Looking for the best 10-day Japan itinerary? And one that’s perfect for families? Read on!

Our Japan travel guide was designed for kids ages 6 to 12. It offers plenty of ideas for your family trip to Japan, but if you’ve got younger kids (or older teens), you may want to add more rest days or cultural sights along the way.

This Osaka to Tokyo to Kyoto 10 day Japan itinerary lets you maximise your 7-day rail pass, building in some non-travel days at the beginning and end to help keep your costs down.

One word of warning—try to avoid visiting Japan at the height of summer! We did. The heat and humidity made for some rather unpleasant meltdowns (from the kids and us!). The best time to travel to Japan is either spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). You’ll benefit from milder weather and may even catch the cherry blossoms or stunning autumn leaves.

How to Travel Around Japan

Before we look at the 10 day Japan itinerary, let’s explore some of the ways you can get around Japan, and what’s best for families.

Japan has one of the world’s most efficient and well-connected transportation systems, so it’s one of the easiest countries to travel for families. Here’s what you need to know about getting around Japan, including whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it for your family.

Japan Rail Pass: Is It Worth It?

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is probably the most cost-effective way to get around Japan. It uses the extensive JR train network, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains). You can only purchase the rail pass as a foreign tourist and you need to get it before you arrive in Japan.

You can access reduced ticket prices for kids aged between 6 and 11, and kids under 5 are free.

Types & Prices (as of March 2025)
The JR Pass is available for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, with options for Ordinary or Green (first class) seating.

• 7-Day JR Pass: AUD$539 for adults, $269 for kids
• 14-Day JR Pass: AUD$862 for adults, $431 for kids
• 21-Day JR Pass: AUD$1,078 for adults, $539 for kids

Who Should Get the JR Pass?

• If you’re taking lots of long-distance train rides (e.g., Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Hiroshima), the JR Pass can save you money.
• If you’re staying in mainly one city (e.g., staying in Tokyo or Osaka), it’s not worth it—a prepaid IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) will be more handy.
• If you’re activating a 7 day pass be sure to plan your 10 day Japan itinerary around your rail pass to maximise usage.

How It Works:

1. Buy the JR Pass before your trip (from an authorised vendor or online). For Aussies, I recommend visiting the official Japan Rail Pass Australia site.
2. Exchange your voucher at a JR Ticket Office in Japan and activate it for your preferred start date.
3. Reserve seats for long-distance trains at JR ticket machines or service counters. But don’t stress if you miss out on reserved tickets – we had no issues getting seats together as a family of five in the unreserved section – just try to board the train first if you can.
4. Show your pass when passing through JR ticket gates – no need to buy separate tickets!

Other Ways to Get Around Japan

IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA)

• Prepaid transport cards that work on local trains and buses.
• Great for local city travel in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
• You can recharge these stations and convenience stores.

Metro & Local Trains

• Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have extensive metro systems.
• Fares start at ¥150-¥200 per ride (around $1.50-$2 AUD).
• Day passes are available for unlimited travel which is great if you want to visit a lot of places in a short time.

Buses

• Useful in cities like Kyoto (where buses reach many temples).
• Fares are usually ¥230 per ride or day passes for ¥600-¥1,000 (about AUD$2.50 and between $6 to $10).

Taxis

• Expensive but convenient for late-night travel or short distances.
• Base fare starts at around ¥500-¥700 and increases per kilometer.
• Ride services like Grab are available which makes it easy to arrange pick ups and drop offs to your accommodation.
• You’ll need two cars if you’re more than four passengers – they were quite strict with our big family.

Biking

• Cities like Kyoto and Osaka have bike-friendly streets.
• Rental bikes cost around ¥1,000 per day ($10 AUD).

Day 1 – Osaka

Osaka is a major travel hub in Japan and offers direct flights from many overseas destinations, including Asia, Australia, Europe, and the USA! So it makes the perfect spot to start your journey. If you are flying into Tokyo, you can easily rejig the itinerary to fit. Just be aware that if you’re using a travel rail pass, the more days you use it, the more it will cost you.

