Japan Family Holiday

Japan Family Holiday 14 days: Few places on the planet are more geared towards family fun than Japan. The country’s unique blend of hyper-modernity and deep-rooted traditions makes for a fascinating and charismatic ride. This 14-day journey ventures through Tokyo, Yokohama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima and Kyoto granting visitors a comprehensive glimpse at the country’s most enthralling sights.

Japan Family Holiday Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo

Upon your arrival at Tokyo Airport, one of our representatives will meet you and assist you with boarding the right train or shared shuttle bus to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo

Japan Family Holiday Day 2 – Tokyo (B,L)

In the morning your guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to Asakusa, the centre of Tokyo’s shitamachi (old town), where you can still feel the traditional atmosphere of decades past.

First stop is Senso-ji(also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple), the most famous temple in Tokyo. Your guide will teach you about Japanese temple customs, such as how to purify your hands, pray, and pay respect to the ancestors. In the small stalls nearby, you’ll have the chance to try some delicious Japanese-style snacks before moving on.

Next stop is Kappabashi–dori, known for its hundreds of shops selling cooking utensils, pots and pans, and plastic food displays for restaurant windows. Nearby, you’ll visit the company that invented “replica food” (plastic food displays) and even try your hand at making plastic food yourself. It’s certain to make a great souvenir!

After seeing so much plastic food, you’re probably hungry and ready to have a real meal. Time to order lunch from one of the restaurants with plastic food displays outside and see which one looks better: the food or the replica.

After lunch, it’s time for an afternoon pick-me-up coffee for the parents and a hot chocolate for the kids. But a regular, run-of-the-mill cafe won’t do. Today you can enjoy your warm drink with cuddly company, at a cat café. Here in Japan, cat cafés are fashionable amongst people who love cats but don’t have the time or space to have their own.

Now that you’re relaxed, it’s time to take a river cruise on a futuristic boat inspired by a manga artist’s rendering of a spaceship. You’ll see Tokyo from a different perspective, cutting through the city from the North to the Bay. The boat cruise ends in Odaiba, a man-made island with a beautiful view of the city, futuristic buildings, and even a full-size, 18-meter tall Gundam robot statue. Finally, take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel and enjoy the view of Tokyo from up high.

We end our day with another great view of the city from the monorail back to Tokyo and to your hotel.

Overnight in Tokyo

Japan Family Holiday Day 3 – Tokyo – Day at Leisure (B)

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guide Itinerary:

There are plenty of kid-friendly venues including the Ghibli Animation Studio Museum, the Miraikan (National Museum of Science and Innovation), and the Edo Tokyo Museum. Other suggestions for family fun include visiting Tokyo Disney, Disney Sea or one of the many other amusement parks in the Tokyo area.

Note: Tickets to the Ghibli Museum and Tokyo Disney Resort need to be arranged in advance. Due to their popularity, securing a ticket cannot be guaranteed.

Optional Activity (1): Samurai Sword Lesson

Japan, although often in tune with the latest technology and fashion trend, still has strong connections with its customs and traditions. One of these customs that still exists today is the so-called “way of the Samurai,” the code of honour that focuses on loyalty and obedience.

But aside from the Samurai’s principle, fighting with a katana (traditional Japanese sword) is also practiced by a few sword artists up to this day. One of the world-famous Japanese sword artists is Tetsuro Shimaguchi, the one who choreographed the dramatic scene of The Bride (Uma Thurman) in the snowy garden in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill: Volume I.” He is also the founder and the leading member of Kamui, a Japanese sword performance troupe that uses a collaboration of different genres of music such as Japanese traditional instruments (Japanese drums, shamisen etc.), rock, and trance.

Make your way to the dojo, where you will have the chance to learn the basic moves in Samurai sword fighting under the guidance of a Kamui member. In this 90-minute lesson you will learn how to draw, swing, fight, and even pose with a sword. S/he will also teach you the proper exercises to condition your body in doing some of these movements.

Optional Activity (2): Karate Experience in Tokyo

Karate is a form of Japanese martial arts that mainly uses both hands and feet in combat. Its history can be traced all the way down to Okinawa, where it was formalized in the 17^th century. Through time, Karate developed in so many ways that it branched out into various organizations. One of these is Kenshinkai, which is an international organization for Shotokan style. Shotokan is one of the major modern styles of Okinawan martial arts and regarded as one of the oldest forms of Karate that emphasizes on speed and high-level of technique.

Today, you will get a chance to learn from Iwata-sensei, a 6^th Dan black-belter who organizes and manages the Japan headquarters of the international karate-do Kenshinkai, AJKA-International. An interesting fact about Iwata-sensei is that he trained under Master Fumio Demura for over 15 years. In the Karate world, one of the most prominent figures is Master Demura, the stunt man of Pat Morita in all of the 4 films of the “Karate Kid” and who is widely known for his Karate style, kobudo skills, and even his writings.

