ireland to japan travel

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Flights from Dublin (DUB) to Japan (JP)

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Emirates flights from dublin to japan.

Find all flights departing from Dublin to Japan on emirates.com. Searching for flights from Dublin to Japan and Japan to Dublin is easy. Just browse the list of cities we fly to from Dublin and select your destination city to see our flight schedules and destination guides.

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• Flights from Dublin to Osaka

• Flights from Dublin to Tokyo Haneda

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Flights from Japan to Dublin

• Flights from Osaka to Dublin
• Flights from Tokyo Haneda to Dublin
• Flights from Tokyo Narita to Dublin

£452 Find cheap flights from Ireland to Japan

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from ireland to japan departing on 30/6. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to japan.

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Good to know - Cheap tickets from Ireland to Japan

Faqs for booking flights from ireland to japan, how does kayak find such low prices on flights from ireland to japan.

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Ireland to Japan.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Ireland to Japan?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Japan from Ireland is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Ireland to Japan?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Japan with an airline and back to Ireland with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Ireland to Japan?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Japan from Ireland up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top 5 airlines serving from Ireland to Japan

Quick and efficient as always. Air France managed to loose and damage my luggage that never made it onto my KLM flight.

The food from Lagos to Amsterdam was was very poor compared to AMS-YYZ

The flight was again delayed for more then 2 hours with some lousy explanation regarding the reason of the delay. Although the flight was delayed for more than 2 hours, no refreshments were offered (according to EU regulations). Last 4 flights on KLM - always at least 2 hrs late. So be prepared that you cannot plan anything with KLM.

We left one hour late because of technical difficulties. The economy comfort seats are great for the price. The crew was mediocre, they do not provide a pleasant experience, they just deliver food and drinks and give orders, not very amicable, no service and hospitality focus.

Booked connecting flights with KlM. My serving flight was the furthest part of the airport. On arrival in Zurich. My two cases arrived but only one carry on belong to my son. His three suitcase didn't arrive. After enquiring we discovered they were still in Amsterdam. We landed at 11.12. We eventually left the airport just after one.

I thought KLM was the best airline but the Lima - Amsterdam was 1 hours late, the Brussels - Amsterdam was 2.30 hours late and the Amsterdam - Lima was 30 minutes late

no issues at all... Kudos to the food. This time was really really good

The food was ok. The crew seemed like they were cranky. I had one guy get mad at me for passing in between the storage area to get to the other toilet. I can understand if it's not allowed but reprimanding me like I'm a student saying "This is the last time!" was not appropriate. During my meal time, there was a French family around me. No problems there but when we usually have meals, they are supposed to put their chair in the upright position. These people did not do it and the steward did not tell them to raise their seat in the upright position. However, I was told to do so! So, me and another person next to me had to eat with the monitor almost touching our faces. Furthermore, a lady in front of me was putting her feet up and preventing another elder passenger from putting her seat back. To make it worse, she was continuously hitting her back into her seat, shaking my monitor while I was watching a movie. A crew member did speak to her about it but then she accused me of pushing her seat forward! The crew member gave me a death stare and told me to stop pushing the seat forward. I did not even touch her seat at all, if I did, she would know it. Her boyfriend also stood up and tried to push her seat even further past the maximum decline to no avail. None of these people were reprimanded but the steward, some bald guy, was extremely friendly with them and did not even try to instruct them to do anything until it was time to land. I resisted the urge to really argue with them because I would have obviously been seen as the aggressor (I have no idea why). I hardly said anything on this flight except "more wine please" and "sorry" if I bumped into someone accidentally. Overall, it was an annoying flight and I had to resist the urge to yell at the steward and the people he was overly friendly with. The happiest moment of this flight was leaving it.

The worst airline. Cancelled flight 30 min before boarding and rebooked on flight after 3 days.

I travel frequently. The flight was late again... KLM should really try and be on time

Don't be afraid if you board an Oman Air Airbus A330 - it will take you to Colombo and not Muskat. The Aircraft is leased by Qatar Airways ;-)

For a short flight, Qatar Airways offers very good onboard service.

Qatar airways from Doha to guangzhau was excellent big bird Boeing 777 more room and smoothly flight, I Love it

From Montreal to Doha , we habe two complaints : 1) They want to charge for Seat Selection, claiming that the Class of ticket bought on Kayak did not cover seat selection. It such a penny pinching rule, I told them, since we paid almost $20,000 our 3 tickets , that rule should never exist. Also I reserved my tickets so many months ahead, I expected they will naturally put the family together or move somebody else to keep our family seating together. I filed a complaint, and NOBODY ANSWERED. 2) In Montreal, Qatar has an arrangement with the National Bank Lounge. It was so overcrowded and the Lounge is so bad in terms of service and food, amenities etc... The WORST lounge . Why Qatar not have another arrangement their Business Class clients in Montreal. The Air France KLM Lounger is better, the Air Canada Lounge is better. Qatar should send somebody to take a look ! Joseph Chung

Too many boarding protocols. Never experienced with other international flights.

Was required to print a boarding pass, which I'd prefer to avoid. Seat (economy x) was comfortable, service was excellent.

Food and entertainment was very very bad. Also, Doha airport is very bad. Entertainment was same for last 1 month....no change. Old movies. Food quality was sub par.

After going through security and waiting for the flight at the gate, there was no access to bathrooms and no place to charge a phone while waiting for the flight. But once I was on the plane, everything was very good.

The flight from Doha to Mumbai with Indigo was worst in my whole life, I had booked tickets with Qatar, but still we had to fly by Indigo , worst flight

Not so good. Issues with seat assignments, unruly lines during check-in, half a sandwich on an international flight. I was originally supposed to be on Qatar airways, but it was switched to Indigo after I bought my tickets. They wouldn't even let me get seat assignments from the US to Mumbai. I was automatically assigned seats, and a middle one at that. Terrible.

Good. Food items are ok but not really healthy (no protein for the vegetarian option, just a total of 2 gr total) so not fulfilling. Also, no airline is educating passengers to behave and have common sense: let the one sitting by the window pass first, leave toilets clean after use, etc. Humanity is just getting rude and more disgusting by the day and without education or enforced common sense no

My only issue was my meal was inedible except for the sides.

Old cabine without flat bed in business for a 12 hour flight is not acceptable

Medíocre. The food wasn't good (although not bad, bad) and the staff wasn't kind. I asked for n extra blanket, the steward never came back, serving us roughly.

Excellent apart from transport to actual plane 10 minutes from the actual gate , walking out in the tarmac in the rain and having to climb stairs to enter while holding luggage.

They wanted to close counter although they did not provide the wheelchair requested which ended by going alone to transit security and lost long time and they did not want to wait .

Business class in the second leg - CDG-EVN was a disaster.

