We’ve been hearing a lot about Japan over the past few years, and for good reason. The exchange rate has been favorable, flights from the West Coast are easy (and sometimes surprisingly affordable!), the food is incredible, and for tweens and teens, Japan (being the home of anime and Pokémon) is a dream destination.

Our recent trips to Asia had taken us to China and Taiwan , but Japan has been on all of our wish lists. I had long dreamed of visiting during sakura (cherry blossom) season, but I recently learned that Japan’s foliage season is just as beautiful and far less crowded. Everything lined up perfectly for us this fall. The kids had the entire Thanksgiving week off, Jason and I were able to find hospital coverage, and I scored an amazing flight deal. It felt like a sign. And since Japan was also on my mom’s bucket list, we turned it into a multi-generational trip!

Japan lived up to the hype. We experienced bright city lights and serene temples, fed the friendly bowing deer in Nara, visited multiple Pokémon Centers, and enjoyed many bowls of noodles! From the peaceful bamboo forest to the stunning fall foliage, every stop was special in its own way.

There are still so many off-the-beaten-path places we’d love to explore, but for a first trip to Japan with kids and grandparents, this itinerary was the perfect introduction. Below is our Tokyo → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka → Tokyo family itinerary, filled with great food, cultural highlights, and memories we’ll treasure forever.

Flights & Getting There:

For this trip, we flew ZIPAIR from Los Angeles to Tokyo, and returned on China Airlines with a layover in Taiwan to see family.

Flying ZIPAIR: Japan’s Budget Friendly Airline

ZIPAIR is no-frills budget airline, but we were pleasantly surprised. The seats were comfortable, legroom was better than expected, and the price was unbeatable. During sales, one-way flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo can be as low as $250!

ZIPAIR charges for almost everything, but their bundle packages are a good value. We booked the Premium Bundle, which included one checked bag, a meal, seat selection, and a comfort kit (blanket, inflatable pillow, slippers, and eye mask). It’s cheaper than buying add-ons separately, and adding luggage at the airport can cost about $100 each way. If you want to save more, the Value Bundle includes the checked bag, meal, and seat selection.

Tips: 1) ZIPAIR’s carry-on limit is strict: just 7 kg total for your carry-on and personal item. Most travelers will end up checking a bag. Even so, we recommend packing light with a carry-on–size suitcase and a backpack. It makes navigating subways, busy stations, and the Shinkansen much easier. If you do bring a larger suitcase, luggage delivery services are a great option (my mom used this for one of her bags). Japan has amazing shopping, so pack an extra foldable duffel (this one is our favorite). We brought two and filled them with snacks, clothing, gifts, and Pokémon finds. 2) Don’t count on the wifi – on our flight, it only worked to connect to their in-flight shop for snacks and beverages, and very limited entertainment. I recommend downloading movies ahead of the flight and bringing books to read.

Where We Stayed in Japan:

For this trip, we booked apartment-style hotels, which were perfect for our family of four. Each stay included a kitchenette and an in-unit washer/dryer. All of our hotels were just steps from FamilyMart or 7-Eleven, making it easy to grab breakfast, snacks, or quick meals. They were also close to a train or subway station, which made getting around simple. Although we may have been able to fit 6 into the room type we chose, we booked a second room for my parents. Prices felt reasonable for the space and location, averaging $250–$350 per night for our family of four, depending on season and demand.

Tokyo (Part 1): KOKO Hotel Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi x 3 nights
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8EvQfU9XR2zCP4Z88
Spacious apartment-style rooms, perfect for families. Walking distance to Sensoji and many excellent food options.

Kyoto: Monday Apart Premium Kyoto Station Kamogawa x 3 nights
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/WiZuQurxqf5XcLvs8
A great base for families — big rooms, laundry, near Kyoto Station. To our surprise, our suite had 2 toilets! This was the largest of the 3 suites we stayed.

