I’ve taken my kids to Japan twice, and let me tell you, it’s a blast if you plan it right. This 7-day itinerary is based on my own hits and misses—like that time we tried to cram too many temples in Kyoto and ended up with a toddler meltdown. So, here’s a realistic guide that mixes iconic spots with kid-friendly fun, covering Tokyo and Kyoto. You’ll get specifics on tickets, addresses, and how to avoid the crowds.

Day 1: Arrival and Shinjuku Buzz

Land at Narita or Haneda Airport. If you’re jet-lagged, keep it simple. I recommend staying in Shinjuku—it’s central and has everything. Book a hotel like the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (address: 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo; rates from $150/night) for its Godzilla theme that kids love.

After check-in, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It’s free, open 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM, and offers panoramic views. No need for expensive skyscrapers. For dinner, try Ichiran Ramen (multiple locations; about $10 per bowl). Their private booths are quirky and perfect for fussy eaters.

End the day at Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley with tiny eateries. It’s atmospheric but can be smoky; better for older kids or a quick stroll.

Day 2: Tokyo Disney Magic

Pick one: Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea. DisneySea is unique to Japan, with more nautical themes, but if your kids are into classic characters, stick to Disneyland. Here’s a quick comparison:

Book tickets online to skip lines. Take the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station. Insider tip: DisneySea’s Journey to the Center of the Earth ride has a height requirement of 117 cm, so check that beforehand.

For lunch, the park food is decent but pricey. We packed snacks to save time and money.

Day 3: Old Tokyo and Ueno Park

Start at Asakusa to see Senso-ji Temple. It’s free to enter, open 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Nakamise shopping street has cheap souvenirs, but it gets packed by 10 AM. Go early.

Next, Ueno Park (address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo). It’s huge and free, with museums and a zoo. The Ueno Zoo costs ¥600 ($6) for adults, kids under 12 are free. Open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. My kids loved the pandas, but the zoo feels a bit dated.

For lunch, grab street food like takoyaki from vendors. Or try Sushi Zanmai near Tsukiji Outer Market—affordable and fresh.

In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Nature and Science (¥620 for adults). It’s interactive and great for rainy days.

Day 4: Bullet Train to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. With a Japan Rail Pass, it’s covered; otherwise, it’s about ¥13,000 ($130) one-way. Book reserved seats for comfort.

In Kyoto, stay near Gion for traditional vibes. Hotel Granvia Kyoto (address: 901 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto; from $140/night) is connected to the station, super convenient with luggage.

Afternoon: Explore Gion District. It’s free to walk around, but be respectful—this is a geisha area. Kids might find it boring, so mix in a visit to Nishiki Market for food samples. Open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Dinner at Gyoza Hohei (address: 570-119 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Kyoto; about $15 per person). Their gyoza is crispy and kid-approved.

Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Bamboo

Head to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto. Entry ¥400 ($4), open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s stunning but crowded; arrive right at opening.

Then, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Free to enter, but go early to avoid the tourist rush. Nearby, the Monkey Park Iwatayama costs ¥550 ($5.50) for adults. Open 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The hike up is steep, so skip if you have toddlers.

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura for soba noodles with river views.

Afternoon: Fushimi Inari Taisha. Free, open 24/7. The torii gates are iconic, but the hike can be long. We did only the first section with our kids—enough for photos without exhaustion.

Day 6: Osaka Day Trip or Kyoto Relaxation

Option A: Day trip to Osaka. Take the JR train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station (30 minutes). Visit Osaka Castle (entry ¥600, open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). The museum inside is engaging.

Then, Dotonbori for street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Kids will love the giant crab sign.

Option B: Stay in Kyoto and relax. Try a kimono rental experience—many shops offer kids’ sizes. Or visit the Kyoto Railway Museum (¥1,200 for adults, open 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM) if your child is into trains.

Dinner back in Kyoto at a family restaurant like Saizeriya for cheap Italian-Japanese fusion.

Day 7: Departure and Last-Minute Finds

If your flight is later, do some last-minute shopping at Kyoto Station or Tokyo’s Don Quijote for souvenirs. Don Quijote is chaotic but fun for quirky items.

For lunch, grab bento boxes from a department store basement—they’re fresh and portable.

Head to the airport via train or airport limousine bus. Allow extra time with kids.

Practical Tips for Smooth Travel

Transportation: Get an IC card like Suica for subways. The Japan Rail Pass is worth it if traveling between cities; buy it online before arrival. For strollers, most stations have elevators, but during peak hours, they can be busy.

Accommodation: Book hotels with family rooms or connecting rooms. Business hotels like APA are cheap but tiny—not ideal for families with lots of luggage.

Food: Many restaurants have English menus. Conveyor belt sushi is a hit; try Genki Sushi in Tokyo. For picky eaters, convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) have great onigiri and sandwiches.

Budget: Here’s a rough breakdown for a family of four:

• Flights: $2,000 (varies by season)
• Accommodation (7 nights): $1,050
• Food: $700
• Attractions: $500
• Transport: $400 (with JR Pass)
• Total: Around $4,650

Packing: Bring comfortable shoes, a portable Wi-Fi router, and a small first-aid kit. Japan is safe, but pharmacies might not have your preferred brands.

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