Because we didn’t want to activate the JR Rail pass just yet (until we left Osaka) we opted to purchase single tickets on arrival at the train terminal (at the airport). You can purchase these yourself easily at a self-service machine that accepts foreign debit and credit cards. If you need help, there are plenty of train staff who can help and point you in the right direction, as the station can be pretty chaotic. All signage is in English and announcements on the train are also in Japanese and English.

Family Accommodation in Osaka

Because we were visiting Universal Studios, we opted to stay in a family-friendly apartment near Osaka Central Station. We could jump on the metro and head to Universal Studios for an action-packed day. It was a great little apartment with three double beds and a kitchenette that you could shut off from the bedrooms so we could enjoy a drink and some ramen while the kids slept!

Klook.com

Day 2 – Universal Studios, Osaka

The next stop on a family friendly 10 day Japan itinerary is Universal!

Universal Studios Osaka is just a 12-minute train ride from Osaka Central. It opens at 9 a.m., but plenty of people get there early in the summer months to try to avoid the heat.

The lines moved pretty quickly, however be warned that Universal has a no external food policy.

Universal offers lots of variety for kids of all ages. The bigger kids loved the Harry Potter rides and our youngest loved the Sesame Street area, including the self-drive cars. Despicable Me was popular with everyone, despite very long lines. Just remember that rides involving any interactivity (like Despicable Me) is in Japanese.

Although there are plenty of third party sites you can purchase tickets from, like Univeral Japan website.

Day 3 – Bullet Train to Hiroshima

Heading to Hiroshima via bullet train, our JR Pass came into play. 

While in Hiroshima, we stayed at Oriental Hotel Hiroshima, which was about a 20-minute walk to the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

We ended up moving through the museum at a pretty rapid pace, as some images were a little confronting for the kids. Although far less so than the Vietnam War Memorial Museum. But the experience did leave a mark on all of us. 

There are also plenty of Hiroshima city tours, and some that also include the Itsukushima Shrine which looks amazing (unfortunately we didn’t have time to squeeze this in).

Top tip: Family Mart’s are everywhere and have a great variety of sandwiches, snacks and prepared meals that are family-friendly!

Day 4 – Hiroshima to Tokyo (Must See on your 10 Day Japan Itinerary!)

The Shinkansen (bullet train) from Hiroshima to Tokyo departs approximately every 10 to 20 minutes, so if you haven’t booked a seat there’s plenty of flexibility to jump on any train.

Be aware, though, that the fastest option (4 hours), the Nozomo Shinkansen, is not covered by the JR Rail Pass. These are the most frequent and leave every 10 to 15 minutes. But you will be kicked off at the next stop if you don’t have a valid ticket (yep, that was us!). If you’re not sure, be sure to ask a train attendant to get confirmation that your JR Rail Pass works on the train you’re about to catch.

Look for the Sakura and Hikari Shinkansen, which are covered by your JR Pass. These depart every 30 to 60 minutes and take around 4.5 to 5 hours.

All trains operate from 6am to 9pm.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

You can choose from a wide range of accommodation options in Japan, but like most places in Asia it can be hard work sometimes to find accommodation for a large family that doesn’t break the bank. We opted for a family room in the Shinjuku area which is centrally located, offers great transport links and easy access to Shibuya, Harajuka and Disneyland.

Other popular areas for families include:

• Shibuya – great option for convenience and shopping
• Ueno – best for budget and cultural attractions
• Tokyo Bay – great spot to stay if you’re focusing your trip around a visit to Disneyland

💡 Final Tip: If you plan on exploring different parts of Tokyo, staying near a JR Yamanote Line station (like Shinjuku, Ueno, or Tokyo Station) will make getting around easier!

Where to Eat in Tokyo

There are tonnes of eating-out options in Tokyo, depending on your personal preferences.

You’ll find yamen, yakitori, izakaya food, Japanese curry, sushi, sashimi, donburi and much, much more! There are plenty of themed restaurants to choose from, high-end options, and street food. Plus if your kids are picky eaters and not willing to try local Japanese food, there are also lots of Western options from burgers to French bakeries.

We found an amazing Okonomiyaki restaurant within 15 mins walk of our accommodation for a proper traditional Japanese meal. You can watch the pancakes being cooked and the menu is pretty extensive with some great options for vegetarians.

