Japan with a 3-Year-Old: 10-Day Itinerary shared by a nomado mom

Arrival: Start in Tokyo, Exit from Osaka

Internal travel is by bullet train (efficient and fun for kids). The itinerary minimizes check-ins and check-outs with multi-night stays.

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 Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo + Settle In

Where to Stay: Shinjuku or Shibuya (central, stroller-friendly, access to kid zones)

• Check-in to a family-friendly hotel
  • Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
  • Family rooms with kitchens
•  Rest after the flight
• Optional evening stroll to nearby Shinjuku Gyoen Park for a calm walk and playground
•  Dinner at:
  • Saishoku Kenbi (Shinjuku) – all-veg Japanese meals and toddler-friendly ambiance
  • Potohar Shinjuku — Indian resturant, vegetarian-friendly

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Day 2: Kid-Friendly Tokyo Highlights

Morning:

•  Visit the National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno) — has interactive areas, dinosaurs, and toddler play zones

Afternoon:

• Ride the Tokyo Water Bus from Asakusa to Odaiba – scenic and exciting boat ride
• Explore Odaiba’s TeamLab Planets (sensory fun) – immersive lights, water, and touchable art

Why it works for kids: Plenty of sensory stimulation, movement, and breaks

Meals:

• Lunch: Ain Soph Journey (Asakusa) – veg Japanese-western fusion
• Dinner: hotel or Nataraj Indian Veg Restaurant (Shibuya)

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Day 3: Disneyland Tokyo

Spend the whole day at Tokyo Disneyland (choose over DisneySea for toddlers)

Why with kids:

• Fantasyland rides like It's a Small World, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Dumbo, and toddler-safe parades
• Rental strollers, baby care centers, toddler food available

Tips:

• Arrive by 8:30 AM, book tickets online in advance
• Use Disney app to check wait times
• Return early (~6 PM) for rest

Meals:

• Veg Indian/Japanese lunch in park or packed
• Dinner at hotel or  Ashoka Shinjuku - Indian option

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Day 4: Travel to Hakone – Hot Springs + Scenic Views

Morning:

•  Train to Hakone (1.5 hrs from Tokyo, with Hakone Free Pass)
• Stay at a ryokan (traditional inn) with private onsen – Hotel Green Plaza Hakone (rooms with Mt. Fuji views)

Afternoon:

• Pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi
• Ropeway to Owakudani – volcanic steam vents (skip if strong smell is uncomfortable)

Why it's great for kids: Novel experiences like boats, trains, cable cars + slow pace

Meals:

• Dinner at ryokan (request vegetarian Japanese menu)
• Backup: 7-Eleven/Family Mart has veg-friendly onigiri, noodles, and snacks

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Day 5: Travel to Kyoto

Morning:

• Return to Odawara Station
• Shinkansen to Kyoto (2 hrs)

Afternoon:

• Check-in at Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo (family apartment)
• Visit Kyoto Railway Museum – interactive exhibits, bullet train simulators, rooftop viewing deck

Evening:

• Visit a nearby temple like Ninna-ji or Toji (short walks and open spaces)

Meals:

• Lunch: Bento or snacks on train
• Dinner: Gomacro (Kyoto) – organic veg cafe

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Day 6: Arashiyama + Monkey Park

Morning:

• Head to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Walk to Iwatayama Monkey Park (only if your child enjoys short uphill treks and is not scared of monkeys)

Afternoon:

• Take Sagano scenic train (slow, beautiful ride along a river valley)
• Street snacks and sweets (mochi, dango – check for veg fillings)

Why it's great: A blend of nature, animals, train ride, and sensory walk

Meals:

• Lunch: Veg options at Arashiyama cafes
• Dinner: Padma Indian Restaurant, Kyoto

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Day 7: Nara Day Trip (Deer Park + Toddlers’ Joy)

Morning:

• Train to Nara (45 min)
• Feed and play with deer at Nara Deer Park
• Visit Todai-ji Temple (giant Buddha – awe-inspiring for kids)

Afternoon:

• Playtime at Kids Park in Nara Family Mall
• Return to Kyoto by evening

Meals:

• Lunch: Indian restaurant in Nara – Naramachi Jyurian
• Dinner: hotel apartment or Mikoan Vegetarian Café in Kyoto

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Day 8: Travel to Osaka + Aquarium Fun

Morning:

• 30-min train to Osaka
• Check-in to Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka (apartment-style hotel)

Afternoon:

• Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – one of the world’s best, with stroller-friendly layout and huge tanks

Evening:

• Stroll in Tempozan Harbor Village or Namba Parks Mall (indoor garden area)

Meals:

• Lunch: at Aquarium food court (check for veg udon/soba)
• Dinner: Gopal Indian Restaurant, Namba

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Day 9:  Osaka Castle + Kids Plaza

• Visit Osaka Castle Park (picnic, stroller-friendly)
• Play at Kids Plaza Osaka – educational indoor museum with interactive play zones

Option 2: Universal Studios, Japan (for Minions + Sesame Street zones)

• Toddler rides, shows, photo ops – manageable till early afternoon

Meals:

• Lunch: Veg burger/pasta at USJ or Kids Plaza café
• Dinner: Indian food or veg-friendly ramen

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Day 10: Return + Departure

Morning:

• Light activity like Kuromon Market walk (with fresh fruits/snacks)
• Pack, check-out, and leave for Kansai Airport (45–60 min drive/train)

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Packing List for Japan with a 3-Year-Old

• Foldable stroller (elevators widely available)
• Light jacket (weather can shift)
• Snacks (veg-friendly ones may be limited outside cities)
• Baby wipes, diapers (available at convenience stores)
• Small toys/books/tablet for trains
• Travel kettle (for warm milk, oats, etc.)

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Best Vegetarian Restaurants (Major Cities)

• Tokyo: Ain Soph, Nataraj, Saishoku Kenbi
• Kyoto: Gomacro, Mikoan, Padma
• Osaka: Gopal, Green Earth Café
• Hakone: Request special meals at ryokans

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Budget Estimate (Mid-Range, Family of 3) except flights

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Why Japan is Perfect for Toddlers

• Ultra-clean, stroller-accessible
• Safe and polite culture
• Efficient transport with minimal walking fatigue
• Kids-centric places like aquariums, playgrounds, animal parks
• Clean, comfortable public toilets with baby facilities