Originally Posted by tt7

Do you really need to spend another day/night in Tokyo before you fly home? I would do what you're going to do in Tokyo, then go to Kyoto and then take the train from there to Narita (if it's not possible, as already suggested, to fly out of Osaka <KIX>). Getting from Kyoto to Narita on the train would take about four hours, so if you leave before lunch you should be able to make it to Narita for an 18.05 flight.

A 7 day Japan Rail Pass (¥29,110) would be worthwhile as it would be marginally cheaper than individual tickets (Tokyo - Kyoto = ¥13,800 + Kyoto - Narita = ¥16,780). Any additional usage you get from the pass would be a bonus. The only downside to a JR Pass is that you can't use the Nozomi Shinkansen (the most frequent and fastest) and have to use the Hikari Shinkansen (usually two per hour Tokyo - Kyoto). They're a bit slower but only because they make a few more stops, not because the train goes any slower. If you're not already familiar with it, use HyperDia for everything you ever wanted to know about train times, fares, track numbers and generally how to get from A to B (and if you need any help figuring out how to use it, please just ask).

You should also get IC (Suica) cards. These are prepaid transit cards that can be used to pay for trains (but not the seat fee), buses, subways and can also be used at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson). Much, much easier than getting a ticket every time you want to hop on a train or the subway. There are a number of regional variations (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, Nimoco etc.) but they operate interchangeably throughout Japan (more or less). Suica is issued by JR East in Tokyo, Pasmo by the non-JR private railways/subways in Tokyo - I'd get a Suica. If you have iPhones (8, X, XR, XS), you can load a virtual Suica card in Apple Wallet and top it up using Apple Pay - very convenient. If you get a physical card, it can be topped up at ticket machines (but cash only).
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html

Originally Posted by ksandness

You've done a lot of research, but are you aware that the fish market has moved to a less convenient location and has limited access? Also, why do you want to go to Ginza? It's one of the most expensive areas of Tokyo, filled mostly with expensive shops and restaurants, and the only really interesting spot for the first-time visitor is the new Kabuki theater. You can buy tickets for one act only and rent headphones that give an English narration. However, if you do go to Ginza, this might be the opportunity to explore the wonders of a Japanese department store. They not only sell everything imaginable but also have gourmet supermarkets in their basements and at least one, sometimes two or three floors of restaurants.

Never worry about where to eat. There is always a budget restaurant (meals for US$15 or less) nearby with either a picture menu or plastic models of the food in the window. In fact, the problem is often deciding where NOT to eat. Many of these small restaurants specialize in one category of food, such as noodles, sushi, o-konomiyaki (somewhere between an eggy crepe or a floury omelet with your choice of seafood, meat or vegetable ingredients), or Korean barbecue (meat that you grill yourself at the table). I have never gotten sick eating in one of these places, and by the way, if you haven't learned this otherwise, the tap water is safe to drink.

Unless the menu says that your meal includes a beverage, be content with water and quench your thirst by buying something from one of the countless vending machines that you will see on the street. The extra beverage may cost almost as much as the meal.

If you're really low budget, you can find surprisingly good box lunches in the convenience stores, and the clerks will heat them in the microwave for you. Many hotels, even in the budget category, provide coffee or tea and some kind of breakfast in the morning, even if it is just toast or sweet rolls or o-nigiri rice balls. If not, most coffee shops have something available for breakfast. The non-chain coffee shops (more and more rare these days) provide "morning service," that is, coffee or tea with toast, a hard-boiled egg, and a salad.

Asakusa, Ueno, and the Tokyo Sky Tree are worth seeing, as is the nearby Edo Tokyo Museum of life during the samurai era. In fact, your parents might enjoy the small, hands-on Sh*tamachi Museum near Ueno Park, with its exhibits about everyday life in prewar Tokyo.

If you're staying in Ikebukuro, you can get to Ueno on the JR Yamanote loop line, and from there, three subway stops to Asakusa.

Originally Posted by caburrito

I recently did the same trip with my parents, though we didn't stay as long as you're planning.

