Japan delights families with neon cities, timeless temples, and seasonal beauty. In early April, cherry blossoms dust parks and rivers in soft pink—perfect timing for your arrival on April 1 and departure on April 12. This plan weaves sakura strolling with blockbuster theme parks and easy trains, keeping logistics light for traveling with a 6-year-old.

Tokyo anchors your first days: Asakusa’s old-town lanes, kid-pleasing ramen, Ueno Park’s blossoms, and gentle fun like a river cruise or digital art at teamLab Planets. From April 5–8, you’re based at Tokyo Disney Resort: April 6 for Disneyland, April 7 for DisneySea, and April 8 checkout.

Then ride the Shinkansen to Osaka for Universal Studios Japan and a Kyoto/Nara day tour. We’ve balanced busy park days with relaxed, stroller-friendly sightseeing, included mid-range hotel options, and added parent-approved food stops that kids enjoy too.

Tokyo

Days 1–4: Arrival, Cherry Blossoms, and Kid-Friendly Tokyo

Arrive at Narita on April 1 at 5 PM. With luggage and a child, the simplest rides into the city are the Narita Express (to Tokyo/Shinjuku; ~60–90 min, ~¥3,200 adult), the Keisei Skyliner (to Ueno; ~41 min, ~¥2,570), or a prebooked car.

• Airport transfer options:
  • Book trains on Trip.com Trains (search Narita Airport to Tokyo/Shinjuku/Ueno).
  • Private car for 3 with meet & greet: Narita Airport(NRT) Private Transfer To/From Tokyo—ideal if you’re jet-lagged and have larger bags.
  • For flights to/from Japan, compare on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights.
• Cherry blossoms (early April highlights):
  • Shinjuku Gyoen: Paved paths, lawns for picnics, and many late-blooming varieties—great with kids.
  • Ueno Park: Lively festival feel, rowboats at Shinobazu Pond, and the zoo if attention spans waver.
  • Chidorigafuchi Moat: Iconic moat-side blossoms with rental boats; arrive early to avoid queues.
  • Meguro River: Lantern-lit evenings—go right after an early dinner for a calmer stroll.
• Kid-easy Tokyo fun:
  • Asakusa & Senso-ji: Grab fresh melonpan at Kagetsudo and peek at crafts on Nakamise Street.
  • Sumida River cruise to Hamarikyu Gardens—flat paths and tea-house rest stops.
  • teamLab Planets (Toyosu): Walk-through digital art and water rooms; bring quick-dry socks.
  • Odaiba: Statue of Liberty replica, seaside promenade, and playgrounds for energy to burn.

Guided and cultural picks (family-friendly):

• Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide—set pace for a 6-year-old, choose sights, skip lines where possible.

  

• Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show & Experience—interactive and photogenic; kids love the spectacle and learning about Japan’s national sport.

  

• Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko 1-Day Bus Tour—a low-effort, high-reward day trip with lake views, ropeways, and short walks.

  

Where to stay (early nights in Tokyo): For mid-range, family-friendly rooms near transport, check: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (pool in summer; great Shinjuku base), Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Godzilla head thrills kids), Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (excellent value). Browse more on Hotels.com Tokyo or apartment-style stays on VRBO Tokyo.

Food breaks kids actually eat: Try Afuri (yuzu-shio ramen, mild and citrusy), Uobei/Genki Sushi (conveyor sushi that’s fun to “order” by tablet), Tendon Tenya (tempura bowls), Tsukiji Outer Market for tamagoyaki sticks, and Harajuku crepes for a sweet treat. For a treat-yourself evening, book a small-plates crawl in Omoide Yokocho only if your child can handle narrow alleys and smoke—otherwise opt for J.S. Pancake or bills Omotesando.

Days 5–7: Tokyo Disney Resort (stay April 5–8; Disneyland on Apr 6, DisneySea on Apr 7)

Move to a Disney-area hotel on April 5. For mid-budget comfort steps from the monorail, book Hilton Tokyo Bay. You’ll check in April 5 for 3 nights and check out April 8.

• April 6 – Tokyo Disneyland: Focus on Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, and classic parades. Use Priority Pass/paid Premier Access strategically; arrive before gates open.
• April 7 – Tokyo DisneySea: Journey to the Center of the Earth and Toy Story Mania are headliners; spend downtime in Mermaid Lagoon (indoor, playful, perfect for a 6-year-old).
• Dining inside parks: Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall (whimsical, kid-pleasing plates), Ristorante di Canaletto (calmer sit-down at DisneySea), and popcorn carts with rotating flavors (soy sauce-butter is a crowd favorite).

Easy eats near the resort: Ikspiari mall has Cheesecake Factory-style menus, Sen-Ryo (sushi), and bakeries for early breakfasts. Back at Hilton, a big buffet helps reset after long park days.

Osaka (with Kyoto & Nara Day Trip)

Days 8–10: Osaka Base, Universal Studios Japan, and Kyoto/Nara

Apr 8: Check out of Disney hotel and ride the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka (2 hr 30 min on Nozomi; ~¥14,500–¥15,500 adult reserved; kids 6–11 half fare). Book seats on Trip.com Trains. Tip: If you prefer to fly, compare Haneda–Itami/Kansai on Kiwi.com.

