Japan Family AdventureJapan

About The Hotel

Japan is a truly timeless country; a place where ancient traditions blend with modern life seamlessly. From the vibrant, colourful metropolis of Tokyo, to the lantern-lined paths of Kyoto, the landscapes offer travellers a completely diverse experience in just a short bullet train ride away.

One of the biggest attractions to Japan is the food. From region to region, the cuisine can vary enormously with many restaurants specialising in just one type of dish that generations will have spent years perfecting. Tots Too has travelled Japan extensively and created a little black book of the best places to eat; from conveyer belt style sushi to the best Ramen bowls. Not only can you introduce your children to new flavours and dining experiences, but let them roll up their sleeves and get cooking too with our exclusive cookery classes in Tokyo.

This suggested itinerary covers some of the most exciting regions in Japan and has been curated to afford a more leisurely pace to suit families. Activities can be tailored according to the ages of your children and designed completely bespoke to work with your requirements.

Day 1: Tokyo

Arrive at Tokyo International Airport (Narita or Haneda). After clearance through immigration and customs, meet with your English-speaking assistant, who will help you exchange your JR Pass, book some seats and finally show you the way to your private transfer. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Tokyo.
Enjoy 3 nights in the capital of Japan.

Day 2: Tokyo

Enjoy a private guided tour of some of the best spots in the city including; Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, Tokyo Skytree, Odaiba waterfront area and museums. The day will finish around 5 pm.

Day 3: Tokyo

Private Tsukiji Market Walk and Local Home visit with sushi-making, starts at 08.30. On this tour you will you can enjoy the many bustling shops around the outer area of the Tsukiji Market. There are about 410 shops and restaurants at the Tsukiji Outer Market. The English-speaking guide will lead the tour around Tsukiji Outer Market and through the many bustling shops. (Please note that the tuna auctions will not be visited on this tour.) Then experience hand-shaping and rolling sushi, and of course, tasting your own work of art at local resident’s house. You’ll see how local Japanese people live and talk to them in their own house where you can feel real Japan.
This tour will end around 13:00. The afternoon can be spent enjoying Meiji Jingu Shrine and the neighbouring trendy area of Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya. You will visit the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Stroll around Ueno Park, home to a zoo and a number of major museums. Visit the Electric Town – Akihabara – known for the many electronic shops, and more recently for the “otaku” culture, with many anime and manga shops now among the electronic shops.

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

Check out of your accommodation, and meet your English-speaking guide at your hotel lobby. You will head to Mt Fuji by private transfer (you will also leave your luggage in the van). If you’re departing on a clear day, you will have the chance to see Mt Fuji on the way. You will first head up to the 5th Station, situated at 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) above sea level. At this height on a clear day, it offers breath-taking views from above the clouds. You will then continue on Lake Ashi. This crater-lake along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone was formed by a powerful volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago and provides postcard views of Mt. Fuji towering 30 km northwest. Admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji from aboard a ship. Then, take a 7-minute ropeway ride to the peak of Mt. Komagatake. Your car will then drop you off at your hotel. Stay for 1 night in Hakone in a traditional lodging, a ryokan, with hot spring baths. Futon mattresses will be prepared on the tatami mat floor.
In the evening, Japanese ‘kaiseki’ cuisine will be served, in the typical delicate Japanese-style.

Day 5: Hakone to Kiso Valley

Today, you can experience the new Hot Spring Theme Park Hakone Kowakien Yunessun & Mori no Yu Passport, Zip Line Experience and buffet lunch.
Yunessun is a popular hot spring theme park where guests can enjoy a soak in a variety of baths – including wine, coffee, and Japanese sake baths – as well as water slides.
Enjoy a soothing soak in the open-air bath with a view of the Hakone outer crater rim, or in the relaxing indoor bath. There are 8 kinds of baths including private baths, as well as sauna facilities. The line opened in the summer of 2018 and visitors can enjoy it from spring to autumn, passing through the lush forests of Hakone.

Make your way to Kiso Valley with your JR Pass today, arriving in the afternoon. Check in to your accommodation, a traditional inn and take this opportunity to unwind and enjoy the facilities and atmosphere. An onsen soak and a traditional dinner will await you before resting for a busy second day.

