A 10-Day Japan Journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima for Families

Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! Your family trip begins in Tokyo, a capital where neon-lit neighborhoods, peaceful shrines, world-class food and playful pop culture sit side by side. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport and take you comfortably to your hotel. After check-in, settle into your room, unpack and give everyone time to rest after the journey so you are ready for the days ahead.

First full day in Tokyo! We recommend starting your day with a Tokyo Guided Tour and visiting the historic Meiji Jingu Shrine. This beautiful Shinto shrine was built for the Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a serene forest, perfect for family photos. Right next to the shrine is the magnificent park of Shinjuku Gyoen. This is a great place for families to relax with open grass, long peaceful walking paths and the ability to see all of the season’s flowers. Next we head off to Harajuku and the famous fashion and kawaii (cute) culture of Tokyo. On Takeshita Street and the many other roads and alleys that branch off from here you will find a vast array of playful fashion stores, unique character goods, weird and wonderful shops, restaurants and even some delicious crepes. If time permits you can also visit Nintendo Tokyo to see the latest exhibitions featuring games such as Super Mario, Zelda and many more.

Today, leave the city behind for one of Japan's most iconic landscapes. With your private driver, travel approximately two hours toward the Mount Fuji area, where Japan's highest peak rises with remarkable symmetry and cultural significance. Start at Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to the photogenic Chureito Pagoda. When the weather is clear, the five-story pagoda and Mount Fuji create one of the country's most recognizable views, especially during cherry blossom season. Continue to Oishi Park, where seasonal flowers frame the mountain beautifully and create a relaxed setting for family photos. Later, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Kawaguchi, watching the scenery shift from the water and, with a little luck, catching Fuji's reflection on the lake. Return to Tokyo after a memorable day in nature.

Make your way to the station and board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, with tickets included. The journey takes around two and a half hours and gives the family a classic Japan travel experience in comfort and style. Upon arrival, head independently to your hotel and get settled. In the afternoon, step into a more playful side of Japan's past with a hands-on ninja experience designed to engage younger travelers and adults alike. Dress in ninja attire, learn about the tools, skills and secretive world of these legendary figures, then try activities such as throwing ninja stars and using a blowgun in a safe, guided setting. You will also have the chance to wear samurai armor, creating a fun family photo opportunity and a memorable introduction to Kyoto's historic spirit.

Today, you start at the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The gates are placed along two large rice paddy fields facing hills which the faithful ascend on traditional stone paths. Fushimi Inari is a beautiful shrine for families seeking culture but with not too much exercise. Next visit Kyoto’s ‘kitchen’, the famous Nishiki Market. The narrow shopping street, some 350 meters long and lined with over one hundred shops and stalls, samples of all Kyoto’s local and speciality foods are available to purchase and to sample. After Nishiki Market, visit the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage property of Nijo Castle. Learn about the world’s mightiest shogunate and its powerful leaders. End the day by attending a traditional Japanese tea ceremony where matcha is carefully made and traditional sweets are tasted.

Today is intentionally left flexible so your family can choose the Kyoto experience that suits your energy and interests. You may visit Kinkakuji Temple, where the Golden Pavilion reflects over a tranquil pond or head west to Arashiyama for the bamboo grove and views around Togetsukyo Bridge. Families who enjoy nature can continue to Monkey Park Iwatayama, where wild snow monkeys live on the hillside above the river. They should always be observed respectfully and from a safe distance, but the visit offers a fun contrast to Kyoto's temples and gardens. Another option is to visit Uji, known for its matcha culture and the Nintendo Museum, with time to sample matcha ice cream, sweets or mochi. However you shape the day, the goal is to enjoy Kyoto in a way that feels easy, personal and memorable.

Say goodbye to Kyoto and travel by train to Osaka, with tickets included. Once you arrive, explore Japan's culinary capital at your own rhythm before the evening's guided experience. You may choose to visit Osaka Castle, set within spacious parkland or step into the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, where recreated historic townscapes offer a family-friendly glimpse into the city's past. In the late afternoon, join a local guide for a food tour through the lively neighborhoods of Dotonbori and Shinsekai. Taste Osaka favorites such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki and kushikatsu while learning why the city is so closely associated with generous portions, bold flavors and the joyful phrase kuidaore, meaning to eat until you drop.

This morning, make your way to Shin-Osaka Station and board the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, with tickets included. Upon arrival, meet your guide and continue by ferry to Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most scenic and culturally meaningful destinations. Visit Itsukushima Shrine, known for its elegant architecture and famous torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide. The views toward Mt. Misen and the Seto Inland Sea create a beautiful setting, while the island's relaxed pace gives the family time to wander and enjoy lunch independently. Local specialties may include oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and conger eel rice bowls. In the afternoon, return to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, including the preserved Atomic Bomb Dome. This is a powerful and important part of the journey, handled with respect and care before returning to Osaka by train.

Today’s schedule includes a tour to one of Japan’s most popular theme parks for families and kids, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka’s bay area. The park is home to a wide variety of rides, live shows and interactive experiences, as well as shops and restaurants to explore. You will get to experience the best that the park has to offer in this tour, exploring through all of the different themed areas. Additionally, you can experience racing as if you are playing Mario Kart, stand next to the platform of the Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School and take photos with all of your favorite Minion characters. Universal Studios Japan is one of the most popular ways to spend entertainment time as a family and it is very easy to experience it all yourself. 

Today is the final day of your family trip to Japan. At the scheduled time you will be picked up by your private driver and taken to the airport. Until then, relive the many colors of Tokyo, the grandeur of Mount Fuji, the historical traditions of Kyoto, the variety of cuisine in Osaka, the museums of Hiroshima and the fun that was had at Universal Studios Japan.