ALL THE TRAVEL THINGS

My family had been dreaming about going to Japan for several years, and this summer we were finally able to make one of our bucket-list trips happen. This was one of the more overwhelming trips I’ve ever planned, since I didn’t know much about Japan beyond the endless reels of beautiful locations and delicious food filling my social feeds.

We knew from the start that it would be impossible to fit everything into a single trip. Eventually, we decided that the best way to maximize our time and see multiple cities was by taking a cruise. Because we didn’t begin planning until the winter of 2024, most of the desirable Japan cruises were already booked. After some digging, I found an 11-night Norwegian cruise that departed from Tokyo and ended in Seoul, South Korea that checked most of our must-visit boxes.

Since the flights to Tokyo would take over 16 hours (with connections), we decided to arrive five nights early to give ourselves time to adjust, recover, and explore Tokyo before setting sail.

Stress Points Before the Trip

Before diving into what we did, here are a few areas that stressed me most while planning and how they worked out:

Language Barrier
No one in my family speaks Japanese, and I worried this would be a major challenge. Thankfully, in Tokyo most people we interacted with spoke at least some English, and many signs included English as well. At our hotel, nearly everyone spoke English, and since our cruise was on Norwegian, communication onboard was easy. As we visited smaller towns, English became less common, but Google Translate was a lifesaver. In South Korea, we relied on it almost exclusively.

Money
I didn’t exchange cash ahead of time, since most places accept credit cards. Both our banks (USAA for checking, Capital One for credit) don’t charge foreign transaction fees, which was a big help. That said, some vendors charged small fees or offered the option to pay in USD or JPY. For street markets and gashapon/claw machines, having yen coins on hand was essential, so I withdrew small amounts from ATMs as needed.

Food for Our Kids
Japan is a food lover’s paradise, and my husband and I were especially excited. Our kids, however, are not the most adventurous eaters. Luckily, they love Korean BBQ, noodles, steak, chicken, and rice, so they did just fine. When we tried restaurants where the options weren’t as kid-friendly, they’d snack on rice, grab sweets from street vendors, and then hit the cruise buffet later. Keeping them fed and happy turned out to be much easier than I expected.

Transportation
Whenever possible, we walked, sometimes logging more than 30,000 steps a day! My kids were troopers. When walking wasn’t an option, we used taxis or trains. The train system in Japan is incredibly sophisticated, though I found it harder to navigate than in some European countries. Still, it was far cheaper than taxis. For example, our 30-minute taxi from the airport to our Tokyo hotel was about $105 USD, whereas a one-hour taxi from the cruise port into Seoul only cost around $40. Taxis in Japan are simply much more expensive due to regulations and operating costs. Even so, they often saved us time and stress, so I don’t regret using them.

Flights
We’re no strangers to long international flights, but comfort matters. I wanted to book with Delta because they’ve consistently been the best for us. For this trip, we upgraded to Delta One, and it was worth every penny. Having lie-flat seats in private cubicles meant most of us actually slept on the flight, which made our first day in Tokyo much more enjoyable.

Everyday Conveniences in Japan

One of the first things that struck us in Japan wasn’t just the temples, neon skylines, or theme parks, it was the everyday conveniences that make travel so smooth. Vending machines are everywhere! On sidewalks, in train stations, tucked into alleys and they sell more than just soda. You can find hot coffee in cans, matcha drinks, soups, ice cream, even umbrellas.

Just as common are 7-Elevens (and Lawsons and FamilyMarts). Forget everything you know about convenience stores back home as these are lifesavers for travelers. They stock fresh meals like onigiri (rice balls), bento boxes, and pastries, along with ATMs that accept international cards. We often grabbed snacks there before heading out or in for the day.

And of course, street vendors and market stalls are woven into the experience offering takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori skewers, bao buns, or whatever local specialty is beloved in that city. For us, these quick stops often became some of the most memorable meals of the trip.

Tokyo Accommodations

Choosing where to stay in Tokyo was surprisingly difficult due to the abundance of neighborhoods and options. I narrowed it down to Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza, ultimately selecting Ginza. It offered a nice mix of shopping and restaurants, was close to some attractions (including a Pokémon Center café), and was less overwhelming than other neighborhoods.

We stayed at the Conrad Tokyo, which was an excellent choice. As Hilton Diamond members, we enjoyed perks and points, and the spacious connecting rooms were perfect for our family. Being able to secure these beforehand is crucial for us. The hotel was quiet, stylish, and conveniently located for walking, taxis, and trains.

Dining and Things to Do in Tokyo

Even with five nights, we barely scratched the surface. Here are a few highlights:

• Shibuya Sky & Crossing – We booked last-minute tickets to Shibuya Sky and enjoyed amazing daytime views of the city. Crossing Shibuya’s famous intersection afterward was chaotic but fun, followed by shopping and dining in the area.
• Pokémon Centers & Café – As collectors, my boys and I loved browsing multiple Pokémon Centers. Prices were far better than in the U.S., and the Café was a fun experience even though the themed food was better in concept than taste.
• Sushi Fukasawa Ginza – Hands down our most memorable meal of the trip. My husband and I slipped into this small sushi spot while wandering the streets of Ginza, and it turned into something magical. The chef was incredibly kind and welcoming to us as we had never done a traditional sushi counter experience before. He even encouraged us to eat the freshly prepared pieces with our hands, as tradition often calls for. Each bite was perfect, and the whole experience felt both intimate and authentic. A reminder that sometimes the best travel moments are the ones you stumble into.
• Yokohama – My uncle actually lives nearby so we spent a day with my him and his family, visiting shopping centers and enjoying a revolving sushi bar. There’s so much more to do in Yokohama, like the Cup of Noodles Museum (where you can customize your own cup of noodles)  and CosmoWorld amusement park, so we’d love to return.
• DisneySea – We opted for DisneySea over Disneyland since it offered unique experiences not found in the U.S. parks. The atmosphere was fantastic, the food was different and fun, and although crowds were intense, using Premier Access helped us skip some of the longest waits. This is something you cannot use until you are in the park, so be prepared to book what you want to ride the most as soon as you get in. Select your top choice first as there are restrictions on the amount you can book at a single time. 

