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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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Modern Japan Explorer (Essential)
See modern Japan, up close
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From Shogun to Shinkansen (Superior)
Travel Japan's history from samurai strongholds to modern bullet trains, with time outdoors and space for family fun.
Family accommodation across Japan
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.
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.
Mimaru Apartment Hotel (Tokyo)
One of our favourite choices for family trips, the Mimaru offers self-catered apartment style accommodation in many of the major cities of 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
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.
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.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.Mimaru Apartment Hotel (Tokyo)
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!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.
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.
Family destinations across Japan
Matsumoto
Matsumoto is an alpine castle town with a great academic, artistic and musical history.
Yakushima
The island of Yakushima is one of those magical places that those who visit will never forget.
Miyajima
Perhaps Japan's number one highlight view; sunset behind the 'floating' torii gate of Itsukushima
Kyoto
Japan's capital of history & culture, with 17 World Heritage Sites and endless chances to explore.
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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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