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Japan is enjoyable, fascinating, and protected, making it one of many world’s greatest locations for household journey.
Whether or not you’re touring with infants, younger youngsters, youngsters, or all the above, Japan’s partaking and eclectic tradition has one thing for everyone.
That will help you plan your journey, we’ve put collectively this listing of 25 family-friendly actions in Japan. Take pleasure in memorable adventures as you expertise Japan’s awe-inspiring bullet trains, magnificent castles, digital artwork displays, theme parks, and unimaginable meals (from ramen and sushi, to burgers, pizza, and all the things in between) wherever you go.
Whereas not as off the overwhelmed path because it was, most households nonetheless overlook Japan in favor of extra “typical” household journey locations. Learn on to study extra about what makes Japan such an interesting vacation spot for each children and adults.
Initially written in 2014, this publish was up to date and republished on December 21, 2022.
Why Households Love Japan
Japan is an excellent household vacation spot for lots of the similar causes we love Japan usually.
It’s Secure and Handy
Japan is maybe the most secure massive nation on this planet, making the US and Europe look fairly harmful as compared.
It’s additionally surprisingly straightforward to get round, even for those who don’t converse the Japanese language.
One other shock spotlight for therefore many vacationers is how fantastically and effectively issues are inclined to work in Japan:
- Japanese trains are spotless and depart and arrive on time
- Japanese customer support is fantastic, and persons are astoundingly useful
- And, in fact, your children (and also you) will love driving the shinkansen (bullet practice)
On high of all this, Japanese folks cater exceptionally effectively to youngsters and love household vacationers!
Children Love Japan
Should you’re a dad or mum studying this, it’s attainable you had not more than a passing curiosity in Japan till your youngsters advised you they needed to go to. For a lot of of you, it’s a dream journey… on your children!
Why do younger folks love Japan a lot?
Japan is the house of so many issues children love: quick trains and robots, ninjas and samurai, anime (animation) and manga (comedian books), Nintendo, and Whats up Kitty.
It goes effectively past the floor, too. Japan is an intellectually curious baby’s dream, with a beguiling trendy but conventional tradition and interesting current and historic historical past.
Adults Love Japan
One key to a profitable household trip is ensuring everybody — dad and mom included — feels concerned and engaged.
Together with guaranteeing your children have a good time, it’s a a lot better expertise for all if the adults are actually having fun with themselves as effectively.
In case you are an grownup, we expect you’ll discover a number of stuff you’ll wish to do in our assortment of bucket list-worthy Japan experiences.
Most are additionally nice with children!
25 Household-Pleasant Actions in Japan
Should you’re one in every of our vacationers, we’ll provide extremely personalised options, based mostly in your and your children’ priorities, all through the method of planning your Japan journey.
Even for those who’re not one in every of our vacationers, we hope you’ll discover Japan journey inspiration within the listing of family-friendly actions under.
Take into account that we suggest leaving at the very least slightly unstructured time, although some households do higher with out construction than others.
Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are good for a little bit of aimless wandering. You’re nearly assured to come upon distinctive issues to see and do (and revel within the discovery). It definitely helps that Japanese cities are typically terribly protected.
Even for those who love your free time, we discover that youthful vacationers thrive with at the very least some construction — and please additionally keep in mind that lots of the experiences listed under are greatest organized with advance reservations.
We might help you create a stability of high-energy actions, exploring, and downtime — and make all of the preparations. However we hope you and your children discover inspiration in our options under, whether or not you’re employed with us or not!
