A week in Japan
In June of 2026, I decided to leave my comfort zone of English- and Spanish-speaking vacation spots and plan a family trip to Japan and South Korea. We did almost a full week in Tokyo with one day trip to Mt. Fuji, specifically the area around Lake Kitaguchiko, before flying to Seoul. Check out our itinerary, as well as suggestions from the best of the trip.
Top things I wish I had known before traveling to Japan:
1. While four of us could add transit Suica cards for the train and metro right in Apple Wallet, kids under 13 can’t do that. So, for my 12-year-old, we had to actually buy tickets until we could secure a Suica card on day 3. After that, though, it was easy to get around with the help of Google Maps.
2. People had me worried about the tax-free process when exiting Japan. All I had to do was scan my passport. I kept all receipts, as instructed, but they were not necessary.
3. I bought my Fuji Excursion Ltd train tickets early to ensure good seats, but I paid a base fare and the actual excursion ticket. This was not necessary since I ended up with a digital Suica card, but the process wasn’t super clear. I could have bought just the excursion ticket.
Days 0 & 1: Hawaii and Ikebukuro
Honolulu
Day 0
We started by flying to Honolulu, and staying for a day in Hawaii actually saved money on flights. Of course, everything in Hawaii is $$$, so that was not as cheap as it seemed.
Waikiki
Day 1
We tried the famous Sunrise Shack, which had great avocado toast and açai options. After 25 cool hours in Waikiki beach, we flew overnight to Tokyo.
Ikebukuro
Day 1.5
We arrived in Tokyo at night and settled into Ikebukuro, recommended by my teacher bestie, who just completed her 2nd Tokyo trip.
Day 2: A Walk through Eastern Tokyo
Senso-Ji
This day was for exploring the Senso-Ji Temple, which was so iconic, and I couldn’t believe I got to see it in person.
The Pagoda
The pagoda was a great place for photos, but I think the heat got to everyone else, so we spent just a few minutes here.
The Grounds
I loved the misting tent and the gardens, with its beautiful statues and lamps. It was a great place to escape the heat!
Nakamise-Dori
We shopped the market of Nakamisa-Dori, where Paige got her first authentic matcha, which was by no means her last.
Asakusa Area
There were so many people in the Asakusa area that we didn’t make it as long as I thought we would. But we had a nice walk!
Tokyo SkyTree
We were able to go to the very top of the Tokyo SkyTree! We went all the way to the top and even stood on the glass floor.
Japanese Pancakes
We went for lunch at a cool cafe in that area that featured fluffy Japanese pancakes. They were everything I hoped!
Highlights
I think I could have photographed the temples and shrines all day, although I had to be careful. Not all allow photography.
Day 3: Central Tokyo
Imperial Palace
In the morning, we started at the Imperial Palace. I was disappointed that we couldn’t actually go inside without the guided tour.
Palace Grounds
The moat around the palace and the gates outside made for some excellent photos. The grounds were peaceful and made for a great change of pace.
Hie Shrine
We also saw the Hie Shrine, which is near the palace grounds (about 1/2 mile away). Walking through those red torii gates was the coolest thing.
Ginza District
We went shopping in the Ginza district, which had a Disney Store, Harry Potter store, the Fender Flagship store (Zac’s heaven), and Brandy Melville for the girls.
Tsukiji
We lunched at the Tsukiji market, where we sampled fresh salmon sashimi and bought inexpensive souvenirs. Jeff may or may not have bought a very nice chef’s knife while I was getting postcards.
Shibuya
We ended up eating lunch at a tempura cafe after we made our way to the iconic Shibuya Crossing! Fun fact: if you’re tall like Jeff and Zac, those UV-blocking umbrellas everyone carries will almost blind you.
Dining
After our light tempura lunch, we walked A LOT. So we finished the day with a pork cutlet meal experience, where we cooked the meat on a hot plate at the table. It came with great sides and a drink. Delish!
Highlights
The peaceful palace grounds were a great change of pace from the bustle of the city. Everything was so green, and it was a beautiful walk. It felt like another world compared to Shibuya and Ginza.
