Highlights
- Discover Japan's culinary culture through kid-friendly sushi workshops
- See Mount Fuji by cable car and pirate ship as you tour the Fuji Five Lakes area
- Make friends with the deer and the monkeys in Kyoto's beautiful countryside
- Learn the art of stealth with a family ninja workshop
- Take a gentle hike up Mount Takao for incomparable views of Mount Fuji
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Osaka, Discover the City's Highlights | Osaka |
| Day 2 | Guided Family Tour of Osaka's Ancient & Modern Landmarks | Osaka |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Miyajima Island | Osaka |
| Day 4 | Free Day to Explore Osaka & Nearby Attractions | Osaka |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Kyoto via Nara's Toda-ji & Deer Park, Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine | Kyoto |
| Day 6 | Full-Day Arashiyama Adventure: Temples, Monkeys & Bamboo Groves | Kyoto |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to Himeji Castle & Koko-en Garden | Kyoto |
| Day 8 | Train to Hakone, Afternoon at Leisure | Hakone |
| Day 9 | Fuji-Hakone-Ozu National Park, Owakudani Cable Car, Pirate Ship Cruise | Hakone |
| Day 10 | Full-Day Family Tour of Mount Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes, Transfer to Tokyo | Tokyo |
| Day 11 | Full-Day Tokyo Tour: MORI Digital Art Museum, River Cruise & Sushi Making | Tokyo |
| Day 12 | Mount Takao Family Hiking Adventure | Tokyo |
| Day 13 | Visit Tsukiji Fish Market, Sushi Workshop & Ninja Training | Tokyo |
| Day 14 | Depart Tokyo |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Osaka, Discover the City's Highlights
Welcome to Japan! A captivating destination for adults and children alike, this is one of the safest countries in the world and offers a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation. Upon arrival at Kansai airport, you'll meet your driver and take a private transfer to Osaka—a vibrant city known for its incredible food scene and mix of historical charm with neon city life and a buzz to rival the country's capital. With a reputation as one of the country's friendliest and most welcoming cities, it's also perfect for families.
You'll have plenty of opportunity to explore the city over the next few days, so either relax at your hotel or, if the kids are excited to discover their new surroundings, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a great family-friendly choice. One of the largest aquariums in the world, it's home to over 30,000 marine species with plenty of interactive displays and demonstrations. In the evening, sample Osaka's mouthwatering cuisine, with everything from street food to Japanese staples, fine dining, and international restaurants.
Day 2: Guided Family Tour of Osaka's Ancient & Modern Landmarks
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and spend your first full day discovering the city's most beloved landmarks and attractions. Your first stop is Osaka Castle, initially built in the 16th century. The castle has undergone extensive reconstruction over the years and has been restored to its former glory. In a peaceful setting amid lush gardens, it's a great spot to introduce the kids to Japan's culture while you admire the five-story central tower, accented with gold and surrounded by imposing stone walls.
For lunch, you'll head to the lively Dotonbori district. Filled with myriad restaurants and street food vendors jostling against neon-lit advertising towers, it's an immersive introduction to Japanese city life and one sure to dazzle the kids. Indulge in local street food delicacies such as takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), then delve into Japan's artistic heritage with a visit to the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, where you'll see centuries-old traditional woodblock prints.
Finish up at the futuristic Umeda Sky Building, where you'll whiz up to the observation deck of the 567-foot (173 m) skyscraper. If you've got teens in the family, this is the selfie opportunity they've been waiting for! Take a moment to admire the twinkling city lights before heading back to Dotonbori for dinner.
Day 3: Day Trip to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Miyajima Island
This morning, you'll meet your guide and transfer to the station, where you'll set off on a scenic 1.5-hour train ride to Hiroshima. The city's devastating history is remembered at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park; a remarkable space that was once ground zero for the World War II atomic bomb has been transformed into a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to honoring the lives lost during the attack. Stroll through the park as your guide shares stories of the memorials you encounter, and the kids learn about history, resilience, and the importance of peace.
After a thought-provoking visit, you'll take an hour's ferry ride to the whimsical island of Miyajima. Famous for its floating Itsukushima-jinja Otorii (Grand Torii Gate), one of Japan's most photographed attractions, the island is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders and a great spot to capture the kids' imaginations. You'll find plenty of shrines and temples here while your guide reveals the fascinating legends associated with them. Later in the afternoon, you'll catch the train back to Osaka.
Day 4: Free Day to Explore Osaka & Nearby Attractions
Spend today exploring Osaka at your own pace, or take a day trip to one of the many family-friendly attractions in the area. Universal Studios Japan is a short 12-minute train ride away and perfect for kids of all ages. If you prefer to stay local, then make a beeline for ExpoCity. This vast entertainment complex fuses Japan's cutting-edge technology with art, nature, and sport to provide a huge variety of thrilling, immersive activities for the whole family, as well as a climbing wall and a ninja obstacle course.
Kids of all ages, even world-weary teens, will enjoy Nifrel, a museum in ExpoCity that combines an interactive aquarium and zoo experience that aims to redefine the boundaries of traditional wildlife encounters. If the little ones have been clamoring to get on their devices, then a couple of hours in the center's VS Park should do the trick. Sign up for a two-hour virtual reality sports session, and you and the kids can showcase your virtual athletic skills in various team games, including soccer and basketball.
