Australia
Canada
USA
Tailor-made
Self-Guided Adventure
Modern Japan Explorer
from US$9602 (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 >
Your family probably already has a Japan wish list: anime, shopping streets, digital art, theme parks. You probably also want the classic moments: temples, gardens, history, and a real sense of being in Japan. This itinerary gives you both.
You'll focus on three big cities and give each one proper time. You start in Tokyo, where the unique energy, street food, anime, modern culture and tradition give the whole family something from day one. Then it's on to Kyoto, with a family friendly machiya stay that makes it easy to stay connected under one roof. You'll also see contemporary performance and digital art alongside the classics and lesser-known spots.
Osaka is synonymous with fun in Japan. It's big city buzz, hands-on cultural experiences, and a full day at Universal Studios Japan before you loop back to Tokyo.
The pacing is carefully planned, but flexible. You'll experience modern Japan, everyone will feel like they've really been there, and you'll come away with shared memories that last.
What's included
Nine nights' accommodation in Japan
Airport transfers
All transport between destinations
Private guide service in Tokyo and Kyoto
Pocket WiFi device
Your personalised InsideJapan 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
Ready to plan your trip?
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3470
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
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Day 1-3
Modern Tokyo, straight from the start
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
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Day 4-6
Classic setting with a modern angle
You travel by bullet train to Kyoto and check into a machiya, or Japanese tradition rental house, which puts the whole family under one room 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
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Day 7-8
Hands-on culture and pure fun
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
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Day 9-10
Finishing where it started
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
Modern Tokyo, straight from the start
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
Classic setting with a modern angle
You travel by bullet train to Kyoto and check into a machiya, or Japanese tradition rental house, which puts the whole family under one room 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
Hands-on culture and pure fun
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
Finishing where it started
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
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