Here is a room tour of our suite in Kyoto:

Tokyo (Part 2) : Monday Apart Premium Akihabara x 1 night
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/wh4ib9o38jgp6Y3K6
Anime and figurine shops within walking distance

All three properties were clean, spacious by Japan standards, and very convenient for families. We’d happily stay at any of them again. Tips: I used some of our chase points to book some of the rooms via the Chase Travel Portal, and the others on Hotels.com. The last night I booked through the hotel website directly, selecting Japanese Yen as the currency for a slightly cheaper rate.

Day 0-1: Arrival – Tokyo/ Asakusa

We left Los Angeles on a Friday morning and landed at the Narita Airport around 3 p.m. It took us about an hour to get through customs and pick up our checked bags. Since we were traveling with six people, including kids and grandparents, I booked a private driver through Klook (for $5 off you can use my referral code UY7YDX) . It was worth it for the comfort and door-to-door convenience to our hotel, but if you’re traveling light, taking the train into Tokyo is very doable and much less expensive.

We arrived at our hotel in Asakusa (KOKO Hotel Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi). just before 6 p.m. Asakusa is a great home base for families visiting Tokyo — it’s quieter than areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku, easy to navigate with kids and grandparents, and well connected by subway to the rest of the city. We decided to keep our first night simple with an early dinner at one of the neighborhood spots.

Dinner: Tempura Akimitsu Asakusa: Near Sensō-ji Temple, this cozy spot serves crispy tempura bowls and delicious udon. You can reserve a table on Tablelog. It was the perfect comfort meal after a long travel day. The restaurant was only about a 10-minute walk from our hotel. After dinner, we strolled back to the hotel and called it a night to adjust to the local time zone.

Day 2: Tokyo – Asakusa, Harujuku and Shibuya Crossing

This was one of our biggest walking days — we took more than 25,000 steps! We explored several very different neighborhoods, which really showed us how diverse Tokyo is. We started the morning with a short walk to Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, snacking our way down Nakamise Street along the way.

We loved the mochi stuffed with strawberries, and Grandma picked out candy-coated fruit that reminded her of her childhood. The festive atmosphere made the walk toward the temple feel especially fun.

Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, known for its massive red lantern, incense-filled entrance, and lively energy that makes it especially memorable for first-time visitors.

After visiting Sensō-ji, we took a slow foodie stroll back toward our hotel and stopped for a few treats along the way.

Age 3 Fried Sandwich Stand

💴 ~¥550–¥700 per sandwich. Creamy, fluffy, and absolutely worth the hype on tiktok and instagram. We tried both the savory and cream-filled versions.

Taiyaki (warm fish-shaped pastries)

Hokkaido Milk Bar for the milk tasting flight and soft serve
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/N7N4pN3wyPCoyt6S9

After our snacking lunch through Asakusa, we hopped on the subway and headed to Meiji Jingu Gaien – the golden ginkgo tunnel (peaks late November) This long, glowing avenue of golden ginkgo leaves is one of Tokyo’s most magical seasonal sights.
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/dEnz4XzxZmmc58LG6

Harajuku –> Shibuya Crossing (more walking)

From Meiji Jingu Gaien, we walked about 20–30 minutes to Harajuku, where we explored the quirky shops and admired the bold street fashion. I found a pair of the popular Onitsuka Tiger Mary Janes here and purchased them as my Japan souvenir!

We continued on foot toward Shibuya, reaching the famous Shibuya Crossing right around sunset. Here’s a video of us at the crossing!

We tried to visit the second-floor Starbucks in the PARCO mall for the classic Shibuya Crossing view, but it was packed. The kids were far more excited to head to the Pokémon Center Shibuya on the 5th floor, where they picked out Pokémon cards (limited pack per person) and souvenirs. By the time we finished shopping, everyone was tired and hungry, so we grabbed katsu for dinner in the mall food court.

Day 3 TeamLab Planets → Toyosu Outer Market → Yayoi Kusama Museum → Skytree

We started Day 3 with one of the experiences we were most excited about: TeamLab Planets .

📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8k2whn2nRAQDqSQh7

You enter barefoot, and from the very first room it feels like stepping into another world. We waded through shallow water, walked past floating flower petals, and stood inside massive mirrored spaces. The kids were completely mesmerized – this ended up being one of their favorite experiences in Tokyo. Here are some tips for visiting:

• Book tickets in advance online (it does sell out).
• Morning time slots are best — it gets more crowded as the day goes on.
• There are free lockers at the entrance for shoes and belongings.
• Wear pants you can roll up — the water can reach mid-shin.
• Light-colored clothing looks great in photos and reflects the artwork.
• The space is low-light with water exhibits, so your phone camera is more than enough unless you’re planning professional shots.

Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai: After TeamLab, we walked to the nearby Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai market. Because it was a holiday (Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day), the Toyosu fish market was closed. We grabbed sushi for lunch, then wandered through the food stalls sampling snacks — including creamy matcha ice cream and an interesting match dish that looked like spaghetti (but was a type of cake). It was a great place to try lots of different foods in one place.

Yayoi Kusama Museum: I’m a big fan of Yayoi Kusama, and after seeing a few of her special exhibits in Los Angeles, I convinced the family to take the subway to Shinjuku to visit the Yayoi Kusama Museum.

A few important notes: the museum is only open Thursday–Sunday and on Japanese national holidays, and tickets are timed entry and must be booked online in advance. Tickets cost ¥1,100 for adults and ¥600 for kids (ages 6–18). Tickets for each month go on sale at 10 a.m. Japan time on the first day of the previous month, so plan ahead.

The museum itself is quite small. I enjoyed the exhibit, but my parents and kids found the abstract art a bit confusing. I was hoping to see one of her larger mirror-room installations, but this location is more of a curated gallery. I’d recommend it for dedicated Kusama fans, but it may not be a must-see for every family.

 Pokémon Center Sunshine City (Ikebukuro)

From there, the kids convinced us that we were “close enough” to visit another Pokémon Center — and honestly, they were right. Sunshine City is huge, and the Pokémon Center there is one of the best for cards, plushies, and collectibles. They didn’t have any cards for sale here, but the kids were still excited to see more Pokémon merchandise and explore the store.

After shopping, we tried to get in line for the famous ramen spot Ichiran (they have some branches in New York or I just found this mail order home ramen kit), but the wait for a group of six was over two hours, so we bailed and grabbed a quick dinner inside the mall instead.

Tokyo Skytree

After dropping the grandparents back at the hotel, Jason and the kids were still up for one more adventure, so we hopped on the subway to Tokyo Skytree. The elevator ride to the top was quick and smooth, and once we stepped out, the 360-degree city views were incredible — sparkling, endless, and truly stunning.

One thing we didn’t realize ahead of time: there’s a Christmas market at the base of the Skytree during the holiday season, with festive lights and food stalls open until about 9 p.m. It was closed by the time we arrived, but it looked like a lot of fun. If you’re visiting Tokyo around the holidays, it’s definitely worth adding this to your Tokyo Skytree stop.

Day 4: Train to Kyoto and private day tour of Arashima area:

We took a morning Shinkansen high speed train from Tokyo to Kyoto, arriving at Kyoto Station, where we met our guide, Kosuke, for a six-hour private tour. He picked us up at the station — luggage and all — in a large, comfortable van, which made the rainy weather much easier to manage.

Kosuke came highly recommended through one of my Facebook travel groups. He planned a thoughtful route that worked perfectly despite the rain and dropped us off at our hotel at the end of the day. We would have loved to book him for more days, but he only had one available. The total cost for the private tour was ¥45,000 or just under $300 USD  (not including entrance fees or food) for our entire group — well worth it for the convenience and flexibility, especially with kids and grandparents.

Shinsen-en Temple: This was the first stop to set the tone for a peaceful Kyoto day.

📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/QELBa6fsURKgm3MJ6
This quiet temple has beautiful koi ponds and a serene garden. It was such a calming way to shift from the busy pace of Tokyo into Kyoto’s slower, more reflective rhythm.

