⚡ Before You Go — Essentials
🍜 No Pork, No Problem
Japan loves pork, but this itinerary is 100% pork-free. We've selected restaurants with chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetable options. Key phrase to know: "Butaniku nashi de onegaishimasu" (ブタ肉なしでお願いします) — "No pork please." Also useful: "Buta wa taberaremasen" (豚は食べられません) — "I cannot eat pork." Many ramen shops offer chicken (tori) or seafood (gyokai) broths — just ask!
👶 Stroller Strategy
Japan is surprisingly stroller-friendly. Train stations have elevators (look for エレベーター signs), and most major attractions are accessible. Bring a compact folding stroller — you'll fold it on trains during rush hour. Temples often have gravel paths so a lightweight stroller with bigger wheels helps. Baby changing stations are everywhere — even convenience stores.
🚅 IC Cards & Trains
Get Suica or PASMO IC cards at any train station — they work on ALL trains, subways, and buses across Tokyo and Osaka. Tap-on, tap-off. Kids under 6 ride free. For the Tokyo→Osaka Shinkansen (bullet train), book reserved seats for space and comfort with the stroller.
🌤️ May Weather
Mid-May is one of the best times to visit Japan — warm (20-25°C), low humidity, occasional rain. Cherry blossom season is over but everything is lush and green. Pack layers for temple visits and a compact rain jacket.
🏪 Konbini Are Your Best Friend
Japanese convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are incredible — fresh onigiri, bento boxes, snacks, diapers, drinks, ATMs, and even decent coffee. They're on every corner and open 24/7. Perfect for toddler emergencies.
⏰ Matcha Mornings & Late Nights
This itinerary starts each morning with a matcha café or tea house, and ends with late-night shopping and eating options. Japan's cities are incredibly safe at night — Don Quijote stores are open until 2-5am, and many restaurants serve until midnight.
Touchdown Tokyo — Shibuya by Sunset
Land at Narita around 1pm, grab your pocket WiFi, load up Suica cards, and take the Narita Express to Shibuya. Check into your Airbnb, shake off the jet lag with a walk through Shibuya Crossing, and catch sunset from Shibuya Sky. Ease into Tokyo with a gentle evening of convenience store snacks and neon-lit streets.
Arrive at Narita & Travel to Shibuya
Clear immigration, pick up your pocket WiFi (reserve in advance from Global WiFi or Ninja WiFi), and buy Suica cards at the JR ticket machines. Take the Narita Express (N'EX) direct to Shibuya Station — about 80 minutes.
Check Into Shibuya Airbnb & Settle In
Drop your bags, get oriented in the neighborhood. Hit a nearby konbini (convenience store) for water, snacks, and any toddler essentials you forgot to pack.
Shibuya Crossing & Center-Gai
Walk to the world's busiest pedestrian crossing — Shibuya Scramble. Cross it with the kids (they'll love the chaos), then wander up Center-Gai street for your first taste of Tokyo's energy.
Shibuya Sky at Sunset
Take the elevator up 47 floors to Shibuya Sky — the open-air rooftop observation deck with 360° views of Tokyo. On a clear May evening, you can see Mt. Fuji. The sunset here is absolutely stunning.
Matcha, Meiji Shrine & Harajuku's Kawaii Kingdom
Start with matcha at a serene café near Meiji Jingu, then walk through the towering torii gate into one of Tokyo's most peaceful forests. Emerge into Harajuku's explosion of kawaii culture — Takeshita Street, character cafés, and Yoyogi Park for the kids to run free.
Matcha Morning at Café Reissue
Start the day right with matcha lattes and adorable latte art at Café Reissue in Harajuku. They'll draw cute characters on your drinks — the kids will be obsessed.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Walk through the massive torii gate into the forested grounds of Meiji Jingu — Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine. The 70-hectare forest feels worlds away from the city. Write a wish on an ema (wooden plaque) and watch the kids marvel at the towering cypress trees.
Yoyogi Park
Right next to Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park is Tokyo's best park for families. Let the toddlers run free on the grass, watch street performers, and enjoy a picnic under the trees. In May, the park is lush and green.
