Arrive, Settle In & First Bites
No big plans today. Get to the hotel, stretch your legs, and get your first taste of Tokyo. The kids will be jet-lagged — keep it low-key.
Airport → Shinjuku
From Narita: Narita Express (N'EX) to Shinjuku (~90 min, ¥3,250/adult, ¥1,620/child). From Haneda: Keikyu/Limousine Bus to Shinjuku (~60 min, ~¥1,300). Drop bags at your hotel. We recommend staying in the Shinjuku area for its central location and transit access.
Alternative for tired families: Grab bento boxes and onigiri from the depachika (department store basement food hall) at Takashimaya or Isetan in Shinjuku. Incredible food, no waiting.
Old Tokyo: Temples, Zoo & Your First Unagi 🐟
Classic Tokyo sightseeing with a family-friendly pace. Sensō-ji temple in the morning, Ueno Zoo for the kids in the afternoon, and your first legendary unagi dinner.
Sensō-ji & Nakamise-dōri
Tokyo's oldest and most iconic temple. Walk through the massive Kaminarimon gate, then browse the Nakamise shopping street — lined with stalls selling senbei (rice crackers), ningyo-yaki (bean-filled cakes), and souvenirs. Kids love the street snacks and the huge incense burner at the temple (waft the smoke over yourselves for good luck!).
The temple grounds are free and open early — come by 9am to beat crowds. Don't miss the five-story pagoda and the side streets of Asakusa afterward, full of tiny shops and traditional craft stores.
Ueno Zoological Gardens
Japan's oldest zoo and a huge hit with kids. Giant pandas (if available), red pandas, gorillas, polar bears, and a petting zoo section. The zoo sits inside beautiful Ueno Park, which has early-blooming cherry trees (check the Kan-zakura trees near Shinobazu Pond). You could spend 2–3 hours here comfortably.
Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku Crepes & a Forest Shrine
Modern Tokyo at its most vibrant. Big crossing, colorful street fashion, crepe stands, and a serene forest shrine to balance it all out.
Meiji Jingū Shrine
Start the day in this 170-acre forest in the middle of Tokyo. The walk through towering trees to the shrine is magical — kids love the massive torii gates. Look for the barrels of sake and wine at the entrance. The shrine itself is peaceful and impressive. Visit the Inner Garden (¥500) if kids are up for more walking — early plum blossoms may be out.
Takeshita-dōri & Cat Street
Walk from Meiji Jingū to Takeshita Street — the most colorful street in Tokyo. Rainbow cotton candy, crepe stands, quirky fashion shops, and sensory overload in the best way. Kids will want to stop at every stall. Get a Harajuku crepe (stuffed with fruit, cream, and ice cream) — it's a rite of passage.
For a calmer vibe, duck onto Cat Street (parallel to Takeshita) — tree-lined with indie boutiques and cafés. Great for a coffee break while the kids window-shop.
Shibuya Crossing & Hachikō
The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Find a spot at the Starbucks above (2F, Tsutaya building) for the iconic view, or just walk across it — the kids will love being in the middle of the organized chaos. Find the Hachikō statue outside the station for a photo.
Shibuya Sky (optional) — The rooftop observation deck at Scramble Square. Stunning 360° views of Tokyo. ¥2,000/adult, ¥900/child. Best near sunset. Book online in advance.
TeamLab Planets, Odaiba & Waterfront Fun
Today is all about immersive art and waterfront family fun. TeamLab is a guaranteed wow for all ages.
TeamLab Planets (or TeamLab Borderless)
TeamLab Planets in Toyosu is the one where you wade through water and walk barefoot through immersive digital art rooms. Kids absolutely love it — it's like walking inside a painting. Allow 2–3 hours. Book tickets online in advance — they sell out, especially on weekends.
Alternative: TeamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills (newer location) is more of a wandering-maze experience. Both are incredible. Pick one.
Odaiba Waterfront
Take the Yurikamome monorail over Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba — the ride itself is scenic. Plenty of family-friendly attractions:
• DiverCity Tokyo Plaza — the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue outside is epic for kids
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center — great for younger kids (ages 3–10)
• Joypolis — indoor amusement park by SEGA with VR rides
• Odaiba Seaside Park — artificial beach with views of Rainbow Bridge. Free, relaxing, kids can run around
• Oedo Onsen Monogatari — family-friendly onsen theme park with foot baths, games, and yukata (check if still operating)
Rest Day — Slow Morning, Neighborhood Wandering
Four days in, everyone needs a breather. Sleep in, do laundry, and spend a lazy afternoon in one of Tokyo's coziest neighborhoods. No scheduled activities — just vibes.
