17-Day Japan Summer Family Vacation

On day 3, we would learn the process of making sushi, and the basic skills of being a ninja:

• Discover bustling Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest in the world. Browse the market's stalls, interact with the vendors, and learn about Japanese culinary culture.
• Continue the adventure with a sushi-making class. Learning from a professional sushi chef, create delicious, nutritious, and aesthetically pleasing rolls. Then eat them!
• Activate your inner ninja with an interactive and immersive ninja experience that takes you back in time to Japan's feudal era. Learn secret, advanced ninja skills.

This day guarantees a unique experience for families who want to embrace the modern and trendy culture that Japan has to offer:

• Immerse yourself in the innovative world of digital art, technology, and entertainment with a visit to MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: EPSON teamLab Borderless.
• Continue your exploration with a visit to the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Also known as Miraikan, it exhibits space exploration and robotics.
• Lastly, embrace the fascinating pop culture of Japan by visiting Akihabara, the bustling hub for anime and gaming. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Pokémon Center.

Take a daytrip to Kamakura, a coastal resort town just an hour from Tokyo, and witness the ancient religious heritage of Japan.

• Visit Great Kotokuin Temple. Its giant bronze Buddha statue of over 13 meters (44 feet) high is a national treasure in vast, serene temple grounds.
• Then visit Hasedera Temple. Known for its stunning statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the Pacific Ocean.
• Next, visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a significant, magnificent shrine founded in the 12th century with impressive architecture and tall, shady camphor trees.
• End your Kamakura exploring with Komachi Street, a bustling street filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants. Experience traditional Japanese cuisine and/or pick up souvenirs.
• Finish the day by transferring to Kawaguchiko — a mountainous area that offers exceptional views of Mount Fuji.

On day 6, we would embark on a journey to the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes and witness the majestic splendor of Mount Fuji:

• Start your adventure by visiting Kawaguchiko, one of the five lakes, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji while you walk along the serene lakeside.
• Take the Kachi Kachi cableway on Mt. Tenjo for panoramic views of the lakes and Mt. Fuji, and visit beautiful Arakura Sengen Shrine, beginning the Mt. Fuji pilgrimage route.
• Next, visit Mount Fuji's 5th Station and Fujisan Komitake Shrine. Learn about the mountain's geology and history, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

A second half-day Karuizawa Nature Tour, this time on the Shinano-ji Nature Trail, would be a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area:

• The Shinano-ji Nature Trail is a well-maintained trail that runs through the central area of Karuizawa at 960 m (3,150 ft) to Mine-no-Chaya at 1,405 m (4,610 ft).
• Along the trail, you will be surrounded by the natural beauty of Karuizawa, including rivers, streams, waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Traveling from Karuizawa to Nagoya by train, experience the world-famous Shinkansen and see the diverse and beautiful Japanese countryside. Have a good rest after arrival at Nagoya.

On day 10, have fun in nationally-famous Ghibli Park, only about 45 minutes outside Nagoya city. The park is based on the popular animated films of Studio Ghibli.

On day 11, the visits would give you a great blend of educational and fun experiences. You'll get to learn more about the industrial and technological history of Japan:

• Visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, showcasing Toyota history and Japan industrial technology with interactive exhibits.
• After lunch, head to SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, about 30 minutes away by car. This railway museum that has a vast collection of trains, locomotives, and bullet trains.
• Finally, head to the Nagoya City Science Museum. It has lots of interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and even a large-screen theater.

Head to Nagoya Station and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

After arrival, check-in at your hotel and have a rest before participating in a well-choreographed special dinner experience at a traditional tea house in Gion District. You will be treated to a feast of traditional Japanese cuisine while being entertained by a Geisha, who will sing, play musical instruments, and perform for you.

The day offers a mix of cultural, natural, and culinary experiences in traditional Kyoto:

• Enter Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous Kyoto temple. It offers a beautiful view of the city and has a history dating back to 778 AD.
• Then, visit Kinkakuji Temple, also known as Golden Pavilion as it's covered in gold leaf. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is in a beautiful garden with a pond.
• Have yourselves some local snacks at Nishiki Market. You'll find lots of interesting food stalls and shops selling anything from traditional Japanese candy to fresh seafood.
• Finish the day's visits at Arashiyama, a mountainous Kyoto district famous for its beautiful bamboo groves, Togetsukyo Bridge over Katsura River, and serene atmosphere.

On day 14, we would pay a visit to Nara Park, which is only about 45 minutes' driving from Kyoto, and later visit Kyoto's most popular shrine.

• Once we arrive in Nara, we'd head to Todaiji temple, one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples, which houses the world's largest bronze Buddha statue.
• After visiting the temple, head to kid-friendly Nara Park, where you can experience feeding the lovable deer that roam freely throughout the park.
• In the afternoon, we'd return to Kyoto and head to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that line the trails behind the main temple.

Check out from your hotel in Kyoto, and we'll travel to Osaka by private vehicle in around an hour:

• Once you arrive in Osaka, we'd head to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. This popular destination for families has a huge marine life variety: dolphins, whale sharks, penguins...
• Then, head to Cup Noodle Museum. Learn the history of instant noodles, see their manufacture, and make your own personally-designed instant noodles (ramen)!

On day 16, you would be able to gain a deeper knowledge of Osaka by visiting its classic attractions:

• Begin your day by visiting Osaka Castle Park, a vast area of greenery allowing your family to enjoy fresh air and nature and take pictures with a historical Osaka Castle backdrop.
• After visiting the park, head to Tempozan Ferris Wheel, which offers a panoramic view of the city and Osaka Bay.
• Continue your adventure in fascinating Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, displaying different housing found in Japan and lifestyles in Japan throughout the ages.