Takeshita Street & Harajuku Shopping
Dive into Harajuku's famous Takeshita Street — a narrow lane bursting with kawaii fashion, crêpe stands, character goods, and cotton candy bigger than your head. It's sensory overload in the best way.
Sakura Miffy Café
A few minutes from Takeshita Street, this adorable Miffy-themed café serves matcha and sakura-flavored treats shaped like the beloved bunny character. The kids will lose their minds.
Omotesando Avenue Stroll
Walk down Omotesando — Tokyo's Champs-Élysées. Tree-lined boulevard with luxury boutiques and stunning architecture. The Uniqlo flagship here is massive and has great kids' clothing.
Shinjuku — Gardens, Godzilla & Golden Gai
Today is all Shinjuku — one of Tokyo's most electrifying districts. Start with matcha in serene Shinjuku Gyoen garden, hunt for treasures at vintage shops and Don Quijote, see the famous 3D cat, then explore Kabukicho and Golden Gai after dark (yes, with kids — it's safe!).
Matcha at Shinjuku Gyoen Tea House
Enter the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and head to the traditional Japanese tea house for ceremonial matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets). The garden is enormous — 58 hectares of Japanese, English, and French gardens.
Shinjuku Gyoen Garden Exploration
After tea, explore the garden at your own pace. The greenhouse has tropical plants, there's a vast lawn for toddlers, and the Japanese pond garden is postcard-perfect. In May, the roses are in bloom.
3D Cat Billboard at Cross Shinjuku Space
Head to Shinjuku Station East Exit to see the famous giant 3D calico cat on the Cross Shinjuku Space billboard. It meows, stretches, and looks incredibly real. The toddlers will go wild.
SURUGA-YA & Seria (Shinjuku Marui Annex)
SURUGA-YA is a treasure trove of vintage anime figures, retro games, and collectibles. Seria (100-yen shop) in the same building is perfect for cheap souvenirs and adorable Japanese stationery.
Don Quijote Shinjuku
The flagship Don Quijote in Shinjuku is a multi-floor maze of everything — snacks, cosmetics, electronics, costumes, toys. Budget at least an hour because you WILL get lost in the best way.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
FREE observation deck on the 45th floor with panoramic views of Tokyo. On clear May evenings, Mt. Fuji glows pink at sunset. The North Observation Deck is the one to visit.
Omoide Yokocho & Kabukicho
Walk through Omoide Yokocho ("Memory Lane") — narrow alleys of tiny yakitori stalls. Many have chicken (tori) skewers. Then head to Kabukicho, Tokyo's entertainment district, for the neon spectacle. The giant 3D screen and Godzilla head on the Hotel Gracery are unmissable.
Golden Gai (Quick Walk-Through)
A labyrinth of 200+ tiny bars in converted shacks, each seating 5-8 people. Walk through the alleys to soak in the atmosphere — it's like a movie set. Most bars welcome visitors; some charge a small seating fee.
Ancient Temples, Skytree & River Park
Step back in time at Sensō-ji — Tokyo's oldest temple — then rocket to the future at Tokyo Skytree. This east-Tokyo day combines the spiritual with the spectacular, with a peaceful riverside park for the toddlers to stretch their legs.
Matcha & Ichigo Daifuku at Asakusa
Start with matcha and the iconic ichigo daifuku (strawberry mochi) from one of the traditional sweet shops along Nakamise-dori. Funawa or Umezono are excellent choices near the temple.
Sensō-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple (built 645 AD). Walk through the massive Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate") with its iconic red lantern, browse Nakamise-dori shopping street, and explore the main hall. The incense burner is said to bring good health — waft the smoke over the kids!
Tokyo Skytree
The world's tallest tower (634m) is a short walk from Asakusa across the Sumida River. Take the elevator to the Tembo Deck (350m) or Tembo Gallery (450m) for staggering views of Tokyo stretching to the horizon.
Oyokogawa Shinsui Park
A hidden gem — this restored waterway park near Skytree has shallow wading areas, little bridges, and cherry trees along a peaceful canal path. Perfect for toddlers to splash and play.
