Japan Family Vacation with Culture Immersion

Itinerary

• Day 1: Tokyo, Arrival

  Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun! As you fly into Japan's thriving capital Tokyo, meet your driver at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel. Check in, unbox your package, and rest up for the rest of today.

  • Tokyo

• Day 2: Tokyo, Sightseeing Tour & Rickshaw Riding

  Before the trip starts, you will get your itinerary in more detail to ensure you can travel the country pleasantly. Amongst towering skyscrapers and neon lights, the centuries-old sites are still the soul of Tokyo that appeal to first-timers. Spend some time participating in traditional rituals in the Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple, just as the locals do.

  Your kids may prefer the following discovery tour on a traditional rickshaw. Along the way, traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets can all be the source of their happiness. Round off the day with a leisurely walk around the nearby Akihabara, Tokyo's glowing electronics district, for a fascinating glimpse into Japanese otaku culture.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 3: Kawaguchiko Tour with Vista of Mt. Fuji

  About 130 km southwest of Tokyo stands Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain and cultural icon. Today, a 2.5-hour drive will take you to an idyllic world to enjoy the beauty of Mt. Fuji from different angles. Here you will visit Oshino Hakkai and Arakurayama Sengen Shrine (Chureito Pagoda). Later, cruise on Kwaguchiko Lake at the foot of the sacred mountain to take in the stunning Mt. Fuji in the distance. After the tour, return to Tokyo for the night.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 4: Bullet Train to Hiroshima

  Hop on the Shinkansen departing Tokyo for Hiroshima. Sit back and enjoy the train ride while watching the Japanese countryside passing by at speeds of up to 320 km/h. About 4 hours later, you will reach Hiroshima, internationally known as the first city to suffer a nuclear attack in human history, and get to your hotel on your own by taxi or walk. The rest of the day is to do some exploration on your own.

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  • Hiroshima

• Day 5: Day Excursion to Itsukushima Shrine with Kayaking

  Outside the city of Hiroshima, the secluded island of Itsukushima (commonly known as Miyajima) invites you to explore the UNESCO-inscribed Shinto shrine of the same name today. On a one-hour fun sea kayak excursion, circle the iconic "floating" torii gate, admire its serene beauty at a distance, and capture your happy moments in pictures. After that, get ashore to explore the sacred shrine itself. The lovely deer running around everywhere will be a bonus.

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  • Hiroshima

• Day 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto

  Ride the Shinkansen eastward to Kyoto, which usually takes about 2 hours on the road. Upon arrival, check into the reserved hotel and go out for your own exploration. We suggest visiting Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district, packed with shrines, temples, and teahouses. Around sunset, walk down the scenic streets by the Shirakawa Canal, go on a geisha or maiko hunt, and immerse yourself in old-fashioned Kyoto at its most atmospheric.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 7: Kyoto, Sightseeing Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience

  Kick off with a scenic hike up to the sacred Mount Inari, where thousands of vermilion torii gates form a network of trails leading to the UNESCO-recognized Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. While strolling around the vibrant shop-lined Nishiki Market, explore the variety of local specialties such as Japanese sweets, dried seafood, and sushi. Then, come to another UNESCO World Heritage Site - Nijo Castle, delving into Japanese history related to the once-powerful Tokugawa Shogun.

  Today's tour culminates with an immersive Japanese tea ceremony experience at a traditional Machiya house. In a quiet setting, don a kimono to witness the delicate process of matcha making and learn about the significance of each motion from a tea master. Once finished, sip the tea accompanying traditional sweets to counter its bitter flavors.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 8: Arashiyama with Sagano Sightseeing Train and Yakatabune Cruise

  Spend today exploring the quaint Arashiyama district to discover another side of Kyoto. Along the Sagano Scenic Railway, a leisurely, 25-minute sightseeing train ride will take you through the forested Hozukyo Ravine to rural Kameoka. After your visit, board a traditional Yakatabune cruising down the Hozugawa River back to Arashiyama (about two hours). Disembark a few hundred meters upstream from the Togetsukyo Bridge, and then continue with a stroll to enjoy the Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 9: Kyoto, Departure

  Time to say goodbye to Japan. Check out of the hotel and head toward the airport via shuttle bus. Fly back home with happy memories!

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