The Tokyo Chapter's "Curated for Families" Japan Itinerary

Cross the crossing. Take in the signs, the sounds, see the amount of people heading off to work? I have pictures of us visiting Shibuya Crossing with kids here. thetokyochapter.com/shibuya-crossing-with-kids

Walk to Nishimura Fruits Parlor - just to look at the expensive fancy fruit prices through the window (no touching!) These are some posh produce !

Head up to Mag's Park for incredible views of Shibuya Crossing. No need to purchase tickets ahead of time (on the day is fine.)

If someone in the family is keen to see or purchase some colourful, wacky cheap and cheerful fashion then this is the place for you! Floors and floors of teen fashion (this store if for women but there is a men's equivalent also close by.)

If kids are needing some park time, this is a simple neighbourhood playground. There are public restrooms here too.

Go here for an affordable sushi train restaurant. Kids can order on the ipad. Very casual and is easy with kids. They have options that are closer to Western Sushi options (cooked chicken or beef burgers inside sushi rolls as well as the more traditional raw fish options.). They have high chairs here. No need for reservation. Less crowded before midday and after 1:30pm.

A lunch alternative to a sushi train. This is an okonomiyaki and yakisoba restaurant. Each table has it's own teppan hot plate and the staff will help you cook your own! See here for tips on how to order a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki. thetokyochapter.com/how-to-order-a-vegetarian-okonomiyaki-in-japanese Make a reservation here using google or tabelog.

For families who would prefer to eat italian-fusion food: I recommend The Rigoletto. They are happy to do half & half pizzas and have several vegan and gluten free dishes. Please note there is a service charge of 440 yen per person if dining here after 5pm. Best to make a reservation but you can also try for a walk-in.

Lunch or dinner suggestion: all you can eat meat and veg sukiyaki and shabu shabu. Includes all you can drink soft-drink and desserts like ice-cream too! They have high chairs. Sooo kid-friendly and the staff are so kind.

After lunch, walk to the famous Disney store in Shibuya. Warning: there are lots of stairs between floors here - but kids are so excited by the set up that they rarely are bothered. Each section of the store is decorated so beautifully. See for pictures of our visits to the Disney Store in Shibuya thetokyochapter.com/that-tokyo-disney-store-in-shibuya

For a fun afternoon activity, head to Rainbow Karaoke for a family karaoke session in your own private room. One room even has a full drum kit! Order drinks and fries or ice-cream from the phone in your room. I explain how to make the most of karaoke time with kids here. thetokyochapter.com/how-to-take-kids-to-karaoke-in-japan This is also a fabulous RAINY DAY activity. Read more about Rainbow Karaoke here. thetokyochapter.com/rainbow-karaoke-in-shibuya

Follow directions to this restaurant but NOT for the food. Instead, look up ! Check out the 3D panda billboard! This is right near Shibuya Crossing.

Pop in here to buy some 100 yen toys to play with in the park tomorrow and some stickers and colouring books to use in restaurants.

If still going strong, walk on further to the Pokemon Store. Warning : this place can be busy on weekends. Here is all my info on cool places to visit in Japan for Pokemon fans. thetokyochapter.com/for-pokemon-fans-in-japan-where-to-buy-pokemon-cards-in-japan

Dinner suggestion. Casual gyoza, fried chicken or fried rice. Also open for lunch.

A Japanese izakaya that welcomes children. All diners have their own private rooms and a bell to order more food. Like most izakaya in Japan, the idea is to order lots of little dishes to share over the time. you are there. No need to order everything at the start. Have some, order again or order more of something different. For fussy eaters? They also have fried chicken and fries. See here for images of our visits to this izakaya, as a family, including how to find this spots. thetokyochapter.com/restaurants-for-dinner-with-kids-in-shibuya

A western food option for families. It is just across the road from the Pokemon Centre.

