If you’re thinking of travelling to Japan with your kids, you might feel overwhelmed with all the planning you have to do. There are probably also dozens of questions going through your mind, especially if you have younger children.
As a mom who has been living in Japan for fifteen years, I get it. I’ve been there, which is why I’ve created this Japan itinerary that will hopefully please the entire family and help make your trip to Japan a memorable one. I’ll also give tips on travelling in Japan with kids, especially when it comes to babies and toddlers.
Photo courtesy of Tiny Tot in Tokyo
This family-friendly itinerary covers the Golden Route, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka which are must-visit cities for first-timers to Japan. Since these cities are used to tourists and are among the largest cities in Japan, you can feel assured that you’ll be able to travel comfortably with your family while enjoying the country’s highlights.
What to know before visiting Japan
1. Get an eSIM
One of the best things about travelling in Japan right now is how much your smartphone will help you during your trip. Trust me, I first visited (and then lived in) Japan before smartphones were a thing, and I am so envious of first-time travellers now! Everything you need to navigate and enjoy Japan is right in the palm of your hands.
So to be able to use your smartphone, you’ll need to buy a Japan eSIM. It should be 5 GB at minimum if you use WiFi in your accommodation and refrain from watching videos. If you have a kiddo who may need entertainment via your smartphone, you’ll want to invest in more data.
2. Be ready for immigratio procedures at the airport
Before you arrive in Japan, complete the arrival and immigration procedures on Visit Japan Web, which will save you a tonne of time once you land. Make sure you have your QR code, which you’ll receive after filling out the form, ready as well at the airport!
3. Try not to travel during rush hour
Rush hour in Japan, typically on weekdays from around 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, is very busy when it comes to public transportation. This is not a time when you want to take the train with kids, so try to avoid it as much as possible!
4. Use Google Maps and Google Translate
Google Maps is so helpful when it comes to planning your trip and travelling throughout Japan. I use it all the time to find interesting things around me and top-rated restaurants nearby.
Google Translate is another indispensable app, allowing you to instantly translate anything in Japanese, such as restaurant menus and signs, to the language of your choice.
Okay, now that’s all out of the way, let’s get into your family Japan trip!
Our two-week Japan family Itinerary
Tokyo
Exploring the colorful streets of Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is undoubtedly every traveller's stop on their trip to Japan. And it absolutely should be, there is no shortage of things to do here, including plenty of activities for the entire family.
Make sure to purchase a Tokyo Subway Ticket, which will allow you up to 72 hours to travel in the city on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
During your time in Tokyo, I recommend staying at one of the following family-friendly hotels:
All three are in excellent locations and have rental cribs. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo and JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Shinjuku also offer children’s amenities such as slippers and toothbrushes.
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Japan
Land in Tokyo, either at Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND). Note that Narita is located in Chiba Prefecture and is farther from the centre of Tokyo than Haneda.
You can either take a bus or airport train to your accommodation or arrange a private airport transfer. Popular public transport options from Narita Airport include the Keisei Skyliner and the Narita Express NEX.
You'll get your own designated seat in the Narita Express Ordinary Car.
You'll get your own designated seat in the Narita Express Ordinary Car.
Klook also offers a Keisei Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket combo at a cheaper price. The Tokyo Subway Ticket gives you unlimited travel on Tokyo’s subway lines (the Metro and Toei) for up to 72 hours, depending on the ticket duration you get.
For private transport, there are all kinds of options from Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Best of all, you can choose to include a child booster seat or car seat. (Taxis in Japan usually don’t have car seats since they are not required by law to provide them, so private transport is the safer option.)
I don’t recommend planning any activities that require advance booking on your first day in Japan, especially if you’re travelling with kids. Instead, take the opportunity to look around the neighbourhood of your hotel.
Day 2: Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya
Explore some of the most popular areas in Tokyo through the eyes of a local.
Explore the heart of Tokyo — Shibuya
Explore the heart of Tokyo — Shibuya
As someone who lived in Tokyo for seven years before moving to Osaka, I can tell you that Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya are quite overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. This is why I recommend joining a walking tour for the most stress-free experience on your first full day in Japan.
This Tokyo City, Shinjuku & Shibuya walking tour led by a Tokyo local will take your family to all the highlights in these areas, such as Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya Scramble.
