Trip to Japan in autumn 2025 with a child

Hi everyone, So great to be back on this forum😉

I just lightened my wallet by 3000 € for 3 tickets: Paris > Tokyo > Osaka > Paris (well, not just mine—I’m exaggerating, there are two of us). For my daughter’s 10th birthday, we’re heading to Japan—it’s her "decade gift," though I thought she’d pick London🏴‍☠️. But I’ve been dreaming of going back to Japan since my 2013 trip, so I’ll admit this trip is (a lot) for me too. We’re traveling during school holidays, so the ticket prices are unfortunately sky-high. Maybe I could’ve gotten a better deal if I’d waited, but who knows... oh well, it’s done now. We leave at the end of October, so we still have a few months to prepare. That said, I’d rather start early to make sure we don’t miss anything (like the Ghibli Museum—I couldn’t go last time, and anyway, I’ll have to wait until September to book). Last time, there were three adults, so it was pretty straightforward. Eleven years later, well, now it’s two adults with a 10-year-old😛.

So I’m wondering how many days to spend in Tokyo. My daughter idealizes the city (that’s why she wants to go to Japan), and she’s really drawn to Japanese culture and food. Actually, what first got her interested in Japan were all the *kawaii* character products... Tokyo is such a fascinating city, but it can also be exhausting—especially for a kid, and I’m not sure what to expect. Beyond Tokyo, honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I was thinking of Hakone and maybe stopping by Fujikyu Highlands. Then heading down to Osaka for a few days in Kyoto before flying home (our return flight is from Osaka). We only have 11 days there (not counting the arrival day, and since our flight leaves at 11:30 PM on departure day, we’ll have the whole day), so it’s not a ton of time. I already spent a week in Kyoto on my last trip (huge crush on it), and I’d love to have two months there, but... well, you know how it is.

For example: 5 days in Tokyo 2 days in Hakone 4 days in Osaka/Kyoto

What do you think? If you’ve done this trip with kids, do you have any tips for family-friendly accommodations in Tokyo and Hakone? My daughter would love to try an onsen. We have a decent budget, but it’s not unlimited. We’d like to book as we go to spread out the costs a bit.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts

Hello Gange,

3000 € for 3 people during the holidays isn’t bad at all!

In Tokyo itself, I’d say: - Ghibli Museum and spending time in the Kichijoji neighborhood (where the museum is), Kichijoji Petit Mura, Inokashira Park, and a bit further away, the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum. - The Digital Art Museum, which can be pretty fun for a kid. - Maybe Kawagoe district. - Akihabara for the kawaii side—so, along the same lines, Harajuku. - There’s the 2D Café in Shinjuku, which could be amusing. - The Edo-Tokyo Museum, which is quick, interactive, and informative about Japanese history.

Hakone might be a good idea since it’s not too far from Tokyo. I’d also add Kamakura, which is really nice. It all depends on whether you’re traveling by train or car, but continuing around Mount Fuji after Hakone, there are some great spots.

Personally, I no longer go to Kyoto—way too crowded everywhere, and more and more restrictions for tourists. Osaka is fun and different from Tokyo, but if you don’t have anything specific to see there…?

For your daughter, Nara could be an option—small town, park, deer, temples.

Final recommendation: if it’s in autumn, you should still visit forested areas where you can see beautiful fall colors—the Japanese Alps, not too far from Tokyo.

spending time in the Kichijoji neighborhood (museum district)

The Ghibli Museum neighborhood is actually Mitaka, but I agree with you—Kichijoji is really nice.

On the same line, you can stop by Nakano Broadway, an essential manga spot, like AKB.

Otherwise, for Ghibli, outside of Tokyo, there’s obviously the Ghibli Park in Nagoya.

A visit to one of the 2 teamLab spots could be nice...

Hi there,

Fuji-Q Highland park is really nice, but most of the roller coasters are *super* intense. There’s still a perk, though—if it’s still in place, you can skip the entrance fee and only pay for the rides you go on.