Listed here are 25 family-friendly actions in Japan to encourage your itinerary:
- Journey the World-famous Shinkansen
- Go to the Snow Monkeys in Nagano Prefecture
- Attend a Sumo Basho
- Take a Taiko Drumming Class
- Mingle with Deer in Nara or Miyajima
- Spend the Evening at a Buddhist Temple
- Discover the Whimsical Ghibli Museum in Tokyo
- Expertise World-Class Aquariums in Osaka and Okinawa
- Climb Mount Fuji
- Stroll Via Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest
- Immerse Your self in teamLab’s Digital Artwork Installations
- Expertise Cosplay
- Play a Conventional Japanese Instrument
- Discover a Medieval Japanese Fort
- Ski or Snowboard in Japan’s Legendary Powder
- Soak in Akihabara’s Neon, Arcades, Electronics
- Cycle Throughout the Shimanami Kaido
- Spend the Day at a Japanese Theme Park
- Take a Village-to-village Hike Via the Japanese Countryside
- Attend a Japanese Matsuri
- Expertise a Tea Ceremony
- Stroll Via Colourful Markets
- Go to the Artwork Island of Naoshima
- Keep at a Conventional Ryokan within the Countryside
- Be taught to Make Sushi or Japanese Consolation Meals
1. Journey the World-famous Shinkansen
For most children, driving the bullet practice is a “should,” and happily for folks, it’s additionally normally probably the most handy method to journey from metropolis to metropolis.
The shinkansen is just not solely quick and environment friendly, nevertheless it’s additionally an absolute pleasure to experience. Be certain to choose up an ekiben (practice station bento field), as consuming and ingesting on the practice is a key a part of the expertise!
Must you get the Japan Rail Move?
2. Go to the Snow Monkeys in Nagano Prefecture
Watching the snowy faces of untamed Japanese macaques peer by means of the steam from heat onsen swimming pools in Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Park) is without doubt one of the highlights of touring to Japan in winter.
Positioned within the Japanese Alps of Nagano prefecture, we suggest spending at the very least one or two nights within the area to have the ability to go to the well-known monkeys with out speeding.
3. Attend a Sumo Basho
Sumo is maybe Japan’s best-known but enigmatic sport. In case your schedule permits, attend an official sumo basho (event). They happen six occasions a yr, starting in January after which each different month by means of November.
In case your dates don’t align with a basho, by all means, attempt to attend a morning observe at a sumo-beya, the place wrestlers each stay and practice.
4. Take a Taiko Drumming Class
A hands-on taiko drumming class affords one of the best of each worlds: interact in a centuries-old cultural observe and expend some critical power within the course of. Take a household class and study why it’s such a major ingredient of people tradition and matsuri (festivals) throughout Japan.
5. Mingle with Deer in Nara or Miyajima
There are two locations price trying out for those who’d prefer to spend a while with Japan’s native sika (deer).
The primary is Nara Park within the metropolis of Nara, lower than an hour away from each Kyoto and Osaka. Buy some shika senbei (deer crackers) from the close by stalls and see how shortly you may make a gang of four-legged mates.
If Hiroshima is in your itinerary, make sure that to pay a go to to close by Miyajima Island, house to greater than a thousand tame sika coexisting with island residents.
6. Spend the Evening at a Buddhist Temple
Deep in Wakayama Prefecture, south of Kyoto, the mountaintop neighborhood of Mount Koya is house to dozens of temples the place you’ll be able to keep in a single day in a shukubo (temple lodging).
Whereas these conventional lodging are fairly rustic and spartan, you’ll have the possibility to work together with resident monks and revel in Buddhist vegetarian delicacies throughout your keep.
7. Discover the Whimsical Ghibli Museum in Tokyo
Dive into the imaginative world of Studio Ghibli and iconic director Hayao Miyazaki, greatest recognized for movies together with “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” On the Ghibli Museum, you’ll be able to immerse your self within the magical exhibitions devoted to the studio’s productions.
8. Expertise World-Class Aquariums in Osaka and Okinawa
At Kaiyukan Aquarium in Osaka, the ecosystems of the Pacific Rim areas are dropped at life. You possibly can work together with creatures within the contact pool and expertise the magical evening aquarium expertise the place technicolor sea creatures drift by below subdued lighting.
The Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa affords a glimpse into the waters, ecology, and life surrounding the island. Expertise monumental whale sharks, manta rays, and different massive species within the aquarium’s huge tanks.
9. Climb Mount Fuji
Mountain climbing up Mount Fuji is a terrific problem for lively households. This journey is greatest undertaken throughout the official climbing season, which usually begins in early July and ends in early to mid-September.
If summiting Fujisan sounds too daunting, however you’d prefer to plan for a day in nature, contemplate one of many extra accessible day hikes close to Tokyo (Kyoto can also be house to many glorious day hikes).
