This is a Family Journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka & Okinawa in 13 Days

Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! You will be met at Tokyo International Airport by your private driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Tokyo. After checking into your hotel you can start to explore this fascinating city. There are many parks and gardens, temples and shrines, tall skyscrapers, neon lights and a mix of very modern and more traditional ways of living in the different neighborhoods. First you will explore Shibuya, known as the center of Japan’s confectionery and candy trade, on a self-guided ‘orientation’ walk. Then you will proceed to the very popular evergreen park of Shinjuku Gyoen, especially famous during the cherry blossom season. From here you can take in the stunning views of the city from Shiba Park, where you can see the iconic Tokyo Tower at its very center. You can take a ride up to the main deck of the tower for a breathtaking first panoramic view from up high of this amazing city. In the evening you will proceed to Akihabara, known as ‘Electric Town’ the mecca for all things to do with manga, anime, computer games and more. There are many shops and arcades to explore, such as the Animate shop, a multistoried building with thousands of different manga and anime items to choose from or the latest gaming action at the GiGO Akihabara Building 3. Akihabara is also a great place to see ‘cosplay’ (people dressed up as their favorite game or anime characters) and for a real taste of Japanese ‘pop culture’ you can even visit a ‘maid cafe’ where the waitresses dress up as in a ‘fancy’ maid outfit and treat you like a little boy or girl. A real fascinatingTokyo experience that will leave a lasting impression. 

Today, join your guide for a full-day introduction to Tokyo's cultural landmarks. Begin at Meiji Jingu, a peaceful Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Passing beneath the great torii gate and into the forested grounds, you will feel how deeply tradition remains woven into the modern capital. Continue to Tsukiji Outer Market, where stalls and small restaurants overflow with sushi, grilled scallops, seafood snacks and kitchen specialties. Your guide can help you navigate the market's lively lanes and point out local flavors that may tempt every member of the family. Later, visit the Imperial Palace area, with time to walk through its gardens and admire bridges such as the famous Double Bridge. End the day in Asakusa at Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's most important Buddhist temples. Wander along Nakamise-dori, browse the small shops and, at the temple, perhaps draw an omikuji fortune as a small keepsake of the day.

This morning, cross the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, Tokyo's futuristic waterfront island. Your first stop is teamLab Planets, an immersive digital art experience where light, reflection, movement and water create a world that feels designed for curiosity and wonder. Move on to the Miraikan, Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Interactive exhibits introduce robotics, space, technology and the relationship between science and everyday life. Depending on your family's pace, you may also enjoy time at Seaside Park, the waterfront, the Ferris wheel area or one of Odaiba's many casual restaurants. Later, step into Japanese cuisine with a hands-on cooking lesson led by a local chef. Depending on the class, you may learn to roll sushi, prepare soba or ramen or make gyoza from scratch. Along the way, your instructor will share the traditions and techniques behind each dish before you sit down to enjoy what you have prepared.

Leave the city behind this morning as your driver takes you on a scenic journey to Hakone, a mountain resort area within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. After settling into your ryokan or traditional inn, set out with your guide to discover the region's blend of nature, art and hot-spring culture. Begin at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculpture and landscape meet against a backdrop of wooded hills and mountains. Continue to the Hakone Museum of Art to see Japanese ceramics from prehistoric periods through the Edo era, as well as a peaceful moss garden threaded with stone paths and shaded by maples. By Lake Ashinoko, visit Hakone Shrine, placed among cedar trees and known for its striking lakefront torii gate. Later, continue to Owakudani Valley to see steaming vents, hot springs and volcanic scenery, with possible Mount Fuji views on a clear day. This evening, relax in Hakone's celebrated onsen waters and enjoy the slower rhythm of the mountains.

Today you will travel to the Fuji Five Lakes region to see Mt.Fuji from many of the scenic spots. In the morning with your guide you will visit Arakurayama Sengen Park and hike up to Chureito Pagoda which is one of the most recognized images of Japan. With its beautiful Fuji rising in the background, changing with the season and the Pagoda looking very striking. Then you proceed to Oshino Hakkai, a group of crystal clear springs which are supplied by the snowmelt from Mt.Fuji. The setting of the ponds created by the gentle flow of the melting snow is simple, but very peaceful and rural, completely different from the other days and very sacred. In the afternoon you either have a lake cruise on Kawaguchi-ko or take the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway which is at the foot of Mt.Tenjo and see Mt.Fuji from below. Visit then, the Fuji Gotemba Distillery which produces whisky and sake, both made with natural ingredient of the snowmelt from Mt.Fuji and the pure water from it and learn the art of making them and have a tasting, before returning to Hakone for your last night on tour.

Today, you leave early in the morning from the train station to travel to Kyoto by bullet train. You will arrive in the morning to the hotel to check in and start to explore the city of Kyoto, a city full of Temples, Gardens, Geishas, Tea culture and many of the historic streets of Japan. In the afternoon you will visit the Geisha district of Gion. Walk along the historic street of Hanami-koji, a street of old traditional wooden houses, which today is occupied by many Restaurants, Shops and Teahouses. You may even see a Geiko (Kyoto’s Geishas) or Maiko (apprentice Geishas) in full traditional dress rushing between her appointments. In the late afternoon you will participate in a traditional Japanese Tea ceremony at the unique location of Kyoto Maikoya. Moreover, wear Kimono to participate in the ceremony that takes place on tatami mats made of grass in a traditional setting while you learn about the meanings of sado (Japanese Tea ceremony) also known as chanoyu that uses Matcha (green tea). This is a unique and very traditional experience in one of the oldest locations in Kyoto.

