Highlights
- See giant replicas of Gundam animé figures at the Gundam Base Tokyo
- Take wild, splashy rides and cruise through underwater worlds at DisneySea
- Do a meet and greet with curious monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park
- Walk through the brightly-colored torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Narita, Transfer to Tokyo, Family Exploration of Tokyo | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Guided City Tour: Temples, Tech & Outdoor Adventures | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Islands & Ports of Tokyo's DisneySea | Tokyo |
| Day 4 | Train to Kyoto, Geisha Tea Ceremony & Show | Kyoto |
| Day 5 | Arashiyama Adventure: Bamboo Groves, Temples & Monkey Park | Kyoto |
| Day 6 | Kyoto Cultural Excursion: Torii Gates, Saké Brewery & Historic Sites | Kyoto |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Osaka, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Narita, Transfer to Tokyo, Family Exploration of Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in Narita, where you'll meet your driver for your private transfer to Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital city. Here, you'll find the perfect blend of modern and traditional, with neon-lit skyscrapers and dense traffic alongside historic temples and lush gardens. Once you've checked in at your hotel and had a chance to regroup, head out with the family to see more of this fascinating urban metropolis.
You can start your self-guided exploration with a visit to the Tokyo Tower, an Eiffel Tower-inspired communications and observation tower that ascends 1,092 feet (332.9 m). As Japan's second-highest structure, this architectural wonder can be seen from several spots around the city. Take the elevator to the main deck, which sits at the midway point of the tower and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the brightly lit cityscapes—if the visibility is good, the kids may even see Mount Fuji in the distance.
For futuristic fun, visit Odaiba, a high-tech district that offers visitors of all ages an exploration of new technology and art. The island can be reached via train, a cruise through Tokyo Bay, or by crossing the neon lights of the Rainbow Bridge, and it has a wide range of family-friendly activities. Kids with an interest in engineering can check out the Legoland Discovery Center, good for hours of world-building, and the whole family will love Joypolis, a SEGA-themed amusem*nt park with games, roller coasters, and arcade machines. Tonight, step out for some fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Guided City Tour: Temples, Tech & Outdoor Adventures
The day starts early as your family meets up with an expert local guide for a deep dive into Tokyo's past and present. You'll start at Senso-ji Asakusa, one of the city's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples. Visit the temple's main hall, where you can pray to the Kannon enshrined there just like the locals do, or pick up an omikuji (fortunes written on strips of paper). Then walk along the lively Nakamise-dori, a street adjacent to the temple that's lined with shops and food stands. Let the kids pick out souvenirs for family and friends back home or grab a snack from one of the vendors.
Next up is Akihabara, or Electric Town, a bustling district where you'll find animé culture intertwined with cutting-edge technology. Explore themed cafés, electronics stores, arcades, and more in this techie's paradise. After all that hustle and bustle, you and the little ones can wind down a bit with some of Tokyo's natural scenery and a walk along the Hamani trail, which takes you along the Sumida River and offers gorgeously fragrant cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in fall.
Afterward, take a cruise on the Sumida River, watching the dazzling city lights come to life as you glide past iconic Tokyo landmarks such as the Skytree and Rainbow Bridge. End the day at the Gundam Base Tokyo, where fans of the popular animé franchise can see giant Gundam models up close, explore interactive exhibits, and even try their hand at piloting a Gundam flight simulator!
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Day 3: Islands & Ports of Tokyo's DisneySea
It wouldn't be a family trip to Tokyo without Disney, and today you'll get to visit DisneySea, a theme park based on the "Seven Seas" that's located next to Tokyo Disneyland. With water as the main attraction, you and the kids can take wild, splashy rides, spot some mermaids, and cruise through ports and rivers. Start your adventure at Mysterious Island, a volcanic island that sits in the middle of the park, where you can embark on a thrilling expedition into the heart of the Earth and take an underwater voyage on the "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" ride.