Slow Start
Sleep until everyone wakes up naturally. Visit a nearby konbini for breakfast — onigiri, sandwiches, and egg salad rolls from 7-Eleven are genuinely delicious. Or find a local kissaten (old-school coffee shop) for toast sets and hand-dripped coffee. Let the kids play at the hotel.
Shimokitazawa — Tokyo's Indie Heart
Take the Keio Inokashira Line from Shinjuku (3 min). "Shimokita" is full of vintage shops, record stores, tiny cafés, and a laid-back energy that's perfect for a rest day. The kids can explore the quirky shops while adults browse vintage clothing. The Bonus Track outdoor complex has indie shops and craft drinks.
Tsukiji Market Grazing & Ginza Unagi
A morning of eating through Tsukiji's outer market, followed by an afternoon of upscale-casual Ginza exploring and a legendary unagi dinner.
Tsukiji Outer Market — Graze Your Way Through
The inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market is still the heart of Tokyo street food. Walk the narrow alleys and eat as you go: tamagoyaki (sweet rolled egg, ¥100), fresh sashimi on sticks, grilled scallops, strawberry daifuku, melon pan, and uni (sea urchin) shooters. Budget about ¥2,000–3,000/person for a full breakfast-through-lunch grazing session.
Kids love the interactivity — pointing at things, watching food being prepared, trying new things. Even picky eaters can find tamagoyaki, grilled mochi, or fruit.
Ginza Stroll
Walk from Tsukiji to Ginza (15 min). Tokyo's upscale shopping district — but don't worry about the budget. Window shopping is free, and on weekends the main Chuo-dori street becomes a pedestrian paradise (Hokōsha Tengoku). Visit:
• Itoya — 12 floors of stationery heaven. Kids and adults alike go wild here
• Hakuhinkan Toy Park — massive toy store, Japan's biggest
• Uniqlo Ginza — 12 floors, Japan-exclusive items, great kids' section
• Ginza Six — rooftop garden is free, with a peaceful vibe
Akihabara Arcades & Ueno Park Blossoms
One for the kids (and the kid in you). Akihabara's electric town is sensory overload in the best way, followed by a peaceful park afternoon checking for early cherry blossoms.
Akihabara — Electric Town
Arcades, anime shops, capsule toy machines (gashapon), and electronics galore. Family-friendly highlights:
• Super Potato — retro video game store. Play classic games on the top floor
• GiGO / Taito Station arcades — crane games (UFO catchers), rhythm games, purikura photo booths. Budget ¥1,000–2,000 for arcade fun
• Gashapon shops — entire floors of capsule toy machines. Kids can spend ages here for ¥200–500 a pop
• Yodobashi Akiba — massive 9-floor electronics store with toy/hobby floors
Ueno Park — Early Blossom Check
Walk from Akihabara to Ueno (10 min) and explore the park. By March 10, early-blooming cherry varieties (kanzakura) may be starting. Even without full sakura, the park is gorgeous — wide paths, temples, shrines, and the Shinobazu Pond with its lotus beds and wildlife.
If the kids have energy: National Museum of Nature and Science — dinosaur skeletons, a life-size blue whale model, and interactive science exhibits. ¥630/adult, free for under-18. An easy 1–2 hours.
Day Trip: Kamakura — Great Buddha & Beach Town
Escape the city for a day. Kamakura is a coastal town just 1 hour from Tokyo with a giant Buddha, beautiful temples, and a laid-back beach vibe. Perfect family day trip.
Shinjuku/Tokyo → Kamakura
Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura (~60 min, ¥940) or the Odakyu/Enoden combination from Shinjuku. Get there by 9:30am to beat crowds at the Buddha.
Kōtoku-in — The Great Buddha (Daibutsu)
The iconic 13-meter bronze Buddha from 1252. You can even go inside it (¥50 extra). Kids are awed by the sheer scale. The temple grounds are small — 30 minutes is enough. Walk here from Hase Station on the charming Enoden train line.
Hase-dera
A stunning hillside temple just 5 min walk from the Buddha. Beautiful ocean views from the observation deck, a cave with carved figures that kids love to explore, and jizo statues wearing tiny knitted hats. The garden is gorgeous in any season.
Yuigahama Beach & Enoden Train
Walk to Yuigahama Beach for a short stroll along the sand (too cold to swim in March, but the views are lovely). Then ride the Enoden train — a tiny retro tram that runs along the coast between Kamakura and Fujisawa. The stretch between Kamakura Kōkōmae and Inamuragasaki runs right along the ocean. Pure magic.
