Olson Family Japan 2027

Tokyo • Kyoto • Nara • Osaka
March 19 – 29, 2027 • 11 Days / 9 Nights
🌸 🌸 🌸
CHASE + CHAD TRIP PLANNER — Click, comment, customize!
Travelers
6 (2+4 kids)
Dates
Mar 19-29
Spring Break
Mar 22-26
Budget
~$18-24K
Season
Cherry Blossom!
🇮🇵 The Plan

MCPASD Spring Break is Monday March 22 – Friday March 26, 2027. This itinerary wraps around it: depart Friday evening March 19, arrive Saturday March 20 (crossing the date line), and fly home Sunday March 29, arriving same day. That gives us 9 full days in Japan.

Cherry blossoms: Tokyo typically hits full bloom March 28–April 3. You'll catch early blooms in Tokyo and potentially peak blossoms in Kyoto/Osaka. Late March is the sweet spot.

Route: Fly into Tokyo Haneda (HND) → Tokyo (4 nights) → Shinkansen to Kyoto (2 nights) → Day trip to Nara → Osaka (3 nights) → Fly home from Osaka Kansai (KIX). Open-jaw routing saves a full day vs. backtracking to Tokyo.

Big-ticket highlights: Tokyo DisneySea, PokePark Kanto, Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo, TeamLab Planets, cherry blossoms, bullet train, bamboo forest, 10,000 torii gates, Nara deer, Super Nintendo World, horseback riding, Osaka street food, owl cafe, gachapon hunting, family ramen cooking class, and a hanami cherry blossom picnic under the trees.

✈️ Getting There

Delta via Minneapolis (MSN → MSP → HND)

Short hop to MSP, then nonstop to Tokyo Haneda on A350. ~16 hrs total. Best for your Gold Medallion status — upgrades on domestic leg, Sky Priority, 3 free checked bags intl.
~$1,200–$1,500/person • $7,200–$9,000 for 6
Search Delta Google Flights

United via Chicago (MSN → ORD → NRT/HND)

Most schedule options. O'Hare has frequent Tokyo nonstops on United, ANA, and JAL. ~15–17 hrs total.
~$1,100–$1,400/person • $6,600–$8,400 for 6
Search United

ANA via Chicago (MSN → ORD → NRT)

Japanese carrier = outstanding service, sometimes $100–200 cheaper. Meals are excellent. Kids get activity kits.
~$1,000–$1,300/person • $6,000–$7,800 for 6
Search ANA
Return flight: Fly home from Osaka Kansai (KIX) instead of backtracking to Tokyo. Search "open jaw" itineraries: MSN→HND, KIX→MSN. Book by August 2026 for best prices. Try pricing as 2+4 separately — sometimes cheaper than booking all 6 together.
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

Click any day to expand. Add your own notes to each day. Everything saves automatically in your browser.

1

Fly to Japan!

Friday, March 19
Travel ▼
  • Morning / Afternoon
    Depart MSN on connecting flight
    Fly Madison → hub city (MSP for Delta, ORD for United/ANA). Arrive 2 hours early. TSA at MSN is quick but allow buffer for 6 people & bags.
  • Afternoon / Evening
    Board transpacific flight to Tokyo
    ~13–14 hour flight. You cross the date line and arrive March 20. Overnight flight — try to sleep!
Pack each kid's carry-on: Headphones, tablet/Switch with downloaded content, neck pillow, snacks, change of clothes. Compression socks for parents. Window seats for sleeping.
2

