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Japan with Kids | Real Recs & Memories from Our Trip
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items We spent 19 days traveling through Japan — from temple-side snacks to neon ramen nights. This list blends the practical (hotels, family-friendly stops, and experiences we loved) with the personal moments that made Japan unforgettable. These aren’t cu...
Sections
8
Tokyo | Final Days, Fuji & Slow Wandering
Osaka with Kids | Markets, Pokémon & Everyday Magic
Shinsekai, Street Food & AmericaMura | A Wild Day in Osaka
Kyoto & Nara | Shrines, Snacks & So Many Steps
Kyoto on Foot | Temples, Snacks & Sore Legs
Fuji in the Rain | A Quieter Day of Travel
Tokyo | Final Days, Fuji & Slow Wandering
We returned to Tokyo by bullet train on Day 17 — tired, thankful, and not expecting much more. But Mt. Fuji peeked through the clouds and gave us the perfect goodbye. We stayed near Shinagawa Station, wandered quiet backstreets, stocked up on weird s...
On our last travel day in Japan, we took the bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo — tired and fully accepting that Mt. Fuji had ghosted us the whole trip. And then, there it was. Peeking through the clouds for just long enough to snap one blurry, beautif...
Bullet Train to Tokyo & the Day Mt. Fuji Waved Back
Osaka with Kids | Markets, Pokémon & Everyday Magic
Osaka was vibrant, flavorful, and full of character — the kind of city that invites you to wander, snack constantly, and find unexpected joy in arcades, side streets, and steaming bowls of ramen. These are the places we explored, the meals we still t...
We stayed at WELLSTAY Namba during our Osaka trip and found it to be a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the city. The hotel offers spacious rooms suitable for families, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette, and laundry facilitie...
WELLSTAY Namba | Family-Friendly Stay in Osaka
Not every travel day is packed with sights — some are made for laundry, rest, and ramen. This was that day. After a travel bug made the rounds in our family, we hit pause. I stayed back to rest, and the boys headed out on their own Osaka adventure: s...instagram.com/p/DJHMUL_yC-T/?img_index=1
Kuromon Market & Pokémon Cafe | Recovery Mode in Osaka
One of the things that continues to blow us away about Japan is the contrast you can live in a single day. We started with temples and ancient stillness. Then came the night. In Osaka — especially Dotonbori — every alleyway felt alive. Glowing lanter...
Dotonbori by Night | Lanterns, Smoke & Sensory Overload
Day 13 was chaos: sick kids, luggage hauls, and a 10-minute walk that felt like 10 miles. But we made it to Osaka. This post is for anyone who's hit that moment in a trip when you just. need. a. couch. We stayed at Well Stay Namba, and while the pill... instagram.com/p/DI82qwRyLHg/?img_index=3
Surviving the Travel Bug | Osaka Arrival & Lobby Lattes
Shinsekai, Street Food & AmericaMura | A Wild Day in Osaka
Osaka hits different. It’s messier than Kyoto, louder than Tokyo, and packed with the kind of energy that kids love. From Pokémon Cafes and neon-lit arcades to back-alley takoyaki stalls and ride-or-die streetwear neighborhoods, Osaka gave us space t...
We debated taking a day trip to Hiroshima but ended up leaning into the wild, wonderful energy of Osaka — and it turned out to be one of our favorite days. We started in Shinsekai, where the boys got to catch their own fish for lunch. It was messy, e...
America-Mura (American Village), Osaka
Kyoto & Nara | Shrines, Snacks & So Many Steps
Kyoto and Nara offered a blend of ancient temples, playful deer, and culinary delights. From the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine to the bustling stalls of Nishiki Market, our journey was filled with cultural immersion and family-friendly f...
We spent the day exploring Fushimi Inari’s endless red torii gates, then took a trip to Nara for bowing deer and market snacks. So many steps, but totally worth it — especially with a late-night onigiri run to 7-Eleven and a stop at the Pokémon Cente... instagram.com/p/DI6anQ3yfRn/?img_index=1
Shrines, Street Food & Bowing Deer
Keep devices charged during long sightseeing days with this compact and reliable power bank. My 13 year old son packs his everywhere he goes.
Anker 533 Wireless Power Bank (PowerCore 10K)
Kyoto on Foot | Temples, Snacks & Sore Legs
Kyoto was beautiful — and brutal on the legs. We walked tens of thousands of steps through historic paths and snack alleys, squeezed into bamboo forests, and tried to soak in the serenity while dodging tour groups. These are our favorites from those ...
That day in Kyoto? We hit 40,000+ steps and still somehow found the energy to chase down the fluffiest cream donuts in the city. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was packed (think Amalfi Coast crowds with fewer gelato stops), but the magic of the tall gre...