Best of all, children ages five and under are free!
Want something more customisable? Consider the Tokyo Half-Day Customizable City Highlights Tour that includes lunch and dinner. The tour guide can also show you how to use the metro system and answer any other questions you have, which will be very helpful for the rest of your trip.
After your tour, consider visiting Shibuya Sky for the ultimate 360° night view of Tokyo. Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you purchase them in advance!
Day 3: teamLab Borderless and Tokyo Tower
Morning
teamlab borderless
teamLab Borderless, located in Azabudai Hills, is an immersive art experience where you can enjoy stunning and interactive three-dimensional artwork. Kids will be enthralled and feel like they’re visiting different universes as they explore each room’s wonders. It’s also a great place to take amazing photos of your family.
Like with many popular Tokyo attractions, I recommend getting your tickets in advance. Schedule your visit first thing in the morning so you and your family have plenty of time to enjoy the museum. teamLab Borderless is also one of the attractions you can choose from if you purchase the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo. Children ages three and under are free.
Afternoon
After exploring teamLab Borderless, walk over to Tokyo Tower, which is less than 10 minutes away. Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Tokyo and shouldn’t be missed. At 150 metres tall, it not only offers a great view of Tokyo but also has plenty of places to eat and shop.
If you have time, visit Roppongi Hills as well for some shopping. Kids can burn off some energy at Sakurazaka Park (Roborobo-En), which is especially beautiful in spring since it’s surrounded by cherry blossom trees. Also, make sure to stop by Mohri Garden to take photos and enjoy a Japanese garden in the city.
Roppongi Hills also has services for parents, including free stroller rentals, a free playroom for kids ages 0-6 in HILLSIDE B2F, a nursing room, restrooms for kids, and a childcare centre where staff can take care of your child(ren) by the hour.
Day 4: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE
Morning
Head to Asakusa to see Tokyo’s famous Kaminarimon and Senso-ji Temple. The earlier you can get there, the better, as it will become increasingly crowded throughout the day. Before you go, consider renting kimonos for the whole family and doing a private photoshoot for the most memorable photos.
If you have younger children, they might enjoy playing at Bentenyama Children’s Park, a small playground located about a two-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple.
Afternoon
Take the train to Oshiage to visit TOKYO SKYTREE, which is located in Tokyo Skytree Town. It stands at an impressive 634 metres, making it the tallest building in Japan. With your kids, try to find all the places you’ve visited so far in Tokyo. And if the weather is on your side, you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji!
After taking in the view, explore the shops and restaurants in Tokyo Solamachi, which include a Pokémon Center and an official shop for Ghibli merchandise called Donguri Kyowakoku.
Make sure not to forget to stop by Sumida Aquarium. Here kids can enjoy looking at a variety of sea life from Japan and around the world, including penguins and a very impressive jellyfish tank. The aquarium is somewhat small, but it’s unique and quite beautiful (not to mention convenient!).
Days 5 & 6: Tokyo Disney Resort
Even if you’re not a Disney fan, no trip to Tokyo would be complete without visiting Tokyo Disney Resort Parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which are arguably among the most popular theme parks in Japan. They’ve put their own unique Japanese spin on things, so it’s unlike any experience you’ll have back home, especially when it comes to Tokyo DisneySea.
My daughter is a huge fan of Tokyo Disney, so we try to go as much as possible, especially since they have seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas.
The best time to visit the Tokyo Disney Resort is on weekdays, especially between Tuesday and Thursday, since weekends are especially congested. I also think it’s a good idea to stay at a hotel close to the Tokyo Disney Resort parks since Tokyo Disneyland is not actually in Tokyo but in Chiba Prefecture. I recommend the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel, which has an indoor playground and mini-golf for kids.
Day 7: Mount Fuji and Hakone Day Trip
Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, is located a few hours west of Tokyo and is a perfect place to visit on a day trip. Consider booking the Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko private tour that will take you not only to Mount Fuji from your hotel in Tokyo but also to other famous locations in the area, including Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Shinto Shrine, and Saikyo Iyashi no Sato Nemba.
Kyoto
Japan’s cultural capital (and former capital), Kyoto is home to many important shrines and temples that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s unlike any other city in Japan, making it a popular destination for both locals and international tourists.