Everything went smoothly with Air France. There was a delay in departure which seemed to relate to the immigration services being short staffed.

worst experience ever i choose my seat in advance and also have my seat selected in my boarding and the they told me that my seat has been changed without notify me

Food could have been better especially the breakfast. Overall it was a good flight

Overall mediocre experience. Check in was good. They're were discriminatory. They were not attentive, food choices were not vegetarian friendly. The food served was frozen.

1st time with. Etihad Airways and it was amazing from check in to crew. Great flight.

It has been a couple of years since I flew with Etihad last, after having a unpleasant experience with them coming out of the pandemic. I can say that the experience has uplifted, but I can’t really rate the service. At Barcelona airport the service was great, with their dedicated Etihad staff very helpful. The onboard experience wasn’t great, not very personalised and it really makes sense why Etihad doesn’t feature in the top 10 2023 Skytrax awards. The crew just seemed to be inattentive and almost absent from the cabin. I felt that I had to keep getting their attention. Even after I’d finished my meal, an hour went by before I had to call them to clear the tray/plate etc.

My wife and I were upgraded to Business Class on our Dublin-Abu-Dhabi flight on the 22nd of January. Being served by "Mariyan" (not too sure about her name, she's from Tunisia) was the real highlight of our flight, she deserves to be working with etihad. We are looking forward to the next upgrade as we are flying back to Dublin on February 01, 2024. If I am not mistaken we have just reached GOLD status as Etihad Guests.

I WOULD ADVISE NOT TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHT ON KAYAK. THEY SHOW BETTER FARES AND AFTER I BOOKED MINE, I FIND OUT THAT IT DID NOT INCLUDE LUGGAGE. i HAD TO PAY $800 TO CHECK IN MY BAGS.

Very unfriendly team. It was very difficult to get a cup of coffee. Legroom was extremely small. Old, dilapidated plane.

Ripped off and broken seats in Business class. Seats stink and need to request the staff for additional bedsheets. Crew if very friendly though

Food was very good. Again tray could use a non-skid mat. I had a regular seat - comfortable - able to sleep undisturbed. Boarding was uneventful.

Crew was good, boarding mediocre, food choices were limited, seating was not comfortable

Everything is good and improved and needs to improve economy class seat more specious so long journey we can enjoy and it will be give more relaxable. Overall all services good and safely landed . I enjoyed my journey and all the cabin crew members services very well.

They canceled the flight and would not rebook us within several days

5hour delay with a 3hour wait on board at the gate

Every single flight on my last trip was delayed and We were downgraded from our purchased seat choices. We also had specific requirements for the meals which were reduced to standard choice!

Very good flight. Delayed but no due to any fault of the airline. Food service is half a sandwich and crackers with a chocolate pot for a 5 hour flight so eat before boarding.

Quick boarding process, slight delays on the tarmac prior to takeoff and a late arrival due to an emergency on the landing runway. Not the fault of the airline at all! Cabin crew was very friendly and the Captain kept the passengers well informed about what was going on

Lost bag on an hour and a half flight with no connections - ridiculous!

The entire process was flawless and as expected flying first class. The only thing that I have a complaint on...when first boarding, the plane was EXTREMELY cold; then when we were trying to sleep, it was way too hot - just better regulating (especially trying to sleep) would have made it perfect.

There was some delay at Heathrow where a machine needed to "start the engines" wasn't available and they couldn't even find the team tasked to do it. Unacceptable. Caused about an hour delay and seemed unnecessary. Also saw several passengers abusing the overhead luggage situation, having too many large bags and not leaving enough space for others. The crew was good and the refreshments were good in quality and quantity.

Crew was more interested on looking at their phones than welcoming passengers during boarding.

Entertainment catalog certainly needs an upgrade to include better and latest content. Food was not good at all - they need to cook something edible. Five starts to the crew and on tim performance of British airways though!!

Book cheap flights from Ireland to Japan

Cheapest flights to Japan from Ireland found in 2024

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Cheap flights from Ireland to Japan from €440

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from ireland to japan departing on 23/9. fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. click the price to refresh the search for this deal..

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Filter for what you want, trusted and free, price alerts, easily compare return flights from ireland to japan, below you can see the best fares for your return flight route over the next six months. all fares were found on momondo this week. browse the quickest and cheapest flights from ireland to japan by changing tabs, find the cheapest one-way flights from ireland to japan, if you're looking for one-way flights from ireland to japan, view some of our deals below provided by air france, egypt air and qatar airways, search last-minute flights to japan from ireland, find and compare return flight prices for your last-minute flight from ireland to japan, swiss flights from ireland to japan, our best swiss deals on ireland to japan flight tickets, austrian airlines flights from ireland to japan, our best austrian airlines deals on ireland to japan flight tickets, how to get the cheapest flight ticket from ireland to japan, look no further. we've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip, what is the cheapest airline that flies to japan from ireland, etihad airways. air france, emirates, and etihad airways are the most popular carriers operating from ireland to japan, what is the cheapest ireland to japan flight route, dublin - osaka kansai intl. fly from dublin to osaka kansai intl for the best ireland - japan flight prices, cheap ireland to japan flight deals and tips, find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from ireland to japan, when did momondo last update prices for flights from ireland to japan.

Prices for flights from Ireland to Japan are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Ireland to Japan?

The number of operators available for flights from Ireland to Japan is 11 as of June 2024.

How old do you have to be to fly from Ireland to Japan?

The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from Ireland to Japan.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Japan?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to Japan can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s licence, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Japan. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

Best airlines flying from Ireland to Japan

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from ireland to japan with momondo, why use momondo, why should i use momondo to find a flight deal from ireland to japan.

To find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo gathers a range of flights from a large pool of different airlines and agents; you can then use our insights and filters to find and book the right flight to Japan from Ireland.

Can I find flights from Ireland to Japan with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. All flights to Japan from Ireland on momondo can be compared and filtered by various policies on offer, including flexible booking.

How can momondo help me find flights from Ireland to Japan?

momondo helps you find the best flight between Ireland and Japan by providing filters to narrow your choice of flights to those matching your criteria. You can select flights based on numerous factors such as price, departure and landing times, airport and airline.

I’m not ready to book a flight from Ireland to Japan right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes. momondo can track prices for Ireland to Japan flights and alert you when they change. Perform a search to set up the price alert. All that is required is a valid email address.

An easier way to manage your Japan trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book., get notified when prices go down, daily price changes in your inbox - only with price alerts., find better results for your trip to japan, complete your trip to japan.

Japan Tours from Ireland

Japan group tours from ireland.

Travel to Japan from Ireland

Most frequently asked questions.