For info on Osaka, you can check out our Japan travel journal here. Unfortunately, it’s not finished yet, so there’s no info on Kyoto or Tokyo. Otherwise, you can also see our trip photos on the site under: Photo Gallery - Travel - Japan.

For info on Osaka, you can check out our site’s Japan travel journal here,

I took a look since I’ll probably spend a week in Osaka during my next (and upcoming) trip to Japan, thanks to the World Expo. But I’ve already spent 3 separate 3-day trips there, so honestly, I didn’t discover much new. That said, there are three things that really impressed me—two of which aren’t very Japanese…

1. The window behind the bed. It’s pretty original; you’d think you’re on an overnight train.

2. The camera bag. Ever since my full-frame DSLR got stolen, I’ve switched to an iPhone Pro. And I’m loving it. I’m still in awe of people who still lug around that kind of bag.

3. The resemblance between the mother and daughter. It’s striking.

Anyway, I’ll keep reading regardless. I’ve actually already started…

Hello Masterpo,

It’s true that for our first trip to Japan, we mostly visited the tourist spots in the big cities. But outside the cities, we discovered some really nice places. We even went scuba diving on the Izu Peninsula.

Hi there,

Fuji-Q Highland park is really nice, but most of the roller coasters are *super* intense. There’s still a perk, though—if it’s still available, you can skip the entrance fee and only pay for the rides you go on.

For info on Osaka, you can check out our Japan travel journal here. Unfortunately, it’s not finished yet, so there’s no info on Kyoto or Tokyo. Otherwise, you can also find our trip photos on the site under: Photo Gallery - Travel - Japan.

Small correction: Kyoto *is* included in our travel journal now! !

Hi everyone, And thank you so much for your replies.

3000 euros for 3 during the holidays isn’t bad at all!

Thanks. It’s not always easy to tell, actually. It’s not a direct flight—I have a layover in Helsinki on the way there and back. But the schedules are good.

In Tokyo itself, I’d say: - Ghibli Museum and spending time in the Kichijoji neighborhood (where the museum is), Kichijoji Petit Mura, Inokashira Park, and a bit further, the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum. - The Digital Art Museum, which can be pretty fun for a kid. - Maybe the Kawagoe area. - Akihabara for the kawaii side, so along the same lines, Harajuku. - There’s the 2D Café in Shinjuku, which could be fun. - The Edo-Tokyo Museum, which is quick, interactive, and informative about Japanese history.

Thanks, I’ll note that. I had actually spotted the Edo-Tokyo Museum—it seems well-suited for a visit with a child.

Hakone might be a good idea since it’s not too far from Tokyo. I’d also add Kamakura, which is really nice. It all depends on whether you’re taking the train or driving, but continuing around Mount Fuji after Hakone, there are some great spots.

I’m not sure if we’ll bother with a car—I was thinking of taking the train. But at the same time, exploring the "great spots" around Mount Fuji is tempting. On our last trip, we had to get our license translated—I don’t know if that’s changed since. And since we have very little time... I’ll still look into it.

Personally, I don’t go to Kyoto anymore—it’s way too crowded everywhere, and there are more and more restrictions for tourists. Osaka is nice, different from Tokyo, but if you don’t have anything specific to see there...?

I already spent a week in Kyoto, so I don’t think I’ll spend much time there this time. It was more to introduce my daughter to it. Osaka wasn’t my favorite in Japan personally, but I wanted to show her the Dotonbori district (she saw a documentary).

Last recommendation: if it’s in autumn, you should still visit the forested areas where you can see beautiful fall colors—the Japanese Alps, not too far from Tokyo.

Yes, that’s very tempting. We’ll be there exactly during that period (around October 18th until the end of the month). Given the number of days we have (11, not counting the arrival day), I think it’s either that or Kyoto/Osaka. It’s going to be tough to do both. Is it possible with public transport in 2 or 3 days?

Masterpo, thanks, I’ll note that:

Along the same lines, you could stop at Nakano Broadway, a must-visit manga spot, like AKB.

Otherwise, for Ghibli, outside Tokyo, there’s obviously the park in Nagoya.

Capucine33, thanks—I don’t know about that, I’ll check it out:

A visit to one of the two teamLab locations could be fun...