Make your way to the dojo, which is just a couple of minutes on foot from Kachidoki Station, and spend the next hour and a half learning some of the basic skills in Karate. Of course, those who already have some background in Karate or other forms of martial arts are definitely welcome.

Optional Activity (3): Manga Drawing in Tokyo

Manga has been an integral part of Japanese arts and culture since the 18^th century, serving as a medium for representing day-to-day lives and fantasies of the locals. The origins of manga dates back to the 12^th century when artists used to draw a series of pictures of frogs and rabbits on scrolls, making them appear like they are moving. Today, manga can be found in different types of publication – in paperback-style or in the internet, with varying genres ranging from comedy to action.

Today, you will get to know some of the basics of manga drawing with the guidance of your Japanese teacher. Your class will take place in a Japanese school in Central Nakano, the district in Tokyo famous for anime and otaku (die-hard fans). In the next 2 hours, you will learn about the history of manga and the unique yet distinctive style in drawing the Japanese form of cartoon.

Overnight in Tokyo

Japan Family Holiday Day 4 – Tokyo, Day Trip to Yokohama (B,L)

How about a family outing to Yokohama, Japan’s second largest city?

Just 30 minutes from Tokyo, Yokohama is one of the popular daytrip destinations from the capital. It is famous for being one of the most international cities in Japan, yet it still manages to preserve its cultural heritage. Yokohama’s location on the bay gives the city a more relaxed atmosphere that can easily be enjoyed as a day trip from Tokyo.

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on the train to Yokohama.

First stop is a visit to the Hara Model Railway Museum, home of the largest model train collection in the world. Model trains are fascinating to kids of all ages, and a visit to this museum is like a miniature trip around the world.

Next, visit the Cup Noodle Museum, where you’ll learn about the surprisingly interesting history of instant noodles, a Japanese invention now famous worldwide. There will also be time for a little bit of fun, creative problem solving, inspired by Momofuku Ando’s creations.  At the museum, you’ll also have the chance to try noodles from 8 different countries and make your own cup noodles to take home.

After lunch at the Cup Noodle Museum, it’s time for a traditional tea ceremony in one of the most beautiful tea ceremony rooms in Japan. The green tea served in the ceremony is known for being used by Zen monks to give them energy but keep them relaxed at the same time, perfect to face the rest of the day.

From there, it’s a short walk to Yamashita Koen, the first seaside park in Japan, opened in 1930. Then take a stroll to nearby Osanbashi Pier, a beautiful open space where your kids will love to run freely and you can enjoy the beautiful view of Yokohama. If you’re really lucky, you might even see one of the giant cruise ships arriving at the pier.

We’ll end our day by taking the Sea Bus ride from the park back to Yokohama Station via a short ride through the bay. From here, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Overnight in Tokyo

Japan Family Holiday Day 5 – Tokyo – Kanazawa (B)

Today is a self-guided day.

Today is at your leisure to explore Tokyo until your included afternoon train journey to Kanazawa on the newly opened shinkansen (bullet train).

Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Overnight in Kanazawa

Japan Family Holiday Day 6 – Kanazawa (B,L)

Today you’ll explore Kanazawa, a beautifully preserved castle town. In the 17^th century, it became a thriving centre for culture and arts and was the wealthiest town in Japan for some time.

Your guide will meet you at the hotel this morning and take you by public transport to the impressive Kenroku-en Garden. Ranked one of the top three in Japan, its breath-taking beauty shines through in any season.

From there, you’ll head to the imposing Kanazawa Castle, the former home of the powerful Maeda clan who ruled the area for 300 years.

Then take a short walk to nearby Omicho Market, known throughout Japan for its fresh seafood and fine sushi. Your guide will introduce you to a local restaurant where you can sample the local wares.

After lunch, your kids might be craving something sweet, so make your way to Morihachi, an artisan sweet shop that has been around for 380 years. Here you will try your hand at making traditional Japanese sweets.  In this hour-long class, you will learn how to use wooden moulds to press coloured sugar to make sweets used in tea ceremonies. Your English-speaking guide will help translate the instructions and give you some historical background. After class, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour with a complimentary green tea and tour around the museum.

Finally, make your way across town to the old Samurai district of Kanazawa, where you can take a stroll through the Nomura House, a restored residence of a high ranked samurai family. Also in the area are many other historical buildings, including a pharmacy and old homes turned into museums.

After the tour, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Note: The sweets-making class starts at 14:00. This short course is only available in Japanese, so a guide will be necessary.