•  What is the cheapest way to get from Ireland to Japan? For cheaper options, you can consider a flight connecting in Middle East or other European cities, such as Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong.
•  Is there any direct flight from Berlin to Japan? There is currently no direct flight from Berlin to Japan. The only option is taking a connecting flight.
•  How to get from Czech to Japan? We recommend looking up flights to other European cities or Middle East, because there are many direct flights available in Europe. For details on flights, please refer to our website's information.
•  How to get a cheap airfare from Galway to Japan? You may look up a flight to other Europe cities, from where you can then take a direct flight to Japan.
•  What is the cheapest way to get from Limerick to Japan? You can fly from Limerick Shannon Airport to other cities, and then take a connecting flight to Japan.
•  Can Irish join the Japan group tour? We welcome all English speaking travelers to join our Japan tours. You can decide on your favorite itinerary. Feel free to contact our representatives who can not only answer many of the questions related to Japan travel, but also can find the cheapest airfare.
•  Are the prices of 6 Days Best of Japan Group Tour Discovery fixed? Yes. Prices of Japan small group tours are fixed. However, if you have more than 5 people in your party, we can give a discounted price.
• Tel: +81 50-3701-6391
• Email: [email protected]
• Working Hours: 8am-7pm, (Japan)
• Tel: +1-6265617117
• Working Hours: 8am-7pm, Pacific Time

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€463 Find cheap flights from Japan to Ireland

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from japan to ireland departing on 29/7. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to ireland.

Save 22% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

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Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Good to know

Faqs for booking flights from japan to ireland, how does kayak find such low prices on flights from japan to ireland.

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Japan to Ireland.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Japan to Ireland?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Ireland from Japan is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Japan to Ireland?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Ireland with an airline and back to Japan with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Japan to Ireland?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Ireland from Japan up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top 3 airlines serving from Japan to Ireland

Quick and efficient as always. Air France managed to loose and damage my luggage that never made it onto my KLM flight.

The flight was delayed for 2 hrs. Because they didn’t have a crew to fly. And it is not a first time for klm to do that. Last time they cancelled my filght and rebooked me 3 days later. Not reliable airline

I thought KLM was the best airline but the Lima - Amsterdam was 1 hours late, the Brussels - Amsterdam was 2.30 hours late and the Amsterdam - Lima was 30 minutes late

no issues at all... Kudos to the food. This time was really really good

The food was ok. The crew seemed like they were cranky. I had one guy get mad at me for passing in between the storage area to get to the other toilet. I can understand if it's not allowed but reprimanding me like I'm a student saying "This is the last time!" was not appropriate. During my meal time, there was a French family around me. No problems there but when we usually have meals, they are supposed to put their chair in the upright position. These people did not do it and the steward did not tell them to raise their seat in the upright position. However, I was told to do so! So, me and another person next to me had to eat with the monitor almost touching our faces. Furthermore, a lady in front of me was putting her feet up and preventing another elder passenger from putting her seat back. To make it worse, she was continuously hitting her back into her seat, shaking my monitor while I was watching a movie. A crew member did speak to her about it but then she accused me of pushing her seat forward! The crew member gave me a death stare and told me to stop pushing the seat forward. I did not even touch her seat at all, if I did, she would know it. Her boyfriend also stood up and tried to push her seat even further past the maximum decline to no avail. None of these people were reprimanded but the steward, some bald guy, was extremely friendly with them and did not even try to instruct them to do anything until it was time to land. I resisted the urge to really argue with them because I would have obviously been seen as the aggressor (I have no idea why). I hardly said anything on this flight except "more wine please" and "sorry" if I bumped into someone accidentally. Overall, it was an annoying flight and I had to resist the urge to yell at the steward and the people he was overly friendly with. The happiest moment of this flight was leaving it.

Overall a good experience. We were disappointed when we had to check our carry on due to the plane being full. KLM hadn’t notified us and we had valuable items in the carry on but they still made us check it. Some of the food was great and some was mediocre. Crew is really kind and funny.

The worst airline. Cancelled flight 30 min before boarding and rebooked on flight after 3 days.

I travel frequently. The flight was late again... KLM should really try and be on time

The flight itself it was great nice food the crew were very nice and helpful, Checking in from Birmingham wasn't great long queues for bag dropped, And I had my hand luggage case taken away from me even though I requested to have it with me as I had breakables items. I was told I can not because of the length of the flight with no explanation at all no options was given for me to take my fragile items out of my case it was taken away with hold buggage I find the staff member who was checking me in very unpleasant !! Can we please be advise if the rules have changed about the the carry on hand luggage it will be easier to be advise on booking your tickect if we not allowed to take the hand luggage with me. Overall I had a good flight .

The plane was clean and the staff was friendly. Food and drinks as expected on international flights. The entertainment system was old style, with a pullout controller, and selections not as extensive as on other flights.

It was a good experience. With the long layover they provided the TourIstanbul option to have the free sightseeing bus tour - that was a great option to pass the time. Airport at Istanbul is very comfortable and convenient. Flight was comfortable.

Food was bad crew a bit nicer than other flights seats uncomfortable too

I ended up paying $170 Euros for luggage for a 4 hour flight. Ridiculous. On top of the delay.

Great service, great food, and comfortable business class seats... Friendly and professional flight attendants and ground crew, overall 5 star experience!

Very disorganised check-in and boarding. We won't fly with them again

Movie selection was ok, but could be better. Would like to see greater selection of newer movies.

Loved the check-in experience. Very friendly staff and not crowded. I did wind up with a middle-middle seat, which was quite uncomfortable. Always appreciate the very professional staff on TAL.

Don’t use them on the IST-isb route, horrible service

The crew was excellent, but the flight was a little delayed and the temperature on the plane was too warm.

My flight had two legs. When checking in at the first leg the agent offering for a deal to upgrade the leg to first class for $199. He then claimed I would be able to upgrade the second leg once I got to the next airport. I declined and when I inquired about upgrading at the second airport, the cost was $1,300. I also had an issue at the airport lounge. I am allowed one guest in the lounge. My friend came in the lounge for less than 5 minutes and left when she couldn’t get a sleeping suite. I wanted to bring in another friend. The airport staff first started acting as though they didn’t understand English and then became upset when I asked for their names so I could file a complaint. As an elite member I knew they could do more but were not. One of the agents started over talking me and walked away mid conversation dismissing my request for assistance. A man claiming to be the manager said you were asking for her name. He also never tried to assist me or see what was going on. He claimed the interactions were recorded and management would see everything. I’m not sure how that would assist me days later. I am sure it didn’t help that I was a black American woman.

Lovely crew - comfortable journey despite it being an older plane.

The business class experience is fantastic. The crew were polite but often unavailable even when I tried to call them! I even found myself bringing my used dishes and cutlery up to the crew because no one had come to collect it after over an hour.

1st time with. Etihad Airways and it was amazing from check in to crew. Great flight.

Good range of movies but lacking decent tv shows. Wifi was really expensive on this flight, considering flights under 7 hours have a $9.99 USD charge for streaming, to jump up to $24.99 for a 7 hour 40 flight seemed a little bit of a rip off. Staff are inattentive, and really need to improve on the customer experience.