Girardinpho:

Fuji-Q Highlands is really fun, but most of the roller coasters are *very* intense. There’s still one advantage—if it’s still in effect, you can skip the entrance fee and only pay for the rides you go on.

Perfect, thanks! We love *very* intense roller coasters, as long as they’re not off-limits for kids (10 years old)—that should be fine :)

Okay, I’ll review all this to make a first itinerary. Thanks everyone!!!!

During our last trip, we had to get the license translated—I don’t know if that’s changed since. And since we’re really short on time...

If it’s already been translated, there’s nothing more to do!

For autumn colors, it's actually everywhere there are beautiful forests, so potentially all over Japan. The ultimate spot is Hokkaido, otherwise the Japanese Alps, anywhere really.

To tie it back to Mount Fuji, there's Lake Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi, which offers a beautiful view (I'm imagining, since I had rain).

I couldn’t remember if there was an expiration period—that’s mainly what I was wondering about. If it’s a one-time thing and valid for life, then perfect, I’ll be able to reuse it.

ok, thanks. The real question is whether I should go to Kyoto/Osaka after all

For such a short time, I’d advise against it—better to enjoy at a relaxed pace.

Yeah, I think you're right. I'll see if I can change my flight to leave from Tokyo instead of Osaka

Hi there,

With a 10-year-old, Tokyo Disneyland Park seems like a great option, as does Odaiba.

If you keep Osaka in your plans, the castle, Universal Studios Japan, and the aquarium are all worth it. Dotonbori is best at night (I didn’t see many kids there).

For onsens, you’re nude inside. You can book a private one, but it probably won’t be cheap.

I’d skip Kyoto if it’s just for the temples. Tokyo has plenty too—they’re less crowded but just as interesting, IMO.

I recommend booking accommodations as early as possible to have more choices for location, and it doesn’t cost extra on platforms like Booking.

Happy planning!

Yes, the Osaka Aquarium is really great with a kid.

I recommend booking accommodations as early as possible to have more choices in terms of location, and it doesn’t cost anything on platforms like Booking.

Happy searching!

That’s excellent advice! My first trip to Japan was 20 years ago, and it’s become much harder to find available hotels these days. The longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have.

Hi, Thanks everyone for your advice. The flight change isn’t worth it financially, so I’ll be leaving from Osaka after all. That means I’ll spend my last two days there. I visited the aquarium last time and thought it was amazing, so yeah, it’s definitely worth it with a kid. I’ll skip Kyoto this time—I loved it on my last trip, but it’ll be too much.

Would you have any recommendations for renting a car in Japan? I’m considering renting a car from Tokyo to go to Hakone (Mt. Fuji). Then from Hakone, heading to Nikko and finally returning the car in Tokyo. Ideally, I’d love to rent the car where I’ll need to take the train to Osaka (so returning from Nikko, dropping off the car, and leaving directly for Osaka). Does that seem doable?

Also, do you know of a great place near Mt. Fuji with an onsen that accepts kids (and has a view of Mt. Fuji, while we’re at it 😛)? I’m planning to go from Hakone to Nikko (for the beautiful autumn colors), which means I’d stay there for 2 nights: Hakone > Nikko Nikko Nikko > Tokyo Good idea? In the end, I’m cutting down to Tokyo, Hakone/Mt. Fuji (with Fuji-Q Highland too), Nikko, then heading down to Osaka—but I’m only staying there for 2 days just to visit Universal Studios and take my return flight.

I’ve always rented from Tocoo. It’s easy, reliable, and affordable.

You can pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another. If the two agencies are close (in the same city or region), there’s no drop-off fee. Either way, the amount is listed on Tocoo, even if it’s zero.

Awesome, thanks so much! For now, it's not possible to book after August—I'm a little early 😛

I recently rented from Orix, no issues.

Thanks so much!!!

Any thoughts on Nikko? I was thinking of heading there (by car) after Mt. Fuji and staying for 2 nights.

