Japan Family Adventure
Example Itinerary
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Overview
A land of Samurai warriors and giant robots, Japan is a world of infinite fascination. This remarkable family adventure takes you from the eclectic delights of its bustling capital to the enchanting gardens of Kanazawa's Kenroku-en. With a chance to try your hand at Samurai swordplay and a culinary class, this engaging 12-day journey encapsulates the very essence of Japanese culture.
Beginning in Tokyo, you will have a chance to enjoy guided walks and sword choreography before taking ...
A land of Samurai warriors and giant robots, Japan is a world of infinite fascination. This remarkable family adventure takes you from the eclectic delights of its bustling capital to the enchanting gardens of Kanazawa's Kenroku-en. With a chance to try your hand at Samurai swordplay and a culinary class, this engaging 12-day journey encapsulates the very essence of Japanese culture.
Beginning in Tokyo, you will have a chance to enjoy guided walks and sword choreography before taking the famous Bullet Train on to Kanazawa. Here you can discover the delights of one of the finest gardens in Japan before moving on to Hiroshima and surely the most thought-provoking leg of the journey. After a chance to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and kayak out to the beautiful setting of Miyajima Island, your adventure then takes you on to Kyoto, Japan's historic cultural capital.
A fitting end to the tour, Kyoto is one of Japan's quintessential cities, home to countless temples and shrines. This cultural gem provides the backdrop to a culinary class and family-friendly activities. Filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites, children and adults alike will find lots to keep them busy in the picturesque city.
On this itinerary you will have the services of a guide where mentioned in the itinerary however your transfers between cities will be self-guided, full details and information of the trains and routes will be provided.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Arriving at Tokyo's international airport today you will be assisted with the transfer into the city and on to your hotel. After a chance to settle in and freshen up, the rest of the day is then free to relax and enjoy the Japanese capital at your own pace.
Day 2 TOKYO
In the company of a local guide, you'll depart the hotel this morning for the atmospheric streets of Asakusa, one of the city's shitamachis (old towns). Your first stop will be at Senso-ji, the most famous temple in Tokyo, before continuing on towards the speciality shops of the Kappabashi district and lunch in Asakusa. A quick visit to one of the city's popular petting establishments is then followed by a river cruise down to Odaiba Island before ending the tour with a turn on a giant Ferris wheel.
Day 3 TOKYO
A special opportunity awaits today, to learn about two of the most iconic professions in pre-modern Japan. You can expect to learn the techniques and principles lived and breathed by the samurai to carry out their missions as well as the art and everyday life of the ninja. The workshop concludes with a chance to try out your newly learned skills by pairing off for some practice swordplay.
Day 4 TOKYO - KANAZAWA
After a morning of leisure to continue enjoying the eclectic attractions of the Japanese capital, this afternoon you will then board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) on to Kanazawa. Once a thriving centre for culture and the arts during the 17th century, this historic old castle town is home to the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, ranked as one of the top three gardens anywhere in the country.
Day 5 KANAZAWA
Your guided tour begins with a visit to the impressive Kenroku-en Gardens, home to the country's oldest water fountain. The adjacent castle is also a designated National Cultural Asset, whilst the local restaurants in the Omicho Market are renowned for their sushi and fresh seafood. This afternoon, you can head over to Morihachi, an artisan sweet shop that has been around for nearly four hundred years, before finishing the tour amongst the restored residences of the town's old Samurai district.
Day 6 KANAZAWA - HIROSHIMA
After your morning at leisure, you'll then board the train on to Hiroshima, a city that will be forever associated with that infamous day in August 1945 when it became the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon. Upon arrival later in the afternoon, make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 7 HIROSHIMA
With a day to explore the city independently you may want to head first for the Genbaku Dome-mae, the nearest station to the emotive A-Bomb Dome. Crossing over the Motoyasu Bridge you'll then find yourself close to the Children's Peace Monument and the Cenotaph. Visiting the Peace Memorial Museum, you can then wander through an array of exhibits that paint a poignant picture of the city before and after the bomb before, perhaps, paying a visit to the Shukkei-en Garden after lunch.
