Family Adventure in Japan - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! Get oriented in Tokyo with a visit to the world's tallest tower. At 2,080 feet (634 meters), the Tokyo Skytree offers spectacular views as far as Mount Fuji from its 360-degree observation deck. Afterward, take a walk through the grounds of Sensoji, the city's oldest and most historically significant temple. Legends say it was founded when two brothers fished a statue of the goddess Kannon out of the Sumida River. The neighboring Asakusa Shrine also highlights the stark differences between Shinto and Buddhist belief systems.

As night falls, make your way to Shibuya, home to the vibrant Shibuya Crossing. The area is packed with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, perfect for a night out on the town.

Day 2: Explore Futuristic Odaiba & Learn to Cook Japanese Food

Today you'll explore the artificial island of Odaiba, a hot spot for futuristic fun. The trip to this shopping and entertainment district is enjoyable, whether you arrive by taking a cruise through Tokyo Bay or by crossing the colorful Rainbow Bridge. Start at TeamLab, a permanent interactive art exhibition on the island that gives new meaning to the term "modern art"—be prepared to follow art as it moves along the walls.

Car enthusiasts can also visit the nearby Toyota City Showcase. Check out the latest innovations in the technology zone, reminisce about the old days in the vintage car collection rooms, or test-drive a favorite car on their private track (an international driving license is required). The nearby Miraikan Museum (officially the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) is a fantastic place to learn about everything in future tech in a fun and interactive way.

You'll finish your day with a cooking lesson. Roll up your sleeves as you learn how to make some of the country's most famous dishes from scratch. Choose from dishes like soba noodles, ramen, gyoza, and sushi, to name but a few! Your skilled teacher will take you through all the steps to creating your delicious meal.

Day 3: Have Fun at a Cultural Theme Park in Nikko

Today you'll head north to Nikko, home of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Toshogu Shrine. The ornate shrine, which contains the mausoleum of Japan's last shogun, is one of the most beautiful in Japan. A short walk south will take you to Rinnoji, Nikko's most famous temple. Explore the grounds at your leisure, visiting a charming Japanese garden and a shrine that's said to house Nikko's three mountain gods.

Continue your day with some lighthearted fun at Edo Wonderland, a cultural theme park where you'll step back in time to the 15th century. Sit back and experience a traditional magic show, or try your hand at Hariko doll painting or makeup artistry. You'll also have the chance to take a samurai sword-fighting class. When you're ready to return to the 21st century, you'll head back to your accommodation in Tokyo for the evening.

Day 6: Get Up Close to Mount Fuji

Day 7: Explore Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi

Adventure awaits today! Go on a trip to Fujikyu Highland, one of Japan's most popular theme parks. It features roller coasters (one of which is the steepest in the world) as well as several anime-themed attractions based on popular films and TV series.

Alternatively, at Shinobi no Sato Ninja Village, you'll get the chance to learn about ninjas. The park is like a ninja-themed town designed for children, offering ninja shows and the opportunity to perform stunts, throw ninja weapons, and take a training course to turn into a stealthy ninja warrior. For a quieter activity, go on a boat ride on the lake. Several outfitters offer rides on the lake, ranging from swan-shaped pedal boats to private party crafts with onboard barbecues.

Day 8: Sample Tea & Sweets in Kyoto

Japan's former capital, Kyoto, is bursting with history. While here, a visit to what is arguably the most famous shrine in Japan – Fushimi Inari – is an absolute must. Featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha, this shrine has more than 10,000 picturesque red torii gates. They were all donated by Japanese individuals and businesses as a sign of appreciation to the god Inari for the blessings received. 

Day 9: Discover Bamboo Groves and Temples at Arashiyama

Just outside Kyoto is the tranquil area of Arashiyama. You will start your day with a ride on an open-air train that offers amazing views of the river and the surrounding forest. (Note: This train does not operate in the winter months.) You'll then travel down the Hozugawa River on a traditional Japanese boat. This activity is often the highlight of the trip and depending on the season, you'll be floating past white and pink cherry blossoms (in March), the deep green leaves of a warm summer (in July), or the brilliant and fiery colors of autumn trees (in November).

Then you will embark on a tour of some of the area's well-known sites. Tenryuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses one of the most picturesque and ancient landscape gardens in the entire country. Behind it, you will find its world-famous bamboo grove, which transports visitors into another realm — or at least appears to. Also, in the area, you will find the Nonomiya shrine and the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where macaques roam freely. If you're up for a walk, a lovely temple houses hundreds of statues. If you look closely, you'll find some of these Buddhist statues sporting glasses and carrying cellphones, a reflection of how modern life has also affected spiritual practices.

Day 10: Day Trip to Nara

Today you'll side-trip to the city of Nara, famous for its traditional sites and resident herds of peaceful deer. With scenic gardens, parks, temples, and shrines, it's a quiet place that you'll enjoy exploring at your own pace. Nara also has some stunning walking trails, one of which will take you through Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest. The Todaiji Temple, home to the giant Daibutsu Buddha statue, is a must-see before you head back to Kyoto for the evening.

Day 11: Have Fun at Universal Studios Japan

Immerse yourself in the world of Universal Studios Japan at one of the world's most popular theme parks! Spend the entire day enjoying thrilling rides, spectacular shows, and gourmet restaurants, all based on Hollywood blockbusters and Japanese pop culture. Themed areas of the park include Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minion Park, plus sections that recreate the atmosphere of cities like San Francisco and New York.

Day 12: Sightsee in Historic Hiroshima

Day nine takes you to Hiroshima, a place of sobering history, inspiring regeneration, and important learning opportunities for future generations. Start at the Atomic Dome Museum and Hiroshima Peace Park, where you'll learn about the events of World War II and the city's slow process of rebirth and rebuilding. Next, head to Hiroshima Castle, a magnificent landmark overlooking the Otawaga River. A principal seat of power in the 16th century, the original castle was destroyed during the war. An excellent recreation now stands in its place, offering panoramic views of the city from its top floor.

Finish your evening with a meal of okonomiyaki, a regional savory pancake topped with shredded cabbage, noodles, and pork belly.

Day 13: Boat to Miyajima Island

Today you'll visit the magical island of Miyajima via a short ferry ride. Be sure to stand outside on the deck to get a good view of Miyajima's famous giant red torii gate—at high tide, it looks like it's rising out of the sea. Miyajima holds a rare distinction in Japan: it's never experienced an earthquake. Many of the island's centuries-old temples are entirely original. Be sure to visit Daisho Temple and Itsukushima Shrine. For a superb view of the Seto Inland Sea, ascend Mount Misen via its scenic ropeway or a picturesque hike. The island is home to herds of friendly deer, which only add to Miyajima's fairytale-like setting.

Day 14: Depart Japan

Today you'll bid farewell to Japan. After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels!