⚡ Before You Go — Essentials
🍖 NO PORK Policy
Every restaurant in this itinerary has been selected with your no-pork restriction in mind. In Japan, pork hides everywhere — ramen broth (tonkotsu), gyoza filling, tonkatsu, nikuman. Always say "buta nashi de onegaishimasu" (豚なしでお願いします) — no pork please. Cards with your allergy in Japanese are a lifesaver. Print one or save it on your phone.
👶 Toddler Travel Tips
Japan is insanely family-friendly. Most department stores have nursing rooms (akachan rooms) with changing tables, hot water for formula, and even kid-size toilets. Elevators are everywhere in train stations (look for the ♿ signs). Bring a lightweight umbrella stroller — compact enough for trains, tough enough for temple steps. Convenience stores (konbini) have onigiri, fruit cups, and milk anytime.
🚄 Getting Around
Get Suica/PASMO cards for everyone (kids under 6 ride free on trains). For the Tokyo→Kansai leg, book Shinkansen tickets at the station or use SmartEX app. Reserve seats (shitei-seki) for family comfort. In Osaka/Kyoto, the subway + JR + Kintetsu covers everything. Taxis are clean and safe — great for tired toddler moments.
🍵 Matcha Morning Ritual
Your mornings start with matcha. Japan takes tea seriously — from ceremonial grade whisked in Kyoto to creamy matcha lattes in Shinjuku. We've routed a matcha stop into every single morning because you asked for it and honestly it's the best way to start a day.
🏰 Disneyland Tokyo — Optional Add-On
You mentioned wanting to visit Tokyo Disneyland but it didn't fit neatly into the packed daily schedule. If you want to add it, the best swap is Day 2 or Day 5 — trade one of those itineraries for a full Disneyland day. It's in Maihama (20 min from Shinjuku by JR). Book tickets at tokyodisneyresort.jp well in advance. With toddlers, focus on Fantasyland and Toontown — they're designed for little ones. Go on a weekday for shorter lines.
Landing Day — Welcome to Tokyo
You land at NRT around 1pm. By the time you clear customs, grab bags, and ride the Narita Express into Shinjuku, it'll be late afternoon. Drop bags at your Airbnb, stretch those toddler legs, and ease into Tokyo with evening walks through Shinjuku's legendary eating alleys. Tonight is about vibes and yakitori, not distance.
Narita Express to Shinjuku
The N'EX (Narita Express) runs directly to Shinjuku Station in about 80 minutes. Reserved seats, luggage racks, and a smooth ride — perfect for jet-lagged toddlers to nap. Buy tickets at the JR counter in the airport arrivals hall.
Check Into Shinjuku Airbnb
Drop bags, freshen up, let the toddlers decompress. Your Shinjuku base puts you within walking distance of tonight's plans and most of your Tokyo adventures. Take 30 minutes to reset before heading out.
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Your first Tokyo dinner in one of its most atmospheric spots. Omoide Yokocho is a narrow alley of tiny yakitori joints tucked behind Shinjuku Station's west exit. Smoke billows from charcoal grills, paper lanterns glow amber, and each stall seats maybe 6-8 people. Order chicken skewers (specify "buta nashi" — no pork) and cold beer. This is where Tokyo reveals its soul on night one.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
After the kids start fading, stroll through Golden Gai — 6 narrow lanes packed with 200+ tiny bars, each with its own theme and personality. With toddlers you're mostly walking and soaking in the atmosphere (save the actual bar-hopping for a night when one adult stays home). The neon-lit alleys are incredible just to walk through.
Shrines, Kawaii & Shinjuku Neon
From an ancient forest shrine to Harajuku's rainbow chaos. Start with matcha and the sacred Meiji Jingū, go wild on Takeshita Street (crepes, cotton candy, One Piece store), fluffy pancakes for lunch, then wind down in Shinjuku Gyoen gardens before a neon-soaked evening in Kabukicho.
