Japan Family Highlights Tour: Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo - 10 Days

Highlights

• Sample scrumptious street food and sweet treats in Osaka's Dotonbori district
• Take part in a Kyoto tea ceremony and play dress up in kimonos and samurai armor
• Treat the kids with trips to Japan's largest aquarium and Universal Studios
• Put your feet up and take in the sights with a rickshaw ride around Tokyo
• Visit the beautiful shores of Mount Fuji with a cruise along Lake Kawaguchi

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Osaka, Discover Dotonbori's Foodie District

Welcome to Japan! With over 2,000 years of history, a mesmerizing blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation, and a reputation as one of the safest countries in the world, it's the perfect setting for the ultimate family vacation. Upon arrival at Kansai airport, you'll meet your driver and take a private transfer to Osaka—a vibrant city known for its incredible food scene, a mix of historical charm with neon city life, and a buzz to rival the country's capital. Considered one of the country's friendliest and most welcoming cities, it's also perfect for families. 

Check into your hotel and settle the kids after your flight. When you're ready, get your bearings and head to the Dotonbori district. Filled with myriad restaurants and street food vendors jostling against neon-lit advertising towers, it's an immersive introduction to Japanese city life and one that's sure to dazzle the kids. Follow your nose for delectable dining experiences that range from conveyor belt sushi to grilled crabs, beef shabu shabu (hot pot), and all manner of noodles and skewered meat, fish, and vegetables. 

Be sure to try the local street-food delicacies, including takoyaki (delicious fried balls filled with octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion), and okonomiyaki (pan-fried savory pancake with cabbage and a variety of toppings). If the kids are unsure about trying new flavors, tempt them with mitarashi dango (skewers of grilled rice dumplings drenched in a sweet and salty sticky soy glaze). 

Day 2: Family Fun in Osaka: Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building & Aquarium Visit 

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and spend your first full day discovering the city's landmarks and family-friendly attractions. Your first stop is Osaka Castle. Initially built in the 16th century, the castle has undergone extensive reconstruction over the years and is now restored to its former glory. In a peaceful setting amid lush gardens, it's a great spot for the kids to run around and play while you admire the five-story main tower, accented with gold and surrounded by imposing stone walls. 

Next up, swap one of the city's most ancient landmarks with one of its tallest and most recognizable: the Umeda Sky Building. Whiz up to the 39th floor of the 567-foot (173 m) skyscraper, and the kids will be awe-struck at the dizzying panorama of the city through the glass windows. Afterward, stroll over to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, sure to be a hit with the whole family. It's one of the world's largest, with over 30,000 marine species. If the little ones aren't too tired, then a ride on the Tempozan Ferris wheel next door is a great way to cap off your first full day.

Day 3: Family Day Trip to Universal Studios

This might be a highlight day of the trip for the kids, as you set off on a full-day trip to Universal Studios Japan. First up, it's time for some movie magic with a visit to Hogwarts Castle and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Join the action on the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride, then explore the charming streets of Hogsmeade and treat the kids to some butterbeer.

Spend the rest of the day exploring attractions featuring everything from Minions to Mario Kart. You could take a splash-filled ride through Jurassic Park, or step into Universal Wonderland, where you'll find characters from Sesame Street and Snoopy, with stage shows suited to little ones and teens. After lunch, up the adrenaline with a 4D experience as you navigate the streets of NYC with Spider-Man and catch a live-action show inspired by the movie "WaterWorld"—complete with jaw-dropping stunts and high-speed Jet Ski chases.

Day 4: Bullet Train to Kyoto, Samurai Ninja Museum & Kimono Tea Ceremony

Located 23 miles north of Osaka and just 13 minutes away by bullet train, Kyoto, was once Japan's ancient capital and is still considered the country's cultural heartland. After a private transfer to your hotel, settle the kids and then head out to experience Kyoto's captivating sado (tea ceremony) culture.

The art of taking tea became a highly ritualized event in the late 16th century, and this morning, you and the family (the kids will need to be seven or over) will get an insight into this unique aspect of Japanese culture with a visit to Maikoya Kyoto for a traditional kimono tea ceremony. You'll be invited to change into a kimono and learn about the importance of meditation and Zen during the ceremony before sampling traditional Japanese sweets, and drinking traditional matcha green tea.

After the ceremony, wander over to the Samurai and Ninja Museum, a quick five-minute walk from the tea house. If you or the kids have a passing interest in ninjas or samurai warriors, then this is the place to visit. You'll learn all about the secret items, weapons, and tools of the ninja and see armor worn by samurai warriors over 300 years ago. The little ones will love being able to try on the suits of armor, and if they're up for the challenge, there are plenty of fun, interactive opportunities where they can sharpen their warrior skills and pit their wits against the adults!

Day 5: Tour Kyoto's Highlights: Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto Railway Museum & Fushimi Inari

Today starts with a tour of one of Kyoto's most famous temples—Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Set within a beautifully landscaped garden and overlooking a serene pool, the temple is considered one of the world's 100 most holy sites. With a history dating back to 1397, your guide will reveal the story of how the temple exchanged hands over the years and the three distinct styles of architecture incorporated into the pavilion: shinden, samurai, and Zen.

