Japan for Teens & Tweens: History, Culture & Animé Fun - 11 Days

Highlights

• Dive deep into the world of animé with a visit to Tokyo's Akihabara district
• Partake in the art of the traditional tea ceremony with Kyoto's famed geishas
• Bike through the lush greenery and sky-high bamboo trees of Arashiyama
• Learn Hiroshima's history and see the floating torii gate of Miyajima island

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Explore

Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in Tokyo, Japan's exciting capital city. Here, you'll find the perfect blend of modern and traditional, with neon-lit skyscrapers and dense traffic alongside ancient temples and serene gardens. Upon arrival, your private transfer will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Once you've checked in and had a chance to regroup, head out with the family to see more of this fascinating urban metropolis.

You can start your self-guided exploration with a visit to the Tokyo Tower, an Eiffel Tower-inspired communications and observation tower that ascends 1,092 feet (332.9 m). As Japan's second-highest structure, this architectural wonder can be seen from several spots around the city. Take the elevator to the main deck, which sits at the midway point of the tower and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the brightly lit cityscapes—if the visibility is good, the kids may even see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Tweens and teens in your group will love a walk through the whimsical Harajuku district, known for its vibrant street art and edgy youth fashion. Check out the ultra-trendy boutiques and look for glimpses of the famed "Harajuku Girls." You can also grab dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. 

Day 2: Guided City Tour: Akihabara, Pokémon Center, Ghibli Museum & Shibuya SKY

It's all about the animé as your family heads out on a guided tour that explores Tokyo's link to this worldwide cultural phenomenon. Start in neon-lit Akihabara, a busy district packed with themed cafés, electronics stores, arcades, and more. As you walk, you'll come across enthusiastic cosplayers in elaborate costumes and wigs, making you feel as if you've stepped right into the pages of a manga—the kids can even get some pics with their favorite characters! Learn more about the history and evolution of Japanese animation as you go, adding to the depth of your experience.

Stop in at Pokémon Center TOKYO DX, the largest store of its kind in Japan at more than 13,000 square feet (1,300 sq m). Here, kids and adults can realize their Pokémon Master dreams, and you can purchase everything from plush Pikachu dolls to rare trading cards. For lunch, visit one of Tokyo's animé cafés—themed eateries offering delectable treats and beautifully crafted dishes, all inspired by characters from various animé and manga series. 

Next up is the famed 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. The kids will love the tiny doors and winding staircases around the property, and you can all take in the views from the rooftop garden. End the day taking in the incredible city views offered from Shibuya SKY, an open-air observation deck located on the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper.

Day 3: Discover Mount Fuji, Transfer to Hakone, Cruise Lake Ashinoko

Depart Tokyo this morning and make your way to the Mount Fuji region. Fuji-san, as the locals call it, is the country's highest peak, at more than 12,000 feet (3,776 m). A common pilgrimage site, it's considered one of Japan's three sacred mountains. After breakfast, your guide will collect your family from your Tokyo hotel for the scenic 1.5-hour drive. Stop in at the Fuji Visitor Center to learn more about the history of the mountain, then make a trip up to Mount Fuji's 5th station. With an elevation of more than 7,500 feet (2,300 m), you'll enjoy expansive views of the Fuji Five Lakes region. 

Continue to Hakone, a mountainous resort town that was once an important traffic checkpoint during the feudal Edo Period. Visit the Hakone Checkpoint to see the gates, fence, housing for officers and foot soldiers, and a lookout tower. Then, hop onboard a replica pirate ship for a cruise across Hakone's Lake Ashinoko, formed by a volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago—sure to be a hit with the kids! Your guide will then transport you to your Hakone hotel, where you can relax for the evening. 

Day 4: Train to Kyoto, Geisha Tea Ceremony & Show 

Your next destination is the city of Kyoto. This cultural powerhouse is known for its historic traditions, such as kaiseki dining and geisha entertainers, as well as its numerous temples, gardens, and palaces. In the morning, you and your family will go to the station and board a train for the approximately 2.5-hour ride. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a driver and escorted to your hotel for check-in.

This afternoon, the whole family can participate in a traditional geisha tea ceremony. Otherwise known as chanoyu or sado, this highly ritualized tradition was born and curated in Kyoto and is hosted by local Kyoto geishas (female Japanese performing artists). Visit a tea house where you'll all enjoy a formal introduction to the history of the ceremonies while sipping fragrant and flavorful tea, then watch a traditional geisha dance performance. Parents should keep in mind that children under the age of seven are not permitted in the tea house.

Day 5: Highlights of Kyoto: Temples, Castles, Markets & Samurai

The day begins with a guided tour of some of Kyoto's most revered sites. Your guide will collect you from your hotel, and you'll start at Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple with a large golden pavilion. Walk the peaceful grounds here, and be sure to visit the temple's two top floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf. Then, head to the impressive Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the residence of Edo-era shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Take in the stunning design and grand decor, and the kids can roam the expansive garden, where you'll find elegant water features and springtime cherry blossoms.

Take a walk down Nishiki Market, a narrow, five-block shopping area with over 100 shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," this lively retail market specializes in all things food-related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware. You'll have the option to visit Kiyomizu-Dera, trekking the narrow uphill alleys of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to reach the temple's hilltop location and views of the city, or Sanjusangendo temple, Japan's longest wooden structure. The temple is known for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. 