Arrive Tokyo — Harajuku & Shibuya

Saturday, March 20
Tokyo ▼
  • Afternoon
    Arrive Haneda Airport (HND)
    Clear immigration (~30–60 min). Pick up pocket WiFi at airport counter. Buy Welcome Suica IC cards at the machines — one per person, load ~3,000 yen each.
    Welcome Suica Info Pocket WiFi Rental
  • Late Afternoon
    Monorail to hotel — check in, freshen up
    Haneda Monorail or Keikyu Line to central Tokyo. ~30 min. Don't try to do too much — you'll be jet-lagged!
  • Evening
    Harajuku & Takeshita Street walk
    Colorful pedestrian street with giant rainbow cotton candy, crepe shops, character goods, and wild fashion. Kids will love it. Free to walk — budget for treats.
    Map
  • Evening
    🦉 Owl Cafe or Cat Cafe in Harajuku
    Only in Japan! Harajuku has several animal cafes where you can hold owls, pet hedgehogs, or hang out with cats. Harajuku Mamefikunomori (owl forest) lets you hold owls on your arm — the kids will freak out. ~1,500 yen/person for 60 min. No reservation needed, just walk in. Right off Takeshita Street.
    Owl Cafe Map
  • Evening
    Shibuya Crossing
    World's busiest pedestrian crossing. Cross it at least once! For the best view, go up to Shibuya Sky observation deck (2,200 yen) or the Starbucks overlooking the intersection.
    Shibuya Sky Tickets Map
Kid-Friendly Dinner
Ichiran Ramen (Shibuya) — Individual booth dining, customize your own bowl via a paper form (spice level, richness, noodle firmness). Even picky eaters love it — it's basically a fancy noodle soup. ~1,000 yen/person.
Ichiran Locations
3

Pokemon Day + Senso-ji + TeamLab

Sunday, March 21
Tokyo ▼
  • Morning
    Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa
    Tokyo's oldest and most photogenic temple. Walk through the massive red Kaminarimon gate, browse Nakamise-dori street for snacks (melon pan, ningyo-yaki sweet cakes). Free entry.
    Map
  • Late Morning
    Pokemon Center MEGA Tokyo (Ikebukuro Sunshine City)
    The LARGEST Pokemon Center in Japan! ~650 tsubo of plush walls, exclusive merch, trading card station with weekend events, and more. Budget 1.5–2 hours minimum — the kids will not want to leave. Set a souvenir budget per kid before entering.
    Pokemon Centers Guide Map
  • Afternoon
    TeamLab Planets (Toyosu)
    Walk barefoot through stunning digital art installations — wade through water with projected koi fish, stand in infinite mirror rooms, walk through a field of flowers. Kids LOVE the physical, immersive experience. ~90 min. Book tickets in advance — sells out!
    Buy Tickets Map
  • Evening
    Shinjuku evening walk & Don Quijote
    Neon-lit streets, incredible sensory overload. Visit Don Quijote (discount mega-store) for crazy snacks, toys, and Japanese Kit-Kat flavors. Godzilla head on the Hotel Gracery building!
    Map
Kid-Friendly Meals
Lunch: Pikachu Sweets by Pokemon Cafe (inside Sunshine City) — themed drinks and desserts. Get there early, lines form.

Dinner: CoCo Ichibanya (Shinjuku) — Japanese curry rice chain, very kid-friendly. Everyone customizes their own: pick protein, spice level (mild!), toppings. Huge portions. ~800–1,200 yen/person.
Budget tip: TeamLab Planets: Adults 3,600–4,800 yen, Kids 4–12: 1,500–2,000 yen. Family of 6: ~$90–$130. Wear pants you can roll up — you wade through water!
4

Tokyo DisneySea

Monday, March 22 — Spring Break starts!
Tokyo Disney ▼
  • Early Morning
    Arrive at DisneySea 1 hour before opening
    JR Keiyo Line to Maihama, then Disney Resort Line monorail. Gates often open 30 min early. DisneySea is the ONLY one in the world — this is the unique-to-Japan Disney experience. Much more exciting for tweens/teens than Disneyland.
    Buy Tickets Ride Guide
  • Morning
    Rope drop: Journey to the Center of the Earth, Soaring, 20,000 Leagues
    Split into two groups if needed — thrill seekers vs. gentle riders. Download the Tokyo Disney Resort app for real-time wait times and Premier Access pass purchases.
  • Midday
    Fantasy Springs (newest area!) + Mermaid Lagoon
    Fantasy Springs opened 2024 with Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan lands. Mermaid Lagoon has indoor rides perfect for all ages. Character meet-and-greets are much more orderly than US parks.
  • Afternoon
    Tower of Terror, Raging Spirits, Indiana Jones, Aquatopia
    Buy Premier Access passes (1,500–2,500 yen each) for must-do rides — worth it to skip lines with 4 kids.
  • Evening
    Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular
    Water/fire/projection show on Mediterranean Harbor. Stake out a spot 30–45 min early. Absolutely breathtaking.
Kid-Friendly Eats in the Park
Japanese Disney food is famously better than US parks. Try: Vulcania Restaurant (Italian/pizza), Cape Cod Cook-Off (chicken/burgers), Zambini Bros (pasta). Get the themed popcorn — flavors include curry, caramel, soy sauce butter. Each one comes in a collectible bucket!
Budget: Tickets ~9,400–10,900 yen/adult, ~6,600–9,000 yen/junior (12+), ~4,700–5,600 yen/child (4–11). Family of 6: ~$330–$400. Premier Access adds ~$60–100 per ride per person.
5

