Japan Family Adventure - 12 Days

Welcome to the start of your Japan tour! On arrival in Tokyo, make your way to the hotel, where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and introductions.

We start our adventure with a hands-on sushi masterclass in Asakusa. Guided by a professional chef, we learn to roll perfect sushi before enjoying our own creations for dinner.

As evening falls, we visit Sensoji Temple to see its glowing lanterns and lively streets illuminated after dark. Afterwards, you have free time to explore Tokyo as you wish.

Our day starts at TeamLab Borderless, a digital art museum where light, colour and moving artwork shift around us as we wander from room to room.Next, we slow down at Yanaka Ginza, an old-town shopping street of small, family-run shops and snack stalls that show an older side of the city. You have time here to sample a few treats and stop for lunch.In the afternoon, we head to Akihabara, Tokyo’s Electric Town, to browse anime and manga shops and new gadgets before trying our hand on the arcade machines.Afterwards, you may like to visit the Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe, where people with disabilities control the robot staff remotely, a cafe that pairs technology with social impact.

We begin the day with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful forest sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

We then make our way to Harajuku, Tokyo’s lively fashion district. You have time to explore the colourful shops along Takeshita Street, browse second-hand boutiques, or enjoy lunch at a local café.

In the afternoon we experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world, before stopping to see the beloved Hachiko Statue, a symbol of loyalty and one of Tokyo’s most photographed landmarks.

You have the day free to spend Tokyo your way, whether that means returning to a favourite neighbourhood or picking one of your Adventure Leader’s ideas. You could try the rides at Hanayashiki, Japan’s oldest amusement park, browse the kitchenware stores of Kappabashi Kitchen Street, or head up Tokyo Tower or the Skytree for city views. Further out, Kawaguchiko offers a chance to see Mt Fuji, while Hoppy Street is a good choice for food lovers.Today, we send our main luggage on to Hiroshima. Please pack a smaller overnight bag for our night in Hakone.In the evening, we spend time with former sumo wrestlers, hearing about the sport and meeting the wrestlers before sitting down to a dinner of chanko-nabe, the hotpot that sumo wrestlers have long eaten.

Tokyo - Hakone. Leaving the city behind, we ride the Romance Car into the mountains to Hakone-Yumoto. On arrival, you have free time for lunch.In the afternoon, we cruise across Lake Ashi by sightseeing boat, then take the ropeway up to Owakudani, a volcanic valley where steam rises from vents in the ground. Here, you can try kuro-tamago, eggs turned black by the sulphur-rich springs they are boiled in, which local legend says add seven years to your life.Later, we reach our accommodation and unwind in a Japanese onsen.

Hakone - Odawara - Hiroshima. After a slow start in Hakone, we travel to Odawara Station to catch a westbound bullet train. Before boarding, you can pick up an ekiben, a boxed lunch sold at Japanese stations, to eat on the journey.Our route includes a change at Shin-Osaka. There is just time here to stretch your legs or grab some takoyaki.On arrival in Hiroshima, we check in and settle in before going out together for dinner. Tonight’s dish is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the city’s signature, built up in layers with noodles and cabbage.

Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima. Today, we head out to Miyajima Island to see its famous torii gate, which appears to float on the sea. When the tide is out, you can walk across the sand to stand closer to it.We then ride the Miyajima Ropeway up towards Mt Misen for wide views over the island and the water around it. Afterwards, you have free time to have lunch and wander the island.In the afternoon, we try our hand at charm making at Okeiko Japan, each creating a small keepsake to carry home.Returning to Hiroshima, we visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum along with the Atomic Bomb Dome, learning about the city’s past, its recovery and its lasting call for peace.

Hiroshima - Kyoto. This morning, we take the bullet train from Hiroshima to Kyoto. On arrival, our Adventure Leader gives a short introduction to the city. You then have free time for lunch.In the afternoon, we explore the Samurai Ninja Museum, where armour and the stories behind Japan’s warrior traditions bring samurai and ninja culture to life.This evening, you have the option of joining a karaoke session, at an additional cost from GBP 13 per person.

Heading to Arashiyama this morning, we walk through the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, then follow the paths of the Bamboo Forest. You then have time to explore and stop for lunch.Afterwards, we join a chopstick-making workshop, learning how they are crafted and making a personalised pair to take home and use.You also have the option of joining a Japanese calligraphy class to try traditional brush writing, at an additional cost of GBP 40 per person.Please note: The calligraphy class must be booked before travel.

We start at Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its long trail of red torii gates winding up the mountain. You can climb higher for views across Kyoto, or stay near the base to browse the food stalls and shops before the group meets up again.Next, we take part in a traditional tea ceremony, learning how matcha is prepared and whisking our own bowl to enjoy with a sweet. You have the option of renting a kimono to wear for the occasion.Afterwards, we visit Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You then have time to look around the neighbourhood.We end the day with a stroll through Gion and Pontocho Alley, past old timber houses and lanes lit by lanterns.Please note: The kimono rental must be booked before travel.

Enjoy your final day in Kyoto exploring at your own pace. You might visit the Kyoto Railway Museum, explore the city by bicycle, or admire the shimmering Golden Pavilion. Alternatively, you could take a day trip to Nara Park to meet the friendly deer, or head to Osaka to visit Universal Studios Japan or the impressive Osaka Aquarium.

In the evening, we come together for a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey and the unforgettable memories we have made across Japan.

Sadly, today marks the end of your Japan family 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. Transfers are not included but can be booked on request for a supplement.