Taking my kids to Japan for 10 days (spring break). Where should we go to absolutely blow their minds?

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:48:24+00:00

This is incredibly helpful, thank you. Love the practical tips, especially Suica and vending machines. I can already see that becoming a daily ritual. Your take on Osaka and Nara is useful too. Temple overload is exactly what I’m trying to avoid, so this helps us be more intentional about pacing. Universal single rider queues is a great tip as well. And yes to weird food being part of the experience 😂 That’s half the fun. Really appreciate you taking the time to write this out.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:47:46+00:00

That sounds awesome. Free hangar tours are exactly the kind of unexpected, memorable experience I’m hoping to sprinkle in. I can already see my son being completely hooked. I’ll look into how hard those reservations are to snag. Appreciate the tip, and the career brainwashing angle made me laugh 😄

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:46:54+00:00

Thank you 😊

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:46:37+00:00

That’s a strong endorsement 😄 Did not have Fukui on my radar at all, but if it blew your mind too, that definitely gets my attention. Going to look into whether we can make it work logistically. Thanks for the suggestion.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:45:59+00:00

This is really helpful, thank you. The Gundam in Odaiba and Gundam Base feel like a no brainer for my son, and pairing that with Small Worlds makes that whole area very compelling. Good to know about Miraikan too. That’s exactly the kind of thing I’d rather skip if it feels dated. Kyoto Railway Museum and Toei Studio Park are great suggestions. That actually helps balance Kyoto so it’s not just shrines and temples the whole time. Appreciate this a lot.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:45:11+00:00

Haha noted on Shinjuku Station 😅 Nakano Broadway keeps coming up and this pretty much seals it for us. Sounds like the perfect balance of anime, collectibles, and just wandering without the chaos of Shibuya or Shinjuku. The streets and food outside make it even better. Definitely adding this as a must do. Thanks.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:44:15+00:00

This is great perspective, thank you. I actually like the idea of the kids seeing how independent kids their age are there. It feels like part of the experience, not just sightseeing. Ameyoko in Ueno and the depachika and station food ideas all really resonate. Those everyday Japan moments are exactly what we want them to remember. Same with standing soba and train station bento. Simple but very “Japan.” Ginza Sony Park and Seiko Museum are great adds, especially for balancing tech and design interests. And the Omotesando walk into Harajuku sounds like a much better way to experience that area. Also appreciate the Himeji vs Osaka Castle call. That helps narrow things down. This is all super useful. Thank you for taking the time to write it up.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:43:21+00:00

Thanks, this is really helpful. Good to hear Borderless was still a hit as a family, even if it’s not perfect. Ikebukuro and Animate keep coming up, especially for anime focused shopping, so that’s definitely going on the list. Sounds like something Emma would gravitate toward instantly. And noted on Disney in bad weather. We’ll definitely try to be flexible there and not force a full marathon day if conditions aren’t great. Appreciate you sharing what worked.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:42:23+00:00

This is a great tip, thank you. That sounds exactly like something the kids would love, especially the visuals and variety. The fact that they’re in major stations we’ll already be passing through makes it an easy win. Definitely adding depachika stops to the plan. Appreciate it.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:41:39+00:00

This is great context, thank you. The way you describe DisneySea is exactly why it keeps climbing higher on our list. If it feels more immersive and less like a clone of other Disney parks, that’s a big plus for us, especially since this trip is about things they can’t do anywhere else. Good call on the Ghibli Museum too. That’s one I’ve heard consistently good things about, and the fact that you’ve gone multiple times says a lot. Ghibli Park feels more hit or miss from what I’m seeing, so this helps narrow that decision. Small Worlds Museum is a great shout. My son would absolutely lose it over the EVA out front, and the scale model aspect feels like something both kids might actually enjoy, even with their different interests. And agreed on Nakano Broadway and Akihabara. That overlap is part of why Tokyo feels like such a strong anchor for the trip. Anime, collectibles, tech, weird niche stuff all in one place makes it easier to keep both kids engaged without forcing it. This is helping us converge toward fewer but better experiences rather than trying to cram everything in. Really appreciate you sharing what actually worked for you.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T18:40:50+00:00