PokePark Kanto + Akihabara

Tuesday, March 23
Tokyo ▼
  • Morning – Early Afternoon
    PokePark Kanto at Yomiuriland
    Brand new (opened Feb 2026)! The world's first permanent outdoor Pokemon theme park. 26,000 sqm of forest trails, themed town squares, 600+ Pokemon throughout. Rides include "Pika Pika Paradise" and "Vee Vee Voyage" carousel. Interactive throughout — kids explore like real Pokemon trainers. WARNING: Tickets sell out within minutes of release. Book ASAP when tickets open.
    PokePark Tickets Map
  • Afternoon
    Akihabara — Electric Town
    Pop culture paradise: multi-floor anime figure shops, retro game arcades, manga stores, and gashapon (capsule toy) machines on every corner. Radio Kaikan (10 floors of anime/game merch), Taito Station (5+ floors of arcade games and UFO catchers). Multiple Pokemon card shops within 2 min of the station.

    🎲 GACHAPON HUNTING: There are entire WALLS of capsule toy machines here — 500+ machines in some locations. Pokemon figurines, horse figurines, miniature food, weird stuff you never knew you needed. Budget ~500 yen per kid per round (they WILL want multiples). Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan has 500+ machines in one spot. Evelyn: look for the Breyer-style horse figure series!
    Map
  • Late Afternoon
    Pokemon Center Tokyo DX + Pokemon Cafe (Nihonbashi)
    Second Pokemon Center visit! This elegant flagship is next door to the Pokemon Cafe. Cafe reservation required — opens 31 days before at 6 PM JST. Pikachu comes out and dances at your table! Themed food shaped like Pokemon. ~2,500 yen/person.
    Reserve Pokemon Cafe Map
Kid-Friendly Meals
Lunch: Inside PokePark or Yomiuriland food court.

Dinner: Pokemon Cafe (if reserved!) or Kura Sushi (conveyor belt sushi chain) — order from touchscreens, sushi delivered on a conveyor belt, and every 5 plates you win a capsule toy prize from a machine at your table. Kids go WILD for this. ~1,500–2,500 yen/person.
Kura Sushi
PokePark tickets: Trainer Pass 4,700–5,500 yen, Ace Trainer Pass 14,000–16,500 yen (more attractions). Ages 5+ required. Max 2 tickets per transaction — you'll need 3 separate purchases for 6 people. Set multiple alarms!
6

Horses at JRA + Cherry Blossoms + Shinkansen to Kyoto

Wednesday, March 24
Tokyo → Kyoto ▼
  • Morning
    JRA Racing Museum & Tokyo Racecourse (Fuchu)
    For the horse lovers! FREE admission. Hall of Fame, 4-D theater, virtual jockey racing simulator (kids love this!). On weekends: actual pony rides, horseback riding, and horse-drawn carriage rides at the stables. Playgrounds and mini-train on the grounds. Even non-race days have activities. ~30 min from central Tokyo.
    JRA Museum Info Map
  • Late Morning
    Cherry blossom walk at Shinjuku Gyoen or Chidorigafuchi
    If blossoms are starting (likely late March!), Shinjuku Gyoen is a stunning garden with 1,000+ cherry trees. Chidorigafuchi moat near the Imperial Palace has cherry trees lining the water — you can rent rowboats under the blossoms. Entry: 500 yen/person at Shinjuku Gyoen, free at Chidorigafuchi.
    Shinjuku Gyoen Chidorigafuchi
  • Early Afternoon
    Shinkansen bullet train: Tokyo → Kyoto!
    Nozomi train, ~2 hours 15 min. Sit on the RIGHT side for Mt. Fuji views (seats D and E on a clear day). Buy ekiben (bento boxes) at Tokyo Station — it's a Japanese tradition! Ekiben-ya Matsuri shop has 170+ varieties. Kids pick their own. ~13,320 yen/person or ~6,660 yen child (6–11).
    Book via SmartEX App
  • Late Afternoon
    Arrive Kyoto & check into accommodation
    Drop bags. Rest up briefly. Kyoto is more compact and walkable than Tokyo.
  • Evening
    Gion District evening stroll
    Kyoto's historic geisha district. Beautiful traditional wooden buildings along the Shirakawa canal lit up at night. You may spot a maiko (apprentice geisha) heading to an appointment. Magical atmosphere.
    Map
Kid-Friendly Meals
Lunch: Ekiben bento boxes on the Shinkansen!

