UK
Australia
USA
Tailor-made
Self-Guided Adventure
Modern Japan Explorer
from CA$12848 (Per Family)
9 Nights Trip Code: FFMJE
Travel through Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, three destinations that works especially well for families who want pop culture, food scenes and hands‑on experiences alongside the classics. Read more >
Most families arrive in Japan with a wish list already in mind – anime, neon-lit shopping streets, digital art and maybe even a theme park or two. But you’ll also want those iconic Japan moments: peaceful temples, beautiful gardens, and a real sense of the country’s history and culture. This itinerary brings it all together, in a way that works brilliantly for teenagers and parents alike.
You’ll explore three of Japan’s most exciting cities, each with enough time to properly experience them without feeling rushed. First up is Tokyo – fast-paced, colourful and full of surprises. From street food and pop culture to hidden pockets of tradition, it’s a city that grabs everyone’s attention from day one.
Next, Kyoto offers a completely different side of Japan. You’ll stay together in a traditional machiya house, making it easy for the whole family to relax and reconnect after busy days exploring. Alongside the famous temples and gardens, you’ll also dive into modern creative experiences, from contemporary performances to cutting-edge digital art, plus our recommendations on the city’s less crowded hidden gems.
Then it’s on to Osaka – Japan’s playground. Expect bold food, big energy and hands-on experiences that bring the culture to life, topped off with a full day at Universal Studios Japan. It’s the perfect fun-filled finale before returning to Tokyo.
The pace is thoughtfully balanced, giving you structure where it matters and flexibility where you want it. The result? A trip that captures modern Japan at its most exciting, blends it with the must-sees, and leaves your family with memories you’ll all still be talking about long after you’re home.
What's included
9 nights' accommodation
Breakfast in all hotels (self‑catered in machiya accommodation)
All transport between destinations
Private guide services in Tokyo and Kyoto
GEAR non‑verbal theatre performance in Kyoto
Digital Art Exhibition Tickets
Sword‑fighting experience in Osaka
Universal Studios Japan One‑Day Studio Passes
Pocket WiFi device
Your personalised InsideJapan Tours Info‑Pack
What's NOT included:
International flights
Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination unless otherwise specified
Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip
Trip Highlights
- Tokyo: street food, anime, shopping streets, and everyday neighbourhoods
- Mix temples and gardens with digital art and contemporary performance
- Universal Studios Japan as an optional end‑of‑trip highlight
- Kyoto machiya stay so you're all under one roof
- Osaka for more hands-on culture, fun and Japan's best B‑gourmet food
Ready to plan your trip?
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: +1 303 952 0379
What, where, when and how...
Modern Japan Explorer - 10 Days - Day by Day
Modern Japan Explorer - 10 Days - Accommodation
Modern Japan Explorer - 10 Days - Experiences
-
Day 1-3
Start in Tokyo and get a mix of neighbourhoods, street food areas and major sights, all linked by the city's rail network.
You begin in Tokyo, staying in Asakusa in accommodation that works well for families with older kids, including connecting rooms. It's a practical base and a good introduction to the city without being overwhelming. Early in the stay, you'll spend a full day with one of our Insiders focusing on manga, anime and modern Tokyo culture. It's a strong way to get teenagers engaged from the outset, pairing pop culture stops with the Tokyo Skytree for an iconic viewpoint they'll want to photograph and share. Another day is looser and more independent, from shopping districts, time around Shimokitazawa, and an evening food tour in Shibuya. It's Tokyo at street level, which tends to land well with older kids.
Overnight: Asakusa View Annex Rokku
-
Day 4-6
Stay in a traditional machiya house with access to temples, markets and historic districts across Kyoto.
You travel by bullet train to Kyoto and check into a machiya, or Japanese tradition rental house, which puts the whole family under one roof but with plenty of space. Your time starts with a half day private guide. It's a great introduction to Kyoto, helping you understand the city before exploring on your own. Later that evening, you see a performance by GEAR, a non‑verbal theatre show that feels contemporary and engaging without needing language. Another evening is spent at teamLab Biovortex, offering a very different take on Kyoto and a clear contrast with temples and traditional streets. In between, you have a flexible day to shape yourselves: options might include Nara, the International Manga Museum, cycling, or simply spending time wandering Kyoto's neighbourhoods and food spots.