Once the kids have had a chance to burn off some energy in the garden, you'll make your way to the Kyoto Railway Museum. Along with a fascinating collection of over 50 retired trains, from steam locomotives to modern electric, you and the family will get to try your hand at being a train conductor or, even better for the little ones, driving a train simulator!

Your last stop on the tour is the eighth-century Fushimi Inari-taisha. Set at the end of a walkway composed of thousands of vermillion-colored torii (gates), a visit to this taisha (Shinto shrine) is an adventure for the whole family as you hike through forested trails and ascend the mystical path to the temple. In the evening, you'll return to Kyoto, where you can either head out to one of the local restaurants or continue your cultural immersion with a trip to the city's 400-year-old Nishiki Ichiba, a market famed for its mouthwatering street food. 

Day 6: Full-Day Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway For Families

Settle into your Kyoto experience with a guided tour of the scenic Arashiyama district. Your first stop is the renowned 14th-century Zen Tenryu-ji temple. Explore the peaceful gardens while your guide shares fascinating tales of Japanese mythology with the captivated little ones, and then head over to the adjacent Sagano Bamboo Grove. With over 3,800 acres (1,537 ha) of swaying bamboo stalks that reach heights of up to 65 feet (20 m), it's quite the experience to walk through the forest along the designated path and sure to elicit some gasps from the kids.

After a morning of walking, take the weight off with a cruise along the Katsura River on a traditional pleasure boat. You'll glide under the area's renowned Togetsuyko Bridge, a feat of engineering that stretches 508 feet (155 m) across the water. A ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway finishes off a perfect day of adventure as you wind through mountains and along the tranquil Hozugawa River. You'll return to Kyoto for the evening, where you'll find plenty of cozy places to enjoy a memorable family dinner together. 

Day 7: Bullet Train to Tokyo, TeamLab Planets & Miraikan Museum

Get ready for the next leg of your Japan adventure this morning with a bullet train to the country's capital. In just over two hours, you'll travel 283 miles (445 km) east to Tokyo, a city where ancient temples stand in the shadows of gleaming skyscrapers. Check into your hotel, and when you're ready, head out to explore the city's family-friendly museums and attractions.

For a sensory introduction to modern art the whole family will enjoy, make your way to TeamLab Planets. A vast exhibition with four different themed spaces and outdoor areas, you'll walk barefoot and interact with "body-immersive" artworks that respond to movement and touch. Continue the futuristic theme with a visit to the Miraikan Museum (the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), where you'll meet the robots of the future and discover space exploration and more, through a series of fascinating immersive experiences.

Day 8: Full-Day Guided Family Tour of Tokyo, City Rickshaw Ride

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with the kids, then discover Tokyo's fascinating blend of high energy, vibrant city life, and tranquil temples with a guided family-focused tour of the city. Start at Meiji Jingu, one of the city's most important Shinto shrines dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. Continue to the colorful Senso-ji in Asakusa, one of the city's oldest and most important Buddhist temples and a cultural hub offering insights into Japanese traditions, rituals, and craftsmanship.

Let the kids get a feel for Japanese culture with omikuji fortunetelling (drawing a slip of paper with predictions) and end your tour with a guided stroll through Nakamise-dori, a street lined with food vendors and all manner of souvenirs, sure to draw the kids' attention. Break for lunch, and whatever you and the kids fancy eating, you're bound to find it in Tokyo, whether it's tasty ramen, street food bursting with flavor, or family-friendly international cuisine. 

In the afternoon, spend a leisurely hour seeing the sights with a guided family rickshaw ride. It's a great way for the little ones to continue exploring without getting overwhelmed, and you'll pick up plenty of interesting anecdotes and stories about the areas you visit. 

Day 9: Family Tour of Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi

Today, leave behind Tokyo's bustling city streets in favor of one of Japan's most iconic natural attractions, Mount Fuji. The country's highest peak and an active volcano (known as Fuji-san to locals) towers more than 12,000 feet (3,776 m) into the sky and is considered one of Japan's three sacred mountains, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. The day starts when you meet your guide for a 2.5-hour scenic drive to the area surrounding Mount Fuji. 

First up is a leisurely cruise on Lake Kawaguchi, banked by forests and grasslands nestled within Fuji's foothills. In the afternoon, head to Arakurayama Sengen Park, one of the best spots to capture an iconic shot of Mount Fuji framed against a beautiful pagoda surrounded by cherry trees. Your tour finishes with a trip to Oshini Hakkai, a series of eight pools of water, connected by a series of bridges and pathways and surrounded by thatched buildings. 

Explore the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, a small open-air museum where you and the kids can get an insight into local life in centuries past and see displays including farming tools and samurai armor and weaponry. You'll also find a great gift shop within the village where you can revive tired little ones with an ice cream and a hot drink before heading back to Tokyo with your driver. Spend your last evening in Japan dining out in style and raise a toast to your family adventures. 

Day 10: Depart Tokyo

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