Japan Adventures: 2 Weeks of Exploration

Introduction

Japan, a land where ancient traditions meet modern marvels, invites travellers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. After meticulously planning our two-week itinerary, we embarked on a journey filled with unforgettable experiences for both adults and children. Here’s a detailed account of our adventure and how we adapted along the way.

If you missed our original plan, you can read it here.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration in Osaka

Arrival in Osaka: We settled into our accommodation.
Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda: We delved into the fascinating history of instant noodles and even created our own custom cup noodles.
PARCO Shinsaibashi: Explored the POP CULTURE floor, filled with trendy shops and unique finds.
Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street: Shopped till we dropped, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and variety of stores.
Dotonbori: Strolled through this lively district, spotted the iconic Glico Man, and visited Don Quijote for some late-night shopping.

Note: We missed out on the Tombori River Cruise.

[Check out our Day 1 post.]

Day 2: Osaka and Nara

Nara Deer Park: Interacted with the friendly deer, a delightful experience for the kids.
Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall): Marvelled at the colossal bronze Buddha, an awe-inspiring sight.
Higashimuki Shopping Street and Mochiidono Shopping Arcade: Explored local markets, sampling delicious street food and buying souvenirs.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Dived into the underwater world, witnessing a variety of marine life.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Enjoyed panoramic views of Osaka from this giant Ferris wheel.

Tip: If you leave Nara early, you can add LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Osaka, which is in the same area as the aquarium and Ferris wheel.

[Check out our Day 2 post.]

Day 3: Osaka and Himeji

Hello Kitty Train: Enjoyed this quirky mode of transportation, a hit with the kids!
Himeji Castle: Visited this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Kokoen Garden: Experienced the tranquil beauty of these traditional Japanese gardens.
Dotonbori: Returned for more exploration or shopping, soaking in the vibrant nightlife.

Tip: If you leave early, you can visit the Umeda Sky Building and Kuchu Teien Observatory before taking the Hello Kitty train.

[Check out our Day 3 post.]

Day 4: Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Universal Studios Japan: Spent the day enjoying thrilling rides and magical experiences, from Super Nintendo World to Minion Park.

Tip: Arrive early to make the most of your day and consider purchasing an Express Pass to skip the long queues.

[Check out our Day 4 post.]

Day 5: Osaka to Kyoto

Kyo-train Garaku: Took a scenic journey to Kyoto, enjoying the picturesque views along the way.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Admired the stunning golden temple, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond.
Nijō Castle: Explored this historic castle, including:
- Ninomaru Palace and Honmaru Palace: Stepped back in time, walking through these beautifully preserved palaces.
- Nijō Castle Garden: Enjoyed a serene escape in the meticulously maintained gardens.
Nishiki Market: Indulged in a foodie paradise, sampling local delicacies and fresh produce.

Note: We missed out on exploring the Kyoto Station Building and GOTO-CHI Kyoto for souvenir shopping.

[Check out our Day 5 post.]

Day 6: Kyoto’s Cultural Gems

Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walked through thousands of torii gates, a truly iconic experience.
Kimono Experience and Tea Ceremony at Maikoya: Immersed ourselves in traditional Japanese culture, dressing in kimonos and participating in a tea ceremony.
Kiyomizu-dera: Explored this historic temple and the surrounding local shops.
Starbucks Coffee – Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya: Sipped coffee with a view of the historic streets.
Sannenzaka Path: Wandered along this charming, historic path.
Nishiki Market and Shinkyogoku Shopping Street: Continued our shopping spree, finding unique items and gifts.

Note: We missed Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda), Kōdaiji Temple, Ryōzen Kannon Temple, and Kyoto Gokoku Shrine as they close around 5pm and 6pm.

[Check out our Day 6 post.]

Day 7: Arashiyama and Golden Pavilion

Iwatayama Monkey Park: Met the playful monkeys and enjoyed panoramic views of Kyoto from the top of the hill. The hike up was refreshing and the interaction with the monkeys was a highlight for the kids.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walked through the enchanting bamboo forest, feeling like we had stepped into another world. The towering bamboo stalks created a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
Nishiki Market and Shinkyogoku Shopping Street: Continued our shopping adventures, discovering everything from traditional crafts to modern gadgets. The market’s vibrant energy and variety of stalls made it a shopper’s paradise.

Note: We missed the Sagano Scenic Train. Possible extra activities include trying a Yakatabune boat ride or renting a boat from the Arashiyama Ferry South Pier.

[Check out our Day 7 post.]

