Australia
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Luxury Tailormade Trip
Juniors in Japan
from US$13277 per person (twin share)
13 Nights Trip Code: EPJFAM13
Travelling with young children doesn't have to be daunting. Japan is one of the safest and most rewarding destinations for a family holiday. If you have a little more time and are keen to explore beyond the hot spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone, this Insider favourite is an ideal choice. With time to unwind on the high-speed bullet trains to Kanazawa and Kyoto and scenic drives to Gokayama, Takayama, and Hakone, the journey strikes the perfect balance between adventure and downtime. Read more >
Begin and end in Tokyo, a playground of comics, cosplay, skyscrapers and everything that makes Japan so exciting for families. Despite being a vast metropolis of over 30 million people, there are plenty of open spaces for children to enjoy, from playgrounds and museums to toy shops, Pokémon centres, Hello Kitty attractions and even Disneyland. Some of our favourites include Ueno Park, Robot Park in Roppongi Hills and the Tokyo Toy Museum, home to over 15,000 toys. Alongside the fun, you’ll also experience Japan’s traditions first-hand during a private swordsmanship session at a traditional dojo, where discipline, focus and technique are shared for all ages.
Buckle up for your bullet train journey to Kanazawa, where beautifully landscaped gardens and contemporary, playful art offer an engaging introduction to the city. Hands-on experiences such as wagashi sweet-making provide a fun and memorable way to keep younger travellers involved.
Continue into the countryside to explore the UNESCO-listed, 300-year-old farmhouse villages of Gokayama. These distinctive A-frame houses feel like something out of an anime film, yet remain very much part of daily life in this rural region. Weathered wooden beams, steep thatched roofs and the warmth of traditional homes reflect generations of craftsmanship. Here, you’ll try your hand at making washi (rice) paper, enjoy a freshly prepared soba lunch, and meet local farmers who bring the region’s heritage to life through a traditional Kokuriku dance performance.
While in Takayama, stay in a traditional ryokan with futons and hot springs a real family favourite. Stroll through the morning market with your guide sampling local delicacies along the way.
In Kyoto, a personalised Insider tour reveals seasonal highlights, festivals and cultural traditions, while a day trip to Universal Studios Japan offers plenty of thrills and excitement to break up the journey. The trip then slows in Hakone, where scenic landscapes and views of Mount Fuji provide the perfect setting to unwind.
What's included
13 nights' luxury stays (connecting rooms, subject to availability)
Airport transfers by private vehicle
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 4 evening meals
All tours and transfers using luxury-chartered vehicles and 1st class reserved trains
Full day private guides in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone including entrance fees
Half day private guides in Gokayama, Takayama and Kanazawa (on 2 days) including entrance fees
Swordsmanship experience
Wagashi sweet-making experience
Washi paper-making experience
Universal Studios Japan tickets + Express Pass 4
TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Exhibition Tickets
Your personalised InsideJapan Info-Pack
Pocket WiFi device
What's NOT included:
International flights
Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination unless otherwise stated
Baggage handling and luggage forwarding (details will be highlighted in your Info Pack to pay locally)
Trip Highlights
- Insider Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone full day tours with private vehicle and guide
- Kanazawa, Gokayama, and Takayama half day tours with private guide and vehicle
- Wagashi sweet making and tasting
- Universal Studios Osaka (including express passes)
- Swordsmanship experience
- Kenrokuen Garden and 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
- 300-year old farmhouses, washi paper making, soba noodle lunch in Gokayama
- TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Exhibition
Ready to plan your trip?
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3470
What, where, when and how...
Juniors in Japan - 14 Days
Destinations
Juniors in Japan - 14 Days - Day by Day
Juniors in Japan - 14 Days - Accommodation
Juniors in Japan - 14 Days - Experiences
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Day 1-3
Greeted by your private driver and guide, you'll spend your first day discovering a side of Tokyo that fits your pace and reflects your family's interests. A visit to a traditional dojo for a hands-on samurai swordsmanship experience sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Dressed in hakama, you'll learn basic sword techniques in a setting rich in history, with centuries-old katana on display and guidance tailored for both children and adults. In fine weather, a simple bento picnic in Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen offers a relaxed way to pause and enjoy the surroundings. On rainy days, step into the energy of Shinjuku Station, the busiest in the world, where more than 3.5 million passengers pass through each day — an experience in itself and a glimpse into the scale of modern Tokyo. On your free day, for a more educational experience, visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, where historically significant buildings have been carefully relocated and reconstructed, bringing Japan's past to life in an engaging way.
