# We'd Go Back

> Honest, first-hand answers for parents who travel far with their kids, and ready-made trip games that work on any phone. No app, no printer, no Wi-Fi needed.

Written by Nina K. Divina, a linguist and writer from Slovenia, from trips she took with her family. Every answer states the month of the visit and the child's age. No hotel reviews, no sponsored praise. All trip games are PDFs made for phones: they work offline, need no app and no printer.

## Answers by destination

- [Japan with kids](https://wedgoback.com/destinations/japan/): Eleven days from Osaka to Tokyo at the end of February: Universal Studios, Himeji Castle, the torii gates of Fushimi Inari, Fuji on a clear morning and the first cherry blossoms in Ueno.
  - [Is it easy to eat in Japan with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/eating-in-japan-with-a-kid.md): Yes. Plastic food in restaurant windows lets kids choose with their eyes, ramen and gyoza are easy wins, sushi can be as simple as salmon and tamago, and convenience stores save tired evenings. Our 9-year-old tried almost everything, from eel sushi to a salmon bowl with raw egg yolk.
  - [How far should you walk at Fushimi Inari with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/fushimi-inari-with-kids-how-far-up.md): Not far. We spent about 35 minutes among the torii gates, walked through the famous Senbon Torii and a bit further, and turned back while our son was still enjoying it. The full loop over the mountain takes two to three hours; with kids, the first part gives you the gates and the photos.
  - [Is a Himeji Castle day trip worth it with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/himeji-castle-day-trip-with-kids.md): Yes. Himeji is about 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka by Shinkansen, the castle is a straight 20-minute walk from the station, and Koko-en garden next door has koi, bamboo and plum trees that kids enjoy. We started late, reached the castle at about 2 pm, and were back in Osaka for dinner.
  - [How many days do you need for a first trip to Japan with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/how-many-days-in-japan-with-kids.md): Eleven days worked for us: seven nights in Osaka with day trips to Himeji and Kyoto, then three nights in Tokyo. For a first trip with kids that includes both Osaka and Tokyo, plan at least ten days. Next time we would give Tokyo one or two more nights.
  - [Is late February or early March a good time to visit Japan with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/japan-in-late-february-with-kids.md): Yes. We traveled from February 24 to March 6 and had cool days, mostly dry weather, plum blossoms in Himeji, the first early cherry blossoms in Tokyo, a clear view of Mount Fuji and Hinamatsuri sweets in the shops. Pack warm layers and an umbrella: we had one rainy day.
  - [Is Japan a good place to travel with a 9-year-old?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/japan-with-a-9-year-old.md): Yes. Nine is a great age for Japan: old enough to walk all day and ride trains like a pro, young enough to be amazed by a vending machine. We spent 11 days there with our son, seven nights in Osaka and three in Tokyo, and planned one big thing per day.
  - [How do you get from Kansai Airport to Osaka with kids and luggage?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/kansai-airport-to-osaka-with-kids.md): We took a taxi, and after a long flight with a tired 9-year-old we would do it again: door to door, no stairs, no changes. It is the most expensive way, because Kansai Airport is far out in the bay. The trains are the cheaper choice and reach central Osaka in under an hour: Nankai to Namba, JR to Tennoji, Osaka Station and Shin-Osaka.
  - [What is a good one-day plan for Tokyo with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/one-perfect-day-in-tokyo-with-a-kid.md): Start at the free observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on a clear morning for Mount Fuji, walk Omoide Yokocho at lunchtime, see Tokyo Tower, spend the afternoon at teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills, and watch Shibuya Crossing from above at dusk. That was our March 5, and our son still calls it the best day of the trip.
  - [Can you stay in Osaka and visit Kyoto and Himeji as day trips with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/osaka-as-a-base-for-kyoto-and-himeji.md): Yes, and it was one of our best decisions. We stayed in Osaka for seven nights and did Himeji and Kyoto as day trips on two days in a row, then had an easy Osaka day. Himeji is about 30 minutes away by Shinkansen and Kyoto is close by train, so there is no need to change hotels.
  - [Can you see Osaka Castle and the Kaiyukan Aquarium in one day with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/osaka-castle-and-kaiyukan-aquarium-in-one-day.md): Yes, it makes a relaxed day. We walked the Osaka Castle grounds for about an hour in the late morning, had lunch and a matcha soft serve, and spent about an hour and a half at Kaiyukan in the afternoon. Both are on the same subway line, the Chuo Line, so the move between them is simple.
  - [Should you start a Japan trip with kids in Osaka or in Tokyo?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/osaka-or-tokyo-first-with-kids.md): We started in Osaka and ended in Tokyo, and we would do it the same way. Osaka is an easier first city after a long flight, Kansai Airport puts you right into it, and Tokyo works well as the big finale. If flights allow, fly into Osaka and home from Tokyo.
  - [Where can you watch Shibuya Crossing from above with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/shibuya-crossing-from-above-with-kids.md): From MAGNET by SHIBUYA109, the building right on the crossing, at dusk. We had dinner on one of its upper floors and watched the crossing go from daylight to neon, from 5:25 to 6:25 pm. Its rooftop, MAG8, is open to visitors, and Shibuya Sky gives a view from much higher.
  - [What should you know about taking the Shinkansen with kids and luggage?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/shinkansen-with-kids-and-luggage.md): Reserve seats so you sit together, and if a suitcase measures more than 160 cm in total (length plus width plus height), book a seat with an oversized baggage area on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines. Kids aged 6 to 11 pay a child fare. Going from Osaka to Tokyo, sit in seat E for the Fuji side.
  - [Is it easy to use trains in Japan with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/trains-in-japan-with-kids.md): Yes, once you know three things: get an IC card for everyone, follow line colors and numbers instead of names, and check the exit number before you leave a station. We used trains and the subway every day in Osaka and Tokyo with our 9-year-old and never needed a car.
  - [What can you do in Ueno, Tokyo, with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/ueno-with-kids-museum-and-cherry-blossoms.md): A lot in a small area. We had a picnic in Ueno Park, saw the giant blue whale outside the National Museum of Nature and Science, went in for the dinosaurs, and found early cherry blossoms already blooming at the park entrance on March 4. Akihabara is a short train ride away for the evening.
  - [Is Universal Studios Japan worth it with a 9-year-old?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/universal-studios-japan-with-a-9-year-old.md): Yes, it was one of the best days of our trip. We went on a Thursday at the end of February, were at the gates before opening, and had an Express Pass for five rides, with Mario Kart and entry to Super Nintendo World included. It made a full day without long waits. Nine is a perfect age: tall enough for most rides and old enough to love Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
  - [What should parents know before traveling to Japan with kids?](https://wedgoback.com/japan/what-i-wish-id-known-before-japan-with-kids.md): Book the timed tickets before you leave, learn to look for exit numbers in stations, keep a few coins for gachapon and vending machines, and carry your trash. Leave room in the plan too: near the end of our trip our flight home changed and we had to rebook.

