Active Family Tour of Japan: Culture, History & Nature - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Family Foodie Tour in Shinjuku 

Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Here, you'll find a blend of modern and traditional, with neon-lit skyscrapers and historic temples, all topped off by plenty of family-friendly activities. Once you've checked in at your hotel and had a chance to regroup, start your immersion into Japanese culture with a family foodie tour.

Meet your guide and head to the Shinjuku District, a hotspot for shopping, entertainment, and endless opportunities to sample Japanese cuisine. Walk around with your guide and let the kids soak in the atmosphere, then visit a sushi restaurant for authentic omakase sushi prepared right in front of your eyes. Afterward, head to another spot for Wagyu beef yakiniku (thinly sliced and grilled meat), where you'll cook your own food tableside. Finish at a Japanese snack restaurant and let the kids try local desserts and other treats.

Day 2: Guided Tokyo Tour: Shrines, Temples & "Electric City"

See more of Tokyo with a guided city tour. You'll start at Meiji Jingu, a shrine built to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and surrounded by forest to create a tranquil oasis. If you enter from the Yoyogi entrance, you'll see the massive torii gate leading to the main shrine. Then, head to Tsukiji Fish Market, where you'll find around 400 shops and restaurants trading all kinds of seafood, traditional snacks, and cooking ingredients. Roam the market as your guide explains Japan's culinary culture and points out different kinds of fish and seafood to you and your curious kids.

Continue to Senso-ji, which dates back to the seventh century and is considered one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples. Visit the temple's main hall and pray to the Kannon enshrined there just like the locals do, or pick up an omikuji (fortunes written on strips of paper). Walk along Nakamise-dori, a street adjacent to the temple that's lined with shops and food stands, and let the kids pick out souvenirs for family and friends back home or grab a snack from one of the vendors. 

The tour ends at Akihabara, or Electric Town, a dedicated hub for Japan's animé and manga culture. Walk along busy sidewalks past themed cafés, electronics stores, and arcades, and say hello to enthusiastic cosplayers in elaborate costumes and wigs. You'll feel as if you've stepped right into the pages of a manga—the kids can even get some pics with their favorite characters! Be sure to stop in at the game center of GiGO Akihabara Building 3 before you return to your hotel so the kids can try the UFO catchers.

Day 3: Kid-Friendly Cooking Class, Visit TeamLab Planets & Miraikan Museum

Put on your chefs' hats today and try your hand at making some delicious Japanese food in a family cooking class. Learn the secrets behind the preparation of traditional dishes, which include Wagyu sukiyaki, a hot pot dish of the popular thinly sliced beef that comes from Japan's own Wagyu cattle, as well as classic recipes such as dashimaki tamago (pan-fried and rolled eggs), miso soup, and kuzu manju, a sweet jelly dessert served with matcha syrup. 

With help from your instructors, you and the kids will make each dish as you learn about the history behind the ingredients and how they tie into Japanese culture. Even the littlest ones in the group will have fun chopping vegetables and stirring soup! Afterward, sit down to enjoy a delectable meal that you all worked to create together. 

Later, take the family to TeamLab Planets, an interactive and immersive art exhibition that gives new meaning to the term "modern art." Walk barefoot through the exhibits and be prepared to follow art as it moves along the walls. Then, head to the high-tech district of Odaiba and the Miraikan Museum (officially the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), where you'll find zones dedicated to science, nature, and technology. The kids can meet the museum's resident robots, see weather patterns on the blue planet globe, and experience what it's like inside the International Space Station.

Day 4: Transfer to Hakone, Explore Views of Mount Fuji & Lake Ashinoko

Trade the city for the countryside today as your driver picks you up for the scenic two-hour transfer to Hakone, a mountainous resort town in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Upon arrival, start your tour of the region with a cruise around Lake Ashinoko (or Lake Ashi), a crater lake that lies along the southwest wall of Mount Hakone, with incredible mountain views and lush greenery. On a clear day, you may be able to capture a photo that shows an inverted reflection of Mount Fuji.

Visit Hakone-jinja, a peaceful, tucked-away Shinto shrine with large lakefront torii gates, then hop on the Mount Komagatake Ropeway. Ascending to nearly 6,000 feet (1,800 m), the ropeway takes you from the shores of the lake up the side of Mount Komagatake. The kids will love riding in the glass-windowed cabin, and the ropeway's upper station is one of the best places to see views of Mount Fuji. After the tour, you'll be dropped off at your hotel in Hakone, where you can relax for the evening. 

Day 5: Hot Springs & Museums of Hakone, Train to Kyoto

See some of the sights around Hakone with the family, starting at the Hakone Open Air Museum, which has various outdoor exhibits and an expansive collection of works by artists from around the world. Next, visit the Hakone Museum of Art, where you'll find displays of Japanese ceramics from prehistoric times through the Edo Period, as well as a pretty moss garden with stone paths that wind through shady maple trees—a perfect spot for the kids to run and play. 

