Japan is a country of amazing contrasts, where high technology coexists with ancient traditions. Traveling here requires careful planning, especially if you are going on a trip with the whole family and a small child. In this article, we will analyze the entire process step by step: from obtaining a visa to booking shinkansens and buying tickets to amusement parks.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (JPY) | Estimated Cost (IDR) |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Visa Processing | Depends on type and citizenship | Specified upon application |
| IC card starting balance | 5,000 JPY | About 530,000 IDR |
| Withdrawal limit at 7/11 ATMs | Up to 140,000 JPY per day | About 15,000,000 IDR |
| Bills for daily expenses | 1,000 JPY | About 106,000 IDR |
Processing Details for Foreign Citizens (WNA)
Foreign citizens residing in Indonesia (including KITAS holders) are required to obtain a standard tourist visa to Japan. The process is quite simple and is the most inexpensive step in the entire journey. The main thing is to properly prepare the itinerary and documents.
JAVES Visa Exemption for Indonesian Citizens (WNI)
Indonesian citizens holding e-passports can use the JAVES system and get a visa exemption. This greatly simplifies preparation for the trip. You can find all the rules and apply for a Japan visa on our official country page.
When developing our Japan itinerary, we considered
- Energy optimization: Choosing hotels with breakfast included allows you to start the day without wasting time looking for food.
- Balance of impressions: The route captures modern metropolises, historical locations, and the natural beauty of Mount Fuji.
- Family comfort: Thoughtful transfers, tips on renting a stroller, and using storage lockers make traveling with a four-year-old child as comfortable as possible.
Process: Step-by-Step Japan Travel Plan
Step 1. Tickets and Flights
Our route starts with a Bali – Osaka flight and ends with a Tokyo – Bali return trip. Searching for and purchasing airline tickets is most convenient through the Trip.Com platform. Direct links to our destinations:
Step 2. Communication and Internet
The Internet is vital in a foreign country. In Japan, without a connection, you will not be able to open a dynamic QR code to board a bus, build a route, or translate signs. At the airport, you can find Sakura Mobile vending machines offering unlimited physical SIM cards, but their cost is quite high.
We recommend using an eSIM from Airalo, which has proven itself excellent in other countries. It is better to remove your home SIM card from the phone at the same time to avoid accidental charges. However, as a backup option for the main device, you can activate a roaming package from Telkomsel.
Step 3. Money and Payment
Despite the development of technology, Japan still loves cash. At the same time, a convenient feature is available to tourists from Indonesia: payment via Indonesian banking applications using QRIS works in many places in Japan, which allows you to take out Visa or Mastercard cards less often.
It is most profitable to withdraw cash yen at 7/11 store ATMs. Japanese ATMs allow you to withdraw large amounts at once, but it all depends on the limits of your bank (for example, CIMB Niaga has a limit of up to 15 million rupiahs per day). Avoid the constant use of 10,000 yen bills (about 1 million Indonesian rupiahs), as they are not convenient to exchange everywhere. Try to carry 1,000 yen banknotes with you and get a separate coin purse, as change is often given in coins.
Safety tip: distribute cash and cards in different wallets. If one wallet is left in the hotel or lost in a new city, you will not be left without funds.
Step 4. City Transport
For subway and bus rides, you will need IC transport cards. At first, it is enough to top them up with 5,000 yen. To order a transfer from the airport to the hotel, you can use the KiwiTaxi service.
Step 5. Choosing Hotels: Osaka, Kyoto, Kawaguchiko, Tokyo
Our philosophy: a hotel must provide a high-quality breakfast. Finding food in stores in the morning takes time and does not give the necessary boost of energy. After a hearty breakfast, you can immediately go sightseeing. You will also be able to grab a bite in convenience stores during the day. We book all hotels through Trip.Com.
- Osaka: Namba Oriental Hotel. Twin Room, 23 sq.m. Check-in on March 14, 2026 after 15:00, check-out on March 16 before 11:00.