The staff was very nice and polite but it was very very hot and no ways to have some fresh air. It would be nice to have more time to sleep since it was a night flight

My wife and I were upgraded to Business Class on our Dublin-Abu-Dhabi flight on the 22nd of January. Being served by "Mariyan" (not too sure about her name, she's from Tunisia) was the real highlight of our flight, she deserves to be working with etihad. We are looking forward to the next upgrade as we are flying back to Dublin on February 01, 2024. If I am not mistaken we have just reached GOLD status as Etihad Guests.

Etihad broke my suitcase Also over charged me for luggage

Entertainment did not work from flight from Abu Dhabi to Kolkata. Emirates has a much better flight in that sector.

1.Aircraft Comfort: The aircraft type was quite small with non-reclining, cramped seats that significantly lacked comfort. 2.In-flight Entertainment: There was no provision of in-flight entertainment screens or Wi-Fi for the majority of the flight. 3.Boarding Process at New Abu Dhabi Airport: Despite the move to a new airport, which promised enhanced experiences, the use of buses instead of jet bridges did not meet expectations, causing inconvenience. 4.Gate Change Communication: A last-minute gate change was poorly communicated, resulting in a long and difficult walk.

Boarding was quick and efficient. Ground staff were pleasant and courteous. Food was tasty, portions were good for me. Food containers kept slipping on the tray. Tray would look better with an anti-skid tray mat. I had the bulkhead seat which was very uncomfortable for couple of reasons. Aircraft is designed with no throughput to move across aisle to aisle. Passengers kept jumping over my legs to get from one side to the other to use the toilet. Secondly I had a mother and 9 month baby next to me. Mom had to hold baby for 12 hours in her lap as he did not fit into the bassinet. Half the baby was on my lap during the flight. Aircraft temperature was very cold - light attendant said it was the central cooling and nothing could be done about it. Movie selection was very poor old and outdated.

Book cheap flights from Japan to Ireland

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The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

I’ve yet to meet a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan . It’s just one of those countries that everyone loves. How can you not? The food is carefully crafted and delicious; the history and culture are both rich and long; the landscape breathtaking; and the people super friendly and polite.

Japan remains one of my favorite countries. No matter how long I visit, it’s never enough. I always leave wanting more.

But the country always seems forbidding to many travelers. It definitely still has that “exotic” stereotype that makes people think it’s hard to travel around.

Where should you go? What should you include in your Japan itinerary? Should you buy a JR Pass to help you get around?

To help you out, here are a few suggested itineraries based on my years of visiting that will ensure you see the best sites on your Japan trip — as well as get off the beaten path and get a real sense of Japanese culture!

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary: Know Before You Go

Japan itinerary: one week, japan itinerary: two weeks, japan itinerary: three weeks.

Just be sure to get one BEFORE you go as you cannot purchase them on arrival. For more information on the pass, including how much they cost and how you can get one, read this blog post . It has everything you need to know!

Mobile Data in Japan In Japan, English isn’t widely spoken (especially outside of the major cities) so having access to the internet is vital for checking addresses, using translation apps, and looking up things to see and do. The easiest way to get data is through an international eSIM for Japan .

An eSIM allows you to access mobile data via a QR code so you can have internet wherever you are, without worrying about physical SIM cards or roaming charges. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when using apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, Instagram, and YouTube. It will also come in handy for checking menus at restaurants (since they are rarely in english).  

Day 1 & 2: Tokyo Chances are you’ll be starting your trip in Tokyo , since it’s home to the country’s biggest international airport. If your trip is seven days long, activate your JR Pass right away, so that you can take advantage of the free JR trains that run through the city.

While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and not get bored, here are some of the highlights:

Visit the fish market – In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the size of the old one, Tsukiji, making it the largest in the world. While a lot of good restaurants moved too (Sushi Dai being the most famous), I find the place itself very stale, since you can no longer wander the floor (you look down via a walkway above; you also need a visitor’s pass to enter).

The old outer market in Tsukiji is still great though, and you can still find food and stores there too. You can wander alone and just eat and shop until you can’t anymore! Most businesses open at 6am, so it’s a perfect place to go in the morning when you wake up early because of jet lag. Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 13,500 JPY.

See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a five-story pagoda and the famous Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s always busy but is worth seeing with your own eyes. The temple is free to visit.

Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a lively place to drink at night and has a bit of a red-light-district feel to it. It is not to be missed. Even if you don’t drink, be sure to wander about. Arigato Tours offers tours of the area where you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. Tours are 23,900 JPY and include a drink and dishes at four food stops.

Visit the Imperial Palace – When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new residence and renamed it Tokyo. Though you can’t go inside (or get very close), the building is amazing. It is surrounded by lovely grounds and a park, and there’s a moat around the stone walls. You can also see the changing of the guard, though it’s a relatively low-key and unassuming ceremony.

Watch a sumo match – Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo arena, hosts tournaments three times each year. The wrestling that we see today dates to the 17th century, though its origins go back even further, and it’s still one of the most popular traditions in the country. If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-do! Tickets sell out quickly, so act fast. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Kamakura to see the giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is over 13 meters (42 feet) tall and dates back to the 13th century. The journey is around 90 minutes each way — and free with the JR Pass !

For delicious food, some of my favorite bars and restaurants include: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO : Hostel Chapter Two – A small, family-run hostel not far from Skytree Station in Asakusa. I really like the shared kitchen and common room, as there’s a real social feel to them.

With its beauty come lots of crowds though, so try to visit outside of the busy summer months. Even with lots of tourists, though, the city is still magnificent and has a lot to offer. Some things to see and do that you shouldn’t miss are the following:

Visit the Golden Pavilion – This famous (and picturesque) temple dates to the 1950s, when a monk burned down the previous temple (from the 14th century) while trying to commit suicide. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited destinations in the country!

Explore Gion – Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

Wander in the Bamboo Forest – For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Admire Ryoan-ji temple – This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

For a half-day trip, you can also visit Nara. It’s a small city just one hour from Kyoto. Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to fires, as well as World War II). But the real draw in Nara are the deer.

Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree. A guided half-day walking tour that includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch is 11,500 JPY.

While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest wooden building and is home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is 600 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO : Backpacker Hostel K’s House – A fun, social backpacker hostel in a great central location. The rooftop terrace is a cool spot to hangout and meet other travelers after a day of exploring.

Don’t miss Osaka Castle though. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.

And be sure to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night), the main street, which is lined with restaurants, stores, and tons of neon lights and signs. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Today, Hiroshima is thriving . Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the history of the city before and after that fateful day. It has photos, artifacts, videos, and information about the effect of radiation on the population. It’s a sobering experience but one that should not be missed.

If you feel like getting out of town afterward, head to Miyajima , an island that offers a place to hike and enjoy nature. You can also take a cable car to the peak of the mountain to take in the view. A one-way ferry ride to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Pass holders.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA : Roku Hostel – A cozy, small hostel with a rustic atmosphere and design. It feels like you’re staying with a friend here, and the beds are super comfy too.

