Japan Family Vacation

Arrival Note: Welcome to Japan! Upon landing at Tokyo’s Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, go directly to the arrival hall and you will meet our enthusiastic and helpful English-speaking assistant, who will usher you to board the shared shuttle well arranged in advance to take your family to the hotel. Have a good rest at the hotel carefully selected by our picky accommodation experts, and get ready for your wonderful family tour to Japan.

Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo

► Tip: If you travel with more family members or more luggage, just contact our travel consultants to pay extra for the airport-hotel transfer service by private car with driver.

Top Historical Sites: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Senso-ji Temple
Our guide will be waiting for you in the lobby after breakfast. We will start with a trip to the Meiji Jingu Shrine to experience the long and profound Shinto history of Japan. Walk along the rustling gravel-paved worship paths, each of which has an iconic tori gate at the entrance. Follow the guide to delve into the main hall. At the sink in front of the hall, the guide will show you how to wash your hands properly in Shinto style before entering for a visit. Next, we’ll explore the Asakusa area. Go through the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise-dori Street, we’ll arrive at the popular Senso-ji Temple. Walk all the way from the front gate to the Incense Burner in front of the main hall. You can burn incense for good luck or, like the locals, bathe your hands in the sacred smoke, which is said to ward off illnesses.

Sushi Making Class - Beginning of Japan Cooking
At noon, visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, a culinary paradise. You’ll have a great opportunity not only to taste the food, but also to learn step by step how to make sushi from a sushi master. Enjoy your fresh handmade sushi for lunch.

Tokyo is not just old. In the afternoon, we’ll see another side of it. Go to Odaiba to visit the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, an eye-opening establishment of Japanese ingenuity and technology. Here you will gain natural knowledge about the Earth, new technology displays, and many environmental protection related exhibits. The cutting-edge science and technology is presented in cleverly designed models and virtual experiences. The treasure of the museum, the ‘Geo-Cosmos’, which is a giant suspended sphere with about a million LED displays embedded on its surface, is bound to amaze you.

► Visit Odaiba Seaside Park and see the Statue of Liberty if time permits.

The guide will then escort you back to your hotel, or you can stay in Odaiba until it gets dark to see the night view by yourself and take a taxi for 25 minutes to return to the hotel at a cost of USD 50.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo

In the morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you on a 1.5-hour train ride to Kamakura, a seaside treasure town not far south of Tokyo. It’s not as crowded as Tokyo, suitable for show, leisurely travel. Upon arrival, we will first visit the Enoshima Island, a popular destination since the Edo Period (1603 – 1867 AD). Take in unrivaled sea views of the Sagami Bay and, on a good day, you can even see the Mount Fuji.

Pilgrimage for the Classical Manga ‘Slam Dunk’
After lunch, let’s take a slow train ride along the Enoshima Electric Railway running along the shoreline, which is said to be a romantic must-do for the local young lovers. The train takes you to the Kamakurakoko-Mae Station and Shichirigahama Beach, popular spots for fans of the original work of a basketball-themed anime ‘Slam Dunk’, where you can see exactly the same scene as in the manga - a retro train against the backdrop of the Shonan Coast. Even if you’re not a fan, this train ride is truly a special experience, with nice views of the beach and close to the local neighborhoods. Along the track, you can see typical Japanese-style houses, and even touch the plants outside their fences.

★ Admire Great Buddha of Kamakura in Kotoku-in
The next comes the highlight of the day, the Kotoku-in Temple famous for the Great Buddha of Kamakura, which is considered a national treasure of Japan. The 11.3-meter-high (37-foot-high) bronze statue of Buddha embodies the cultural heritage of Kamakura, which began to serve as a political and Buddhist center in the 12th century. The temple was once destroyed by the tsunami, so the original main hall is no longer visible. Only the Buddha statue has been restored. You can see the black part on the Buddha’s chest, which marks the horrible height of the tide at that time.

Later in the afternoon, our guide will escort you back to your hotel in Tokyo.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo

► No guided tour for the day.
To meet your individual needs, we will set aside a free day for you in Tokyo. Tokyo Disneyland is a great choice if you are a family with children. Our guide would give you the 1-Day Passport(s) the day before, and you only need to manage your own transportation back and forth.