- Kyoto: Ibis Styles Kyoto Station. Twin Room, 17 sq.m. Check-in on March 16, 2026 14:00-00:00, check-out on March 21 before 11:00.
- Kawaguchiko (Mount Fuji): KAINOSATO. 36 sq.m. apartment with mountain view. Check-in on March 21 16:00-20:00, check-out on March 22 05:00-10:00. Prices here are higher due to the huge demand for housing with a view of the volcano.
- Tokyo: Super Hotel JR Ueno Iriyaguchi. 12 sq.m. room (1 double bed and 1 single bed). Check-in on March 22 15:00-00:00, check-out on March 25 07:00-10:00.
Step 6. Logistics: From Kyoto to Mount Fuji (March 21, 2026)
On this day, sunset is expected at 17:57. The route is divided into two stages.
First, we use the legendary Shinkansen high-speed train, departing from Kyoto Station at 07:51 and arriving at Mishima Station at 09:57. Tickets can be issued on the official website or bought on Klook. Instructions for obtaining tickets: by QR code and at the ticket offices. We also recommend watching a video guide.
In Mishima, we will have a buffer of 38 minutes. This is the ideal time for the family to find the South Exit, take the child to the toilet, and buy water or snacks. At 10:35 from platform 2, the Mishima-Kawaguchiko Liner bus departs, which will arrive at Kawaguchiko Station at 12:05.
You can check the bus schedule here, and book seats via the Sekitori platform (direct link for route booking).
Upon arrival at Kawaguchiko Station, luggage can be left in special automatic storage lockers, after which you can go for a walk and to the viewpoints. Check-in to the apartment is planned closer to 16:00.
Step 7. Logistics: From Mount Fuji to Tokyo (March 22, 2026)
For moving to Tokyo (Shinjuku Station), it is best to use the Limited Express FUJI EXCURSION train. In this train, absolutely all seats require advance reservation. Tickets are sold on the JR-EAST Train Reservation website, on the carrier’s website, or through the Klook service.
On the JR-EAST website, select Purchase tickets, specify the Kawaguchiko – Shinjuku route for March 22 for two adults and one child. When buying, choose a fare that includes the basic travel cost if you do not have an IC card, otherwise the difference will be deducted from your transport card at the exit.
Step 8. Entertainment and Excursions
Trips to Japan always fall on weekends or holidays, so it is worth planning the most popular locations on weekdays to avoid crowds. Be sure to check the cherry blossom forecast.
It is better to buy tickets to amusement parks in advance. For example, tickets to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka are available via the link. Additional entertainment for Osaka (Kaiyukan Aquarium), Kyoto (Arashiyama Forest), and Tokyo (teamLab, Disneyland) can also be found on Klook.
Step 9. Shopping and Marketplaces
Japan is famous for its quality goods: from knives and rice cookers to electronics. To save time, you can use online shopping with delivery straight to the hotel. Install the Amazon Japan app before departure, enter the hotel addresses, and be sure to specify your check-in dates in the notes.
Lifehack: activate the Amazon Prime subscription and cancel it immediately. You will get a whole month of free and fast delivery. You can order warm clothes, diapers, souvenirs, and snacks. The second most popular site is Rakuten. If your Android device does not have a Japanese profile, the app might not download, in which case use the web version of the site.
Step 10. Weather, Clothing, and Useful Tips
In March, the weather in Japan is changeable. While it can be hot in Tokyo and Osaka, there is still snow in the Mount Fuji area, and night temperatures drop to zero. The key to comfort is layered clothing. Take things that are easy to take off during the day and put on in the evening, as well as a few pairs of comfortable shoes, as you will have to walk a lot.
If you are traveling with a small child, a stroller is a must. Finding a rental on the spot can be difficult due to the language barrier, so it is better to bring a stroller with you or order one on Amazon with delivery to the first hotel.
If you encounter incomprehensible interfaces on ticket vending machines or Japanese websites, feel free to use artificial intelligence technologies. It is enough to take a photo of the screen and upload it to ChatGPT or Gemini with the question of what to press next. This will save a lot of time and nerves.