Japan has soared into the spotlight in recent years as the place that kids want to visit on holiday. So much of our youth culture is influenced by Japan – whether it’s anime, manga, computer games or weird TikTok crazes – children (and teens in particular) are fascinated by it all. Even the most nonchalant Gen Z will find themselves slack-jawed at the neon lights and sheer buzz of Tokyo’s streetscapes and Osaka’s food and nightlife.
But Japan is also about ancient cultures and traditions. Beautifully painted geisha can be glimpsed in the narrow streets of Kyoto and the Samurai tradition of honour still runs through the Japanese psyche. Temples and castles date back to the time of the Shogun, and history is ever-present. It may be a cliché, but it’s this fusion between the two, between ancient and modern, that makes a trip to Japan so beguiling.
Shibuya crossing in Tokyo’s famous ‘neon-lit’ Shinjuku district
Family travel in Japan is also safe, easy and flexible, thanks to its ultra-modern train and public transport system. The hotels are immaculately clean, the food is divine and there are endless activities to keep you all entertained. With all these factors combined, there’s never been a better time to visit The Land of the Rising Sun with your family.
To find out why, check out our list of 21 things to do in Japan with kids that parents will love too!
Japan with kids – Our 21 family-favourites
1. Explore Tokyo’s most happening districts
Central Tokyo. More happening than even this Dad’s fabulous shirt
As one of the world’s largest and most exciting cities – and the most populous in the world – there’s a LOT to explore in Tokyo. Whether you prefer a guided or self-guided tour, our Japan travel tip is to concentrate on the most popular highlights: the iconic Shibuya Crossing, shimmering neon signs and skyscrapers, and the lively streets and eateries of Shinjuku. Families also love Harajuku for its colourful street art and quirky fashion, plus nearby Meiji Shrine for a peaceful break.
2. Experience Tokyo’s youth culture and cutting-edge tech
Get interactive in teamLAB digital art museum and seek out manga and anime in Harajuku
Whilst you may know of Tokyo as a global hub for cutting-edge tech and electronics, your kids and teens will most likely know it for something else. Tokyo’s youth culture has worldwide appeal, and the influence of cosplay, anime, and manga is evident everywhere here, from cafés and shops in the anime district of Harajuku to short films and exhibitions at the Ghibli Museum.
3. Get a taste for Tokyo’s quirky coffee culture
Pick your favourite character for a 3-D latte
Move over, Melbourne. Café culture is alive and well in Tokyo, and it’s not just the traditional Kissaten cafes on offer. Themed and niche cafés have sprung up everywhere, from places where you can have your face ‘printed’ on the top of your latte, hang out with cats and more in animal cafes, or be waited on hand and foot by apron-wearing ‘maids’.
4. Escape the Tokyo crowds at Meiji Shrine
Escape the crowds and embrace ancient culture in Tokyo
Despite how busy Tokyo is, there are plenty of places to get away from the crowds. One of the most relaxing and cultural things to do is visit the Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), a Shinto shrine to commemorate the founders of modern Japan. Decorative sake barrels, called kazaridaru, line the route, and the shrine is surrounded by 70 hectares of forest; it’s an iconic traditional scene surrounded by nature. See other places to visit to find peace and quiet in Japan.
5. Discover why the Shinkansen are called Bullet Trains
Catch a quick glimpse of Mt Fuji at 200 mph
No wonder Japan’s inter-city trains, Shinkansen, have gained the name ‘bullet’ trains. Travelling at speeds of 200 miles per hour means getting around is not just fast but safe, clean, on-the-second punctual and, thanks to ultra-polite staff, welcoming, too. We’ll also make sure all your ticket and seat reservations are made as part of your tour.
6. Sail on a Pirate Ship in Hakone
Hang out in Hakone
About 50 miles west of Tokyo, the mountainous spa-town of Hakone is a hot spot for all things family adventure. As well as the famous onsens, Hakone offers picture postcard views of Mt Fuji, art museums, restaurants and more. Kids will love boiling an egg in a volcanic pool, wandering the outdoor sculpture park, hopping aboard funicular railways, cable cars and ropeways. The most popular activity, though, is hopping aboard a replica Pirate Ship as it sails across Lake Ashi in Hakone. All can be experienced as part of our Highlights of Japan 14-day tour.
7. Stay overnight in a traditional Ryokan
Get robed up in a traditional Ryokan
Immerse yourselves – literally and figuratively – in one of the most enjoyable and traditional parts of Japanese culture, staying in a Ryokan (inn). Leave your shoes at the door and surrender yourself to a world of tatami mats, green tea, yukata (a cotton robe), Japanese dining (pickled vegetables, sashimi, miso, tofu and steamed rice), and a soak in a hot spring bath (onsen). Take a look at other places to stay in Japan.
8. Follow the Nakasendo Trail
Follow ancient trails through rural Japan
Thankfully, you don’t have to follow the entire 550 kilometres of the ancient Nakasendo Trail, an ancient trading route which linked Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Instead, walk the 5-mile section between Magome and Tsumago to get a flavour of times past whilst being surrounded by stunning scenery and meeting local people.