## Trip games (digital, for phones)

### For families

- [Airport Mode](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/airport-mode/) ($6.99): Turn the wait at the gate into a mission. Pick your time, the kids play until boarding. For: Families with kids at the airport. Use it: At the airport, before boarding.
- [Road Trip Mode](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/road-trip-mode/) ($6.99): Airport Mode for the back seat. Choose how long the drive still is, get missions until you arrive. For: Families on long drives. Use it: In the car.
- [Kids Take Over](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/kids-take-over/) ($9.99): Today the kids are in charge. One day of missions where your child leads the family. For: Families with kids aged 7 to 12. Use it: Any day of the trip, best on day three.

### For couples

- [36 Questions, but on Holiday](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/36-questions/) ($9.99): Seven evenings, five questions each, written for two people who are somewhere else together. For: Couples, with or without the kids on the trip. Use it: Evenings, once the kids are asleep.

### For any trip

- [The Holiday Deck](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/holiday-deck/) ($9.99): 150 cards to play during the trip: play, talk, notice, chaos, photo and dare. For: Families, couples and friends. Use it: Anywhere on the trip: by the pool, at dinner, on the train.

### The Memory Collection

- [The 100 Moments](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/100-moments/) ($9.99): 100 travel moments worth collecting. Scratch the gold ticket, get the stamp in your passport. For: Anyone who travels. Use it: The whole trip.
- [Don't Come Home Without](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/dont-come-home-without/) ($7.99): 50 things you cannot buy in a shop, to pack before you fly home. For: Families and couples. Use it: The whole trip.
- [One a Day](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/one-a-day/) ($4.99): One small ritual for each of 14 days. A sun rises on your calendar every time. For: Families and couples. Use it: Every day of the trip.
- [Memory Collector](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/memory-collector/) ($7.99): 40 photos to take, in the order the trip happens, from the suitcases by the door to the first thing at home. For: Anyone with a phone camera. Use it: The whole trip.

### Travel bingos

- [Airport Bingo](https://wedgoback.com/free-airport-bingo/) (Free): Bingo for the airport, played on the phone. No printer needed. For: Kids 3 to 12. Use it: At the airport.
- [Car Bingo](https://wedgoback.com/free-car-bingo/) (Free): Spot a tractor, a tunnel and a foreign number plate. Bingo for the back seat. For: Kids 3 to 12. Use it: In the car.
- [Restaurant Bingo](https://wedgoback.com/free-restaurant-bingo/) (Free): For the wait between ordering and eating, the longest minutes of any holiday. For: Kids 3 to 12. Use it: Waiting for food.
- [Plane Bingo](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/plane-bingo/) ($3.99): Bingo for the flight itself, from the window and the aisle. For: Kids 3 to 12. Use it: On the plane.
- [Beach Bingo](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/beach-bingo/) ($3.99): Bingo for a day on the sand. For: Kids 3 to 12. Use it: At the beach.
- [City Walk Bingo](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/city-walk-bingo/) ($3.99): Bingo for walking an old town without "are we there yet". For: Kids 3 to 12. Use it: Walking a city.
- [Hotel Bingo](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/hotel-bingo/) ($3.99): Bingo for the hotel: lobby, elevator, breakfast and pool. For: Kids 3 to 12. Use it: At the hotel.
- [Train Bingo](https://wedgoback.com/trip-games/train-bingo/) ($3.99): Bingo for the view from a train window. For: Kids 3 to 12. Use it: On the train.

## About

- [Who we are](https://wedgoback.com/about/): the family behind the site
- [How we write](https://wedgoback.com/how-we-write/): first-hand method and how AI is used
- [All answers in one file](https://wedgoback.com/llms-full.txt)

## Optional

- [Affiliate disclosure](https://wedgoback.com/disclosure/)
- Contact: hello@wedgoback.com