If you like history, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, home to a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses that you can enter to further immerse yourself in the country’s past.

This city (and region, really) is famous for its Hida beef, a high-fat variety that’s even better than any A5 Wagyu you might have. It just melts in your mouth. Be sure to have some while you are here!

The Japanese Alps are not far from here as well, so if you love hiking and want to extend your time in the region, head to Kamikochi for a day hike or overnight trip. It’s just an hour away and has both easy and moderate trails, which are open from April to November. Hiking trails can also be found in Hakusan National Park (also just one hour away by car).

One of the more unique temples in Japan is here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. While the temple wasn’t home to actual ninjas, Myoryuji was built as a defensive structure (strict laws forbade local lords from building defenses, so they were hidden in the temple to circumvent the rules). These include hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

If you need a break from exploring cities, Hakusan National Park, home to Mount Haku, one of the three holy mountains, is just an hour south of town.

If you’re here in April, there are incredible cherry blossom displays that are famous in the region. And, just like Takayama, Matsumoto is close to the Japanese Alps, so you’re just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking in the country.

There are tons of hotels (both modern and traditional) that have their own hot springs (often both indoors and outdoors). It’s the perfect place to wrap up a trip, relax, and take in the views.

In addition to getting a copious amount of R&R, be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain for even more amazing views. The area is surrounded by craters from an inactive volcano that erupted 80,000 years ago (not to be confused with nearby Mount Fuji, which is an active volcano), and you’ll find lots of vendors at the top selling eggs cooked in the sulfurous waters. It’s said the eggs prolong one’s life by seven years, so feel free to give them a try!

If you prefer to hike up instead, the trail is open between July and September, with the trek taking anywhere from 5 to 12 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Typically, hikers leave at night in order to arrive at the summit by dawn. There are little shops along the way that sell food and even beds you can rent in advance if you want to split your journey up. Just make sure you do your research and prepare in advance as it’s a tough hike!

If you really want to play tourist, you can also ride a mock pirate ship around the lake for more views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji in particular.

Full-day tours around Hakone that include all the main sights cost 14,800 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAKONE : Hotel Green Plaza – With gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, a huge buffet dinner (with both Western and Japanese options), and a private onsen where you can relax and enjoy the view, this is one of the best places to stay in Hakone if you want value but don’t want to break the bank.  

Using the suggestions above, here’s how I would organize your itinerary:

• Days 1-3 : Tokyo
• Day 4 : Mount Fuji or Hakone
• Day 5 : Takayama
• Days 6 & 7 : Kanazawa
• Days 8 & 9 : Matsumoto
• Days 10-12 : Kyoto
• Days 13 & 14 : Osaka
• Days 15 & 16 : Hiroshima

If you do want to spend a few hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, where you can find lots of fresh seafood. You can also visit Fort Goryokaku, the first “Western”-style fort in the country.

Be sure to stop in at the local Beer Museum too, owned by Sapporo Breweries (the oldest beer company in the country). It showcases the history of beer in Japan and how the business got its start. If you’re a whiskey fan, stop by The Bow Bar, home to some rare (and expensive) whiskeys and considered one of the best such bars in the world.

What I love about the city is its location. This region has some of the best hiking in the country. There are plenty of hills and mountains, offering options for both day hikes as well as overnight trips. Some highlights include Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the best views of the city, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s just a 30-60-minute hike to the top, though there is a cable car you can take as well.

And if you’re visiting in the winter, hit the slopes! There are over a hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can rent skis (or a snowboard) for around 10,000-18,000 JPY. Lift prices are usually 4,000-6,000 JPY per day. In the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s held every February and draws over two million visitors. There are ice sculptures, igloos, live music, and delicious local foods on offer.

Additionally, be sure to take a day trip to Otaru, where you’ll find some of the freshest uni in the whole country (this is the main area where the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and visit the markets, stalls, and shops around there.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO : Waya Hostel – This is a laid-back, colorful hostel with a social atmosphere that makes meeting people a breeze. It has a homey, DIY feel and is perfect for budget travelers looking for a no-frills place to crash.

There is a ton to see and do in Japan , and you could easily spend another month here and still just scratch the surface (we didn’t even get to Okinawa and the islands!). And while these itineraries are a bit fast-paced, Japan isn’t cheap, so budget travelers need to move around the country quickly to avoid breaking the bank.

But no matter how long you visit, you won’t be disappointed. Japan is an amazing, beautiful, and unique destination that I never get tired of visiting. While it’s not as affordable as its neighbors, there are still plenty of ways to save money , and it’s definitely worth spending the time (and money) visiting. You won’t be disappointed!

Just make sure to get your Japan Rail Pass before you go!  

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money; information on costs; tips on what to see and do; suggested itineraries, reading, and packing lists; and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Essential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly Travel (Plus Optional Extension)

P lanning a Japan itinerary for a family is like putting together a giant puzzle: you have to account for transportation schedules, hotel availability, everyone’s interests and the huge variety of opportunities you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It’s a great problem to have!

In this extremely detailed guide, you’ll find out how to make the most of your family trip to Japan with three options for itineraries for Japan with kids that you can use as a launching point based on your needs.

One quick note on how to use this Japan itinerary guide: rather than repeating the same information in each section, in some cases I’ll refer you to previous itineraries that have all of the details. But the beginning of each itinerary has a helpful summary at the beginning that provides an overview of which days you’ll spend in each location, where to stay and what tickets/activities you need to book in advance.

1. Highlights of Japan Itinerary: 10 Days for Family Travelers

2. extended japan itinerary: 2 weeks with kids, 3. slower pace itinerary for japan with kids: 10 days, tips for visiting japan with kids, planning your trip to japan.

There are so many incredible things to do in Japan with kids that your 10 day itinerary will be filled to the brim. Our entire trip was go-go-go , but truthfully we didn’t mind it all because basically everything in Japan is amazing.

Quick overview

Days 1-4: Tokyo

Day 5: Day trip to Hakone

Day 6: Hiroshima

Day 7: miyajima island, day 8: osaka.

Day 9-10: Kyoto

Accommodations

Nights 1-5 in Tokyo:

– Hyatt Regency Tokyo (Shinjuku)

– Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East (Taito)

– Hotel Gajeon (Meguro)

Nights 6-7 on Miyajima Island:

– Miyajima Kinsuikan

Nights 8-10 in Kyoto:

– Mimaru Kyoto Station or Mimaru Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji

– Hyatt Regency Kyoto

– Ace Hotel Kyoto

Activities to book in advance

– Japan Rail Pass

Tokyo subway pass

– Tokyo cooking class

– TeamLabs Tokyo

– Tokyo food tour

– Hakone Free Pass or Hakone/Fuji private tour (my recommendation)

– Miyajima Island tea ceremony and calligraphy class

– Tokyo or Osaka Pokemon Cafe

– Kansai Thru Pass

– Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

– Kyoto tour

Tokyo is a fascinating, exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming melding of old and new. There’s so much to see and do that it can be very challenging to plan. I’ve put together an in-depth Tokyo with kids itinerary for four days that breaks down what to do each day based on geography and transportation so that you maximize your time.

