Planning a 10-day Japan itinerary with kids can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating the language, trains, and cultural differences. I shared all about how we prepared for this trip over on my Substack, from what we packed to how we booked experiences in advance. But in this post, I’m walking you through exactly what we did day by day. Whether you’re planning your own family trip or just curious about traveling to Japan with kids, I’m sharing what worked and all the little moments that made it worth it.
Day 1: Arrival at Haneda Airport
Highlights:
- Arriving at Haneda at 9:00 PM
- Setting up Suica cards for the family
- Taking a taxi to Pangoo Shinagawa
- Staying near a major station with laundry
- Booking Shinkansen tickets using Smart-Ex
We landed at Haneda around 9:00 PM. My daughter and I had already added Suica cards to our Apple Wallets, but we still needed a child’s Suica for my son (these must be physical cards with their name) and one physical card for my husband. You can get them at the airport ticket machines, signage is in English, and staff are available to help.
Since it was late, we took a taxi to our hotel near Shinagawa Station. It was clearly marked and easy to find, and the ride felt safe and smooth.
Travel Tip: Taxis in Japan are clean and reliable but pricey. They’re best for late-night arrivals or when you’ve got a lot of luggage.
We stayed at Pangoo Shinagawa, just a 7-minute walk from the station. The room was compact but had everything we needed, including a washer and dryer, which was great with kids.
Travel Tip: Stay near major train stations and check if your hotel has laundry. It’ll save you time, steps, and suitcase space.
Before bed, I used the Smart-Ex app to book our Shinkansen tickets to Kyoto for the next morning. Super convenient.
Day 2: Shinkansen to Kyoto
Highlights:
- Riding the Shinkansen to Kyoto
- Staying at Matsubaya Ryokan (traditional inn)
- Exploring Nishiki Market
- Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Ice cream + Gion walk + ramen dinner
We checked out early and took the Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Kyoto, a smooth two-hour ride. We stocked up on snacks from 7-Eleven before boarding.
Travel Tip: Book Shinkansen tickets a day in advance, if possible. Trains are punctual, and there’s plenty of luggage space.
Once in Kyoto, we dropped our bags at Matsubaya Ryokan, a traditional inn with tatami floors and futon beds. Check-in wasn’t until later, so we went exploring.
First stop: Nishiki Market, just an 8-minute walk away. We sampled grilled octopus, meat skewers, and other fun bites from the stalls.
Next, we visited Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its endless rows of red torii gates. Walking through them felt like stepping into a movie. We spent about two hours there before grabbing ice cream from a convenience store and heading to Gion to wander the streets and (unsuccessfully) try to spot a geisha.
We ended the day with a late lunch at a cozy ramen spot nearby, then headed back to the ryokan for a much-needed rest.
Travel Tip: If you want to spot a geisha in Gion, go after 6 PM. They move quickly between appointments, but catching a glimpse is still a fun moment.
Day 3: Exploring Kyoto
Highlights:
- Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple
- Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka stroll + cucumber snack
- Pontocho Alley dinner
Jet lag worked in our favor, we were all up by 6:00 AM and grabbed breakfast from 7-Eleven. I finally tried the famous egg sandwich and banana coffee (surprisingly good!).
Travel Tip: Don’t skip convenience store food in Japan, it’s fresh, cheap, and great for quick meals.
We took the train to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, best visited early to avoid crowds. The walk through the towering stalks was short but stunning. Just next to it is Tenryu-ji Temple, with serene gardens and mountain views, one of my favorites in Kyoto.
By 10 AM, we were ready to explore more. We headed to Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two charming streets filled with souvenir shops and snacks. I tried a salted cucumber on a stick (refreshing!) and had cold soba for lunch, my first time trying cold noodles, and honestly, not bad.
In the afternoon, we rested at the hotel before heading to Pontocho Alley for dinner. This narrow, lantern-lit street is lined with small restaurants. We didn’t have a reservation, just wandered and picked a cozy spot that looked good.
We arrived early when it was still quiet, but by the time we left, it was packed. The atmosphere really comes alive after dark.
Travel Tip: Some Pontocho restaurants require reservations. If you’re with kids, go early to find casual spots without a wait.