The park has several different themed ports, and you can see Ariel of "The Little Mermaid" fame at the Mermaid Lagoon, discover the world of Arabian Nights at the Arabian Coast port, and cruise through mysterious ruins and jungles at the Lost River Delta port. You'll also come across interactive street performances and shows around the park, and at sunset, make sure to find a good spot for the family to watch the spectacular nighttime show, "Fantasmic." This dazzling performance combines water, light, music, and fireworks to create a captivating spectacle for all ages.
Day 4: Train to Kyoto, Geisha Tea Ceremony & Show
You're off to the city of Kyoto! This cultural powerhouse is known for its historic traditions, such as kaiseki dining and geisha entertainers, as well as its numerous temples, gardens, and palaces. You and your family will make your way to the station in the morning and board a train for the two-hour ride. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a driver and escorted to your hotel for check-in.
This afternoon, visit Kyoto's captivating Gion district, where the whole family can take part in a traditional geisha tea ceremony. Otherwise known as chanoyu or sado, this highly ritualized tradition was born and curated in Kyoto and is hosted by local Kyoto geishas (female Japanese performing artists). Visit a tea house where you'll all enjoy a formal introduction to the history of the ceremonies while sipping fragrant and flavorful tea, then watch a traditional geisha dance performance. Parents should keep in mind that children under the age of seven are not permitted in the tea house.
Day 5: Arashiyama Adventure: Bamboo Groves, Temples & Monkey Park
This morning, meet your guide and transfer to the scenic district of Arashiyama, located on the outskirts of Kyoto. Start at the Okochi Mountain Villa, once the residence of a famous samurai film star. Wander through beautiful gardens and traditional buildings, and enjoy matcha green tea with a snack as the kids play at being samurais themselves!
Visit Sagano Bamboo Grove next, a natural bamboo forest that encompasses more than 3,800 acres (1,537 ha) and has walking paths and trails that take you through the serene greenery of the towering stalks. See the popular Togetsukyo Bridge, whose name translates to "Moon Crossing Bridge," and the Nonomiya Shrine, a sacred place where unmarried imperial princesses once stayed for purification. Your guide will regale the kids with stories and tales about Japanese mythology as you all learn about the cultural significance of the shrine.
Stop to appreciate the grandeur and peaceful gardens of Tenryu-ji, one of Kyoto's renowned Zen temples, then enjoy a traditional Buddhist lunch on the temple grounds. After lunch, it's on to Arashiyama Monkey Park, sure to be the highlight of the day for the little ones. See adorable monkeys roaming freely through the park, and allow the kids to observe and interact with these curious creatures. The tour concludes with a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway, nicknamed the "Romantic Train." Travel through mountains and along the Hozugawa River, a peaceful journey that will help the kids wind down from the day's adventures.
Day 6: Kyoto Cultural Excursion: Torii Gates, Saké Brewery & Historic Sites
Today's tour takes you to some of Kyoto's top UNESCO World Heritage sites. Your guide will collect you from your hotel, and you'll begin at the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha. Featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," this shrine has more than 10,000 picturesque red torii gates, all donated by individuals and businesses as a sign of appreciation to the god Inari for the blessings received. The kids will be entranced by the brightly colored gates, and you can all stroll through them at leisure.
Afterward, dive into the world of Japanese saké at a local brewery. Kyoto is one of Japan's leading saké producers, and you'll learn all about the saké-making process and its history. Observe the traditional brewing process and enjoy a range of tastings for the adults and assorted fruit juices or soft drinks for the kids. Grab lunch nearby, then stroll the scenic Philosopher's Path, a pedestrian walkway that follows a cherry-tree-lined canal and is a great spot for the little ones to burn some energy.
Continue toGinkaku-ji or the Silver Pavilion, a temple surrounded by a beautiful garden—perfect for a game of tag! The kids can explore the temple grounds, and your guide will share information about its history. On your way back to your hotel, be sure to stop at Nanzen-ji temple and the charming neighborhood that surrounds it. This bustling spot has tons of shops and restaurants, making for a lively last evening in Japan.
Day 7: Transfer to Osaka, Depart
Your family adventure in Japan ends today. After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and meet your driver for the 1.5-hour transfer to the airport in Osaka, where you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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