Day 5: Day trip from Tokyo to Hakone

Head toward Mount Fuji on a wonderful day trip from Tokyo to Hakone, 100km southwest of the city. The journey will take 2 hours by public transit but it’s such a different experience than you’ll find anywhere else!

Pro tip : There’s a lot of different transportation involved in this day trip. One alternative I wish we’d considered is this Hakone/Fuji private tour . While it would have been more expensive, we would have made much better use of our time!

To get to Hakone, you’ll either use your JR Pass (if you’re ready to activate it) or the Hakone Free Pass to get to Odawara station and then continue on the local Tozan train line. To maximize your time, be sure to reserve a private room for your family at Hakone Yuryo onsen for 6pm. More details on that later, but we were not able to get an evening reservation and it definitely messed with our schedule!

I recommend that you proceed all the way to Lake Ashi and start your time in Hakone exploring the town area surrounding the port and you can also consider taking the lovely forest walk to the famous torii gate.

A highlight for the whole family is the pirate boat that takes you across the lake. Supposedly you can see Mount Fuji from the boat, though we weren’t able to because it was a little cloudy surrounding the masive mountain. Even so the views are lovely and you’ll go right by the torii gate.

Once you reach the opposite shore, you’ll have the opportunity to take the Hakone Ropeway up the mountainside – and this is where you should get fantastic views of Mount Fuji if you didn’t see it from the lake! Even on a cloudy day, we could tell how absolutely massive it was – and it kept getting larger as we went higher. This is one of the world’s longest ropeways, taking nearly 30 minutes to complete.

The top of the Ropeway is around 1000 meters elevation. To descend on the other side you’ll take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which connects to the Hakone Tozan Train – so many different forms of transportation, and thankfully they’re all included with the Hakone Free Pass (even the pirate boat)!

Your next stop is the Hakone Open Air Museum . I’ve heard incredible things about it, and this is probably the best art museum in Japan for kids! There are unique artistic play structures, enormous sculptures and more. Unfortunately last admission is at 4:30 and we weren’t able to make it by then because our reservation at Hakone Yuryo onsen was in the morning and pushed everything back.

The last item on your list of things to do in Hakone on a day trip is pay a visit to Hakone Yuryo onsen . This traditional hot spring inn provides a wonderfully relaxing experience and is a must-do in Japan! While there are public baths available here, you’ll want to reserve a private room since you’re visiting Japan with children. We opted for the Type 3 room, which is very serene and includes everything you’ll need for an amazing visit to an onsen with kids – snacks, towels, robes and plenty of space. The room is yours for two hours, so relax and enjoy to wind down after your busy day trip to Hakone!

If you bring a travel car seat with you, the fastest way to get to Hakone Yuryo is by taxi; otherwise you can take the local bus (just use Google Maps to find your way). For your return to the train station, they offer a shuttle van.

A logistical recommendation: the stretch in Hiroshima Prefecture is brief but transportation-heavy. You’ll potentially take trains, boats, buses and taxis. If possible, I suggest just bringing a few days worth of clothing in backpacks while the rest of your luggage is sent on to meet you in Kyoto. The excellent Yamato Ta-Q-Bin can be arranged by your hotel or nearest 7-11 and it’s pretty amazing. For just $50, our two suitcases and a box with the kids backpacks was waiting in our Kyoto hotel room!

Today is a long day and an emotionally heavy one, but one that’s worth experiencing if your kids are old enough. You’ll hop the earliest train you can manage all the way to Hiroshima, near the southern end of Japan’s main island. Once you arrive at Hiroshima Station, it’s easy to use the sightseeing bus (included in your JR Pass ) to get to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. If you haven’t eaten lunch yet, there are some good options in the Hiroshima Station.

Read more about visiting the A-bomb sites of Hiroshima with kids . There are many factors to weigh as you decide if and how to include Hiroshima in your family’s Japan itinerary.

All in all, we spent just over two hours visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. When you’ve finished there, your next stop is Miyajima Island and there are two ways to get there: the easy way and the cheap/hard way.

We mistakenly did it the cheap/hard way and I do not recommend it. We used the #2 local tram from the Dome station to Miyajimaguchi station (approximately 1 hour) and then took the very pleasant Miyajima ferry. While this option is very inexpensive, I wouldn’t have done it if I realized that the alternative was available and better.

There’s a ferry that picks up near Motoyasubashi Bridge right next to the A-Bomb Dome . It’s the Aqua Net Ferry , and we saw it but weren’t sure if it was legit or not because it didn’t look nearly as polished as every other Japanese transportation option. We were just being silly. While it’s a little pricey at 2200 JPY per adult and 1100 JPY per child, it’ll shave about an hour (and a lot of hassle) off your travels. Just buy a one-way ticket, as on the way back you’ll take the JR Ferry and then connect on a convenient train to Hiroshima Station.

When you arrive on Miyajima, you’ll want to walk to your hotel to drop off your bag and then immediately go get dinner. Everything closes early! Our hotel had to call around to find a place that was open at 7pm, but the ladies at Okonomiyaki Kishibe served up delicious food in as homey a setting as you can imagine.

The next day and a bit will give you an opportunity to step back in time on Miyajima Island, one of several islands in Hiroshima Bay. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve probably seen photos of its famous “floating” torii gate! It’s an icon of Japan. The logistics of incorporating Miyajima into your itinerary can be tricky but there are a few reasons why you should consider it.

While most other places you’ll visit on this Japan itinerary for families are fairly well developed cities, Miyajima Island remains a quiet, rural area full of cultural and natural highlights. The ancient Itsukushima Shrine is still largely preserved today. While nearby Hiroshima was devastated by the A-bomb, Miyajima was spared other than some debris found nearby.

Much of the island’s developed area is accessible on foot, though you can opt for a ropeway (cable car) to reach the beautiful summit of Mt. Misen. Miyajima is a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring or fiery red maple trees in the fall.

Keep in mind that Miyajima is an island with a population of just 2000 people, and most visitors are day trippers. That means you won’t find a ton of restaurants or stores open once the sun goes down, but you’ll also be able to experience the island’s true magic away from the crowds!

Thanks to its very traditional nature, Miyajima island is a great place to try out staying at a ryokan – a typical Japanese guest house. We had a wonderful stay at Miyajima Kinsuikan , which included a large family room with very comfortable futons set up each night, a yukata for everyone (several kids’ sizes available), unlimited access to the wonderful onsen (geothermal bath) in the basement and a seafood-heavy bento-style breakfast that is typical of the region.