Day 8 HIROSHIMA - MIYAJIMA - HIROSHIMA
Popularly referred to as "Shrine Island", the small island of Miyajima is famous for its mountaintop views and the 'floating' shrine of the Torii Gate, probably its most recognisable landmark. This morning, make your way to the island by kayak. Under the guidance and tuition of a fully qualified instructor the family will paddle across to the Torii Gate for a great photo opportunity before heading ashore to wander through the local shops. Then it is back to the kayaks for the paddle across the Inland Sea to the mainland.
Day 9 HIROSHIMA - KYOTO
Departing Hiroshima by train, your journey takes you on to Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto, next. A rich repository of shrines, gardens and temples, Kyoto can boast no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites including the Kamo Shrines and Nijo Castle. Arriving with plenty of time to explore some of its famous sites, the city has a number of family-friendly activities on offer including the International Manga Museum and the Toei Kyoto Studio Park.
Day 10 KYOTO
In the company of your guide, enjoy a bike ride around Kyoto beginning with a visit to the Nishi Honga-ji Temple, one of the largest in the city. Heading on to Nijo Castle, the opportunity to explore one of Japan's most spectacular historic monuments then presents itself before lunch. After visiting the Zen Buddhist temples of Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, the tour ends later this afternoon amongst the scenic splendour of Arashiyama, famed for its bamboo forest, huge temples and engaging craft shops.
Day 11 KYOTO
The day begins with an interactive workshop on how to prepare a traditional Japanese 'bento' box. A lunch box with a twist, this is a popular style of food preparation that sees the food decorated with famous cartoon characters and cute animals. Meeting up with your English-speaking instructor at a traditional Japanese wooden townhouse, the three-hour lesson will include the basics of food preparation and decoration before enjoying the fruits of your labours in the company of your lively host.
Day 12 KYOTO - AIRPORT
Depending on your flight’s departure, you may have a morning at leisure before transferring to the airport in time for your flight, where your tour of Japan ends.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Ana Crowne Plaza, Hiroshima
Surrounded by water and green parkland this hotel is ideal for those looking to escape the bustling city. Combining perfect location with first-class accommodation, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the Peace Park and the Museum. Recently renovated, its chic and modern interiors include an indoor swimming pool and gym, a sauna, five restaurants and a bar and lounge area. Its 409 rooms are all soundproofed and feature spectacular views out towards the islands off the coast.
Kanazawa Tokyu, Kanazawa
Kanazawa Tokyu is well situated in the heart of the city for getting around and visiting the main sites as well as being just a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station. Furthermore, the samurai district and the city’s iconic garden and castle is within walking distance. For those with a more modest budget that desire a blend of comfort and luxury, Tokyu will provide the ideal accommodation with its pleasing design and decoration. Divided across standard and luxury floors, the hotel features over 200 well-equipped rooms ranging in style and size. Each contains standard mod-cons and hotel amenities. Along with a daily buffet breakfast, Tokyu boasts two brilliant restaurants: one is French and offers a casual setting and the other Japanese, serving Kaga cuisine. There is also a beauty salon within the hotel for all your pampering needs.
Park Hotel, Tokyo
Situated in the Ginza area of the city, the four-star Park Hotel offers up an elegant blend of modern comforts and Japanese style. Each generously appointed room offers outward facing views across the Shiodome and Shimbashi districts and comes with a range of amenities and comforts including en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and TVs. Conveniently located close to the Hamarikyu Gardens it is ideally situated for exploring the modern and historic parts of the city whilst the area directly surrounding the hotel is home to some of the city’s finest restaurants and bars. The hotel itself also boasts a choice of fine dining options with a Michelin star French restaurant and a more traditional Japanese menu on offer. The hotel is renowned for supporting Japanese artists and the "Artist rooms" offer a unique opportunity to stay in a one-off room painted by local artists.
Noku Hotel, Kyoto
The Noku Hotel Kyoto is a smart and comfortable boutique hotel. If you are looking for location and style, the Noku Hotel Kyoto is a great choice. The hotel is within walking distance of downtown but, more importantly, it’s right at the southwest corner of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, so you can start or end each day with a relaxing stroll in the park. It’s also directly above Marutamachi Station on the Marutamachi subway line, which gives you easy access to many parts of Kyoto.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on a family of four (children 12 years or younger), travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.OTHER ITINERARIES IN JAPAN
Check out our group tours in Japan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Japan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Japan