10. Stroll Via Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest
Positioned on the western outskirts of Kyoto, the picturesque Arashiyama fills up with vacationers for good purpose. With its meandering river and wonderful mountains, it’s one of many metropolis’s most scenic districts, and at its coronary heart is the famously photogenic bamboo forest.
Anticipate crowds, although even when it’s full of admirers, it may provide an ethereal expertise. You’ll wish to spend at the very least a half-day (or longer) exploring this excellent nook of Kyoto.
11. Immerse Your self in teamLab’s Digital Artwork Installations
The digital artwork collective often called teamLab has taken the world by storm. There’s no higher place to expertise their wondrous digital worlds than Tokyo, the place teamLab affords a rotating mixture of non permanent and semi-permanent displays.
12. Expertise Cosplay
If you wish to take dress-up to the following stage, Japan is the place. Whether or not you’re dressing up as Pikachu to sing karaoke or studying easy methods to correctly put on a proper kimono, each whimsical and culturally fascinating choices abound.
13. Play a Conventional Japanese Instrument
Together with taiko (see above), there are many different wagakki (conventional Japanese devices) you’ll be able to attempt your hand at whereas exploring Japan. Well-liked choices for single-day classes embrace the stringed shamisen and koto and the shakuhachi flute.
14. Discover a Medieval Japanese Fort
European castles don’t have anything on their Japanese counterparts: turrets and towers had been constructed of medieval supplies like wooden and stone, and moats protected the expansive grounds. You possibly can nearly hear the armies of samurai as they descend on the fortresses.
Whereas some castles (like Osaka Fort) look good on the skin, for a deeper expertise, we suggest visiting the fantastically preserved castles of Himeji, Hikone, or Matsumoto to get an actual glimpse of life because it was in feudal Japan.
15. Ski or Snowboard in Japan’s Legendary Powder
Households with a love of winter sports activities can construct an itinerary round snowboarding or snowboarding in one in every of Japan’s famed ski areas.
Hokkaido, the northernmost island, is a winter wonderland famend for its plentiful snowfall and premium powder, whereas Tohoku and the Japanese Alps additionally provide an array of worthwhile winter resorts.
16. Soak in Akihabara’s Neon, Arcades, Electronics
Players of all ages can lose themselves within the five-story arcades of Akihabara in Tokyo, every flooring that includes a distinct style and highlighting probably the most iconic titles ever produced. Past the video games, Akihabara can also be a paradise for electronics lovers.
17. Cycle Throughout the Shimanami Kaido
For an escapade on two wheels, pedal throughout the Shimanami Kaido, Japan’s hottest biking route and a bucket listing experience for cyclists worldwide.
Whereas traversing the 47-mile island-hopping stretch between Onomichi and Imabari, you’ll cross by means of quaint Japanese fishing villages the place you’ll be able to cease and refuel with native delicacies, together with contemporary grilled seafood and mandarin gelato.
18. Spend the Day at a Japanese Theme Park
If high-adrenaline rides and rollercoasters are extra your velocity, Japan has world-class amusement parks, starting from the classically whimsical to a thrill-seeker’s nirvana.
A few of Japan’s best-known theme parks embrace Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, Common Studios Japan, Sanrio Puroland, and Fuji-Q Highland.
19. Take a Village-to-village Hike Via the Japanese Countryside
Strolling alongside historic trails is an unforgettable method to immerse your self within the countryside and get a style of previous Japan.
The Nakasendo Highway was utilized by samurai to journey between Tokyo and Kyoto throughout the Edo interval. Even for those who’re not up for a multi-day hike, it’s attainable to stroll alongside a brief a part of the highway in as brief as a half-day, spending time within the meticulously preserved village of Tsumago.
The distant Kumano Kodo is greatest skilled as a multi-day hike by means of the UNESCO-recognized area of Kumano, with its abundance of historic and religious websites. You’ll cross by means of charming villages and exquisite landscapes, stopping to take pleasure in unbelievable onsen and native delicacies.
20. Attend a Japanese Matsuri
Matsuri (festivals) are ubiquitous all through Japan. These distinctive celebrations are stuffed with high-energy dancing, vibrant colours, and vigorous chanting and usually contain processions the place locals carry enormous, intricately embellished mikoshi (transportable shrines).