Self-guided Tokyo Disneyland Tour for Your Reference:
There are Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Disneyland offers fewer thrilling rides and is more suitable for younger children. Different from other Disneylands around the world, in this park you can see plenty of Japanese features, such as food and performances.
► How to Get There: It takes 50 minutes and costs USD 3.2 per person by JR rail transit. Walk 5 minutes north from your hotel to Shinjuku Station to take the Chuo Line for 4 stops to Tokyo Station, walk 4 minutes south to change to the Keiyo Line for another 6 stops to Maihama Station, which is 5 minutes’ walk to the entrance of the Disneyland.
► Opening Hours: 9:00 to 22:00 on weekdays; 8:00 to 22:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Daytime parade ‘Dreaming Up!’ at 13:00. Firework show ‘Disney Light the Night’ at 20:40.

Tips:
1. Better avoid weekends and holidays: Tokyo Disneyland is always crowded during public holidays, so you’d better plan your trip in advance, contact our travel consultants to flexibly adjust the schedule for you, and leave a free day on a working day.
2. The 1-Day Passport we provide for you allows only one entry to Disneyland OR DisneySea. If you want to visit the two parks, please contact us to extend your trip by one day and prepare a 2-Day Passport for you with an extra charge.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo

Today marks the exciting trip to the Mt. Fuji. Your family will join other travelers on a shared bus to Fuji. The bus will depart between 8:15 and 8:25 in the morning from Keio Plaza Hotel, which is a 15-minute walk northwest from your hotel, or you can take a taxi to the departure point.

With the bus guide’s introduction on the way, take a pleasant, smooth 2-hour ride to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station or as high as possible. Your kids must be in high spirits as you could embark on a short hike full of wild and natural fun! At noon, go down the mountain, and the delicious Japanese-style meal (sukiyaki) will be ready for you for lunch, including a serving of seasonal fruit and unlimited coffee.

★ Breathtaking Mt. Fuji Viewed from Lake Ashi Cruise & Ropeway:
After lunch, a special Lake Ashi cruise will be arranged for you to appreciate the Mt. Fuji from different angles across the valleys. Leisurely float on the volcanic Lake Ashi, which was formed more than 3,000 years ago, and enjoy views of the shore, including the Hakone Shrine and its iconic bright red Heiwa no Tori by the water.

Once ashore, take a short walk and go up the mountain by Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, which runs to the top station in 10 minutes. Here offers an unobstructed vantage point for you to enjoy the panorama of the Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi at its foot. There’s a lot of lava and geothermal energy buried under the quiet mountain, and it’s a great opportunity for your kids to learn about the dormant volcano Fuji and the amazing planet we live on. However, be prepared that the Mt. Fuji is quite shy, not always visible to everyone. A bit of luck is needed, given the abundance of clouds and moisture in that area. Take a small walking loop here and visit the hilltop Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine.

After a gondola ride down the mountain, take the shared bus back to Tokyo to end this memorable day.

★ Unique Service: Flexible Date to Visit Mt. Fuji
The Fuji area is prone to rain or overcast, and you may not be able to see the mountain on a fixed day. Our considerate service solves this problem, allowing you to adjust the visiting order and choose a clear day to visit the Mt. Fuji during your stay in Tokyo from the 2nd to 5th day. Please check our ‘Comparison with Other Sellers’ below, or contact our travel consultants for details.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo

Please pack up and check out after breakfast, and get ready to embark on an intercity trip. We will reserve the train tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto for you in advance, and you should take the bullet train to Kyoto on your own. You are advised to leave one hour earlier than the departure time of the train. Walk 7 minutes north from the hotel to Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Line for 13 minutes (4 stops) to Tokyo Station.

Follow the signs at Tokyo Station to find the right platform for the train of Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. A lightning-fast ride would let you know what Japanese speed is. From Tokyo to Kyoto, the 450 km (280 mi) journey can be completed in just 2 hour and 15 minutes.

Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera Temple) & Gion Walking Tour
Our Kyoto guide will greet your family at the train station and escort you to the hotel to drop off your luggage. After lunch, we’ll visit the Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera Temple), named for the clear water flowing from the Otowa Waterfall in the temple. There are three clear springs representing longevity, wisdom and health. Use the long-handled spoon provided by the temple to catch the water for drink. Remember to choose only one spring water to take a sip to achieve your wish. Don’t take on too much. Going to the Hondo Main Hall above the waterfall, you’ll find an ideal viewing veranda to take panoramic shots of Kyoto from the huge stage hanging in front of the hall. Outside the temple, we’ll pass the long rolling ramps of Sannenzaka or Ninenzaka, lined with traditional wooden houses selling specialty foods and souvenirs. Visit the Yasaka Shrine and we’ll then arrive at Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Here, you may come across geishas and maikos walking past the Hanamikoji Street in traditional kimonos, classic hairstyles and elaborate makeup.

★ Travel Different: Ninja-Samurai Experience for Kids & Families
At Gion, the guide will take you to a dojo and leave you there for a unique experience. This is one of the most featured Japanese activities – on-hand experience of the mysterious samurai and ninja culture. Take this rare opportunity to try on the warrior armor and discover a variety of samurai weapons. Learn about the world of samurais and ninjas through the staff’s commentary. Hold an ancient sword, learn how to move a sword from a professional teacher, practice ninja meditation and breathing, learn to use a ninja blowgun, and participate in a fun ninja star throw competition. Children’s active nature would be encouraged during the training, while the adults could learn Bushido philosophy and ways to calm their minds.

It would be dark as you step outside again. Enjoy free time to admire the night view of Gion, have dinner, and then take a 10-minute taxi back to your hotel at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rigah Royal Kyoto (4 stars)

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin our exploration of the ancient capital. Our first destination would be the Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple), a historic temple dating back to 1397 AD. Not only do you have the chance to see the Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond, but you could also listen to our guide’s excellent narration of the interesting folk stories. The Golden Pavilion was burned down by a Buddhist monk in 1950, an arson that shocked the nation. The ugly monk, jealous of the beauty of the Golden Pavilion, twisted the idea that adding tragic colors to such a beautiful scene would be more impressive, so he deliberately set a fire. The pavilion we see now is actually restored in 1955. The monk once tried to commit seppuku but was saved. How is he now? Come with us to find out.

Next, our guide will take you to visit the Nijo Castle. Take a look at the classical architecture, which was built in 1603 AD, especially the Ninomaru Goten (Second Palace), which is a national treasure. Around noon, we will visit the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, where the delicate, tasty and nutritious Japanese snacks are sure to delight you. The guide will leave you some time, and if you like, you can try dango (dumplings), matcha icecream, tempura, croquette, or other local food.

In the afternoon, let’s explore the Fushimi Inari Taisha, an important mountainside Shinto shrine built in the 8th century, even before the capital’s move to Kyoto! Follow the guide to walk through thousands of vermillion torii gates on the trail behind the shrine that leads up to the sacred Mount Inari, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a perfect movie set. Curious about the various fox statues in the shrine? The fox is believed to be the messenger of Inari, the Japanese god of rice. Our guide, who is well versed in Japanese history and culture, will explain the allusions behind these monuments for you in detail. Finally, the guide will accompany you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rigah Royal Kyoto (4 stars)

In the morning, our guide will accompany you from the hotel to a 40-minute train journey to Arashiyama. We’ll go directly to the boarding point of Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari), from which you will take a 2-hour exciting cruise from Kameoka to Arashiyama. With an experienced boatman at the helm, you’ll navigate through the green valleys with picturesque scenery. See the Katsura River Bridge, Hozukyo Gorge, and Mt. Ogura from the boat, and you might encounter the cute little red train running onshore along the Sagano Scenic Railway.

After disembarking, we will take a stroll into the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and discover little-known beauty. If you like, try a short rickshaw ride at your own expense, which would take you to the secluded riverbank paths and deep into the verdant bamboo forest. Next, our guide will lead you to go across the Togetsu-kyo Bridge and explore the Monkey Park Iwatayama. It is an easy climb up to the platform atop the Mt. Arashiyama, where you can enjoy interacting with the wild monkeys. The view above is incredible and it would be super fun to feed the monkeys their favorite apples and peanuts. Afterwards, we’ll return to downtown Kyoto.

