Where to go in Japan with kids
Discover Japan's highlights
Trying to choose where to go on your Japan family holiday can be quite tricky as the country is jam-packed with immersive cultural experiences, diverse landscapes from the tropical south to the snow-topped peaks of Hokkaido and exciting food to try. To help you along, our Japan family team has compiled their top ten places to visit in Japan with kids below. Sure, you’ll have heard of some already, but we think there will also be a couple of surprises that will you on a journey through Japan.
1. Tokyo
Tokyo is a fascinating city for families to explore, where modern skyscrapers and colourful neon lights sit side by side with peaceful temples and traditional gardens. It is a city full of surprises and contrasts that both kids and adults will love. One moment you might be visiting a quiet Shinto shrine or a beautiful Buddhist temple, and the next you could be spotting Godzilla on a rooftop or popping into a robot café. There is something exciting around every corner, but equally, you’ll find plenty of relaxing green areas to regroup. Tokyo is also known as the world’s safest capital city, so families can feel confident exploring both during the day and in the evening. At night, the streets light up with dazzling neon signs that stretch high into the sky, creating a magical atmosphere that children will never forget.
2. Kyoto
Exploring Kyoto with kids is a rewarding experience. Combine visits to some of the world’s most beautiful shrines and wooden houses from bygone eras with parks and zen gardens. Cycle through Kyoto’s streets to discover the city from a new angle, be amazed by Arashiyama’s bamboo forest and make sure you attend one of the solemn and spiritual tea ceremonies.
3. Osaka
Osaka is one of Japan’s most exciting and family-friendly cities, known for its delicious street food, vibrant atmosphere, and playful spirit. It’s a great place for families to soak up the fun side of Japanese culture. A visit to Osaka Castle is a must, where children and adults alike can learn about famous shoguns and samurai while exploring the impressive multi-level castle set in beautiful gardens. The Dōtonbori district, with its bright lights, oversized billboards, and quirky shops, offers endless entertainment and is especially exciting after dark. Whether you’re trying local snacks, watching street performers, or simply strolling through the lively streets, Osaka is full of energy, colour, and unforgettable moments for the whole family.
4. Nara
Nara makes a fantastic family day trip from Kyoto, especially if you can tear yourself away from the over 2,000 friendly and free-roaming deer that wander through Nara Park. Children will love feeding them special deer crackers, though be warned that the deer can be quite enthusiastic once they know you have food. Beyond the deer, the park is home to some of Japan’s most impressive cultural sites, including the awe-inspiring Tōdai-ji Temple, where you will find the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Families can even try crawling through a hole in one of the temple’s wooden pillars, said to be the size of the Buddha’s nostril, for a bit of fun and the chance to earn spiritual enlightenment.
5. Takayama
Walking through the old town of Takayama feels like stepping into a scene from a Studio Ghibli film, with narrow streets, wooden buildings, and the sense that a samurai could appear at any moment. The beautifully preserved houses, some of which date back to the Edo Period, are part of a UNESCO-listed area and offer a striking contrast to Tokyo’s futuristic skyline. As the gateway to the Japanese Alps, Takayama welcomes many travellers, yet it still holds onto its peaceful, traditional charm. Families can enjoy browsing shops that sell local crafts and traditional foods, or visit small museums that bring the rich history of the Gifu prefecture to life.
6. Kamikochi
Get those legs moving because no trip to Japan is complete for a trekking enthusiast without exploring the Japanese Alps. This stunning mountain region offers something for everyone, from gentle walks to challenging hikes, making it ideal for families with active kids as well as seasoned mountaineers. One of our favourite spots is Kamikochi, a scenic valley that’s easy to reach from Takayama by local bus. Surrounded by forest and mountains, it offers a peaceful escape with several traditional ryokan nestled among the trees. For a rewarding and accessible adventure, we recommend a half-day hike along the Dakesawa trail, which begins just after crossing the iconic Kappa Bridge at the base camp.
7. Hiroshima
Hiroshima and its surrounding area offer one of the most iconic and meaningful experiences for any trip to Japan. More than 70 years after the atomic bomb, the city stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and peace. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome, preserved by local residents as a lasting reminder, is a moving experience that encourages reflection for visitors of all ages. For a more tranquil moment, take a short trip to nearby Miyajima Island, a peaceful and spiritual place known for its stunning views and iconic bright orange Great Torii Gate, which you can walk beneath at low tide. Ride the Miyajima ropeway for panoramic views, and be sure to try a local Momiji manjū cake while soaking up the atmosphere.
8. Koyasan
To the south of Osaka lies the magnificent Mount Koya, a place of deep spiritual significance and natural beauty. You can enjoy classic Japanese views from the cable car as you ascend into the mountains, where a peaceful world awaits. The name Koyasan simply means “mountain name,” perhaps because no title could truly capture its beauty. This sacred site was founded by the artist, scholar, and pilgrim Kobo Daishi, who established the Shingon school of Buddhism and the monastery that still thrives today. For over 1,200 years, Koyasan has remained an active Buddhist centre, offering a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life. Families and travellers alike can experience the calm atmosphere, wander through ancient temples, and even stay overnight in temple lodgings. For a deeper insight into the region and its culture, the book Hitching Rides with Buddha by Will Ferguson shares both humorous and heartfelt reflections on Kobo Daishi’s lasting impact.
9. Hokkaido
Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest island and offers a wonderfully wild and different experience from the rest of the country. Its capital, Sapporo, feels like a northern mix of Tokyo and Osaka but with a stronger focus on outdoor adventure, especially skiing. The island is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and relaxing hot spring baths called onsens. Along the coast, families can enjoy bear-watching tours by boat, which allow you to observe these incredible animals without disturbing their natural habitat. In the mountainous areas, you might spot free-roaming ezo red foxes and sika deer, but it’s important to remember not to touch them, as some carry parasites and protecting the natural ecosystem is a priority. Hokkaido truly is Japan’s wild north, with cooler temperatures that can be very different from the south, even in summer, so it’s best to come prepared for all kinds of weather.
10. Yakushima
There is nowhere on earth more magical and mystical than the forests and waterfalls of Yakushima. Known as the ‘fairytale forest,’ Yakushima inspired the famous Studio Ghibli film, Princess Mononoke. For families and adventurous travellers seeking a meaningful experience, hiking the Arakawa Trail leads to Mount Miyanoura and the ancient Jōmon Sugi, one of the world’s oldest living trees. The island is also home to amazing wildlife, including loggerhead turtles that nest on its pristine beaches. To protect Yakushima’s delicate ecosystems, it’s important to explore with a reputable and respectful guide who understands how to minimize impact.
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