Packing Tips

Here are a few things I would consider bringing. Some I planned for in advance and some I learned we needed while there!

• Comfortable walking shoes. You’ll walk a lot in cities, temples and stations. 
• Small daypack or crossbody bag. Perfect for carrying water, snacks and souvenirs.
• Travel umbrella. Compact and useful in both rain and sun. 
• Portable charger. Long sightseeing days drain phone batteries quick.
• Portable fan. A small handheld fan was a lifesaver on the hot days of walking around tours or markets.
• Universal travel adapter. Japan uses Type A/B plugs (same as the US) but a universal adapter is helpful to have on hand just in case. Plus most of them offer many plugs so you can use several cords. 
• Small coin purse. Helpful for if you are using cash and need to carry yen around for vending machines.
• Hand wipes & tissues. Some public restrooms don’t provide paper towels. 
• Ziploc/reusable sealable bags. These are helpful to place messy trash in and carry in your bag as trash bins are extremely rare to find. 

The 11-Night Norwegian Cruise

We’d never cruised with Norwegian before, so I was curious how it would compare. We sailed on the Norwegian Spirit, which is smaller and older than the ships we’re used to, and it lacked a dedicated kids club for our youngest son. Still, we found plenty of entertainment and were impressed with the food. Flexible dining (no fixed times or restaurants) was a huge plus.

We also purchased the “More at Sea” package, which gave us specialty dining credits, shore excursion credits, and beverage packages. Well worth it! Where the cruise fell short was in service. Staff weren’t as warm or personable as we’ve experienced on other lines, which left the experience feeling less welcoming overall.

Ports of Call – Highlights

• Shimizu (Mt. Fuji Port) – Shimizu is one of the best places to catch views of Mt. Fuji—if the weather cooperates. We visited in summer, and clouds unfortunately blocked the view (a common occurrence). Even without Fuji, the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine was beautiful and we loved the hands-on experience of making our own chopsticks. Tip: If seeing Mt. Fuji is a priority, try visiting in winter or early spring when skies are clearer.
• Nagoya – Known as Japan’s manufacturing hub, Nagoya offers surprisingly vibrant shopping districts. We wandered through Osu Shopping Street, full of quirky shops and food stalls. Don’t miss the ramen here—it was some of the best we had—and yes, there’s also a Pokémon Center for fans. Good to know: Nagoya is less touristy than Tokyo or Kyoto, which makes it easier to explore without huge crowds.
• Kyoto/Kobe (Overnight Stop) – This was one of the highlights of the cruise. Day one we spent at Universal Studios Japan which was highly anticipated by my theme park loving family. The vibe was a great and the park was huge! On day two, we explored Osaka’s lively Dotonbori district, famous for neon signs and street food like okonomiyaki. Back in Kobe, we hiked to the serene Nunobiki Falls. We of course tried authentic Kobe beef while in the area. Tip: The overnight stay was a gift. Plan to divide time between Osaka and Kobe for the best mix of city buzz and nature.
• Kochi – This was our “rest day.” We were too tired to explore much beyond the port, but Kochi is known for its historic castle and Sunday Market if you have energy. 
• Hiroshima – This stop was deeply moving. We visited the tranquil Shukkeien Garden before heading to the Peace Memorial Park & Museum, which documents the devastating impact of the atomic bomb. It’s sobering but incredibly important to see. 
• Sasebo – Sasebo is famous for porcelain, sake, and oddly enough, burgers. We toured a sake brewery and porcelain exhibits, then found some amazing bao and udon in local markets. We skipped the famous Sasebo burgers and I do regret it. Tip: If you’re short on time, skip the porcelain exhibits and head straight for the food scene.
• Nagasaki – Another historic stop. The Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park are heartbreaking but powerful, similar to Hiroshima. Afterward, we enjoyed wandering the local markets and shops. Tip: Don’t miss visiting the Hiroshima AND Nagasaki museums. Both give important perspectives on WWII history.
• Jeju, South Korea – Jeju is nicknamed “the Hawaii of Korea” for its volcanic landscapes and beaches. We explored the Dongmun Fish Market and an underground shopping mall. Our kids weren’t fans of the strong fishy smells, but we balanced it with an incredible Korean BBQ meal. Tip: If traveling with kids, consider choosing an outdoor nature excursion instead of the markets.
• Seoul, South Korea – The ship docks in Incheon, about 90 minutes from Seoul by taxi. The ride was long but worth it to see the Seoul Tower, which gives panoramic views of the sprawling city. We ended the night with another amazing meal. Tip: Decide in advance whether you want to commit to the drive to Seoul or explore Incheon instead.

Conclusion

This trip was everything we had hoped for and more. Japan exceeded every expectation with its culture, food, history, and beauty, and the cruise gave us a way to see multiple cities without constantly repacking. While the pace was exhausting at times, it was worth every step, every train or taxi ride, and every long day.

Traveling with kids, I was worried about food, language, and logistics, but Japan turned out to be more accessible and family-friendly than I imagined. And finishing the trip in South Korea was the perfect bonus! An entirely different culture and experience to round out our adventure.

If I’ve learned anything from this trip, it’s that you’ll never “see it all” in one visit to Japan. Instead, you fall in love with the pieces you do experience and start dreaming about the next trip before you’ve even returned home.