A 14 Days Family Trip to Japan
Japan is a country that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern technology, making it an ideal destination for a family trip. From bustling cities to serene temples, Japan offers a diverse range of experiences that will captivate both young and old. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed itinerary, local cuisine recommendations, accommodation suggestions, transportation options, and tips for saving money. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun!
Destination Highlights π
- Family-friendly activities such as visiting theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.
- Exploring ancient temples and shrines in Kyoto and Nara.
- Experiencing the vibrant city life in Tokyo and Osaka.
- Discovering the historical significance of Hiroshima.
Suggested Itinerary πΊοΈ
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Tokyo Disneyland | Visit Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum | Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner |
| 2 | Take a boat ride in Tokyo Bay | Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum | Experience the bustling nightlife in Shinjuku |
| 3 | Explore the historic Asakusa district | Visit the Tokyo Skytree | Enjoy a relaxing evening at an onsen (hot spring) |
| 4 | Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto | Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove | Attend a traditional tea ceremony |
| 5 | Discover the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) | Explore the Gion district | Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner |
| 6 | Visit Nara Park and feed the friendly deer | Explore the Todai-ji Temple | Experience a traditional Japanese puppet show |
| 7 | Explore Osaka Castle | Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan | Enjoy a delicious okonomiyaki dinner |
| 8 | Take a day trip to Hiroshima | Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum | Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner |
| 9 | Explore Miyajima Island | Visit Itsukushima Shrine | Enjoy a scenic hike on Mount Misen |
| 10 | Visit the Hiroshima Castle | Explore the Shukkei-en Garden | Enjoy a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner |
| 11 | Explore the vibrant Dotonbori district in Osaka | Visit the Osaka Science Museum | Enjoy a delicious takoyaki dinner |
| 12 | Take a day trip to Nara | Visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine | Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner |
| 13 | Explore the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka | Visit the Osaka Museum of History | Enjoy a final night of shopping and dining |
| 14 | Departure from Japan | - | - |
Realistic Time Management β°
- Day 1: Tokyo Disneyland (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
- Day 2: Tokyo Bay boat ride (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM), Edo-Tokyo Museum (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM), Shinjuku nightlife (7:00 PM onwards)
- Day 3: Asakusa district (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM), Tokyo Skytree (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM), onsen experience (6:00 PM onwards)
- Day 4: Fushimi Inari Shrine (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM), tea ceremony (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
- Day 5: Golden Pavilion (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM), Gion district (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM), kaiseki dinner (6:00 PM onwards)
- Day 6: Nara Park (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM), Todai-ji Temple (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM), puppet show (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
- Day 7: Osaka Castle (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM), Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM), okonomiyaki dinner (6:00 PM onwards)
- Day 8: Day trip to Hiroshima (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM), Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner (7:00 PM onwards)
- Day 9: Miyajima Island (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM), Mount Misen hike (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
- Day 10: Hiroshima Castle (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM), Shukkei-en Garden (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM), Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner (6:00 PM onwards)
- Day 11: Dotonbori district in Osaka (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM), Osaka Science Museum (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM), takoyaki dinner (6:00 PM onwards)
- Day 12: Day trip to Nara (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM), Kasuga Taisha Shrine (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM), kaiseki dinner (8:00 PM onwards)
- Day 13: Umeda Sky Building in Osaka (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM), Osaka Museum of History (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM), shopping and dining (4:00 PM onwards)
- Day 14: Departure from Japan
Local Cuisine π£
- Famous local food: Sushi, Ramen, Tempura, Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki
- Recommended restaurants:
Accommodation Recommendations π¨
- Budget: Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
- Mid-range: Hotel Monterey Ginza, Hotel Mystays Premier Akasaka, Hotel Niwa Tokyo
- Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, Aman Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
How To Get There And Away π
- Tokyo: Fly into Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport. Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to the city center.
- Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- Osaka: Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
- Hiroshima: Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Nara: Take a local train from Osaka to Nara. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Comprehensive Packing List π
- Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
- Electronics: Universal power adapter, portable charger, camera.
- Miscellaneous: Travel-sized toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, umbrella.
Budget Consideration π°
a. The standard cost of living per person per day in Japan is approximately $100-$150, depending on the level of luxury. b. Relevant costs from the suggested itinerary (excluding accommodation) include entrance fees to attractions, transportation costs, and meals. c. Tips for saving money:
- Opt for local street food stalls or affordable restaurants for meals.
- Purchase a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on the Shinkansen and other JR trains.
- Take advantage of free attractions and activities, such as exploring parks and gardens.
Language and Cultural Etiquette π£οΈ
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases such as "hello," "thank you," and "excuse me."
- Bow when greeting someone as a sign of respect.
- Remove your shoes when entering someone's home or certain establishments.
- Avoid talking loudly in public places and be mindful of personal space.
Some Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences πΏ
- Visit the beautiful island of Naoshima, known for its contemporary art museums and installations.
- Explore the historic town of Kanazawa, famous for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts.
- Take a hike in the picturesque Kamikochi Valley in the Japanese Alps.
Frequently Asked Questions β
Q: When is the best time to visit Japan? A: The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms or fall foliage are in full bloom.
Q: Is it safe to travel in Japan with children? A: Yes, Japan is generally considered a safe country for travelers, including families with children. However, it's always important to keep an eye on your children and follow basic safety precautions.
Q: Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of? A: Yes, it's important to be respectful of Japanese customs and traditions. For example, avoid eating or drinking while walking, and always say "itadakimasu" before starting a meal.
Conclusion π
Japan offers a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern attractions, making it an ideal destination for a 14-day family trip. From exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo to immersing yourself in the rich history of Kyoto and Hiroshima, there is something for everyone in this captivating country. So start planning your trip, and get ready to create lifelong memories with your loved ones in Japan!
πΊ For more inspiration, check out these videos of family trips to Japan:
