Tokyo 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Travel to Tokyo

Fly from Calgary to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda Airport).

This will be a long but exciting journey to start your Japan adventure!

Ensure all passports and travel documents are ready. Pack snacks and entertainment for the children during the flight. Upon arrival, follow signs for immigration and baggage claim.

Airport Transfer & Hotel Check-in

Take the Narita Express (N'EX) or Keisei Skyliner from Narita, or Limousine Bus from Haneda, to your hotel in Tokyo.

Check in and settle into your room.

Casual Dinner & Hotel Exploration

Enjoy a relaxed first dinner near your hotel, perhaps trying a local ramen or udon spot.

Explore the amenities of 'Little Japan' hotel.

The hotel has a cafe & bar on the ground floor, great for interacting with locals and other travelers. It's a relaxed way to end your first day.

Asakusa Temple & Old Town Tour

Step into Tokyo’s past on this immersive walking tour.

Visit Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, pass through Kaminarimon Gate, and stroll Nakamise Street lined with shops, lanterns, and local snacks.

This tour is a great way to introduce the children to traditional Japanese culture and history, with plenty of interesting sights and treats on Nakamise Street.

Sumida River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Sumida River, offering unique views of Tokyo's skyline, including the Tokyo Skytree and historic bridges, from a different perspective.

Ueno Park Exploration

Visit Ueno Park, a spacious public park home to museums, a zoo, and beautiful shrines.

It's a great place for kids to run around or visit the Pandas at Ueno Zoo.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Explore the beautiful and serene Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, featuring traditional Japanese, English, and French landscape gardens.

A peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

Tokyo Government Building Views

Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's free observation decks for panoramic views of Tokyo.

On a clear day, you might even spot Mt. Fuji!

Admission is free. Head to the North or South Tower for the observation decks. Look for information on identifying key landmarks.

Shinjuku Shopping & Snacks

Wander through the vibrant streets of Shinjuku.

Explore major department stores, electronics shops, and grab some fun Japanese snacks for the kids.

Shinjuku is a bustling area. Keep an eye on children in crowds. Try some street food or stop by a convenience store for unique Japanese treats.

Imperial Palace East Garden

Visit the beautiful East Garden of the Imperial Palace, a tranquil green space with historical ruins and beautiful landscaping.

It's a great spot for a morning stroll.

Entry is free. The former site of Edo Castle, offering a glimpse into Japan's imperial history.

Ginza Shopping & Treats

Explore Ginza, Tokyo's upscale shopping district.

While high-end boutiques might not be for kids, the area has department stores with fun toy sections and many cafes for a sweet treat.

The iconic Ginza crossing is a sight to see, especially on weekends when the main street is pedestrian-only (though July 17 is a weekday). Look for interesting window displays.

Private E-Bike Tour of Tokyo

Enjoy a 3-hour private e-bike tour that starts and ends at your hotel, allowing you to see Tokyo's sights in a fun and active way.

Suitable for families with kids aged 7 and 10.

This personalized tour is a fantastic way to cover more ground and see hidden gems, all while enjoying the outdoors. The e-bikes make it easy for all fitness levels.

Mt Fuji Area Private Tour with BBQ

Embark on an exhilarating full-day trip to the foothills of Mt.

Fuji. Enjoy a flavorful Japanese-style BBQ lunch, capture stunning scenery in a guided photo session, and explore iconic Lake Motosu—the panorama features on the 1000 yen note.

This private tour is perfect for families, offering a personalized experience of one of Japan's most famous natural landmarks. It includes transportation, a delicious BBQ lunch, and stops at scenic viewpoints.

Lake Motosu Exploration

As part of your Mt.

Fuji tour, you'll visit Lake Motosu, famous for its clear waters and the iconic view of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake, which is depicted on the 1000 yen banknote. Enjoy the natural beauty and photo opportunities.

This activity is fully integrated into your Private Mt Fuji Tour, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience of the area.

Scenic Japanese BBQ Lunch

Savor a flavorful Japanese-style BBQ lunch amidst the stunning natural backdrop of the Mt. Fuji area. This relaxing meal is a highlight of your private tour.

Enjoy fresh local ingredients in a picturesque setting. The guide will assist with preparations, making it a stress-free and enjoyable family meal.

Explore Tokyo Disneyland

Immerse yourselves in the classic magic of Tokyo Disneyland.

Start with Fantasyland for iconic rides like 'It's a Small World' and 'Peter Pan's Flight', then head to Toontown for character greetings and child-friendly attractions.

Arrive early to maximize your time. Use the Tokyo Disney Resort App for wait times and show schedules.

Lunch at Disneyland

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of Disneyland's many themed restaurants.

Options range from quick service to character dining (reservations often required).

Consider dining reservations for popular character meals well in advance. Otherwise, grab a quick bite at a counter service restaurant.

Disneyland Parade & Rides

Catch the afternoon parade, featuring beloved Disney characters.

Afterward, explore Adventureland and Westernland with rides like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Big Thunder Mountain'.

Find a good spot along the parade route at least 30 minutes before showtime. Check the park map for specific timings.