Start the day at Yoyogi Park for a run around and a play. Take a pack of Japanese bubble wands, yoyos, kites or ball games for kids from the 100 yen store. Take a breakfast picnic using convenience store options (suggestions here thetokyochapter.com/what-snacks-can-i-get-for-kids-while-on-the-go) or grab treats from The Little Bakery Tokyo first (opens at 9am) There are also kiosks throughout the park with some simple snack options. It is also possible to rent bicycles for the whole family here - including kids bikes, tandem bikes and parent & child mamachari electric bikes in Yoyogi Park with prices starting at 100 yen. Google "Yoyogi Park Cycling Center" to find the pick up location.

Take a walk from Yoyogi Park to Meiji Shrine. The entrance is next to the park but there is a lovely leafy green walk into the shrine (best to have a stroller.) Keep an eye out for Japanese weddings being held here - especially on weekends. Read here for more information and images of our visits to Meiji Jingu here. thetokyochapter.com/fun-for-kidlets-around-meiji-shrine

Take a walk down the busy Takeshita Street (make sure kids have used the bathroom before you begin.) This is a great place for children to spend their travel money on little knick-knacks. It's touristy here but it's also fun. I lots of images and more info on our favourite places to visit on this street and in the nearby area here thetokyochapter.com/the-harajuku-omotesando-area-with-kids

Take photo booth stickers here as a family. Make sure you have cash for this. Let kids do all the decorations and push the buttons and insert coins etc. These stickers make for wonderful keepsakes.

A store that specialises in squishy toys - many of them are shaped like popular Japanese foods and snacks.

Stop at Totti Candy Factory for giant fairy floss / cotton candy.

If kids need a wriggle at the end of the street, this toy shop has a small slide and climbing frame out front.

Lunch suggestion: Kid-friendly hand-rolled sushi restaurant (they can also do cauliflower rice). Try the Shrimp Tempura Nori Temaki ! I have more information on this restaurant and lots of photos here. thetokyochapter.com/brand-new-gonpachi-nori-temaki-sushi-restaurant-harajuku

Alternative lunch option: Modern Mexican. Kid-friendly.

Visit Lola's cupcakes after lunch for a takeaway treat.

Fresh salads, soups, fresh juice. Lots of vegetarian and vegan meals.

Time for some toy and souvenir shopping. This toy store has floors and floors of goodies to check out. Take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down.

Time for park time ! One of my children's favourite park's is Sakurazaka (aka Robot Park). It's possible to take a train from Harajuku but, with kids, I recommend just jumping in a taxi as it will just take 11 mins to get there. There is a public toilet across the road. Visit Bricolage Bread & Co nearby for treats to eat while kids play on all of the colourful slides and the big rollerslide. See photos of this beautiful playground here. thetokyochapter.com/robot-park-roppongi

Visit the small urban Japanese garden "Mohri Garden" for a few pictures. It is especially beautiful in Spring and Autumn.

After the park, go to the Tsutaya Bookstore with a big Starbucks inside. There is also a children's reading section.

Walk into the Roppongi Hills Shopping Complex and visit this dog and cat salon and watch these fancy pets having their baths (there is a pet store right here too.)

Visit the free playspace for babies and children 6 and under on the B2 floor of the Roppongi Hills Complex. There are also nursing rooms, changing spaces and toys and books for children to play with. In case you can't find it - it's right near the Bornelund and Lego stores.

Take the escalator up to see the Maman Spider Statue at Roppongi Hills. There is also a fabulous view of Tokyo Tower from here - makes for beautiful family photos. You can also go up to the Mori Tower observation deck on the 52nd floor here too, if you'd like.

Dinner suggestion: Pizza & Pasta. They have high chairs. Gluten free pasta is an option. There is a kids menu. This is my daughter's favourite pasta in the world. Best to make a reservation and also bring stickers and colouring for kids for while waiting for food. This place has excellent customer service and feels a bit "fancy."

