⚡ Before You Go — Essentials
🚆 Getting Around
Get a Suica or PASMO IC card at Narita — works on all trains, buses, and konbini. For the Tokyo → Kyoto Shinkansen (Day 6) and Osaka → Tokyo return (Day 9), consider a 7-day JR Pass (starts Day 3 or 4). Kyoto → Osaka is only 15 min by train. Nara from Kyoto is ~45 min by JR Nara Line.
👶 Traveling with Toddlers
Japan is incredibly toddler-friendly. Most train stations have elevators, department stores have nursing rooms, and konbini stock diapers and baby food. Bring a compact stroller — it fits on trains and most attractions. Many restaurants offer kids' seats. Coin lockers at major stations store bags so you stay light.
🍜 No Pork Policy
Pork is everywhere in Japanese cuisine (ramen broth, gyoza, tonkatsu). Always ask "butaniku nashi de onegaishimasu" (no pork please) or show a written card. Chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetable options are plentiful. The restaurants in this itinerary are chosen with pork-free options available.
🎫 Book in Advance
teamLab Planets, Shibuya Sky, Kirby Café, and Pokémon Cafe Osaka all require advance booking and sell out. Book 2-4 weeks ahead. Kimono photoshoots in Kyoto also fill up in May.
🌤️ May Weather
May is ideal — warm (20-25°C), low humidity, mostly sunny. Light layers work. Late May can see early rainy season in Kansai. Pack a compact umbrella and rain cover for the stroller.
Arrival — Welcome to Tokyo
You land at Narita around 1 PM and head straight to your Shinjuku Airbnb. After dropping bags and freshening up, ease into Tokyo with a first-night dinner at Omoide Yokocho's atmospheric yakitori alleys, then explore the legendary tiny bars of Golden Gai. The jet lag won't know what hit it.
Arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT)
Welcome to Japan! After clearing immigration and customs, pick up your Suica/PASMO IC cards and pocket WiFi at the airport. Take the Narita Express (N'EX) directly to Shinjuku Station — about 80 minutes, smooth and comfortable with luggage space.
Check into Shinjuku Airbnb
Drop your bags, get the kids settled, and freshen up. Take a quick walk around the neighborhood to orient yourselves — find the nearest konbini (convenience store) for snacks, drinks, and any essentials.
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Your first taste of old Tokyo — narrow alleys packed with tiny yakitori stalls under paper lanterns. The atmosphere is pure magic, especially at dusk when the smoke and lantern light create an almost dreamlike scene. Order chicken skewers (no pork!) and cold beer while the kids marvel at the sizzling grills.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
A labyrinth of over 200 tiny bars crammed into six narrow alleys — each seating 5-10 people. Even if you don't drink, walking through the neon-lit passages is an experience. Some bars welcome families in the early evening hours before it gets rowdy.
Shrines, Soufflé Pancakes & Neon Nights
Start with the serene forest paths of Meiji Jingu shrine, then dive into Harajuku's wild fashion scene and Takeshita Street chaos. Refuel with impossibly fluffy soufflé pancakes, stroll through Yoyogi Park, and finish at the stunning Shinjuku Gyoen gardens. Evening brings Don Quijote shopping madness and Kabukicho neon.
Meiji Jingu
Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine sits in a 170-acre forest that feels like another world — just minutes from Harajuku's chaos. Walk the wide gravel path under towering camphor trees, cleanse your hands at the temizuya, and make a wish at the main hall. The toddlers will love the wide open spaces and forest atmosphere.
Harajuku & Takeshita Street
The epicenter of Tokyo youth culture — a narrow pedestrian street packed with quirky fashion shops, crepe stands, cotton candy bigger than your head, and every color of the rainbow. The kids will be mesmerized by the sensory overload.
ONE PIECE Mugiwara Store Harajuku
A haven for One Piece fans — official merchandise, exclusive store-only items, and character displays. Even if you're not a mega-fan, the store is fun to browse with its pirate-themed décor.
A Happy Pancake Omotesandō
Japan's famous soufflé pancakes — impossibly fluffy, jiggly, and topped with whipped butter and syrup. These are nothing like regular pancakes. The kids will be hypnotized watching them wobble. Worth the wait.
Yoyogi Park
A massive green space perfect for letting toddlers run free after a morning of structured sightseeing. On weekends you might catch street performers, cosplayers, or musicians. Spread a blanket and breathe.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
One of Tokyo's finest gardens — 144 acres of Japanese, English, and French landscape gardens. In May, the roses are blooming and the greenhouse tropical plants are lush. A perfect serene contrast to the morning's chaos.