Day 7: Kiso Valley for the Nakesendo Trail

Let the Nakasendo Trail adventure begin by meeting your English-speaking guide at your accommodation’s lobby and taking a private car to Magome. The Magome-Tsumago trail is 8km long, passing the homes and fields of locals and amazingly preserved post-towns.
The trail between Magome and Tsumago is a well-preserved section of the former Nakasendo trail. The walk is easy to moderate and well signposted in English. It is roughly 8km long and takes approximately three hours to complete at a leisurely pace. The trail leads through the countryside, past the homes and fields of local residents, occasionally intersecting with the road where hikers must walk along asphalt for short portions. A walk along the Magome–Tsumago trail is an essential part of any visit to the Kiso Valley. *This walk is recommended for children over 10 years old.

Day 8: Kiso Valley to Kyoto

After departing Kiso Valley by train, you will arrive in Kyoto to enjoy a day visiting the most famous sightseeing spots in the former capital. Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites and see the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was used as the Emperor’s residence until about 150 years ago.
After lunch, go sightseeing around some of Kyoto’s most representative scenic spots focusing on the Higashiyama area. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of brilliant red torii gates, called Senbon Torii.
Visit World Heritage Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and discover why this ancient political capital of Japan is now its history and sightseeing capital.

Day 9: Kyoto

This morning, meet your English-speaking assistant at your hotel and make your way to Arashiyama using public transportation.
From Kameoka to Saga-Arashiyama, you will go through a thrilling 16 km traditional boat ride on the Hozugawa River while viewing the beautiful scenery. With Mt. Arashiyama as the backdrop, take a walk through the Sagano Bamboo Grove. Visit the temple gardens of Tenryuji, a World Heritage Site considered as one of Kyoto’s best Zen temples. You will also get to see the monkey par, where you can meet 170 monkeys that are roaming freely, and interact with them up close by hand feeding them.
You will then go visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Temple, before finishing your tour.

Day 10: Kyoto

Meet your English-speaking guide and go to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. Visit Todaiji Temple housing a great image of Buddha, the colourful Kasuga Taisha Shrine with 3,000 lanterns, and Nara Park (Deer Park). You will get to see wild deer up close, a rarity in Japan and elsewhere in the world, while walking through Nara Park.
The afternoon will be spent in the home of a local cooking master learning how to cook Tempura and Sushi amongst other dishes. This is a unique opportunity to gain an insight into Japanese customs and presentation with food.

Day 11: Kyoto to Osaka

Today leave your baggage with the bell captain for your bags to be delivered to your hotel in Osaka this evening. Take a private car from your hotel to Kyoto station. Your English speaking assistant will then support you on to the train platform for your bullet train adventure to Hiroshima.

Make your way to Hiroshima (2h away) and meet your English-speaking guide upon arrival at the station. Once the site of the world’s first atomic bomb attack, it is now a modern, cosmopolitan city with great restaurants and nightlife. You will visit its museum and the island of Miyajima (or shrine island), with one of the crown jewels of the country: Itsukushima floating shrine (please note the floating gate will be under renovation until June 2021). Upon request, we can organise a kayaking tour around Miyajima island – a great adventure for families.
You will then make your way to Osaka for your 2-night stay using your JR Pass (1h30 min). A car will pick you up at Shin-Osaka station and drop you off at your hotel.

Day 12: Osaka

This morning, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and go visit Osaka’s must-see places.
Experience one of the most amazing aquariums in Japan – Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan-, with various marine life from the Pacific Rim. Visit Osaka Castle and learn about the various ways it was destroyed and rebuilt throughout history.
Experience a sensory overload, famous street-food and iconic images of Japan’s neon nightlife in Osaka’s entertainment district in Minami. This area is also great for some shopping time.
Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka at the Floating Garden Observatory at the top of the Umeda Sky Building, which is also popular among international travellers for its unique architecture.

Day 13: Osaka to home

This morning, please check out of your accommodation. A taxi will be waiting to collect you from your accommodation and take you to Kansai International Airport, ready for your departing flight back home.

 

Family Facts