Meiji Jingū Shrine
Walk through the towering torii gate into Meiji Jingū's ancient forest. This Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji feels like stepping out of Tokyo entirely. The gravel paths wind through 170,000 trees donated from across Japan. Write a wish on an ema (wooden plaque) and hang it with thousands of others. Arrive early before the crowds build.
Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Dive into Takeshita Street — Harajuku's famous pedestrian lane packed with kawaii shops, crepe stands, character stores, and wild fashion. It's sensory overload in the best way. The kids will point at everything. Get cotton candy the size of their heads and crepes stuffed with whipped cream and strawberries.
ONE PIECE Mugiwara Store Harajuku
The official One Piece character store right in Harajuku. Luffy hats, Zoro swords, Chopper plushies, and exclusive Japan-only merchandise. If your crew has any One Piece fans, this is mandatory.
A Happy Pancake Omotesando
The fluffiest soufflé pancakes in Tokyo. These iconic jiggly pancakes take 20 minutes to cook and wobble like clouds. The kids will be mesmerized watching them jiggle. Worth every minute of the wait.
Yoyogi Park
Right next to Meiji Jingū, Yoyogi Park is Tokyo's Central Park. Wide open lawns, shady trees, and on weekends you might catch rockabilly dancers or street performers. Let the toddlers run while you catch your breath after Harajuku.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
A massive, peaceful garden right in Shinjuku. Three distinct garden styles — Japanese, English, and French — plus wide lawns for toddler running. May brings irises and late azaleas. The perfect afternoon cooldown.
Don Quijote Shinjuku
Don Quijote (Donki) is Japan's legendary discount store — a sensory overload of snacks, toys, cosmetics, and random treasures stacked floor to ceiling. The Shinjuku Kabukicho location is open 24 hours. Stock up on Japanese Kit-Kats and kid supplies.
3D Cat Cross Shinjuku Space
Look up at the giant 3D cat on the Cross Shinjuku Vision screen. The hyper-realistic calico cat has been Tokyo's unofficial mascot since 2021. Kids will be mesmerized by the cat that seems to leap out of the building.
Kabukicho & Kabuki Yokocho
Shinjuku's neon-drenched entertainment district comes alive at night. Walk through the iconic red Kabukicho gate, past the Godzilla head on the Hotel Gracery building, and into Kabuki Yokocho — a retro-themed food hall in the Kabukicho Tower with multiple stalls serving yakitori, seafood, and tempura.
Market Breakfast, Art & Shibuya Sunset
From the freshest seafood breakfast at Tsukiji to goldfish art installations in Ginza to the world's busiest crossing in Shibuya. End the day 230 meters up at Shibuya Sky watching sunset paint Tokyo gold. Today you eat, admire, cross, and soar.
Tsukiji Outer Market
The outer market is still thriving with food stalls and restaurants. Grab fresh tamagoyaki (egg omelette on a stick), grilled seafood skewers, and fruit. Skip the tourist sushi spots and eat what the vendors are eating. Everything is fresh off the boat.
Art Aquarium Museum (Ginza)
Goldfish swimming in beautifully illuminated art installations — part aquarium, part art gallery, entirely mesmerizing. The dark rooms with glowing fish tanks create a magical atmosphere. Kids will press their faces against every tank. Located in the Ginza area.
Godaime Hanayama Udon (Ginza)
Thick, chewy sanuki-style udon in a refined Ginza setting. The noodles are made fresh daily and served in a rich dashi broth. Perfect comfort food lunch — completely pork-free, and the kids will slurp happily.
Shibuya Crossing
Stand in the middle of the world's busiest intersection. Up to 3,000 people cross from all directions every light change. Walk it, film it, stand on the center island. The organized chaos is hypnotic. Kids will love watching from the elevated vantage points.