Day 8: Kyoto to Tokyo

Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo: Enjoyed a fast and scenic ride, a quintessential Japanese experience.
Sensoji Temple: Visited the oldest temple in Tokyo, steeped in history and culture.
Nakamise-dori Street: Shopped for souvenirs along this bustling street leading to Sensoji Temple.
Asakusa: Explored the area and enjoyed dinner at Kura Sushi Global Flagship Store.

Note: We stayed in the Asakusa area, hence planned to explore the local neighbourhoods rather than venturing further.

[Check out our Day 8 post.]

Day 9: Mt. Fuji Tour

Chureito Pagoda and Arakurayama Shrine: Took in breath taking views of Mt. Fuji, a picture-perfect moment.
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba: Explored this traditional village, learning about local crafts and culture.
Lake Kawaguchiko: Enjoyed the scenic beauty and tranquillity of the lake.
- Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway: Rode up for panoramic views of the area.
- Mount Kachikachi Super View Swing: Experienced the thrill of swinging with a view of Mt. Fuji.
Oshino Hakkai: Visited these picturesque ponds, known for their clear water and beautiful surroundings.

[Check out our Day 9 post.]

Day 10: Tokyo Pop Culture Extravaganza

Sanrio Puroland: Immersed ourselves in the world of Hello Kitty and friends, a delightful experience for fans of all ages.
Sunshine City Mall:
- Pikachu Sweets Café: Satisfied our sweet tooth with adorable Pokémon-themed treats.
- Gashapon Ikebukuro Main Store: Enjoyed the vast variety of capsule toys, a fun and unique shopping experience.

[Check out our Day 10 post.]

Day 11: Tokyo Disneyland Magic

Tokyo Disneyland: Spent the day where dreams come true, enjoying magical rides and attractions, from Cinderella’s Castle to Space Mountain. The parades, shows, and character interactions made it an unforgettable experience.

[Check out our Day 11 post.]

Days 12 – 15: Exploring Tokyo’s Vibrant Neighbourhoods

Day 12: Pokémon Adventures, Ginza, and Shinjuku

Pokémon Center Tokyo DX: Explored a paradise for Pokémon fans, filled with merchandise and interactive displays.
Pokémon Café Tokyo Nihonbashi: Enjoyed themed meals and drinks, a must-visit for any Pokémon enthusiast.
Uniqlo Tokyo Ginza and MUJI Ginza Flagship Store: Shopped for stylish and practical items, perfect for souvenirs.
Nishiginza Department Store and Sanrio World Ginza: Found unique gifts and souvenirs, from luxury items to cute character goods.
Tokyo Character Street: Discovered shops dedicated to popular characters, a fun experience for kids and adults alike.
DAWN | Avatar Robot Café: Experienced a futuristic dining experience, where robots serve your food.
Shinjuku Golden Gai: Explored quirky bars and spotted the Cat Board and Godzilla Head, a unique nightlife experience.

[Check out our Day 12 post.]

Day 13: Immersive Art and Tokyo’s Vibrant Streets

teamLab Borderless: We immersed ourselves in digital art, experiencing a mesmerising and interactive exhibition.
Meiji Shrine: We visited this serene and historic site, a peaceful retreat in the heart of Tokyo.
Takeshita Street and Harajuku Street: We explored trendy shops and cafes, a hub of youth culture and fashion.
Shibuya: We strolled around and explored shops
- Shibuya Crossing: We experienced the famous scramble crossing, a must-see in Tokyo.
- Hachikō Memorial Statue: We paid tribute to the loyal dog, a beloved symbol of loyalty and devotion.
- MEGA Don Quijote, a massive discount store with a wide variety of products.

[Check out our Day 13 post.]

Day 14: Ueno and Akihabara

Ueno Zoo: We met fascinating animals, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
Ueno Park and Ueno Toshogu: We explored Ueno Park and visited the historic Ueno Toshogu Shrine.
Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street: We wandered through this bustling market street.
Akihabara: We strolled around Akihabara, the hub of electronics and anime culture.

[Check out our Day 14 post.]

Day 15: Sky-High Views and Aquatic Adventures

Tokyo Solamachi: We explored this shopping and entertainment complex.
- Sumida Aquarium: We discovered marine life at this impressive aquarium.
- Pokémon Center Sky Tree Town: We found more Pokémon goodies awaiting us!
Last-Minute Shopping in Asakusa: We spent our final hours shopping in Asakusa.

[Check out our Day 15 post.]

Remember, our itinerary is just a starting point. Japan surprises at every turn, and we’re open to suggestions from fellow travellers. Whether it’s a hidden Hello Kitty café or a Pokémon-themed park, we’re excited to explore with our kids and create lasting memories.