Don Quijote Shinjuku
Japan's legendary discount store — a multi-floor chaotic wonderland of snacks, beauty products, electronics, toys, costumes, and souvenirs. The "Donki" experience is a rite of passage. Stock up on Kit-Kat flavors and character goods.
3D Cat at Cross Shinjuku Vision
A massive 3D digital billboard featuring a hyper-realistic calico cat that appears to leap out of the screen. The toddlers will lose their minds. Quick stop but absolutely worth it.
Kabukicho & Shinjuku Kabuki Yokocho
Tokyo's neon entertainment district — transformed from its seedier past into a vibrant food and entertainment zone. Kabuki Yokocho (横丁) is a retro-themed food hall with various stalls. Safe for families in the early evening.
Fish Markets, Art Aquarium & Shibuya Sky at Sunset
A day of contrasts — morning street food at the legendary Tsukiji Market, mesmerizing goldfish art in Ginza, matcha everything at a dedicated matcha café, then an afternoon conquering Shibuya's iconic crossing before watching sunset from 230 metres up at Shibuya Sky.
Tsukiji Outer Market
The original fish market's outer market is still very much alive — dozens of stalls serving the freshest sushi, tamagoyaki (sweet egg omelette), grilled seafood on sticks, and fresh fruit. This is breakfast, Tokyo style. The kids can try tamago on a stick — sweet, warm, and universally loved.
ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM (Ginza)
A stunning fusion of art and aquarium — thousands of goldfish swimming in elaborately designed glass tanks illuminated with ever-changing lights. It's like walking through a living painting. The toddlers will be absolutely mesmerized by the colors and movement.
Godaime Hanayama Udon (Ginza)
Thick, chewy sanuki-style udon in a stylish Ginza setting. The noodles are hand-cut and the broth is rich without relying on pork. A satisfying, toddler-friendly lunch.
Matcha Cafe Wabisabi (Higashi-Ginza)
A matcha-dedicated café where everything is matcha — lattes, soft serve, tiramisu, parfaits. The green intensity is photogenic and the flavors are genuinely excellent. Get the matcha soft serve for the kids.
Shibuya Crossing
Stand in the middle of the world's busiest pedestrian crossing — up to 3,000 people cross at once when the light changes. It's organized chaos and an absolute must-experience. The Starbucks overlooking the crossing has a prime viewing spot.
MAGNET by SHIBUYA109
Head to the rooftop of this Shibuya landmark for a bird's-eye view of the scramble crossing below. The building also has shopping floors worth browsing.
Pokémon Center Shibuya
One of the biggest Pokémon stores in Tokyo — exclusive Shibuya merchandise, plushies galore, and interactive displays. The kids will think they've entered paradise.
CAFE REISSUE
A cozy Shibuya café famous for latte art — they'll draw any character you request on your coffee. The toddlers will love watching the barista work their magic.
Shibuya Sky
Tokyo's most dramatic observation deck — an open-air rooftop at 230 metres with 360-degree views. Time your visit for sunset and watch Tokyo transform from a daytime cityscape into an infinite grid of lights. The glass-edged platform and sky-edge hammocks are thrilling.
PEANUTS Cafe Sunny Side Kitchen
A charming Snoopy-themed restaurant in Shibuya with character-shaped meals and themed desserts. Perfect family dinner spot — the kids will love eating from Snoopy plates.
Ancient Temples, Pokémon & the Kirby Café
Begin at Tokyo's oldest temple before the crowds arrive, hunt for ichigo daifuku on Nakamise-dori, then head to Ikebukuro for an afternoon of anime shopping at Sunshine City — hitting the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, Ghibli Store, and the legendary Kirby Café. End the day soaking at Toyosu Manyo Club.
Sensō-ji Temple & Nakamise-dori
Tokyo's oldest temple (built 628 AD) is magnificent at any time, but arrive by 8:30 AM and you'll have the massive Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) and five-story pagoda nearly to yourself. Walk Nakamise-dori shopping street for traditional snacks — the ichigo daifuku (strawberry mochi) from the stalls here is legendary.
Wagyu Ichinoya (near Sensō-ji)
Treat the family to an early wagyu experience — tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef served in various styles. No pork on the menu when you order beef sets. The kids can share a rice bowl.
UNIQLO Asakusa
A quick shopping stop — Japan's UNIQLO stores carry exclusive items you won't find abroad. Stock up on kids' clothes, character collaborations, and those famous AIRism undershirts.
Hie-jinja Shrine
A beautiful hilltop shrine with a dramatic tunnel of red torii gates reminiscent of (but much less crowded than) Fushimi Inari. The elevator makes it accessible, and the peaceful grounds are a nice contrast to Asakusa's bustle.