Explore Tokyo DisneySea

Embark on an adventure at Tokyo DisneySea, known for its unique themed ports.

Start at Mysterious Island for 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' or '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea', then move to Arabian Coast.

DisneySea offers more thrill rides and elaborate shows, often appealing to slightly older children and adults. Utilize the Disney app for efficient planning.

Lunch at DisneySea

Dine at one of DisneySea's diverse restaurants.

Enjoy unique culinary experiences inspired by the different themed ports, from Italian at Mediterranean Harbor to American waterfront fare.

Try to book character dining in advance if interested. Otherwise, there are many excellent counter-service options.

Tower of Terror & Shows

Brave the thrills of 'Tower of Terror' (if the kids are old enough and willing) or enjoy the delightful 'Toy Story Mania!'. Catch an afternoon performance at the American Waterfront or a water show at Mediterranean Harbor.

Toy Story Mania! often has very long queues; consider using Disney Premier Access (paid FastPass equivalent) if available. Check height requirements for rides.

Relaxed Morning & Check-out

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.

Gather your belongings and check out, preparing for your journey to Osaka.

Consider sending larger luggage directly to your Osaka hotel via 'Takkyubin' (luggage delivery service) to travel light on the Shinkansen. It usually takes a day for delivery.

Shinkansen to Osaka

Board the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station.

Enjoy the comfortable and incredibly fast journey through the Japanese countryside.

Book your tickets in advance, especially for a family, to secure seats together. Food and drinks can be purchased on the train or at the station.

Check-in to Osaka Hotel

Arrive at Shin-Osaka Station, then take a local train or taxi to your hotel near Universal Studios Japan.

Check in and settle into your new accommodation.

The hotel is directly opposite the main gate of Universal Studios Japan, offering excellent convenience for your upcoming visit.

Osaka Castle Park Visit

Explore the majestic Osaka Castle Park.

Walk around the impressive castle grounds, moats, and gardens. While the interior of the castle is a museum, the exterior and park are beautiful for family photos.

Consider a short boat ride around the moat for a different perspective. It's a great place for kids to run around.

Takoyaki Cooking Experience

Enjoy cooking Osaka's best street food, Takoyaki, with a local guide's secret recipe.

This hands-on experience is fun for all ages and includes special ingredients like Wagyu and cheese. Perfect for a family lunch!

This is a highly-rated, interactive cooking class that offers a unique cultural and culinary experience. Great for families!

Dotonbori Neon & Food

Take a stroll through the vibrant Dotonbori district, famous for its dazzling neon lights, iconic Glico Running Man sign, and endless street food stalls.

Grab some snacks and soak in the lively atmosphere.

This area comes alive in the evening, but an afternoon visit is also great for families before the biggest crowds. Try some local treats like okonomiyaki or kushikatsu.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit one of Japan's most impressive aquariums, home to diverse marine life including whale sharks, dolphins, and penguins.

The spiral exhibit path is engaging for all ages.

Plan for 2-3 hours. It can get crowded, especially on weekends, so arriving close to opening time is recommended.

Lunch in Tempozan

Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in Tempozan Marketplace, located right next to the aquarium.

Options range from casual food courts to themed eateries.

The marketplace offers a wide variety of Japanese and international food, catering to different tastes.

Tempozan Ferris Wheel & Shopping

Take a ride on the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel for panoramic views of Osaka Bay, the city, and even Universal Studios Japan in the distance.

Afterward, browse the shops in Tempozan Marketplace.

The Ferris wheel is a fun, relaxing activity offering great photo opportunities. There are also arcade games and souvenir shops in the marketplace.

Universal Studios Japan

Spend a full day exploring the magical worlds and thrilling rides of Universal Studios Japan, with areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Minion Park. Perfect for children aged 7 and 10.

Book tickets online in advance to save time. Consider a Universal Express Pass to skip lines, especially for popular attractions like Super Nintendo World. Hydrate frequently and use sun protection.

Universal Citywalk Osaka

After an exciting day at the park, explore Universal Citywalk Osaka, a lively entertainment complex just outside the park gates, offering shops, themed restaurants, and unique souvenir opportunities.

A great spot to pick up last-minute gifts or character merchandise.

Family Dinner at Citywalk

Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants in Universal Citywalk, offering various cuisines to suit everyone's tastes.

Many options available, from Japanese fast food to more international choices. Look for places with child menus.

Morning Stroll at Osaka Castle Park

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk through Osaka Castle Park.

While you might not have time to explore the castle interior, the park offers expansive green spaces, cherry trees, and views of the impressive castle exterior, a perfect way to relax before your journey.

Accessible by public transport. Enjoy the calm atmosphere before your trip home.

Travel to Kansai Airport (KIX)

Take a train from Osaka to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

The Haruka Express from Shin-Osaka Station or the Nankai Rapid Express from Namba Station are efficient options.

Departure from Osaka

Check in for your flight back to Calgary from Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Allow plenty of time for customs and security procedures.

Ensure all luggage is checked and passports/visas are readily available. Confirm flight status before heading to the airport.