Join your guide today for a rich exploration of Kyoto's spiritual and natural landmarks. Begin at Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of vermilion torii gates wind up the mountain through forested paths, smaller shrines, moss-covered statues and stone markers. Walk as far as feels right for your family and enjoy the views along the way. Continue to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, whose upper floors shimmer in gold leaf above a reflective pond. The surrounding garden paths reveal different angles of the temple and make the visit both peaceful and photogenic. In the afternoon, travel to Arashiyama. Stroll through the Sagano Bamboo Grove, cross the Togetsukyo Bridge and visit Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to more than 100 Japanese macaques. Watching the monkeys and looking out over Kyoto from the hillside offers a wonderful balance to the city's temple visits.

Your first stop today is to catch a short train ride from the hotel in Kyoto to the city of Osaka, one of the most exciting cities in Japan. At Osaka Station you are greeted by your guide/ driver and after introductions, set off to discover all the great places of interest and things to do in Osaka. Your first stop is the magnificent Osaka Castle which is one of the largest in Japan, after which you visit the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living which is highly recommended as it contains many detailed scenes of the street life from years gone by. From here you make your way to the Kuchu Teien Observatory on the 40th floor of the Umeda Sky Building which gives great views of the city from above, after which you make your way to the shopping area of Shinsaibashi. In the evening, experience Dotonbori which is one of the principal areas to eat out in Osaka, it is a very long canal with a kaleidoscope of neon lights, lots of street food stalls and a very lively atmosphere, it will certainly be a great first night in Osaka and one that you will never forget.

Today’s schedule offers a range of Guided Day Trips from Osaka. Get ready to discover a Castle Architecture, Sake Brewing Heritage and one of Japan’s most well known regional specialties, all from the base of Osaka. You start at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most famous castles, commonly referred to as the White Heron Castle because of the light colored walls and beautiful shape of the castle. The castle has 83 structures, including the main keep and the castle’s defenses were highly advanced for the time. Additionally, they were even sufficient to repel invading forces on many occasions. After visiting Himeji Castle you make your way to the city of Kobe, famous for its sake brewing and high quality Wagyu Beef. You will visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, which is actually housed in a historic brewhouse in Kobe’s Nada district, famous for its sake brewing. Then, make your way to Kobe’s famous shopping and restaurant area, Kobe Harborland, and sample some of the famous local dishes made with the famous Kobe Beef, typically grilled on a Teppanyaki-style grill, before returning to Osaka for the evening.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Okinawa, where Japan takes on a more relaxed island rhythm. On arrival in Naha, the prefecture's capital, settle into your accommodation before heading out with your guide to explore the history and culture of the Ryukyu Islands. Begin at Shuri Castle, a landmark dating back to the 14th century and known for its blend of Japanese and Ryukyuan architectural influences. As you walk the grounds, your guide will share the site's importance within Okinawa's royal and cultural history. Next visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum, where exhibits explore local art, history and island identity from ancient times to the present. Finish at Makishi Public Market, a lively covered market where local residents shop for fresh fish, produce and preserved specialties. The upstairs food stalls are a wonderful place to try Okinawan dishes.

Ocean Expo Park covers a large stretch of coastline and it can be easily explored while focusing on the park’s many aspects including the culture of the ocean, plants and species of marine life. To start off, feel free to visit the Oceanic Culture Museum, specifically the outdoor exhibitions featuring impressive models of various types of Asian ships as well as other materials that represent the cultures of people who traveled to the South Pacific from Asia. Next to the museum is the Native Okinawan Village which is an open air museum that consists of traditional houses from different time periods and locations throughout the Ryukyu Islands. Then there is the Tropical Dream Center which is a beautiful garden filled with a variety of orchids and other plants and trees that are native to the tropics and are displayed in large greenhouses. Last but certainly not least, there is the Churaumi Aquarium which is one of Japan’s largest. The park’s massive Kuroshio Tank contains a huge array of species of marine life found in and around the waters of Okinawa including whale sharks, manta rays and many other species. There is plenty of room to view the animals up close as they swim around in their huge underwater world.

Your final full day in Japan is devoted to Okinawa's beaches and island scenery. Begin at Mibaru Beach, where white sand, turquoise water and karst rock formations create a gentle coastal setting. Depending on your family's interests, you may relax on the shore, take a glass-bottomed boat over the shallow reef or enjoy a simple picnic among local beachgoers. Later, take a ferry from Naha toward the Kerama Islands, known for clear water, snorkeling, diving and a quieter pace. On Zamami Island, rent cruising bikes and ride toward Ama Beach, a beautiful spot where sea turtles are often seen grazing in the water. Seasonal whale watching may also be possible. For an even more secluded atmosphere, Aka Island offers shallow, transparent waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Return by ferry to Naha in time for dinner and your final island evening.

Early risers can catch the sunrise in Okinawa. Then after having breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport to take a domestic flight to Osaka / Kansai. On your way home, you have plenty of time to think of all the fun and exciting experiences you had in powerful Tokyo, silent Hakone, traditional Kyoto, varieties of Osaka food and the friendly island of Okinawa. All of us here in Tailored by Locals are wishing you a safe trip and see you again!