Essential Japan Family Tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Oksaka, and More

The main attraction in Asakusa is the Sensoji, which is a very popular Buddhist temple that was built during the 7th century. During the height of its time, Asakusa was known as the entertainment district of Tokyo. The Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo and was dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon. A Sumida River cruise is the perfect way to cut through the crowds to reach different parts of the city. You will use this method of transportation to transfer to Odaiba, which is a human-made island in Tokyo Bay.

After breakfast, your guide will lead you to the animated world of Studio Ghibli. The experience will immerse you in the world of anime, where life-sized reproductions of the anime characters will come to life in front of your eyes. As your day starts to wind down, your guide will escort you to a Michelin-starred restaurant. Here, you can dine, and the chef will personally customize your entrees for you.

Toyama embodies the friendly charm and easy way of life, and the Japanese Alps loom in the background. You will take a bullet train to Toyama, and when you arrive, a private driver will greet and transfer you to your accommodation. When you are ready, your guide will escort you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gokayama. The villages in Gokayama have uniquely pitched roofs, and you can see how silkworms are raised and farmed. With your guide, you can also wander through the different homes of the locals, where artisans may create beautiful artifacts for you.

After breakfast this morning, your experienced guide will lead you to a river that lies behind Toyama Castle. Here, you will board a gondola and sail down the river. The ride down the Matsukawa River is a scenic trip. Toyama Castle was constructed in the 16th century during the Edo period, which is also known as the golden era of Japan. You will have a tour of the castle, and you can visit the park that lies around the castle as well.

The city of Yokohama is known for its abundance of stunning landscapes and scenery. After breakfast, you will transfer via train to Yokohama. A driver will greet you at the station and transfer you to your luxurious accommodation. When you are ready, your guide will transfer you to Yamashita Park, which is the largest seaside park in the city. Along the promenade, you will come across a massive ocean liner that once attracted the royal family and even Charlie Chaplin for their journey across the ocean before it was retired in the 1960s. This evening, you can indulge in a Michelin-starred restaurant for dinner.

After breakfast this morning, your guide will lead you on a tour of the city. One place that you may become particularly fond of is the Landmark Tower. In the building, your guide will escort you to the top of the tower, where you can walk out to an observation deck that will provide you with a panoramic view of the entire city. Afterward, you will transfer to Nogeyama Gardens. The gardens are located on a hilltop in a quiet residential neighborhood, which is also home to red pandas.

The countryside of Hakone is the perfect place for your family to unwind and relax. You will transfer to Hakone via train, and a private driver will greet and transfer you to your accommodation. When you are ready, your guide will lead you to the Hakone Shrine in the Moto Hakone. As you and your family enter the town, you will see a pirate ship that crosses Lake Ashi and docks by Moto Hakone. You will be able to board and explore the pirate ship. Afterward, you can indulge in a natural hot spring bath. Your guide will direct you to a private onsen, where you can bask in the minerally-rich water.

After breakfast this morning, you will take the train to Nara, which is an ancient city with significant shrines and artwork. After your driver greets and transfers you to your accommodation, you will have some time to settle in and relax before visiting Todaiji Temple. The temple was built in the 8th century as the head temple for all of Buddhism in Japan. This massive building houses one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddhas, Daibutsu. Afterward, you can visit the nearby park. Here, friendly deer will nudge you to feed them.

Nara has one of the richest collections of traditional sites in Japan. The most significant Shinto shrine in Nara is the Kasuga-Taisha shrine, and your guide will journey with you to the shrine after breakfast. Shinto was once the original religion in Japan, and many of the buildings still have the former religion’s architecture. Your day will culminate with a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Here, you can indulge in a kaiseki-style meal. When you finish your meal, your guide will lead you on a walk along the beautifully-lit city paths.

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan but is now known as the cultural heart of the country. You will transfer to Kyoto by bullet train this morning, where you will be met by a driver. After having time to relax at your accommodation, your guide will lead you to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Afterward, you will continue along the path to the Hozugawa River, where you will have the chance to sail along the water. The boats are flat-bottomed and are piloted by captains who guide the craft with oars and bamboo poles.

After breakfast this morning, you will venture to Nijo Castle, which is one of the more significant historical structures that is still standing in the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is divided into three parts of defense. Fushimi Inari Taisha is an important Shinto Shrine in Kyoto and is famous for its rows of thousand orange torii gates that lead visitors to the top of the sacred Mt. Inari. After your time at Nijo Castle, you will visit Shinto Shrine.

Osaka may be known as the nation’s kitchen, but it is also known for its authentic samurai culture that blends into every part of Japanese life. You will transfer to Osaka via bullet train. After your driver transfers you to your accommodation, you visit Osaka Castle. Here, you can stroll through the castle’s ancient grounds. During your time at the castle, you will have the chance to dress up as a samurai and learn a few moves from a swordmaster.

When you wake up this morning, it will be your final day in Japan. After breakfast, you will have some time to leisurely explore Osaka before returning to your accommodation to gather your belongings. When you are ready, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.