Rest Day — Park, Ghibli & Comfort Food
Another rest day after the Kamakura trip. If you scored Ghibli Museum tickets, today's the day. Otherwise, just enjoy Kichijoji's parks and excellent food scene.
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Important: Tickets must be purchased in advance (often months ahead) through Lawson Ticket. They sell out fast, especially for peak season. If you got tickets, this is a magical experience — Totoro at the entrance, a catbus room for kids, original short films, and Miyazaki's creative process on display.
If you didn't get Ghibli tickets, don't stress — head straight to Inokashira Park and Kichijoji. It's still a wonderful day.
Inokashira Park
One of Tokyo's loveliest parks. Rent swan boats on the pond (¥700/30 min), watch street performers, and let the kids run around. The park has early cherry trees that may be blooming by mid-March. Walk around the pond to the small zoo (¥400/adult, free for kids under 12) which has a great petting area.
Relax at a Family-Friendly Onsen
Mid-trip onsen break! Consider Toshimaen Niwa no Yu in Nerima — a beautifully designed facility with outdoor rock baths in a Japanese garden setting, saunas, and relaxation lounges. Note: traditional onsen require nudity and separate gender bathing, so plan accordingly with kids. Many "super sento" facilities have family bathing areas.
Day Trip: Hakone — Hot Springs, Lake & (Maybe) Mt. Fuji
A day of natural beauty, transport adventures, and volcanic hot springs. The Hakone loop is one of Japan's most scenic day trips — and the kids will love all the different vehicles.
Hakone Free Pass — The Loop Route
Buy a Hakone Free Pass at Shinjuku Station (¥6,100/adult, ¥1,100/child, 2-day pass). It covers unlimited rides on the loop: Odakyu Romance Car → Hakone-Yumoto → Tozan switchback train → cable car → ropeway over volcanic Ōwakudani → pirate ship across Lake Ashi → bus back.
Depart Shinjuku around 7:30–8:00am on the Romance Car (reserved seat, included in pass). The whole loop takes most of the day and is an adventure in itself.
Ōwakudani Volcanic Valley
Ride the ropeway over steaming volcanic vents — dramatic and slightly eerie. At the top, buy the famous black eggs (kuro tamago) — eggs boiled in volcanic hot springs that turn the shells black. Legend says each one adds 7 years to your life. Kids love the novelty. ¥500 for 5 eggs.
On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji from here. March weather is unpredictable — fingers crossed!
Pirate Ship Across Lake Ashi
The kids will lose their minds — a full-size pirate ship replica sailing across a volcanic lake with Mt. Fuji (weather permitting) in the background. The 30-minute cruise to Moto-Hakone is scenic and fun. At Moto-Hakone, see the famous red torii gate of Hakone Shrine rising from the lake.
Hakone-Yumoto Onsen
On your way back, stop at Hakone-Yumoto for a quick onsen dip. Kappa Tengoku is a simple, affordable outdoor bath right by the river (¥800). Or splurge on a private family bath (kashikiri) at one of the ryokan — about ¥3,000–5,000/hour for the whole family to bathe together.
Old Tokyo Charm: Cats, Temples & Italian Dinner
A gentle day exploring Tokyo's most nostalgic neighborhood — narrow lanes, temple gardens, street cats, and traditional snacks. Ending with a special Italian dinner.
Yanaka — The Neighborhood That Time Forgot
The only area of Tokyo that survived both the 1923 earthquake and WWII bombing. It still feels like old Edo — wooden houses, narrow lanes, temple bells. Take the train to Nippori Station and walk down the "Yanaka Ginza" shopping street. Tiny family-run shops, senbei makers, and cat-themed everything (Yanaka is famous for its stray cats).
Kids love: spotting cats, the menchi katsu (fried meat cutlet) stalls, handmade crafts, and the freedom to explore winding alleys.
Nezu Shrine & Garden
One of Tokyo's oldest shrines (1706) with a beautiful tunnel of vermillion torii gates — like a mini Fushimi Inari but without the crowds. Kids love running through the torii tunnel. The azalea garden may be starting to show early color by mid-March.
Cherry Blossom Hunt & Neighborhood Stroll 🌸
By mid-March, early cherry blossoms may be appearing! Today is dedicated to checking the best spots. Even if the main somei yoshino haven't peaked yet, early varieties and the spring atmosphere are beautiful.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo's most beautiful garden and one of the top cherry blossom spots. In mid-March, look for early-blooming varieties: kanzakura, shidare-zakura (weeping cherry), and possibly early somei yoshino. Even without full bloom, the garden is stunning — Japanese, English, and French garden sections, a greenhouse with tropical plants, and wide lawns perfect for kids to run on.