MAGNET by SHIBUYA109
Rooftop view of Shibuya Crossing from above, plus a multi-floor mall with trendy Japanese fashion. The rooftop Crossing View is free and gives you the bird's-eye perspective of the scramble that photos don't do justice.
Pokémon Center Shibuya
One of Tokyo's several Pokémon Centers — this one in Shibuya PARCO has a unique Shibuya-themed design and exclusive merch. Pikachu in a Shibuya outfit! Great warm-up before the Mega Tokyo location later this trip.
Café Reissue
Famous for custom latte art — they'll draw any character on your drink. Get a Pikachu, Kirby, or Totoro latte for the kids (or yourself). The baristas are true artists. Instagram gold.
Shibuya Sky
Take the elevator 230 meters up to Shibuya Sky's open-air observation deck for the best sunset view in Tokyo. The city stretches to infinity in every direction. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji. Book tickets online in advance — sunset slots sell out.
PEANUTS Café Sunny Side Kitchen
A Snoopy-themed restaurant in Shibuya's Minami-Aoyama area. Cute Snoopy and Charlie Brown themed dishes, drinks, and décor. The kids will love spotting all the Peanuts characters around the restaurant. Solid food too — not just a gimmick.
Ancient Temples, Character Cafés & Spa Night
From Tokyo's oldest temple to its biggest Pokémon store to a 24-hour hot spring spa. This is a packed day — Sensō-ji at dawn for ichigo daifuku and incense, Hie-jinja's torii tunnel, then the entire Ikebukuro character zone: Sunshine City, Pokémon Center Mega, Ghibli Store, and Kirby Café. End with a luxurious soak at Toyosu Manyo Club.
Sensō-ji Temple & Nakamise-dōri
Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple. Walk through the massive Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), browse the 250m Nakamise shopping street, and enter the incense-filled main hall. Get there early before the crowds build. The five-story pagoda is stunning in morning light.
Ichigo Daifuku at Asakusa
Hunt for ichigo daifuku (strawberry mochi) — plump strawberries wrapped in sweet bean paste and soft mochi. Several shops along Nakamise sell them. May is the tail end of strawberry season so they're extra sweet.
Wagyu Breakfast at Wagyu Ichinoya
Start the day right with wagyu beef near Sensō-ji. Rich, marbled, melt-in-your-mouth Japanese beef for breakfast — because you're on vacation and the rules don't apply. The set meals come with rice, miso, and pickles.
UNIQLO Asakusa
The Asakusa Uniqlo has a great selection of Japan-exclusive items and the building itself is beautiful — traditional-meets-modern architecture. Grab any Japan-exclusive anime collabs or UT tees.
Hie-jinja Shrine
A peaceful Shinto shrine near Akasaka with a famous tunnel of red torii gates (a smaller, less crowded version of Fushimi Inari). The hillside staircase through the torii is beautiful and makes for incredible photos.
Sunshine City
A massive entertainment complex in Ikebukuro. Beyond the character stores, check out Sunshine Aquarium on the rooftop — penguins swimming in a sky-high tank above your head, plus seals and sea otters. Perfect for toddlers who need a break from walking.
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo & Pikachu Sweets
THE biggest Pokémon Center in Tokyo. Wall-to-wall plushies, exclusive merch, and game demos. Right next door, Pikachu Sweets café serves Pikachu-shaped desserts and drinks. The kids won't want to leave.
KIDDY LAND Ikebukuro
Six floors of character goods and toys — everything from Disney to Sanrio to anime. It's basically a vertical toy store. The kids will want to camp here permanently.
Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store)
The official Studio Ghibli merchandise store — Totoro plushies, Kiki's Delivery Service bags, Spirited Away accessories. The Ikebukuro location in Sunshine City is one of the largest. Stock up on Ghibli souvenirs.
Kirby Café Tokyo
The permanent Kirby Café in Tokyo Solamachi serves adorable Kirby-themed food — pink curry, character pancakes, and Waddle Dee desserts. MUST reserve online well in advance — slots open 1 month before. This place books out instantly.
