Japan With Kids: How to Plan A Japan Family Trip
Lively streets adorned with cherry blossoms, dazzling fireworks that light up the summer night; a vibrant animation world settled in Akihabara, museums and parks where you can also find the enigmatic cultures of ninja and samurai. Japan emerges as one of the most family-friendly destinations. Delve into the best times to visit and uncover top kid-friendly activities with this guide, and start planning your dreamy Japan tour with your kids and family.
When Is the Best Time for A Japan Family Tour
Japan stands as the ultimate destination, boasting not only pleasant weather year-round but also distinct seasons adorned with different colors. It's a country that fulfills all your desires, making every visit the best time for your family holiday to experience Japan's diverse charms.
Spring
The warm and humid spring temperatures herald the romantic cherry blossom season from March to May, perfect for delightful family picnics in parks like Shinjuku Gyoen or Osaka Castle Park. Ueno Park and Nara Park are also excellent spots to meet some adorable animal friends with the spring blossoms.
Spring Cherry Blossom, Japan
Summer
Summer, from June to August, is marked by vibrant events and festivals known as matsuri, celebrated throughout the country. It's the perfect time to dress your family and kids in yukata and masks and capture special family moments against the backdrop of dazzling fireworks displays.
Autumn
As the summer heat dissipates with the arrival of chilly autumn, it becomes the perfect season for a hiking adventure with your kids in Japan. Explore the Nakahechi of Kumano Kodo or the Nakasendo, where lush maple and ginkgo trees don their new outfits of red and gold during this harvest season from September to November.
Winter
Winter, from December to February, is the season to take advantage of the mountain scenery and the volcano. Head north to Hokkaido to enjoy those natural skiing resorts with kid-friendly trails and unwind in onsen (hot springs) to warm your body and relax after all-day activities.
How Long Is an Ideal Family Trip to Japan
There is never too much time to spend in Japan with kids, as there's always so much to explore for your family fun. Typically, a 10-day family tour is ideal for experiencing the highlights of Japan, spanning from Kanto to Kansai, and from Kyushu to Hokkaido.
You can cover famous cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka within 7 days. With an additional day trip around Mt. Fuji and lingering in those fantastic museums at your leisure, a 10-day itinerary is advisable. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace and want to delve deeper into the local culture, a 14-day itinerary is highly recommended.
Family Trip in Japan
Which Part of Japan Is Ideal With Kids
Tokyo
A vibrant city with a wide range of parks and museums to suit all tastes. From the enchanting Tokyo Disneyland and Ghibli Museum for a dive into fantasy worlds, to the serene Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen for a dose of nature, not forgetting the captivating Legoland and Akihabara, this destination promises endless excitement for your kids and family.
Kyoto
A renowned historic city showcasing the details of ancient Japan, where you and your kids can unravel the mysteries of geisha, ninja, and samurai, savor authentic Kaiseki cuisine with the traditional sweetness of wagashi, master new skills like the tea ceremony and flower arrangement, and embrace the spirit of kendo.
Gion, Kyoto
Osaka
Home to Universal Studios with themed hotels to extend the fantasy world for your little sweetheart, as well as the perfect destination to start a walkable food tour, indulging your taste buds with Japanese street food delights like takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (fish-shaped cake), yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), and more. Especially the close distance to Nara Park, where thousands of deer live.
Sapporo
One of the gateways to your ideal winter family vacation in Hokkaido, from the inspiring Sapporo Snow Festival, highlighting the February winter fun, to those equipment skiing resorts with excellent trails and hot springs to enjoy, Sapporo is the perfect place to stay with your family and kids.
Sapporo Snow Festival
Best Things to Do For a Japan Family Tour
Meet Some Animal Friends
When it comes to Japan's top kid-friendly activities, meeting some animal friends is always a highlight. From Nara Park, where you can feed thousands of deer with special biscuits, to Tokyo's Ueno Park, home to a variety of adorable creatures, or the Jigokudani Yaen Koen in Nagano, where you can observe red-faced monkeys congregating in the hot springs, there's no shortage of unforgettable encounters with some lovely furry friends in Japan.
Deer in Nara Park
Dive Into Those Enchanting Museums
Exploring those interesting theme museums in Japan is like entering a mini-world for kids. Immerse yourself in the enchanting universe of the Ghibli Museum created by Hayao Miyazaki, dive into the imaginative Legoland for Japanese-style inspiration, or travel back to the Edo period with samurai and ninja gear for a special cosplay experience.
Take A Cruise Around Mt. Fuji
When traveling to Japan with kids, don't forget to take a tranquil cruise across Lake Kawaguchi, where the serene waters mirror the majestic snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Let the gentle breeze carry the pink petals of cherry blossoms or the golden hues of autumn leaves, creating a picturesque scene to enjoy with your kids and family. Lake Ashi is another option, with the vermilion torii near the lake to capture as well.