Day 5: Transfer to Kyoto via Nara's Toda-ji & Deer Park, Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today's trip takes you and your family on a tour of Nara, a city famous for its temples and eighth-century artwork, and Fushimi, a beautiful hilly district between the Uji and Katsura rivers. Your first stop is at Todai-ji in Nara, once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and today full of intricate architecture and a giant 49-foot (15 m) bronze Buddha. There's plenty here in the temple and surrounding gardens to inspire the kids with Japanese culture, including the nearby Kasuga-taisha shrine, famous for its red lanterns that line the pathways.
Take a break from exploring the temples with a stroll in Nara's Deer Park, full of free-roaming, friendly, and adorable deer. Your guide will share stories of how these gentle creatures have long been regarded as sacred messengers in Japanese folklore, while the kids will have the chance to feed the animals in their natural habitat. Afterward, quench your thirst with a trip to a local saké brewery. You'll learn all about saké-making and its history, observe the traditional brewing process, and enjoy a range of tastings for the adults and assorted fruit juices or soft drinks for the kids.
As your tour draws to a close, your private driver will take you on to Kyoto, where you'll be welcomed to the city with a tour of the eighth-century Fushimi Inari-taisha. Set at the end of a walkway composed of thousands of vermillion-colored torii (gates), it's a memorable adventure for the whole family as you hike through beautiful forested trails and ascend the mystical path to the temple. Afterward, your driver will take you to your Kyoto hotel, where the evening is yours to dine at one of the local restaurants.
Day 6: Full-Day Arashiyama Adventure: Temples, Monkeys & Bamboo Groves
Today, you'll settle into your Kyoto experience with a guided tour of the scenic Arashiyama district. First up is Okochi Sanso, a villa on the slopes of Mount Ogura and once the home of samurai film star Denjiro Okochi. Spend an hour or two touring the magnificent gardens designed to show off each of the four seasons. Your next stop is the Sagano Bamboo Grove, a striking natural bamboo forest that covers 3,800 acres (1,537 ha), filled with gently swaying bamboo stalks that tower over the network of paths. It's an enchanting setting to explore with the kids.
Continue to the peaceful gardens of the renowned Tenryu-ji Zen temple while your guide shares fascinating tales of Japanese mythology. Enjoy a delicious vegetarian shojin-ryori lunch together on the temple grounds, and when you're ready, drive with your guide to Arashiyama Monkey Park. Keep your camera close, as there'll be plenty of opportunities to get some great pics while the kids get up close and personal with their newfound furry friends.
A ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway caps off a perfect day of adventure as you wind through mountains and along the tranquil Hozugawa River. You'll return to Kyoto for the evening, where you'll find plenty of cozy places to enjoy a memorable family dinner together.
Day 7: Day Trip to Himeji Castle & Koko-en Garden
Japan's 400-year-old Himeji-jo (Himeji Castle) is one of the country's 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites and is widely considered one of Japan's most spectacular castles for its imposing size and network of 82 buildings and defense systems. This morning, you and the kids, accompanied by a local guide, will board the bullet train for a 50-minute journey to Himeji. Spend a leisurely few hours touring Himeji-jo and hear about the castle's prominent role in Japanese history since the 17th century.
If you're traveling in springtime, and your visit coincides with sakura (cherry blossom) season, you're in for a treat. The castle grounds are home to over 1,000 cherry trees whose delicate pink flowers frame the castle beautifully in late March to mid-April, transforming the castle grounds into one of Japan's premier sakura viewing spots.
If the kids need to burn off some energy, then the nearby Koko-en is ideal. Consisting of nine separate walled gardens landscaped in various designs of the Edo period, the spacious gardens are filled with ponds and wooden bridges—perfect for a stroll and some relaxed family time. There's also an on-site restaurant, which makes for a picturesque lunch spot. In the afternoon, you'll return to Kyoto with your guide, ready to spend a relaxed final night in the city.
Day 8: Train to Hakone, Afternoon at Leisure
Get ready for the next leg of your Japan family adventure this morning with a three-hour train transfer to Hakone, a small mountain town east of Kyoto known as the gateway to the Fuji-Hakone-Ozu National Park. Renowned for its natural beauty, onsen (hot springs), and terrific views of Mount Fuji, it's the perfect base to explore the area's natural wonders for a couple of days.
Arrive at your accommodation in Hakone, and the rest of the day is yours to spend with the family at leisure. Rest and recharge at your hotel, or take the kids to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a treasure trove of family-friendly indoor and outdoor installations. See collections featuring artworks and sculptures by Picasso, Henry Moore, Taro Okamoto, Susumu Shingu, and others, then discover the Wood of Net. Kids of all ages will love climbing, jumping, and playing on the vast, colorful, giant hammock of interconnecting nets inside an enormous wooden dome.
