Itinerary check. First trip to Japan. Visiting with 6y/o child

As the title indicates, we are planning our first trip to Japan on May 2025. We are a family of 3, flying with a kid. We want to see as much as possible, with sightseeing, culture and food being our main areas of interest. We understand that because we are flying with a child we may want to adjust our expectations.

After reading a few vlogs and taking many note, I threw several things into the ChatGPT “blender” which came out with the following suggested itinerary.

Your comments and suggestions will be much appreciated:

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo (May 10)

• 4:45 PM: Clear customs, pick up luggage, and activate Japan Rail Pass (is this necessary/recommended?).
• Evening: Travel to hotel in central Tokyo (Shinjuku or Asakusa? Any other area?).
• If energy allows, explore a nearby area for dinner (e.g., Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho or Asakusa’s Nakamise Street).
• Accommodation: Tokyo.

Day 2: Tokyo (May 11) – Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine

• Morning:
• Visit Meiji Shrine.
• Walk around Harajuku’s Takeshita Street.
• Afternoon:
• Explore Shibuya: See the famous Shibuya Crossing and visit Shibuya Sky (great city views).
• Evening: Relax at hotel or stroll around Shinjuku.
• Accommodation: Tokyo.

Day 3: Tokyo (May 12) – Asakusa, Skytree, Sumida Park

• Morning:
• Visit Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and stroll Nakamise Street for snacks and souvenirs.
• Walk to Sumida Park for riverside views.
• Afternoon:
• Go to Tokyo Skytree. Explore shops or aquarium at the base.
• Evening: Consider a short river cruise from Asakusa or relax back at the hotel.
• Accommodation: Tokyo.

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone (May 13) – Mount Fuji

• Morning: Take the train to Hakone (about 1.5 hours via Odakyu or JR). Use the Hakone Free Pass for local transport.
• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum (great for kids).
• Ride the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting).
• Afternoon: Cruise across Lake Ashi and see the Hakone Shrine torii gate.
• Evening: Stay at a ryokan with an onsen (hot spring).
• Accommodation: Hakone.

Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto (May 14)

• Morning: Relax and enjoy breakfast at your ryokan.
• Late Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the Nishiki Market or take a short stroll in Gion (Kyoto’s geisha district).
• Evening: Early dinner and rest.
• Accommodation: Kyoto.

Day 6: Kyoto (May 15) – Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Morning:
• Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge.
• Optionally, visit the Monkey Park Iwatayama.
• Afternoon:
• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (iconic red torii gates).
• Stop by nearby small shops for local snacks or souvenirs.
• Evening: Relax in Gion or around your hotel.
• Accommodation: Kyoto.

Day 7: Kyoto to Nara Day Trip (May 16)

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour).
• Visit Todai-ji Temple (giant Buddha statue).
• Stroll through Nara Park and feed the deer.
• Afternoon: Return to Kyoto. Rest or explore additional attractions like the Philosopher’s Path.
• Evening: Dinner in Kyoto.
• Accommodation: Kyoto.

Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka (May 17)

• Morning: Take the train to Osaka (about 15 minutes by Shinkansen or 30 minutes by local train).
• Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
• Afternoon:
• Explore Dotonbori Street, famous for street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
• Take a boat ride along the Dotonbori Canal.
• Evening: Relax or enjoy the view from the Umeda Sky Building.
• Accommodation: Osaka.

Day 9: Osaka – Universal Studios Japan or Free Day (May 18)

• Option 1: Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan.
• Option 2: Take a slower-paced day to explore Osaka, such as visiting the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (great for kids) or Shinsekai district.
• Accommodation: Osaka.

Day 10: Osaka to Hiroshima & Miyajima Day Trip (May 19)

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours).
• Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Afternoon: Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island.
• See the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its “floating” torii gate.
• Evening: Return to Osaka.
• Accommodation: Osaka.

Day 11: Osaka to Tokyo (May 20)

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo (about 2.5-3 hours).
• Afternoon: Optional visit to Odaiba for teamLab Borderless/Planets (immersive digital art exhibits).
• Evening: Last-minute shopping at Akihabara or Shinjuku.
• Accommodation: Tokyo.

Day 12: Departure from Tokyo (May 21)

• Morning: Relax or visit a nearby park (e.g., Ueno Park or your hotel area).
• 1:00 PM: Head to the airport (allow 3+ hours for transit and check-in).

Consider:

• JR Pass: Consider a 7-day pass (activate on May 13) or a 14-day pass.
• Child-friendly spots: Add playgrounds or small parks when needed (many shrines/temples have open spaces).