Day 5 – Exploring Tokyo

One of the must-see spots in all of Tokyo, especially with kids and tweens, is Harajuku!

This famous shopping street, Takeshita Street, is always busy with tourists. Aim to get there early (around 10 AM) in an effort to beat the crowds. If you’re visiting on a weekend, be prepared for it to be even busier than usual!

Things to Do in Harajuku with Kids & Tweens

• Giant Capsule Store – A must-visit for kids who love surprise toys! With walls of gachapon (capsule toy) machines, they can collect plenty of fun little trinkets. Just remember to bring cash or change (there are change machines available).
• Fashion & Shopping – Tweens will love the variety of trendy and quirky fashion stores, including WEGO for affordable streetwear, Sanrio World for cute character goods, and Thank You Mart which offers some budget shopping options.
• Kiddy Land – Just a short walk from Takeshita Street, this multi-floor toy store is super popular with kids and fans of Japanese pop culture. Here, you’ll find everything from Studio Ghibli and Pokémon to Star Wars and Disney collectibles. Great for small and big kids alike!
• Daiso Harajuku – Daiso is famous in Japan (and is available in many other Asian countries). This store carries lots of different things and is a great place to pick up cute and affordable souvenirs, snacks, and household items.

Where to Eat in Harajuku

• Sweet Box Crepes – These crepes are delicious! Stuffed with fruit, whipped cream, and other sweet treats there is lots of variety. Or if you’re more of a savoury fan, they also offer options like ham and cheese.
• Totti Candy Factory – Home to the famous giant rainbow cotton candy, this shop is a fun stop for kids after a sugar hit!
• Café Mocha (Cat Café) – If your kids love animals, stop by this stylish cat café to relax with adorable kitties while enjoying a coffee or juice.
• Marion Crepes – Another great crepe stand with unique flavours and toppings.

Nearby Attractions

• Meiji Shrine – If you need a break from the craziness of Harajuku, its worth checking out tranquil Meiji Shrine – a short walk from Takeshita Street. This peaceful spot in the forest is a great place to learn about Japanese culture and history.
• Yoyogi Park – A great spot for the kids run around and relax after a busy shopping spree. If you visit on a Sunday, you might spot cosplayers, street performers, or even a rockabilly dance group!

Day 6 – DisneyWorld Japan-Style

If you’ve got enough time in your trip, it’s definitely worth making a stop at DisneyWorld Tokyo!

It offers a classic Disney experience with a Japanese twist! There are also a few rides and attractions that you won’t find in other Disney parks – making it more of a unique experience.

How to Get to Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland is located in Maihama, about 15 kms east of central Tokyo.

There are a few different ways you can get there, including:

By Train (Easiest & Most Popular): Take the JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station (about 15 minutes). From Maihama Station, it’s a short walk to the entrance of Tokyo Disneyland.

By Bus: If you’re coming straight from the airport, there are limousine buses that run from both Narita and Haneda airports. Most Tokyo big name hotels also offer shuttle buses to the park. And you can jump on a bus from Yaesu South Exit, Tokyo Station, which takes about 45 minutes to reach the park.

It costs around ¥1,000–¥1,200 per person (one way) and buses depart every 20–30 minutes throughout the day.

By Car or Taxi: If you’ve got a car you can always drive, though parking can be expensive (¥2,500–¥3,000 per day). A taxi from central Tokyo costs around ¥5,000–¥8,000, depending on traffic.

Ticket Prices & Booking Tips

A one day pass will set you back:

• Adults (18+): ¥8,900–¥10,900
• Juniors (12–17): ¥7,400–¥9,000
• Children (4–11): ¥5,300–¥5,600
• Free for kids under 3

Prices vary depending on the season and demand, so check the official Tokyo Disney Resort website for up-to-date pricing. You can book tickets in advance (which is wise if you’re going on holidays or weekends as they can sell out.

Our Disney Strategy: Beating the Crowds & Maximising Rides

Because this was our second Disney trip (after Florida the previous summer), we had a solid game plan to maximise our day.

