cups, steamed buns. Great for breakfast or snacks.
Where to Stay: Area & Hotel Recommendations
Location trumps fancy amenities. You want to be within a 5-minute walk of a major JR or subway line.
| Area | Why It's Good for Families | Hotel Example (Type) | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo: Ueno/Asakusa | Direct Narita Express access, parks, traditional vibe, lots of mid-range hotels. | Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno (Business Hotel) | ¥15,000 - ¥25,000 |
| Tokyo: Shinjuku/Shibuya | Major transport hubs, endless food options, energy. Can be overwhelming. | Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Theme Hotel - Godzilla!) | ¥20,000 - ¥35,000 |
| Tokyo: Tokyo Station/Marunouchi | Clean, upscale, direct Shinkansen access, easy for day trips. | Shangri-La Tokyo (Luxury) | ¥50,000+ |
| Kyoto: Near Kyoto Station | Ultra-convenient for arrival/departure, bus terminals, many restaurants. | Hotel Granvia Kyoto (Station Hotel) | ¥20,000 - ¥35,000 |
| Kyoto: Gion/Higashiyama | Atmospheric, walkable to temples. Can be quieter at night, fewer big hotels. | Gion Hatanaka (Ryokan - traditional inn) | ¥30,000 - ¥60,000 (with meals) |
Consider an apartment or family room via platforms like Airbnb or booking sites for more space. Look for "semi-double" or "triple" rooms in business hotels.
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