12-Day Epic Japan Family Tour
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12-Day Epic Japan Family Tour

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.

Asia Highlights 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.

  • Days:12±
  • Best For:First-timers, Families, culture enthusiasts, countryside lovers
  • Departure date:up to you
  • Sample Price:from US$7,879 each (2 people) and US$ 5,439 each (4 people)

*The price is based on a private tour.

This itinerary is crafted for families who want to experience the country's diverse offerings, from its rich history and vibrant local culture to the tranquility of the countryside. Contact me to learn more!
Global Highlights' travel expert
  • Alisa Liu
  • 8 years of travel advisor experience
  • Has helped 8,000+ clients

Suggested Journey Route

japan travel guide

Highlights

Wash your hands in Meiji Shrine and connect with Japanese ritual traditions.

meiji shrine and the hand washing place

Cruise the Sumida River and ascend the Skytree for a modern Tokyo experience.

sumida river cruise

Experience the rich heritage of Japan by visiting various UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the country.

Floating Torii Gate of Itsukushima-Jinja

Experience the splendor of Mt. Fuji with a cycling tour around Lake Yamanaka, the closest of the Fuji Five Lakes.

Mt fuji cycling

Bullet train through the incredible Japanese Alps and enter traditional folk villages.

shiragawa-go

Learn the value of peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

The Atomic Bomb Dome

Dress in a traditional kimono and experience the authentic beauty of Kyoto.

japanese kimono dressing

Stay overnight in traditional Japanese ryokan — complete with tatami mat floors and sliding doors.

inside a tradiaional Japanese style Ryokan

Savor Japanese flavors with a sushi-making experience in Tokyo and a street food tour in Osaka.

sushi making in tokyo

Discover the artistry of gold-leafing in Kanazawa, creating your own unique piece of shimmering beauty.

Gold-leafing Experience

Itinerary in Detail

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.

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.

dusk of downtown Tokyo
The dusk of downtown Tokyo
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.
inside the teamLab Borderless
Have fun in 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.

Each attraction offers a unique flavor of Japan's capital, allowing you to customize an engaging day for your family.

senso-ji temple
The historical Senso-ji 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.
Lake Yamanaka
Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka
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
Takayama Jinya
Day 6
Takayama to Kanazawa
  • 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.

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

shiragawago
The gassho-style farmhouses of Shirakawa-go.
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.

Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle Park
Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en Garden
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.

bamboo grove in Arashiyama
Fresh yourselves in the bamboo grove
Kinkaku-ji temple
Kinkaku-ji temple
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.
nara park
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Experience kimono dressing
Experience kimono dressing
Day 10
Hiroshima to Osaka
  • Visit majestic Hiroshima Castle, offering historical insights into Japan's feudal period.
  • 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
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Day11
Osaka Highlights
  • 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.

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

ninja base
Ninja Base
Osaka street food tasting
Osaka street food tasting
Day12
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.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

Hotel in Tokyo
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
ryokan in Takayama
Kid-friendly traditional Ryokan in Takayama
ryokan in Takayama
Conveniently located hotel in central Kanazawa
Hotel in Hiroshima
Unique warm hotel with fine location in Kyoto
Hotel in Osaka
Hotel ideally located for leisure activities in central Osaka.
Hotel in Hiroshima
Hotel offering a breathtaking sea view in Hiroshima

Tour Price:

12 days from
US$7,879 p/p (with 4-star hotel options)
  • The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
  • The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
  • We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
  • We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).

Price Includes:

  • Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
  • English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
  • Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
  • Accommodation for all nights
  • Trains between itinerary cities
  • Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
  • 24/7 helpline while touring
  • Governmental taxes

Price Excludes:

  • International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Visa fee, if applicable
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses

Tour code: ah-jp-13

Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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