Dinner: Omen Noodle Restaurant (Gion) — handmade udon noodles in hot broth with dipping vegetables. Simple, mild flavors, very kid-friendly. Traditional atmosphere with low tables. ~1,500 yen/person.
7

Kyoto — Torii Gates, Bamboo & Monkeys

Thursday, March 25
Kyoto ▼
  • Early Morning (7:30 AM)
    Fushimi Inari Shrine — 10,000 Orange Torii Gates
    THE iconic Japan photo. Thousands of vermillion torii gates tunnel up a mountainside. Free entry, open 24/7. Go early (before 8 AM) for near-empty photos. By 10 AM it's packed. The full hike is 2–3 hours; kids 10–13 can handle it, or do the 30–45 min version to the first viewpoint.
    Map
  • Mid-Morning
    Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    Iconic gold-leaf temple reflected in a mirror pond. Entry 500 yen/person. You receive a paper charm as your "ticket" — cool souvenir. Stunning in any weather.
    Map
  • Late Morning
    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    Walk through towering bamboo stalks creating a surreal, magical corridor. Free. Even midday it's impressive. Combine with the area below.
    Map
  • Midday
    Iwatayama Monkey Park
    15-min hike up a hill in Arashiyama to an open park with 120+ wild Japanese macaques. You feed them from inside a shelter while they roam freely outside! Panoramic Kyoto views from the top. 550 yen/person. Kids absolutely LOVE this.
    Map
  • Early Afternoon
    🍲 Family Ramen Cooking Class
    Make your own ramen from scratch! Several Kyoto cooking schools offer family-friendly classes where you learn to make broth, noodles, and toppings. Kids roll their own noodles and assemble custom bowls. ~2–3 hours, includes eating what you made. WAK Japan and Cooking Sun Kyoto both welcome kids and do English-language classes. ~5,000–7,000 yen/person. Book ahead!
    WAK Japan Classes Cooking Sun Kyoto
  • Late Afternoon
    Kimono rental + Higashiyama walking
    Rent kimono for the whole family (~3,000–5,000 yen/person). Walk through Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district in traditional dress. Visit Kiyomizu-dera temple (stunning hillside temple with cherry trees). Amazing family photos!
    Yumeyakata Kimono Rental Kiyomizu-dera
Kid-Friendly Meals
Lunch: Arashiyama area — Matcha soft serve ice cream, rice croquettes, and onigiri from street shops. Simple, mild, and fun to eat while walking.

Dinner: Ganko Sushi (Sanjo branch) — Family-friendly sushi in a converted traditional machiya house. Spacious tatami rooms (shoes off!). Set meals with familiar items: rice, chicken teriyaki, tempura, miso soup. ~2,000–3,000 yen/person.
8

Nara Deer Park + Travel to Osaka

Friday, March 26
Nara → Osaka ▼
  • Morning
    Train to Nara (45 min from Kyoto)
    JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station. Quick, easy day trip. Nara is between Kyoto and Osaka, so it's a natural stop on the way.
  • Morning – Midday
    Nara Deer Park
    1,200+ wild deer roaming freely! Buy deer crackers (shika senbei) for 200 yen. The deer literally BOW to you before taking a cracker — it's the most charming thing you'll ever see. Kids will be in heaven. The deer are very friendly and will follow you around. Budget 1–2 hours.
    Map
  • Midday
    Todai-ji Temple
    Right inside Nara Park. Houses a massive 15-meter bronze Buddha that's jaw-dropping in person. One of Japan's most important temples. There's a pillar with a hole the same size as the Buddha's nostril — legend says crawling through it grants enlightenment. Kids will line up to try! ~600 yen/person.
    Map
  • Afternoon
    Train from Nara to Osaka (~33 min)
    JR or Kintetsu line to Osaka. Check into your Osaka accommodation.
  • Evening
    Dotonbori — Osaka's legendary food street!
    Neon signs, giant animated crabs, the iconic Glico Running Man sign. Walk along the canal. Even for non-adventurous eaters, the visual spectacle is incredible. This is Osaka's beating heart.
    Map
Kid-Friendly Meals
Lunch in Nara: Mochiidonocho shopping street near the park has udon shops and rice bowl places. Simple and filling.