9. Visit the ancient Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto
Visit the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto
Known as Japan’s cultural capital, deeply ingrained traditions linger on in Kyoto, even today. Of the city’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (more than any other city in the world), the most important is the Kiyomizu-dera temple, founded over 1,250 years ago. It’s reached via a steep street (with many steps), famously lined with shops and matcha cafés. Once at the temple, it’s a beautiful and deeply spiritual place for families and pilgrims to visit alike, with wonderful views over the city.
10. See traditional Geishas in Kyoto
Geisha in Gion district
Think Kyoto and the image of a traditionally clad geisha shuffling along the narrow, lamp-lit streets comes to mind. Geisha are a living, breathing reminder of ancient Japan in real life. These days they are highly skilled performing artists and entertainers and you may well encounter one as you explore the old districts of the city.
11. Experience an authentic tea ceremony
Dress for the part in a traditional tea ceremony
The ancient art of the tea ceremony can be experienced by families in several cities, but we think Kyoto’s is the best and most authentic. Guided by an expert tea master, you’ll learn how to make matcha tea for yourself (orange juice available for younger kids). You’ll also be dressed in traditional costume, kimonos and yukata, to enhance the experience. Immersive and fun!
12. Visit Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine
Put yourself in the frame on the way to Kyoto’s Inari-taisha shrine
You may not know its name, but you’ll most likely have seen the seemingly endless path of 5000-plus orange-red torii gates that lead to Kyoto’s head Inari shrine on Instagram or in magazines. Dedicated to the god of prosperity, it’s a fascinating place to visit for all the family. Be warned – it’s very popular!
13. Learn how to be a Samurai warrior
Warning: this family could be armed and dangerous!
What child or teen wouldn’t want to find out more about Samurai warriors? Join a hands-on class to find out more about the history of the Samurai, and learn how to (safely) wield the traditional katana! Try on Samurai armour and enjoy an unforgettable journey into Japan’s past, with great photo opportunities to boot! Parents love it too.
14. Cycle through town and rice paddies in Takayama
Pedal power in Takayama
Don’t be a bystander when visiting Takayama, but explore the countryside with a guided cycling adventure through a truly beautiful landscape. Travelling by bike or e-bike, you’ll pass paddy fields and traditional mountain villages before returning to the wooden teahouses, restaurants and shops of the town itself.
15. Take a Japanese cookery class
Does my bento look big in this?
As one of the world’s most popular cuisines, the whole family will learn the skills and secrets of making sushi, character bento boxes, or ramen when taking a private cooking class. Here, Stubborn Mule staff are being put through their paces! Whose will taste best, though? We can arrange a Japanese cooking class as part of your tour.
16. Catch a baseball game
Pitch up alongside Japanese families
As the most popular sport in Japan, Baseball (yakyū) is big news here, and it’s great fun to catch a game cheering alongside Japanese families. Although slightly different from its American counterpart, games take place almost every day of the week between March and October (see When to travel to Japan). Top teams include the Yomiuri Giants, and tickets for overseas visitors are available at the Tokyo Dome and Jingu Stadium.
17. Hungry? Osaka is your kind of town
Osaka is hands down a foodie hotspot
Japan’s second largest city after Tokyo, Osaka is one of the most exciting places to visit on a family holiday. A magnet for foodies, there’s heaps to keep the whole family entertained, such as Universal Studios, Osaka Aquarium, art and history museums, a floating garden observatory, Shinto shrines, and, most famous, Osaka Castle, best visited during cherry blossom season. Ask us about our food tours in Oska that other families love.
18. Visit the Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima Island
Walk to the Great Torii of Miyajima at low tide or kayak at high tide
One of Japan’s most iconic temples is the Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site famous for its floating Torii gates located on Miyajima Island. An easy day trip from Hiroshima, you can also enjoy forest walks and a cable car to Mount Misen on this ‘island of the Gods’.
19. Stroke tame Sika Deer in Nara Park
Scratch that itch to stroke Sika deer
Nara Park is home to the largest population of sacred wild Sika deer, a herd over 1,200 strong. The deer are so tame, you can scratch their heads and stroke them, although they can get a little animated if they think you have food!
20. Learn about Hiroshima’s past in Peace Memorial Park
A beacon of hope and resilience
No visit to Hiroshima would be complete without a visit to the Peace Park, which hosts a monument and museum explaining the history and events of August 6th, 1945. Despite its harrowing backstory, it’s an important stop on any tour when holidaying in Japan with kids, a place that now represents hope and resilience.
21. Become a Sumo wrestler
Wrestle with a sumo, or just watch!
You don’t need to eat all the pies to become a sumo wrestler for a few hours. Instead, the whole family can enjoy a real-time wrestling match with a meal, before dressing up in an all-in-one (phew!) sumo outfit. Parents and kids love trying, and usually failing, to throw a wrestler out of the dohyo (ring).
Ready to plan your own adventure in Japan with kids?
Japan’s efficiency makes family travel here wonderfully easy. Jam-packed with family-friendly activities, we’ll help you slow the pace now and again with a few days in the mountains or by the coast to give everyone time to relax. Our experienced team will ensure your Japan family holiday has the best balance of excitement and R&R for each family member. To start planning, ring us on 01728 752751 or email us using our enquiry form. We’d love to hear from you!
We always love to hear from families who have travelled with us, so please do send us your photos and reviews of holidaying in Japan with kids. You might also like to check out our feature on Family Holidays with Teenagers for more ideas.
Liddy Pleasants, MD Stubborn Mule Travel
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