Japan is an ideal destination for families, especially when Visiting Japan with your children. It is a safe, clean, and entertaining destination. From ninja restaurants and snow monkeys to calligraphy classes, there's a wide variety of activities to keep kids of all ages occupied. My Way Travel can provide valuable insights if you're looking for a comprehensive Japan travel guide.
Traveling the nation with your family is a breeze thanks to the rapid and comfortable bullet train, and there is a wide variety of dining options and lodging options to suit any budget.
Explore futuristic Tokyo
Tokyo at night.
Despite its reputation as a city of neon and skyscrapers, Tokyo successfully blends cutting-edge tourist destinations with centuries-old cultural practices. Spend the morning at a peaceful temple, then go to the Honda Welcome Plaza in the afternoon to see ASIMO, the world's most advanced humanoid robot.
Company Ghibli, the animation company behind Spirited Away and other anime classics, and Tokyo Disneyland are in the city. Explore the rooftop garden protected by a robot that stands at roughly 16 feet tall and learn about the history of the films and even watch a preview of one.
See the snow monkeys in Yudanaka
In Yudanaka's steaming hot springs, snow monkeys unwind.
Yudanaka, a resort town in the Japanese Alps known for its natural hot springs and population of snow monkeys, is about three hours by train from Tokyo.
It is possible to see hundreds of these social animals at once as they frolic in and out of their hot spring and argue over stones. The monkeys are entertaining to see any time of year, but winter is when snow piles up on their heads while they soak in their thermal bath to stay warm.
After seeing the snow monkeys, you and your family would enjoy spending the night in Yudanaka to soak in the therapeutic waters.
Travel on the bullet train
The bullet train, or Shinkansen, speeds by iconic Mount Fuji.
The speeds achieved by this great engineering achievement are unprecedented. The Shinkansen, or bullet train to the Japanese, is an exciting and cutting-edge mode of transportation throughout the country.
Over ninety-nine percent of bullet trains arrive within the allotted minute. A 30-minute train delay is hardly a TV newsworthy event anywhere else globally. Only a minor portion of Japan's Rail system comprises Shinkansen.
Due to the network's extensive coverage and dependability, you may travel nationwide without hiring a private vehicle or driver, which can be prohibitively costly in Japan.
Do as the Japanese do and buy a bento box at the railway station to enjoy while traveling. Rice, a salad, and grilled or breaded meat are just some of the items included in these meal boxes' four or five separate sections. The children's versions often include a Hello Kitty or similar character on the packaging.
Combine cultural experiences with the great outdoors in Kyoto.
Golden Pavilion, Kyoto.
With its many historic buildings, Kyoto is a window into Japan's storied past. There is an abundance of historic buildings in Kyoto. It is an exhibition showcasing Japan's extensive cultural history. Due to their distributed placement across the city, I suggest using the public transit system to see as many of these buildings as possible.
You can amuse everyone by trying various hands-on activities between sightseeing at the city's top attractions. You might be crafting paper cranes in only a few hours, participating in a tea ceremony, or living out your childhood fantasy of fighting like a samurai. Deciding which of Kyoto's many temples and shrines to visit might be challenging. In a planted walk garden—one that emphasizes a route, often around a pond, that enables you to stroll about the grounds at your own pace—you'll find the Golden Pavilion, my favorite. The gold leaf used to decorate the temple inspires its name. As you exit the building, watch for the ice cream store where you can buy treats covered in edible gold leaf. Children (and adults) are encouraged to participate in the temple's traditional rituals, including ringing the bell, burning incense, making a contribution, bowing twice, and clapping once. Incorporating some time spent in nature with cultural exploration is something I would suggest.
Green areas abound in Kyoto, making it great for picnics, strolls, and blowing off steam with friends and family. In addition, a two-hour water experience with rapids-riding on the Hozu River and rock-jumping is just a short train journey away. In addition, a two-hour water experience with rapids-riding on the Hozu River and rock-jumping is just a short train journey away.
Try a traditional pastime.
Geishas in traditional garb in Kyoto, Japan.
Traditional Japanese pastimes may provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Japanese culture, and there are many options for fun that the whole family can enjoy. Put on a traditional kimono like the ones these mysterious Geisha women wear to experience Geisha culture—the art of entertaining through conversation, dancing, music, and drink pouring—and spend some time in Kyoto's Gion district.
Classes in kembu will teach you the basics of using a samurai sword, and traditional taiko drumming will teach you about an instrument that has been used for centuries to inspire and rally warriors on the battlefield.
Alternatively, the WAK (Women's Association of Kyoto) may arrange for you and your loved ones to visit a traditional Kyoto family house, where you can try Japanese calligraphy or origami.
Try a range of Japanese dishes.
An okonomiyaki pancake.
Despite what many people think, an okonomiyaki pancake Japanese cruise is more than just sushi. The meat dishes, especially the wagyu beef, are some of the greatest I've ever had.
Traditional Japanese food tastes different every time. Lightly battered fish or vegetables—tempera—is great. Okonomiyaki—savory pancakes—is excellent. Make this delectable cabbage, pork, sweet egg, and noodle dish. This blend tastes great. Simple rice and noodles are lovely. Try various okonomiyaki sauce-topped meals to sweeten each bite. Umami comes from Aonori seaweed flakes in these creative meals. Combining old and modern, this Japan heart trip will satisfy your taste. Experience Japanese food on this amazing journey.
A wide selection of restaurants serve traditional Japanese cuisine and other cuisines. 'All you can eat' restaurants are a budget-friendly option in Tokyo and Kyoto. For something different, visit one of Tokyo's numerous themed restaurants, where you can kick back, relax, and participate in the meal. For instance, at Ninja Akasaka, ninjas will feed and entertain you after leading you through a maze of tunnels beneath the city.
Where to stay with your family in Japan
Iwanoyu Ryokan's Seni Onsen rotenburo, located in Nagano, Japan.
Sleeping in a ryokan (Japanese inn) is part of the experience. Conventions and etiquette for staying in a ryokan differ from what you'd encounter in a Western hotel.
Your room will have tatami (rice straw and soft rush) or bamboo matting for your bed, and a maid in a kimono will bring you supper, which you may enjoy while sitting cross-legged on the floor.
The onsen is a private hot spring spa found in certain ryokans. Bathing in hot waters is a common Japanese pastime, and traditionally, this has taken place in a public spa where men and women use separate facilities.
There is a wide variety of ryokans, from traditional inns with few amenities to high-end hotels with cutting-edge features. Your expert can help you choose the ideal option for your loved ones.
The Gracery is an excellent option for families visiting Tokyo. The Shinjuku Hotel has a Godzilla replica on the top and connected suites for families.
Spending the night at a temple on Mount Koya will allow you to experience something even more unusual: morning chanting with the monks. Okuno-in Cemetery, which many people believe to be haunted, is located in the heart of town, and the town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best time to visit Japan with your family
Japan's Mount Fuji with its iconic red pagoda blooming with cherry trees in the spring.
Cherry blossom season lasts from late March to mid-April, and fall foliage lasts from late October to early November. These are two of the most popular periods to visit Japan. I wouldn't take my family to Japan in the summer or winter; instead, I go in May or during the holidays. Skiing in Japan in the winter is a treat, and so is watching snow monkeys play in the snow as flakes land on their heads.
Start planning your trip to Japan
Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.
