12-Day Epic Japan Family Tour

12-Day Epic Japan Family Tour

 
 
  • 12± DAYS
  • First-timers, Families, culture enthusiasts, countryside lovers PERFECT FOR
  • US$9,010 p/p
    PRICE FROM
 

Discover the Treasures of Japan with Your Family

This itinerary caters to families who enjoy exploring local history, culture, and the idyllic countryside.

Immerse yourself in Japan's rich history, breathe in the fresh mountain air while wandering through splendid shrines and palaces, and marvel at up-close views of Mount Fuji. Experience a visit to a local anime café and the exhilaration of riding the Shinkansen bullet train across the country. Explore bustling streets, indulge in a variety of culinary delights at cozy local eateries, and explore vibrant food markets to embrace the local lifestyle.

While this itinerary excludes theme parks, we can easily incorporate theme park visits or free time upon your request.

Japan Travel is dedicated to curating tailored travel experiences in various Asian destinations, with a focus on family-friendly itineraries in Japan. Let us craft the perfect trip just for you, tailored to your preferences, budget, and available time.

Ling, Product Manager
Ling, Product Manager

"Riding the KABA amphibious bus was one of my favorite surprises in Japan. About ten minutes later, the guide announced, “We’re going into the water!” Without stopping, the bus plunged into the lake. Everyone, including me, gasped as cool sprays splashed inside."

Journey Highlights

Cycling tour around Lake Yamanaka, the closest of the Fuji Five Lakes
Cycling tour around Lake Yamanaka, the closest of the Fuji Five Lakes
Savor Japanese flavors with a sushi-making experience
Savor Japanese flavors with a sushi-making experience
Learn the value of peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Learn the value of peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Stay overnight in traditional Japanese ryokan — complete with tatami mat floors and sliding doors
Stay overnight in traditional Japanese ryokan — complete with tatami mat floors and sliding doors
 
 
 
 

Traveler Moments

Kimono-wearing
Robort restaurant
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kumano Kodo

An Itinerary for Inspiration

Enjoy a personalized Japan adventure with a private driver and guide for every day of sightseeing. Seamlessly transition from vibrant cities to serene countryside. Whether you're exploring historical landmarks or seeking cultural immersion, we will ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience.

12-Day Epic Japan Family Tour map
Day 1

Tokyo Arrival

 

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo — capital city of Japan!

Upon landing at the airport, a friendly driver will transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours. Enjoy free time to start exploring the city or relax and refresh from your journey.

Day 2

A Day of Tokyo Highlights: Shrine, Anime, and Digital Art

 
  • Commence your exploration at Meiji Jingu Shrine, a tranquil oasis paying homage to Japan's spiritual heritage.
  • Visit Kokyo Gaien National Garden by the Imperial Palace, a lush retreat from the city's pace where you can photograph the charming Meganebashi ('Spectacles') Bridge with a unique European ambiance.
  • Step into an anime café, immersing yourselves in Tokyo's dynamic pop art culture.
  • Explore teamLab Borderless at MORI Building Digital Art Museum, an innovative digital art space that blurs the boundaries between art and its viewers.
Teamlab Borderless
Day 3

A Taste of Tokyo — Temples, Tastes, and Views

 
  • Dive into history at Asakusa's Senso-ji temple, an esteemed symbol of Buddhism.
  • Engage your family in a sushi-making experience, discovering the art of crafting Japan's famous food.
  • Enjoy the modern, urban feel of Tokyo from a water bus gliding along the Sumida River, a truly wonderful way to appreciate the cherry blossoms in spring.
  • Ascend to the top of Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking panoramas of the bustling metropolis.
Sensoji Temple
Day 4

Family Fun with Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka

 

Relax with your family at Lake Yamanaka, the closest lake to Mt. Fuji among the renowned Fuji Five Lakes.