If Kyoto sounds like something you’re unsure whether your kids will like, you might be pleasantly surprised.
My daughter, age five, has absolutely loved Kyoto ever since she first visited at 1.5 years old. I'm positive kids will enjoy exploring family-friendly places the former capital has to offer.
For Kyoto, I recommend getting the Klook Pass Kansai, which will allow you to choose up to nine attractions in the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe). This pass gives serious savings when used for the right attractions. I’ve personally used this pass and loved the convenience of having everything in one place. It was also very easy to use, and I had no issues with it.
If you have a child under the age of 6, I don’t recommend getting the Klook Pass Kansai for them because their admission fee for various attractions in Kansai is either free or very affordable so there’s no need for it.
In Kyoto, I recommend staying at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto, which offers amenities for kids such as yukata, toothbrushes, slippers, pyjamas and bed guards. You can also rent toys and a crib if needed.
If you’re looking to experience staying at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan), consider Kyoto Watazen Ryokan. This child-friendly ryokan in Kyoto welcomes kids of all ages and offers children's meals and kid-sized yukata, as well as rental goods such as step stools and booster seats.
Day 8: Visit Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Kyoto Tower
Morning
Travel to Kyoto from Tokyo via Shinkansen first thing in the morning.
Before you leave Tokyo, consider using the hotel luggage delivery service to send your bags ahead to your Kyoto hotel. It makes navigating the Shinkansen with kids so much easier.
Afternoon
From Kyoto Aquarium, walk to the Kyoto Railway Museum. This museum has plenty of interactive displays for kids to learn about Japan’s trains, as well as displays of real trains. Kids can ride a steam locomotive, play in a small park in the museum, or play indoors with Plarail toy trains.
Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto Aquarium are located in Umekoji Park, so if you have time, consider taking a stroll to see the rest of the park. It has some lovely gardens as well as an amazing Kyoto-themed playground for kids.
Photo courtesy of Tiny Tot in Tokyo
For a wonderful end to your first day in Kyoto, visit Kyoto Tower. Try to reach there around sunset for the best view. For dinner, check out the food court in the basement of Kyoto Tower Sando. There’s something for everyone!
Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Kyoto Tower are all attractions you can choose from if you purchase the Klook Pass Kansai.
Day 9: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera, Golden Pavilion, and Arashiyama
Kyoto typically involves lots of walking, and buses to popular tourist destinations in the city can be quite crowded, which isn’t ideal for young families (especially if you have a stroller). This is why, as a parent, I recommend taking the least stressful route and booking a shrine and temple tour led by a national government-licensed English guide interpreter.
Kiyomizudera Temple in winter. Photo Courtesy of Tiny Tot in Tokyo
This is a great option if you’re limited on time and want to see Kyoto highlights without having to take public transport and walk (especially in summer when it’s quite hot and humid). Children ages five and under are also free unless they require a seat on the tour bus. Best of all, the tour is stroller-friendly!
The tour covers Nijo Castle, Kiyomizudera, and the Golden Pavillion Temple (Kinkakuji), all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Fushimi Inari, which has about 10,000 vermillion tori gates, Sanjusangen-do Temple and Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Want a private and customizable tour? Consider this walking tour led by a Kyoto local who will show you family-friendly places in Kyoto according to your needs. Children age 12 and under are free! Before your tour, you can also rent kimono for the whole family to get the full Kyoto experience.
Day 10: TOEI Kyoto Studio Park and Arashiyama
Morning
TOEI Kyoto Studio Park. Photo Courtesy of Tiny Tot in Tokyo
Visit UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE , the perfect place for kids to discover Edo Japan while taking in modern anime culture. My daughter absolutely loves this place, especially if I rent a ninja costume for her and let her run wild through the park. There are lots of kid-friendly fun activities for the entire family to do and a huge 15-metre-tall Evangelion that you can go inside as well!
I suggest having lunch at TOEI Kyoto Studio Park because restaurants at your next stop, Arashiyama, tend to be quite crowded and you’ll likely have to wait for a seat.