If you'd rather start the day with some relaxation, Hakone is also known for its thermal hot springs or onsens. You can soak in the healing mineral waters while the kids splash and play, then have a leisurely meal before you check out of your hotel. 

 

This afternoon, you're off to Kyoto, a cultural powerhouse of a city known for its historic traditions, geisha entertainers, and numerous temples, gardens, and palaces. You and the family will make your way to the train station and board a Shinkansen bullet train for the two-hour ride. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel, then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or take a sunset walk around town. 

Day 6: Tour Kinkaku-ji Temple & Railway Museum, Nishiki Market Food Experience

Enjoy a guided city tour that takes you to some of Kyoto's most important historic sites, starting at Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple with a large golden pavilion. Walk the peaceful grounds, and be sure to take the kids to the temple's top floors, which are covered in gold leaf. Then, visit the Kyoto Railway Museum, one of Japan's top three railway museums. Budding railroad historians will enjoy seeing the more than 50 retired trains, which range from steam locomotives to modern electric and Shinkansen. The kids can also drive a train simulator and learn the ins and outs of being a conductor.

Your final stop is the famed Fushimi Inari-taisha. Featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," this shrine has more than 10,000 picturesque red torii gates, all donated by individuals and businesses as a sign of appreciation to the god Inari for the blessings received. The whole family will be entranced by the brightly colored gates, and you can stroll through them at leisure. If you and your kids are physically active, you can also take a light hike, following the torii-lined route up the mountain for views of the surrounding countryside.

Tonight, take the family out on the town for a tour of Kyoto's 400-year-old Nishiki Ichiba Market. More than 100 stalls and shops are crammed into this long, narrow street, selling anything and everything. Try delicious street food such as soy milk doughnuts, skewered baby octopus, sticky rice cakes, or homegrown pickles, sating your appetite and immersing yourself in local life. The kids can pick from a wide array of sweet and savory treats, and your guide will be happy to share information on the different local foods and their cultural significance. 

Day 7: Biking in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tea Ceremony & Samurai Museum 

Get out of the city today and take a guided bike tour through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, this region is a nationally designated historic site, with dense bamboo forests that touch the sky, age-old temples tucked away in quiet wooded areas, and lively Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) hanging out in the trees. 

Meet with your guides and make the drive out of town, and after a safety and equipment briefing, you and the kids can strap on your helmets and pedal away. Experience the idyllic beauty of rural Kyoto as you cruise through the greenery of the bamboo grove, stop in at a Buddhist temple, and remind the kids to keep an eye out for curious monkeys.

Return to Kyoto in time for a traditional kimono tea ceremony. This highly ritualized tradition was born and curated in Kyoto and is hosted by local geishas (female Japanese performing artists). Visit a tea house where you'll all don kimonos and get introduced to the history of the ceremonies as you sip fragrant tea and watch a geisha dance performance. Then, walk to the Samurai & Ninja Museum, where you can try on samurai armor and see what it was like to be one of the most prestigious ruling classes of old Japan. The kids can practice holding and sheathing a katana, and you'll all learn more about this military nobility. 

Day 8: Train to Osaka, Osaka City Sights & Neon Lights of Dotonbori 

Your next destination is the port city of Osaka, located on the island of Honshu. Japan's third largest city, Osaka is a commercial hub known for its sleek architecture, historic sites, and hearty street food. After hotel checkout, make your way to the train station for the quick 15-minute bullet train ride, and once you've settled at your accommodations, meet up with a local guide for a family-friendly city tour. 

Start at the iconic Osaka Castle, where you'll find a wealth of information on Japan's rich history, including dioramas that depict various battles. From here, move on to the Umeda Sky Building and take the elevator to the 39th floor of this more than 500-foot (173 m) building. The kids can look down on the ant-sized pedestrians, and the adults can take in the panoramic views. Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan to discover colorful marine life, including a whale shark that roams freely in the central water tank. Finish with a sky-high ride on the Tempozan Ferris wheel next to the aquarium. 

By now, everyone is likely to be hungry, so make your way to the Dotonbori district, a high-powered sensory overload of neon, modern buildings, and throngs of people. Nicknamed "Osaka's Times Square," you'll find an endless assortment of shops, bars, and restaurants here, making it a great spot to grab a bite to eat after a long day. Try dishes such as grilled crabs, takoyaki (balls filled with vegetables and seafood), and or kid-friendly taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) from various eateries, and take in the energetic atmosphere.

Day 9: Train to Nagoya, Toyota Commemorative Museum & Auto Museum

Tech lovers in the family will rejoice as you board the train to Nagoya today. This manufacturing and shipping hub is the capital of Aichi prefecture, home to museums, pachinko (gambling machine) parlors, and the futuristic Sakae entertainment district. it's a quick one-hour train ride from Osaka, and upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, your day is free to explore this fascinating city on your own. 