Overnight in Kanazawa

Japan Family Holiday Day 7 – Kanazawa (B)

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guide Itinerary:

The rest of the day is free at leisure. You can choose to go shopping for some souvenirs or visit a couple more places in Kanazawa, such as:

21>st Century >Museum of Contemporary Art

The museum known for its progressive architecture and ever-changing exhibits. One of the permanent artworks in the museum is Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool,” a pool wherein people can enter and appear as if they are underwater.

Old Town of Higashi Chaya District

It is one of the three, well-preserved chaya districts in Kanazawa. A “chaya,” which means ‘teahouse’ in Japanese, was where a Geisha used to entertain her guests with a song or a dance. Here you will find many artisan shops, such as Hakuza, a shop that sells one of Kanazawa’s specialties – gold leaf products. The tearoom inside the shop is totally covered in gold.

Japan Family Holiday Day 8 – Kanazawa – Hiroshima (B)

Today is a self-guided day.

This morning is at your leisure until your included train trip onward to Hiroshima. After the long train journey, it’s time to check into your hotel and rest, or start exploring this amazing city.

Overnight in Hiroshima

Japan Family Holiday Day 9 – Hiroshima (B)

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guide Itinerary:

You can start with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in central Hiroshima. The area where the park now lies used to be ground zero after the atomic bomb attack on August 6, 1945. After the bombing, the Memorial Park was created and dedicated to those who lost their lives in the attack.

Here you will find the Peace Memorial Museum, which is divided into two sections. The East Wing shows the history of Hiroshima before the bombing, the lives of the people during WWII, and the efforts of Japan to promote international peace. The West Wing, on the other hand, exhibits a more moving collection of articles, from the personal belongings left by the victims to the displays of the damages caused by the bombing.

Afterwards, you can stroll through the memorial park and find out the meaning behind the other monuments and statues, one of which is the Children’s Peace Monument. With the help of your guide, you will learn how to create a paper crane through origami, which you may then place at the monument. It features a statue of Sadoko, a young girl who died as a result of radiation poisoning. She was told that if she could fold 1,000 paper cranes she would get well. Unfortunately, she was not able to reach 1,000, and since then, people have come from all over the world to place paper cranes at the monument to pay tribute to her.

You can also take a closer look at Genbaku Dome (A-Bomb Dome), the ruins of the former Industrial Promotion Hall of Hiroshima and one of the very few World Heritage Sites that remind us of the negative effects of war.

Nearby are some local restaurants where you can have your lunch with your guide. We highly recommend okonomiyaki, or “Japanese pancake” with cabbage, pork, ginger, nori, and a special sauce.

After lunch, you can go to Hiroshima Castle, which is also called “Carp Castle” by the locals. Just like Matsumoto Castle, it is also a good example of hirajiro or a castle that was built on a plain rather than on top of a hill.

Before heading back to your hotel, you can visit Shukkei Garden. “Shukkei” literally means “shrunken” and here you will see miniature representations of mountains, valleys, and even forests. After your stroll, you can take a break at Sensuitei, a small ochaya (teahouse), to have matcha (green tea) and a traditional Japanese pastry.

Note: The Peace Memorial Museum is currently undergoing renovations, and the east building will be closed from September 2014 to spring 2016.

Overnight in Hiroshima

Japan Family Holiday Day 10 – Hiroshima – Day Trip to Miyajima (B,L)

This morning your local guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a short train and ferry ride to Miyajima, a small sacred island located in the Seto Inland Sea.

Your guide will show your family around the island and its many shrines and temples. You’ll also have the chance to meet the tame deer that wander the island, sample local maple leaf-shaped cakes, and eat lunch at a local restaurant. You also have the option to do some hiking on Mt. Misen to see the spectacular views of the surrounding islands.

After a nice day spent outdoors, your guide will lead you back to Hiroshima and to your hotel.

Optional Activity: Kayaking in Miyajima

Your instructor will give you a briefing on the day’s course, and you will be able to practice in the kayaks on the beach before taking to the sea. On this tour, you can kayak right out to the Floating Torii Gate, so bring your camera (just be careful not to drop it!)

After snapping some photos, it’s time for a break on the shore of Miyajima where you can stretch your legs. Take some time to wander through the local stores and pick up some souvenirs, before paddling back across the Inland Sea.

Note: Additional costs apply. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more details.

Overnight in Hiroshima

Japan Family Holiday Day 11 – Hiroshima & Kyoto (B,D)

Today is a self-guided day.

Take the 2-hour ride by Sanyo shinkansen to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one could spend years in Kyoto and never run out of things to see and do.

After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free at your leisure.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Kyoto. Some recommendations you might check out this afternoon include the Kyoto International Manga Museum, Toei Kyoto Studio Park or Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum.

