14-Day Japan Family Adventure - Off the Beaten Path

For families seeking unique and unforgettable experiences, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of iconic cities and hidden gems. It could also be perfect for couples celebrating their anniversary or children celebrating graduation/ birthdays.

The itinerary includes the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and lesser-known destinations such as Nikko for history buffs, Takayama and Shirakawa-go for those who love the countryside, Himeji for cultural exploration, and Kamikochi for nature lovers. It offers a rich and immersive experience for families looking to explore diverse elements of Japan.

Asai Highlights Travel specializes in customized tours, and we can tailor the perfect Japan journey for you based on your family's unique interests and needs.

• Days:14±
• Best For:families, culture fans, nature lovers.
• Departure date:up to you
• Sample Price:from US$9,699each (2 people) and US$ 6,299 each (4 people)

*The price is based on a private tour.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Winter Wonderland in Japan I have used Monica MANY times to arrange my international trips. She always exceeds my expectations with great suggestions, incredible hotels and buffets, fantastic drivers, and great photographic experiences (as per my request). This latest trip was an unforgettable Winter Wonderland experience in Japan. I have nothing but positive experiences and things to say about Asia Highlights. Thank you so much More Trent, Feb 2025

Planning a Trip to Japan We selected Asia Highlights, largely for the support, insights, and responsiveness of our agent, Alisa. She was able to pull together an amazing criteria that met all of our requirements (which changed several times throughout the process) More Stephen Gold, Feb 2025

China- Japan December 2024 Our travel guide in Kyoto was Slash, he was very well informed, he gave tips how to avail to tourist discounts and the process involved and guided us on good dining and shopping options. Our travel guide for a day trip to Mount Fuji was Alan! Alan definitely went above and beyond in being our guide, he was very personable, jovial and was a big hit with our whole family. More Pallavi, Feb 2025

This tour is ideal for families seeking authentic cultural encounters away from the crowds, combined with immersive experiences in nature where they can create lasting memories together, and I'm here to assist you in planning your unforgettable Japan family holiday.

• Alisa Liu
• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 8,000+ clients

Japan Family Adventure Suggested Route

Tour Highlights

Experiencing the beauty of Japanese nature: from walking in Kamikochi to kayaking on Lake Chuzenji, Nikko.

Diving into Japan's history by discovering its top two castles: Himeji and Matsumoto — World Heritage and among Japan's 12 national treasures.

Immersing yourself in the traditional Japanese countryside, filled with poetic charm.

Discovering Japan's diverse onsens: from secluded and skin-beautifying private baths in Nikko to the historic Arima onsen in Kansai.

Donning a traditional kimono and journeying through time with a Kyoto geisha tea ceremony, embracing the allure of medieval Kyoto.

Watching an authentic sumo wrestling match in Tokyo and having the chance to step into the ring yourself.

Living like a local by staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan.

Exploring the unique flavors of regional Japanese cuisine.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 2

A Day of Tokyo Discovery

• Start your day at Kokyo Gaien National Garden, a lush retreat from the city's pace, where you can photograph the charming Meganebashi ('Spectacles Bridge'), adding a European element to the ambiance.
• Dive into Japan's history at Asakusa's Senso-ji temple, an esteemed symbol of Buddhism.
• The highlight of the day is a sumo show and experience, where you get a chance to observe sumo wrestling — a form of competitive full-contact wrestling that originated in Japan. Accompanied by a sumptuous sumo lunch, watch the sport intimately as never experienced before.
• End your day with a visit to Tokyo National Museum, where you can appreciate an impressive collection of art and artifacts from Japan and other parts of Asia, as well as information on Japanese culture and history.

Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple

Day 3

Tokyo to Nikko | Step into Nikko's History

• Immerse yourself in Edo-era (1603–1868) history at Toshogu Shrine, a Nikko UNESCO site built in 1617 for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Edo shogun. Its intricate wood carvings, vibrant paintings, and gold leaf details defy Japan's traditional minimalistic style.
• Discover Japanese gardens and royal culture at Tamozawa Imperial Villa, a former summer residence of emperors from 1899.
• Cross the vibrant, vermilion-lacquered Shinkyo Bridge. This World Heritage site is celebrated as one of Japan's top three scenic bridges.
• Relax in natural hot springs and a traditional Japanese ryokan in Kinugawa Onsen. Its alkaline springs offer therapeutic benefits including enhancing skin health, relieving muscle and joint pain, and promoting better sleep.

The Toshogu Shrine

Unveiling the tale of the Three Wise Monkeys

Day 4

Embrace Nikko's Nature| Return to Tokyo

• Marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery of Lake Chuzenji, Japan's highest-elevation natural lake at an altitude of 1,269 meters (4,160 feet). Born from a prehistoric volcanic eruption, the lake exhibits stunning beauty throughout the year. At the observation deck, encounter splendid vistas of Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai.
• Embark on a unique kayaking adventure on Lake Chuzenji with our professional English-speaking coach. This journey takes you across the heart of the lake, offering a serene escape awash with natural beauty, away from the bustling crowds.
• Then, take an elevator down from the volcano lake for a head-on view of Kegon Falls. Water from Lake Chuzenji dramatically cascades a hundred meters down a cliff face, creating one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls.

Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall

Day 5

Tokyo to Matsumoto

• A 3½-hour drive northwest from Tokyo will bring you to Matsumoto. It is the artsy hometown of internationally-acclaimed artist Yayoi Kusama and is one of the best bases for journeying into the Northern Japanese Alps.
• Visit Matsumoto Castle, which is a medieval fortress and a top national treasure. Built in the late 16th century, Matsumoto Castle is among the oldest surviving castles in Japan. The striking five-tiered, six-story main tower, flanked on either side by smaller structures, is one of the most famous castles in Japan.
• As you travel through the original wooden interiors, past displays of medieval weaponry, stop to peer out through the narrow windows, and imagine being one of the archers fighting in battles of old. Venturing to the top of the tower is well worth the reward. It features a superb view of the city of Matsumoto, as it stretches out towards the Northern Alps.

Explore Matsumoto Castle's original wooden interiors.

Day6

Matsumoto to Takayama | Walk through Kamikochi Valley

• Kamikochi, a pristine retreat nestled in the Northern Japanese Alps, showcases some of Japan's most awe-inspiring mountain landscapes. Situated at an elevation of 1,500 meters, Kamikochi is a picturesque valley mid-way between Matsumoto and Takayama, making it a popular day trip from both locations.
• Enjoy a leisurely walk by the Azusa River to explore the stunning natural attractions of Kamikochi valley.
• Our recommended trail spans from Taisho Pond to Myojin Pond, passing the iconic Kappa Bridge. Covering a distance of about 9.2 kilometers (5.7 miles), this route typically takes three hours to complete. Featuring a mostly flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, this path is suitable for most healthy adults and children. The distance and duration of the walk can be adjusted to match your situation and areas of interest.

Kamikochi in different seasons

Day7

The Old Town of Takayama and Shirakawa-go Rural Scenery

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant Miyagawa Morning Markets, overflowing with local produce, crafts, and culinary delights.
• Stroll through Takayama Jinya, a meticulously preserved Edo-era government office, and gain insights into the town's rich history.
• 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.
• Venture into enchanting Shirakawa village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with marvelous gassho-style farmhouses.

Takayama Jinya

Shirakawa-go in early autumn

Day9

Kyoto Highlights Discovery

• Commence your day with a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1868).
• Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Nishiki Market ,a culinary paradise renowned for its fresh produce, traditional sweets, and delectable street food.
• Take an unforgettable visit to Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched atop Mount Otowa. Ascend Kiyomizu-dera stage, where breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto's cityscape unfold before you.
• Venture into enchanting Gion district, the heart of Kyoto's geisha culture. Enjoy an expertly-hosted tea ceremony. Experience a traditional tea ceremony led by a maiko (a geisha apprentice), where powdered green tea (matcha) takes center stage. The staff will help you put on a traditional kimono and do your hair, which will help to make this experience authentic, memorable, and informative.

The Nishiki Market

The Kiyomizu-dera

Day10

Kyoto to Nara to Osaka

• Immerse yourself in the sacred grounds of enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding their way up Mount Inari. Stroll along the seemingly endless path, surrounded by the vibrant red gates, and experience the spiritual serenity that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
• Step into the tranquil embrace of Nara Park, home to a majestic herd of sika deer that roam freely amid ancient woodlands and serene temples. Witness the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and capture the iconic image of the deer bowing to visitors.
• Visit the landmark of Nara — Todai-ji. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan, and it grew so powerful that the capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs. Until recently, Todai-ji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building.

The Iconic Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day11

Osaka City Tour

• 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, and embark on a hands-on ukiyo-e printing experience, where you will learn the traditional techniques of creating these iconic woodblock prints.
• Conclude your day's adventure with a culinary journey through Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori district. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and explore the countless dining options.

The Ninja Experience

To Taste the Local Flavors of Osaka

Day12

History-Treasuring Himeji and Arima Onsen

• Discover Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site which is also known as ‘White Heron Castle'. It's regarded as a Japanese National Treasure. Its status as one of Japan's 12 remaining original castles makes this fortress a must for anyone interested the history of Japan.
• Wander through Koko-en, a traditional Japanese walking garden that opened in 1993 featuring the backdrop of Himeji Castle. The garden's Edo-period atmosphere has been used as a filming location for historical dramas and episodes of Japan's annual historical TV epics.
• Escape from bustling city life and relax in the historical hot spring town of Arima Onsen. Renowned as one of Japan's three most-history-filled hot spring destinations, Arima Onsen boasts a rich history dating back to the 8th century.
• Enjoy its two distinct types of springs — kinsen (‘golden spring') with its iron-rich, yellowish water and ginsen (‘silver spring') with its colorless, radium-containing water. Arima offers a uniquely therapeutic bathing experience.

Koko-en Garden

The historic Arima Onsen town

Day13

A Free Day of Exploration in Osaka

• To allow you the freedom to explore Osaka at your own pace, we've designated a day for independent exploration. Some popular options include visiting the Osaka Expo 2025, shopping for souvenirs, or enjoying a day at a theme park.
• However, if you prefer a guided tour, we would be delighted to assist you.

The Venue for the 2025 Osaka World Expo

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features, and we may adujust the hotel arrangement based on their availability due to high demand.

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

Asaya Hotel Kinugawa Nikko

Tabino Hotel Lit Matsumoto

Ryokan Asunaro Takayama

Kyoto Century Hotel

Hotel Hankyu Premier Osaka