3 week Japan family adventure
Itinerary
Day 1 – Konnichiwa Tokyo!
Today you arrive in Japan! To make things easy from the start, we will arrange for you to be met at the airport and transferred directly to your accommodation. This means you can simply relax upon arrival without having to worry about transport or navigating the city. In Tokyo, space is used with remarkable efficiency, and this is reflected in the accommodation. Do keep in mind that rooms, beds, and bathrooms are often smaller than what we may be used to in Europe, which can take a little time to adjust to.
The rest of your day is free to settle in, explore your local surroundings and acclimatise to this crazy capital city. There are plenty of choices for dining to suit all ages and tastes. Whether you fancy dining at a Ninja-themed restaurant or trying a Pokémon burger, there is no shortage of quirky experiences. A kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant is a fun place to start, and many have English menus.
Day 2 – Explore Tokyo with a local guide
To ease into your family adventure, we have arranged a relaxed and engaging guided tour to start your day. In the morning, you will meet your local guide and join a small group of other families. Together, you will explore the city on foot and occasionally by subway. The city’s super-efficient transport system is fun for kids and adults alike, and along the way you’ll get a real feel for everyday life here—where old traditions meet cutting-edge modern life. The tour finishes by early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace.
Day 3 – Free time to explore Tokyo
We have intentionally included an extra day in Tokyo, as there is so much to see and do. It’s a huge city but don’t let that put you off — it’s surprisingly easy to get around. The metro is quick and simple, with coloured lines to help you find your way. We suggest picking just one or two neighbourhoods to explore today so it doesn’t all feel too much.
If you want to explore outside the city we recommend a day trip to Kamakura, a historic town located just south of Tokyo and easily reached by train. One of its highlights is the Great Buddha, a huge open-air statue that offers a magical moment for young travellers on their first Asian adventure. Take a leisurely walk through the nearby temple grounds and stop for a sweet treat in one of the cafés.
Day 4 – Travel by train to Kamakura
Today, you’ll travel by train to Kamakura, where you and your family will spend the next two nights in a family-friendly hotel in the town centre. You’ll be within walking distance of a range of restaurants, cafes and shops where you can explore at your own pace and pick up a souvenir or two. Kamakara is a coastal town known for its historic temples and shrines, combined with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a family stay. From the city centre, you can easily reach the beach on foot or take a local tram or taxi to enjoy the soft sands.
Day 5 – Free time in Kamakura
While the beaches may not be pristine, they’re still well worth a visit. The kids will have plenty of space to play on the sand and paddle in the shallow waters, and you’ll find many locals taking a refreshing dip during the warmer months. Head to Yuigahama Beach, the main beach where lifeguards are on duty to keep your family safe in the gentle waves and lively beach huts provide snacks and shade from the midday sun. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, with calmer waters perfect for paddling and water activities, head to Zaimokuza Beach, where you can hire paddleboards, kayaks and windsurfing gear.
For another adventure, you could follow the Daibutsu Hiking Trail along forested paths, passing hidden shrines and viewpoints, before finishing your walk at Kōtoku‑in, home to the towering bronze Buddha statue, one of Japan’s most iconic sights.
Day 6 – Kamakura to Kawaguchiko
Today, you’ll say goodbye to the coastal city of Kamakura and head to Kawaguchiko. If the weather is clear, you may catch a glimpse of the summit of Mount Fuji along the way. For the next few days, you will stay with your family in a comfortable holiday home just outside the town. The lake is only a few minutes’ walk from your doorstep, and you can use local buses or a taxi to explore the surrounding area or head into town at your own pace.
Day 7 – Canoeing & free time in Kawaguchico
You’ll have two days to explore the lake at your own pace. We have included canoe hire so you can enjoy the mountain views from the water. After a quick intro from an experienced instructor and a few practice strokes, you are free to explore the lake at your own pace. Choose your own route, pause when you like and enjoy the peaceful surroundings from the water.
The rest of the day, and the following one, are yours to enjoy as you wish. You could explore the area by bike, or we can also arrange an exciting Lava Forest and Cave Tour. If you’re after a bigger thrill, make your way to the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. The rollercoasters are not for the faint-hearted – but if you can keep your eyes open, the views of Mount Fuji are unforgettable!
