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Exclusive Private Journey
Curious Teens - Japan Family Adventure
Price on request
11 Nights Trip Code: EPJFAM12
Designed for families with curious teenagers, this journey through Japan blends pop culture, samurai history and unforgettable landscapes. From cutting edge Tokyo to the UNESCO shores of Miyajima Island, this trip reveals a side of Japan that keeps every generation engaged. Read more >
Your adventure begins in Tokyo, where an insider-led tour focuses entirely on what fascinates your teenagers most. That might mean exploring the colourful worlds of manga and anime, stepping inside buzzing video game arcades or browsing the city's endlessly inventive shopping districts.
From the capital, travel into the Japanese Alps to historic Matsumoto, home to striking Matsumoto Castle. With its dramatic black exterior - often nicknamed "Crow Castle" - it's widely considered one of Japan's most atmospheric surviving samurai fortresses. Nearby, you can also choose to visit an active wasabi farm to see how the famously fiery plant is cultivated in cool alpine streams.
The route then follows part of the historic Nakasendo Trail, once travelled by feudal lords, samurai and merchants moving between Kyoto and Tokyo. Hiking the scenic 8km path between the beautifully preserved post towns of Tsumago and Magome, you pass wooden inns, forested hillsides and quiet stretches of countryside that feel largely unchanged for centuries.
In Kyoto, begin with a traditional rickshaw ride through temple districts and hidden lanes before enjoying a private evening experience where you will encounter a maiko, offering a rare window into the traditions of Kyoto's geisha culture. There's also flexibility built in, including the option to spend a high-energy day at Universal Studios Japan in nearby Osaka.
Moving up a gear aboard the high speed bullet train to Hiroshima, watch, listen and learn how moving history and modern city life sit side by side. A short ferry ride brings you to Miyajima Island, known for its iconic floating torii gate and peaceful shrine-lined pathways. Here you'll stay overnight, soaking in steaming onsen hot springs and sampling beautifully presented kaiseki cuisine that celebrates seasonal local ingredients.
Throughout the trip, thoughtful touches elevate the experience at every stage. Carefully chosen stays, enhanced cultural encounters and seamless travel combine with insider access to create a journey that feels both immersive and effortless, an ideal way for families to discover Japan together.
Trip Highlights
- Tokyo personalised 'Insider Tour' featuring Anime, Manga, Video Games, Skytree, and whatever your teenagers are into
- Sushi lesson with Master Sushi Chef
- First Class reserved seats on shinkansen and express trains
- Samurai stories told climbing to the top of Matsumoto Castle with private guide
- Private dinner and chats with a Kyoto maiko, at exclusive ‘Ryotei' in Gion
- 'Insider' tales of Hiroshima's past and uplifting present
- Japan's 'Top Ranked' hotels and ryokans throughout
- Expert Guides in places to educate and ensure you get the most out of your time in each spot
- Heart-pumping 'Taiko' Drumming session
- Ryokan experience with private onsen (hot springs) and fine dining (Japanese style)
- Wasabi farm tour or river canyoning by the Japanese Alps
- Cultural surprises in Kyoto
- Optional Day to visit Universal Studios Japan [Osaka]
- Sea kayaking and cable car jaunts in Miyajima
- Private Vehicles throughout [when not on trains]
Ready to plan your trip?
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 720 744 0205
What, where, when and how...
Curious Teens - Japan Family Adventure - 12 Days
Curious Teens - Japan Family Adventure - 12 Days - Day by Day
Curious Teens - Japan Family Adventure - 12 Days - Accommodation
Curious Teens - Japan Family Adventure - 12 Days - Experiences
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Day 1-3
Arrive in Tokyo, where ancient shrines, cutting-edge pop culture and hands-on experiences offer the perfect introduction to Japan. From insider neighbourhood tours to a lively taiko drumming class and a fun sushi-making workshop for the family, your first days set the tone for an epic journey ahead.
On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport you'll be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to unwind and begin soaking up the atmosphere of Japan's dynamic capital.
The following day you'll explore Tokyo with one of our Insider guides, accompanied by a private vehicle to help you navigate with ease. We like to give you the chance to shape the day around your interests. For families travelling with curious teens, your guide might focus on the manga, anime, gaming district of Akihabara, with some Shibuya or Shinjuku shopping.
Alternatively, you may wish to visit the highlights such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the peaceful gardens, overlooked by giant skyscrapers, of Hamarikyu, or the enchanting shrine of Meiji Jingu in Yoyogi Park, a popular place for weekend weddings! You'll also head up Tokyo Skytree for sweeping views across the vast metropolis before trying your hand at taiko drumming — a lively and energetic introduction to one of Japan's most powerful musical traditions.