• Arrive early: Gates open at 8:00 AM, and the lines start forming well before that. We arrived by 7:30 AM to be safe.
• Skip queues with a Standby Pass: This free feature (bookable in the Tokyo Disney Resort app) lets you enter certain rides at designated times without having to queue.
• Hit smaller rides first: Our original plan was to go straight to Big Thunder Mountain, but with a 2-hour wait at opening time, we switched to classic Disney rides and Toon Town instead. This was a great warm-up for our youngest two before tackling bigger rides later in the day.

Our Disney Tokyo Ride Plan

Morning: Start with Fantasyland & Toon Town (Dumbo, Alice’s Tea Party, and the Gadget’s Go Coaster for warm-up rides) in the morning.

Use a Standby Pass and split up if you’ve got different-aged kids with different fear factors! My eldest and I opted for Space Mountain while my husband took the younger two to the Baymax Ride.

Afternoon: Ride Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and The Enchanted Tiki Room. Check out Hungry Bear Restaurant for lunch (great Japanese-style katsu curry).

Evening: Wrap it all up with It’s a Small World (to wind down) and check out the Nighttime Electrical Parade, which was absolutely magical.

Final Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland

✅ Go on a weekday if you can: weekends and Japanese school holidays get super busy.
✅ Check the weather: summer is hot, sweaty and humid, so it’s a long day in the park! Cooler months are much more enjoyable!
✅ Bring snacks & a water bottle: Food lines can be long, and Disney food is expensive.
✅ Download the Tokyo Disney Resort App: This is a great app for checking ride wait times, booking Standby Passes, and making your way around the park.
✅ Budget for souvenirs: Tokyo Disneyland offers exclusive merchandise (e.g., Duffy & Friends plushies) that you won’t necessarily find in other parks.

Day 7 – Historical Kyoto – Must Visit for Your 10 Day Japan Itinerary

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, was our next stop on our 10 day Japan itinerary! With its temples, gardens, and traditional streets, it’s a very different vibe from fast-moving Tokyo.

Getting to Kyoto: JR Pass & Train Tips

We took the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto but made a common mistake! A JR Pass doesn’t cover the Nozomi Shinkansen, the fastest train on the Tokaido Line.

What to do instead:

If you have a JR Pass, be sure you take the Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen, which take 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours instead of the Nozomi’s 2 hours 15 minutes.

If you do happen to accidentally board the wrong train, the conductor will kindly let you know and you’ll need to switch at the next station. Thankfully, it’s a pretty easy platform change and only took about an extra 15 minutes in our schedule.

Lockers & Luggage Storage at Kyoto Station

Depending on when you can check into your accommodation you may want to squeeze in some sightseeing first. And there are plenty of storage options if you need to store bags at Kyoto Station while you explore. Just note that many travellers have the same idea, so the large lockers tend to fill up fast.

If station lockers are full, check the baggage storage service on the 1st floor of Kyoto Station. Another option is Yamato Transport’s “Hands-Free Travel” service, which lets you ship your bags to your accommodation while you explore.

Exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Our first adventure in Kyoto was to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks and walking through the towering green bamboo stalks it’s easy to see why.

• Best time to visit: Early morning (before 8 AM) or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
• Weather warning: We visited in 40°C heat, and with three kids in tow, it was tough! If you’re traveling in summer, bring water, hats, and handheld fans.
• Getting there: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 min, ¥240). It’s then about a 10-minute walk to the bamboo forest – signed and easy to find by following the crowds!.

While it was a beautiful spot to visit, the heat and crowds made it less enjoyable. So avoid going at the height of summer and make sure to go early to try to avoid other tourists.

Day 8 – Nara Deer Park: A Must-See Family Adventure

Just an hour from Kyoto by train, Nara Deer Park offers a unique experience for families. The park is home to hundreds of deer, an animal that’s considered sacred in Japanese culture. You can interact with them, feed them special deer crackers (shika senbei), and explore the surrounding historic sites.

Getting to Nara Deer Park

There are several train options from Kyoto to Nara. The JR Nara Line and Kintetsu Nara Line are the most popular. If you’re using a JR Rail Pass, the JR Nara Line is covered, but other routes will mean you need to purchase an additional ticket. Check before boarding, but don’t worry if you’re not sure. If your JR card is rejected at the gate on arrival, you can purchase from a ticket machine easily at Nara Station.

