Your Ticket To Japan Is Calling 🇯🇵
My full 8 day Itinerary As a First Timer Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
This summer, I finally took the trip of a lifetime: Japan—with my two boys, Gavyn (10) and Hunter (8), in tow. A lot of you have asked why I chose Japan, and the answer is simple—I've been captivated by its culture and cuisine since I was a little girl. I made a promise to myself back then: when I could afford to travel internationally, Japan would be the first place I'd go. I also knew it would be the perfect destination for my boys—offering the perfect balance of immersive experiences, vibrant sights, rich history, yummy food, and plenty of action to keep them engaged without kicking and hitting one another the whole time (lol), while simultaneously fulfilling a lifelong dream of mine.
During our eight-day adventure (plus two long travel days), I shared snippets of what we were seeing, doing, and eating. But the truth is, unless you’ve experienced Japan firsthand, it’s impossible to grasp just how special it really is. I came across a video on Instagram where a creator described the strange sense of loss that can follow a trip to Japan—a kind of post-Japan blues. And while I wouldn’t say I’m feeling depressed (in fact, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been), I understand what they meant. Visiting Japan changes something in you. I get it now.
Today, I’m sharing our full 8-day itinerary—with the hope that it inspires you to say “F-it,” book the flight, and just go.
But first, let’s cover a few key questions:
Did you use a travel agent?
Yes. Since it was my first time visiting Japan, I used a travel agent to plan the trip. Would I do it again? Honestly, probably not—now that I have a general sense of the layout and culture, I feel confident planning my own itinerary next time.
That said, for this first trip, having an expert coordinate everything was essential. I wanted a driver to take us around during the day so we weren’t relying on taxis or figuring out transit on the fly. I also wanted a guide with us most days to guide us through cultural sites and experiences. Having someone coordinate all of these things, plus organize all of the activities for us, was amazing.
The downside is…well, no one is YOU, so sometimes the things they plan for you might not exactly “hit,” if that makes sense. And when you have a guide with you for most of the day, that also means no personal space - there were a few times when I just wish we were alone.
There’s also the expense. I still do not know the true cost of this trip had I planned it on my own vs going with the agent. Like what was the markup, if any? Or do they solely make money from the vendors they choose for the client vs. from the client (me). These are all things to ask, which sadly I did not.
What time of year did you go?
We visited in August, which is known for being hot and humid. People warned me that it would be miserable. Verdict? It wasn’t. Yes, it was definitely hot and sticky—but it never got in the way of our enjoyment. My tip: get a portable fan for each person in your group. You’ll be fine.
How long was your trip?
We spent 8 days in Japan, with 2 additional travel days. It wasn’t enough to do everything I had in mind, but we managed to see and experience a lot. I wouldn’t recommend a trip shorter than 8 days—there’s just too much to explore. If time and budget allowed, I would’ve happily stretched it into a 14-day trip. Japan really is that amazing.
Days 1–4: Tokyo
Stayed at: Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Located in Roppongi, this hotel was absolutely beautiful—luxurious, full of amenities, and in walking distance to great neighborhoods. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but the location can’t be beat and we had a fantastic buffet breakfast at the hotel each morning. Japanese buffets are not gluttonous and overwhelming like in America. They are beautiful, healthy and super fresh.
Day 1
Here is everything we did, in order, so that you can follow the same itinerary.
Meiji Shrine – A massive, serene Shinto shrine nestled in the forest. We each made wishes and hung them on the wooden prayer wall.
Harajuku – The ultimate spot for bold fashion, vintage shops, and quirky snacks. The street style here is a vibe. Gavyn really wanted some cool sneakers, but as amazing as Japan is for having rare and unique sneakers, that applies to adult sizes only - we did not find a single pair of cool/rare sneakers in kids sizing.
Mipig Café – Japan’s famous animal cafés are everywhere, but we chose one filled with adorable teacup pigs. The kids held and cuddled them during a 30-minute session. You do need a reservation for this, so book in advance.
Shibuya Crossing – We braved the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing—it was chaotic, surreal, and totally iconic.
Shinjuku Isetan Department Store – In the same area as Shibuya, we visited this luxury, multi-building, 10-floor department store packed with everything from gourmet food to designer fashion. The kids were in awe and I was wishing I had an hour of childcare so I could scope out all the stuff I wanted, but wishful thinking lol.