On your final day, you will meet a local sushi chef for a private sushi-making class. Guided by this master, you'll try your hand at preparing and shaping sushi yourself, always a fun and interactive experience, even for those who aren't usually at the counter cooking.
Another favourite for teens is teamLab Planets or Borderless, the immersive digital art museums that have become one of Tokyo's most talked-about attractions. We'll ensure tickets are pre-booked in advance so you can step straight into its extraordinary world of light, colour and interactive installations.Suggested Accommodation: Palace Tokyo
-
Day 4-5
Travel into the Japanese Alps aboard the high speed Azusa Express, explore the cultural highlights of Matsumoto, and experience traditional Japanese hospitality for two nights at a classic yet luxurious ryokan.
Leaving Tokyo, relax in first-class comfort, as the landscape gradually shifts from city skyline to forested valleys. On arrival in Matsumoto, your local guide will be waiting to introduce you to this charming castle town, known for its artistic heritage and beautifully preserved historic centre.
During your time here you may visit Matsumoto Castle, one of our favourite remaining samurai landmarks, with its dramatic black exterior reflected in the surrounding moat. Art lovers may also enjoy exploring the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, dedicated to local contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, while nearby museums such as the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum showcase the intricate craft of traditional woodblock printing associated with the master, Hokusai.
Your stay offers a wonderful introduction to traditional Japanese hospitality. At Myojinkan Ryokan you can unwind in steaming onsen baths before sitting down to an elegant kaiseki dinner that celebrates seasonal regional ingredients. Spending the night in classic Japanese-style accommodation is an experience in itself. Guests are often provided with traditional yukata robes to wear at leisure, and don't be shy to stroll to dinner in these comfortable gowns – a fun photo moment for the family.
The following day can be tailored in advance with your travel consultant. Choose between a visit to one of the region's renowned Wasabi Farms, an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Alternatively, families looking for more adventurous activities can head to the nearby rivers for a canyoning experience. Or, you may wish to do both! Consult with your travel consultant.Suggested Accommodation: Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
-
Day 6-8
Walk a scenic section of the historic Nakasendo Trail between the preserved post towns of Tsumago and Magome, before continuing to Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital.
This morning you'll be driven into the wooded Kiso Valley to begin your walk along one of Japan's most atmospheric historic routes. The Nakasendo Trail once linked Kyoto and Tokyo, carrying emperors, feudal lords and samurai through the mountains. Today, the trail offers a gentle 8km walk through cedar forests, waterfalls and quiet countryside. The path is well maintained and suitable for most walkers, but if you prefer not to complete the full distance, your private driver can meet you along the way.
Later in the afternoon you'll continue by train to Kyoto, where you'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. After time to settle in, your evening begins in memorable fashion as a traditional rickshaw transports you through lantern-lit streets to a private ryotei restaurant. During dinner, a young Kyoto maiko will join you for part of the evening, offering a rare glimpse into this refined world. Originating from Kyoto, maiko spend years training in classical dance, music and the art of conversation before becoming full geiko. Encounters like this are uncommon, as the maiko community remains small and the traditions surrounding it carefully preserved. For many families, especially teenagers, this glimpse into such a disciplined and distinctive way of life can be particularly fascinating.
The following day you'll discover Kyoto with one of our Insider guides and a private driver. Alongside the city's celebrated temples and gardens, your guide can lead you through quieter corners such as the less visited parts of Arashiyama, where bamboo forest groves, small shrines and hidden tea houses reveal a more intimate side of the city.
Your final day is free to shape around your interests. Families may opt for a day trip to Universal Studios Japan in nearby Osaka, while others might try kintsugi pottery repair, a family kimono photoshoot or a traditional roketsu dyeing workshop. Or simply wander Kyoto at your own pace, perhaps wandering through quiet temple districts, browsing artisan shops or sampling the city's renowned cuisine.Suggested Accommodation: Six Senses Kyoto
-
Day 9-10
Travel west by Japan's famous bullet train to Hiroshima, before continuing to the peaceful island of Miyajima, known for its floating shrine and tranquil coastal setting.
Your journey begins aboard the shinkansen, travelling in the comfortable Green Car as the train glides across the country to Hiroshima. On arrival you'll be met by a local guide who will bring the city's story to life during a visit to Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, powerful reminders of the events of 1945 and symbols of Hiroshima's enduring message of peace.