Dinner in Dotonbori: Even picky eaters can find something! Kukuru for takoyaki (fried dough balls — you can get them without octopus). Botejyu for okonomiyaki (savory pancake — basically eggs, cabbage, and your choice of meat on a griddle). Gyoza no Ohsho for pot stickers and fried rice. ~2,000–3,000 yen/person for a fun food crawl.
9

Universal Studios Japan — SUPER NINTENDO WORLD!

Saturday, March 27
Osaka ▼
  • Early Morning
    Arrive at USJ 1.5 hours before opening!
    JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station. Gates often open 30–60 min early. Buy Express Passes in advance to guarantee Super Nintendo World entry — this is NON-NEGOTIABLE for spring break crowds. Without them, you risk not getting in at all.
    USJ Tickets Express Passes
  • Morning
    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD!!!
    The main event! Get Power-Up Bands (~3,200 yen each) to interact with the entire land: punch ? blocks to collect coins, play mini-games, compete on leaderboards, battle Bowser Jr. It literally feels like walking into a Mario game. Choose your character band: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, or Toad.
  • Morning cont.
    Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge
    THE ride. AR headset + physical ride track. You steer and throw shells to collect coins while racing through iconic courses. Unlike anything else in the world. If lines are long, use the single-rider line for shorter waits.
  • Midday
    Donkey Kong Country (2024 expansion!)
    Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster through the DK jungle. Expanded the Nintendo area by 70%. Plus Yoshi's Adventure (gentler ride with great views of the whole land).
  • Afternoon
    Wizarding World of Harry Potter
    Full Hogsmeade village. Ride: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Try Butterbeer (non-alcoholic, tastes like butterscotch cream soda). Ollivander's wand ceremony. 1–2 hours.
  • Late Afternoon
    Hollywood Dream, JAWS, Jurassic World
    Hollywood Dream coaster has a backwards version! JAWS boat ride is unique to Japan. Fill the rest of the day with whatever speaks to the kids.
Kid-Friendly Eats
Kinopio's Cafe (Toadstool Cafe, inside Nintendo World) — Mario-themed burgers, pasta, and desserts. Everything looks like a Mario power-up. ~2,800 yen/entree. Reserve via USJ app.

Three Broomsticks (Harry Potter area) — Fish and chips, roast chicken, shepherd's pie, Butterbeer. Comfort food in a Hogwarts atmosphere.
Budget for 6: Studio Pass ~8,600–9,800 yen/adult, ~5,600–6,400 yen/child. Express Pass 4: ~7,800–10,800 yen/person. Power-Up Bands: 3,200 yen x 6. Total: ~$800–$1,200 for all 6.
10

Osaka Castle, Aquarium & Horseback Riding

Sunday, March 28
Osaka ▼
  • Morning
    Osaka Castle & Cherry Blossoms
    Magnificent castle surrounded by a moat and 600+ cherry trees (should be starting to bloom by now!). Museum inside, views from the top floor. Castle entry: 600 yen/adult, free for kids under 15. The castle grounds are one of Osaka's best blossom spots.

    🌸 HANAMI PICNIC: Grab a blue tarp from a 100-yen shop and bento boxes from a konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart all have amazing lunch boxes for ~500–800 yen). Spread out under the cherry trees and eat like a local family! This is THE Japanese spring tradition — everyone does it. Get onigiri, karaage (fried chicken), egg sandwiches, and melon bread. The kids will remember this.
    Map
  • Late Morning
    Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
    One of the world's largest aquariums. The massive whale shark tank is awe-inspiring — you spiral down around it for multiple levels of viewing. Touch-tank areas. ~2,700 yen/adult, 1,400 yen/child. Allow 2 hours.
    Kaiyukan Tickets Map
  • Afternoon (OPTION A)
    Horseback riding in Osaka suburbs
    For the horse lovers! Riding experiences available in Toyono or Habikino (Osaka suburbs). Beginner-friendly, ages 9+. Scenic trails through Japanese countryside. ~4,000–8,000 yen/person for 60–90 min. ~1 hour from central Osaka. Book via Activity Japan.
    Book Horse Riding
  • Afternoon (OPTION B)
    Shinsekai neighborhood & more Pokemon shopping
    Retro, colorful neighborhood. Plus visit Nintendo Osaka (Daimaru Shinsaibashi) and Pokemon Center Osaka DX for last-minute merch.
    Nintendo Osaka
  • Evening
    Farewell dinner & last Dotonbori walk
    Soak in the neon one more time. Pick up Japanese Kit-Kats and snacks for gifts back home.
Kid-Friendly Meals
Lunch: Tempozan Marketplace food court near the aquarium — ramen, curry rice, udon, takoyaki. Something for everyone.