Where to stay in Osaka (family options): For maximum convenience to USJ, choose Hotel Universal Port or Universal Bay Condominium (apartment-style). For city-center access, consider Swissotel Nankai Osaka (direct over Nankai Namba) or value-friendly Hotel Sunroute Osaka Namba.

• Universal Studios Japan (USJ): Plan one full day. Enter early, join the app queue for timed/Area Entry to Super Nintendo World, and consider one Express Pass if budget allows to ease waits. Kid winners: Minion Park, Universal Wonderland, and the Power-Up Band games in Nintendo World.
• Kyoto & Nara in a day: If you’d rather not navigate on your own, this guided option covers the must-sees with efficient transport:
  • From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour—see Fushimi Inari’s vermilion gates, Kiyomizu-dera views, and bowing deer in Nara Park (kids adore feeding them—buy the official deer crackers).

    

  • Want a hands-on snack break? Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto—mix, roll, and slurp your own noodles; great for kids who like to help in the kitchen.

    

• DIY transport notes: Osaka–Kyoto is ~30 minutes by JR Special Rapid from Osaka Station, ~15 minutes by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto. Osaka–Nara is ~45–50 minutes by Kintetsu or JR. Load a Welcome Suica/PASMO for taps.

Osaka eats (kid-friendly and tasty): Near USJ, try Popover for fluffy sandwiches or Eggs ’n Things. In Namba/Dotonbori, hit Creo-ru for takoyaki (ask for less sauce for kids), Mizuno for okonomiyaki (they’ll adjust cabbage/meat), and Hanamaruken for mellow ramen. For parents after bedtime, consider a guided snack crawl: Osaka Food Tour: 13 Dishes at 5 Local Eateries.

Kyoto (as a Day Trip)

What to See with Kids

Kyoto’s calm paths and photogenic shrines pair well with Osaka’s energy. For short attention spans, stick to 2–3 stops: Fushimi Inari (walk the first torii sections), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove with the riverside park and monkey park views (skip the climb if it’s crowded), and Maruyama Park if cherry blossoms linger.

Breaks and bites: Nishiki Market for skewers (beef, chicken, mochi), Iyemon Salon for tea and light sets, Musashi Sushi for conveyor-belt fun.

Optional Kyoto stays (if you decide to overnight): Browse Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya (value), Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (quiet, elegant), or Piece Hostel Sanjo (budget with private rooms). See more on Hotels.com Kyoto or VRBO Kyoto.

Getting Back to Tokyo for Departure (Day 11)

Travel back to Tokyo on April 11 evening to simplify your April 12, 5 PM departure. Osaka/Shin-Osaka to Tokyo on Nozomi takes ~2 hr 30 min (~¥14,500–¥15,500 adult). Reserve on Trip.com Trains. Consider staying near Tokyo Station or at an airport hotel if you prefer a relaxed final morning.

Final-Morning Tips (April 12)

• Narita Express from Tokyo Station is ~60 min. Book on Trip.com Trains or prebook a return car via the same private transfer.
• Use a luggage-forwarding service the night before to travel light with your child; pack a small day bag with snacks and spare clothes.

Where to Sleep on the Last Night (Tokyo)

If you want one more central night, consider Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku for quick rail access. Search broadly on Hotels.com Tokyo or apartment-style VRBO Tokyo.

Budget & Practical Notes

• Budget level ~50/100: Mix mid-range city hotels with one condo-style stay; choose one paid Express Pass day (USJ) and rely on early entry and smart routing at Disney.
• IC cards: Get Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport for tap-and-go on trains and buses (kids cards available with discounts).
• Food costs: Bento and onigiri breakfasts from convenience stores, noodle lunches (~¥900–¥1,400), and one sit-down dinner (~¥1,500–¥2,500 per adult) keep costs predictable.
• Stroller: Compact travel strollers work well; stations have elevators, though some older spots require short stair carries.

Optional Add-Ons (if you have extra energy)

• Tokyo evening eats: Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes at 4 Eateries)—great for adventurous families; guides can adjust spice and portion sizes.

  

Your Date-Specific Plan at a Glance

• Apr 1: Arrive Narita 5 PM → hotel in Tokyo.
• Apr 2–4: Tokyo cherry blossoms + family sights; optional Sumo show or Fuji day trip.
• Apr 5–7: Stay at Disney Resort; Apr 6 Disneyland; Apr 7 DisneySea.
• Apr 8: Checkout → Shinkansen to Osaka; settle near USJ or in Namba.
• Apr 9: Kyoto & Nara day tour (or DIY Kyoto).
• Apr 10: Universal Studios Japan.
• Apr 11: Shinkansen back to Tokyo; last bites and souvenir run.
• Apr 12: Narita by train or car for 5 PM flight.

This family-first itinerary pairs early April sakura with theme-park days paced for a six-year-old and stress-saving hotel and train choices. You’ll head home with Nintendo wristband stamps, Disney photos, and those dreamlike memories of pink petals drifting over rivers and temples.