Toyosu Manyo Club (24-Hour Spa)
End the day at Toyosu Manyo Club — a massive onsen resort right on Tokyo Bay. Natural hot spring water, multiple bath types, a manga library, rest areas, and restaurants. The outdoor foot bath has Rainbow Bridge views. Family-friendly with kid bathing areas.
Cat Temple, Tokyo Tower, teamLab & Skytree
Your last full day in Tokyo — and it's a greatest hits marathon. Start at the legendary cat temple Gōtokuji, walk through Prince Shiba Park to Tokyo Tower, then spend the afternoon at teamLab Planets (the barefoot immersive art experience), catch sunset views from Tokyo Skytree, and finish with a farewell dinner and the free observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Gōtokuji Temple (Cat Temple)
Take the Odakyu Line to Gōtokuji — the birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat). Thousands of white lucky cat figurines line the shelves of this serene Buddhist temple. Buy a small one (¥300-3,000), make a wish, and leave it to join the collection. The toddlers will think it's a cat village.
Prince Shiba Park & Tokyo Tower
Walk through the green lawns of Shiba Park with Tokyo Tower looming above. The park is great for a toddler run — open grass, shade trees, and the tower framed perfectly. Then head up Tokyo Tower itself for 360° views from Tokyo's classic orange lattice landmark.
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Walk barefoot through water, wade knee-deep through a koi pond of digital fish, and lie back in a room of infinite flowers. teamLab Planets is a full-body immersive experience that toddlers and adults love equally. You WILL get wet — wear shorts or roll up your pants.
Tokyo Skytree & Oyokogawa Shinsui Park
At 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan. Take the elevator to the Tembo Deck (350m) for views that stretch to Mt. Fuji on clear days. Nearby, Oyokogawa Shinsui Park offers a peaceful canal-side walk to decompress after the heights.
Farewell Dinner — Wagyu
Your last dinner in Tokyo deserves wagyu. Find a halal-friendly or pork-free yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) spot in Harajuku or Shibuya. Grill premium beef at your table — the interactive cooking is fun for the whole family.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
FREE observation deck on the 45th floor with panoramic night views of Tokyo. Open some evenings until 11pm (South Tower). The building itself is an architectural landmark. Perfect final Tokyo photo op.
Shinkansen West — Nara Deer & Kyoto Night
Pack up the Tokyo Airbnb and bullet train to the Kansai region. First stop: Nara, where 1,200 wild deer bow for crackers and your toddlers will lose their minds. Deer park, ice cream bouquets at Bokksu Market, and botanical gardens. Then settle into Kyoto for an evening stroll through the lantern-lit geisha district of Gion.
Shinkansen to Kyoto
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shinagawa or Tokyo Station to Kyoto. The Nozomi takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Book reserved seats — aim for the right side (seats E/D) heading west for Mt. Fuji views around 40 minutes in.
Nara Park — Feed the Deer
From Kyoto, take the JR Nara Line (45 min) to Nara. Walk 5 minutes from the station and you're in Nara Park — 500 hectares of green space where over 1,200 sika deer roam freely. Buy shika senbei (deer crackers, ¥200) and teach the toddlers to bow to the deer — they bow back!
Bokksu Market
Near Nara Park, check out the local market scene for Japanese snacks, ice cream bouquets (ice cream served in a flower-like arrangement), and regional specialties. Stock up on treats and omiyage.
Manyo Botanical Gardens
A peaceful garden featuring plants mentioned in the Man'yōshū, Japan's oldest poetry anthology. Beautiful in May with new growth everywhere. A serene escape from the deer chaos — let the toddlers waddle through the garden paths.
Return to Kyoto
Take the train back to Kyoto (about 45 minutes). Check into your accommodation — ideally near Kyoto Station or the Gion area for easy access to tomorrow's adventures.
