Highlights
- See animé culture alongside cutting-edge technology in Tokyo's Electric Town
- Learn the secrets of ancient warriors at a family ninja training class
- Ride through Jurassic Park and say hi to Hello Kitty at Universal Studios
- Tame the monster Godzilla at the fantastical Nijigen No Mori Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Narita, Transfer to Tokyo, Explore the City | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Animé Lovers Guided Tour | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Adventures in Japanese Culture: Sushi Making & Ninja Training | Tokyo |
| Day 4 | Train to Osaka, See the Neon Lights of Dotonbori | Osaka |
| Day 5 | Family Excursion to Universal Studios Japan | Osaka |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Awaji Island's Nijigen No Mori Park | Osaka |
| Day 7 | Depart Osaka |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Narita, Transfer to Tokyo, Explore the City
Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in Narita, where you'll meet your driver for your private transfer to Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital city. Here, you'll find the perfect blend of modern and traditional, with neon-lit skyscrapers and dense traffic alongside historic temples and lush gardens. Once you've checked in at your hotel and had a chance to regroup, head out with the family to see more of this fascinating urban metropolis.
Start with a deep dive into Tokyo's history at Senso-ji Asakusa, one of the city's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples. Visit the temple's main hall, where you can pray to the Kannon enshrined there just like the locals do, or pick up an omikuji (fortunes written on strips of paper). Then walk along Nakamise-dori, a street adjacent to the temple that's lined with shops and food stands. Let the kids pick out souvenirs for family and friends back home or grab a snack from one of the vendors.
For futuristic fun, visit Odaiba, a high-tech district that offers visitors of all ages an exploration of new technology and art. The island can be reached via train, a cruise through Tokyo Bay, or by crossing the neon lights of the Rainbow Bridge, and it has a wide range of family-friendly activities. Kids with an interest in engineering can check out the Legoland Discovery Center, good for hours of world-building, and the whole family will love Joypolis, a SEGA-themed amusement park with games, roller coasters, and arcade machines. Tonight, step out for some fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Animé Lovers Guided Tour
It's all about the animé today, as you and the kids meet with your guide and head out to explore this fun and fanciful part of Japanese culture. Japanese animation has been around since the early 1900s, an art form that has become popular all around the world. You'll start with a walk through the whimsical Harajuku district, known for its vibrant street art and edgy youth fashion. Tweens and teens in your group will love shopping at some of the ultra-trendy boutiques, and you may even catch a glimpse of the famed "Harajuku Girls."
Next up is Akihabara, or Electric Town, a busy district where you'll find animé culture intertwined with cutting-edge technology. Visit themed cafés, electronics stores, arcades, and more in this techie's paradise. Don't miss the Ghibli Museum, where you can learn more about classic animé films such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away," and see exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the creations of filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.
Stop in at the Pokémon Center, where your little ones can realize their Pokémon Master dreams, and you can purchase everything from plush Pikachu dolls to rare trading cards, then end the tour at one of Tokyo's animé cafés. These themed eateries offer delectable treats and beautifully crafted dishes, all inspired by characters from various animé and manga series. The kids can enjoy images of their favorite characters displayed on the walls, sparking imaginative play while you all relax with a great meal.
Day 3: Adventures in Japanese Culture: Sushi Making & Ninja Training
Begin your morning with a family tour of Tsukiji Fish Market, a lively shopping spot where you'll find locals making their daily purchases and vendors hawking their wares. The kids can learn about the different types of seafood used in Japanese recipes, and once you've all worked up an appetite, you'll meet with a local chef for a sushi-making class. Discover the secrets of the perfect sushi roll and let the kids unleash their creativity as they experience Japanese cuisine.
Later today, take a deep dive into the secret world of ninjas with a ninja training experience! With help from experienced instructors, your family will learn the stealth techniques and combat strategies used by these ancient Japanese warriors. Do some practice sessions with each other, and come away with a better understanding of Japanese history on top of some fun, confidence-building skills. Rest up at your hotel tonight as your journey continues tomorrow.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Train to Osaka, See the Neon Lights of Dotonbori
Your next destination is the port city of Osaka, located on the island of Honshu. Japan's third largest city, this commercial hub, is known for its sleek architecture, historic sites, and hearty street food. After breakfast and hotel check out, you'll gather up the family and head to the train station for the scenic, 2.5-hour journey. Once you've checked in at your hotel and had a chance to regroup, you can take the kids out to burn some energy and see the city sights.
Start in 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 the long train ride. 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.
If the kids aren't too tired, be sure to stop by the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, which is dedicated to the history of the city's urban growth and housing. The family can see re-creations of the city's buildings and streets during different time periods, including a replica of an Edo-period townscape, then head to the iconic Osaka Castle. Here, you'll find a wealth of information on Japan's rich history, including dioramas that depict various battles, uniforms, and helmets, as well as a large observation deck that offers excellent city views.
Day 5: Family Excursion to Universal Studios Japan
Get ready for a day of thrills as your family takes a full-day excursion to Universal Studios Japan. Opened in 2001, this is one of six Universal Studios parks in the world, with exciting rides, captivating shows, and of course, the beloved characters of Universal movies and shows. Visit Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, ride the Forbidden Journey ride, and be sure to sample a pint of the famed butterbeer! Then walk through the shops of the Hollywood-themed area and watch some of the live entertainment that takes place here.
Day 6: Day Trip to Awaji Island's Nijigen No Mori Park
Step into the fantasy world of animé and manga with a visit to Awaji Island's Nijigen No Mori Park. Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning and transport your family to the island, which is located southwest of Osaka. Fans of the animé character Naruto can visit the Naruto ＆ Boruto Shinobi Zato attraction, where they'll see life-size replicas of their favorites and participate in various challenges and activities.
Spot the beloved manga, Crayon Shin-chan, peeking out from forested areas in the park, play hide and seek in the Labyrinth at Futaba, and be sure to check out the two ziplines that run through the park, offering a birds-eye view of the island as you fly through the trees.
Speaking of ziplines, the real highlight of the day is Godzilla! Visitors to the National Awaji Island Institute of Godzilla meet with scientists to try to tame this giant beast, which includes a hair-raising zipline ride that takes you right through Godzilla's mouth, firing missiles as you go! End with dinner at one of the park's restaurants, then rest up at your hotel for tomorrow's departure.
Day 7: Depart Osaka
Sadly, your family adventure in Japan ends today. After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your journey home or to your next destination. Safe travels!
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