  • Enjoy the beautiful flowers at Hana no Miyako Flower Park. From spring to autumn, different flowers bloom with the changing seasons: tulips in spring, cosmos and sunflowers in summer, and zinnias in autumn.
  • Cycle leisurely along the stunning lakeshore, feeling the pleasant onshore breeze. Explore at your own pace, pausing to capture any scenery that catches your eye.
  • Don't miss out on the Kaba bus for a unique amphibious experience. As this hippo-themed bus plunges into the lake, the ensuing splash promises to send waves of excitement through your children!
  • Discover Oshino Hakkai, a quaint village hosting eight ponds fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. Enjoy the sublime view of the iconic mountain and the beautiful village surroundings.
KABA bus
Day 5

Tokyo to Takayama via Nagoya

 

Starting with a self-guided trip to the station. Thanks to a detailed briefing from your Tokyo guide and ahead-of-time delivery of your Shinkansen tickets, you'll know exactly how to get to the station and what to do when the day begins.

  • Experience the thrilling speed of the Shinkansen as you travel from Tokyo to Nagoya.
  • Upon arrival in Nagoya, a private transfer will whisk you off to the charming town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps.
  • Embark on a guided tour in a private vehicle, visiting highlights like historical Takayama Jinya, a well-preserved government house offering a window into the feudal era Japan.
  • Discover Takayama's 300-year-old sake-brewing tradition on a leisurely walk along Sake Alley. Explore seven historied breweries and try a few different glasses of sake.
Takayama Jinya
Day 6

Takayama to Kanazawa

 

This day offers a deep dive into Japan's natural and cultural splendor, creating priceless family memories.

  • Begin your day at Takayama's bustling Miyagawa Morning Markets, where you can immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of local produce, crafts, and culinary delights. Then, journey onward to Shirakawa-go.
  • Venture into enchanting Shirakawa village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with marvelous gassho-style farmhouses.
  • Discover the secluded Suganuma gassho-style village in Gokayama, another UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers a more authentic and tranquil experience.
  • Conclude your day with a walk through the well-preserved streets of the Nagamachi Samurai District in Kanazawa, appreciating the intricate architecture and imagining the lives of the samurai who once resided there.
Shirakawa village
Day 7

Kanazawa to Kyoto

 
  • Step back in time at Kanazawa Castle Park, the former seat of the Maeda clan, a powerful feudal family.
  • Visit enchanting Kenroku-en, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design and one of the three most celebrated gardens in Japan.
  • Engage in a unique gold-leafing experience, a nod to the city's renowned gold leaf craft, adding a touch of extravagance to your day.
  • Surround yourselves in the captivating ambiance of Higashi Chaya District and step into a world of refined elegance at Shima Teahouse.
  • After the tour, your private guide and driver will see you off at the railway station at around 4 p.m., where you will take the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
  • Upon arrival in Kyoto, we will have prepared you to easily navigate your way to your hotel.

Your evening is at your leisure, giving you valuable free time to either begin exploring or simply rest up after an eventful day.

Gold-leafing experience
Day 8

Kyoto Highlights: Historical and Natural Wonders

 
  • Start your day with Nijo Castle, a well-preserved castle showcasing Japan's feudal history.
  • Take in the glittering sight of Kinkaku-ji temple, a.k.a. Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple coated in gold leaf.
  • Immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of Arashiyama, a scenic district on the outskirts of Kyoto.
  • Visit the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, and end the day trip at Nonomiya Shrine, a small Shinto shrine set amidst the verdant Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Of course, the order and selection of visits is flexible, offering you the freedom to prioritize sites that resonates most with your family's interests.

Arashiyama bamboo grove
Day 9

Kyoto Cultural Gems, Kyoto to Hiroshima

 
  • Begin your day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to the famous path lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates.
  • Move on to Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera), an iconic Buddhist temple offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
  • To end the day, venture into enchanting Gion district, select from a multitude of traditional Japanese kimonos, and be expertly dressed and styled by local professionals. Embrace this unique opportunity to traverse local landscapes in authentic Japanese attire for a truly enriching travel experience.
  • After the tour, your private guide and driver will see you off at the railway station at around 4 p.m., where you will take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, enjoy another mini adventure of navigating your way to your hotel.
Kimono-wearing
Day 10

Hiroshima to Osaka

 
  • Take a moment of reflection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, an enduring symbol of peace. Its poignant memorial monuments, museums, and lecture halls offer testimonies of Hiroshima's tragic past and its subsequent commitment to world peace.
  • Take a cruise to Miyajima Island, where the world-renowned Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its iconic "floating" torii gate await.
  • Post exploration, board a Nozomi Train to Osaka. Our detailed instructions will guide you smoothly from the station to your hotel.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Day 11

Osaka Highlights

 

Experience Osaka's unique blend of culture, history, and food at your own pace.