Where to Stay in Japan With Kids
Tokyo
Hotels around Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ueno with stations and parks nearby are always good options when traveling with kids, not only convenient for transportation but also without the worry of finding places like Shinjuku Gyoen, Pokémon Cafe, and Ueno Park to relax. Also, if there are animation enthusiasts in your family, Chiyoda is your perfect gateway to the captivating Akihabara district.
Kyoto
Shimogyo Ward, home to Kyoto Station, is one of the most convenient areas for family accommodations in Kyoto. It offers proximity to famous attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha, both just a 20-minute ride away. For those seeking a historical atmosphere, Kamigyo Ward, with its Nijo Castle and nearby Gion district, provides a rich immersion into Japanese culture.
Hakone
One of the best places to stay during your day trip around Mt. Fuji. Hakone is a hot springs town steeped in history. It provides an ideal location to admire the distant mountains while soaking in the soothing onsen waters. Additionally, it serves as the gateway to Owakudani, where kids can marvel at the black eggs boiled by the volcano.
Sample Family Trip Itinerary in Japan
Want a sample itinerary for instant inspiration? Check out the 10-day itinerary below that includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, and Hiroshima for your next family trip to Japan.
| Day | Things to Do | Overnight |
| Day 1-4 | Senso-ji, Ghibli Museum, Disneyland, Akihabara, Mt. Fuji, Hakone | Tokyo |
| Day 5-7 | SAMURA & NINJA Museum, Nara Park, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, Itsukushima Shrine | Kyoto |
| Day 8-10 | Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Dotonbori, Den Den Town | Osaka |
| Day 11 | Depart Japan - End of Trip | - |
Day 1-3: Tokyo Exploration With Anime Fun
Arrive in Tokyo and spend half a day in the Ghibli Museum to immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere. Wander down the boulevard to the serene Meiji Shrine, where you and your child can write wishes on wooden ema boards. Experience a traditional rickshaw ride to Senso-ji, known for its colossal lantern hanging beneath the Kamiranimon. Nearby lies the enchanting district of Akihabara, with not only the latest video games and animation, where time is never too short to stay.
Day 4: Day Trip to Mt. Fuji
After a full day adventure through the Disneyland, followed by a day trip around Mt. Fuji, whether it's a hike to Arakurayama Sengen Park for a distant view of the snow-capped peak or a leisurely cruise on Lake Kawaguchi to admire its tranquil reflections, each spot offers a glimpse of this iconic volcano's charm. In the evening, indulge in a rejuvenating soak in the hot springs for ultimate relaxation and wellness benefits.
Day 5-7: Cultural Experience in Kyoto
After marveling at the floating shrine in Itsukushima at various times, ride the Shinkansen back to Kyoto, a city with a millennium of history that always merits an extended visit. Ascend the red torii tunnel to encounter the fox statues guarding the Fushimi Inari Shrine, then take a leisurely stroll in Gion while dressed in a kimono to immerse yourself in the tradition of the tea ceremony and savor the delicate flavors of Kaiseki cuisine.
Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima
Day 8-10: Leisure Osaka With Food & Adventure
For your last few days in Japan, take advantage of this convenient transport hub to travel beyond Osaka! Take an evening stroll through the lively food district of Dotonbori, then head to Den Den Town, the Akihabara in western Japan, for your kids' favor. Highlight by a day trip to Universal Studios Japan, then hop on the Shinkansen for further explorations - whether the cultural discovery at Himeji Castle, authentic taste in Kobe, or animal fun in Nara Park.
Family Travel Tips for A Japan Tour
Take Some Coins With You
It's advisable to carry some coins for your kids and family when visiting some famous shrines, which could be an essential part of participating in drawing lots. Additionally, coins come in handy for beverage vending machines found throughout the area.
Get Your Japan Rail Pass
The railway network connecting almost the whole country makes the Shinkansen one of the most convenient ways for family travelers to get around Japan from south to north. A JR Pass is quite helpful for accessing the bullet trains multiple times on several days. Children under 12 can also benefit from a half-price pass.
Book Your Tour in Advance
Although Japan is a year-round destination, it's wise to book at least three months in advance, especially if you're looking forward an ideal accommodation option. If you are planning to visit during the cherry blossom season, booking six months in advance will be more helpful to find a large room for your family.
Plan Your Idea Family Trip in Japan With Odynovo
As an enchanting destination always with much to see and do, find out the best time for departure and the suitable duration, as well as the area to stay. Feel free to contact us and let Odynovo help you plan your ideal family trip in Japan.
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