Family Trip to Tokyo & Osaka, Japan
During Fall Break with my husband’s side of the family, we went to Japan. We were together in Tokyo for 7 days and then on our own in Osaka for 3 days.
The two goals accomplished on this trip were:
Spend time with Chris’s family.
Make sure the kids have a lot of fun!
Grateful to Chris’s older sister, Nicole, who planned a majority of the trip for over a year. Since it was their first time, we did all of the touristy things in Tokyo. We kept it simple by basically going around the green Yamanote JR line and getting off at the usual familiar spots you see on social media and YouTube. This included Tsukiji market, Shibuya crossing, Harajuku and animal cafes, TeamLab, Tokyo station, Ueno Zoo, The Museum of Nature and Science, A Ninja cafe, Asakusa and Meiji Temple, the new Art Aquarium in Ginza, and more.
I break these places down a little more on another blog, “Places To Go In Tokyo”.
The one day trip we did outside of the city, was a first for me and so a personal highlight. Enoshima Island was enjoyed by us all craving a little slower pace away from all of the hustle and bustle. More about that HERE.
The kids agreed that Tokyo Disneyland was a highlight and seeing their joy was a highlight for my husband and I too. I actually got a lot of questions about Tokyo Disneyland, so will do a separate post about that HERE.
Each day started with breakfast bought the night before at 7-11, meeting everyone at 9am, and onto our first scheduled activity. It was a packed schedule, but the 12 of us (16 in the family) got it all done!
The second half of the trip, my husband kids and I went on our own to Osaka to visit the Kaiyukan aquarium, ride a giant Ferris wheel, go to Universal Studios, and visit some family and friends. More about those places HERE.
If you want to see what we ate, check out the blog “What We Ate In Japan.”
If you want to see what we bought, check out the blog “What We Bought In Japan.”
There’s so much I could share about this trip and more from previous trips to Japan, but all I can say is the yen is soooo good right now, it’s the ideal time to go.
All in all, the kids walked about 6 miles per day without complaining, even enjoyed the many 40 minutes of commuting on train rides. If you get motion sick, read this blog on “Ten Tips for Motion Sickness.” , The kids had a blast and made great memories with their cousins and family!
This picture of my son, summarizes the energy level every day of this trip, and how much fun he and his sister had!
erin’s tip
If you’re traveling with a big family, meet prior, discuss what you absolutely want/need to do and then be flexible once you’re there. Knowing the goal and the expectations, helped to make it a smooth family trip!
YouTube video of this trip coming next!
