πŸ“‹ Reminders

Orange County β†’ en route to Taipei
2:25 PM
πŸš† Depart for LAX
🚌 2:25 PM · Drive (Scott) ·~1 hr

First leg of the journey β€” heading to LAX to catch the overnight flight to Taipei.

6:45 PM
✈️ Fly to Taipei (Group 1)

Steve and the grandparents fly overnight from LAX through San Francisco, landing in Taipei the next morning.

Recommendations
πŸ‘€
Tony LinFuhang Soy Milk (ι˜œζ­θ±†ζΌΏ)

"Must try the salty soy milk!"

πŸ“ Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108θ™Ÿ2樓, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

Orange County, CA
✈️ Group 1 Flight: SFO -> TPE

Connecting flight from San Francisco continues on to Taipei β€” Group 1 lands the morning of July 1.

πŸ“‹ Reminders

  • Verify T-Mobile international text/data is working.
  • Buy EasyCards for MRT, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines.
  • Initial load recommendation: NT$500-1,000 per person. Reload as needed.
Taipei, Taiwan
4:05 AM
✈️ Land in Taipei (TPE)

Touchdown in Taiwan! Taoyuan International Airport is about an hour outside central Taipei.

5:00 AM
πŸš† Airport β†’ Hotel Transfer
🚌 5:00 AM · MRT (or Uber/taxi) ·~1 hr

Quick hop from the airport into the city β€” first stop, the hotel near Shilin Night Market.

6:00 AM
🏨 Early Check-In: MCU Hotel

Early arrival at our home base in Taipei, just a few minutes from Shilin Night Market.

Recommendations
πŸ‘€
Tony LinFuhang Soy Milk (ι˜œζ­θ±†ζΌΏ)

"Must try the salty soy milk!"

πŸ“ Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108θ™Ÿ2樓, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

πŸ“‹ Reminders

Orange County β†’ en route to Taipei
7:00 AM
πŸ›οΈ Uber to SNA Airport
🚌 7:00 AM · Uber ·~30 min

Group 2's turn β€” heading to SNA to start the second wave of flights to Taipei.

9:45 AM
✈️ Fly to Taipei (Group 2)

Scott's family and Angie's family fly together from SNA through San Francisco to Taipei.

Recommendations
πŸ‘€
Tony LinFuhang Soy Milk (ι˜œζ­θ±†ζΌΏ)

"Must try the salty soy milk!"

πŸ“ Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108θ™Ÿ2樓, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

πŸ“‹ Reminders

  • Verify T-Mobile international text/data is working.
  • At TPE, buy EasyCards. Initial load: NT$500-1,000 per person.
  • Recommended transfer: taxi/Uber directly to hotel, about 1 hour, roughly $40.
Taipei, Taiwan
6:45 PM
πŸ›οΈ Land in Taipei (TPE)

Group 2 lands in Taiwan! Same airport, about an hour from the hotel.

7:45 PM
πŸš† Airport β†’ Hotel Transfer
🚌 7:45 PM · Taxi/Uber

Last leg before the hotel β€” into the city to join the rest of the family.

🏨 Check In: MCU Hotel

Everyone's together now β€” Scott checks into his own room at the same hotel.

Recommendations
πŸ‘€
Tony LinFuhang Soy Milk (ι˜œζ­θ±†ζΌΏ)

"Must try the salty soy milk!"

πŸ“ Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108θ™Ÿ2樓, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan
πŸ›οΈ Breakfast Before Lunch

Keep it light this morning β€” a big family lunch is coming up at Jia Yan Taiwanese Restaurant.

πŸ›οΈ Dihua Street Shopping

Historic Taipei shopping street known for homewares, dry goods, and old-world atmosphere β€” a nice optional stop if there's time.

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
🍜 Family Lunch: Jia Yan

Big family lunch with Mom's side of the family β€” a special multi-generational meal together in Taipei.

πŸ›οΈ Ximending Walking Street

Lively pedestrian shopping street full of youth culture, street food, and shops like Don Don Donki β€” fun if there's time after lunch.

