Japan trip 5 weeks
 

Hi!

My family (wife and 4 kids between 13 and 3) from Holland travel to Japan this July and August (yes we know it is hot and humid but it was either go in summer or not go at all). We have planned our itinerary and we would like to test that with people who did a similar trip. We wanted to combine cities and nature as best as possible without changing places too much.
What we have in mind:
- Fly in Osaka: 6 nights (USJ, aquarium, Dotonbori)
- Hiroshima: 3 nights (peace museum, miyajima)
- Kyoto: 6 nights (nintendo museum, selection of temples)
- Kanazawa: 3 nights (samurai district, beach??)
- Takayama 3 nights
- Matsumoto 3 nights (castle)
- Tokio: 10 nights (Disney, Harry potter studio, Ghibli, Teamlabs, city vibes)

what we want to ask:
- any tips for great attractions for kids beyond the sites mentioned?
- any great ideas for nature oriented day trips from the places mentioned? We rely on public transport
- any great recommendations for restaurants,cafes, etc
- is there a fantastic place on this route that we really should include (Nagasaki?, Nara, Himeji?). We can still adjust the plan. Your ideas and help ar much appreciated!

Overall, I think your plan makes sense. Just a few comments:

Have you consulted Japan-guide.com? It’s a truly excellent resource and it has a section on travel with children.

If nature is a priority, consider visiting Hiroshima on your way to or from Miyajima and staying on Miyajima rather than in Hiroshima. There are some wonderful and easy hikes around that delightful island!

Also for nature: From Tokyo, consider Nikko for a day trip. Or perhaps better, an overnight stay there! Visit the temples there (different, IMO, from others you will see), hike some of the Ganmangafuchi Abyss trail (the first part is very easy), visit Lake Chuzenji and Kegon no taki…

I think you would all enjoy Himeji-jo and would encourage you to consider making time for it.

In Kyoto, you and your children might enjoy a show at Gion Corner.

I loved Nara and was glad to give it two full days. Whether you and your family would is something I can’t answer.

I’m sure you’ll have a great trip no matter what you choose!

This looks like a really solid plan overall, especially the mix of cities and nature.

Only thing I’d watch is the pacing. With 4 kids, moving around that much might get a bit tiring, especially in summer heat. You might not need the full 10 nights in Tokyo… maybe shorten that a bit and keep some downtime elsewhere.

Thanks i love the suggestion on Mijajjma and Nikko and will take that along

Yokohama has some awesome things for families:

Sea Paradise. An entire aquarium campus including some rides. A stunner. Unique.
TaYa Cave. Not a show cave. Carved out by monks. They hand you a paddle with a candle you can 'recharge' at stations within the cave.
Cosmo World. The model for a downtown amusement park. Beautiful at night.
Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum. A two-story recreation of a Tokyo street scene from the Showa period. Gorgeous, and mostly an excuse to eat ramen from about 7 or so famous ramen vendors from throughout Japan. They serve mini bowls if you want. And the kids can share.

In Tokyo: Namjatown is an indoor theme park within Sunshine City Ikebukuru, a multi-skyscraper comlex. Two places to eat of note: Gyoza Stadium, a handful of gyoza vendors from different parts of Japan, and a dessert area with many exotic ice cream concoctions. Most of the amusements are in Japanese, but that did not stop us from enjoying the place thoroughly.

Nagasaki?, Nara, Himeji?

Nara can be a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. You will like the deer park. Please spend some time with Todaiji
Himeji can (should) be a day trip from Osaka. Himeji-jo is the finest castle in Japan

Nagasaki is a bit off your route, not far. I assume you are interested in the Dutch history in Nagasaki and, in particular considering Huis ten Bosch.
Huis Ten Bosch Travel Guide
It is 95 min from Nagasaki Station to HtB station, no change of trains.
I think there are some bits of Dutch history in Nagasaki, maybe in Dejima. Nagasaki is attractive with some good scenery (Glover Garden and you can take the ropeway to the top of Mt Inasa)

There are also some Dutch sites to visit in Kobe (very close to Osaka).
Consider visiting Hakone for nature, including Mt Fuji views. Your family might enjoy Yunessun:
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun | HAKONE JAPAN | Visit to Experience the Beauty of Japan
and more
Hakone Travel Guide - What to do in Hakone