Japan Travel Tips, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, YouTube

Traveling Japan with Family: Japan Travel Tips + Highlights from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Kobe

This post includes Japan itinerary details and travel guides for the places featured in this Japan travel vlog.

Come along with me and my family as we travel across Japan together—from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the peaceful vibes of Kyoto, the food scene in Osaka, and the charm of Kobe.

In this video, I’m sharing the places we visited, the experiences we loved, and how this trip brought us closer as a family.

Whether you’re planning your own Japan adventure or just love watching family-centered travel stories, I hope this video gives you inspiration, helpful tips, and a bit of heart.

Places featured in this itinerary

  • Tokyo
  • Kyoto
  • Osaka
  • Kobe

✨ Timestamps & itinerary details below!

Japan Itinerary & Travel Tips

I spent about two weeks traveling through Japan with my family on this trip, and my travel vlog only captures the quick highlights. I was trying not to film as much with them and instead focus on capturing places I hadn’t really shown on my channel before.

I’ve linked relevant Japan travel guides and resources below for your reference. You’ll also find additional travel tips that may not have been covered in the video. Hope this helps!

(PS–I left the video timestamps below for each section in case you’d like to reference that portion of the video again.)

00:00 – Intro
00:57 – The Making of Harry Potter Museum

Read my “The Making of Harry Potter Museum” Travel Guide here.

05:44 – Chat about Ghibli Museum & Opening Gashapon

Read my “Ghibli Museum 1-Day Itinerary” here.

11:50 – Tokyo

Check out all my Tokyo vlogs here.

  • Shibuya
  • Tokyo Skytree
  • Pokémon Center Tokyo DX
  • Tonkatsu Maison
  • Tokyo DisneySea (read guide here).
13:44 – Travel Day (Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto)

Planning to travel on the Shinkansen during your Japan trip? Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind (+links to more in-depth guides).

Tips for riding the bullet train in Japan
  • I recommend reserving your Shinkansen seats in advance, at least two days before departure.
  • You MUST (‼️) reserve seats with Oversized Luggage to use the designated oversized luggage spaces available on the train.
  • I recommend choosing seats at the back of the car, where your luggage will be stored right behind you, for the entire ride.
  • JR Passes are only worth it if you plan to do multiple long-distance rides in a short period. Click here to read more about whether a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for you.
16:27 – What to do if your Shinkansen gets delayed ‼️

Below are a few tips I learned from this experience. However, I definitely recommend watching this portion of the vlog in case this ever happens to you, because I go into more depth on each point.

Tips if your train gets delayed in Japan
  • If your train is suspended or delayed, I recommend visiting the Shinkansen counter and speaking with a representative about next steps. Ask them about how long they expect the delay.
  • They will likely advise you to wait, in case the delay isn’t long, as you will be given a revised departure time.
  • Keep checking the JR service status online. Refer to this link for a list of places to find the status of popular train lines.
  • However, if the trains are suspended for over two hours, you will be refunded and will need to reserve new seats. You won’t be able to book your new reservation until the trains are operational again, as the duration of the outage is unknown.
  • For more information on what to do in this situation, please refer to the following link.
20:41 – Kyoto

Check out all my Kyoto vlogs here.

  • Kiyomizudera
  • Otowa Saryo
  • Kiyomizu Shopping Area
23:02 – Osaka

Check out all my Osaka vlogs here.

  • Peak Coffee
  • Dotonbori
  • Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Branch (Crab Dinner)
  • Gigo
25:40 – Wakayama Video Teaser
26:30 – Kobe & Last Dinner in Osaka
  • Kobe Chinatown
  • Kobe Port
  • Teppanyaki Restaurant TAIEN

Plan Your Trip: Resources & Links

  • Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you. These are all products and services I highly recommend. Please read full disclosure here.

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Posted In: Japan Travel Tips, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, YouTube

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