Alternative dinner suggestion: Gonpachi (aka the Kill Bill restaurant.) Make a reservation. They have high chairs. I have more information on this restaurant -including pictures here thetokyochapter.com/gonpachi-aka-the-kill-bill-restaurant-nishi-azabu

Reserve the morning shift at Kidzania ahead of time. I have written in detail about this indoor amusement park where children get to try lots of different jobs here. thetokyochapter.com/kidzania-tokyo Kidzania is located inside Lalaport Shopping Complex. Eat lunch at the restaurants inside Kidzania or at the food court on the ground floor inside Lalaport Toyosu (there is fast food, ramen, KFC etc.) You will exit Kidzania between 2-3pm.

Time for some free play and downtime. This park and playground also has a splash pad in the summer months. This is a lovely big park full of lots of local children playing. See pictures of this park and the play equipment etc. here. thetokyochapter.com/where-to-go-before-or-after-team-lab-planets

Dinner suggestion: Colourful salads, kids plates with a free toy included. My kids love the pancakes here - especially as they come with a chocolate pen for decorating your own meal. I have pictures of my kids loving Aloha Table in this article here. thetokyochapter.com/where-to-go-before-or-after-team-lab-planets

Alternative dinner suggestion: French, Italian-Japanese fusion. They have high chairs. Popular on weekends.

Drive to Hakone after collecting a rental car. Here are some of my tips on driving in Japan: thetokyochapter.com/driving-in-japan-my-experiences Drive to this port. There is coin parking right next to it. On google maps, the parking comes up as P6 on the map. Before you go to eat at the bakery, check the boat timetable and buy your return tickets to Hakone-En and back (get the ropeway included ticket.)

Have lunch or a morning tea break here. You can dine in at the cafe or sit out on the grass out front and kids can play (you're right on the lake so the view is really nice too.). Then return to the pleasure boat port and take a boat across the lake to Hakone-en. Keep an eye out for an incredible view of Mt Fuji on a clear day. I have pictures of the views here: thetokyochapter.com/lake-ashi-day-out-to-see-fuji

Once you have arrived, decide whether you would like to ride the swanboats or see if there are pony rides or fake snow toboggan rides for little kids- or if you want to move onto the ropeway straight away.

Take the ropeway up to the top- Mt Komagatake.

Once off at the top, everyone goes right but, inside, make your way to the left for the MOST incredible Mt Fuji views. It will be much colder up here so this is the time to bring out the jackets. thetokyochapter.com/lake-ashi-day-out-to-see-fuji

Make sure you allow a good 3-4 hours here. They also have a restaurant and I really like the gift shop. Whatever you do - with kids- don't miss the foot bath hot springs and the giant crotchet playground of colourful nets. I have photos of my kids playing on all of our favourite areas at Hakone Open Air Museum here. thetokyochapter.com/hakone-open-air-museum

If you decide not to eat at the buffet restaurant inside the museum, this gyoza restaurant is also close by. This restaurant is cash only.

They welcome kids and have good pizza. They have a gluten free menu. The caesar salad here is exceptional. They also have a footbath here. The entire venue is non-smoking. Best to make a reservation. Budget for 3000 yen per adult at lunch and more like 5000 yen at dinner time. There is a 500 yen table charge when you dine here. They accept most major credit cards. They have a beautiful view over a private garden (lots of ginko trees in Autumn.)

Time to leave for outdoor, spacious fun!

Drive to Grinpa. A large section of this very retro amusement park is Sylvanian Family themed. It's so so cute. Beforehand or afterwards, be sure to stop at a SA (service area) along the highways. They are like mini shopping malls and have such good food! thetokyochapter.com/sylvanian-family-best-fuji-view-biggest-bouncy-castles-ever

Travel on to Makaino Farm. I have written about Makaino Farm here. thetokyochapter.com/makaino-farm

Spend a few hours at FujiQ Highland. The Thomas-Land area for little kids and the thrill rides for the bigger kids. There are plenty of places to grab Japanese and Western food here.

Alternative option for those who don't like theme parks. Drive to Hirano Beach (put 6 Hirano, Yamanakkako into google maps) This place has the most incredible Mt Fuji views. Tap here and you'll see what I mean.