  • Revel in the tranquil ambiance of Osaka Castle Park, a historical bastion amid the modern cityscape.
  • Become a ninja for a day with a fun-filled Ninja Experience, learning about their fascinating history while mastering some ninja techniques.
  • Visit Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum, where you can marvel at traditional Japanese woodblock prints.
  • Conclude your day's adventure with a culinary odyssey through Osaka's vibrant food scene at Dotonbori. Immerse yourselves in the lively atmosphere of the city's countless restaurants and foods.
Ninja experience
Day 12

Farewell Osaka and Japan

 

As your time in Japan draws to a close, let us handle your departure with the same level of care and efficiency that will have characterized your entire journey. A private transport service, meticulously arranged by our team, will ensure a smooth and stress-free transfer from your hotel to the airport.

With your travel arrangements seamlessly taken care of, bid farewell to Osaka and Japan, carrying with you cherished family memories of your unique exploration of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Sayonara! We wish you a peaceful and pleasant onward or return journey.

Expand All

Your Stay is Part of the Story

Where you stay shapes your journey. We handpick hotels for their unique character, from city boutiques to beachfront escapes.

 
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
Kid-friendly traditional Ryokan in Takayama
Kid-friendly traditional Ryokan in Takayama
Conveniently located hotel in central Kanazawa
Conveniently located hotel in central Kanazawa
Unique warm hotel with fine location in Kyoto
Unique warm hotel with fine location in Kyoto
 
 
 
 

What's Included

No surprises, no hidden fees. Our pricing is transparent and tailored to your final plan. Here's a clear look at what's typically included.

Price Guide

Price Guide

4-Star Journey
  • Comfort & Character
  • From US$9,010 per person

Your Inclusions

Your Inclusions

  • Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
    Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
  • Dedicated English-speaking local guide
    Dedicated English-speaking local guide
  • All entrance fees & listed activities
    All entrance fees & listed activities
  • All nights in handpicked hotels
    All nights in handpicked hotels
  • Domestic flights between cities
    Domestic flights between cities
  • Daily breakfast & specified meals
    Daily breakfast & specified meals
  • 24/7 on-trip support
    24/7 on-trip support
  • ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)
    ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)

Good to Know

Good to Know

Pricing

  • Based on two people, low season travel.
  • Your final price is customized to your group, dates, and choices.
  • Mixing hotels? Absolute. We'll design a trip to fit your budget.

Exclusions

  • International flight (we can help book)
  • Most lunches & dinners (for flexibility)
  • Visas & travel insurances
  • Tips & personal spending

Booking

  • Discounts available for children under 8.
  • We accept USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR, and more.

Tour code

  • ah-jp-13

Let's plan your journey, together.

It's simple. Here's how it works:
1. Share your ideas in the plan below.
2. Your travel advisor connects with you within 24 hours.

1. When are you thinking of traveling? *

2. Now, let's talk about your travel group. *

Adults (18+ yrs)

Children (age at time of trip)

10-17 yrs
3-9 yrs
0-2 yrs

Describe your group to help us craft your journey (Select all that apply)

3. To help us find the perfect places for you to stay, what's your preferred style? *

4. Lastly, what would make this trip truly special for you? (optional)

The details make the difference. Share your passions, any special occasions, or your must-see spots - the more we know,the more personal your journey will be.

your nameYour Name *

emailEmail *

TelephoneTelephone *

I am also available on:

Your privacy is our priority.
We'll never share your data or send you spam.

Start
Your
Journey