At most matsuri, avenue meals can also be a spotlight!
21. Expertise a Tea Ceremony
You could possibly spend a lifetime training tea, however even vacationers can get a style of Japan’s conventional tea tradition. In Kyoto and past, there are charming, old school tea homes that supply abbreviated but elucidating tea ceremonies for curious vacationers.
It’s vital to notice that for those who or your children can’t sit nonetheless for an hour or so, this expertise might be not for you!
22. Stroll Via Colourful Markets
Japan’s bountiful markets are a veritable sensory overload, with a few of our favorites together with Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, Kyoto’s centuries-old Nishiki Market, and Omicho Market in Kanazawa.
23. Go to the Artwork Island of Naoshima
Naoshima, popularly often called Japan’s “artwork island,” is a mecca for artwork lovers of all ages.
Benefit from the scenic landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea, soak up a mixture of surreal and sumptuous artwork and structure, and soak within the laid-back island vibes of the area’s quaint fishing villages.
24. Keep at a Conventional Ryokan within the Countryside
Staying at a conventional ryokan (Japanese-style inn) for an evening or two is a superb expertise for adventurous households.
Japanese households usually all share one room collectively when staying at a ryokan, although this isn’t required. Once you test in, you’ll go away your sneakers on the entrance, and as soon as in your room, you’ll shed your avenue garments in favor of yukata robes.
Highlights of a ryokan keep embrace sipping tea, soaking in onsen, and unimaginable multi-course meals. This can be a stress-free and culturally fascinating expertise for a lot of households, but when your loved ones likes to maneuver quick, then one evening might be greater than sufficient!
25. Be taught to Make Sushi or Japanese Consolation Meals
Whether or not you like to cook dinner or just need a enjoyable exercise to maintain your children engaged (and effectively fed), personal cooking lessons are a good way to spend a couple of hours.
Choices vary from studying to arrange sushi with a grasp chef to extra casual house cooking lessons with pleasant locals.
Household Journey in Japan: Different Logistical Concerns
Listed here are a few different issues households ought to take into accout when planning a go to to Japan.
Strollers and Automotive Seats and Diapers, Oh My!
Since there may be restricted house for big objects on trains, we usually suggest touring with a compact folding stroller.
This may show extra handy not solely on long-distance trains but in addition on public transit, in taxis, and in addition when strolling by means of slim streets or coming into small outlets and eating places.
Happily, Japan’s roads and sidewalks are typically splendidly maintained, which helps make strolling round with a stroller a breeze.
Whether or not or to not journey with a automotive seat is as much as you. Sometimes, taxis in Japan don’t require youngsters to experience in automotive seats, although for longer transfers (for instance, airport transfers), it’s price asking your transport supplier if they will present a automotive seat or not.
As for provides, resembling diapers? We normally counsel bringing a great provide to at the very least get you began, because it’s not at all times straightforward to seek out the precise provides you’ll need on your child as soon as on the bottom.
One “trick” we suggest is to utilize Japan’s glorious baggage forwarding providers. This manner, you’ll be able to convey one suitcase devoted to child provides with out having to hold it in every single place.
For extra ideas, see our Knowledgeable Ideas for Your Japan Packing Record.
Are There Youngster Reductions in Japan?
In brief, sure, although solely to some extent.
For instance, at many lodging, youngsters do pay much less (relying on their ages on the time of journey), nevertheless it’s not at all times the case in any respect inns or ryokans.
As for transport, youngsters aged 11 and below do pay much less for trains and bullet trains, however these 12 and over pay the total grownup fare. Excursions and experiences are typically related, although it varies by service.
Aside from lodging, excursions, and transport, you’ll nearly definitely find yourself spending much less on the bottom relating to meals, for instance (study extra about how a lot issues value in Japan).
Embark on a As soon as-in-a-Lifetime Journey to Japan
We imagine your journey ought to mirror your private sense of journey and magnificence and that no two households (or itineraries!) are alike.
In case you are trying to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Japan, we now have assets that may assist. Begin by trying out our pattern journey itineraries and studying about our trip-planning course of.
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