Japan with Kids

Arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport

Upon arrival, proceed through customs and meet your driver just outside the exit gate, they will be holding an “All Japan Tours” sign for easy visibility. Proceed to your hotel by private car. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be free for leisure.

Tokyo

Today, you will tour the city of Tokyo with your guide via Japan’s famously efficient public transportation system. Begin your tour of the world’s largest metropolis at the Edo Tokyo Museum which exhibits life size replicas as well as miniature models of structures during the Edo period in Japan. You will then be taken to Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. You will also be able to explore the Nakamise Market, which is located right after the temple's outer gates. This is a traditional-style shopping street with several centuries of history. At the Tokyo National Museum of Nature & Science, you can see many displays ranging from ancient Japanese people to WWII fighter planes to the largest fragment of the Nantan meteorite. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the nearby Ueno Zoo – the oldest zoo in Japan. Next, head to the electric city of Akihabara for its establishments dedicated to anime and manga culture.

Tokyo

With your guide, make your way to the man-made island of Odaiba. You’ll take the train and subway to visit the next stops on your tour. Witness the impressive 65-foot- tall (19.8 meters) Unicorn Gundam statue, which stands guard near DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Mall. Your next stop will be the Miraikan Museum, which features 5 floors than range from life sciences throughout the world to new innovations in video game technology. After, experience the Sony Explora Science Museum, home to fascinating “light, sound, and entertainment” exhibits. For a more interactive experience, immerse yourself in the Panasonic Center Tokyo and try newly-released Nintendo games. Or you may choose to visit the Joypolis Entertainment Center – one of the largest indoor theme parks in Japan with many video game themed attractions. You may also choose to visit the Toyota Mega Web where you can test drive futuristic cars and learn about the history of automobiles in Japan.

Tokyo

After breakfast, visit the Studio Ghibli Museum which showcases the many beloved works of the internationally renowned studio. The museum features a replica of the Catbus and many other characters. You will then head to the Shinjuku district for the rest of the day. At the Tokyo Fire Museum, which shares a building with the Yotsuya Fire Station, you can see fire fighting implements ranging from those used by Samurai to the modern era. Spend time at the Samurai Museum, which features a variety of samurai armor displays and swords. Well known for its diversity and nightlife, the Shinjuku district has much to offer any traveler including food, shopping, and activities.

Tokyo

Our first stop on this tour will be to enjoy the natural atmosphere of the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Stroll through the Takeshita district of Harajuku and surround yourself with fascinating shops and the latest fashion trends. Harajuku is especially known for its more eccentric fashions, but cute and conventional items can be purchased here as well. Not in the mood for shopping? Not to worry – Harajuku also is a great place for people watching! Then visit Omotesando Avenue, a sloping tree-lined boulevard in Tokyo's fashionable Aoyama district that goes through parts of both Shibuya and Minato wards. You may then visit Shibuya, where visitors can experience the famous Shibuya crossing, take pictures with the Hachiko statue, and enjoy shopping. Our last destination for the day will be famous Tokyo Tower, the communications tower standing at 333 meters as the second tallest structure in Japan.

Tokyo

On this day, you will be self-guided and explore Tokyo on your own. You may choose to spend time in the unique area of Ikebukuro known as Sunshine City. Or, you may choose the spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or Disney Sea. Your first option will be the Sunshine City entertainment complex – featuring department stores, an aquarium, museum, planetarium, indoor theme parks, and more. One of these indoor theme parks is Namja Town, offering food and rides of kid-friendly themes. Then, visit one of Tokyo’s Pokémon Centers, a merchandise heaven for all Pokémon fans. Lastly, you can visit the Sunshine City Aquarium which is situated on the top floor of the entertainment complex. You can see a range of animals from fresh and sea water fish to penguins and sea lions. Alternatively, you can spend the day at one of the two Disney parks. You may only visit one park each day. If you choose, you can also add a Japanese Sword lesson or a Ninja technique lesson to your day. Please note, optional experiences may require an additional day.

Tokyo - Osaka

Make your way to Tokyo Station to board the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka – tickets included. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel on foot. You can then visit Universal Studios Japan on your own. The park features a number of favorites such as Harry Potter world, Jaws, and Jurassic Park.

Note: We will courier your big baggage from Tokyo to your hotel in Osaka. Please pack your essentials for 1 night in a small bag to carry with you to Osaka.

Osaka - Kyoto - Osaka

Tour the historic city of Kyoto, beginning with the Arashiyama district. First is a visit to see Tenryuji Temple where you can catch a glimpse of the traditional rock landscape garden design. Then proceed through a dense bamboo grove, past several small shrines, tea shops and private houses before arriving at the Togetsukyo Bridge over Hozu River. Next, head over to the Iwatayama Monkey Park - an open area where hundreds of monkeys roam freely. Tour Kiyomizu-dera, a famous temple in Japan that is best known for its large wooden stage that overlooks a hillside of natural scenery. We will end our day in the Gion Geisha District, where its streets are lined with ochaya (teahouses), exclusive establishments where guests are entertained by Geisha and Maiko.

Osaka - Nara - Osaka

We will travel to Nara and visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and a landmark of Nara, Todaiji Temple. Outside the temple, interact with the wild deer of Nara Deer Park. There are special deer crackers available at every corner of the area. Back in Osaka, visit the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, where visitors can learn about the origin and history of cup noodles and make their own flavor combination. Visit Osaka Castle, which was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in aims for it to be the center of a new, unified Japan.

Tour Ends

After breakfast, you will be free for leisure. You may make your own way to Osaka Kansai Airport via Haruka Express Train – train tickets included.

Note: If you would like the private airport transfer to be included, please contact us for the arrangements.