Afterward, delve into the fascinating world of ancient Japanese warriors with an immersive samurai sword experience. The whole family will don traditional samurai outfits and have the opportunity to unleash their inner warrior, learning the art of handling a katana, the iconic samurai sword, as well as the rich history and traditions of this military nobility.

Day 6: Day Trip to Nara, Meet the Deer of Nara Park, Visit Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Head out with your local guide via train to the peaceful greenery of Nara, known for its temples, gardens, parks, and friendly local deer. Visit Todai-ji temple, home to the giant Daibutsu Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha, famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns. Wander the park, which has tons of walking trails, one of which takes you through Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest and features more than 175 different types of trees. The kids will, of course, want to visit with the deer, who are quite likely to approach and let you feed them. 

Stop in at a local brewery to quench your thirst and sample different types of saké, then make your final stop for the day at the captivating 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. You and the kids can take a light hike along the torii-lined route up the mountain and take in sweeping countryside views before returning to your hotel. 

Day 7: Biking Excursion Through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Get out of the city to explore the greenery of Kyoto's countryside in the scenic Arashiyama district, located on the outskirts of town. Meet your guide, and after a safety and equipment briefing, hop on bikes for a tour of this scenic region. Start in Sagano Bamboo Grove, a natural bamboo forest that encompasses more than 3,800 acres (1,537 ha), with paths that traverse through towering bamboo stalks. Cycle along the impressive scenery here, stopping at the beautiful Nonomiya Shrine, tucked deep in the forest, and Togetsu-kyo, a nationally designated historic site whose name translates to "Moon Crossing Bridge."

Along the way, make sure the kids watch for the lively Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, that call Arashiyama their home. These playful creatures can often be seen frolicking in the trees or soaking in the region's natural hot springs. Your guide will share fascinating facts about the monkeys and their behaviors, point out lesser-known spots, and discuss local history, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in one of Kyoto's most beloved places. 

Day 8: Transfer to Osaka, Explore Osaka Castle, Dotonbori District & Umeda Sky 

Today, you're off to the port city of Osaka, located on the island of Honshu and Japan's third largest city. This busy commercial hub combines sleek architecture, historic sites, and hearty street food. Your family will meet your private transfer after hotel checkout for the scenic, one-hour drive. Then, after you arrive and get settled at your hotel, set out on a guided tour of this fabulous city! Begin at the Osaka Castle, where young historians will find a wealth of information on Japan's rich history, including dioramas depicting various battles.

Next up is bustling Dotonbori, a former theater district turned restaurant mecca. Nicknamed "Osaka's Times Square," this high-powered sensory overload of neon, tall buildings, and busy throngs offers food stalls, game arcades, and plenty of shopping. Sample dishes like grilled crabs, takoyaki (balls filled with vegetables and seafood), or kid-friendly taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries).

A few minutes walk away, you'll find the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, where your family can admire gorgeous Japanese prints from the 18th century. Finish at the Umeda Sky building, a spectacular high-rise located in the Kita district. Take the elevator to the 39th floor of this more than 500-foot (173 m) building and take in panoramic views of the entire city while the kids look down on the ant-sized pedestrians below.

Day 9: Experience Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park & Miyajima Island

Today's excursion takes you to the city of Hiroshima. After breakfast, gather up the family and board the train for the 1.5-hour ride, meeting your guide on arrival and setting out to see some of the city's notable sites. Start at Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to honoring the lives lost during the World War II atomic bomb that devastated the city.

Visit what was once ground zero, now transformed into a peaceful sanctuary. Featuring original photography and artifacts recovered from the bombing, the park's Peace Memorial Museum serves as a somber reminder to never take peace for granted, and the Atomic Bomb Dome, a building left standing from the bomb, is a disturbing but important testament to the horrors of war.

From here, take the ferry to nearby Miyajima island and visit the famed floating Itsukushima-jinja Otorii (Grand Torii Gate). This UNESCO-listed shrine is built over water with boardwalks connecting the main hall, prayer hall, and other buildings. At high tide, you can witness the gigantic torii gate appear to float in the emerald waters, and at low tide, it's possible to walk directly to the gate and see it up close. You'll have time to walk around the island, and the kids can sample local goodies like maple leaf-shaped cakes before catching the train back to Osaka.

Day 10: Train to Tokyo, Free Afternoon in the City

The final leg of your travels takes you and your family back to Tokyo as you check out of your hotel and board the train for the 2.5-hour journey. Once you've arrived and checked in to your hotel, make the most of your last day in Japan with a self-guided exploration of some of the top sites you might have missed earlier. Start at Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine in Tokyo's Shibuya district. The shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, and is located in a lovely forested area with walking paths and gardens.   

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 deity enshrined there just like the locals do, or pick up an omikuji (fortunes written on strips of paper). Take a walk along Nakamise-dori, a street adjacent to the temple 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.

If you'd like, you can end the day with a family rickshaw ride. Hop onboard and let your driver take you along lively neighborhoods and streets lined with old shops and soaring skyscrapers. Learn facts and stories about the different districts, and stop to pick up traditional souvenirs and local snacks along the way. Enjoy a final dinner at a local restaurant, then get a good night's rest at your hotel before tomorrow's departure. 

Day 11: Depart Tokyo

Your family adventure in Japan ends today. After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and take a private transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

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