We're going to Japan for 10 days (ok, it's really 9 with the travel day). We really wish we could travel longer, but this is what we can manage. So we'll mostly be sticking to Tokyo and Kyoto. It's our first trip to Japan, so everything will be new to us. We are a family of 4 with a 10 and 14 year old. We don't want to over-plan or exhaust ourselves and have time to explore, so any input would be appreciated. Also, we're all rather nerdy (video games, anime, tech), so any super cool shops, or small quirky stops along our route would be appreciated. We heard the Robot restaurant is closed and the Ghibli Museum seems impossible as well. I personally would love to visit an Onsen but suspect I would go on my own as my kids aren't comfortable with it, something small on our route in Kyoto? Thank you so much for your input and kind suggestions!

November 20 - flying

November 21- Land in Tokyo early afternoon, get to hotel (Shinjuku), explore, eat, go to bed

November 22 - (jet lag will be real) explore Shibuya, Harajuku (Meiji Shrine), Shinjuku

November 23 - More exploring/shopping: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

November 24 - Visit the Imperial Palace and Akihabara - Or go to Mt. Fuji?

November 25 - Shinkansen to Kyoto - Staying at a Ryokan - Explore Gion & Southern Higashiyama

November 26 - Kyoto (staying in a Machiya) - Fushimi Inari & Nishiki Market

November 27 - Kyoto - Day trip to Nara or Osaka? Is this practical? Or is our time best in Kyoto?

November 28 - Kyoto - Kinkakuji Temple or perhaps some quieter temples

November 29 - Back to Tokyo... I'd love to catch Tokyo National Museum but likely too much

November 30 - Fly home mid-day