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Japan family holidays
Planning a trip to Japan can feel like a big task. Everything feels easier when you can just throw some clothes and a toothbrush in your bag and go, but we’re here to make planning a Japan family holiday effortless.
From your first conversation with our Japan experts, you’ll feel the difference. We go further because we’ve been there ourselves — juggling jet lag, sourcing emergency snacks, finding space to unwind. Many of our specialist consultants have travelled Japan with their own kids, so we understand the reality behind phrases like “child-friendly” and “easy day trip”.
Japan offers so much that it’s tempting to pack it all in but we’ll help you find the right pace for you, balancing the big sights with hands on fun, with space in between just to take it all in. A great family trip is about far more than sights: it’s about comfort, pacing sensibly and keeping everyone happy — with a few well-timed surprises along the way for added “wow” factor. Then there’s the crucial practical elements: the right accommodation, food options that work for everyone, downtime built in and transport that feels smooth and simple.
For over 25 years, we’ve helped families experience Japan on tours that are customised to them. Every family is different and so is every itinerary we create. We plan every step with care and detailed preparation so you don’t have to stress – you can simply look forward to your holiday. Our comprehensive pre-departure Info-Pack supports you every step of the way, offering essential guidance and practical information for when you’re travelling from how to find your platform to our favourite spot for Japanese sweets. And then, while you’re there, our elite, global customer service team is available 24/7 at the end of an email or WhatsApp. So, if you leave your passport in the back of a taxi, or your son left their teddy bear in your Kyoto hotel (it’s happened before), we’ll do everything we can to help.
Is Japan a good family destination?
Japan was made for family holidays. 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. 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. Even the day-to-day is interesting here. Going to the supermarket, catching the bus, or finding a new favourite snack.
What to consider when planning a trip to Japan with my family?
School holidays often dictate timings, but Japan’s seasons are distinct, and will change the shape of your holiday significantly.
It also helps to think about what kind of travellers you are. Do you like getting out into more remote areas, or do you prefer to stick to cities, where everything is available at your fingertips? First-time travellers or those with picky eaters and allergies may prefer city bases, where western food and wider accommodation options are available. The more rural you go, the less flexibilty there is. For those who can venture further, there are some truly special experiences to be had further off the Golden Route, like meeting wood carvers in Toyama, kite-making in Nagasaki, or staying in a boat house right on the waters of Ine.
In terms of budget, traditional accommodation (like ryokan) often costs more but is an unforgettable experience in itself. Rolling out your futon mattress to sleep or rising early to hear monks at prayer aren’t things you’ll find in a standard hotel. But, basing yourself in a city means plenty of good, low-cost hotel options.
Recommended Family Experiences
Japan is packed with experiences that make a family holiday to Japan unforgettable, from modern, quirky fun to traditions kids genuinely love. Martial arts sessions, taiko drumming, hands on craft workshops and even Japanese archery all bring the country’s culture to life in a way that’s exciting, accessible and brilliant for all ages.
Japan isn’t filled with “family attractions” in the traditional sense (although the theme parks are fun, too!). Instead, it offers authentic experiences that naturally delight children, teens and grownups alike. Whether it’s dressing up as a samurai or geisha, learning to dye indigo cloth, or heading out to explore Matsumoto’s Black Crow Castles, these activities hit the sweet spot, even for hard-to-please teens.
We’ve selected a handful here to give a taste of what a family holiday to Japan can include. But these are just the start. If you already have ideas, want suggestions, or have particular interests in mind, just ask your travel consultant, and they’ll match you to the right experiences for 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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Spring Elegance (IJT Classic)
From neon cityscapes to towering mountains and back, Spring Elegance provides an excellent balance of superb experiences and value for money.
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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
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
Cross Hotel Osaka (Osaka)
The Cross is a smart hotel on Dotonbori, one of the liveliest and most famous streets in Japan.
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.
Keio Plaza Tokyo (Tokyo)
The Keio Plaza is an excellent hotel at the very heart of Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku district.
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.
Cross Hotel Osaka (Osaka)
The Cross is a smart hotel on Dotonbori, one of the liveliest and most famous streets in Japan.
The hotel has recently been refurbished and boasts sleek, modern design both inside and out, giving it something of a boutique feel. Rooms are stylishly decorated and surprisingly generously sized for a city-centre hotel, and each bathroom offers a deep soaking tub, separate shower and a small "powder room".
The Cross has its own restaurant and bar, but its great location also means that there are a plethora of establishments to choose from on your doorstep, making this the perfect place to indulge in one of Osaka's main attractions: fabulous food and drink! A great many of Osaka's attractions are within easy walking distance of the hotel, but if you need to travel further afield, Nanba subway station is only three minutes' walk away, and Shinsaibashi is just five minutes away.
Despite its lively location, the hotel itself is a quiet and peaceful place, so should you be looking for an early night you will not be disturbed.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!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.Keio Plaza Tokyo (Tokyo)
The Keio Plaza is an excellent hotel at the very heart of Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku district.
This 170-metre (560 ft) skyscraper has fantastic views of the city, especially at night from the hotel's sky bar – the perfect place for a cocktail after a hard day of sightseeing! There are also no less than 22 restaurants, serving everything from teppanyaki to tempura, kaiseki, sushi, soba, French, Italian, Chinese and Korean.
What's more, the Keio Plaza frequently hosts special exhibitions of art, photography and traditional crafts. The hotel also offers various Japanese cultural experiences such as tea ceremony, trying on kimono, and ikebana flower arranging. If you fancy a little Japanese-style late entertainment, there are four karaoke rooms on the 47th floor, with spectacular panoramic views of the city, while the seventh floor hosts a gym and open-air swimming pool during the summer months for those who want to keep active.
As you would expect from a hotel of this calibre, the staff speak excellent English and the service is impeccable. All guest rooms have free Wi-Fi, in-room dining is available, and there are complimentary shuttle buses to Disneyland and DisneySea – amongst a whole roster of other services.
Family destinations across Japan
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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
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