As early as you can manage: take a bullet train to Kyoto from Shinagawa or Tokyo Station. I prefer Shinagawa with children as it is less busy and overwhelming - especially for Shinkansen (bullet train) travel with kids. I recommend arriving 40 minutes ahead of train departure time (even more time if you will need to grab breakfast at the station beforehand. - City Bakery inside Shinagawa Station is great, by the way.) This gives everyone time to go to the restroom, find their numbers on the platform that correlate with their designated carriage, grab an ekiben or snacks in the station or one the platform and also watch some other bullet trains fly by first - this makes it even more exciting. Here are some train ettiquette tips you can discuss with children ahead of time (and my general bullet train tips) thetokyochapter.com/shinkansen-travel-with-kids Keep an eye out for Mt Fuji around 40 mins into your trip on the right hand side (it doesn't matter if you aren't seated on that side of the train as there is plenty of time to take in Fuji on a clear day - and you will get a better view from the windows in between the carriages.)

Put luggage in lockers at the station or drop off at the hotel before lunch.

Lunch suggestion near Kyoto Station: Cocoichibanya Japanese Curry House. Everyone can choose their own toppings. The kids menu options come with a free toy. There is a vegan curry (even though it is labelled "vegetarian curry.") This restaurant is casual and affordable.

Another lunch suggestion: Cheap and cheerful kid-friendly restaurant for pizza, pasta, fries and desserts.

Another lunch suggestion near Kyoto Station: try Japanese Omurice or order hamburger steaks. Busy between midday and 1:30pm. There is a kids menu - the kids' plates are so cute.

Sounds like it would be boring but this place is so good - even for the grown ups. Check opening hours before visiting. I have written more about the Kyoto Railway Museum here. thetokyochapter.com/kyoto-railway-museum Take a taxi here from your hotel or the station if it's too far for kids to walk.

This park has a lovely adventure playground for children! Play equipment but also train and tram carriages for kids to play in. I have pictures of this park here. thetokyochapter.com/umekoji-park-playground-in-kyoto

Another lunch suggestion near Kyoto Station: All You Can Eat meat, veg and ice-cream sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu restaurant. They have space for strollers. Make a reservation beforehand (or ask your hotel to make it on your behalf.)

Sign up for the earliest session of the day for the Samurai & Ninja Experience.

Try lots of different street food along the way and even stop at the Snoopy Tea House within the market. I've written about Nishiki Market here. thetokyochapter.com/where-to-eat-near-nishiki-market-with-kids-kyoto

Check out this large toy store for souvenirs and toys.

Nearby lunch option: Vegan & Gluten Free Ramen options here. This restaurant has high chairs and space for strollers.

Another lunch option: lots of vegan and gluten free ramen options here (including gluten free beer.) Walk-ins only.

Another lunch option: Omurice, katsu, fried chicken, pizza, fries, ice-cream sundaes. This is a casual beer hall with lots of family friendly food options.

Even if you take a cab or a bus to Kiyomizudera, it is a walk up the hill to the temple. The walk up is lined with shops and ice-cream options etc. After visiting the temple, chill out on the other side and check out the koi. I've written about our visits to Kiyomizudera with kids here thetokyochapter.com/kyotos-kiyomizudera-temple-with-kids

Alternative to Kiyomizu-dera. If you would prefer a quieter temple with less of a walk up with kids (and less tourists) then I recommend here instead. There is a small bamboo forest here too.

Visit the world's first Japan themed starbucks for some downtime afterwards.

Take a walk through the Higashiyama area as it gets dark. I know this map says 13 mins from Starbucks but this is just an area pinpoint - even just wandering around the streets near the Starbucks listed above is magical enough as it is. Take some beautiful photos. Read here about which streets in the Higashiyama / Gion area are closed to visitors. thetokyochapter.com/the-gion-streets-that-are-closed-to-tourists

Dinner suggestion: A casual Mum & Pop ramen restaurant. The owners are so sweet. Cash only. Vegan and vegetarian options here too. They also sell gyoza.

Another dinner suggestion: Bite sized gyoza restaurant. They also serve meat-free gyoza and vegan options.