On the last point, I’ll say that the staff tried hard to accommodate our dietary needs but definitely didn’t understand due to the language barrier. I ended up taking the kids to Starbucks (yes, Starbucks!) a block away so that we wouldn’t start our days hungry. If you have dietary restrictions and plan to stay at any ryokan in Japan that offers breakfast, it may be best to tell them what you will eat rather than what you won’t – in retrospect if I had said “only rice, salmon, eggs and vegetables” that probably would have been easier for everyone.

But enough about breakfast… Today’s itinerary will seem jam-packed as you read through it, but it really isn’t. You’ll be able to enjoy much of what the island has to offer and feel relaxed while doing it!

One important tip: if you want to walk under the torii, be sure to check the tide schedule in advance. You may need to shift the order of some things around. When we visited, one of the low tide periods lasted for much of the afternoon with just a few inches of water directly under the torii. Prepare for the ground to be very mucky though!

Spend your morning at this fantastic tea ceremony and calligraphy class . It’s a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of some traditional aspects of Japanese culture. There are three parts to the experience. First, your family will be dressed in fancy kimonos by the team of experienced ladies. They have a huge range of styles and sizes to choose from, and adult women in particular will get to experience alllll the layers.

Once you’re properly dressed, you’ll participate in a tea ceremony with the head of the cultural center. She clearly explains each step and its significance. You’ll also get some unique chocolates along with the matcha!

Finally, your family will learn some basics of Japanese calligraphy and choose a character to write on your own souvenir! Since you’re already fully dressed, you can also step outside to. the zen garden and have the staff take some photos for you. They took photos of us during the activities as well and shared them via AirDrop – they aren’t professional, but it’s nice to have them included at no additional cost. This was one of my favorite activities to do in Japan with kids. The organizer suggests a minimum age of 6 years old, though I think that for most kids it’s better for 8+.

It’s time for lunch, so head back to Miyajima’s main shopping street – just follow the crowds one block in from the coast. There are plenty of inexpensive options to take away from kiosks, and we opted for delicious cups of fried chicken that we enjoyed in a peaceful courtyard. You’ll also find various options for seafood, momiji manjū cakes and more! If your kids haven’t exhausted their souvenir budget yet, there are plenty of opportunities here as well.

Continue on past the commercial part of town to visit Itsukushima Shrine. It’s a beautiful and serene place with more than a thousand years of history. Like most shrines it’s just a few dollars to enter and you can move as quickly or slowly along the one-way path as you’d like. There isn’t much written information provided on-site, but you can read up in advance here for a fuller understanding of the complex and its history.

When you exit the shrine, look for signs for the Miyajima Ropeway. This is the cablecar that will take you to the summit of Mount Misen, which dominates the island’s landscape. It’s a somewhat steep 15 minute walk to the ropeway station at Momijidani, so if anyone in your family has limited mobility consider taking the free shuttle bus from Momijidani Park – more info here .

The ropeway is a fun activity for kids and parents alike! You’ll transfer mid-way to reach the summit, where you’re treated to spectacular views of Hiroshima Bay and its islands. We enjoyed the view from Shishiiwa Observatory but if you want to hike another 20 minutes you’ll arrive at Mount Misen Observatory and enjoy additional views.

You’ll either take the ropeway back down or hike it – the choice is yours, and may depend on how long the line for the ropeway is! We waited for about 30 minutes shortly before the last descent of the day and honestly it might have been faster just to walk down. We stopped at Niwa Cafe for dinner, which was a great choice!

End your evening with a relaxing soak in the onsen at Miyajima Kinsuikan. You’ve earned it after such a busy day!

Since this is a fast-paced 10 day Japan itinerary, you’re just going to pop into Osaka on your way from Miyajima Island to Kyoto. The good news is that the trains are very efficient so you’ll have a big chunk of the day to explore!

You’ll take the ferry back to the mainland and then a train to Hiroshima station. From there it’s easy to pick up a bullet train to Osaka. In total, travel time is around 3.5 hours. Once you’re in Osaka and Kyoto, the  Kansai Thru Pass is very handy as it covers all of the local rail and bus lines that aren’t already included with your Japan Rail pass .

With just a day in Osaka, you won’t be able to do everything unfortunately. One of the best things to do in Osaka with kids is pay a visit to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan . When it opened in 1990 it was the largest aquarium in the world! While it no longer holds that title it’s still a site to behold. There are incredible creatures here including while sharks, and the spiraling design continuously reveals more and more wonders.

If you’re visiting Japan in spring, be sure to check the schedule for the March sumo tournament – typically held during the second and third weeks. You’ll want to buy tickets well in advance, but I highly recommend attending if you can! Sumo is a unique experience and deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. The environment is family-friendly and many visitors bring food from local convenience stores, as concessions are minimal inside the stadium.

Another great option is to reserve a table at the Osaka Pokemon Cafe – check the calendar 31 days in advance. It can be very hard to get a table (we tried!) but thankfully there are other Pokemon things to do in Japan to entertain kids of all ages.

While you’re in Osaka, walk around the famous Dotonbori area to see the lights and spectacle. You can grab dinner nearby if you’re able to find a table without a huge line – there are some amazing options nearby for beef and seafood! If all else fails, check out the standby of CoCo ICHIBANYA for delicious curry.

Wrap up your day by taking the train from Osaka to your Kyoto hotel . It’s only about an hour, though it’s the end of a long and transit-heavy day.

Days 9-10: Kyoto

You’ve reached the final leg of your family Japan itinerary, which is bittersweet. Kyoto is a wonderful place to conclude your trip because it feels so distinctly Japanese (with a thick overlay of tourists, to be completely honest). It’s truly a great city and such a unique place to spend a few days since it retains the traditional architecture and vibe of pre-war Japan.

A quick note on where to stay in Kyoto: there are lots of excellent hotels, and it’s much more compact than Tokyo (for example). But in Kyoto you have two excellent opportunities to stay in a Pokemon themed room at Mimaru Kyoto Station and Mimaru Nishinotoin Takatsuji . We stayed at the latter because it was available, but the entire chain is extremely family-friendly. To say that my kids lost their minds from the surprise when we walked into our room is an understatement. If you can book one of those rooms, it’s 100% worth it.

Kyoto is a beautiful city full of ancient sites blended with modern culture. Follow our 2 day Kyoto with kids itinerary to learn exactly how to make the most of your visit!

If I had my druthers, we would have followed this longer Japan itinerary for 2 weeks of family travel. I’ve offered it here in case you’re lucky enough to visit for longer.

This itinerary covers roughly the same geographic area as the itinerary we did above but allows you to see more. Be sure to read the 10 day itinerary above – I’ll reference that in this expanded itienrary! Pay close attention to the overview, as there are some additional hotel stops and a slightly different transportation strategy.

Day 6-7: Disney

Day 8: Hiroshima

Day 9: miyajima island.