Taito Station Shinjuku Game World – A multi-level arcade near Shinjuku Station with UFO catchers, rhythm games, and wild photo booths. If you have kids and they love this kind of thing, it’s a fun activity.
Dinner: Roppongi Robataya – A truly unforgettable robata experience. You point to the ingredients you want, and the chefs grill them over an open hearth right in front of you. The sashimi was unbelievably fresh.
Evening: After dinner, we wandered through Roppongi, popped into a massive Don Quijote (discount megastore that you can’t miss), and stocked up on 7-Eleven candy and ice cream before heading back to the hotel.
Day 2
Again, here is everything we did, in order.
teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) – A can’t-miss digital art museum. Every room is an immersive sensory experience—whether you’re 5 or 55, it’s absolutely magical.
Lunch – teamLab is located inside a giant complex full of local boutiques and a massive specialty grocery story called the Azabudai Hills Market. So after your teamLab experience, head over there to grab some food items and eat in the courtyard area.
Private Taiko Drum Lesson (Aoyama) – this was so fun. We had a private Taiko lesson with a professional drummer. It was high-energy, fun and definitely burned off any jet lag!
Dinner: No reservation. We ordered room service at the hotel and it was glorious. If I wasn’t traveling with kids, I would have definitely gone out to dinner, but I am a firm believer of reading the room - when they are overly tired, it’s always best to pivot. I can come back to Japan again 😊.
Day 3
Again, in order!
Private Samurai Sword Lesson – This was a highlight! We learned how to handle a katana from professional swordmasters who choreograph fight scenes in Japanese films.
Sensoji Temple & Kaminarimon Gate + Nakamise-dori – This is one of Tokyo’s most famous temples and a must-visit. Nakamise-dori is the long shopping street leading to the temple. We got some snacks and souvenirs.
Chacha Futusame - I had seen this matcha mont blanc ice cream thing on TikTok and made it my mission to go. It was incredible. The mont blanc was definitely sweet, but once you got to the tangy ice cream inside the cone, it was the perfect sweetness.
Ueno Park – This is a huge, lush park with shrines, temples, and museums. We just spent a few minutes here looking around.
Akihabara – The heart of anime, gaming, and tech. The kids were in heaven.
Dinner: room service again, which I did not mind because the food at the Ritz was so good, I ate wagyu beef and sushi!
Day 4 – My Favorite Day!
Tsukiji Market – This was everything. A paradise for food lovers—fresh seafood, wagyu skewers, mochi, tamago sticks, and more. It's vibrant, bustling, and unforgettable. Look at my video to see everything I ate!
Private Sushi-Making Class (Sakai Oyama) – Even though we were stuffed, this was an incredible hands-on experience. A seasoned sushi chef taught us how to cut fish and roll sushi. Easily a 12/10.
Dinner: Savoy Tomato & Cheese – Yes, pizza in Japan is a thing—and it’s phenomenal. Only 8 seats in the restaurant, so book early. It lived up to the hype.
Days 5–6: Kyoto
Train to Kyoto:
We took the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. The Tokyo Station is intense—busy, mostly in Japanese, and easy to get turned around in. I hired a guide to help us find our platform, which, while not essential, gave me huge peace of mind traveling with kids. (Google Translate app is your best friend!)
But guess what I did not know?!?! In Japan, you need to keep your train tickets not just to board your train. You also need them to exit the station. I did not know this, so when I was on the train and the strewardess was collecting trash, I threw them away. This resulted in a disaster of me standing in line for an hour repurchasing tickets just to exit. AWFUL.
Day 5
Everything we did, once we arrived in Kyoto (and successfully managed to exit the train station lol 🤪.
Nishiki Market – We were pretty hungry, so our first stop was Nishiki Market. I had read so much about this market. It was bigger than the Tsukiji market, with lots of food vendors and local shops. This is my personal opinion, but I really liked the Tsukiji market more. However, this is a MUST. And you MUST also purchase at least 8 packages of this seasoning, which is only in Kyoto I believe.
Fushimi Inari Shrine – This shrine is famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates. We just did a short walk here.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple – A breathtaking temple with sweeping views of Kyoto. As you can tell by now, there are temples and shrines everywhere lol.