Nishiki Market (“Kyoto’s Kitchen”) 📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/FU6CQLVqJc5BJuoL9 . Next, we wandered through Nishiki Market, snacking our way between stalls filled with fresh seafood, mochi, grilled skewers, and more! This market is the perfect place to taste a little bit of everything.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: This stop was about a 30-minute drive outside the city, and when we arrived, the rain actually worked in our favor — the forest was nearly empty, even though it’s usually packed with visitors. Walking through the tall bamboo surrounded by mist felt completely magical, like stepping into another world. Our guide shared a fun fact with us: bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Some species can grow up to a meter (about 3 feet) in a single day during peak season. Because it grows so quickly, the forest stays dense and tall year-round, creating that dramatic “bamboo tunnel” Arashiyama is known for.

Iwatayama Monkey Park: The grandparents chose a cozy teahouse nearby while we continued to Iwatayama Monkey Park. It’s an uphill hike — about 20–30 minutes — but the path is manageable, and the views get better the higher you climb. At the top, you reach an open area where the monkeys live and roam freely.

Not only were the monkeys adorable, but the view of the fall foliage was incredible. The entire mountainside was covered in reds, oranges, and golds. You can feed the monkeys, but only from inside an indoor enclosure, with staff supervising. They keep a close eye on visitors to make sure everyone behaves respectfully — no touching the monkeys, no getting too close, no prolonged eye contact (which the monkeys can see as a challenge), and no sudden movements that might make them uncomfortable. Tickets: Adults: ¥550, Children (ages 4–15): ¥250

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Our final stop of the day was Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pavilion. Even in the soft rain, the gold leaf shimmered against the water and surrounding trees. It was the perfect finale to our guided tour. Our guide shared a bit of history as we walked: Kinkaku-ji was originally built in the late 1300s as the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and after his death it was converted into a Zen temple. The current structure was rebuilt in 1955 after a fire, but it still follows the original design, with the top two floors covered entirely in gold leaf applied by chopsticks! Good to know: Closing time: 5:00 p.m. (last entry is usually 30 minutes before Tickets: ¥500 for adults / ¥300 for children. If you can time your visit for late afternoon, the reflections in the pond are especially beautiful — even on a rainy day.

Dinner Near the Hotel: Once we were dropped off, we kept dinner easy and ate at a small Nepalese restaurant just a block from our hotel. Simple, warm, comforting food — exactly what we needed after a long but beautiful day.

Bonus stop: Kosuke took us to this foliage viewing spot, but he asked us not to share the location of this hidden gem. If you book a tour with him in the fall, you can ask him to take you here!

Day 5: Day trip to Nara and Osaka

On Day 5, we explored Nara and Osaka on our own. Around 9 a.m., we took a train from Kyoto Station to Nara. Tip: Get off at Kintetsu-Nara Station — it’s closer to Nara Park than JR Nara Station. From there, it’s a 10–15 minute walk or a short city bus ride to the park entrance

Nara Park

Walking through Nara Park was a highlight. The famous free-roaming deer greet you as soon as you arrive — cute, curious, and sometimes very eager if they think you have snacks. You can buy deer crackers at nearby shops, and the kids loved feeding them and watching the deer bow for treats.

Tōdai-ji & the Great Buddha

From the park, we walked to Tōdai-ji, home to the Daibutsu, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.

Lunch at Nara Park

For lunch, we ate at MIYAMA, a small but highly rated spot right by Nara Park. Their specialty is gyū-mabushi — tender roast and simmered beef over rice, served three ways (as-is, with condiments, or finished with warm dashi). It ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip. Prices: Small ¥1,790 | Regular ¥2,150

Mochi Pounding at Nakatanidō

I had seen viral videos of the famous mochi-pounding at Nakatanidō, just minutes from the station. Fresh mochi is usually made between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., but there’s no set showtime — it depends on the crowd. Each mochi costs about ¥200. We missed the pounding but still grabbed some as a snack

Osaka: Neon Streets & Night Views

From Nara, we took the train to Osaka and headed straight to Dotonbori. It’s bright, loud, colorful, and full of energy. While we were a bit underwhelmed with the street food here, it’s still a fun area for walking and people-watching. Note: Some viral photo spots near the Running Man sign have been removed and fenced off, so don’t plan on recreating those shots.

