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Japan family holidays
Things were so easy when you could just chuck some clothes and a toothbrush in your bag and go.
Now, instead of worrying about whether the closest bar is close enough, we find ourselves wondering: will there be anything the kids will eat? Will this cycling tour be as exciting as it looks online? Will our hotel have connecting rooms? Fast enough Wi-Fi? Big enough beds?
And that’s before we’ve even starting thinking about logistics: dealing with school holidays; booking train tickets; finding that all-important balance between action and relaxation.
One thing we can say is that Japan was made for family holidays. It may be known for its time-honoured traditional culture, but Japan is also a giant playground filled with robots, pirate ships, bizarre fashion and over 200 theme parks – and nowhere is safer or more friendly. Any country where comic books have been elevated to an art form and even the airports have life-sized cartoon mascots to welcome you is going to be a hit with kids.
Wondering where to start planning your Japan family holiday? Just leave it to us. We've been doing this 20 years (long enough to have gone from carefree solo travellers to kids in tow!) and we’ll make sure you have the best holiday ever.
Thinking of travelling with your family? Under 18s get 10% off the price of our Small Group Tours.
Recommended Family Experiences
Japan is heaven for families with so many fun experiences to choose from. We've selected a handful to show you here but there is much, much more. Just ask one of our team and they can help you put together the perfect trip for you and your family.
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The "black crow" castle
Follow in the footsteps of samurai at Matsumoto Castle, one of the best preserved original castles in Japan.
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Roketsu indigo dyeing
Spend a fun morning or afternoon learning how to dye material in the traditional Japanese style at Yamamoto Roketsu Dyeing Studio in Kyoto
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Manga drawing class
Become a student of an official manga and animation school and create your own work under the watchful eye of a published manga artist.
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Asakusa geisha dress-up
Get the geisha or samurai look in Tokyo's historic Asakusa district.
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Family itineraries
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Zen & Now Family Holiday (Classic)
Simple but packed with highlights, this itinerary explores two of Japan's best cities.
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Must-see Japan (IJT Essential)
Enjoy five of Japan's must-see destinations, with a mix of vibrant city life, quieter rural stops, and lots of flexibility to do your own thing.
Family accommodation across Japan
Shiba Park (Tokyo)
The Shiba Park is located in the centre of Tokyo and has friendly, English-speaking staff who are well used to looking after foreign guests.
Machiya Residence (Kyoto)
InsideJapan are delighted to offer self-catering stays in a range of Kyoto machiya: traditional Japanese townhouses.
Yamaichi Bekkan (Miyajima)
Welcome to the Yamaichi Bekkan, a family-run inn just a short walk from both the pier and Miyajima's famous shrine gate.
Azumi Setoda (Onomichi)
Located at the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido, the Azumi Setoda is a traditional building storied with over 140 years of history, and has now been masterfully restored and opened to guests as a luxury ryokan escape
Peninsula (Tokyo)
Located in the upmarket area of Marunouchi, the Peninsula offers spectacular views and luxurious comfort, right next-door to the Imperial Palace and within walking distance of the high-end Ginza shopping district.
Mimaru Apartment Hotel (Osaka)
One of our favourite choices for family trips, the Mimaru offers self-catered apartment style accommodation in many of the major cities of Japan.
Shiba Park (Tokyo)
The Shiba Park is located in the centre of Tokyo and has friendly, English-speaking staff who are well used to looking after foreign guests.
With Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple a short walk to the west and Hamarikyu Gardens a pleasant stroll away to the east, this is a great location right in the heart of the city.
The lobby has plenty of space and seating, and the guest rooms are of a reasonable size for Tokyo. The hotel also has its own restaurants, including a Chinese restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, a bar and café. If you would prefer to eat out, there are plenty of great options within easy walking distance of the hotel - just ask one of the hotel staff for recommendations or to make a reservation.
The Shiba Park is very much a child-friendly hotel. If you are travelling with young children, the hotel can provide a baby cot and pushchair, as well as diapers, child-sized slippers and tooth brushes.
There are several underground and overground stations in the area - the closest being Onarimon, Daimon and Hamamatsucho. A short walk will also bring you to Shibakoen, Akabanebashi, Kamiyacho or Shiodome - so you will be very well connected during your stay.Machiya Residence (Kyoto)
InsideJapan are delighted to offer self-catering stays in a range of Kyoto machiya: traditional Japanese townhouses.