From Hiroshima, a short ferry crossing brings you to Miyajima Island, long considered one of Japan's most scenic locations. Here you'll find the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its vermilion torii gate which appears to float on the water at high tide. The island itself has a relaxed atmosphere, with quiet lanes, forested hills and deer often wandering freely through the streets.
Tonight you'll stay in a traditional ryokan, where warm hospitality and attention to detail define the experience. After settling in, take time to relax in the therapeutic onsen baths before enjoying an elegant kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal regional ingredients.
The following morning offers time to enjoy Miyajima at a slower pace. You may wish to stroll along the waterfront, explore small temples and local shops, or take the ropeway up Mount Misen for sweeping views across the Seto Inland Sea. For something more active, families may also choose to explore the coastline by sea kayak, paddling together across the calm waters surrounding the island.Suggested Accommodation: Kurayado Iroha
-
Day 11-12
Return to Tokyo for a final night in the capital, where cutting-edge design, world-class dining and vibrant neighbourhoods provide a fitting finale to your journey through Japan.
Travelling by shinkansen once again, you'll return to the city and be met on arrival before transferring to your hotel in Minato-ku, one of Tokyo's most dynamic and stylish districts. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Tokyo at your own pace. You might explore nearby neighbourhoods such as Roppongi or Azabudai Hills, browse boutiques and galleries, or simply soak up the energy of the city after your travels through the countryside.
For your final evening, you may wish to celebrate with a memorable dinner in the city. If there's a particular restaurant you have in mind, your travel consultant will be happy to arrange a reservation in advance, ensuring the evening reflects your personal tastes.
If time allows, you may also wish to extend your stay in Tokyo, giving you more opportunity to explore the city's ever-changing neighbourhoods, museums and dining scene.
The following day, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward journey.Suggested Accommodation: 1 Hotel Tokyo
-
Day 1-3
Arrive in Tokyo, where ancient shrines, cutting-edge pop culture and hands-on experiences offer the perfect introduction to Japan. From insider neighbourhood tours to a lively taiko drumming class and a fun sushi-making workshop for the family, your first days set the tone for an epic journey ahead.
On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport you'll be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to unwind and begin soaking up the atmosphere of Japan's dynamic capital.
The following day you'll explore Tokyo with one of our Insider guides, accompanied by a private vehicle to help you navigate with ease. We like to give you the chance to shape the day around your interests. For families travelling with curious teens, your guide might focus on the manga, anime, gaming district of Akihabara, with some Shibuya or Shinjuku shopping.
Alternatively, you may wish to visit the highlights such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the peaceful gardens, overlooked by giant skyscrapers, of Hamarikyu, or the enchanting shrine of Meiji Jingu in Yoyogi Park, a popular place for weekend weddings! You'll also head up Tokyo Skytree for sweeping views across the vast metropolis before trying your hand at taiko drumming — a lively and energetic introduction to one of Japan's most powerful musical traditions.
On your final day, you will meet a local sushi chef for a private sushi-making class. Guided by this master, you'll try your hand at preparing and shaping sushi yourself, always a fun and interactive experience, even for those who aren't usually at the counter cooking.
Another favourite for teens is teamLab Planets or Borderless, the immersive digital art museums that have become one of Tokyo's most talked-about attractions. We'll ensure tickets are pre-booked in advance so you can step straight into its extraordinary world of light, colour and interactive installations.Suggested Accommodation: Palace Tokyo
-
Day 4-5
Travel into the Japanese Alps aboard the high speed Azusa Express, explore the cultural highlights of Matsumoto, and experience traditional Japanese hospitality for two nights at a classic yet luxurious ryokan.
Leaving Tokyo, relax in first-class comfort, as the landscape gradually shifts from city skyline to forested valleys. On arrival in Matsumoto, your local guide will be waiting to introduce you to this charming castle town, known for its artistic heritage and beautifully preserved historic centre.
During your time here you may visit Matsumoto Castle, one of our favourite remaining samurai landmarks, with its dramatic black exterior reflected in the surrounding moat. Art lovers may also enjoy exploring the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, dedicated to local contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, while nearby museums such as the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum showcase the intricate craft of traditional woodblock printing associated with the master, Hokusai.
Your stay offers a wonderful introduction to traditional Japanese hospitality. At Myojinkan Ryokan you can unwind in steaming onsen baths before sitting down to an elegant kaiseki dinner that celebrates seasonal regional ingredients. Spending the night in classic Japanese-style accommodation is an experience in itself. Guests are often provided with traditional yukata robes to wear at leisure, and don't be shy to stroll to dinner in these comfortable gowns – a fun photo moment for the family.