Day 4: Last Day in Kyoto – Kimonos, Tea Ceremony, and Kaiseki
Highlights:
- Coffee at Coffee 2050
- Dressing in kimonos and attending a tea ceremony
- Visiting the Samurai and Ninja Museum
- Kaiseki lunch at Kinmata
- Shopping at MUJI + 7-Eleven dinner
We started the day at Coffee 2050, a quiet café with a minimalist vibe. I had an iced Ethiopian light roast that was absolutely delicious, and yes, I brought a bag home for my co-workers.
Next was our tea ceremony at Maikoya, which I had booked a month ahead. We arrived at 9:30 AM and were first dressed in kimonos, my daughter and I picked ours from a lovely selection, had our hair braided with pins, and wore traditional geta sandals. My husband and son joined us in matching attire, and we took a few photos before the ceremony.
The experience itself was peaceful and immersive. We learned how to prepare matcha tea in a traditional setting, with each step explained in detail. It was one of the most memorable and calming parts of our trip.
Travel Tip: Book your tea ceremony in advance. It’s worth it for both the experience and the photos.
Afterward, we walked to the Samurai and Ninja Museum, where the kids loved the hands-on exhibits. It was fun, educational, and a great stop right after something more serene.
We had lunch at Kinmata, a restaurant known for its kaiseki, a multi-course meal that highlights seasonal Japanese cuisine. The presentation was beautiful, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. Even the kids enjoyed the experience more than I expected.
Travel Tip: Kaiseki is a great way to experience Japanese fine dining, but preview the menu if you’re traveling with picky eaters.
Later that afternoon, we did some casual shopping. I stopped at MUJI and picked up a notebook, pen, and tote, simple but meaningful for me souvenirs.
We wrapped up the day with a 7-Eleven dinner in our room. Rice bowls, noodles, and snacks, easy and satisfying.
Day 5: Day Trip to Osaka – Castle Views, a Pool Break, and Okonomiyaki Night
Highlights:
- 15-min Shinkansen to Osaka
- Visiting Osaka Castle
- Resting at the hotel pool
- Exploring Dotonbori and seeing the Glico sign
- Eating okonomiyaki for dinner
We took a quick 15-minute Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka and dropped our bags at APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower before heading to Osaka Castle. The walk through the park was lovely, and seeing the castle up close was definitely worth it, especially with spring greenery all around.
After a few active days, we were feeling the fatigue, so we returned to the hotel and made use of the pool for a few hours of rest and play.
Travel Tip: Pools in Japan often come with an extra fee, and tattoos are usually not allowed unless covered with a rash guard. Always check the hotel policy beforehand.
In the evening, we headed to Dotonbori, Osaka’s neon-lit food district. It was busy, colorful, and full of energy, the kind of place that overwhelms you in the best way. We saw the iconic Glico running man sign and wandered along the canal.
For dinner, we found a casual spot serving okonomiyaki, a savory cabbage pancake topped with sauce and bonito flakes. It was crispy, flavorful, and a hit with everyone, including the kids.
Travel Tip: Dotonbori gets very crowded at night. If you’re with kids, go earlier to avoid the rush and look for restaurants with food models or English menus to make ordering easier.
Day 6: Travel to Tokyo – Shinkansen, Shinjuku, and a Local Dinner
Highlights:
- Shinkansen ride to Tokyo
- Staying at illi Rom Hamamatsucho
- Using a nearby luggage storage service
- Exploring Shinjuku: Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, Don Quijote
- Lunch at McDonald’s (with macarons!)
- Local dinner with no English menu
At this point in our 10-day Japan itinerary with kids, we’d hit three cities, tried countless local foods, and found a rhythm that worked for us.
We took the morning Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo, which was smooth and comfortable.
Travel Tip: Non-reserved Shinkansen seats (cars 1–2) are more affordable. We always found seats, even if not together.
We arrived in Tokyo around 11:00 AM and went straight to illi Rom Hamamatsucho, our hotel. Since there was no staff on-site and check-in wasn’t until 3 PM, we found a luggage storage place nearby and dropped off our bags.