Asakusa at Night & Sensō-ji Illuminated
Return to Sensō-ji at night — the temple is beautifully illuminated and almost empty compared to daytime. The five-story pagoda glows against the night sky. Walk along the Sumida River for Skytree's changing LED colors reflected in the water.
Pokémon, Kirby & teamLab Planets
Today is pure fun — character cafés and stores in Ikebukuro, then the immersive wonder of teamLab Planets. This is the day the kids (and adults) will talk about forever. End with a soak at Toyosu Manyo Club onsen if energy remains.
Matcha & Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store)
Head to Ikebukuro's Donguri Kyowakoku — the official Studio Ghibli merchandise store. Totoro plushies, Kiki's Delivery Service bags, Spirited Away chopstick sets. Grab a matcha from a nearby café while browsing.
Sunshine City Complex
Sunshine City is a massive entertainment/shopping complex in Ikebukuro with an aquarium, observatory, and tons of shops. The Sunshine Aquarium on the roof is particularly fun for toddlers — penguins appear to fly through the sky!
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo & Pikachu Sweets
The biggest Pokémon Center in Tokyo is in Sunshine City. Plus the adjacent Pikachu Sweets café serves Pikachu-shaped pastries and desserts. This is Pokémon paradise.
Character Store Marathon: One Piece & Naruto
Ikebukuro's Sunshine City area has the official One Piece Mugiwara Store and Naruto/Boruto store nearby. Browse exclusive merchandise, take photos with character statues, and pick up souvenirs.
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
The highlight of the trip. teamLab Planets is an immersive barefoot walk through water, flowers, light, and infinity. You wade knee-deep through warm water, walk through waterfalls of light, and float in an infinite universe. It's mind-blowing for all ages.
Toyosu Manyo Club (Optional Onsen)
A 24-hour onsen (hot spring) spa right near teamLab Planets. If the kids are still going, the foot baths and family-friendly areas are great. Otherwise, head back to Shibuya for last-night shopping.
Shibuya Last Night — Character Store Marathon
Your last night in Shibuya! Hit up any character stores you missed — Shibuya has clusters of anime, Ghibli, and character shops. Shibuya 109 and the surrounding streets are packed with options.
Last Tokyo Bites & Bullet Train to Osaka
Cram in the final Tokyo must-sees: Tsukiji Fish Market for breakfast, the cat temple Gōtokuji, and the hidden Hie-jinja shrine. Then board the Shinkansen bullet train and rocket to Osaka at 300km/h — the kids will love it.
Tsukiji Outer Market Breakfast
The legendary Tsukiji outer market is still thriving with 400+ stalls selling the freshest seafood, tamagoyaki (sweet egg omelette), fresh fruit, and street food. This is Tokyo's greatest food adventure.
Hie-jinja Shrine
A beautiful hilltop shrine in Akasaka with a stunning tunnel of vermillion torii gates (like a mini Fushimi Inari!). Less crowded and more intimate than the big shrines.
Gōtokuji Temple (Cat Temple)
The "cat temple" is covered in thousands of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) figurines — shelves upon shelves of white lucky cats with raised paws. It's surreal, beautiful, and toddlers will be obsessed with finding the biggest and smallest cats.
Bokksu Market (If Time Permits)
If time allows before your train, swing by for curated Japanese snack boxes and artisan treats — great souvenirs to take home.
Shinkansen to Osaka!
Board the Tokaido Shinkansen at Tokyo Station heading to Shin-Osaka. The Nozomi is the fastest (2 hours 15 minutes). Book reserved seats for space — the kids will be glued to the window watching Japan blur past at 300km/h. Mt. Fuji appears on the right side about 40 minutes in!
Check Into Osaka Hotel & Explore Namba
Arrive at Shin-Osaka, take the subway to your Osaka hotel (Namba or Shinsaibashi area recommended). Drop bags and head out to explore the immediate neighborhood.
