Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan

Japan Travel Guide: Tokyo & Kyoto Tips, Tickets & Printable Planner

Our free, printable Japan planning guide — the exact Tokyo & Kyoto route we did with our teens, plus where we stayed, what we ate, how we got around, and everything to book ahead.

Download the Guide   View in Browser

Read The Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens

The 11-Day Japan Family Itinerary

Who this guide is for

  • First-time visitors to Japan — you'll arrive knowing exactly which cities, how many days, and what to book ahead.
  • Families with teens — we lay out a pace and a mix of temples, tech, food, and pop culture that keeps everyone happy.
  • Tokyo & Kyoto travelers — the classic first-trip combination, with easy day trips to Nara and Kibune.
  • Anyone the logistics have overwhelmed — flights, trains, reservations, and the summer heat, all sorted into simple steps.

A Peek Inside

It's the whole trip in one place — organized so you can plan front-to-back or jump straight to what you need. Here's what's inside:

Planning Timeline

What to book and when — dates, flights, hotels, and the attractions that sell out.

Getting Around

Airports, the Shinkansen, IC cards, and getting everywhere with Google Maps.

The Itinerary

Our exact day-by-day route through Tokyo and Kyoto, with day trips to Nara and Kibune.

Where to Stay

Our three family-friendly hotels across Tokyo and Kyoto.

Where to Eat

The restaurants and treats we loved most, city by city.

Final Prep & Packing

A full carry-on packing checklist built for Japan's summer heat.

Every pick is from our own trip — real recommendations, not a list of everything that exists.

Book early. The best attractions — teamLab Planets, the Ghibli Museum, the Nintendo Museum — sell out weeks ahead, and Shibuya Sky's sunset slots go on sale exactly 14 days out. Reserve the moment booking opens.

Summer is hot. July and August bring real heat and humidity — pack light, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes, and build a few AC or pool breaks into each day.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is 11 days enough time to visit Japan with teenagers?
    • Absolutely — it's enough to experience Japan's biggest highlights (Tokyo, Kyoto, the Shinkansen, temples, museums, and incredible food) without constantly rushing.
  • Which cities should first-time visitors include?
    • Tokyo and Kyoto, with nearby day trips — the perfect mix of modern city life and traditional culture, without changing hotels every other night.
  • Should I buy a Japan Rail Pass?
    • Not always — since prices increased, individual Shinkansen tickets are often cheaper. Compare your planned travel against the current pass price.
  • What should I book before arriving?
    • The sell-out attractions — teamLab Planets, the Ghibli Museum, the Nintendo Museum, themed cafés, and special restaurants — as early as you can.
  • What's the best time of year to visit?
    • Spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (foliage) are the most popular; summer has festivals but real heat and humidity.

Ready to plan your family's trip to Japan?

Grab the free, printable guide and have every step — route, hotels, food, and packing — in one place.

Download the Guide   View in Browser

JapanAsiaTravelFeatured12 Essential Japan Travel Tips to Know Before You Go
August 14, 2026

12 Essential Japan Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

Japan ended up being one of our favorite family adventures. It was safe, exciting, surprisingly easy to navigate, and filled with experiences that both we and our teenagers genuinely loved.
Michelle Tucker 0
Love1
AsiaJapanTravelThe Ultimate Japan Summer Packing List: Carry-On Only (Free Printable Checklist)
August 11, 2026

The Ultimate Japan Summer Packing List: Carry-On Only (Free Printable Checklist)

Our summer trip involved intense heat, crowded stations, shrine hikes, shopping marathons, and more walking than I thought my feet could handle. Packing light made every train ride, hotel transfer,…
Michelle Tucker 0
Love1
AsiaJapanTravelFeaturedJapan Travel Mistakes: What We’d do Differently Next Time
August 21, 2025

Japan Travel Mistakes: What We’d do Differently Next Time

Traveling always comes with lessons learned, and I hope by sharing ours, it might help you plan a smoother trip to Japan.
Michelle Tucker 0
Love42
AsiaJapanTravelFeaturedThe Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens
July 27, 2025

The Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens

We spent 11 days exploring Tokyo and Kyoto with our two teens, soaking up neon lights, centuries-old temples, cuddly animals, and more bowls of ramen than I can count.
Michelle Tucker 9
Love6
×