Travel Tip: Most hotels allow early luggage drop-off, but confirm in advance. In our case, we paid about ¥6,000 (~$40) to store two large suitcases and two backpacks at a nearby service.
With our hands free, we explored Shinjuku, strolling through Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai, then stopping at Don Quijote to pick up an extra suitcase (yes, already!) and stock up on Japanese sunscreens.
Travel Tip: You can shop tax-free if you spend over ¥5,000 in one store. Just know that items are sealed and can’t be used until you leave the country. I’ve read that some people abuse this system, and changes may come in 2026.
We grabbed lunch at McDonald’s, where I tried the shrimp burger (just okay), but the macarons were a fun surprise.
Later that evening, after finally checking in and relaxing, we found a tiny local restaurant near the hotel. The staff didn’t speak English and the menu wasn’t translated, but everyone was kind, and pointing at what others ordered worked out perfectly. The food was great and the experience felt authentic.
Day 7: Exploring Tokyo – Harajuku, Shibuya & All the Walking
Highlights:
- Navigating Tokyo’s subway system
- Takeshita Street in Harajuku (desserts + themed cafés)
- Visiting Shibuya Crossing
- Simple dinner from 7-Eleven
The Tokyo subway system felt overwhelming at first, so many lines, platforms, and exits, but thankfully, signage is in both Japanese and English, which made navigating much easier. Once we got the hang of it, the trains were impressively clean, fast, and reliable.
Travel Tip: Use Google Maps for subway routes. It tells you which platform, which car, and even which exit to take. Some stations have 20+ exits, so this is a game-changer. Also, there is a train every 4-6 minutes. We never had to wait longer than that, even if we missed our train.
After our usual 7-Eleven breakfast, we headed to Harajuku and walked down Takeshita Street. It was loud, colorful, and full of energy, cute shops, themed cafés, and tons of desserts. We tried crepes and tanghulu, and saw cafés featuring micro pigs, otters, cats, and dogs.
Next, we went to Shibuya Crossing. We were surprised by how much smaller it looks in person, but standing in the middle of it was still a fun moment. We wandered around the area and grabbed lunch at a local spot nearby.
By 4:30 PM, we were wiped out from all the walking, so we headed back to the hotel and had a low-key 7-Eleven dinner. Everyone was too tired to go out again, and honestly, those meals always hit the spot.
Day 8: TeamLab Planets, Vegan Ramen in the Dark & Gundam Sightings
Highlights:
- Exploring TeamLab Planets (water room + flower garden)
- Lunch at Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo (dark dining)
- Visiting DiverCity to see the Gundam statue
- Shopping at DiverCity
This day was all about TeamLab Planets, and it completely lived up to the hype. We spent nearly three hours exploring the immersive digital art installations. Every room had a different theme, and walking barefoot through the water room surrounded by light projections felt surreal. The kids especially loved the floating flower garden and mirrored spaces, it was a favorite for all of us.
Travel Tip: Book TeamLab tickets in advance, they sell out fast. Wear clothes you can roll up since you’ll walk through water. It’s kid-friendly and unforgettable.
After the museum, we ate lunch at Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo, located just outside. We dined in a pitch dark room, and honestly, the ramen was incredible. One of the most flavorful bowls I’ve ever had, and I’m not even vegan.
Travel Tip: Don’t skip this spot, even if you’re not vegan. The dark dining concept makes it a unique and memorable experience.
Later, we visited DiverCity Tokyo Plaza to see the giant Gundam statue. In the evening the statue moves and lights up, which we didn’t get to see because we were there in the afternoon. Even if you’re not into anime, it’s pretty amazing to see in person. We did a bit of shopping at the mall before heading back to the hotel to rest.
Day 9: Asakusa, Akihabara, and a Shoe Hunt Across Tokyo
Highlights:
- Trying snacks and buying souvenirs in Asakusa
- Winning anime figures at a SEGA arcade in Akihabara
- Robot server lunch at Yasubei
- Sneaker shopping in Shibuya (better deals at ABC Mart)
We started the day in Asakusa, walking the shopping streets near Senso-ji Temple. It’s a great spot for souvenirs and snacks, we tried sweet potatoes, fresh mochi, and dango, all simple and delicious.