In Kyoto:

• We had tonkatsu at Katsukura https://goo.gl/maps/Q132itgXX6m at Kyoto Station (as mentioned by tt7), very good.
• If you like sobas, Arashiyama Yoshimura in Arashiyama is excellent. The wait can be a bit long but there's panoramic view of the Katsura river on the second floor: https://goo.gl/maps/13Nvx3J6Vb12
• Ippudo Nishikikouji near the Nishiki Market (Kyoto) is great as well: https://goo.gl/maps/Xg4neeozzmp

The ryokan's are an experience in Kyoto. They'll usually take care of dinner and breakfast. It's a little pricey compared to an Airbnb. One thing you should look out for with Airbnb's is choosing a place near the subway line. Otherwise you'll have to take a taxi everywhere. Also keep in mind if you plan on walking everywhere, Kyoto is a little more spread out than you'd expect.

If you find yourself in Shibuya/Tokyo, Sushi No Midori has excellent cheap sushi. It's quite popular due to the cheap price, expect a line: https://goo.gl/maps/4v3ddphduc42

Second on the IC cards. They're very convenient, highly suggest them. Works for local buses in Kyoto too (board from back, pay up front when you leave, same with the local trains in Kyoto). If you're planning on buying local prepaid SIM cards in Japan, check out the vending machines at NRT. They're cheaper than the walk up counters. Download the Google Translate app, very useful for when asking for help.

You can definitely leave Kyoto for an afternoon flight in NRT. We had a 2pm flight in NRT, I think we ended up taking the 7am Shinkansen to Tokyo Station with a transfer to the Airport Express.

Originally Posted by hanajiro

Just a couple of things to add...

• ​​​​​​The JR Rail Pass includes the Narita Express (NEX) train so you might as well take advantage of it. Just remember to activate your passes at the JR office as soon as you're done with customs.
• JR Rail Pass includes all JR lines so take advantage of it whenever you can. Particularly useful in Tokyo with the Yamanote Loop Line, which has stops at every major part of Tokyo, including Ikebukuro.
• Another perk of using an IC card like Suica or Pasmo is that some of the private lines in Tokyo offer discounted fares when you pay with an IC card instead of cash.
• Probably a good idea to take a guided tour of Kyoto if you want to see all of the popular attractions there, but keep in mind that Kyoto is absolutely crawling with tourists so be prepared for crowds.
• Unfortunately, many, if not most, of the historical landmarks in Japan, and especially in Kyoto, are not particularly friendly to the handicapped and elderly so it might be worth it to do a bit of research. Many of the temples and shrines have stairs/steps and rugged paths that may be difficult to walk. There are websites such as Accessible Japan that have some useful information about many of the major attractions in Japan so definitely check them out before you make your plans. Fushimi-Inari Shrine, for example, is a hugely popular spot, but it is built on a mountain. While main shrine is certainly accessible, the major highlight--the tunnels built of orange torii gates--is basically a serpentine climb up a mountain, and it can take hours just to make your way through it all.
• With the last bit of info in mind, you should also know that Tokyo isn't particularly built for the elderly or handicapped. Many of the subway and railway stations in Japan have limited access to elevators and escalators so note your surroundings. Things are improving with the Olympics arriving in 2020, but there are still some major gaps. Pay attention to the video screens in the subway/railway cars and note the location of any elevators and escalators on the screen. They will usually flash the information prior to every stop. It will certainly save you some time when traveling with your parents.

Originally Posted by fandi

Very good information there, my friend. Meaning I have to re-consider the places we plan to go. Such a pity that the famous Fushimi-Inari Shrine is now pretty much off the list because my mom will use a basic lightweight wheel chair (not electric) with her almost all the time of the tour. On top of your head, what other places required elevated walking? Thx.

Originally Posted by abmj-jr

While Ikebukuro is a fine location for younger, more active visitors, I'd suggest reconsidering for older, mobility-impaired folks. One of the more centrally located areas, near at least one station would make more sense.

Originally Posted by hanajiro

Just a couple of things to add...

• ​​​​​​The JR Rail Pass includes the Narita Express (NEX) train so you might as well take advantage of it. Just remember to activate your passes at the JR office as soon as you're done with customs.

Originally Posted by abmj-jr

While Ikebukuro is a fine location for younger, more active visitors, I'd suggest reconsidering for older, mobility-impaired folks. One of the more centrally located areas, near at least one station would make more sense.