Gion District Stroll
Walk through Gion — Kyoto's famous geisha (geiko) district at night when it's most magical. Narrow wooden machiya streets, tea houses with paper lanterns, and if you're lucky, a geiko or maiko in full kimono heading to an appointment. The lantern-lit streets are unforgettable.
Kyoto — Torii Gates, Bamboo Forest & Miffy Café
The postcard-perfect Kyoto day. Start with 10,000 vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari at dawn, sip ceremonial matcha at Rokujuan Tea House, then cross the city to Arashiyama for the iconic bamboo forest, Miffy Café, Kimono Forest, hidden stone Buddhas, and wild monkeys. End with a kimono photoshoot stroll through Gion at sunset.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
The most iconic sight in Japan — thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up Mt. Inari. Go EARLY (before 8am) to have the gates almost to yourself. The first 20 minutes to the Yotsutsuji intersection is stunning and toddler-manageable. After that it gets steep — turn back whenever the kids signal they're done.
Rokujuan Tea House
After Fushimi Inari, walk to Rokujuan — a traditional tea house serving ceremonial matcha and sweets. Sit in the tatami room, watch the tea preparation, and enjoy calm before the day ramps up. The matcha is whisked by hand, served with a seasonal wagashi sweet.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Walk through towering bamboo groves that create a green cathedral above you. The sound of wind through bamboo is otherworldly. Go early/midday before the afternoon tour bus crowds. The path is stroller-friendly on the main route.
Arashiyama Miffy Sakura Kitchen
A Miffy-themed café and bakery right in Arashiyama. Miffy-shaped bread, character drinks, and adorable merchandise. Perfect family lunch spot — the kids will recognize the bunny immediately. The food is actually good, not just cute.
Kimono Forest
At Randen Arashiyama Station, 600 pillars draped in colorful kimono fabric line the platform. Lit beautifully at all hours, but especially magical as the light changes. Free, open, and toddlers love running between the glowing pillars.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
A hidden gem — 1,200 quirky stone Buddhist statues (rakan), each with a unique, expressive face. Some are laughing, some are meditating, some look confused. The kids will play "find the funniest face" for an hour. It's a bit further out in Arashiyama but totally worth the detour.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Hike up (20 min) to a hilltop park where 120 wild Japanese macaque monkeys roam freely. The panoramic views of Kyoto from the top are incredible. The monkeys are used to humans — you can feed them through a mesh fence. Toddlers will be fascinated.
Okazaki Sakura Corridor
A scenic canal walk in eastern Kyoto lined with cherry trees. In May the greenery is lush and beautiful. A peaceful evening stroll with nice light for photos. The toddlers can walk along the canal path.
Kimono Rental & Gion Evening Stroll
Book a kimono rental experience and stroll through Gion in traditional dress. Many shops near Gion offer family kimono rental including children's sizes. Walk through the lantern-lit streets, stop at Yasaka Shrine, and take family photos in kimono. A magical evening.
Osaka — Pokémon, Aquarium & Dōtonbori
Today you set up base camp in Osaka — Japan's kitchen. Start with an Onitsuka Tiger shopping stop, lunch at the Pokémon Café (the kids are going to EXPLODE), spend the afternoon with whale sharks at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, then end with the legendary neon-lit food crawl through Dōtonbori.
Train to Osaka & Check In
Take the JR Special Rapid from Kyoto to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your Osaka accommodation — ideally near Namba or Shinsaibashi for the best food and transit access. Drop bags and head out.
Onitsuka Tiger Store
The Shinsaibashi Onitsuka Tiger store has Japan-exclusive sneaker designs you can't get anywhere else. If anyone in your crew is a sneakerhead, this is a must-stop. Beautiful store design too.