Day 8 – Train to Matsumoto
It is time to continue your family adventure and head for Matsumoto. Set in the Japanese Alps, is best known for its striking black-walled Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful originals, surrounded by a moat and mountain views. The city is easy to explore on foot, with charming historic streets like Nakamachi and Nawate lined with old merchant houses, cafés, and quirky shops, while museums such as the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and the Matsumoto City Museum of Art (with Yayoi Kusama’s work) add cultural flair. It’s also a great base for day trips into nature, with the alpine valley of Kamikōchi and traditional post towns along the Nakasendō Trail just a short journey away.
Day 9 – Time to explore Matsumoto
Spend today visiting the iconic sights of Matsumoto, starting with Matsumoto Castle, which is one of Japan’s best-preserved castles and great fun for families to explore. With six different floors to discover, bridges to cross and a wide moat surrounding the property, there is plenty to keep to kids entertained. For a more active day, hop on a bus or train to the idyllic Kiso Valley, home to the atmospheric towns of Magome and Tsumago. Here, you can wander through the stone-paved streets of Magome, passing traditional wooden houses and waterwheels, and feeling as if you’ve stepped back in time. Next, you can take the walking trail to Tsumago, which takes around 2-3 hours and should be manageable for most families, as it’s mostly downhill, and then you can choose to catch the bus back.
Day 10 – Hiking in the Japanese Alps
Today, you’ll hop on a bus to Takayama, stopping along the way in Kamikochi, a small resort town with a picturesque mountain backdrop, often called one of Japan’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Kamikochi is part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, where no cars are allowed, so it really feels unspoilt and perfect for families who want to spend some quality time in nature. There is a great mix of easy riverside walks and longer forest hikes, but all of them provide incredible mountain views, so you can select a trail that suits your family and still be immersed in the untamed wilderness of this beautiful region. In the afternoon, you will continue by bus to Takayama, where you’ll spend the next two nights in a small-scale hotel.
Kamikochi can only be visited between April and mid-November. The rest of this bite-sized trip is easily accessible all year round.
Day 11 – Discover Takayama
After an adventure in the mountains, you’ll spend some time exploring this beautiful, preserved mountain town, often called Little Kyoto. Spend the morning visiting one of Takayama’s lively markets, passing vibrant stalls of fruit, pickles and handmade crafts, before wandering through the historic streets of the old town, where traditional wooden houses sit alongside sake breweries.
From Takayama, you can take a day trip to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawago, where you’ll see traditional Japanese houses with thick thatched roofs that can withstand heavy snowfall in winter. Take a walk to the Shiroyama Tenbodai viewpoint at the top of the village and enjoy the panoramic views over the town and lush green landscapes.
Day 12 – Catch a train to Kyoto
You’ll arrive in Kyoto by train (it’s the best way to get around Japan after all). From here you’ll make your own way to your family friendly accommodation near the centre of the city. The rest of your day is free for you to explore. Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan with golden temples, Zen gardens and atmospheric alleyways to discover. Take a stroll through the Gion district and along the Kanawaga River. Or stroll through the Nishiki Market and arcades and take a break in one of the cafés.
Day 13 – Pedaling through Kyoto
This morning you’ll hop on bikes and see Kyoto from a different angle – on two wheels. We’ll arrange a private tour so you can go at your own pace, stop whenever you like, and chat with your guide about the best route. Over about three hours you’ll cover around 14 kilometres, pedalling along quiet backstreets that lead to some of the city’s highlights. Depending on the age of your children, we can arrange child seats or children’s bikes.
The afternoon is yours to explore together. If you fancy a slow-paced afternoon, head to Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, a leafy escape in the middle of the city. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around whilst you relax.
Day 14 – Explore Kyoto
There’s so much to discover in and around Kyoto so we’ve planned an additional day for you and your family to explore. You might like to join a hands-on workshop to create your own colourful bento lunch box, or take part in a traditional tea ceremony where you’ll learn the rituals and etiquette behind this age-old practice. There are a few suggestions below…
Nara is a great family day trip from Kyoto. Kids will love meeting the friendly deer that roam freely around Nara Park. You can also step inside Todai-ji Temple to see the world’s largest bronze Buddha or visit the Nara National Museum for a look at ancient Samurai armour. Also popular are the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, where towering green stalks create a walkway, and the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of bright red torii gates winding up the hillside.