What to Expect at the Park

At Nara Deer Park the deer roam freely! While they’re used to humans, some can be quite bold—especially when they spot food! You can purchase deer crackers from local vendors for a few dollars. Just be prepared for an enthusiastic response from the animals, which can be a little scary for kids.

Family Tips for Visiting Nara Deer Park

• Feeding the deer: If you plan to buy crackers, be aware that the deer may crowd around you quickly! Younger children might find this overwhelming.
• Safety first: While the deer are mostly gentle, they can nibble at clothing or backpacks, so keep an eye on personal belongings.
• Best time to visit: Mornings or late afternoons are typically quieter.
• Explore beyond the deer: Nara is also home to Todai-ji Temple, which houses the Great Buddha. It’s also home to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Both are worth a visit while you’re in Nara.

Reactions to the deer can vary widely depending on your kids and how comfortable they are around animals. Some kids love the experience, while others find the closeness a little intimidating! Try to prepare your kids in advance and maintain a comfortable distance to begin with to ensure a fun and memorable visit.

Day 9 – Kyoto: Tori Gates and Gion

Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Its Iconic Torii Gates

One of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks is the Fushimi Inari Shrine. This is a must-visit on any 10 day Japan itinerary. Known for its striking pathway of over 10,000 vermillion torii gates, this sacred site leads visitors up Mount Inari on a scenic 4-kilometer trail.

Things to Know Before You Go:

• Opening Hours: The shrine is open 24/7 and free to enter, so you can easily fit it in around your schedule.
• Best Time to Visit: Arriving early in the morning helps avoid the crowds, as this is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist spots.
• Hiking Considerations: The full hike to the top can be quite challenging, especially with kids. Many families opt to explore the lower sections. You can always choose to walk part of the way and turn around when you and the kids have had enough.

Evening: Exploring Gion & Geisha Spotting

In the evening, visiting Gion is a must! Kyoto’s famous geisha district offers a glimpse into traditional Japan. The streets are lined with historic wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and lantern-lit alleyways. So it’s a beautiful and atmospheric stroll with kids.

Tips for Visiting Gion:

• Best Days to See Geisha: Geisha (or geiko and maiko, as they’re known in Kyoto) are less likely to be working on Mondays, so try to go any other day for a better chance for sightings.
• Where to Go: Hanamikoji Street is one of the best places to spot geisha, especially at sunset.
• Weather Preparedness: Kyoto’s weather can be unpredictable—carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella is a good idea to avoid getting caught in a sudden downpour.

Even if you don’t spot a geisha, exploring Gion’s charming streets and soaking in the atmosphere is a highlight of any family trip to Kyoto!

Day 10 – Kyoto to Osaka and Home (With a Few Bumps!)

Our final day in Japan brought some unexpected challenges—what we thought was just heavy rain turned out to be the tail end of a typhoon, bringing our Kyoto-to-Osaka train plans to a halt.

Getting to Osaka Without Trains

With all trains cancelled, we had no other option but to take an expensive taxi for the hour-long journey to Osaka.

Lessons Learned:

• Always check for weather disruptions if you’re travelling during typhoon season in Japan.
• If trains are cancelled, taxis and buses may be your only option—so factor in emergency transport costs when budgeting.

Exploring Dotonbori: Osaka’s Foodie Paradise

Luckily, the rain eased later in the day, allowing us to explore Dotonbori, Osaka’s famous street food and entertainment district. Even after the storm, the area was buzzing with people, and the endless street food stalls, neon lights, and lively energy were a lot of fun for the whole family.

What to Try in Dotonbori:

• Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) – A local favorite, best eaten fresh off the grill. I’ve got to be honest, I am not a seafood fan so I didn’t partake – but there were lots of people enjoying it!
• Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake) – Osaka’s signature dish, packed with flavour.
• Kushikatsu (Deep-Fried Skewers) – A must-try for if you’re a fan of crispy, fried goodness.

While I would have loved more time (and a babysitter!) to properly experience Dotonbori’s nightlife, it was the perfect way to wrap up our Japan adventure—even with the unexpected twists along the way!

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Whether you’re planning a family trip, a solo adventure, or a foodie getaway, Japan offers something for everyone. Despite a few bumps along the way, we wouldn’t change a thing! 

Until next time, Japan! 🇯🇵