8-Day Essential Japan Family Trip with Culinary Delights
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8-Day Essential Japan Family Trip with Culinary Delights

A Family Journey Weaving Culture, Cuisine, Nature, and Connection

This itinerary is ideal for families with limited vacation time who would like to experience the essence of Japan. It is perfect for short breaks, such as the Easter Holiday. It offers a mix of iconic landmarks, anime-themed activities, nature experiences, and opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture.

The essence of our journey lies in nurturing family bonds - from serene moments shared in ancient temples and shrines to the thrill derived from a plethora of diverse experiences. With your preferences leading the way, Asia Highlights is committed to meticulously crafting a unique journey tailor-made for your family.

  • Days:
  • Best For:First-timers, families
  • Departure date:up to you
  • Sample Price:from US$4,549 each (2 people) and US$ 3,313 each (4 people)

*The price is based on a private tour.

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Essential Japan Family Trip Suggested Route

Essential Japan Family Tripah-jp-22 Map

Highlights

Appreciate blossoming flowers and explore a natural cave in the Mount Fuji Five Lakes Area.

Lake Kawaguchi
Fugaku Wind Cave

Savor Osaka's culinary delights and delve into the art of sushi making in Tokyo.

Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki

Learn authentic ninja techniques from a local master.

the Ninja Master

Dressed in an elegant kimono with makeup and hairstyling, explore the historic Gion district.

Family wearing Kimono
Gion District

Witness the alluring Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Golden Pavilion

Take a ride on a vintage train through Kyoto's awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

Arashiyama Romantic Train

Immerse in historical ambiance at a Japanese ryokan with your family.

The Kinoe

Experience the thrill of Japan's famed Shinkansen high-speed bullet train.

Shinkansen train passing Mt. Fuji

Suggested Itinerary Details

Day 1
Osaka Arrival
  • Konnichiwa! Upon arrival at Osaka Kansai International Airport, one of our amiable drivers will meet you and provide a one-way private transfer to your inviting hotel in Osaka. Settle down in your comfortable room to recover from your travels, or start exploring the alluring ancient city at your own leisure.
Day 2
Osaka — History, Art & Cuisine Explored
  • Visit iconic Osaka Castle Park, a sprawling estate that hosts the famous Osaka castle, surrounded by lush gardens and scenic views.
  • Step into the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, where Osaka's Edo period comes alive. Its vast collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, primarily of famed Kabuki actors, beckons art lovers, and history aficionados for an enthralling visit.
  • Experience the thrill of ninja techniques at a private ninja base — an immersive experience that carries you deep into Japan's fabled past.
  • Immerse yourself in a half-day culinary journey at Dotonbori, a renowned hotspot for Osaka's gastronomic delights. Relish local street foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, or venture into popular restaurants for a wider taste exploration.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle
Takoyaki, Osaka
Takoyaki
Day 3
Osaka to Kyoto — A Journey Through Time
  • Start the day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, widely known for its striking torii gates that line the path up the sacred mountain.
  • Immerse your family in Kyoto's rich culture with a kimono-wearing experience. Wander through Gion's nostalgic streets and age-old shrines, creating memories that will stand the test of time.
  • Stroll the history-filled slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, offering a charming display of well-preserved Kyoto architectural scenes.
  • End the day at Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple), an iconic temple boasting a large wooden terrace overlooking a serene forest.
Red Torii of Fushimi Inari Shrine
Thousand-torii Gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine
Gion Shirakawa cherry blossom
The Iconic Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Day 4
Kyoto — Majestic Sites & Arashiyama
  • Bask in the beauty of Kinkaku-ji temple, a.k.a. the Golden Pavilion — a Zen temple layered in gold leaf, offering mesmerizing views across its reflecting pond.
  • Journey to Arashiyama next, starting with Monkey Park Iwatayama, a natural habitat for snow monkeys that offers a fun-filled family experience.
  • Board the charming romantic train and get enraptured by the beautiful mountain scenery and rustic landscapes on a serene ride of approximately 25 minutes.
  • Take a tranquil stroll through the Bamboo Grove, offering an otherworldly walking experience surrounded by towering bamboo trunks.
  • Visit Nonomiya Shrine, a Shinto shrine surrounded by tranquility and the mystique of medieval tales.
monkey baby at Arashiyama's Monkey Park Iwatayama
An Adorable Baby Monkey 
sagano train ride
Sagano Train Ride
Day 5
Kyoto to Tokyo — Shinkansen Experience
  • Depart for the train station in your private car and marvel at Japan's high-speed rail journey from Kyoto to Tokyo. A private car will greet you in Tokyo, escorting you to your hotel. From there, unfold Tokyo's avenues at your leisure.
Day 6
Tokyo — Cuisine & Vibrant Districts
  • Begin your day with a visit to Senso-ji Temple, revered as Tokyo's oldest and most important Buddhist temple.Immerse yourself in the historic charm of this spiritual site.
  • Relish a sushi-making experience, a fun and interactive family activity, as you learn to prepare this iconic Japanese dish and savor it for lunch.
  • Venture into the captivating realm of Pokémon at the iconic Pokémon Center. Browse through a vast array of Pokémon merchandise, from plush toys and trading cards to clothing and accessories. Let your inner child run wild as you discover the magic of Pokémon.
  • End the day with a laid-back visit to an anime café — a quintessential Tokyo experience for any family.
The gate of Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple
anime café
Tokyo anime-related experience
Day 7
Fuji Five Lakes Area — Escape from the City 
  • Embark on a leisurely day trip to the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes region from Tokyo in a private car. Once the day concludes, you will be transported back to your hotel in Tokyo.
  • Capture the charm of Mt. Fuji and blossoms at Oishi Park on Lake Kwaguchi's northern bank. The park offers a picturesque setting with seasonal blooms such as cherry blossoms, tulips, canola in spring, and lavender during summer.
  • Explore the enchanting Fugaku Wind Cave, a lava cave accessible to children and seniors. Inside, the shimmering ice and sound-absorbing basalt rock walls create a unique environment.
  • Immerse in traditional Japanese culture at Saiko Iyashi No Sato Nenba, a village featuring thatched-roof houses. Embark on a journey into the heart of regional culture and discover a range of traditional crafts and practices.
Oishi Park at Kawaguchiko
Oishi Park at Kawaguchiko in spring
Saiko Iyashi no sato Nenba
A traditional Japanese thatched-roof village
Day8
Tokyo Departure

Your private car will transport you to the airport. As you set forth, we wish you a peaceful onward journey, with cherished memories of Japan inspiring your future adventures.

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 Osaka
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE Osaka
Hotel in Kyoto
Kyoto Ryokan The Kinoe
Hotel in Tokyo
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

Tour Price:

8 days from
US$4,549 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-22

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