Sunshine City (Ikebukuro)
A massive entertainment and shopping complex — aquarium, observation deck, Namco arcade, and tons of character shops. It's a one-stop afternoon destination, especially with kids who need variety.
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo & Pikachu Sweets
THE flagship Pokémon store — the biggest in Tokyo. Massive plushie walls, exclusive merchandise, and the attached Pikachu Sweets café serves Pokémon-themed desserts and drinks. This is the one to visit.
KIDDY LAND Ikebukuro
A toy and character goods store that's pure joy for kids — Sanrio, Disney, Studio Ghibli, and more. Great for picking up unique toys you won't find outside Japan.
Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store)
The official Studio Ghibli merchandise store — Totoro, Kiki, Spirited Away, and more. Plushies, accessories, home goods, and beautifully crafted items that feel like pieces of the Ghibli universe.
Kirby Café
A cafe entirely themed around Kirby — the pink puffball from Nintendo. Every dish is shaped like Kirby characters, from pasta to parfaits. The attention to detail is incredible and kids absolutely lose it. Reservations are MANDATORY and book out weeks in advance.
Toyosu Manyo Club
The perfect way to end a big day — a 24-hour hot spring resort with indoor and outdoor baths, restaurants, relaxation rooms, and panoramic views. Natural hot spring water is trucked in from Hakone. Kids can use the baths, and there's a rest area if the toddlers fall asleep.
Lucky Cats, Tokyo Tower & teamLab Planets
Your last full day in Tokyo takes you from the enchanting cat temple of Gōtokuji to Tokyo Tower's classic views, then plunges you (literally) into the barefoot wonder of teamLab Planets. Finish with sunset views from Tokyo Skytree and a free nighttime panorama from the Metropolitan Government Building.
Gōtokuji Temple
The birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat) — thousands of white cat figurines line the temple grounds, left by visitors whose wishes were granted. It's magical, quirky, and unlike anything else in Tokyo. The kids will love counting all the cats.
Prince Shiba Park
A pleasant park right next to Tokyo Tower with views of the tower framed by greenery. Perfect for a quick stroll and letting the kids run around before heading up the tower.
Tokyo Tower
The original Tokyo icon — 333 metres of Eiffel-inspired steel painted in international orange. Less crowded than Skytree and arguably more charming. The main observation deck at 150m gives excellent views, and the tower's retro aesthetic is pure nostalgia.
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Walk barefoot through rooms of water, digital flowers, and infinite mirror universes. This is immersive art at its absolute best — you wade through knee-deep water with digital koi swimming around your feet, lie in fields of projected flowers, and lose all sense of space in infinity rooms. The toddlers will be in awe (and love splashing).
Tokyo Skytree
At 634 metres, it's the tallest structure in Japan and the tallest tower in the world. The observation decks at 350m and 450m offer views up to 70km on clear days — you can see Mt. Fuji. The surrounding Solamachi shopping mall has great stores.
Oyokogawa Shinsui Park
A peaceful riverside park right near Skytree — walking paths along a restored canal. A nice decompression spot after the Skytree visit, and the toddlers can stretch their legs.
Dinner — Wagyu or Halal Steak (Harajuku/Shibuya area)
Final Tokyo dinner — go big with wagyu. Several halal-friendly and pork-free wagyu restaurants in the Harajuku/Shibuya area offer premium beef without pork accompaniments.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Free Observation)
A hidden gem — the North Observation Deck is FREE and offers panoramic night views of Tokyo rivaling any paid deck. At 202m, you can see Shinjuku's neon grid, Tokyo Tower, and Skytree all at once. Open some evenings until 11 PM.
Bullet Train West — Nara's Deer & Kyoto by Night
Say goodbye to Tokyo and ride the Shinkansen west to the ancient capital region. Spend the afternoon in Nara feeding the sacred deer, tasting ice cream bouquets at Bōkusui Market, and strolling the botanical gardens. Settle into Osaka in the evening and head to Kyoto's atmospheric Gion district for dinner.
Shinkansen: Tokyo → Kyoto
Board the Nozomi bullet train at Tokyo Station and watch Japan blur past at 300 km/h. The 2-hour-15-minute ride passes through the countryside with glimpses of Mt. Fuji on clear days (sit on the right side, window seats in rows D/E). Arrive Kyoto Station and store luggage in coin lockers.
Nara Park & the Sacred Deer
Over 1,000 wild sika deer roam freely through this enormous park — and they bow to you for crackers. It's the most magical wildlife experience in Japan for kids. Buy shika senbei (deer crackers, ¥200) from the vendors and watch the toddlers' faces as deer politely bow and then mob them.