Dinner: Ramen & Cheesecake

Finding seating for six was tough here, so we were relieved when we were able to walk into Kamukura for dinner. It’s spacious, fast, and family-friendly. Ordering is easy via an English touchscreen outside. Their signature Soup With Noodles is lighter than typical tonkotsu and hit the spot after a long day.

Right next door was Pablo Cheesecake, which my son had spotted on YouTube and asked to try. Their gooey, freshly baked cheese tarts were worth the short line — the mini versions are great for sharing.

Pokemon Center Osaka

Because… of course. The kids wanted to check out the Pokémon Center Osaka too. No special card drops here, but it’s always fun seeing how each location has unique merch and layouts.

Osaka Castle

We were exhausted, but Jason reminded us we shouldn’t leave without visiting Osaka Castle. We took a cab to see it illuminated at night (bonus: we were also able to enjoy the Osaka Castle Illuminage, which runs through February 1, 2026. Seeing the castle glowing was a beautiful contrast to Dotonbori’s neon energy.

Back to Kyoto: After a full day of trains, temples, deer, and city lights, we caught a train back to Kyoto around 10 p.m. Day-tripping between Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka is doable, but be mindful of last train times, which typically run between 11 p.m. and midnight. Both Google Maps and Japan Transit Planner clearly show final departures.

Day 6 Kyoto: Temples, a Fancy Kyoto Lunch & the Famous Orange Gates

Kiyomizudera Temple: Kiyomizudera is magical from the moment you arrive. Perched on a hillside, the temple opens up to sweeping views of Kyoto, with pagodas, winding paths, and little shops lining the walk up. We spent time wandering the grounds and enjoying the quieter pace compared to the bustle of Tokyo and Osaka. The autumn foliage here was spectacular!

A Special Kyoto Lunch

Kyoto is considered the heart of traditional kaiseki cuisine, so several friends encouraged us to try a kaiseki meal while we were here. Kaiseki is a multi-course dining experience centered on seasonal ingredients, local produce, and beautifully balanced flavors — and in autumn, the dishes highlight the best of the season.

After visiting Kiyomizu-dera, we headed to Gion for a kaiseki lunch. Each course was delicate and thoughtfully plated, featuring seasonal vegetables, fresh fish, and warming broths. We decided to splurge on this meal, especially since this may be our only chance to experience Japan together as a multi-generational family.

Tips for families:

• Let the restaurant know in advance if you’re bringing kids — seating is often limited.
• Lunch is a better value (dinner is significantly more expensive).
• There’s no strict dress code for lunch; smart-casual is fine.
• Expect to spend ¥6,000–¥12,000 per person (~$40–$90 USD).

It was a memorable meal and a meaningful way to slow down and appreciate Kyoto’s food culture.

Fushimi Inari Shrine — The Famous Orange Gates:

After lunch, we took the train to Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights. This is a Shinto shrine (not a Buddhist temple), dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and success. The thousands of bright orange torii gates that line the paths up the mountain are donations from individuals and businesses, each one meant to bring good fortune. Walking through the gates is symbolic — you’re passing from the everyday world into a sacred space. You can hike as far or as little as you’d like along the trail. We explored several sections of the gates, and thanks to the rainy weather, it was less crowded than usual. 

Tip: For fewer people in your photos, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Dinner Near the Hotel — Ramen Katamuki: By the time we finished at Fushimi Inari, we were ready for something simple and cozy. We walked to Ramen Katamuki, a small spot just a couple blocks from our hotel that serves both chicken-based ramen and a vegan option. It was casual, warm, and exactly what we needed after a full day of exploring. The ramen bowls were ¥1000 yen (or less than $7 USD) per person.