Overnight in Kyoto

Japan Family Holiday Day 12 – Kyoto (B,L)

Spend the day exploring the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, utilizing Kyoto’s comprehensive bus and subway system to visit some of the area’s spectacular sites.

Start the day with a visit to Nijo Castle. This ornamental castle, surrounded by stunning gardens, was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence. The main building was completed in 1603 and is well-known for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors, and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors.

Then visit Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. After his death, it became a Buddhist Temple at his request and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.

You will have your lunch in a local restaurant before continuing onto your next destination.

The final stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine, also known as “10,000 Torii Gates,” located in the southern part of Kyoto. This enchanting place was also featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

Overnight in Kyoto

Japan Family Holiday Day 13 – Kyoto – Character Bento Cooking Class, Optional Afternoon Trip to Osaka (B,L)

Today you will learn how to cook and prepare a traditional Japanese bento box with a twist! Chara-ben (“kyaraben”) is the short term for character bento, which is a style of preparing lunch boxes with food decorated to look like cartoon characters, icons, and sometimes even famous people. Your 3-hour lesson, conducted by a local Japanese, will take place in a machiya, a traditional Japanese wooden townhouse, located in Central Kyoto. After your cooking session, sit down for lunch and have a taste of your own bento while chatting with your sensei. Take your bento box home as a souvenir of today’s experience!

The activity will end at the venue.

The afternoon is free at your leisure.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

We recommend making an afternoon trip to Osaka, Japan’s third largest city. Osaka’s flamboyance, fun-loving people, and amazing food make up for what it lacks in tourist spots. Also known as ‘Japan’s Kitchen’, take a wander down Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca where among other things you can sample okonomiyaki (Japanese-style savoury pancake) and takoyaki (octopus balls).

Catch up on any last-minute souvenir shopping and have one more delicious Japanese meal before heading home.

Optional Activity: Rickshaw Tour in Arashiyama

In the afternoon, head to Arashiyama, which contains some of Kyoto’s most stunning scenery, for an old-style rickshaw tour. This hour-long tour will show you the highlights and also includes some hidden gems that other tours miss.

You will meet your rickshaw “driver” at Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama’s most recognizable landmarks. Hop on the rickshaw and your driver will pull you around Arashiyama, on a path that cuts through the impressive bamboo forest. If you’re lucky, you can catch the bamboo swaying back and forth as a light wind blows through the treetops. You will also make a stop at Nonomiya Shrine, famous for its appearance in the novel The Tale of Genji.

Note: Additional costs apply. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more details.

Overnight in Kyoto

Japan Family Holiday Day 14 – Departure from Kyoto (B)

The rest of the day is free at leisure until your scheduled transfer by shared shuttle van to Kansai International Airport.

Japan Family Holiday SUPERIOR OPTION

Japan Family Holiday DELUXE OPTION

Japan Family Holiday Accommodation Notes:

If the above hotels are unavailable, we will arrange a hotel under the similar category.

Japan Family Holiday Notes:

The “Asakusa Family Tour” and the “Yokohama Day Trip” are not available on Tuesdays. An alternate itinerary can be arranged.
Minimum age for plastic food workshop is 6. We can arrange an alternate activity if there are children younger than 6.
For children visiting cat cafés, adult supervision is necessary.
Most of the museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays (if it happens to be a National Holiday, it’s closed the following day), on New Year (usually from December 29 to January 3), and on some days for maintenance and/or administrative purposes.
Securing tickets for the Ghibli Museum cannot be guaranteed and advance bookings are necessary.
Minimum age for kayaking in Miyajima is 10.
Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays (or if Tuesday is a National holiday, closed the following day).
The character bento cooking class in Kyoto is only available on weekdays, except when a weekday falls on New Years (usually from 29 December to 3 January).
Please inform your travel agent of any special dietary requirements that you may have.
For safety reasons, some public transport may stop operating in case of unfavourable weather conditions.

Japan Family Holiday Our Services Include:

Hotel accommodation in twin room with daily breakfast.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Meet and greet at the airport and return transfers to the airport.
14-Day Japan Rail Pass for Ordinary Class (valid from Day 1).
PASMO Tokyo transport pass at a value of 1,500 JPY on Day 3.
1-Day Hiroshima Streetcar and Ferry Pass for Day 9.
2-Day Kyoto Bus and Subway Pass for Days 12 and 13.
English-speaking local guides on Days 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12.
All entrance fees and activities as mentioned in the itinerary on Days 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12.
All public transportation fees as mentioned in the itinerary on Days 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12.
Character bento making class in Kyoto on Day 13.
Information Pack.

Japan Family Holiday Our Services Do Not Include:

International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
Some local transport (e.g. some local city buses, taxi transfers, etc.).
Meals other than mentioned above.
Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone, and other expenditures of a personal nature).
Travel insurance (please see below).
Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.