We booked a 10 day trip to Japan with our 3 kids (13 year old, 3 year old, 9 month old baby) Travelling in March for 10 days - with a wedding to attend in Karuizawa, Nagano on day 8 of the trip.
Our 13 year old would love to go to Nintendo World in Osaka, if possible. Wondering if this is a good idea, and if getting rail passes is worth it (it's expensive for all of us, with 3 adult/teen fares), How many cities we could reasonably see in our time frame with the wedding? Whic… See more

Good food everywhere in Japan not just Tokyo. Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama would be awesome for your kids I think. Tokyo is very big.

My family and I went in September for 16days with our three children. If u have two nights to spend in Osaka then fit that in. USJ was a great experience, several other places to visit. Endless possibilities. The JR pass is probably not ideal now with the increase in price. There is a JR calculator online. We used the transport luggage system too which was great with several stairs at the train stations. As for Tokyo endless tourist attractions as well. We did a day at DisneySea. Keep in mind three kids (mine are older) and long travels is exhausting and we didn't get to do everything as planned because of the commutes

Look up a group called TOYKO travel TIPS. Sorry can share the link but it’s a super helpful group!
You can also use the jr pass calculator to calculate your fares to see if a pass or buying tickets is cheaper.

Is the oldest a fan of the Studio Ghibli movies?

Get out this tiktok video about the jr pass and other ones and how to check if it's worth it or not
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM6HK5pXV/
TIKTOK.COM
TikTok · Fiona | Travel & life

Tokyo, Nagano, and Osaka in 10 days is a bit of a whirlwind in my opinion. Tokyo is huge and there's LOTS to do. Personally I'd focus on Tokyo, Nagano and in between, assuming you're flying into Tokyo.

Patrick agreed

Patrick yes totally agree

Also, unless you're on the move from city to city almost daily, I've never found the JR Pass to be worthwhile. Plus, it limits you to the less frequent slower bullet trains. I've always just bought tickets on an as-needed basis.

Patrick I agree

Osaka is great - the aquarium is incredible and there is amazing food … it’s also relatively easy to combine with Kyoto - and even day trips to the Bamboo Forest or Nara. If you’re there in May, Kyoto has a month long photography festival

Margy we did a one day tour of Kyoto ( husband looking at it to take students there) .Boy did having a tour guide make it worth the trip, especially the first time. We saw many shrines. He took us against the recommended flow, had preferred parking, helped translate and took pictures. A lovely man, expensive but well worth the money in time saved and sights seen.

Margot can you share his info?

With only 10 days and the last few days in Karuizawa, it's doable to visit Osaka but your trip will be very travel heavy, losing days on travel time. I recommend skipping USJ and just goto the one in LA. It's also quite hectic and not an easy process to book USJ tickets/fast pass/timed tickets into Nintendo World.

It could work if you fly into tokyo (either Haneda or Narita) , out of Kansai (KIX) (or vice versa) and use the hokuriku arch pass instead of a regular JR Pass, which is significantly less expensive (7 days for $231 per person)
I would only do Tokyo, Nagano, Osaka though. Not more than that. Or just Osaka - Nagano - Osaka.
https://tokyocheapo.com/.../tokyo-osaka-hokuriku-arch-pass/
TOKYOCHEAPO.COM
Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka on the Hokuriku Arch Pass | Tokyo Cheapo

We went in August for 16 days and didn't get rail passes. The trains and busses are not expensive at all so for us it made way more sense to just pay as we went. After the first train experience the rest was really easy.

Recently came back from Japan. We booked Disneyland, Disney Water Park. Highly recommend “Team Labs” in Tokyo - Prebook as much as you can beforehand. We did get a rail pass but best to check out prices for your needs. Recommend Kyoto -Nara & Bamboo Forest. Amazing food everywhere to meet your budget. I ordered a WISE card for payment (best currency converter). Also an ESIM card for phone (or use whatsapp).

Matt Moerman

Nagano and Karuizawa in particular are famous for soba, so if you’re into food, definitely keep that in mind. I used to live close by and ate soba as much as possible!
The onsens in Karuizawa are amazing as well.
You don’t see people travelling to Nagano much.
I hope you have a great trip! It’s amazing there!

Joel Nelson Tina Nelson this thread might be of interest

Been 4 times and love Kyoto-by far my favorite city in Japan very traditional but kids and traveling might be too tight to do too much. Enjoy regardless and lots of good advice here so far!

For that short of a time, I wouldn’t get the rail pass. Train travel is inexpensive. We were there for three weeks in 2019 and spent time in Osaka because my brother lives in Kobe. If going to Nintendo World is a priority, then I would stick to exploring Osaka and skip Tokyo. Tokyo was cool, but it’s also just another big city and Osaka is similar but easier to navigate because it’s not as big. You’re going to get good food no matter where you are and each city and region has its own dish that it’s known for. Osaka’s is tako yaki
Don’t discount eating from 7-eleven and the other convenience stores (Lawsons and Family Mart) when you’re out exploring—some of the best grab-and-go food you’ll ever have. Honestly, you’ll have a great trip no matter where you are. Make sure at least one of you has a SIM card because you’re going to need Google maps as street signs are few and far between. Have fun!

My husband and 10 year old son were in Japan in August and went to USJ Osaka. I booked our entry passes including express pass before our trip on the USJ website. They sell out quickly and the last thing we wanted to do was get there and then not be able to get in to certain worlds (ie Nintendo world). HIGHLY recommend the express pass. Although it’s expensive, you’ll get to see/do way more in 1 day because you don’t have to wait in long lines. USJ website is quite glitchy. The trick was to use Apple Pay with a Mastercard attached (not visa). We stayed at the Park Front hotel and it was great after a long day of walking. As for the trains, I downloaded the SmartEX app and booked longer train rides in advance (not totally necessary, but was helpful). I would just pay per trip if I were you. Rail passes are too much and are only good for certain trains, often not including the Shinkansen bullet train, which my son loved! If you have more questions, feel free to DM me.
Have a great trip!!

Matt Moerman

I used to live in Japan and agree with the sentiments that trying to fit in Osaka and Tokyo in addition to the nagano wedding would be a lot. Keep in mind that it’s a 16/17 hour time change, so you most likely will have some jet lag the first few days. (Memories of so many 4 am wake-ups!)
I would suggest focusing on one metropolitan area - either Osaka or Tokyo - and making the most of visiting that area outside of the wedding. There’s so much to see! You’ll have a great time.

so much great information here, so I'll just add one thing...Go see a baseball game if you can!!