★ Have Fun at Kyoto Railway Museum
In the afternoon, the guide will take you on a tour of the Kyoto Railway Museum, the largest railway museum in Japan, with a large collection of models and real train exhibits ranging from traditional steam locomotives to modern bullet trains, as well as plenty of interactive facilities for visitors to touch and experience. Learn about the railway history, technology and safety from a variety of models. Let your kids use a driving simulator to know what it's like to drive a train. Get an amazing experience to ride on a real steam locomotive. Climb to the observation deck on the 3rd floor to see the actual bullet train lines and get a panoramic view of Kyoto. Finally, our guide will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rigah Royal Kyoto (4 stars)

► No guided tour for the day.
The multi-faceted Kyoto features classical charm while offers fun places for children of all ages. We will set aside a day for you to make your own arrangements. You can visit the Toei Kyoto Studio Park recommended below, which is Japan’s only costume drama theme park and filming location, with many attractions and wonderful shows. Otherwise, go to the Kyoto Aquarium or Kyoto City Zoo if your kids are into it, or just hang out to the Pontocho Alley or Gion area for food.

Tips on Toei Kyoto Studio Park for Your Reference:
► How to Get There: A taxi from your hotel to the park takes 25 minutes and costs USD 30, while the rail transit takes 35 to 40 minutes and costs USD 4 per person. Walk 3 minutes east from your hotel to Shimogyoku Sogo Chosha mae to take the bus Shiei 206 or Shiei 206 for 12 minutes (6 stops) to Shijo Omiya, transfer to the train Randen Line to ride for 14 minutes (6 stops) to Uzumasa-Koryuji, and walk 5 minutes north to the park.
► Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
► Admission Fee: JPY 2,400 (USD 18), on your own expense

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rigah Royal Kyoto (4 stars)

In the morning, our guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby for a train ride to Nara in one hour. We’ll start by appreciating the Kofuku-ji Temple, a time-honored Buddhist temple with well-preserved architecture and a national treasure hall. Visit the renowned Great Eastern Temple (Todai-ji Temple). You’ll be struck by the grandness of this temple dating back to the mid-8th century, with its Great Buddha Hall being the largest surviving wooden structure in the world. Next, have a relaxing time in the Nara Park. In addition to visiting the cultural heritage sites in the park like the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, you’ll enjoy a kid-friendly experience of playing with the deer. The tame deer are the masters here, and their graceful figures can be seen everywhere. You can feed them with some little crackers, which are their favorite. Please keep an eye on your children, though, as these deer can occasionally bite! Try to feed a deer that walk alone and avoid taking out your crackers among a herd.

After a lunch break, we will enjoy a quiet moment in the Isuien Garden, whose name literally means ‘garden built on water’. Take a pleasant walk in this garden carefully planned around a pond, bask in the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and get completely relaxed in the green world. There is a small museum inside the garden, with bronze ware, mirrors, seals and pottery from ancient China and Korea. Next, we will walk around Naramachi to feel the local life atmosphere. Our guide will take you on a secret path leading to the Naramachi Koshinoie (Grid House), a lovely and rarely visited authentic lattice house. This perfect replica of an Edo-era Machiya house is a great place to take photos. Late in the afternoon, we will take the train back Kyoto for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rigah Royal Kyoto (4 stars)

We will book the train tickets to Hiroshima for you in advance. Please pack up, check out, and leave your hotel half an hour ahead of the departure time of the train. Walk 8 minutes east from your hotel to Kyoto Station.

Take the bullet train to Hiroshima by yourself, and you’ll arrive in about 1.5 hours. Our Hiroshima guide will meet you at the train station and escort you to the hotel to leave your luggage. Later, you’ll have an enjoyable boat trip to the picturesque Miyajima Island, famous for the Itsukushima Shrine, which honors three sea goddesses in ancient Japanese legend. From a distance you can see its iconic giant red torii gate floating on the sea. Take a relaxing stroll with wild deer and spend leisurely time in this secluded shrine. At noon, we’ll head back to downtown Hiroshima.

★ World War II History for Kids: Visiting Atomic Bombing Site
In the afternoon, you will have a great opportunity to give your children a peace education lesson at the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is the remains of the Industrial Promotion Hall destroyed by an atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. From the staggering wreckage, you can imagine the power of the atomic bombing, which flattened almost all of the nearby buildings, except for the lucky dome. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and learn the brutality of war through the poignant remains and photographs recording the atomic bombing. Mourn for the victims and pray for world peace. Finally, our guide will accompany you back to your hotel in Hiroshima.