πŸ›οΈ Chiang Kai-shek Memorial

Grand memorial hall and Liberty Square β€” worth timing a visit around the changing of the guard ceremony if it fits.

4:00 - 5:00 PM
πŸ›οΈ Capybara Cafe

Up-close time with capybaras β€” a fun, low-key stop for kids.

πŸ›οΈ Costco on the way back??

A possible stop on the way back to the hotel β€” still TBD.

πŸ›οΈ Evening Dinner Options

A few night-market dinner options to pick from depending on energy and location β€” Shilin is the easy default since it's right by the hotel.

Recommendations
πŸ‘€
Tony LinFuhang Soy Milk (ι˜œζ­θ±†ζΌΏ)

"Must try the salty soy milk!"

πŸ“ Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108θ™Ÿ2樓, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan
9:00-10:00
🍜 Breakfast Before Church

Quick breakfast before church β€” plan to leave by 10:00 AM.

11:00 AM
πŸ›οΈ Sunday Worship Service

Family worship service at (Taipei International Church)[https://www.calvarytaipei.com/], recommended by Margaret β€” about 10 minutes by taxi from the hotel.

12:30 PM
🍜 Lunch at Miramar Food Court

Casual food court lunch at Miramar Entertainment Center β€” easy variety so everyone can pick their own thing.

2:00-4:00
πŸ›οΈ MUJI & Glass Workshop

Browse the MUJI Miramar flagship store, then try a hands-on glass-blowing workshop at Spring Pool Glass Studio β€” others can shop nearby or ride the rooftop Ferris wheel.

πŸ›οΈ Optional: Moon Moon Lunch

A possible comfort-food lunch spot near Da'an Park β€” reservations recommended a week ahead, or grab takeout and eat in the park.

πŸ›οΈ Optional Taipei Afternoon

A flexible afternoon with a few options depending on energy and weather: Yongkang Street for shaved ice and shopping, Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Costco Zhonghe as an air-conditioned option, or the National Palace Museum for Chinese art and history.

πŸ“ Go to bed early because tomorrow is the all-day Yehliu / Jiufen / Shifen private tour.

πŸ“ Private tour is a good choice for 11 people plus grandparents compared with DIY train/bus logistics.

πŸ“ Bring umbrellas even if Taipei weather looks okay. Jiufen/Shifen can be wet and crowded.

πŸ“ Jiufen has stairs and narrow lanes, so plan a slower pace for grandparents.

Recommendations
πŸ‘€
Tony LinFuhang Soy Milk (ι˜œζ­θ±†ζΌΏ)

"Must try the salty soy milk!"

πŸ“ Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108θ™Ÿ2樓, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

Taipei Day Tour β€” North Coast
8:15 AM
πŸ›οΈ Breakfast
πŸ›οΈ Yehliu/Jiufen/Shifen Tour

A full-day private tour through Yehliu Geopark's famous rock formations, the lantern-lit streets of Jiufen, the waterfalls of Shifen, and the Golden Waterfall β€” a scenic, must-see day along Taiwan's north coast.

Recommendations
πŸ‘€
Tony LinFuhang Soy Milk (ι˜œζ­θ±†ζΌΏ)

"Must try the salty soy milk!"

πŸ“ Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108θ™Ÿ2樓, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan
🍜 Breakfast Before Buffet

Keep it light β€” a lunch buffet with Margaret is coming up.

11:30 AM
🍜 Lunch Buffet w/ Margaret

Lunch buffet with Margaret at Eattogether near Taipei 101 β€” a fun multi-generational meal, with options to head back and rest afterward or continue on to the zoo.

πŸ›οΈ Taipei Zoo & Gondola

A relaxed 2-3 hour visit to the Taipei Zoo and/or the Maokong Gondola β€” kids often remember the gondola ride as much as the zoo itself! No reservations needed; zoo tickets are only about NT$100 (~$3).

πŸ“ Pick up glassware from MUJI if needed.

πŸ“ Pack up.