Start at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, where the family can learn more about the history and cultural importance of the Toyota company in Japan. Visit the museum's Technoland area, where the kids can pedal a virtual weaving machine and get blown away by a wind tunnel! Then head to the Toyota Automobile Museum, where car lovers of all ages will find an exhibition of more than 120 automobiles from different eras. 

Later this afternoon, make some time to walk through the bustling Sakae district, which is packed with shops, malls, and plenty of restaurants. This is a great spot to grab a bite to eat or pick up some souvenirs, and the day wouldn't be complete without a ride on the Sky Boat Ferris wheel. Relax at your hotel tonight before you continue your travels tomorrow. 

Day 10: Train to Nakatsugawa, Transfer to Magome, Hiking Adventure to Tsumago 

This morning, make your way to the train station for the one-hour ride to Nakatsugawa, where you'll catch a bus to Magome, a historic town that was once a "post town" or rest stop during the Edo period. Upon arrival, you'll meet your guides and start with a leisurely stroll along the town's cobblestone streets, taking in local shops and perhaps stopping for a snack. 

From here, you'll set off on foot for another exquisitely preserved post town, Tsumago. This three-hour, 5.5-mile (9 km) hike takes you through rich green forested areas, past rice fields, farmhouses, and old shrines. Along the way, your guide will share insight into the region's history, and how post towns once served the community. Parents should note that while the trail is relatively easy, those with very small children may want to bring a backpack or carrier for them. Tonight, relax at your lodgings in Tsumago or take a stroll around town.

Day 11: Bus to Nagiso, Train to Kiso-Fukushima, Explore

The journey continues as you board a bus to Nagiso this morning, connecting to a train that takes your family to the village of Kiso-Fukushima, a quaint town with traditional wooden houses that once served as an important checkpoint along the Nakasendo Trail. Check in at your hotel here, then take a walk around town.

Stop at the former Sekisho Checkpoint, which now operates as a museum with displays of weapons, clothing, and other treasures that represent ancient times. Or, if you're seeking to connect with nature, visit the Gongentaki waterfall, located about an hour out of town and featuring beautiful falls amid a beautiful forest setting. 

Tour the Yamamura Daikan estate, a former mansion, and learn about the life of Japan's upper classes during the Edo period, then let the little ones take a break from walking and stop for a soak at the free footbath in the middle of town. Finish the day with a meal at one Kiso-Fukushima local eateries, where the family can sample dishes only found in the Kiso Valley. The kids can try delicious soba noodles, aka kabu zuke (pickles with salt and sugar), hoba-maki (rice cakes), or gohei mochi (grilled rice and miso cakes). 

Day 12: Train to Yabuhara, Day Hike to Narai & Kiso-Hirasawa, Train to Matsumoto 

You're off to Yabuhara this morning with a quick train ride of about 15 minutes. On arrival, meet your guide and embark on a day of outdoor fun as you hike to Torii Pass, which, at nearly 4,000 feet (1,197 m), is the highest point of the Nakasendo Trail. Along the way, you'll pass by Ontake Shrine, then descend the pass to Narai, a post town that marks the halfway point of the trail. Once considered one of the wealthiest towns in the region, it's home to the Nakamura Residence, one of the few remaining traditional houses in Narai. 

Have lunch in Narai, then continue on your own to the nearby town of Kiso-Hirasawa, known for its high-quality lacquerware. This easy 2-mile (3.3 km) hike takes about an hour, and since this hike is self-guided, you and the family can take your time and let the kids go at their own pace. Upon arrival, visit Kiso Shikkikan, a small museum dedicated to the history of lacquerware that showcases a lovely collection of bowls, plates, and art pieces.

 

Wander the streets and stop at some of the small shops selling lacquered craft, and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs to take home. Later today, head back to the train station to take a one-hour train ride to your next destination, Matsumoto. Located in the Matsumoto Basin of central Nagano, the city is surrounded by mountains and stunning views and is most known for its historic Matsumoto Castle. Tonight, rest up at your hotel or explore the city with the kids. 

Day 13: Self-Guided Fun at Matsumoto Castle, Train Back to Tokyo

See the famed Matsumoto Castle on a self-guided family tour. The castle is among Japan's twelve original castles that are still standing, with the construction of the main keep starting in the late 1500s and two additional turrets built in 1635. It's also unusual in that it features a wooden interior, creating a very authentic historic experience when walking through it. 

Visit the museum inside the castle and let the kids see the samurai armor and other artifacts, then climb to the sixth floor, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. If you happen to be here in spring, you'll also get to see the hundreds of somei yoshino cherry trees in full bloom. After you've had your fill of exploring the castle, you'll take a train back to Tokyo, where you can enjoy your last night in Japan by seeing some of the sights you might have missed earlier. 

Day 14: Depart Tokyo

It's time for your family to say goodbye to beautiful Japan. After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels! 

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