Dotonbori Night Walk
Welcome to Osaka! Dotonbori is the city's iconic entertainment and street food strip along the canal. Neon signs, the famous Glico Running Man, and the most incredible street food in Japan. Just walk, eat, and soak it all in.
Kyoto Day Trip — Torii Gates, Geisha Streets & Tea
Take the train from Osaka to Kyoto (30 min) for a day of ancient beauty. Start with the otherworldly Fushimi Inari torii gates, sip ceremonial matcha at a traditional tea house, explore Gion's geisha district, and graze through Nishiki Market.
Train to Kyoto & Fushimi Inari Taisha
Take the JR Special Rapid from Osaka to Kyoto (30 min), then one stop on the JR Nara Line to Inari Station. Fushimi Inari's thousands of vermillion torii gates climbing up Mt. Inari are Japan's most iconic image. Go early to beat the crowds.
Rokujuan Tea House
After the shrine, visit Rokujuan (or a nearby traditional tea house) for ceremonial matcha and Japanese sweets. Sit on tatami mats and watch the tea ceremony — a moment of pure zen after the hike.
Nishiki Market
Kyoto's 400-year-old "Kitchen of Kyoto" — a narrow covered market stretching 5 blocks with 100+ stalls selling pickles, mochi, matcha everything, fresh tofu, dango, and seasonal delicacies. The best food market in Japan.
Gion District Walk
Kyoto's famous geisha (geiko) district. Walk along Hanami-koji — the photogenic stone-paved street lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and restaurants. You might spot a maiko (apprentice geisha) heading to an evening appointment.
Yasaka Shrine & Maruyama Park
At the east end of Gion, Yasaka Shrine leads into Maruyama Park — Kyoto's most popular park. In May it's lush and green with a beautiful pond. Let the kids run around before heading back to Osaka.
Nara's Bowing Deer & Osaka's Retro Soul
Day trip to Nara — where over 1,000 sacred deer roam free and bow to you for crackers. The kids will be in absolute heaven. Return to Osaka for the retro charm of Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower.
Train to Nara & Nara Park
Take the Kintetsu Railway from Namba to Nara (35 min). Walk from Kintetsu Nara Station into Nara Park — within minutes you'll be surrounded by friendly deer. Buy shika senbei (deer crackers, ¥200) and watch the deer literally bow to you before eating. This is the highlight of the trip for most kids.
Todai-ji Temple
Home to the world's largest bronze Buddha (15 meters tall!) inside the world's largest wooden building. Walking through the main gate and seeing the Daibutsu for the first time is jaw-dropping. The kids can try to squeeze through the "Buddha's nostril" pillar hole for good luck.
Nara's Side Streets & Mochi Shops
Walk through Naramachi — the old merchant quarter with traditional machiya houses, craft shops, and mochi tea houses. Pick up freshly made warabi mochi or yomogi mochi (mugwort rice cake) as an afternoon treat.
Return to Osaka & Shinsekai
Head back to Osaka and explore Shinsekai — Osaka's retro entertainment district modeled after Paris and New York in the early 1900s. The Tsutenkaku Tower has an observation deck, and the streets below are filled with kushikatsu restaurants and vintage game arcades.
Don Quijote Osaka & Late-Night Shopping
Hit up Don Quijote in Dotonbori for more snack shopping and souvenirs. Osaka's Don Quijote has the famous Ferris wheel on the building — ride it for canal views at night!
Osaka Castle, Shopping & Final Feast
Your last full day! Explore Osaka Castle and its beautiful park, check out teamLab if available, do final shopping in Umeda or Amerikamura, and have one last incredible Osaka dinner. Make it count!
Matcha Morning near Osaka Castle
Start with matcha at a café near Osaka Castle before exploring the grounds. The castle park is gorgeous in May — green lawns, moats with turtles, and plum groves.
Osaka Castle & Park
Osaka's most famous landmark — a towering white and gold castle surrounded by huge stone walls and moats. The interior is a museum about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka's history. The top floor observation deck has panoramic city views.
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka (If Available)
If teamLab's Osaka installation is running, it's a nighttime botanical garden experience. Check availability — it's different from teamLab Planets in Tokyo and equally stunning.
Amerikamura & Shinsaibashi Shopping
Osaka's answer to Harajuku — Amerikamura (American Village) is a trendy shopping district with vintage clothes, street art, and great cafés. Shinsaibashi-suji shopping arcade runs from here all the way to Namba.
Final Dotonbori Walk & Souvenirs
One last walk through Dotonbori — pick up any final souvenirs, street food, and photos. Hit the Don Quijote for last-minute gifts.
Sayonara Japan — Final Morning & Flight Home
Your last morning in Japan. Enjoy one final matcha, pick up omiyage (souvenirs/gifts) at the airport, and say goodbye to this incredible country. You'll be back — Japan has a way of pulling you back.
Last Matcha & Konbini Run
One final matcha at a café near your hotel, then hit up a konbini for last-minute snacks to bring home — Kit Kats in every flavor, rice crackers, and those amazing onigiri.
Travel to KIX Airport
Take the Nankai Rapi:t limited express from Namba to Kansai International Airport (34 min) — the retro-futuristic blue train is an attraction in itself. Or take the JR Haruka express from Tennoji.
KIX Airport Shopping & Last Bites
Kansai Airport has excellent shopping — pick up beautifully packaged omiyage (gift sweets), last-minute Japanese souvenirs, and even tax-free electronics. The food court has great ramen, sushi, and udon options.
💰 Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥10,000-15,000/night | ¥20,000-35,000/night | ¥40,000-80,000/night |
| Meals (family of 5) | ¥5,000-8,000/day | ¥10,000-20,000/day | ¥25,000-50,000/day |
| Transport (IC cards) | ¥3,000-5,000/day | ¥5,000-8,000/day | ¥10,000-20,000/day (taxi) |
| Activities | ¥0-3,000/day | ¥3,000-8,000/day | ¥8,000-20,000/day |
| Shinkansen (Tokyo→Osaka) | ¥13,870/adult one-way | ¥13,870/adult | ¥19,590/adult (Green Car) |
| 10-Day Total (family of 5) | ¥350,000-500,000 | ¥500,000-900,000 | ¥1,000,000-2,000,000 |
✈️ Getting There & Away
- Arrive: Narita Airport (NRT) → Narita Express to Shibuya (80 min)
- Depart: Kansai International Airport (KIX) — Nankai Rapi:t from Namba (34 min)
- Shinkansen Tokyo→Osaka: Nozomi 2h15m, ¥13,870/adult, kids under 6 free
🏨 Where You're Staying
- May 15-19: Shibuya Airbnb (4 nights) — central Tokyo base
- May 19-20: Tokyo hotel (1 night) — near Tokyo Station for easy Shinkansen access
- May 20-24: Osaka hotel (4 nights) — Namba/Shinsaibashi area recommended for food and transit
🚇 Getting Around
- Suica/PASMO IC cards work on ALL trains, subways, buses across Japan
- Kids under 6 ride free on all public transit
- Google Maps works perfectly for transit directions in Japan
- Elevators at all major stations — look for エレベーター signs
👶 Toddler Tips
- Baby changing stations in every station, mall, and most restaurants
- Convenience stores carry diapers, wipes, baby food, and formula
- Many restaurants have kids' menus (okosama set/お子様セット)
- Strollers fold on crowded trains — consider a carrier for temples and markets
- Japan is incredibly safe — don't worry about the kids exploring a bit
🚫 No-Pork Phrases
- ブタ肉なしでお願いします (Butaniku nashi de onegaishimasu) — No pork please
- 豚は食べられません (Buta wa taberaremasen) — I cannot eat pork
- アレルギーカードを見せる — Show an allergy card (print one in advance!)
- Safe options: tori (chicken), gyū (beef), sakana (fish), yasai (vegetable)
- Watch for: tonkotsu (pork bone broth), chashu (pork slices), katsudon (pork cutlet)
💳 Money & Tips
- IC cards and credit cards accepted almost everywhere
- Some small shops and shrines are cash-only — carry ¥10,000-20,000
- 7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards
- No tipping in Japan — it can even be considered rude