πŸ“ Install GO taxi app for Japan if not already installed

πŸ“ Complete Japan arrival card before arrival:

πŸ“ Peach auto check-in opens up to 48 hours before flight

Recommendations
πŸ‘€
Tony LinFuhang Soy Milk (ι˜œζ­θ±†ζΌΏ)

"Must try the salty soy milk!"

πŸ“ Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108θ™Ÿ2樓, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

πŸ“‹ Reminders

  • Check into flights.
  • AirAsia may require passport scanning to check in. Since flights were booked without middle names and OCR may reject the passport match, try the app and allow extra time if manual help is needed.
  • Complete Japan arrival card before arrival:
Taipei β†’ Osaka, Japan
6:45 AM
πŸš† Hotel β†’ TPE Transfer (G1)
🚌 6:45 AM · Taxi/Uber XL ·40-60 min

Group 1 heads to the airport to start the flight to Japan.

9:30 AM
✈️ Fly to Osaka (Group 1)

Group 1 flies Peach Aviation from Taipei to Osaka β€” about a 3-hour hop to Japan.

1:25 PM
πŸ›οΈ Arrive at Osaka (KIX)

Group 1 lands in Japan! Touchdown at Kansai International Airport.

2:30 PM
πŸš† KIX β†’ Airbnb Transfer (G1)
🚌 2:30 PM · Train or Uber/taxi (options below) ·50-90 min (varies by route)

Heading from the airport into Osaka to settle in at the Airbnb.

🏨 Check In: Awaji Airbnb

Settling into our Osaka home base in the Awaji neighborhood β€” about 7 bedrooms across the house, with keypad entry so no key hand-off needed.

πŸš† Transfer to TPE (Group 2)
3:40 PM
✈️ Fly to Osaka (Group 2)

Mom, Dad, Steve's family, and the kids fly together from Taipei to Osaka β€” about a 2h50m hop on AirAsia X.

7:30 PM
πŸ›οΈ Land in Osaka (KIX)

Touchdown in Osaka! Clearing customs and grabbing checked luggage usually takes about an hour.

7:30 PM pickup (likely meet 8:30-9:00 PM)
πŸš† KIX to Airbnb (Group 2)
🚌 7:30 PM · Private Van (Klook) ·~60-75 min drive

Private van waiting to take Group 2 from the airport to the Osaka Airbnb β€” could be a bit of a wait if customs and luggage take a while.

πŸ›οΈ Check In & Explore Awaji

Settle into the Osaka Airbnb, and if there's time and energy left, explore around Awaji Station.

🍜 GYUKATSU Beef Cutlet Dinner

Dinner pick: GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu inside Shin-Osaka Station β€” their specialty is beef cutlet (gyukatsu).

πŸ›οΈ Dotonbori & Kuromon Market

Two iconic Osaka food stops in one: Dotonbori's neon-lit canal (and the famous Glico running man sign) is best after dark, while Kuromon Market nearby is a covered market great for casual seafood and snacks any time of day. Don't miss takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and other street food along the way.

πŸ“ Install GO taxi app for Japan if not already installed: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dena.automotive.taxibell&hl=en_US

πŸ“ Complete Japan Arrival Card before arrival.

πŸ“ Check in with United 24 hours before flight: https://www.united.com/en/us/checkin/

Recommendations
πŸ‘€
Tony LinFuhang Soy Milk (ι˜œζ­θ±†ζΌΏ)

"Must try the salty soy milk!"

πŸ“ Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108θ™Ÿ2樓, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

πŸ“‹ Reminders

  • Full-day Kyoto outing.
  • Prioritize a focused route rather than overloading the day.
  • July Kyoto will be hot and crowded, so build in snack, cafΓ©, and rest breaks.
Kyoto (day trip from Osaka)
8:00–9:30 AM
πŸ›οΈ Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous Kyoto shrine with thousands of red torii gates. Best visited early before the crowds and heat β€” arrive as early as possible. Most groups don't need to hike the entire mountain; turn around after a satisfying section or viewpoint.