Day 7: TeamLab Kyoto, Back to Tokyo

For our last morning in Kyoto, we booked tickets to teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, a brand-new installation that recently opened. Even after visiting TeamLab Planets in Tokyo earlier in the trip, we were excited to see how this one would feel different. TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto is larger and more immersive, with expansive rooms, mirrors, light, and color — but it felt quieter and more introspective than the Tokyo exhibit. It’s less about movement and water, and more about space and scale.

One of our kids wasn’t feeling well (the start of the flu, unfortunately – we brought tests because we heard Flu A was surging in Japan. Once confirmed, he wore a mask and it worked – the rest of us, especially the grandparents, did not get sick). Jason walked back to the hotel with him while the rest of us explored. It ended up being a slower morning, which felt perfect after a full week of travel.

Travel Back to Tokyo

We took a 2 p.m. train back to Tokyo and checked into our final hotel of the trip near Akihabara. If you’re taking the Shinkansen between Kyoto and Tokyo, choose seats D or E—they’re on the Mount Fuji side. On a clear day, you’ll get a beautiful view of Fuji right from your seat.

Compared to Kyoto’s calm, Akihabara felt electric — neon signs, anime billboards, arcades, and endless shops. Jason and the kids took a little walk to explore the neighborhood. They wandered through a few anime stores, browsed figure displays, and picked up some last-minute souvenirs. It was a fun, low-key way to ease back into the city before our final dinner.

Wagyu Dinner – Beef Professional Akihabara : For our final dinner in Japan, we treated ourselves to Beef Professional Akihabara, a wagyu restaurant near the hotel. The cuts were melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and it felt like the perfect celebratory meal to end our trip. Even after a week of amazing food, this dinner stood out.

Day 8: The Next Morning — Off to Taiwan for a short layover

The next morning, we made our way back to the station and headed to the airport, wrapping up an unforgettable time in Japan. My mom stayed on in Taiwan for two more weeks with family, while the rest of us squeezed in one last night market visit and a comforting bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup with my aunts before flying home.

And that brought our multigenerational Thanksgiving trip to Japan to a close — a journey filled with culture, adventure, shared moments across generations, and memories we’ll carry with us for a long time.

Overall Tips for visiting Japan:

• Use Google Translate, especially the camera tool for menus and signs.
• Get an eSIM (we used Ubigi, recommended by many. For 20% you can use our referral code: HP3V2HVF) for instant data and easy navigation.
• Use Google Maps or Apple Maps for accurate train routes and walking directions.
• Wear comfortable shoes — expect 15k–25k steps a day.
• Pack light with a small suitcase or backpack; bring a collapsible bag for souvenirs.
• Carry some cash; small shops and temples may not take cards.
• Taxi note: Standard taxis fit 4; premium ones sometimes fit 5–6. Use GO Taxi or Uber to call your taxi.
• Get an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for easy tap-in train travel. You can use the remaining balance at most shops in the Narita Airport-including the Uniqlo there!
• Convenience stores are great for quick breakfasts and snacks. We enjoyed the DIY Smoothies at 7/11, Curry Buns, instant ramen, and egg salad sandwiches for breakfast.
• November weather is cool, comfortable, and occasionally rainy. The foliage peaks in late November in Kyoto.
• Be respectful: no talking on trains, no eating while walking.
• Trash cans are rare – carry a small bag for your trash.
• Bring a portable charger. If your phone runs out of battery, you can rent them for cheap at major transit stations.
• Keep your passport on you at all times and show it at check out for tax-free shopping.
• Book popular attractions early and ahead of time, especially TeamLab and kaiseki meals.
• Try not to get sick, but if it happens – there are pharmacies where you can use google translate to find medication to help with symptoms. Wear a mask. It does help prevent spread – no one else (including the grandparents) got sick.

Note: All opinions and recommendations expressed in this post are our own. Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.