Our trip planner helps you organize and enhance your journey with ease. Explore recommendations, plan your itinerary, and start your adventure today!
Welcome to Your Japan Budget Family Adventure!
We’re excited to guide you through an incredible journey in Japan, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Kyoto. With careful planning, your family will enjoy a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation, all while keeping an eye on the budget. Let’s get started!
Travel Dates and Activities
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo (May 7, 2025)
- Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus into the city.
- Check into your budget-friendly accommodation, such as K’s House Tokyo Oasis or Grids Tokyo Asakusa.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Asakusa and the historic Senso-ji Temple.
- Enjoy dinner at a local ramen shop—perfect for a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine.
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration (May 8, 2025)
- Visit the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo in Ueno Park.
- Head to Akihabara for an afternoon of electronic shopping and anime culture.
- Experience the vibrant street life of Shibuya in the evening.
Day 3: More Tokyo Highlights (May 9, 2025)
- Explore the Imperial Palace and its beautiful gardens.
- Visit the famous Meiji Shrine.
- Have a picnic in Yoyogi Park, where you might catch street performers.
- Relax with some sushi at a conveyer belt sushi restaurant.
Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko (May 10, 2025)
- Take a day trip to Nikko to see the stunning Toshogu Shrine.
- Walk through the scenic countryside.
- Return to Tokyo in the evening to rest.
Day 5: Travel to Kyoto (May 11, 2025)
- Catch an early Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto using a JR Rail Pass.
- Check into Kyoto accommodations like Guesthouse Wasabi Kyoto Soba or Hostel LEN Kyoto.
- Wander through the historic Gion district.
Day 6: Kyoto’s Temples (May 12, 2025)
- Spend the day visiting iconic sites such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji, and Ninna-ji.
- Enjoy matcha ice cream at a local shop.
Day 7: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (May 13, 2025)
- Explore the breathtaking Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple.
- Visit the nearby Iwatayama Monkey Park for some family fun.
Day 8: Day Trip to Nara (May 14, 2025)
- Enjoy a day in Nara to interact with the free-roaming deer and visit Todai-ji Temple.
- Return to Kyoto and indulge in an affordable izakaya dinner.
Day 9: Explore Osaka (May 15, 2025)
- Take a short train ride to Osaka.
- Visit the famous Osaka Aquarium and spend the afternoon at Universal Studios Japan.
- Try the local street food specialty, takoyaki.
Day 10: Return to Tokyo (May 16, 2025)
- Head back to Tokyo.
- Explore neighborhoods like Harajuku and Omotesando.
- Visit Tokyo DisneySea for an evening of family fun.
Day 11: Hakone Day Trip (May 17, 2025)
- Escape to Hakone for beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.
- Enjoy a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
- Back to Tokyo for an authentic Japanese dinner.
Day 12: Tokyo Sights (May 18, 2025)
- Have a leisurely day: visit Odaiba and teamLab Borderless.
- Dinner and shopping in Ginza.
Day 13: Free Day or Return to Favorite Spots (May 19, 2025)
- Revisit any favorite spots or find a new experience in Tokyo.
- Prepare for departure and do any last-minute shopping.
Day 14: Departure (May 20, 2025)
- Head to the airport for your flight home.
- Say goodbye to Japan, filled with wonderful memories!
Accommodation Recommendations
- Tokyo: K’s House Tokyo Oasis, Grids Tokyo Asakusa
- Kyoto: Guesthouse Wasabi Kyoto Soba, Hostel LEN Kyoto
- Osaka: J-Hoppers Osaka Guesthouse, Hostel 64 Osaka
What to Avoid in Japan in 2025
- Avoid the cherry blossom and Golden Week rush by visiting landmarks early or late in the day.
- Be mindful of the local etiquettes: public displays of affection, loud talking, and tipping are seen as unusual.
- Beware of touts in tourist-heavy areas.
Travel eSIM Recommendation
To stay connected, we recommend using an eSIM from rapidesim.com, known for its affordable plans and reliable service in Japan.
FAQ
- Do I need a JR Rail Pass? It's recommended as it offers unlimited travel on most trains, including bullet trains.
- Are credit cards widely accepted? While they are accepted in most places, it’s wise to carry cash for smaller vendors and rural areas.
- What to pack? Pack layers for variable weather, comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear.
Trip Conclusion - Calendar
>> Buy an international eSIM << Get 5% OFF. Code: INTERNETEVERYWHERE25
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| May 7 | Arrival in Tokyo, explore Asakusa |
| May 8 | Tokyo National Museum, Akihabara |
| May 9 | Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine |
| May 10 | Day trip to Nikko |
| May 11 | Travel to Kyoto, Gion district |
| May 12 | Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Gion |
| May 13 | Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park |
| May 14 | Day trip to Nara |
| May 15 | Explore Osaka, Universal Studios |
| May 16 | Return to Tokyo, Harajuku |
| May 17 | Hakone day trip |