10:30 AM–3:00 PM
πŸ›οΈ Kiyomizu-dera & Ninenzaka

Visit Kiyomizu-dera, the famous hillside temple overlooking Kyoto, then walk through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka with lunch in the Higashiyama area. A strong Kyoto route since the sights are clustered together β€” expect crowds and heat in July.

πŸ›οΈ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Scenic but requires a time-consuming detour from the Higashiyama/Gion route. Recommendation: skip unless someone specifically cares about it β€” many travelers find it prettier in photos than in person, especially when crowded.

πŸ›οΈ Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Beautiful and involves less walking than some sites, but it's far north β€” may be too much to add to the same day unless the group strongly wants it.

3:00–6:00 PM
πŸ›οΈ Gion & Yasaka Shrine

Walk downhill toward Gion, visit Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park, and stroll Hanamikoji Street. Round it out with a matcha dessert, snacks, souvenir shopping, and dinner. A good slower afternoon option given July Kyoto heat β€” prioritize cafΓ©s and rest breaks over adding Arashiyama or Kinkaku-ji.

πŸ“ Return to Osaka at night after the Kyoto outing.

πŸ“‹ Reminders

  • Pick up bus tickets for Naruto land from JR Osaka Station (7am-9:30pm)
  • Northern Osaka day, including Cup Noodles Museum, ramen lunch, Minoh Falls, and optional Umeda area stops.
  • Minoh Falls is a strong July choice for families and grandparents because it is calmer and cooler than central Osaka.
  • Keep this in the plan unless weather is bad or the group is exhausted.
Osaka (North)
10:00–12:00
πŸ›οΈ Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

Free hands-on museum where kids can design and make their own Cup Noodles cup β€” no reservation needed, about 2 hours, and a lot of fun for kids.

12:15–1:15
🍜 Lunch at Tori Soba ZAGIN Ikeda

Ramen-style lunch stop after the Cup Noodles Museum β€” about an hour, likely a ramen/tori soba lunch.

1:30–4:00
πŸ›οΈ Minoh Falls

A beautiful, easy walk and cooler than downtown Osaka β€” a strong option for seniors and families. The path from Hankyu Minoo Station to the falls is about 2.7 km, paved with a gentle incline, roughly 45-50 minutes one way along the Minoh River. Try momiji tempura β€” deep-fried sweetened maple leaves β€” while you're there.

πŸ›οΈ Browse Grand Front / MUJI

Browse Grand Front Osaka and/or MUJI near Umeda β€” a good indoor option if the group wants shopping, AC, or a lighter end to the day.

6:00–7:00
πŸ›οΈ (optional) Umeda Sky Building

City views from the Umeda Sky Building β€” a good evening add-on if the group still has energy after Minoh Falls and Umeda shopping.

7:00–8:30
🍜 Evening Dinner

Dinner in the Umeda/Osaka area. Dotonbori is much better at night since the neon signage is the whole point; Shinsekai is interesting and retro but optional β€” cut it first if the day gets too full.

πŸ“ Go to bed early because the next day is the Naruto Theme Park / Awaji outing.

Awaji Island β€” Nijigen no Mori
πŸ›οΈ Naruto Theme Park

A full day at Nijigen no Mori's Naruto x Boruto Shinobi Village β€” ninja challenges, themed photo ops, a rock-climbing area, and ramen. Worth deciding ahead of time whether to add paid upgrades for extra missions.

Osaka
πŸ›οΈ Southern Osaka Day

A flexible Southern Osaka day β€” church in the morning, then Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori as energy allows.

10:00 AM
πŸ›οΈ Sunday Worship (Lifehouse)

Sunday service at Lifehouse International Church Osaka β€” https://mylifehouse.com/

πŸ›οΈ Osaka Castle

A large park with a reconstructed castle and nice grounds β€” there's a museum inside the castle if the group wants an indoor/history stop.