Meeting with a Maiko (Apprentice Geisha) – This was so special. We had tea and an intimate Q&A with a maiko, watched her perform, and learned about her traditional training. A rare and beautiful experience.
GOKAGO Matcha – TikTok led me here, and it delivered. Don’t miss the matcha soft serve with matcha poured on top. Unreal.
Stayed at: Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – Elegant and peaceful. One morning we had a traditional Japanese breakfast and it was a quiet, sacred experience.
Dinner: No reservation. Our driver recommended a ramen shop—it was closed, so we wandered until we found one nearby. It turned out to be phenomenal. Truly, there are no bad meals in Japan.
Day 6
It rained, but in Japan, life just continues. We packed these amazing umbrellas and went on with our day.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Ok, this is a MUST visit. The golden pavilion is so beautiful and lots of photo opps here.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – This is another MUST. We took a rickshaw to pull us through the towering bamboo and it felt like a scene in a movie!
Japanese Sweets-Making Workshop at the Kanshundo East Store – A fun, hands-on wagashi-making class. The instructor spoke Japanese, but everything was clearly demo’d on-screen, so it was easy to follow. We made beautiful sweets and enjoyed them with matcha.
Dinner: Omen – You must go here for udon. The food is incredible and the vibe is warm and welcoming.
Days 7–8: Osaka
Day 7
We took a private car from Kyoto to Osaka and kicked things off with a food tour. Osaka is known as the foodie capital of Japan, so I really wish I had more time here, but since I didn’t, I felt like a food tour was essential.
Private Food Tour in Shinsekai – This retro neighborhood is full of charm and delicious bites. Our guide led us to the best local eats—takoyaki, okonomiyaki, tempura, and more. Shinsekai means “New World,” but today it’s all about old-school Osaka vibes.
Osaka Castle – This castle is stunning! It’s definitely something to see once, but you don’t need to go back again. Note: you need tickets for this.
Shinsaibashi Shopping Street – Vibrant, packed with stores and snacks. We got some great souvenirs to take home.
Ourlog Coffee - Once again I turned to TiktTok to help me get an amazing cup of coffee. Japan is known for having amazing coffee shops, so I visited Ourlog. Easily one of the best iced lattes I’ve ever had!
Umeda Sky Building – You need tickets for this, but it’s worth it. Go up to the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of the city.
Stayed at: Four Seasons Osaka
We stayed in a traditional tatami room with floor mattresses. The kids loved it—my back, not so much. 😂 We skipped dinner out, ordered room service (meh), and swam in the beautiful indoor pool. The boys were thrilled, and they slept like rocks.
Day 8
This was our departure day. With a 4:55 PM flight, we had a relaxed morning to sleep in, pack, and do some final shopping.
Takashimaya Department Store – Great for last-minute souvenirs, snacks, and gifts.
We went back to the hotel, packed, and took a private care to the airport in Osaka. Since this was a 10 hour flight home, I am so glad we took a 4:55pm flight. We landed back in San Francisco around noon the next day.
Quick Tips for Japan Travel
Trash: There are no public trash cans. You’ll need to carry your trash back to the hotel. This is part of why Japan is so clean. I bought these bags for the trip and it was one of the best purchases I’ve made! Technically they are shoe bags, but I ended up using them for shoes, dirty clothes, and I kept a new one in my bag and inside the kids’ backpacks each day to hold all their trash!
Toilets: No seat covers, but don’t worry—bathrooms are spotless and the toilets are often high-tech. You’ll never find a dirty stall.
Cash is still king: While most places accept cards, many small vendors and street stalls only take cash. I exchanged $1,000 USD at my bank before the trip and it lasted us the whole time. You can also exchange money at the airport but I found the exchange rate much better when I did it at home.
Final Thoughts
We packed a lot into this trip. If I could do it again, I’d push us to go out for dinner every night, even when tired—there’s so much culinary magic we missed. And next time, I’d love to stay in more intimate Japanese luxury boutique hotels rather than international chains.
Have you been to Japan? Drop a comment and tell me your favorite memories or recommendations—I’m already dreaming of going back.
xo,
Nicole
Did you eat any American food there like say Pizza or McDonalds?
Traveling with kids to Japan in December (cousins aged 8-16). Would you stay longer in Kyoto or Tokyo?