Day 15 – Take the bullet train to Hiroshima
Today you’ll travel to Hiroshima by shinkansen – Japan’s famous bullet train. We highly recommend breaking the journey for a couple of hours in Himeji to visit the Himeji Castle which is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful castles. You can store your luggage in one of the lockers at the station and walk to the castle in about 20 minutes.
Then continue to Hiroshima – check into your accommodation – and the rest of the day is free. Hiroshima is easily explored on foot and also has a great tram system. It’s hard to believe this vibrant, welcoming city was once completely destroyed. Today, Hiroshima is full of life, and the locals are known for their warm, hospitable nature. If you’re looking for a bite to eat then we recommend trying Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki – a savoury pancake loved by locals.
Day 16 – Historical walking tour
This morning we have arranged a guided walking tour where you will learn more about Hiroshima’s history. In 1945, a devastating atomic bomb attack took place, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction of buildings. You will visit Hiroshima’s main sights, including the Peace Museum and Peace Park. Whilst the tour is an important insight into Hiroshima and the resilience of its people, we understand that it’s not appropriate for all children. Let us know if you’d prefer to remove the tour from your itinerary.
In the afternoon you can hop over to Miyajima, a short train and ferry ride from Hiroshima (all covered by your JR Pass). Don’t miss the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine – one of Japan’s most photographed sights. You could hike (or take the cable car ) to the top of Mt. Misen for panoramic views, or enjoy a gentle walk to Daisho Temple, passing rows of Buddhist statues along the way. If you’re an active family, we can arrange a two-hour kayak trip around Miyajima Island, so you can see the torii gate up close.
Day 17 – Koyasan: overnight in a temple
From Hiroshima you will travel on to Koyasan, high in the mountains. The journey takes about four to five hours and is quite varied – you cover the last part by cable car! Koyasan is the spiritual home of Shingon Buddhism which you’ll learn more about by staying overnight in a temple. This trip is perfect for families with teenagers who want to step away from the buzz of the big cities and experience the peace, calm and spirituality of temple life.
You’ll be welcomed by the monks who will explain the customs of the Shukubo (temple). You’ll sleep in the traditional way, on futons laid out on tatami mats. The bathroom and onsen are shared with other guests. In the afternoon, you can explore the temple where you stay. There are other temples nearby that you can visit or wander through the atmospheric Okunoin Cemetery, with its mossy statues and towering cedar trees. In the evening, enjoy a delicious vegetarian dinner served in your room.
Day 18 – Morning prayer rituals & on to Osaka
Rise early and join the monks for their morning ritual — a magical experience to share as a family. Afterwards, you’ll be served a vegetarian breakfast of dishes like tofu cake, miso soup, and bamboo-carrot salad. You’ll have time to visit more temples or wander once more through the cemetery before continuing your journey. Next stop is Osaka…
Known for its vibrant street food stalls, giant neon signs and bustling city atmosphere, Osaka is one of Japan’s most lively cities. After checking into your centrally-located accommodation, you could visit the Osaka Castle and learn about the local history, or enjoy incredible city views from the observation deck of the Umeda Sky Building. End your day with a delicious, fresh bowl of ramen at one of the bustling noodle bars tucked away on a side street.
Day 19 – Street food tour in Osaka
Today, you’ll be introduced to the famous local cuisine on a street food tour. Over the next three to four hours, you will dive into the city’s buzzing food scene, exploring the city’s most famous street food districts. The tour will start at Kuromon Market, before moving on to various locations, where you’ll sample treats along the way, and finish with a delicious okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) in Dotonbori. If you’d rather enjoy this tour in the evening, we can arrange this for you.
If you’d prefer something a little more creative, we can arrange a decorative sushi workshop, or if you’re more of a thrill-seeker, then you can head to action-packed Universal Studios Japan.
Day 20 – Departure from Japan
Today your Japan family adventure comes to an end. You’ll take the train to Kansai airport in time for your international flight home. If you’re not ready to head home we can of course extend your trip. With an extra night in Osaka, you would have time to visit Universal Studios which is a hit with kids of all ages. Of course, we can also plan extra overnight stays and/or excursions for your family at the other locations. Our experienced Travel Specialists will be happy to advise you on the possibilities.
Accommodation