Fujiyama to Nikko is still quite a long distance over 2 days (including the return trip). Nikko is nice, but in my opinion, it’s not worth 3.5–4 hours of driving each way. Better to do something else in the area, like the Mount Oyama hike in the Kanto region (1.5 hours from Tokyo), or Tanazawa (hiking, Tsurumaki onsen), or something else.

Nikko is nice but I don’t think it’s worth 3.5–4 hours of driving each way.

Oh, even in autumn? I was actually thinking of Nikko for the fall colors... As for accommodation, I didn’t see many options there either (or they were really expensive)... I’ll check out your suggestions... Thanks.

Hello,

It’s funny, I’m also back on this forum to plan my second trip to Japan. First time was in 2013 with friends, and this year, it’ll be with the kids ;)

We’ve got a bit more time than you (15 days plus arrival and departure days), and we’re doing the reverse route (Osaka-Japanese Alps-Tokyo).

Activities in Tokyo:

- Ghibli Museum - TeamLab (or in Osaka) - A visit to the Harry Potter store - Shibuya Sky And exploring the neighborhoods. I also saw the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, which looked cool, though a bit out of the way.

Back then, we visited the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which was nice, but it seems to be closed until... sometime in 2025. We also did a sumo tournament, which was fun but required patience.

Activities in Osaka:

- The aquarium - Universal Studios (but make sure to check the tickets—it seems like a total hassle without planning) - The castle. And day trips (Nara, Himeji, Kyoto).

There’s also the World Expo this year—I’m not sure yet if we’ll go.

Around Mt. Fuji, we visited Fuji-Q Highland park, which was really great (or at least it was back then). The attractions have views of Mt. Fuji and are seriously amazing. Though there were quite a few lines…

Biking around Lake Kawaguchi is also a nice option with kids, I think (though I haven’t done it myself).

Around Hakone, we took a cruise on the lake and ate black eggs (at Owakudani, I think—I just found the name on Google but had completely forgotten). I think there are also some hikes to do there.

Anyway, I don’t know if my message will be super helpful, but I wanted to chime in here :)

Wishing you an amazing trip!

Fanny

Hi Fanny, I’m finally catching up on my forum discussions bit by bit :) after a sad family event that’s made me even more determined to enjoy life!

Thanks for your tips. What exactly do you do during the "Japanese Alps" stage?

For my part, given the limited number of days and the need to get to Osaka for the return flight, I’m seriously considering renting a car. We’ll stay in Tokyo as planned (4 nights), then pick up a rental car to visit Mt. Fuji and take the opportunity to go to FujiQ Highland (so two nights in the area).

After that, we’ll drive down to Osaka. To avoid doing the 5h30 drive in one go, I was thinking of stopping somewhere before reaching Osaka. Maybe Ghibli Park? ... Then we’ll finish with 3 nights (or 4, depending on whether we do a 1-night or 2-night stop) around Osaka (I’ll probably return the car when we arrive in Osaka), with one day in Nara, one day at Universal Studios. On the last day, since our flight is at 11:30 PM, we’ll probably visit the Aquarium.

I really loved Miyajima, and my daughter would’ve adored it too, but that’ll have to wait for the next trip ;)

For now, the rental car simulations are pretty steep (100 €/day when picking it up in Tokyo and dropping it off in Osaka), but we won’t have the transport costs for Tokyo > Osaka or Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, etc. So yes, it’s more expensive (since we’ll also have tolls and gas), but not *that* much more, especially considering the time saved and flexibility it’ll give us

Car or no car really depends on where you want to go. In 20 years of traveling in Japan, I’ve only rented a car recently because the places I wanted to visit were inaccessible otherwise. I’d say you really need to decide where you want to go first, then compare public transport and car options before deciding. Still, there are some downsides to driving: the driver’s license translation isn’t free, picking up and returning the car at the agency, parking—especially since some hotels don’t have parking—and toll and gas costs.

Hi, The idea of renting a car is to make it easier to explore around Mt. Fuji and also because I plan to visit FujiQ Highland. Using public transport would take a lot of time. If the weather isn’t great, it would also give us some flexibility to adjust our activities since we’d be free to move around. Plus, I could head straight to Osaka afterward without having to go back to Tokyo.