Bokusui Market (Bōkusui)
A charming market area in Nara known for its ice cream bouquets — scoops of gelato arranged like a flower bouquet. Photogenic, delicious, and absolutely perfect for toddlers who love ice cream (so, all toddlers).
Man'yō Botanical Gardens
A peaceful botanical garden within Nara Park featuring plants mentioned in the ancient Man'yōshū poetry collection. A serene contrast to the deer chaos — beautiful walking paths through seasonal flowers.
Return to Kyoto / Check into Osaka
Head back from Nara to either Kyoto or Osaka to check in and drop bags. Osaka will be your base camp, but tonight you're exploring Kyoto.
Men-ya Inoichi Ramen (Kyoto)
A famous Kyoto-style ramen shop known for rich, flavorful broth. Kyoto ramen tends to be chicken-based (tori paitan) rather than pork, making it perfect for your no-pork policy. The thick, creamy chicken broth is outstanding.
Gion District Evening Stroll
Kyoto's most atmospheric neighborhood — traditional wooden machiya townhouses line narrow streets lit by paper lanterns. You might spot a maiko (apprentice geisha) heading to an evening appointment. The stone-paved streets of Hanamikoji-dōri are especially beautiful after dark.
Fushimi Inari at Dawn, Bamboo & Monkeys
Kyoto's greatest hits in one unforgettable day — start before dawn at the endless vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari, sip matcha at a traditional tea house, then head to Arashiyama for the iconic bamboo forest, a Miffy-themed lunch, quirky stone statues, and monkeys on a mountaintop. Finish with a kimono photoshoot through Gion's lantern-lit streets.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Thousands of vermilion torii gates snaking up a mountain — Japan's most iconic image. Arrive at dawn (the shrine never closes) and you'll have the famous gate tunnels nearly to yourself. Walk as far up as the toddlers allow — even the first 15 minutes is breathtaking. The full loop is 2-3 hours but you can turn back anywhere.
Rokujūan Tea House
A traditional tea house near Fushimi Inari where you can experience matcha tea the way it was meant to be — whisked by hand and served with a seasonal wagashi sweet. A serene, contemplative experience after the energy of the shrine.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Walk through a cathedral of towering bamboo stalks — they creak and sway in the wind above you, filtering the sunlight into an ethereal green glow. It's one of those places that looks exactly like the photos. Midday is busier but still magical.
Arashiyama Miffy Sakura Kitchen
A Miffy (Nijntje) themed café in Arashiyama serving adorable character-shaped food — Miffy-shaped bread, themed drinks, and seasonal items. The kids will love it, and the sakura (cherry blossom) theme is extra charming.
Kimono Forest
Right at Arashiyama Station — 600 pillars wrapped in colorful kimono fabric that glow beautifully when lit. It's a free, open-air art installation that's particularly stunning in the afternoon light.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
A hidden gem temple with over 1,200 unique stone statues (rakan) — each carved by a different amateur sculptor, so they have wildly different expressions: laughing, crying, meditating, playing instruments, holding cats. It's whimsical, quirky, and kids LOVE finding their favorite faces.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Hike up a short trail (about 20 minutes) to a mountainside park where wild Japanese macaques roam free. You get panoramic views of Kyoto and can feed the monkeys from inside a fenced shelter (so you're in the cage, not them). The toddlers will go bananas.
Okazaki Sakura Corridor (Canal Walk)
A scenic canal walk near Heian Shrine lined with cherry trees. In May the trees are fully leafed in fresh green — beautiful reflections in the canal water. Take a boat ride if available.
Kimono Rental & Gion Photoshoot
Dress the whole family in traditional kimono or yukata and walk through Gion's atmospheric streets for photos. Many rental shops near Gion offer family sets including kids' sizes. Book in advance for May — it's popular season.
Osaka — Pokémon Café, Aquarium & Dotonbori Feast
Japan's kitchen city — Osaka is all about eating, and today delivers. Start with Onitsuka Tiger shopping, have the most adorable lunch of your life at Pokémon Cafe, marvel at whale sharks at Kaiyukan Aquarium, then spend the evening in the sensory overload of Dotonbori's neon-lit food stalls.
Arrive & Settle in Osaka
If you stayed in Kyoto, the train to Osaka is only 15-30 minutes. Drop any bags at your accommodation and get ready for a full day of Osaka goodness.
Onitsuka Tiger Store (Shinsaibashi)
The birthplace brand of ASICS — Onitsuka Tiger's flagship stores in Japan carry exclusive colorways and Japan-only models. The retro sneakers are beautiful and make great souvenirs.