These machiya, all located in the city centre, have been lovingly restored as comfortable holiday rental cottages that sleep two to eight people. This is your chance to slide back a traditional screen door and live like a real Kyotoite in the comfort of your own space for a few days.
Each machiya has a kitchenette, dining area, bathroom and washroom. Bedrooms may be Western-style with low beds or Japanese-style tatami rooms with futons, or a mixture of both. Facilities include a TV, washing machine and dryer, kitchenware & tableware, microwave, fridge and air conditioning in all rooms. The houses are usually two-storey traditional buildings with lovely Japanese gardens.Yamaichi Bekkan (Miyajima)
Welcome to the Yamaichi Bekkan, a family-run inn just a short walk from both the pier and Miyajima's famous shrine gate.
Simon and Alastair, our company directors, first visited the Yamaichi Bekkan in the early 2000s, when InsideJapan Tours was only just beginning. Ever since then, its warm hospitality, friendly atmosphere and outstanding food have made it a firm favourite!
The ryokan has just four guest rooms (three traditional Japanese-style and one Western twin), all with en suite bathrooms. Downstairs, the ryokan acts as a restaurant as well, and serves superb food: sashimi, tempura, and the island speciality conger eel. The baked oysters, another local delicacy, are a real treat.
The ryokan is a family affair, and the English-speaking proprietress, Shinko-san, is an absolute delight. She and her family will ensure that you feel welcome, and will do everything they can to fulfil your every need and request. The ryokan lacks its own onsen bathhouse but if you fancy a soak, Shinko-san will arrange for you to visit the baths at the hotel a few doors down. Located on the top floor of the building, they boast great views across the bay.Azumi Setoda (Onomichi)
Located at the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido, the Azumi Setoda is a traditional building storied with over 140 years of history, and has now been masterfully restored and opened to guests as a luxury ryokan escape
Located at the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido, the Azumi Setoda is a traditional building storied with over 140 years of history, and has now been masterfully restored and opened to guests as a luxury ryokan escape. In awe of the building's strong condition despite its age, expert carpenters from Kyoto and architect Shiro Miura worked to breathe new life into the property, mixing traditional carpentry traits with contemporary amenities. Each of the guest rooms feature comfortable traditional bedding, a large deep-soaking cypress bath, their own small outdoor area, and highlight the use of traditional materials such as cedar, cypress, washi (Japanese paper screens), and granite.
Peninsula (Tokyo)
Located in the upmarket area of Marunouchi, the Peninsula offers spectacular views and luxurious comfort, right next-door to the Imperial Palace and within walking distance of the high-end Ginza shopping district.
Guest rooms are among the largest in Tokyo, and each suite blends traditional Peninsula standards of comfort and technology with elements of Japanese heritage and culture. The hotel offers a wide range of gourmet dining options, including authentic Cantonese cuisine, fine Japanese kaiseki and international dining. For relaxation the hotel features a fitness centre and indoor swimming pool overlooking the Imperial Gardens, while The Peninsula Spa by ESPA offers the ultimate in pure indulgence.
Mimaru Apartment Hotel (Osaka)
One of our favourite choices for family trips, the Mimaru offers self-catered apartment style accommodation in many of the major cities of Japan.
Mimaru apartments are modern and stylish, and many have elements of traditional Japanese architecture such as sliding doors and tatami flooring. The apartments are furnished with multiple beds, a dining area, and fully equipped kitchenettes.
When staying at a Mimaru you'll feel like a local in no time!
Family destinations across Japan
Yakushima
The island of Yakushima is one of those magical places that those who visit will never forget.
Nara
Visit the huge 'Big Buddha' housed in the world's largest wooden building then feed the sacred deer
Kanazawa
A well-preserved historical city on the Japan Sea Coast, known for its famous Kenrokuen Garden.
Miyajima
Perhaps Japan's number one highlight view; sunset behind the 'floating' torii gate of Itsukushima
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Top 10 activities for teens and tweens in Japan
Read on to find out what Japan has to offer and how you can visit these sights for yourself
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How accommodation works for families in Japan
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Food and family travel in Japan
How do fussy eaters fare in Japan? How easy is to cater for allergies? Our experts have all the answers you need.
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10 Japan destinations perfect for families
Snow monkeys, the famous pirate cruise and street fashion hubs: family delight awaits
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Getting around Japan with kids in tow
Transport in Japan is a joy - here's why. All the options explained.
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When should you travel to Japan with kids?
Learn how school holidays line up with seasons in Japan, and the highlights of going in certain times of the year
Read more >
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