Pokémon Café Osaka Shinsaibashi
The Pokémon Café in Osaka is a full sit-down restaurant with character-themed food and Pikachu appearing at your table during service. MUST book online well in advance — slots open 31 days before. The food is adorable (Pikachu curry, Eevee parfait) and the kids will lose it when Pikachu waves at them.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
One of the world's best aquariums. The centerpiece is a massive tank with whale sharks, manta rays, and schools of fish that you view while spiraling down 8 floors. Penguins, seals, dolphins, and jellyfish rooms too. The toddlers will be glued to the glass for hours.
Shinsaibashi Shopping
Osaka's main shopping arcade — covered, long, and packed with everything. Browse the stores between the aquarium and dinner. The covered arcade means rain is never a problem.
Glico Sign & Dōtonbori Canal
Osaka's legendary entertainment and food district. The Glico Running Man sign, the mechanical crab, the giant blowfish — it's sensory overload and the toddlers will be transfixed. Walk along the canal lit up in neon.
Immo Pipi Sweet Potato
Famous Osaka street snack — sweet potato treats in various forms. Soft-serve, candied, baked, fried. Sweet potato is a beloved Japanese snack and Immo Pipi does it best. The kids will devour this.
Dōtonbori Street Food Crawl
Osaka is Japan's kitchen (kuidaore — eat until you drop). Hit the street food stalls for takoyaki (octopus balls), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers — get chicken/shrimp, skip pork), and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes — request no pork). Eat your way down both sides of the canal.
Back to Tokyo — Final Shopping & JJK Pilgrimage
Shinkansen back to Tokyo for your final day. This is the souvenir and anime pilgrimage day. Hit SURUGA-YA for retro anime goods, Seria for ¥100 treasures, a fancy farewell lunch in Marunouchi, then make your JJK pilgrimage to the real-life Shibuya and Shinjuku locations. Pack, eat, and say goodbye to Tokyo.
Shinkansen Back to Tokyo
Take the morning Nozomi from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo/Shinagawa. About 2 hours 15 minutes. You know the drill by now — ekiben, Mt. Fuji views on the left side this time, and toddler naps.
SURUGA-YA Shinjuku Marui Annex
Retro anime figures, vintage manga, secondhand games, and rare collectibles at great prices. SURUGA-YA is Japan's biggest secondhand anime/game chain. The Shinjuku Marui Annex location has an excellent curated selection.
Seria Shinjuku Marui Annex
Japan's cutest ¥100 store — same building as SURUGA-YA. Adorable stationery, toys, crafts, kitchen goods, and seasonal items. Everything is ¥100 (about $0.70). The quality is genuinely impressive for the price. Stock up on gifts.
The Front Room Deli Restaurant (Marunouchi)
A stylish restaurant in the Marunouchi area (near Tokyo Station) for a fancy farewell lunch. Great for celebrating the end of an incredible trip. Elegant but not stuffy — families welcome.
JJK Pilgrimage — Shibuya Station
For Jujutsu Kaisen fans: Shibuya Station is THE location for the Shibuya Incident arc. Stand where it all went down. The Hachiko exit, the scramble crossing, the underground passages — all key JJK settings. Take your photos and pay respects to the fallen.
JJK Pilgrimage — Shinjuku Station East Exit
Shinjuku Station East Exit — another key JJK location. The massive station, the east exit plaza, and the surrounding area all feature in the manga/anime. Stand at the exit and imagine the cursed spirits.
Final Tokyo Dinner
Your last dinner in Japan. Choose your favorite from this trip — whether it's yakitori, sushi, udon, or wagyu. Shinjuku has endless options. Savor every bite.
Last Convenience Store Run & Pack
One final konbini run for snacks and last-minute souvenirs. Japanese convenience stores are their own experience — onigiri, egg salad sandwiches, matcha everything, and seasonal treats. Then pack up and get some sleep before your flight.
Departure Day — Sayonara Japan 🇯🇵
Your final morning in Japan. No rushed sightseeing — just one more matcha, a konbini breakfast, and a smooth ride to the airport. You conquered 60+ spots across three cities with toddlers. You are legends. またね (mata ne) — see you next time, Japan.