πŸ›οΈ Shinsekai

An old-school Osaka neighborhood known for kushikatsu, retro atmosphere, and gritty charm. Interesting but optional β€” cut this before Osaka Castle or Dotonbori if the day gets too full.

πŸ›οΈ Dotonbori

Osaka's most famous nightlife and food area β€” best at night for the neon signs, canal views, and street food.

Osaka β†’ Tokyo
10:00 AM
🏨 Check Out of Osaka Airbnb
πŸš† Unreserved Transfer (TBD)
πŸ›οΈ Shinkansen to Tokyo

High-speed Nozomi Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo, about 2.5 hours β€” a fun, comfortable way to cross the country. Optional stop: Sumikko Shop at Tokyo Station if there's time before settling in.

πŸš† Unreserved Tokyo Transfer
2:15 PM?
🏨 Check In: Tokyo Airbnb

Our home base in Tokyo β€” an entire house in Kōtō-ku with 5 bedrooms and 11 beds (yes, really), tucked above a sake bar and just steps from a 7-Eleven and the train station. Expect a few flights of stairs!

2:00-5:00 PM
πŸ›οΈ (optional) Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is close to the Airbnb β€” minimal walking, a good first view of Tokyo, with shopping, food, and air conditioning inside.

5:30-7:00 PM
πŸ›οΈ Dinner: Tokyo Solamachi

Dinner at Tokyo Solamachi inside the Skytree complex β€” nearby restaurants around Skytree are also options.

πŸ“ Go to bed earlier because DisneySea is tomorrow.

πŸ“ Get food for lunch/snacks for the next day if needed.

Tokyo DisneySea
πŸ›οΈ Tokyo DisneySea

The big one! Expect a long line even with rope drop β€” consider getting there around 7:30 AM. Once inside, grab a Lightning Lane pass (Rapunzel is a good pick). This is probably the most physically demanding day of the trip in July heat, so bring cooling towels, a portable fan, a hat, and stay topped up on Pocari Sweat or Aquarius.

Tokyo
πŸ›οΈ Asakusa & Senso-ji

A lighter day after DisneySea β€” Mom and Dad can rest at the Airbnb if needed. Senso-ji in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest temple, with a classic shopping street leading up to it; the Samurai Ninja Museum and Tokyo Skytree area are good options to round out the day.

Tokyo
πŸ›οΈ Shinjuku, Shibuya & Harajuku

A west-side Tokyo day: Shibuya for shopping, the famous scramble crossing, a high-up viewing spot, and nighttime Mario karts; Harajuku for youth fashion, street culture, and quirky shops; and Meiji Shrine for a peaceful forest escape right next to all the busy energy of Harajuku β€” the best pick if you only have time for one shrine.

Tokyo β€” Last Full Day
12:00 PM-2:00 PM (teamLab)
πŸ›οΈ Odaiba & teamLab Planets

A good recovery-style day after DisneySea β€” Odaiba's waterfront has indoor malls, AC, and easier walking. Joypolis is an indoor SEGA-themed amusement park, and teamLab Planets is barefoot/interactive with some water areas, so wear shorts or pants that roll up easily. About 20 minutes by taxi (or 50 by bus) to get there β€” use the end of the day for last-minute souvenir shopping.

Tokyo β†’ Los Angeles
10:00 AM
πŸ›οΈ Check Out of Tokyo Airbnb

Check out of Tokyo Airbnb by 10:00 AM.

10:15 AM
πŸ›οΈ Van to Narita Airport
🚌 10:15 AM · Private Van

Private van pickup at the Airbnb for the ride to Narita.

2:35 PM
πŸ›οΈ ZIPAIR Flight: NRT -> LAX

Flying home! ZIPAIR direct from Narita to LAX, about 10 hours 20 minutes. Plan to arrive at NRT around 11:30 AM (about 1.5 hours from the Airbnb) to leave plenty of buffer.

After LAX Arrival
πŸ›οΈ Uber XL from LAX to Home
🚌 After LAX Arrival · Uber XL

Last leg home β€” everyone splits into their own Uber XL once they land.