The following day can be tailored in advance with your travel consultant. Choose between a visit to one of the region's renowned Wasabi Farms, an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Alternatively, families looking for more adventurous activities can head to the nearby rivers for a canyoning experience. Or, you may wish to do both! Consult with your travel consultant.Suggested Accommodation: Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
-
Day 6-8
Walk a scenic section of the historic Nakasendo Trail between the preserved post towns of Tsumago and Magome, before continuing to Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital.
This morning you'll be driven into the wooded Kiso Valley to begin your walk along one of Japan's most atmospheric historic routes. The Nakasendo Trail once linked Kyoto and Tokyo, carrying emperors, feudal lords and samurai through the mountains. Today, the trail offers a gentle 8km walk through cedar forests, waterfalls and quiet countryside. The path is well maintained and suitable for most walkers, but if you prefer not to complete the full distance, your private driver can meet you along the way.
Later in the afternoon you'll continue by train to Kyoto, where you'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. After time to settle in, your evening begins in memorable fashion as a traditional rickshaw transports you through lantern-lit streets to a private ryotei restaurant. During dinner, a young Kyoto maiko will join you for part of the evening, offering a rare glimpse into this refined world. Originating from Kyoto, maiko spend years training in classical dance, music and the art of conversation before becoming full geiko. Encounters like this are uncommon, as the maiko community remains small and the traditions surrounding it carefully preserved. For many families, especially teenagers, this glimpse into such a disciplined and distinctive way of life can be particularly fascinating.
The following day you'll discover Kyoto with one of our Insider guides and a private driver. Alongside the city's celebrated temples and gardens, your guide can lead you through quieter corners such as the less visited parts of Arashiyama, where bamboo forest groves, small shrines and hidden tea houses reveal a more intimate side of the city.
Your final day is free to shape around your interests. Families may opt for a day trip to Universal Studios Japan in nearby Osaka, while others might try kintsugi pottery repair, a family kimono photoshoot or a traditional roketsu dyeing workshop. Or simply wander Kyoto at your own pace, perhaps wandering through quiet temple districts, browsing artisan shops or sampling the city's renowned cuisine.Suggested Accommodation: Six Senses Kyoto
-
Day 9-10
Travel west by Japan's famous bullet train to Hiroshima, before continuing to the peaceful island of Miyajima, known for its floating shrine and tranquil coastal setting.
Your journey begins aboard the shinkansen, travelling in the comfortable Green Car as the train glides across the country to Hiroshima. On arrival you'll be met by a local guide who will bring the city's story to life during a visit to Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, powerful reminders of the events of 1945 and symbols of Hiroshima's enduring message of peace.
From Hiroshima, a short ferry crossing brings you to Miyajima Island, long considered one of Japan's most scenic locations. Here you'll find the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its vermilion torii gate which appears to float on the water at high tide. The island itself has a relaxed atmosphere, with quiet lanes, forested hills and deer often wandering freely through the streets.
Tonight you'll stay in a traditional ryokan, where warm hospitality and attention to detail define the experience. After settling in, take time to relax in the therapeutic onsen baths before enjoying an elegant kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal regional ingredients.
The following morning offers time to enjoy Miyajima at a slower pace. You may wish to stroll along the waterfront, explore small temples and local shops, or take the ropeway up Mount Misen for sweeping views across the Seto Inland Sea. For something more active, families may also choose to explore the coastline by sea kayak, paddling together across the calm waters surrounding the island.Suggested Accommodation: Kurayado Iroha
-
Day 11-12
Return to Tokyo for a final night in the capital, where cutting-edge design, world-class dining and vibrant neighbourhoods provide a fitting finale to your journey through Japan.
Travelling by shinkansen once again, you'll return to the city and be met on arrival before transferring to your hotel in Minato-ku, one of Tokyo's most dynamic and stylish districts. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Tokyo at your own pace. You might explore nearby neighbourhoods such as Roppongi or Azabudai Hills, browse boutiques and galleries, or simply soak up the energy of the city after your travels through the countryside.
For your final evening, you may wish to celebrate with a memorable dinner in the city. If there's a particular restaurant you have in mind, your travel consultant will be happy to arrange a reservation in advance, ensuring the evening reflects your personal tastes.
If time allows, you may also wish to extend your stay in Tokyo, giving you more opportunity to explore the city's ever-changing neighbourhoods, museums and dining scene.
The following day, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward journey.Suggested Accommodation: 1 Hotel Tokyo
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