Pack a picnic (or buy from a nearby konbini) and have your own mini-hanami on the lawn!
Meguro River & Nakameguro
Take the train to Nakameguro — home of Tokyo's most famous cherry blossom-lined river. Even before full bloom, the tree-lined canal is gorgeous, and the neighborhood itself is one of Tokyo's most stylish. Boutique shops, excellent coffee (try Onibus Coffee or the Starbucks Reserve Roastery), and a generally beautiful area to wander.
If cherry trees are blooming, the canal lit up with lanterns in the evening is one of Tokyo's most magical sights.
Final Full Day: Last Adventures & Farewell Feast
Your last full day in Tokyo. Mix of fun activities and a special farewell dinner. Soak it all in.
Ikebukuro Sunshine City
A massive entertainment complex with family-friendly attractions:
• Sunshine Aquarium — rooftop aquarium with penguins, jellyfish, and an outdoor "Sky Journey" exhibit where penguins swim overhead. Kids love it. ¥2,600/adult, ¥1,300/child
• Namjatown — indoor theme park with gyoza stadium and dessert paradise. Fun for all ages
• Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo — enormous Pokémon store. Plushies, cards, exclusive merch. Kids will never want to leave
Final Souvenir Run
Use the afternoon for last-minute souvenir shopping. Best spots:
• Don Quijote (Donki) — the chaotic discount store has everything. Snacks, toys, cosmetics, weird gadgets. Tax-free for tourists over ¥5,000. Multiple locations
• Tokyo Character Street — in Tokyo Station's underground. Official shops for Pokémon, Studio Ghibli, Hello Kitty, Shinkansen goods, and more
• Nakano Broadway — for vintage toys, anime goods, and collectibles (more niche than Akihabara)
Sayōnara, Tokyo 🌸
Pack up, grab one last breakfast, and head to the airport. Two weeks in Tokyo — you've earned the memories.
Head to the Airport
Allow 2.5–3 hours for airport transit with a family. The airport has excellent last-minute shopping — Tokyo Banana, regional kit-kats, and Royce chocolate are crowd-pleasers. Use up remaining IC card balance at airport konbini.
💰 Budget Breakdown — $1,000–2,000 (Excluding Flights)
Realistic estimates for a family of 3–4 over 13 nights. All prices approximate. This covers in-Japan expenses only.
| Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (13 nights) | $700–1,200 | Budget hotel/apartment ¥8,000–14,000/night for family |
| Food & Drink (14 days) | $500–900 | Casual dining ~¥5,000–10,000/day for family. Mix konbini, street food, casual restaurants |
| Transit (IC cards + day trips) | $200–350 | Airport transfers + daily trains + Hakone Free Pass + Kamakura |
| Attractions & Activities | $150–250 | TeamLab, Ueno Zoo, gardens, museums, arcades, Ghibli |
| Onsen & Sento | $30–60 | 2–3 visits, mix of public sento and facilities |
| Shopping & Souvenirs | $100–200 | Gashapon, gifts, snacks, small items |
| Misc (eSIM, laundry, etc.) | $30–50 | Pocket WiFi, coin laundry, IC card deposits |
| Total | $1,710–3,010 | Mid-range: ~$2,000–2,500 realistic for family of 4 |
🍽️ Restaurant Quick Reference
Your special requests — Italian and unagi highlights at a glance:
🐟 Top Unagi Spots
• Unana (Asakusa) — Casual, affordable, great intro · ¥1,500–2,500
• Nodaiwa (Ginza/Azabu) — Historic, Edo-period legacy, incredible eel · ¥3,500–5,000
• Izuei (Ueno) — Pond-side setting, multi-course options · ¥2,500–4,500
• Obana (Minami-Senju) — If you want a deeper cut — legendary among locals, slightly off the tourist path · ¥3,000–4,500
• Department store unagi (Mitsukoshi, Matsuzakaya) — Reliable quality in the basement food halls
🍝 Top Italian Spots
• Sempre Pizza (multiple locations) — Casual Neapolitan pizza, family-friendly · ¥1,000–1,800
• Savoy (Azabu-Juban) — Perfect margherita, tiny and legendary · ¥1,500–2,500
• Ristorante Stefano — Japanese-Italian fusion, beloved by locals · ¥2,500–4,000
• La Bisboccia (Hiroo) — Rustic, authentic, hearty portions · ¥2,500–4,000
• Pizza Studio Tamaki (Nakameguro) — Excellent craft pizza near the cherry blossoms
• Neighborhood trattorias — Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji, and Nakameguro all have excellent small Italian spots