Farewell Dinner: Kani Doraku (Dotonbori) — the restaurant with the giant moving crab sign! Crab set meals. Or Matsuya for simple beef bowls the kids will demolish. ~2,000–4,000 yen/person.
11

Fly Home

Sunday, March 29
Travel ▼
  • Morning
    Last-minute shopping & check out
    There's a Pokemon Store inside Kansai Airport — save some shopping for after security! Also great for Kit-Kats (Japan has 300+ flavors), snacks, and last-minute souvenirs.
  • Late Morning
    Haruka Express to Kansai Airport (KIX)
    ~50 min from Shin-Osaka to KIX. Run smoothly and frequently. ~2,380 yen/person.
    Haruka Express Info
  • Afternoon
    Depart KIX for home
    Cross the date line eastbound = arrive same day (March 29) in the US. You'll be exhausted but full of memories. Plan a recovery day on March 30 before school Tuesday March 31.
Luggage tip: Use Yamato Transport (Takkyubin) to ship heavy luggage from your Osaka hotel directly to the airport the day before. ~2,000 yen/bag. Travel light to the airport with just carry-ons. Hotels all support this service — ask the front desk.
🏠 Where to Stay

Family of 6 needs: 2 rooms with 2 queen beds each, or a large Airbnb. Here are your best options for each city.

Key: Japanese hotel rooms are small! Most cap at 3–4 guests. You'll almost always need 2 rooms or an Airbnb with enough beds.

Tokyo — 4 Nights (March 20–24)

Airbnb

Whole Apartment in Shinjuku/Shibuya Area

Large 2–3 bedroom apartments are available that sleep 6 comfortably. Kitchen for breakfast/snacks, washer/dryer (great for families), and way more space than a hotel. Central Shinjuku or Shibuya puts you near train lines and nightlife.
~$200–$400/night • $800–$1,600 for 4 nights
Search Airbnb Shinjuku Search Airbnb Shibuya
Hotel • Marriott Bonvoy

Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza

Modern, reliable, good-sized rooms by Tokyo standards. Ginza location is central and well-connected. Book 2 connecting rooms. Titanium Elite perks: possible upgrade, late checkout, bonus points.
~$250–$400/night x 2 rooms = $500–$800/night • $2,000–$3,200 for 4 nights
Courtyard Ginza
Hotel • Marriott Bonvoy

Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho (Budget Marriott Option)

Trendy, fun, affordable Marriott brand. Smaller rooms but great vibe. Near Kinshicho station with easy access everywhere. Book 2 rooms.
~$150–$250/night x 2 rooms • $1,200–$2,000 for 4 nights
Moxy Kinshicho

Kyoto — 2 Nights (March 24–26)

Airbnb

Traditional Machiya (Townhouse) in Higashiyama

Stay in a beautifully restored traditional Japanese townhouse! Tatami floors, sliding shoji doors, maybe a small garden. An experience in itself. Many sleep 6–8. Kids will love sleeping on futons on the floor — it's an adventure.
~$200–$500/night • $400–$1,000 for 2 nights
Search Airbnb Kyoto
Airbnb

MIMARU Kyoto (Apartment Hotel)

Hybrid apartment-hotel. Full kitchen, living room, bunk beds, washer. Designed for families. One unit fits all 6 of you! Multiple locations in Kyoto. Professional management, hotel-like service.
~$200–$350/night for 1 unit • $400–$700 for 2 nights
MIMARU Kyoto
Hotel • Marriott Bonvoy

The Westin Miyako Kyoto

Beautiful hilltop property with Japanese garden, hot springs bath, and spacious rooms. Near Nanzen-ji Temple. Book 2 connecting rooms. Titanium Elite perks apply.
~$300–$500/night x 2 rooms • $1,200–$2,000 for 2 nights
Westin Miyako