Final Matcha & Konbini Breakfast
One last matcha latte and a konbini breakfast run. Grab onigiri, egg salad sandwiches, and fruit for the road. The toddlers know the konbini drill by now — they'll head straight for the snack aisle.
Narita Express to NRT
Take the Narita Express from Shinjuku back to Narita Airport. About 80 minutes — same smooth ride as when you arrived, but now with 10 days of memories and way more luggage. Allow plenty of time with kids.
💰 Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥8,000–15,000/night | ¥15,000–30,000/night | ¥30,000–60,000/night |
| Meals (family of 5) | ¥5,000–8,000/day | ¥10,000–18,000/day | ¥25,000–40,000/day |
| Transport (local) | ¥2,000–4,000/day | ¥4,000–8,000/day | ¥10,000–20,000/day |
| Tokyo→Kyoto Shinkansen | ¥13,870/adult | ¥13,870/adult | ¥13,870/adult (Green Car: ¥19,040) |
| Activities | ¥2,000–5,000/day | ¥5,000–12,000/day | ¥15,000–25,000/day |
| 10-Day Total (family of 5) | ¥250,000–400,000 | ¥450,000–750,000 | ¥900,000–1,500,000 |
✈️ Arriving & Departing
- NRT (Narita) → Shinjuku: Narita Express (N'EX) ~80 min
- Buy Suica/PASMO IC cards at the airport — works on all trains, buses, konbini
- Kids under 6: free on all trains (no seat), or buy a child ticket for reserved seat
- Osaka → KIX: Nankai Rapi:t ~40 min from Namba (if departing from Kansai)
🏨 Accommodation
- Tokyo (May 15-19): Shinjuku Airbnb — great central location
- Kyoto (May 20): One night near Kyoto Station or Gion
- Osaka (May 21-23): Near Namba or Shinsaibashi for food/transit
- Tokyo (May 23): Back to Shinjuku area for final night
🍖 NO PORK Survival Guide
- Say: "buta nashi de onegaishimasu" (豚なしでお願いします) = No pork please
- Print/save an allergy card in Japanese explaining no pork
- Tonkotsu ramen = pork broth. Choose shio (salt), shoyu (soy), or tori (chicken)
- Gyoza usually contains pork — ask before ordering
- Konbini onigiri: check for 豚 (buta) on label — salmon, tuna, umeboshi are safe
- Kushikatsu: default is mixed — specifically order chicken (tori), shrimp (ebi), veggie
👶 Family Essentials
- Nursing rooms (akachan rooms): in every department store and major station
- Konbini: diapers, wipes, baby food, milk available 24/7 at 7-11/Lawson/FamilyMart
- Most restaurants have high chairs — ask for "kodomo isu"
- Stroller tip: bring lightweight umbrella stroller, rent from some malls
- Japanese toilets: warm seats, bidets — the kids will be fascinated
🌡️ May Weather
- Average 18-24°C (64-75°F) — pleasant spring weather
- Occasional rain — pack light rain jackets and stroller rain cover
- UV moderate — sunscreen for outdoor days
- Comfortable for walking all day — not too hot, not too cold
💳 Money & Tips
- IC cards (Suica/PASMO) work for trains and many shops
- Cash is still king at smaller shops and food stalls — carry ¥10,000-20,000
- No tipping in Japan — ever. It's considered rude
- 7-11 and Lawson ATMs accept foreign cards
- Tax-free shopping: bring passport, spend ¥5,000+ at one store
📋 Book In Advance
- teamLab Planets — sells out weeks ahead
- Shibuya Sky — timed entry, book sunset slot
- Kirby Café — reservation required, opens 1 month before at noon JST
- Pokémon Café Osaka — must book online 31 days before
- Kimono rental/photoshoot — popular in May, book early
- Shinkansen reserved seats — book via SmartEX app or at JR counter