Day 9: Fuji-Hakone-Ozu National Park, Owakudani Cable Car, Pirate Ship Cruise
Get ready for a day of adventure with the kids in Fuji-Hakone-Ozu National Par. After breakfast, meet your guide and start with a drive through the park's majestic scenery, filled with serene lakes and lush forests amid the mountain-backed volcanic landscape. For terrific panoramic views, your next stop is the Hakone Ropeway, one of the world's longest cable cars that'll take you up to Mount Owakudani. The kids will have a whale of a time spotting the sulfuric hot springs that make Hakone famous while you settle in and admire the views.
Whether you're traveling with little ones or teens, a boat trip across Lake Ashinoko on a replica pirate ship will thrill kids and adults alike. Set sail and cruise the 3,000-year-old volcanic lake, which gives picture-perfect views of Mount Fuji and the lake top torri of the Hakone-jinja shrine. There's plenty to entertain the kids inside the ship, too, with pirate-based paraphernalia, including fun 3D pirate-themed art.
Day 10: Full-Day Family Tour of Mount Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes, Transfer to Tokyo
It's your last morning in Hakone, and you'll spend it exploring the Fuji Five Lakes area, home to one of Japan's most iconic natural attractions—Mount Fuji. Accompanied by a private guide and driver, you'll head out on a scenic tour to explore the astonishing lakes and countryside surrounding the revered peak. Start with a gentle cruise on Lake Kawaguchi, banked by forests and grasslands nestled within Fuji's foothills; it's a glorious way to catch the volcano's beautiful reflection in the water and make treasured memories with the family.
Disembark in time for lunch, and after a bite to eat and some downtime, you'll join your guide for a scenic drive around the charming Lake Saiko and Lake Shojiko. Hear tales of the mystical Aokigahara Sea of Trees, a nearby forest born from the aftermath of one of Fuji's eruptions and shrouded in intrigue. Your tour finishes with a visit to the historic Fujiyoshida Sengen, a shrine nestled within a magnificent cedar forest at the foot of the volcano.
After a blissful day of exploring, you can relax with your family as your driver transfers you about an hour east to your Tokyo accommodation. After a refresh at your hotel, either head out and sample the city's cuisine (you'll find everything in the capital, from traditional Japanese fare to international restaurants and funky noodle bars) or make use of the facilities at your hotel.
Day 11: Full-Day Tokyo Tour: MORI Digital Art Museum, River Cruise & Sushi Making
Spend today immersing yourselves in Tokyo's family-friendly attractions with the added bonus of a private driver. You and the kids will get to focus on what matters most without worrying about tiring out little legs. Admire the capital's neon bedecked metropolis as you reach your first stop, the renowned Mori Digital Art Museum. Perfect for kids of all ages (and adults, too), the museum features a series of imaginative and colorful interactive installations utilizing cutting-edge technology to create dazzling light displays and vivid projections that'll inspire the whole family.
A cruise along the Sumida River is the perfect antidote to the morning's visual extravaganza, and you'll get a chance to relax and see the city's iconic landmarks from the comfort of your boat. Back on dry land, your next stop combines lunch and a fun, hands-on experience where you and the kids will master the art of sushi making and discover its role as a symbol of Japanese culture and identity. You'll end your tour at the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world's tallest towers. Venture up to the observation deck, and the impressive skyline is the perfect backdrop for a family selfie.
Day 12: Mount Takao Family Hiking Adventure
Today, you'll lace up your hiking boots and leave the city behind you to explore the beautiful scenery around Mount Takao. Accompanied by a guide, you'll reach Tokyo's closest peak in just under an hour. Known for its gentle trails and well-maintained paved paths to the summit, it's a great location to introduce the kids to the countryside surrounding Tokyo and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Stock up on delicious local snacks, street food, and refreshments at the various food stalls at the base of the mountain, and as you ascend the trail, get the kids to keep their eyes peeled for the playful wild monkeys swinging through the nearby trees. If the little ones need a break, rest at the ancient Takaosan Yakuoin, a Buddhist temple with a rich history that offers views of the snowcapped peak of Mount Fuji in the distance. After a full day's exploring, return by car to Tokyo in time for dinner, where you'll be spoiled for choice with dining options.
Day 13: Visit Tsukiji Fish Market, Sushi Workshop & Ninja Training
Start the day with a guided family trip to the Tsukiji Fish Market. With around 400 shops and restaurants jostling together in the narrow lanes, you'll discover why fish and seafood (fresh and dried) are a staple in Japanese cuisine and their role in Japanese culinary culture. It's a great opportunity to tempt the kids with some unusual new flavors when your tour finishes at one of the market's renowned seafood restaurants.
Afterward, continue the foodie theme with a fun, hands-on sushi masterclass, where you'll get to put your newfound skills from the other day to good use. After enjoying your creative efforts for lunch, finish your immersive tour of Japanese culture with a ninja training experience. Under the watchful eye of experienced instructors, you and the kids will learn stealth techniques and combat strategies while enjoying what's bound to be one of the highlights of your trip.
Day 14: Depart Tokyo
It's time to say goodbye as your family adventure to Japan comes to an end. Grab some snacks and souvenirs for the road, then transfer to the airport for your journey home or your next destination. Safe travels!
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