Afternoon
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. Photo Courtesy of Tiny Tot in Tokyo
Ride a bus to Arashiyama, an area tucked into the mountains that offers beautiful river and bamboo views. I suggest taking the bus straight to Arashiyama Park and then walking to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. Here kids will be able to see Japanese macaques, or Japanese snow monkeys, up close. The hike up takes about 20 minutes.
Note that there are many stairs, so I don’t recommend bringing a stroller unless you’re okay with carrying it.
After this, visit Fu Fu No Yu Onsen for a nice soak for about 30 minutes to an hour before crossing the famous Togetsukyo Bridge and heading to Tenryuji Temple. This World Heritage Site is the most famous and important temple in Arashiyama and has a very lovely, serene garden.
From here, you can walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before going to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Tour Arashiyama on a rickshaw
Arashiyama can be quite crowded, so you may want to consider booking an Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour . Children ages 0-5 are free as long as they sit on the lap of a guardian.
And if you haven’t had a kimono experience yet, this would be the perfect time to rent a kimono and take family photos. Note that the kimono must be returned by 5 PM, so I recommend skipping the onsen and doing this before going to Tenryuji Temple.
You can either travel to Osaka in the evening or stay one more night in Kyoto. Your kids might be tired, so it might be best to stay in Kyoto.
Osaka
Osaka’s Dotonbori
Known as “Japan’s kitchen”, Osaka is famous for its food culture. Before my daughter was born, I usually spent most of my trips to Osaka eating local food like okonomiyaki and kushikatsu. However, after moving to Osaka from Tokyo with a young child, I soon discovered how many things there are to do in Osaka, especially with kids. One of the best parts is that Osaka is far less crowded than Tokyo.
For your visit to Osaka, I highly recommend getting a 2-Day Osaka Amazing Pass. This pass covers most train lines and buses in Osaka as well as so many attractions, so you will absolutely save money by using it. Unlike the Klook Kansai Pass, you can visit as many attractions as you want over a one- or two-day period using the Osaka Amazing Pass.
Klook Tip: Note that there is no pass for kids, so you’ll have to purchase an adult pass. Depending on the age of your child and the attractions you want to visit, it may not be worth it to get them a pass as well
Photo credit: APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU on Facebook
In terms of accommodation, I recommend staying at Hotel Gravia Osaka, which has amenities for kids and rental cribs. Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA is another great option, which has many rental items for children including strollers, pajamas, a baby bath, potty rings, and toys. They also have amenities for kids and diapers.
For kids who like Pokemon, they might enjoy staying in a Pokemon-themed room at MIMARU Osaka Namba North. This spacious room also has a kitchenette, making it perfect for long stays.
Day 11: LEGOLAND, Osaka Aquarium, and Tsutenkaku
Morning
JR West Hello Kitty-themed Haruka Express
Getting from Kyoto to Osaka is relatively easy. You don't need to splurge on the Shinkansen to get from Kyoto to Osaka. Take the Hello Kitty-themed JR Haruka Express instead for some nice photo opportunities!
If you're arriving from Kyoto with a mountain of bags, use the luggage delivery service from Kansai Airport to drop your bags at your hotel and explore hands-free.
Travel to Osakako Station to visit some of the most kid-friendly attractions in Osaka. First, check out LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka, which has rides, LEGO movies, and, of course, plenty of LEGO for kids to play with. The entrance is covered under the Osaka Amazing Pass but only on certain days, and you need to make a reservation in advance.
Klook Tip: Spending more than two weeks in Japan? LEGOLAND Japan in Nagoya is a full theme park great for younger kids, worth adding if you're extending your family trip to Japan.
Legoland Osaka. Photo courtesy of Tiny Tot in Tokyo
Have lunch at either LEGOLAND or one of the many restaurants at Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho in Tempozan Harbour Village.
Afternoon
No trip to Osaka is complete without visiting Osaka Aquarium, which houses various aquatic creatures from the Pacific Rim, including whale sharks.
When your kids have had their fill of watching marine life, consider using the Osaka Amazing Pass to ride on the nearby cruise ship Santa Maria and the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel. The Ferris wheel is especially nice during sunset.
On board the Cruise Ship Santa Maria. Photo Courtesy of Tiny Tot in Tokyo
In the evening, head to Tsutenkaku tower, an iconic tower in Osaka where you can see a beautiful view of the city. If you have older kids who are at least 120 cm tall, they might enjoy going down the Tower Slider, which is a 60 metre-long slide that runs from the third floor of Tsutenkaku all the way down to the basement.