Day 4: North/Central Tokyo
We spent a morning exploring the shrines in Ueno Park, and in the afternoon, we had to do some gaming in Akihabara. We walked the whole 30 minutes (no metro!). Chloe actually won a big Pooh Bear from a claw machine! We also took BZ to Ochanomizu Guitar Street, where he bought a guitar pedal.
Hanazono Inari
A shrine with Torii gates
We have already discussed my love of shrines, and of the ones in Ueno Park, Hanazono Inari, was my favorite.
Akihabara
Electric Town
Akihabara is known for arcades. BZ and I played rhythm games, while Chloe defeated the claw! Money goes a lot further in Japanese arcades!
Ochanomizu
Guitar Street
We visited EVERY shop on Ochanomizu Guitar Street until BZ finally settled on a new pedal that isn’t available in the US.
Day 5: Disney!
At the request of my kids, who have never really flown domestic or been to Disney, we visited Tokyo Disney Sea. I am glad we experienced it, but the early morning was stressful. Disney people would have been more prepared for the rope drop than I was! Premiere Access Passes saved the day on the top attractions. Bonus: From the price lists I saw, this experience was waaaayyyy cheaper than USA Disney theme parks!
Raging Spirits
Thrill Ride
We did the typical: Soaring, Peter Pan, Rapunzel’s Lights, etc. They loved the Raging Spirits–almost as much as the Tower of Terror.
Stuck on a ride!
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Jeff and Chlo got stuck! It took a few staff members and a lot of time and effort to dislodge them.
Peter Pan
3-D Adventure
They enjoyed the immersive experience of Peter Pan! It was a great day.
Day 6: Mt. Fuji
We bought train tickets from Shinjuku to Shimoyoshida (to visit the Chureito Pagoda), with return tickets from Lake Kitaguchiko back to Shinjuku Station. The ticket process was way easier than I expected. I used our QR codes to pick up the physical tickets for the Fuji Excursion Ltd. train that morning at Shinjuku (which was only one stop from our base in Ikebukuro) got on the train, and the rest was a breeze!
Chureito Pagoda
387 Steps!!
We booked tickets from Shinjuku to Shimoyoshida. From there, it was a short walk and then 387 STAIRS to the iconic Chureito Pagoda. Mt. Fuji was peeking out from the clouds and then disappeared, but it was still a good view from the top.
Lake Kitaguchiko
Swan Boats
After climbing all those stairs, renting swan boats we had to pedal was not my best idea. But Lake Kitaguchiko was beautiful, and the rain held off. The weather was actually a little chilly, which was a welcome change!
Hoto Noodles!
And the Set Menu
We ended our afternoon with regional Hoto noodles, which had to cook at the table for 15 minutes (which turned into 30!). I chose the set menu, which included some sashimi, miso, rice, and other great options.
Day 7: Breakfast, Ikebukuro, and a note about shopping and transport
Tokyo Inn
Tokyo Inn Ikebukuro Kitaguchi 1 was cute and featured a traditional breakfast, but no matter what Hotels.com tells you, rooms there can’t accommodate 3 people, but it’s great for smaller families.
Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro is a great neighborhood! It’s near a metro station, quiet on one side, but with bustling city streets and shopping on another. This was perfect for our teens.
Shopping
We bought some great souvenirs. Paige found a ceremonial matcha set and personalize chopsticks. Jeff got a chef’s knife. As usual, I found a gold bracelet at Parco, floor B-1.
Transportation
We booked our transportation via Klook with a meet-and-greet option on arrival to Haneda and pickup service on exit via Narita. The train just seemed like too much when flying in so late.
Food
We tried some of the best things: tempura lunch, miso for breakfast, pancakes, mochi, matcha, onigiri, salmon sashimi, udon, ramen, dumplings, teriyaki skewers, and so much more!
These photos represent some of my favorites, like the mochi on the right, which is filled with custard. We got this at the markets of Nakamise-Dori.
Tempura and sashimi
from a set menu!
Salmon Sashimi
Fresh at Tsukiji Market
Hoto Noodles
at Lake Kitaguchiko
Overall, Tokyo was a hit! I would recommend it, but it is VERY crowded in the summer, and if I were not a Louisiana native, the humidity would have taken me out. Spring and fall would be much more tolerable.
The Traveling Teacher 