The car rental station is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel I booked in Tokyo. I haven’t looked into what to do once I get to Osaka yet, but yes, I’ll make sure I can park somewhere.

I’ve also read traveler accounts from people who chose this option and were happy with their decision. One said, "The stunning landscapes just keep coming. Valleys, hills, roads along the coast..." Since this isn’t my first trip to Japan, I kind of want to try it out—but mostly, I have limited days, and given what I want to do, this option seems like the best way to save time. So I wouldn’t say the places I plan to visit aren’t accessible, far from it, but I’ll definitely save time on transport—that’s for sure. The main question I had was whether to drive to Osaka in one go or make a stop (if there’s a stop that’s really worth the detour and only possible by car). Of course, this does add extra costs (gas/tolls/parking + license translation). If I had more time, I probably wouldn’t go for the car option.

Yes, that could work well for your situation. 😉

Hi there,

Translation of the license isn’t free, you have to pick up the car at the agency and return it, parking—especially at hotels since some don’t have parking—toll fees, and gas.

I think I read somewhere that Japan was going to end this option for tourists.

Michel

Hi Tatra, What do you mean exactly? End the option to drive?

Hi there, Maybe you're referring to the recent changes: https://jaf.or.jp/common/visitor-procedures/living_abroad? That said, it doesn’t end the possibility of translation for tourists—just the method changes.

What catches my attention is this sentence: "If you have an acquaintance in Japan, that person can act as your agent and apply for translation before your entry into Japan." Does that mean if I know someone in Japan (which I do in Tokyo), they can make the request for me? Has anyone already tried this method?

It’s really frustrating because I had my translation done in 2013 (I went in person, and it was done the same day), and now I can’t find it. 🏴‍☠️

Hello,

To answer your question about the Japanese Alps, we’re planning a loop starting from Matsumoto.

- Hike from Magome to Tsumago - Visit Shirakawago - Hike in Kamikochi with an overnight stay at an onsen - Visit a Ninja house in Togakushi - Visit Nagano - Visit Matsumoto (especially the castle)

All in 6/7 days. Of course, if it feels too packed, we’ll drop some stops toward the end.

We’re also renting a car—I’m right in the middle of translating my driver’s license, actually.

I had a translation that got lost in the paperwork too... we did it on-site at the JAF office, but now it can only be done through an app that’s only available in Japan. If you know someone there, I think they can handle it for you—they’ll just need your license and a few details. Apparently, it’s not too expensive that way.

Otherwise, it’s through an agency in France, and the rates aren’t the same. If anyone reading this has a reliable agency for the translation, I’d love to know!

We did Fuji Q the first time too—it was a really great day. I second that! !

Thanks so much! :) It really makes me want to go, but I’ll keep it in mind for a future trip—it’d be too tight for us right now. I sent a message to my friend who lives in Tokyo to help with the license translation... we’ll see, because honestly, the translation would cost 4000 yen, which is way more interesting. :P

Hello Fanny,

Otherwise, it’s through an agency in France, and the rates aren’t the same. By the way, if anyone passing by has a reliable agency name for the translation, I’d love to hear it.

In 2019, we had our license translated through the agency Vivre le Japon, which I think is now called Japan Experience.

Hi there, I’m also planning to go to Japan this autumn but I still haven’t booked my tickets. Could you tell me which airline you’re flying with?

Hi Cécile, Sorry, I only just saw your message now. I’m flying with Finnair with a layover in Helsinki.

Hi there,

I’m reaching out for a bit of help 😛 because I need to finalize the bookings. I’ve given up on renting a car in Tokyo and dropping it off in Osaka—it sends the price through the roof. I’ll either pick it up and return it in Tokyo (around a hundred euros for 3 days) or skip renting altogether. I’ve also dropped the idea of going to Nikko. If you could share your thoughts on my itinerary...