Suggested Accommodation: Palace Tokyo
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Day 4-5
After an energetic start in Tokyo, unwind as you travel on the Hokuriku shinkansen to Kanazawa, covering 450km in just two and a half hours. Kanazawa offers a charming introduction to a more compact and relaxed side of Japan.
Part of the brilliance of Japan's bullet trains is how effortlessly they carry you from urban cityscapes to peaceful rice paddies in such a short time. Be sure to pick up an eki-ben (bento box) at the station to enjoy along the way. With your guide, visit Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of the country's Three Great Gardens, while the nearby 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art provides a striking modern contrast. For a more traditional atmosphere, stroll through the Higashi Chaya District, pausing for tea in one of its historic teahouses. Your guide will ensure you make the most of your time, while a wagashi sweet-making workshop will either send kids on a sugar high, or turn them off sweets for life!
Suggested Accommodation: The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
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Day 6-7
Enjoy a cultural stop in the UNESCO-listed Gokayama, where fairytale-like scenes meet traditional life. Arrive to Takayama and settle in for two nights in a luxury ryokan, experiencing omotenashi at its finest. The next day, your guide will walk you through the historic streets and lively markets.
En route to Takayama, roll up your sleeves in Gokayama to make your own washi paper, a meaningful souvenir to take home. Enjoy soba noodle lunch, and watch local farmers perform the traditional Kokuriku dance as you relax with a hot drink beside the irori hearth. The next day, your guide will share the best ways to explore Takayama after breakfast. Takayama, in the heart of the Hida Mountains, is a delightful town dating back to the 16th century, when it flourished as a castle town of the Kanamori family. Today it is known for its beautifully preserved merchant streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, small sake breweries, tea houses, food stalls and local craft shops. The town comes alive each morning with morning markets, a nice way to see the locals trade their local produce and craft ware. This day is usually done on foot but if the little legs get tired, a rickshaw ride is a fun and relaxing way to get around.
Suggested Accommodation: Hidatei Hanaougi Takayama
-
Day 8-10
Spend a full day with a local Kyoto guide and driver who will tailor everything to suit your family, ensuring you see the best of Kyoto.
On arrival to Kyoto, you will have free time to explore your hotels surroundings. Keeping children happy in Kyoto is all about balancing temples, shrines and gardens with fun, child-friendly experiences. Your guide will do just this on a full day tour around the city. Kyoto is known as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, with 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Choose one or two with your guide and mix things up with a visit to Toei Eiga Mura, a unique theme park and film set located near Arashiyama's famous bamboo grove and Golden Pavillion, Kinkaku-ji. Step into the world of a samurai film as you wander through replica Edo-period streets, with sets including Nihonbashi Bridge, a traditional courthouse, a Meiji-era police box and part of the former Yoshiwara entertainment district. Just an hour's drive away, Universal Studios Japan promises a fun-filled day guaranteed to keep little ones entertained and excited.
Suggested Accommodation: Four Seasons
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Day 11-12
One of the standout family-friendly highlights in Hakone is the Hakone Open Air Museum. It offers a wonderful balance, engaging for children while providing a peaceful and scenic setting for adults.
Other activities your guide may take you on include the Hakone Ropeway, a cruise on Lake Ashi, paddle boating, pony rides for younger children, or a visit to the Hakone Aquarium. With hot springs and beautifully prepared dinners at your luxury accommodation, the pace begins to slow, giving you time to relax and recharge before your final nights in Tokyo.
Suggested Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hakone
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Day 13-14
Your final day in Tokyo is yours to enjoy. With so much to see, we recommend focusing on one area and making the most of it.
The man-made island of Odaiba is a fantastic option for families. You can arrive by mono-rail crossing the stunning Rainbow Bridge. Or take a river cruise along the Sumida River over to Asakusa, for a more traditional Tokyo. Odaiba is home to excellent museums, including the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), known for its interactive exhibits and robots, as well as a range of fun attractions such as Legoland Discovery Centre and Joypolis, a Sega indoor amusement park. Your InfoPack will include plenty of recommendations to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested Accommodation: Palace Tokyo
-
Day 1-3
Greeted by your private driver and guide, you'll spend your first day discovering a side of Tokyo that fits your pace and reflects your family's interests. A visit to a traditional dojo for a hands-on samurai swordsmanship experience sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Dressed in hakama, you'll learn basic sword techniques in a setting rich in history, with centuries-old katana on display and guidance tailored for both children and adults. In fine weather, a simple bento picnic in Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen offers a relaxed way to pause and enjoy the surroundings. On rainy days, step into the energy of Shinjuku Station, the busiest in the world, where more than 3.5 million passengers pass through each day — an experience in itself and a glimpse into the scale of modern Tokyo. On your free day, for a more educational experience, visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, where historically significant buildings have been carefully relocated and reconstructed, bringing Japan's past to life in an engaging way.