► Recommended Local Food: The Hiroshimayaki served at the famous restaurant Nagataya is worth trying. This mixture of noodles, vegetables and meat pan-fried on an iron plate will delight your taste buds.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-ekimae (4 stars)

After breakfast, please pack up and check out. With the train tickets already booked for you, you need to travel to Osaka by yourself. Please leave your hotel half an hour in advance and walk 5 minutes southeast from your hotel to Hiroshima Station. Take the Shinkansen bullet train to reach Osaka in 1.5 hours. 

Our guide will pick you up from the train station to the hotel to leave your luggage. Here let’s begin a rich Osaka tour. The iconic Osaka Castle Park is a must-see. After learning about the history of Osaka here, we will head to Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, which represent modern Osaka. The bustling commercial blocks extend along the Tonbori River, and you’ll be dazzled by eye-catching shop signs and the abundance of food. Spend some free time to hunt for your own lunch in Dotonbori, trying local snacks like Takoyaki and Osaka Kushikatsu.

Fun for Kids: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan & Tempozan Ferris Wheel
In the afternoon, we will have a cool ocean trip to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the world’s largest indoor aquarium. After going through a tunnel-shaped entrance, we will visit different tanks, which reproduce the undersea natural ecological environment of the mysterious Pacific Rim, which is home to colorful fish and various forms of marine life. We will definitely go to the central tank to see the giant whale shark, the aquarium's popular star and the world’s largest fish. This afternoon’s energetic adventure will be a rewarding experience. After coming out of the aquarium, a ride on the nearby Tempozan Ferris Wheel is the best way to end the day. The golden sunset over Osaka as your Ferris wheel cabin reaches its peak would be a sight you will never forget. Finally, our guide will accompany you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Namba Oriental Hotel (4 stars) in Osaka

► No guided tour for the day.
Considering that you are traveling with children and may prefer a more relaxed schedule, we have reserved a free day for you in Osaka. The Universal Studios Japan is a good place to go, with movie theme parks and large amusement parks for both adults and children. Our guide would give you the 1 Day Studio Pass(es) the day before, and you can go there on your own.

Self-guided Universal Studios Tour for Your Reference:
Wish you a great day having fun with a variety of exciting amusement facilities! “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is not to be missed. The “Super Nintendo World” is a must for video game fans. Other theme parks like “New York”, “Hollywood”, “San Francisco”, and “Amity Village” will surely remind you of the wonderful memories of watching the classic Hollywood movies.
► How to Get There: Walk 7 minutes west from your hotel to Osaka-Namba Station, take the Hanshin-Namba Line for 4 stops to Nishikujo Station, walk 3 minutes to transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line for another 2 stops to Universal-City Station, which is right at the entrance of the park. It takes half an hour and costs USD 3 per person. 
► Opening Hours: The opening hours vary daily. The earliest opening time is 8:30 while the latest is 10:00 in the morning. The earliest closing time is 18:00 while the latest is 22:00 in the evening.
► Tip: We will provide you with the 1 Day Studio Pass(es). If you want the 1.5 Day Studio Pass(es) or 2 Day Studio Pass(es), please contact our travel consultants to extend your trip for an additional fee.

► Alternative: If you want to use your free day to visit the Kids Plaza Osaka, you can tell our travel consultants to arrange it for you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Namba Oriental Hotel(4 stars) in Osaka

Wake up naturally and have breakfast. Pack your bags and head to Osaka Kansai International Airport by yourself. Wish you a pleasant journey home! If you would like to travel to more destinations in Japan or other countries, please contact our travel consultants to customize an itinerary to suit your needs.

Meals: Breakfast

Transportation from Your Hotel to Osaka Kansai Airport (for your reference):
Walk south from Namba Oriental Hotel to Namba Station in 6 minutes to take the train Nankai Line for 45 minutes to the airport, costing USD 7 per pax; or take a taxi for 45 minutes at a cost of USD 130.

► Airport see-off service is available at an additional charge.