Also, I canceled my hotel in Ueno that I’d booked a few months ago (it was really expensive). Instead, I booked in Asakusa, but some people say it’s out of the way while others say it’s great... Could you let me know, based on what we’ll be doing in Tokyo and our expectations, if you think it’s a good idea (I can still cancel)? Our expectations for the neighborhood where we’ll stay: a lively area, even in the evening, with a Japanese vibe, lots of (good) restaurants, easy access to public transport without wasting too much time relative to our plans, and a few shops selling cute Japanese stuff. The hotel I booked: Richmond Hotel Premier Tokyo Schole in Asakusa.

Our itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo. We land in the early afternoon and will probably be exhausted. I’m thinking just a good sushi meal to get into the mood and a stroll around the hotel neighborhood. Day 2: Tokyo – Yurakucho, Shinjuku (2D café), Shibuya > Is this too much? Day 3: Tokyo – Ueno, Akihabara, TeamLab Planets (already booked, and we can change the date/time three times for free) Day 4: Ghibli Museum and spending time in Kichijoji (I’m waiting for ticket sales to open for Ghibli, so it’s not confirmed yet) Day 5: Edo-Tokyo Museum and Odaiba > Same here, I’m not sure if this is doable... If not, I’ll skip it and maybe do a tea ceremony and explore another neighborhood (Odaiba is just for fun for my daughter, not essential—I’ve been there before personally). Day 6: Tokyo – TBD Day 7: I want to go to Fuji-Q Highlands. From what I see, it’s a long trip by public transport (2.5 hours from Shibuya or Shinjuku). Maybe leaving at dawn...? – Stay overnight in Fujikawaguchiko. This is where I’m considering renting a car in the morning and heading straight to the park... Day 8: Mt. Fuji (same here, I’m lost with public transport; if I have a car, I’ll adjust the day accordingly) – Stay overnight in Fujikawaguchiko. Day 9: Return to Tokyo (by car or public transport) and take the shinkansen to Osaka (in which case, I’d return the car at the station where the train to Osaka departs). Night in Osaka. Day 10: Universal Studios (not booked yet) Day 11: Nara – Night in Osaka Day 12: Shopping day and/or aquarium, then flight back at 11 PM.

Thanks in advance for your help!

I booked in Asakusa but some people say it's out of the way while others say it's great...

Well, both... It's especially super touristy.

Our expectations for the neighborhood or where to stay: a lively area including in the evening, Japanese atmosphere, lots of (good) restaurants, easy to get around by public transport without wasting too much time compared to what we're going to do, some shops with cute Japanese stuff.

Asakusa has all that.

Day 2: Tokyo - Yurakucho, Shinjuku (2D café), Shibuya > is that too much?

Yeah, it is. First, we wonder what Yurakucho is doing there, and as for Shibuya and Shinjuku on the same day... how to put it, it feels like a whirlwind tour...

Day 5: Edo-Tokyo museum and Odaiba

Here, I'm a bit lost. First, as far as I know, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is closed until next year (that's what their website says), and Odaiba is already planned for Day 3...

That's where I'm hesitating to rent a car in the morning and head straight to the park...

For Fuji Q Highland, Mount Fuji, the pagoda, I suppose, etc., a car is a good idea. Personally, I’ve always rented one when I’ve gone to that area. But I think there’s a pass that covers the trip from Tokyo and lots of transport options on site...

Day 10: Universal Studios (not yet booked) Day 11: Nara - Night in Osaka Day 12: shopping day and/or aquarium and return flight at 11 PM

That doesn’t leave much time for Osaka itself. I spent a week there this year (including two days for the World Expo) and loved it, even though it was my fourth time. But this city seems to be traditionally overlooked by foreign tourists...

Okay, thanks. I’ll go with that plan instead.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo Day 2: Tokyo – Shinjuku (2D café) Day 3: Tokyo – Ueno, Akihabara, TeamLab Planets Day 4: Tokyo – Ghibli Museum, Kichijoji neighborhood Day 5: Tokyo – Tea ceremony and not sure yet Day 6: Tokyo – Shibuya and...

I’ll have my translated driver’s license, someone’s doing it for me on-site, so I’m tempted to rent a car (it’s not too expensive either). I’ll think about it.

That doesn’t leave much time for Osaka.

