12-Day Japan Family Adventure: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima & Hakone

Welcome to Japan! Arrive in Tokyo and meet your Adventure Leader, who’ll give you the lowdown on what’s ahead and kick off introductions with the group.

Start your journey in true Japanese style with a hands-on sushi masterclass in Asakusa. Learn from a professional chef how to roll the perfect sushi, then enjoy your creations for dinner.

As night falls, wander beneath the glowing lanterns of Sensoji Temple – a magical way to experience one of Tokyo’s most iconic sights after dark. Afterward, enjoy a free evening to explore Tokyo at your own pace.

This morning, step into the dazzling world of TeamLab Borderless at the MORI Building, an immersive art space where light, colour, and imagination flow in every direction.

Next, explore Akihabara, Tokyo’s famous Electric Town, bursting with anime and manga stores, quirky shops, and buzzing gaming arcades. Take some free time for lunch before testing your skills in a round of arcade games, from retro favourites to the latest hits. Your Adventure Leader will also host a fun group activity to bring out everyone’s competitive side.

Later, wander through Yanaka Ginza, a charming old-town shopping street lined with small shops and eateries – a perfect spot to sample a local snack and soak up a slice of everyday Tokyo life.

In the evening, enjoy some free time and, if you like, visit the Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe, where robot servers are remotely operated by people living with disabilities. This unique experience is both fun and eye-opening, making it a memorable stop for the whole family.

Begin the day with a visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the emperor who helped shape modern Japan. Nestled within a tranquil forest, it stands as one of Tokyo’s most significant cultural landmarks.

Next, step into the vibrant world of Harajuku, Tokyo’s top fashion district. Explore the colourful streets, browse unique second-hand shops like Chicago, or stop at a family-friendly café for a bite to eat.

In the afternoon, experience the organised chaos of Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. While in the area, don’t miss the Hachiko Statue, a beloved symbol of loyalty and one of Tokyo’s most popular meeting spots.

Today is a free day to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Spend the morning and afternoon discovering the city however you like, then we’ll regroup later for dinner.

Your Adventure Leader will have plenty of suggestions, including:

• Hanayashiki Amusement Park – Japan’s oldest theme park, perfect for families
• Hoppy Street – a lively spot filled with local eateries
• Kappabashi Kitchen Street – famous for cooking goods and quirky souvenirs
• Kawaguchiko Tour – enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji
• Tokyo Tower – one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks
• Tokyo Skytree – Japan’s tallest tower with sweeping city views
• Amita Sumo Dojo Experience

Today is also the day to forward your large luggage from Tokyo to Hiroshima, so be sure to pack a smaller bag for your night in Hakone.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a sizzling teppanyaki dinner. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, share stories, and catch up with the group mid-way through the trip.

This morning, we leave the buzz of Tokyo behind and head into the scenic mountains of Hakone. Board the Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto and enjoy some free time for lunch before the afternoon adventures begin.

From Gora Station, ride the cable car and ropeway up to Owakudani, a volcanic valley famous for its steaming vents and dramatic landscapes. Then, continue down to Togendai and set sail across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, taking in the stunning mountain scenery before arriving at Moto Hakone-ko. A short bus ride then returns us to Hakone-Yumoto.

In the evening, relax in the soothing waters of a traditional Japanese onsen – the perfect way for the whole family to unwind after a day of exploration.

(Please note: those with tattoos may not be able to enter the “onsen” in Japan as tattoos are associated with gang culture – you can read more about it here.)

Please note we cannot offer a room upgrade at the Ryokan and you will be sharing rooms

In the morning, enjoy some free time in Hakone before making your way to Hiroshima. You’ll board a speedy bullet train from the Odawara station in Hakone to Hiroshima and then transfer by tram to your accommodation.

For dinner, why not try all-you-can-eat okonomiyaki? This savory pancake is a delicious reguional cuisine, which both the people of Hiroshima and Osaka claim is best in their home city!

Start the day with a visit to Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most iconic destinations. Explore Itsukushima Shrine, perched above the water on wooden stilts, and admire the enormous floating torii gate rising from the sea. When the tide is low, you can even walk right up to it across the sand.

Next, get creative with a hands-on experience at Okeiko Japan, where you’ll take part in a charm-making class and craft your very own keepsake to take home.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Hiroshima to visit Peace Memorial Park. This moving site offers insight into the events of 1945 and shows how the city has rebuilt and transformed into the vibrant place it is today.

Next, we head to Kyoto! Our first stop en route is Himeji Castle, Japan’s most iconic and best-preserved feudal fortress. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure, it’s famed for its original wooden structure, ingenious defensive design, and gleaming white exterior – earning it the nickname “White Heron Castle.”

From Himeji, we’ll continue to Kyoto, where you’ll check in at the hotel and have some time to rest. In the evening, you can opt to join a karaoke session, a fun family activity and a true Japanese favourite.

This morning, we’ll visit Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most picturesque districts. Wander through the Bamboo Forest, where towering stalks sway overhead, and then explore the historic Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.

In the afternoon, step back in time at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a unique blend of theme park and working film set. Stroll through streets that recreate an Edo-period town and see how historical dramas are brought to life – a fun, interactive way for the whole family to experience Japan’s movie culture.

Start the day with a traditional tea ceremony at Camellia, where you’ll observe the graceful rituals of preparing and pouring matcha before trying your hand at whisking your own bowl. Sweet treats are served alongside, creating a calming and delicious family experience. For an extra touch of authenticity, you can rent a kimono and take part in the ceremony dressed in traditional attire.

Next, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Japan’s most iconic Buddhist landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, head to the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates that wind up the mountainside. Families can choose to hike to the top for panoramic views of Kyoto or stay below to enjoy the local street food and shops until the group reunites.

In the evening, join your Adventure Leader for a short orientation walk through the historic Gion district, known for its wooden teahouses and lantern-lit streets. Afterward, the night is yours to enjoy dinner and explore Kyoto at your own pace.

Today is free for your family to explore Kyoto and beyond at your own pace, before we come together in the evening for a farewell dinner with the group.

Here are some ideas for how to spend your day:

• Kyoto Railway Museum – hands-on exhibits and real trains for enthusiasts of all ages
• Bicycle rental – explore Kyoto’s peaceful backstreets and riverside paths on two wheels
• Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) – one of Japan’s most photographed temples, shimmering with gold leaf
• Nara Park – meet the friendly deer that roam freely across the park
• Osaka Aquarium – one of the world’s largest, home to whale sharks, penguins, and more
• Universal Studios Japan – a family favourite with thrilling rides and themed attractions

In the evening, reunite with your Adventure Leader and travel crew for a special farewell dinner, the perfect way to celebrate the end of your unforgettable family adventure in Japan.

Sadly, today marks the end of your Japan family tour adventure. You can either transfer to Osaka’s Kansai airport to fly home, or hop on the bullet train back to Tokyo and fly home from there. We can arrange transfers at an extra cost.