I am not sure if this is a fast pace or a realistic pace. My boys have pretty good endurance but I don’t want to feel rushed at the historical sites. I’m tempted to add in more things but I’d love feedback first!
Also- if you have accommodation recommendations that would work with the itinerary I’d appreciate them. Thanks!
Japan Spring Break Itinerary — March 6–16, 2026
Family of 5 (2 adults + boys 16, 14, 11)
Themes: Early-bloom cherry blossoms, Japanese art, outdoors, anime/pop culture, Hakone, and Super Nintendo World.
Routing: Houston → Tokyo (HND) • Hakone • Kyoto/Osaka corridor • Fly home from Osaka (KIX).
Day 1 — Fri, Mar 6: Fly IAH → Tokyo (HND)
• Overnight flight (~14 hrs).
• Aim for Haneda (HND) for easiest city transfer.
• Pack one daypack with meds/snacks/chargers and a change of clothes.
Day 2 — Sat, Mar 7: Arrive Tokyo • Shibuya intro night
• Arrive evening; check in around Shinjuku or Shibuya for great transit and food.
• Short stroll to Shibuya Crossing & Hachikō statue.
• Dinner: casual ramen/gyoza near hotel; early bedtime.
Day 3 — Sun, Mar 8: Early-Bloom Cherry Blossoms 🌸
• Kawazu-zakura Festival: deep-pink blossoms along Kawazu River, food stalls, and local treats.
• Backup Plan 1: Miura-Kaigan Kawazu-zakura Festival (~75–90 min from Tokyo) if Kawazu ends early.
• Backup Plan 2: Shinjuku Gyoen — reliable Kanzakura varieties.
• Backup Plan 3: Kairakuen Plum Blossom Festival (Mito, ~90 min from Tokyo) — stunning if sakura isn’t ready.
Trains: JR Odoriko Limited Express — Tokyo Station → Kawazu (~2h30 each way, reserved seats recommended).
Day 4 — Mon, Mar 9: Tokyo History + Japanese Art
• Ueno Park: early blossoms / plum trees, morning stroll.
• Tokyo National Museum: premier Japanese art & artifacts (~2 hrs).
• Optional: Nezu Museum — refined pre-modern art + garden (~1–1.5 hrs).
• Evening: Asakusa & Sensō-ji Temple at golden hour.
Day 5 — Tue, Mar 10: Shinjuku Gyoen + Akihabara Pop Culture
• Morning: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden — tranquil Kanzakura blossoms (~1.5 hrs).
• Afternoon: Akihabara — anime shops, retro games, arcades, collectibles.
• Optional: Ghibli Museum if tickets available (must pre-book).
Day 6 — Wed, Mar 11: Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto
• Morning: Depart Tokyo (~7:30am). Take Romancecar (~1h50) or Shinkansen + Hakone Tozan (~1.5 hrs).
• Hakone Open-Air Museum (~1.5 hrs): sculptures, hot springs footbaths, and Fuji views.
• Optional: Lake Ashi cruise + Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani (black eggs, volcanic valley) (~1.5 hrs combined).
• Afternoon: From Odawara Station, Shinkansen to Kyoto (~2 hrs).
• Evening: Shirakawa Canal stroll & dinner in Gion — lantern-lit Kyoto magic.
Day 7 — Thu, Mar 12: Arashiyama + Monkey Park + Nara
• Morning: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (~45 mins) + Monkey Park hike (~45 mins).
• Optional riverside cycling if time/energy allows (~1 hr).
• Afternoon: Nara Park — gentle deer & Tōdai-ji Great Buddha (~3 hrs round trip).
• Evening: Kyoto dinner or Gion return stroll.
Day 8 — Fri, Mar 13: Himeji Castle + Koko-en Garden
• Shinkansen Kyoto → Himeji (~55 min).
• Himeji Castle: Japan’s best-preserved castle (~2 hrs, some steep stairs).
• Koko-en Garden: serene landscaped ponds + teahouses (~45 mins).
• Return to Kyoto (~55 min) or continue to Osaka (~30 min) depending on lodging.
Day 9 — Sat, Mar 14: Kyoto → Osaka • Dotonbori
• Morning: Hotel checkout; JR or Hankyu line to Osaka (~15–30 min).
• Afternoon: Dotonbori street-food crawl (takoyaki, okonomiyaki), neon lights, canals.
• Optional: Umeda Sky Building or Osaka Castle Park.
• Stay near Shin-Osaka for easy USJ/KIX access.
Day 10 — Sun, Mar 15: Universal Studios Japan — Super Nintendo World
• Full day at USJ — reserve Area Entry for Super Nintendo World ASAP.
• Highlights: Mario Kart ride, Power-Up Band mini-games, themed snacks.
• Arrive before gates open; JR Yumesaki Line → Universal City Station.
Day 11 — Mon, Mar 16: Fly Osaka (KIX) → Houston
• JR Haruka Limited Express: Shin-Osaka → KIX (~50 min) or Kyoto → KIX (~75 min).
• Leave time for duty-free shopping + security.
• Flight home.
by syarbie