With 11 full days there (I’m not counting the 12th day even though my flight is late), I’m being realistic—I can’t do Tokyo, add 2 days toward Mt. Fuji, *and* visit Osaka. Plus, I’m traveling with a child, which is why I chose Nara and Universal. I’m only going because my flight leaves from there; otherwise, I would’ve skipped it to save for a future trip and stayed in the Tokyo area.

Otherwise, I have an option to stay in Shinjuku (near the station but in a quiet area, according to people who’ve stayed there—even with family). However, it’ll cost me 100 € more than the hotel for the 6 nights. That would let me check out Takeshita Dori on the day I arrive (a Sunday) and also make it easier to get around during the stay.

Shinjuku is the upscale side of Asakusa, without the out-of-the-way feel. It’s even hard to find a better location—except maybe Shibuya.

I stopped going to Takeshita Street by my third trip to Tokyo, and I’ve never gone back since… on a Sunday, no less! !

Hi there,

I’m leaving on October 8th for a three-week trip with my 15-year-old daughter, and I’d *love* to get the name of the hotel in Tokyo you mentioned—I’m staying six days and still haven’t booked my accommodation. Thanks so much in advance for your reply!

Shinjuku is the upscale side of Asakusa, without the out-of-the-way feel. It’s even hard to find a better location, except maybe Shibuya.

Awesome, thanks—I’ve booked it now😉! It’s more expensive, but I think I made the right call.

Takeshita Street, I stopped going after my third trip to Tokyo, and I haven’t been back since... especially not on a Sunday!

...haha, can you tell me why? (Or is once enough?) Well, this’ll be my second trip to Tokyo—even though I’m struggling to plan my itinerary, it’s been 12 years since I last went, so I’ve forgotten a lot—and I’ve never been, so I guess I just want to check it out...

Hi there, I had booked the Richmond Hotel Premier Tokyo Schole in Asakusa on Booking.com but I canceled. So, I’m not going to the hotel anymore but to an apartment in Shinjuku instead. The one I’m going to isn’t available in October, but check Airbnb around Shinjuku Station—honestly, there aren’t many at reasonable prices, so you won’t have too many options to look through (unless you’ve got a big budget, in which case, you’ll be fine). That said, make sure to read the reviews carefully because some places are in noisy areas and not necessarily suitable. Otherwise, Asakusa does seem cheaper, and people are often happy with it. It’s just that, given what I’m planning to do—plus the fact that I have a friend in Tokyo who lives on the opposite side and much closer to Shinjuku—Asakusa just wasn’t the right choice for me, even though the hotel was right by the subway. So, it might work for you!

Also, what I consider an acceptable price might not be the same for everyone😛. For the 6 nights, the hotel in Asakusa cost 742 € for a triple room, so that’s over 100 € per night (and the apartment in Shinjuku is even more expensive 🏴‍☠️). But I did see cheaper options I didn’t choose for various reasons (location or otherwise), and the best value-for-money places weren’t available for my dates (or maybe I’m just really bad at searching).

Happy planning🙂 !

For me, it’ll be my second stay in Tokyo (even though I’m struggling to plan my itinerary, but it’s been 12 years—I’ve forgotten) and I’ve never been there before, so yeah, it’s just to see...

Well, there you go, you’ll see ^^ Let’s not spoil the surprise!

Hello,

Takeshita Street—I stopped going there on my third trip to Tokyo, and I’ve never gone back since... especially not on a Sunday!

...haha, can you tell me why? (Or is once enough?) Well, this will be my second trip to Tokyo (even though I’m struggling to plan my itinerary, but it’s been 12 years, so I’ve forgotten), and I’ve never been, so I guess I just want to see it...

I’ve been to Tokyo three times and only went to Takeshita Street once. It’s a street with mostly teen clothing shops, a few animal cafés, and some food stalls. Nothing unforgettable, and not a place I’d call a must-see, but if you and your daughter feel like checking it out, it’d be a shame not to go. It’s your trip, not anyone else’s. Let us know how it goes!

Thanks for the info! And have a great trip to Japan!