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
We arrived in Kyoto and immediately appreciated two luxuries: space to stretch out and our own in-room laundry machine. After a week of communal washers, it felt like a vacation inside a vacation. We wandered through the alleyways between Pontocho an... Spacious family rooms with in-room laundry, a kitchenette, and thoughtful amenities — perfect for traveling families. https://www.instagram.com/p/DI1RFk7S5V3/?img_index=1
RESI STAY Hotel Sun Chlorella, Kyoto
Fuji in the Rain | A Quieter Day of Travel
Sometimes the clouds don’t part, the views don’t come, and the energy dips—but that doesn’t mean the day is lost. This folder includes our quieter day in the Fuji area: peaceful temple visits, surprise hotel wins (hello, two rooms!), and the simple j...
We arrived in Fuji to rain and clouds that kept Mount Fuji hidden all day. But we made the most of it with shopping, temple wandering, and a relaxed pace. Our biggest win? Booking two separate hotel rooms. This hotel is conveniently located near Shin... https://www.shizuokabus.co.jp/foreigner/shared/pdf/r01goriki.pdf
Low-Key Fuji | Rain, Temples & a Two-Room Win
Ensure your electronics stay charged with this universal adapter, a must-have for international travel. (tip: Japanese outlets may differ from yours!). https://www.instagram.com/p/DIywQKWyJc3/?img_index=1
Travel Smart Universal All-in-One Adapter
Tokyo Highlights | Skytree, Snacks & City Views
Tokyo is a whirlwind of neon lights, towering structures, and hidden gems. This folder captures our favorite moments from the city, from sky-high views to cozy eateries.
Part two of our Tokyo wander-fest took us to the skies—literally—with a trip up the Tokyo Skytree. The city stretched out beneath us in every direction, offering breathtaking views. A few stubborn cherry blossoms were still showing off, even though t... Experience panoramic views of Tokyo from the Tembo Deck and Galleria of the Tokyo Skytree. Pre-book your tickets to skip the lines and ensure a seamless visit. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwguIpydoE/?img_index=1
Skytree Views & Izakaya Vibes
Another day, another market. This time we wandered into Ameyoko, Tokyo’s chaotic little treasure trove of snacks, street eats, and shops stacked tighter than a suitcase. Originally a black market after WWII (yes, seriously), it’s now just a place to ... Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ameyoko Market with a guided night tour. Sample local street foods and sweets at 5 or 6 different shops, including hot croquettes and creamy matcha ice cream, and finish off the evening with a delicious bowl of r... https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwdueQS08G/?img_index=1
Ameyoko Market | Chaos, Snacks & Bubble Waffles
This was one of our favorite Tokyo days — and our kids still talk about it. We started with Tsukiji Market, a total sensory overload in the best way. If you go, don’t miss this amazing guided market tour with breakfast — it made navigating the chaos ... https://www.instagram.com/p/DItkx6FSXlf/?img_index=1
Tsukiji Market, Cat Cafes & Akihabara Surprises
We were out the door by 7:30am thanks to jet lag, and it paid off: Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場) was still quiet, the food stalls freshly stocked, and the boys fully in foodie mode. From Kobe beef skewers and fresh sea urchin to king crab legs and tu... 📍 Also featured in our Instagram post: instagram.com/p/DIteu3iSNke/?img_index=1
Tsukiji Market Morning Feast — Come Hungry!
We hit the ground running on our first full day in Tokyo — and Shibuya did not disappoint. Thanks to jet lag, we arrived early enough to see the Shibuya Scramble completely empty. By afternoon, it was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with the full Tokyo b...https://www.instagram.com/p/DIrBXolyCn1/?img_index=1
Tokyo: Shibuya Highlights Walking Tour
We made it! After an 11-hour flight from LAX to Tokyo (with basically zero real sleep), we hit the ground running. First stop: grab SIM cards. Next mission: survive the Tokyo train system and find food. We stayed at Hotel Residence Asakusa by Unito —...https://www.instagram.com/p/DIoLaoiuU-j/?img_index=1
Landed in Tokyo: Jet Lag, Trains & Pod Beds
For first-time visitors, this Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Walking Tour is a great way to explore with a local. It’s a small-group experience that covers the iconic Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine — with plenty of insight and time for questions. We lov...https://www.instagram.com/p/DIoLaoiuU-j/?img_index=1
Tokyo Old Town: Asakusa Sensoji Temple
Japan Family Travel Info & Tips
Pre-trip checklists, packing guides, and day-by-day inspiration from real parent travelers.
Free printable pre‑travel checklist covering visas, transport, sims, currency, guides—perfect for busy families.
Pre‑Travel Checklist for Japan (TheTokyoChapter.com)
A thorough packing and logistics guide for traveling in Japan with kids—customizable and family-friendly.
Travel Prep + Packing Checklist (USJapanFam.com)
Free, detailed packing list for Japan with kid‑friendly must‑haves and advice on what not to bring.
Japan Packing List & Tips (TwoWanderingSoles.com)