Suggested Accommodation: Palace Tokyo
-
Day 4-5
After an energetic start in Tokyo, unwind as you travel on the Hokuriku shinkansen to Kanazawa, covering 450km in just two and a half hours. Kanazawa offers a charming introduction to a more compact and relaxed side of Japan.
Part of the brilliance of Japan's bullet trains is how effortlessly they carry you from urban cityscapes to peaceful rice paddies in such a short time. Be sure to pick up an eki-ben (bento box) at the station to enjoy along the way. With your guide, visit Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of the country's Three Great Gardens, while the nearby 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art provides a striking modern contrast. For a more traditional atmosphere, stroll through the Higashi Chaya District, pausing for tea in one of its historic teahouses. Your guide will ensure you make the most of your time, while a wagashi sweet-making workshop will either send kids on a sugar high, or turn them off sweets for life!
Suggested Accommodation: The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
-
Day 6-7
Enjoy a cultural stop in the UNESCO-listed Gokayama, where fairytale-like scenes meet traditional life. Arrive to Takayama and settle in for two nights in a luxury ryokan, experiencing omotenashi at its finest. The next day, your guide will walk you through the historic streets and lively markets.
En route to Takayama, roll up your sleeves in Gokayama to make your own washi paper, a meaningful souvenir to take home. Enjoy soba noodle lunch, and watch local farmers perform the traditional Kokuriku dance as you relax with a hot drink beside the irori hearth. The next day, your guide will share the best ways to explore Takayama after breakfast. Takayama, in the heart of the Hida Mountains, is a delightful town dating back to the 16th century, when it flourished as a castle town of the Kanamori family. Today it is known for its beautifully preserved merchant streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, small sake breweries, tea houses, food stalls and local craft shops. The town comes alive each morning with morning markets, a nice way to see the locals trade their local produce and craft ware. This day is usually done on foot but if the little legs get tired, a rickshaw ride is a fun and relaxing way to get around.
Suggested Accommodation: Hidatei Hanaougi Takayama
-
Day 8-10
Spend a full day with a local Kyoto guide and driver who will tailor everything to suit your family, ensuring you see the best of Kyoto.
On arrival to Kyoto, you will have free time to explore your hotels surroundings. Keeping children happy in Kyoto is all about balancing temples, shrines and gardens with fun, child-friendly experiences. Your guide will do just this on a full day tour around the city. Kyoto is known as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, with 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Choose one or two with your guide and mix things up with a visit to Toei Eiga Mura, a unique theme park and film set located near Arashiyama's famous bamboo grove and Golden Pavillion, Kinkaku-ji. Step into the world of a samurai film as you wander through replica Edo-period streets, with sets including Nihonbashi Bridge, a traditional courthouse, a Meiji-era police box and part of the former Yoshiwara entertainment district. Just an hour's drive away, Universal Studios Japan promises a fun-filled day guaranteed to keep little ones entertained and excited.
Suggested Accommodation: Four Seasons
-
Day 11-12
One of the standout family-friendly highlights in Hakone is the Hakone Open Air Museum. It offers a wonderful balance, engaging for children while providing a peaceful and scenic setting for adults.
Other activities your guide may take you on include the Hakone Ropeway, a cruise on Lake Ashi, paddle boating, pony rides for younger children, or a visit to the Hakone Aquarium. With hot springs and beautifully prepared dinners at your luxury accommodation, the pace begins to slow, giving you time to relax and recharge before your final nights in Tokyo.
Suggested Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hakone
-
Day 13-14
Your final day in Tokyo is yours to enjoy. With so much to see, we recommend focusing on one area and making the most of it.
The man-made island of Odaiba is a fantastic option for families. You can arrive by mono-rail crossing the stunning Rainbow Bridge. Or take a river cruise along the Sumida River over to Asakusa, for a more traditional Tokyo. Odaiba is home to excellent museums, including the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), known for its interactive exhibits and robots, as well as a range of fun attractions such as Legoland Discovery Centre and Joypolis, a Sega indoor amusement park. Your InfoPack will include plenty of recommendations to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested Accommodation: Palace Tokyo
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