Overnight: Machiya Residence
-
Day 7-8
Base in Osaka for street food, Osaka Castle and a more modern, urban side of Kansai.
From Kyoto, it's a short train ride to Osaka. You'll stay centrally, making it easy to get around on foot and by train. One day includes a sword fighting experience, which gives a hands‑on way into Japanese history. That's paired with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building for a modern city viewpoint. The following day is dedicated almost entirely to Universal Studios Japan, complete with express passes. It's unapologetically full-on and a highlight for many families on this route.
Overnight: Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda
-
Day 9-10
Return to Tokyo to stay in a different area, with time for food, shopping and anything you missed first time.
The trip loops back to Tokyo by shinkansen for a final night, staying in a different area of the city. This gives you a chance to revisit favourite shopping districts, do some last-minute buying, or simply enjoy Tokyo at a slower pace now that it feels more familiar.
Overnight: OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
-
Day 1-3
Start in Tokyo and get a mix of neighbourhoods, street food areas and major sights, all linked by the city's rail network.
You begin in Tokyo, staying in Asakusa in accommodation that works well for families with older kids, including connecting rooms. It's a practical base and a good introduction to the city without being overwhelming. Early in the stay, you'll spend a full day with one of our Insiders focusing on manga, anime and modern Tokyo culture. It's a strong way to get teenagers engaged from the outset, pairing pop culture stops with the Tokyo Skytree for an iconic viewpoint they'll want to photograph and share. Another day is looser and more independent, from shopping districts, time around Shimokitazawa, and an evening food tour in Shibuya. It's Tokyo at street level, which tends to land well with older kids.
Overnight: Asakusa View Annex Rokku
-
Day 4-6
Stay in a traditional machiya house with access to temples, markets and historic districts across Kyoto.
You travel by bullet train to Kyoto and check into a machiya, or Japanese tradition rental house, which puts the whole family under one roof but with plenty of space. Your time starts with a half day private guide. It's a great introduction to Kyoto, helping you understand the city before exploring on your own. Later that evening, you see a performance by GEAR, a non‑verbal theatre show that feels contemporary and engaging without needing language. Another evening is spent at teamLab Biovortex, offering a very different take on Kyoto and a clear contrast with temples and traditional streets. In between, you have a flexible day to shape yourselves: options might include Nara, the International Manga Museum, cycling, or simply spending time wandering Kyoto's neighbourhoods and food spots.
Overnight: Machiya Residence
-
Day 7-8
Base in Osaka for street food, Osaka Castle and a more modern, urban side of Kansai.
From Kyoto, it's a short train ride to Osaka. You'll stay centrally, making it easy to get around on foot and by train. One day includes a sword fighting experience, which gives a hands‑on way into Japanese history. That's paired with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building for a modern city viewpoint. The following day is dedicated almost entirely to Universal Studios Japan, complete with express passes. It's unapologetically full-on and a highlight for many families on this route.
Overnight: Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda
-
Day 9-10
Return to Tokyo to stay in a different area, with time for food, shopping and anything you missed first time.
The trip loops back to Tokyo by shinkansen for a final night, staying in a different area of the city. This gives you a chance to revisit favourite shopping districts, do some last-minute buying, or simply enjoy Tokyo at a slower pace now that it feels more familiar.
Overnight: OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
Trip Reviews
Other Family trips you may like
-
Self-Guided Adventure
From Shogun to Shinkansen (Superior)
- Tokyo
- Kiso Fukushima
- Nagoya
- Kyoto
- Hiroshima
- Tokyo
Travel Japan's history from samurai strongholds to modern bullet trains, with time outdoors and space for family fun.
12 nights: from CA$33387 (Per Family) Read more >
-
Self-Guided Adventure
Japan Alps Discovery (Classic)
- Tokyo
- Kawaguchiko
- Matsumoto
- Takayama
- Kyoto
- Tokyo
Explore Japan from city streets to mountain peaks.
14 nights: from CA$29119 (Per Family) Read more >
-
Self-Guided Adventure
Made in Japan (Classic)
- Tokyo
- Kanazawa
- Kyoto
- Tokyo
Make, taste and explore your way through Japan together
10 nights: from CA$18525 (Per Family) Read more >
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