Osaka — 3 Nights (March 26–29)

Airbnb

Apartment near Namba / Dotonbori

Be walking distance to Dotonbori street food! 2–3 bedroom apartments in the Namba area put you in the heart of the action. Kitchen for breakfasts, plenty of space for the crew.
~$150–$350/night • $450–$1,050 for 3 nights
Search Airbnb Namba
Hotel • Near USJ

The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan

Directly across from USJ entrance gates. Walk to the park in 2 min. Great for an early start on your Universal day. Book 2 rooms.
~$200–$350/night x 2 rooms • $1,200–$2,100 for 3 nights
Map
Hotel • Marriott Bonvoy

Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station

Connected to Shin-Osaka Station for easy transport everywhere. 15 min to USJ by train. Spacious rooms (30–90 sqm). Titanium Elite perks. Book 2 rooms.
~$200–$350/night x 2 rooms • $1,200–$2,100 for 3 nights
Courtyard Shin-Osaka
💰 Trip Budget (Family of 6)

Three tiers: Budget (Airbnb + careful spending), Mid (mix of Airbnb + hotels), Comfort (Marriott hotels + full experience).

CategoryBudgetComfort
Flights (6 x RT economy, MSN→HND / KIX→MSN) Book by Aug 2026 for best prices $6,600 $9,000
Accommodation (9 nights) Budget = all Airbnb; Comfort = Marriott hotels, 2 rooms $1,800 $5,500
Tokyo DisneySea (1 day, 6 tickets + Premier Access) Tickets + skip-the-line for 2–3 key rides $400 $700
Universal Studios Japan (1 day, tickets + Express + Power-Up Bands) Studio Pass + Express Pass + 6 Power-Up Bands $800 $1,200
PokePark Kanto (6 tickets) Trainer Pass vs. Ace Trainer Pass $190 $350
TeamLab Planets (6 tickets) $90 $130
Shinkansen + trains Tokyo→Kyoto, local trains, airport transfers $900 $1,200
Food & dining (11 days, 6 people) Budget = convenience stores + noodle shops; Comfort = restaurants daily $1,500 $2,800
Activities (temples, museums, horse riding, kimono, aquarium) Most temples are free or 500 yen; horse riding ~$50/person $400 $900
Shopping & souvenirs Pokemon, Nintendo, anime goods, Kit-Kats, gifts $400 $1,000
Misc (WiFi rental, travel insurance, IC cards, tourist tax) Pocket WiFi ~$50, insurance ~$300, IC cards ~$200, tax ~$120 $650 $850
ESTIMATED TOTAL $13,730 $23,630
Biggest money savers:
1. Airbnb over hotels saves $2,000–$3,500 and gives you a kitchen
2. Book flights by Aug 2026 (saves $1,000–$2,000 vs. last minute)
3. Skip the JR Pass (individual tickets are $1,200 cheaper for your family)
4. Titanium Elite free breakfast at Marriott hotels saves ~$50–$80/day
5. Convenience store breakfasts + lunches: ~$5/person vs. $15 at restaurants
☑ Booking Checklist

Check items off as you book them. Progress saves in your browser. Items are ordered roughly by when you should book them.

Book NOW (9–12 months out)

  • Verify all 6 passports are valid (must be valid through Sept 2027). No visa needed for US citizens (90-day tourist entry).
    US Passport Info
  • Book flights MSN → HND, KIX → MSN (open jaw). Set Google Flights alerts now, book by Aug 2026.
    Google Flights Delta United ANA
    By Aug 2026
  • Buy travel insurance for all 6. Covers trip cancellation, medical, lost luggage.
    Compare on Squaremouth
    After booking flights

Book 3–6 Months Out (Sept–Dec 2026)

  • Book Tokyo accommodation — 4 nights, March 20–24
    Airbnb Shinjuku Marriott
  • Book Kyoto accommodation — 2 nights, March 24–26
    Airbnb Kyoto MIMARU
  • Book Osaka accommodation — 3 nights, March 26–29
    Airbnb Namba Marriott
  • Buy Tokyo DisneySea tickets — available 2 months ahead. Monday March 22 date.
    TDR Tickets
    Opens ~Jan 22
  • Buy Universal Studios Japan tickets + Express Passes — sells out fast for spring break!
    USJ Tickets Express Passes
    ASAP when available
  • Buy PokePark Kanto tickets — sells out in MINUTES. Need 3 separate purchases (max 2 per transaction).
    PokePark Tickets
    Set alerts!
  • Buy TeamLab Planets tickets for March 21
    TeamLab Tickets
  • Reserve pocket WiFi (1–2 devices, pickup at airport)
    Japan Wireless
  • Reserve Kyoto kimono rental for March 25 afternoon
    Yumeyakata
  • Book horseback riding in Osaka area for March 28
    Activity Japan