Next stop: Akihabara, home to arcades and anime everything. We visited a SEGA arcade, and the kids each won an anime figure from the claw machines, 3 total! At around $8–10 per win, it was a steal compared to U.S. prices.
Travel Tip: Claw machines in Japan are high-quality and actually winnable. Perfect little thrill for anime-loving kids.
For lunch, we went to Yasubei, where food is served by robot servers. The novelty made it a hit with the kids, and the food was solid too.
In the afternoon, we stopped by Alpen Tokyo in Shinjuku, hoping for good sneaker deals, but prices were comparable to the U.S., if not higher. So we hopped over to ABC Mart in Shibuya, where my husband scored a pair of Nike shoes for about ¥8,000, a much better deal.
Travel Tip: Always compare before buying. ABC Mart often has better sneaker prices than trendier spots like Alpen.
Day 10: Last Day in Tokyo – Tsukiji Market, Ginza, and Wagyu Steak
Highlights:
- Breakfast at Tsukiji Market (oysters + grilled squid)
- Coffee at Glitch in Ginza
- Final shopping at Don Quijote
- Dinner at Yakiniku Futago (Wagyu steak)
- Packing up for the flight home
For our last full day in Tokyo, we started with breakfast at Tsukiji Market. It’s the city’s iconic outer fish market, and definitely worth a morning visit if you want to try fresh seafood from the source.
We got there mid-morning and noticed many stalls were already closing down, so go early for the best selection.
Travel Tip: Most stalls at Tsukiji Market close by 1:00 PM. Plan to arrive by 9:00–10:00 AM to beat the crowds and get the freshest options.
We had oysters (everyone loved them, except my son, who happily had grilled squid instead), plus some fresh fruit before heading out.
After that, my husband and son returned to the hotel to rest, while my daughter and I took the train to Ginza. We walked around, did some window shopping, and I grabbed a coffee from Glitch, which was smooth, balanced, and probably the best coffee I had on the trip.
In the afternoon, we made one final stop at Don Quijote to grab snacks for family and friends. Then it was back to the hotel to start packing.
For our final meal, we went to Yakiniku Futago in Shimbashi for Wagyu steak. I’m not usually a big steak person, but this one melted in my mouth, absolutely worth it, and the perfect ending to the trip.
Travel Tip: If you’re flying home the next day, pack the night before. We had way more to fit in our suitcases than we came with.
Final Thoughts: Japan with Kids
What Helped, What Surprised Us, and What We’d Do Differently
Traveling to Japan with kids might sound intimidating, but this trip turned out to be one of the smoothest and most memorable we’ve taken as a family. The public transportation is reliable, people are kind, and even the convenience store food is better than you’d expect.
Here are a few things that made a big difference for us, and a few things we’d tweak next time:
What Helped
- Staying near major train stations saved time, steps, and energy, especially on travel days with luggage.
- Google Maps was essential for navigating the subway. It tells you which platform, car, and even exit to use.
- 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson were lifesavers for meals on the go. We relied on them more than once and never felt like we were settling.
- Booking major experiences in advance (like TeamLab and our tea ceremony) gave our trip structure and prevented last-minute stress.
- Packing light and doing laundry mid-trip kept things simple. Most hotels had washers, even the smaller ones.
What We’d Do Differently
- Choose easy-on, easy-off shoes—you’ll remove them often at temples, restaurants, and even in some hotel rooms.
- Slow down our city transitions—moving between cities was doable, but tiring. If we go again, we’d likely stay longer in fewer places.
- Shop later in the trip—we found better prices and variety in Tokyo, especially for skincare, snacks, and shoes.
If you’re planning your own 10-day Japan itinerary with kids, I hope this helps you figure out what to prioritize and what’s truly worth your time. It’s safe, easy to navigate, and packed with moments that make travel feel magical again. Whether it’s walking through glowing digital art, having ramen served by a robot, or just grabbing egg sandwiches at a convenience store, there’s something special for every age.
We came home a little tired but so full, in every way. And yes, we’d absolutely go back.
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