2nd time trip to Japan since 2020. Have a 18 month toddler now. Here’s my itinerary, open to suggestions!

Did all of Kyoto, Kamakura, Tokyo touristy spots, Hiroshima first trip. Trying to spend more time in Osaka and planning on going around Tokyo too.

Japan Family Itinerary: October 5–18, 2025

Luggage Forwarding (Takkyubin)

Daily Itinerary
Oct 5 (Sun): Arrival & Dotonbori Stroll
– Arrive at Haneda Airport. Optionally forward luggage to the Osaka hotel. Take the Shinkansen to Osaka (~2.5–3 hours). Check-in and relax. Evening: Stroll through Dotonbori, enjoy street food.

Oct 6 (Mon): Namba Exploration
– Visit Namba Yasaka Shrine (giant lion head). Explore Hozenji Yokocho alley. Afternoon at Namba Parks rooftop garden.

Oct 7 (Tue): Universal Studios Japan (TICKETS ✅)
– Visit Super Nintendo World. Enjoy toddler-friendly areas like Universal Wonderland. Return to the hotel for rest as needed.

Oct 8 (Wed): Nara Day Trip
– Train to Nara (~45 minutes). Explore Nara-machi district. Visit Sarusawa Pond and Nara Park (see deer). Return to Osaka.

Oct 9 (Thu): World Expo Osaka (buy tix in advance, use West Entrance) (5pm TICKETS ✅)
– Optional: Explore Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. Arrange luggage forwarding to Tokyo hotel.

Oct 10 (Fri): Travel to Tokyo
– Shinkansen to Tokyo. Check-in to the hotel. Evening: Relax in the local park or explore the neighborhood.

Oct 11 (Sat): Odaiba & teamLab Planets (TICKETS ✅)
– Visit teamLab Planets digital art museum. Explore Odaiba waterfront, enjoy views of Rainbow Bridge.

Oct 12 (Sun): Yanaka & Nezu Shrine
-Breakfast at Benizuru Homemade Pancake (early)
– Stroll through Yanaka's traditional streets. Visit Nezu Shrine's torii tunnel. Relax in Yanaka Park.

Oct 13 (Mon): Inokashira Park & Kichijoji
– Enjoy Inokashira Park's open spaces and pond. Explore Kichijoji's shops and cafes.

Oct 14 (Tue): Shibuya Sky & Miyashita Park
– Visit Shibuya Sky observation deck. Play at Miyashita Park's rooftop playground.

Oct 15 (Wed): Todoroki Valley & Futako-Tamagawa
– Walk through Todoroki Valley's nature trail. Relax at Futako-Tamagawa's rooftop park.

Oct 16 (Thu): Showa Kinen Park
– Spend the day at Showa Kinen Park's expansive grounds and playgrounds.

Oct 17 (Fri): Hakone Day Trip (buy around beginning of september)
– Take Romancecar to Hakone. Enjoy Lake Ashi cruise, Hakone Ropeway, and Open-Air Museum. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

Oct 18 (Sat): Tokyo Leisure Day
– Relax in the morning. Travel to Haneda Airport for departure. Optionally forward luggage to Haneda Airport.

by miojo