Book 1 Month Out (Feb 2027)

  • Reserve Pokemon Cafe — opens EXACTLY 31 days before at 6:00 PM JST. Sells out in minutes. For March 23 visit, reservations open Feb 20 at 6 PM JST (3 AM CST). Set an alarm!
    Pokemon Cafe
    Feb 20, 3 AM CST
  • Book Shinkansen tickets Tokyo→Kyoto via SmartEX app
    SmartEX App

Before You Go (March 2027)

  • Download apps: Tokyo Disney Resort, USJ, Google Maps (offline Japan maps), Google Translate (offline Japanese), SmartEX, Suica mobile
  • Notify credit cards of Japan travel dates
  • Get some yen cash or plan to use 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan (~50,000–80,000 yen for the trip)
  • Pack: Comfortable walking shoes (10,000+ steps/day!), layers for 50–65°F weather, compact umbrellas, portable battery packs, slip-on shoes (you remove shoes a LOT), hole-free socks, small trash bag (no public trash cans!), kids' backpacks with entertainment
  • Set souvenir budget per kid BEFORE entering Pokemon Center / Nintendo World / Akihabara. Trust us on this one.
💡 Japan Tips for a Family of 6

💳 IC Cards (Suica)

Get Welcome Suica cards at the airport for each person. Tap on/off for all trains and buses. Also works at convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants. Load 3,000–5,000 yen each to start.

💵 Cash Is King

Japan is still cash-heavy outside Tokyo. Withdraw yen at 7-Eleven ATMs (they accept foreign cards with no fee). Budget 50,000–80,000 yen in cash for temples, street food, and small restaurants.

📦 Luggage Forwarding

Use Yamato Transport (Takkyubin) to ship luggage between cities. Drop bags at hotel, they arrive next day at your next hotel. ~2,000 yen/bag. ESSENTIAL for traveling light on trains with 4 kids.

🚆 Train Tips

Kids under 6 free. Ages 6–11 half price. 12+ adult fare. On Shinkansen, book 2 rows of 3 seats together. Download the SmartEX app to reserve specific seats from your phone.

🍜 Kid-Friendly Food Guide

Safe bets everywhere: Ramen, curry rice (CoCo Ichibanya), gyoza (pot stickers), rice balls (onigiri, 120 yen at any convenience store), udon noodles, chicken katsu, fried rice. Conveyor belt sushi = fun even if kids only eat the tamago (egg) and chicken.

🏪 Convenience Stores = Gold

7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson have amazing food: onigiri (rice balls), hot steamed buns, sandwiches, pastries, puddings. Perfect for quick kid-friendly meals and snacks. Breakfast here saves a fortune.

📱 Google Translate Camera

Download Japanese offline. Point your phone camera at any sign, menu, or label and it translates in real-time on screen. Magic for navigating restaurants and train stations.

👞 Shoes Off!

You'll remove shoes at temples, some restaurants, fitting rooms, and many Airbnbs. Wear easy slip-on shoes and make sure everyone has clean, hole-free socks!

☔ Weather (Late March)

Expect 50–65°F (10–18°C). Light jacket + hoodie works. Rain is possible — bring compact umbrellas. Some gorgeous cherry blossom days, some chilly overcast ones.

😴 Jet Lag Strategy

Japan is 15 hours ahead of CDT. On arrival day, stay awake until at least 8pm local. Use sunlight and walking to reset. By day 2–3, kids should adjust. Coming home is harder — plan a recovery day.

🗑 No Trash Cans!

Almost NO public trash cans in Japan. Carry a small bag for garbage. Convenience stores and train stations are the exceptions. Teach the kids to pocket their wrappers.

🍴 Restaurant Tips

Plastic food displays outside = point at what you want! Tipping is NOT customary (can be rude). Many places have ordering machines — put in coins, push button, hand ticket to chef. Fun for kids!