Pokémon Cafe Osaka Shinsaibashi
The ultimate Pokémon dining experience — every dish is shaped like a different Pokémon, from Pikachu curry rice to Eevee parfaits. A Pikachu character visits your table for photos. Reservations are MANDATORY and open one month in advance — set an alarm.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
One of the world's largest aquariums — the centerpiece is a massive tank with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish that you spiral down around over 8 floors. The scale is jaw-dropping for adults and kids alike. The touch pools let kids pet rays and sharks.
Shopping — Shinsaibashi
Browse the shops of Shinsaibashi-suji arcade on your way from the aquarium back toward Dotonbori. Electronics, fashion, souvenirs, and more under a covered arcade.
Dotonbori — Glico Sign & Food Stalls
Osaka's most iconic street — a canal-side neon strip anchored by the famous Glico Running Man sign. This is where Osaka's "eat till you drop" (kuidaore) culture comes alive. The neon reflections in the canal water at night are unforgettable.
Immo Pipi Sweet Potato
A wildly popular street stall selling sweet potato desserts — whole baked sweet potatoes with soft serve, sweet potato tarts, and candied sweet potato sticks. The toddlers will devour these.
Dotonbori Food Crawl
This is what Osaka lives for — eat your way through the stalls. Takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes with seafood), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers — get chicken/seafood/veggie, skip pork), and whatever else catches your eye.
FamilyMart / 7-Eleven Run
The Japanese konbini experience is legendary — grab seasonal snacks, limited-edition Kit-Kats, Rilakkuma goods, fried chicken (karaage), and fluffy Japanese milk bread. Stock up for the train ride tomorrow.
Shinkansen Home — Last Shopping & Farewell Dinner
Board the bullet train back to Tokyo for one final afternoon of shopping and sightseeing. Hit the anime treasure trove at SURUGA-YA, fill bags at the 100-yen Seria shop, enjoy a fancy farewell lunch in Marunouchi, and make your JJK pilgrimage to Shibuya and Shinjuku Stations.
Shinkansen: Osaka → Tokyo
Board the Nozomi for the 2.5-hour ride back to Tokyo. Grab ekiben at Shin-Osaka Station and enjoy the views one last time.
SURUGA-YA Shinjuku Marui Annex
A paradise for anime, manga, and retro game collectors — secondhand figures, rare manga volumes, vintage game cartridges, trading cards, and exclusive merchandise at reasonable prices. Way better organized than most secondhand shops.
Seria Shinjuku Marui Annex
Japan's stylish 100-yen shop — everything costs ¥100 (about $0.65). Kitchen goods, stationery, craft supplies, organization items, and seasonal goods that look way more expensive than they are. Stock up on souvenirs here.
The Front Room Deli Restaurant (Marunouchi)
An elegant restaurant in Tokyo's upscale Marunouchi district — perfect for a fancy farewell lunch. The area around Tokyo Station has beautiful red-brick architecture and tree-lined boulevards that feel almost European.
Shibuya Station (JJK Reference)
For Jujutsu Kaisen fans — Shibuya Station was the setting for the devastating Shibuya Incident arc. Stand in the real station that was ground zero for one of anime's most intense battle sequences. Take photos at the exits featured in the manga.
Shinjuku Station East Exit (JJK Reference)
Another key JJK location — Shinjuku Station's East Exit area. The neon-lit streets of Kabukicho visible from here were backdrop to major scenes. Complete your JJK pilgrimage.
Final Tokyo Dinner
Choose your farewell meal — revisit a favorite restaurant, try something new, or do one last ramen/udon run. This is your sayonara dinner, so make it count.
Last Konbini Run & Pack
Final convenience store sweep for snacks, drinks, and any forgotten souvenirs. Then head back to pack up. You've earned an early night — tomorrow is departure day.
Sayonara Japan — Departure Day ✈️
All good things come to an end. Pack up, grab one last konbini breakfast, and head to Narita Airport. Allow plenty of time for check-in, tax-free shopping in the terminal, and a final bowl of ramen before boarding.
Final Morning in Tokyo
Wake up, enjoy one last Japanese breakfast (konbini onigiri and matcha, or find a local café), and do a final luggage check. Make sure all those souvenirs actually fit in your bags.
Head to Narita Airport
Take the Narita Express from Shinjuku Station — the same smooth 80-minute ride you took on Day 1, but this time going the other direction with a heart full of memories.
Narita Airport — Tax-Free Shopping & Departure
Narita's terminals have incredible shopping — last chance for Japanese snacks, cosmetics, electronics, and character goods. Many prices are competitive with city shops, and everything is tax-free. Grab a final meal at the airport restaurants before boarding.