Take a (normal) train from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama. Visit the convenience store at the Kyoto Station end of the Arashiyama Station end to have some snacks on hand for the day as there aren't shops everywhere like in the more populated areas.

Start the morning at Arabica Coffee. Get it take away and walk along the river.

If the line at Arabica is too long, go here for coffee instead.

Take a rickshaw as a family (2 or more depending on how many of you there are) through the bamboo forest.

Visit Tenryuji . It's an easy quick visit and it's so chill and beautiful. Afterwards, book a river boat ride OR, in Autumn and Winter, try your luck at a short tourist boat ride in a boat with a kotatsu (heater under the table) which is not far from the Rickshaw boarding point. Not as big of a time commitment either.

Lunch suggestion: gluten free options. Walk-ins are fine but it can get busy in high season. There is a space to store a stroller while you dine.

Another lunch suggestion: Pizza. Make a reservation here as it is so good that it's popular. They also do takeout.

Another lunch suggestion: this would be a light lunch suggestion as it's a Miffy themed bakery. It's so cute.

Check out the Kimono Forest (even in the daytime) before it's time to head back to Kyoto. There is a Tully's Coffee next to the Kimono Forest if anyone needs a cookie or a coffee before you go.

Head back to Kyoto, early/mid afternoon. Have a rest afternoon and chilled dinner back at your hotel (see here if you want to make a hack meal out of convenience store food) thetokyochapter.com/japans-convenience-store-meal-hacks

You don't have to be here super early so no need to rush. Make your way to the park and take photos with and feed the deer. Watch toddlers and smaller kids around the deer while feeding them though - I don't want them to get knocked over. Ask kids to bow before feeding the deer and watch the deer bow back!

Visit the Big Buddha inside Todaiji. Be sure to climb through the hole in the pillar inside the temple - it's good luck and it's, apparently, the same size as buddha's nostril. This map says 33 mins but it's just the walk through the deer park to the temple entrance.

Walk to Nakatanidou to want the mochi pounding (10am-7pm.) If you watch, it's polite to buy a mochi (it's only 200 yen.)

Lunch suggestion: A crumbed beef cutlet restaurant served with different dipping sauces and rice. This restaurant is cash only. Accepts reservation and walk-ins.

Another lunch suggestion. This one is actually inside the deer park area. They serve different types of quiche. Check the opening hours before you go. They can do takeout.

Another lunch suggestion: the cuisine here is Hawaiian - Japanese and they have lots of vegan and gluten free options. They have a kids menu and room to store a stroller. It is 8 mins walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.

If kids need a playground, take a cab to Kashiwagi Park. There are public restrooms here.

This is my favourite brand of 100 yen shop. There is one at Nara Station and my kids love a shop here for toys or stickers or bath bombs after all the deer time and "culture."

Instead of taking a bullet train between Kyoto and Osaka, take a normal express train. It ends up being faster because Shin-Osaka (the bullet train station) is in such an awkward spot that you need to make your way back to Osaka Station anyway - it's also cheaper.

Grand Green Osaka / Umekita Green Place is a big open grassy area that you can go to if kids need a wriggle. There isn't any play equipment here but lots of paths and big open places to play. In summer, kids can splash and play in the fountains (fountain rules : no running, no drinking the water)

Head straight for Kids Plaza Osaka. This is a playcentre meets museum. There is also a playground right outside. Take a train for 2 mins to get here.

Take the train for 7 mins to Osaka Castle. Grab some lunch on the go from a food stall (you'll do an early dinner.)

Visit the playground afterwards. This whole area is so lovely in cherry blossom season. There is also a playcentre in this park called Playville - with and outdoor and indoor play area for kids.

Take the subway (24 mins) or a cab (14 mins) to the Glico Sign - aka the heart of the Dotonbori area - a cab will drop you nearby but can't get onto the bridge on the river. Explore the Dotonbori area for shopping in the arcades. See all of my favourite things to do in this area with kids here: thetokyochapter.com/the-dotonbori-area-with-kids

Shop for Japanese kanji and hiragana shaped jewellery. They make for amazing souvenirs.