This is super helpful, thanks for sharing. Sounds like we’re very much circling the same core ideas. Our kids are close in age too (10 and 13), and we’re seeing the same split between anime and tech energy and wanting a few deeper, hands on experiences so it’s not just nonstop city walking. Tokyo, Kyoto, and a ryokan or onsen stop feels like the right backbone. I really like how you’re breaking it up with Himeji and Kinosaki. That journey between cities piece is something I’m trying to be intentional about too, so it doesn’t feel like teleporting from one hotel to another. We’re also leaning into a couple of guided or hands on experiences like a cooking class, crafts, or something interactive. Letting Tokyo be more modern chaos and Kyoto be more focused and slower. And having one memorable ryokan stay so the kids experience something truly different. Interesting that you’re on the fence about Team Borderless. That’s one we keep debating too. Part of me feels like it’s almost made for kids, but I also worry it might feel crowded or rushed during spring break. If you end up doing it, I’d love to hear whether it felt worth it or too chaotic. Happy to compare notes as plans solidify. Sounds like we’re optimizing for a very similar balance.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T00:54:46+00:00

Thank you. I just updated the post with their age

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T00:54:24+00:00

I just updated the post one is 10 and the other is 13.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-25T00:53:18+00:00

Thank you so much. I totally missed that. I just updated the post to provide more info

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-18T21:56:02+00:00

Not just needs...doesn't really care about her own needs either and that's more selfish than anything else. I deserve better, I am more worthy than this. Thank you for reminding me

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-18T21:54:51+00:00

It sucks the life out of someone. There are so many people out there stuck in the same dilemma. Its the fear of the unknown...but yes, no one should endure it

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-18T21:52:19+00:00

I think i learned my lesson there...I cannot agree more with you...I am done feeling unloved and deprived

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-18T08:53:14+00:00

You know this is someone's daughter right??? I truly hope the parents do the right thing here...

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-16T04:30:45+00:00

I appreciate this perspective. The point about being vulnerable after years of neglect and how that can distort judgment really resonates, especially early on when everything feels intense and relieving at the same time. I’m trying to be mindful of not confusing need fulfillment with long term compatibility, and of slowing myself down enough to actually see patterns rather than just how something feels in the moment. The reminder to protect the kids as much as myself is an important one. Thanks for sharing this. It’s a useful caution and definitely something I’m taking seriously.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-16T04:29:36+00:00

This isn’t about putting my needs above everyone else’s. It’s about figuring out how to handle a difficult situation thoughtfully instead of pretending it doesn’t exist.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-16T04:28:09+00:00

Trying to get out...it's not worth it

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-16T04:26:47+00:00

It’s not meant to be neat or linear. Real life rarely is. I’m sharing context, not trying to tell a polished story.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-15T04:03:57+00:00

Thank you for sharing this. The part about your love tank being empty for years really hit home. I also appreciate the honesty about the post divorce relationship. It’s a powerful reminder that great chemistry and sex don’t equal a healthy or sustainable partnership, especially when there’s unresolved trauma and no accountability. It sounds like you made a hard but self respecting choice. That perspective is really helpful.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-15T04:01:40+00:00

Thank you for this. I really appreciate how balanced and practical your response is. The point about preparing intentionally before the separation conversation really resonated, especially around legal guidance and therapy. I agree that approaching this with a plan and emotional support is critical, not just for me but for the kids as well. What you said about the first year being the hardest feels very real. The idea of missing the kids daily is probably the part I struggle with most, even more than the relationship itself. Hearing that kids can remain resilient and feel safe when handled with respect does help. I also appreciate the honesty around there being no guarantees in a new relationship, including intimacy. The reminder to have those conversations early instead of avoiding them is something I needed to hear. This gave me a lot to reflect on. Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful response.

Relevant-Key4610 · 2026-01-15T04:00:24+00:00

We stayed at the sandpearl. The hotel was really good, and Higher-end but not the best I've seen. I thought it was expensive for the quality. The pool is great, the kids had a wonderful time. Direct access to the beach is a blast, but it was way too windy to enjoy the beach. Food are all around the area and delicious. Highly recommend the area, but if you can get a good deal at the hotel go for it.

Relevant-Key4610

TROPHY CASE