View from Tsutenkaku Tower. Photo Courtesy of Tiny Tot in Tokyo
Tsutenkaku is located in Shinsekai where there are lots of restaurants serving iconic Osaka food, such as kushikatsu, so make sure to have dinner here! There are a lot of highly rated kushikatsu restaurants here, but I recommend visiting Kushikatsu Daruma if you haven’t been.
Day 12: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Team Labs
Morning and Early Afternoon
Exploring the Osaka Castle. Photo Courtesy of Tiny Tot in Tokyo
Travel to Osaka Castle, which is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Try to get there by 9:30 AM so you can get tickets for the Osaka-jo Gozabune Boat.
Klook Tip: You can choose what time you want to ride the boat around the castle, but I recommend doing it as early as possible so you don’t have to walk back
From here, walk up to Osaka Castle. The entrance fee to the castle is also covered under the Osaka Amazing Pass, but even if you don’t use the pass, make sure you buy your tickets online because the line to purchase tickets is usually very long.
There’s lots for kids to see throughout the castle, and at the top, you can enjoy a nice view of Osaka. When you’re done, visit the Kaiyodo Figure Museum Miraiza Osaka-jo, where you can see various figures of popular anime characters, animals, and fictional Japanese monsters like Godzilla. It’s small but definitely worth visiting if you have the Osaka Amazing Pass since you’ll get in for free!
Day 13: Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Universal Studios Japan is probably the most popular theme park in Western Japan and is bound to be a hit with kids of all ages. If your kids know this is a stop on their Japan trip, they will probably be bouncing in anticipation.
Day 14: Prepare for your trip home
You can either fly out of Kansai International Airport or take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo from Shin-Osaka Station if you’re flying from Narita or Haneda. I recommend staying another night in Tokyo if you’re flying out of Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport just in case there’s some trouble with the Shinkansen and it’s delayed, because the last thing you want is to miss your flight!
Recommended child-friendly hotel near Narita International Airport:
Recommended child-friendly hotels near Haneda International Airport:
FAQs about Japan family itinerary
Is Japan a good holiday with kids?
Japan is genuinely one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. The country is safe, clean, and easy to navigate, with attractions ranging from Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan to aquariums, museums, and hands-on cultural experiences.
Public transport is very reliable too, and a Suica card makes things even easier since you can use it not just for trains and metros, but also to quickly grab snacks, drinks, and convenience store essentials throughout the day.
Is Japan expensive for a family holiday?
Japan can be budget-friendly or quite spendy depending on how you plan it. The biggest costs tend to be flights, accommodation, and theme park tickets. That said, food is very reasonable; a solid meal at a local restaurant or convenience store won't break the bank.
Using a Japan eSIM instead of international roaming is a smart way to cut costs, and booking attractions in advance through Klook often comes with better rates than paying at the door.
What is the best age to visit Japan with kids?
There's no single "best" age; Japan works brilliantly for kids at most stages. Toddlers tend to love the sensory experiences: colourful temples, theme parks, and aquariums. Older kids, especially those into anime, gaming, or pop culture, will absolutely love cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
That said, families with babies or very young children should plan around nap schedules and keep the itinerary flexible. The golden rule: build in rest days and don't try to pack too much into each day.
How much will a trip to Japan cost for a family of four?
A family of four can expect to spend roughly £5,000–£10,000+ for a two-week family trip to Japan, depending on your flight origin, accommodation choices, and activities. Flights from the UK are one of the larger costs, typically ranging from £500 to £900 per person return.
Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto can vary widely; budget options start around £80–£100 per night for a family room, while mid-range hotels usually run £150–£250.
Is Tokyo or Osaka better for kids?
Both cities are fantastic for families; it really comes down to what your kids are into. Tokyo offers more variety: theme parks (Disney, teamLab), kid-friendly neighbourhoods like Akihabara, and lots of things to do over several days. Osaka is usually a bit more relaxed and is known for its food culture, making it great for older kids and adventurous eaters. Universal Studios Japan is in Osaka, which is a major draw for families.
More Japan travel guides
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