If the weather turns bad, walk for 4 mins to Round 1 arcade and games centre. They have bowling, karaoke, darts, arcade games, indoor ball pits, indoor football and VR games.

Take a short river cruise once it starts to get dark. I like the brand Wonder Cruise with kids - it's just 20 mins and they have a bathroom onboard. Like I said though - I think it's not worth it unless it's starting to get dark (or is already dark.)

Dinner suggestion: Grand Front Osaka has an incredibly lovely food hall. Everyone in the family can eat something different - AND it's right next /above Osaka Station so it's a perfect early dinner spot before you head back to Kyoto.

Dinner (or lunch) suggestion: this is a great casual restaurant to have a casual lunch with an omakase sushi course. Omakase courses at lunchtime are 2,800 yen, 5,800 yen or 9,800 yen. This restaurant allows babies as well as children. They have space to store a stroller while you dine. If you are not having an omakase course and ordering a set course or off the menu.. I recommend budgeting around 3000 yen for lunch and 10.000 yen per adult for dinner. Sushi Nakago Bettei is 3 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station or 7 mins walk from Namba Station. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. There is a table charge of 330 yen per person (and to say thank you you will be gifted a small appetizer of the season called an “otoshi”) Sushi Nakago Bettei is completely non-smoking. The interior of this restaurant is very beautiful

Arrive into Hiroshima Station from Kyoto as early in the day as you can manage (without rushing.) Drop off your luggage to your hotel (unless you've already forwarded your luggage directly there instagram.com/p/DVOHoppks4T/?hl=en Then head to the Peace Park area for lunch.

Lunch suggestion: This cafe on the river has a great menu (steak, risotto, pizza, hot dogs, salads, ice-cream) and they also cater to vegetarian and gluten free diners. Best to make a reservation but they do also accept walk-ins.

Another lunch suggestion: this cafe has a playground just out front and parents can rent deckchairs and watch kids while they eat their sandwiches etc. You can also buy a "picnic set" to eat in the playground as a family.

Another lunch suggestion: this bakery cafe has the yummiest bakery options (personally I always do takeout here with kids rather than dine in.) If you do choose this place - make sure you get the curry pan (Japanese curry in bread) it's so good!

Another lunch suggestion: this hawaiian restaurant as most well-known for their pancake dishes and other Hawaiian options such as loco moco. They also have burgers, waffles, omelettes and steak. They have a great kids menu.

If you feel the kids are emotionally ok for it - head to the Peace Museum. If not, go straight to the Peace Park instead.

Take a walk through the Peace Park after lunch together. Look for the memorials adorned with paper cranes and take in the "never again" mantra of the city of Hiroshima

Also walk past the Atomic Bomb Dome.

Go up the Orizuru Tower for the view and a coffee and cake then make your way down so kids can learn how to make paper cranes and then use the slide INSIDE the building to exit.

Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki is "the thing" to eat in Hiroshima. This whole complex is like an "okonomiyaki republic" with just okonomiyaki restaurants all stacked on top of one another. See here how to go about ordering a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki: thetokyochapter.com/how-to-order-a-vegetarian-okonomiyaki-in-japanese

Take the train to the ferry port and take a ferry across to Miyajima. Try and arrive early-mid morning so you can see the tide out at Itsukushima Shrine (aka the floating shrine)

You can walk out to these Torii gates when the tide is out and even put a 5 yen coin in the cockles at the bottom of the posts. You will then see the same Torii gates again later once the tide has come in. Spend some time exploring this over-water shrine. It's so beautiful. When on land again, keep an eye out for wild deer. As they are wild, you can't feed them like you can in Nara.

Next, go and buy the cutest ice-cream you have ever seen! It is topped with Miyajima themed wafers and cookies. I have some pictures of these works of art here: thetokyochapter.com/miyajima-island-with-kids Be sure to check their opening hours/days before promising ice-cream to kids, though. Then explore the town and the quaint little shops and streets.