Day 10-12: Osaka*

Day 13-14: Kyoto *

Nights 6-7 near Disneyland:

– Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay

– Hilton Tokyo Bay

Nights 8-9 on Miyajima Island:

Nights 10-11 in Osaka*:

– Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda

– Holiday Inn & Suites Shin Osaka

Nights 12-14 in Kyoto *:

*To decrease hotel moves, you can consider staying in Kyoto the whole time. Kyoto and Osaka are only about an hour apart, but you may wind up making the trip a few times because there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Osaka!

– Tokyo subway pass

– Disney Sea and Disneyland

– Universal Studios Japan

Days 1-5: Tokyo & day trip to Hakone

Spend days 1-5 as described above in the 10 day Japan itinerary for families.

Days 6-7: Tokyo Disney

On the morning of Day 6, transfer to a hotel near Tokyo Disney like Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay . While you could stay at a hotel elsewhere in Tokyo, it’s hard to beat the convenience of being right on the monorail! The quieter waterfront location can also be a nice respite after the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Tokyo Disney includes both Disneyland and DisneySea. Many Disney lovers regard these as some of the best parks in the world, as they’re very efficiently run and include some unique rides you won’t find elsewhere. And the tickets are a fraction of what you’d pay to visit Walt Disney World! Buy your tickets in advance and just flash the QR code to enter.

After you buy your tickets, be sure to download the Tokyo Disney Resort App. That will grant you access to the free Priority Pass system, which allows you to schedule return times for some attractions.

Before you go, read these helpful DisneySea tips and Tokyo Disneyland tips .

Spend day 8 visiting the A-bomb sites of Hiroshima . You’ll be spending this night (and the following) on Miyajima Island at Miyajima Kinsuikan , so if you don’t feel that visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the right choice for your family you can go directly to the island and spend the afternoon at its excellent aquarium.

Spend day 9 on Miyajima island as described above. You’ll do a tea ceremony and calligraphy class in the morning, visit the Itsukushima Shrine shrine after lunch and then take the ropeway to the top of Mount Misen to enjoy stunning views of Hiroshima Bay.

Days 10-12: Osaka

While we only spent one day in Osaka, I wish we’d had longer to base ourselves there! Not only does the city have some wonderful family-friendly attractions but it also makes a great base for day trips.

On your way back from Hiroshima to Osaka, stop at Himeji Castle for several hours. It’s the most impressive castle in the country and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original structure was built in 1333 but what you see today dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. For a deeper look, book this excellent private tour of Himeji Castle .

Once you arrive in Osaka itself and settle into your hotel, head out to see the bright lights of Dotonbori and grab dinner. This would also be a great time to visit Pokemon Cafe if you’re able to get a table (reservations open 31 days in advance but there are occasionally walk in tables).

For days 11 and 12 you’ll have some tough choices to make! With young children, make the Aquarium Kaiyukan a priority – it’s really remarkable. If you’re visiting Japan with teens, tweens or older kids then plan to spend a day at Universal Studios Japan – it has favorites like Harry Potter World and Super Nintendo World and is extremely easy to get to if you stay at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or nearby.

If you’re visiting Osaka in March, consider spending a few hours at the huge sumo tournament at Edion Arena!

Be sure to stop by A Happy Pancake for breakfast or lunch. They have both sweet and savory options, and their distinctively Japanese pancakes are the thickest and fluffiest you’ve ever seen! The Doyamacho location is the most convenient in Osaka (there are also outposts in Tokyo and Kyoto).

You’ll probably also want to squeeze in a day trip to Nara to see the famous deer of Nara Park. Don’t miss the “big Buddha” and the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine while you’re there, along with cherry blossoms in the spring and bright red foliage in the fall. It’s exactly one hour each way using public transit, so if you feel tight on time you can go for just a half day.k

At the end of day 12, hop on a quick train to Kyoto to settle into your hotel for the last stop on your Japan adventure.

Days 13-14: Kyoto

Spend days 13 and 14 exploring Kyoto as described in our 2 day Kyoto itinerary .

Are you looking for an itinerary that’s a little slower, whether because you’re visiting Japan with toddlers or just prefer not to cram so much in? I’ve got you covered. In this itinerary you’ll only split your time between two bases and you’ll enjoy plenty of activities that are unique to Japan but still extremely little kid friendly!

To really level up this kid-friendly Japan trip, book your flights into Tokyo and out of Kansai International Airport (KIX) south of Osaka. You’ll save travel time and train fare since you really don’t need a Japan Rail pass for this itinerary!

Day 1-5: Tokyo with day trip to DisneySea

Day 6-10: Kyoto with day trips to Nara and Osaka

Nights 6-10 in Kyoto:

– DisneySea

– Nara day tour

Days 1-5: Tokyo with day trip to Disney

Follow our 4 day Tokyo itinerary for families to explore the city’s many facets, but break up your time with a day trip to DisneySea .

Days 6-10: Kyoto + day trips

Follow our 2 day Kyoto itinerary for families . Add in at least one day trip to Osaka to visits sites like Aquarium Kaiyukan and a day trip to Nara to see the famous deer. You might even have time to go to  Universal Studios Japan ! It’s even possible to take a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima to pay your respects at the A-bomb sites , and some families may opt to send one parent to do that while the other pursues more kid-friendly options in Kyoto.

I’ve written up many helpful Japan travel tips , but I want to highlight a few here that are specific to visiting with kids.

• Plan well in advance. Many hotel rooms are only rated for two people, so your options for a family will be even more limited if you wait too long.
• Bring a folding car seat with you. While public transportation is excellent in Tokyo and between cities, you may want to take a taxi from the airport with your luggage after a long flight. We also found that Kyoto public transportation wasn’t nearly as robust.
• Let your kids go wild in convenience stores! They’re a great place to grab unique candies, sandwiches for a picnic or even delicious fried chicken.
• Get your kids involved in planning. Check out my son’s favorite things to do in Japan with kids .
• Bring a portable charger (or two) since you’ll be using your phone all day long to take pictures, translate menus and look up directions.

I hope these family-friendly Japan itineraries have give you the confidence to plan your own adventure!

Ready to dive in? Don’t miss these helpful resources for planning your own Japan trip!

• Buy your Japan Rail Pass
• Best Things to do in Japan With Kids: A Kid’s Take
• 9 Tips for Japan Travel You Can’t Afford To Miss
• What to Pack for Japan in Spring (and What to Leave at Home)
• Things to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and New
• Visiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel Tips
• Best Family Hotels in Kyoto
• Awesome Pokémon Things to do in Japan
• Visiting the A-Bomb Sites in Hiroshima with Kids
• 10 Japan Cultural Activities & Attractions For Your Bucket List

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The post Essential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly Travel (Plus Optional Extension) appeared first on The Family Voyage .

What to Know About the Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria Spreading in Japan

Group A Streptococcus.

Japan is dealing with rising cases of a disease caused by a rare “flesh-eating bacteria” that can kill people within 48 hours.

Health authorities have reported over 1,000 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) as of early June, higher than the record 941 cases reported for all of 2023. At the current rate of infection, experts fear the number of cases in Japan could reach 2,500 this year.