Japan Highlights Family Holiday

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – the thriving capital of an ancient land. If you arrive early, wander through the streets full of hi-tech gadgets and neon lights and discover the duality of a modern city steeped in tradition. Maybe head out on an Urban Adventures day tour, like the Tour Through Tokyo’s Kitchen (just see urbanadventures.com/en). You’ll meet your fellow travellers and group leader at 5 pm tonight for a welcome meeting. After, head out for a welcome dinner with the other families and toast to the start of an adventure.

This morning after breakfast, head out on a leader-led tour of Harajuku – a district known for its colourful street art, youth fashion, vintage clothing shops and trendy bars that line the leafy avenues. Visit the tax-free shop Kiddyland, where you can pick up some plushies of your favourite characters, then hit Takeshita Street – the birthplace of kawaii culture. If the kids (or the adults) love cartoons, anime or games, today will be an absolute delight! This afternoon, visit the Meiji Shrine and then head to a taiko drumming class, where you’ll see how the experts play these traditional instruments before trying it out for yourself. After, visit Shibuya, the famous crossing between two of the busiest railway stations in the world! Snap your pics and enjoy a free evening to find the perfect dinner spot.

Tokyo is a city with something for everyone so today is yours to explore however you choose. You might like to head across town to Shinjuku, central Tokyo's most vibrant district to visit the Metropolitan Government Building which boats panoramic city views from its 202-metre-high observation deck. On clear days you can see Mount Fuji and make sure to keep an eye out for the giant Godzilla statue.
Take in history and marvel at ancient treasures at the National Museum or a kid favourite, is the Natural Museum of emerging science and innovation. Perhaps print a small 3D version of yourself at Small Worlds, visit a manga (Japanese comic and cartoon) market in Akihabara, or create your own entertainment with some karaoke. Fancy even more of a thrill? You could even spend the day at a nearby amusement or theme park, the options are endless!

Today, hop on the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) to Kanaya Station, where you’ll transfer to the scenic train that travels through mountains and gorges in Kawane. The ride is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in the spring. Your farmstay host for the night will welcome you at the station and take you to their home – a local tea farm. You and the family will then try your hand at tea picking and learn about how the tea is properly brewed, trying some tea tempura, too. Your farm host will also show you the local seasonal vegetables that they’ve got in their garden. Maybe get your hands dirty and help out with some farm work! Dinner will be a home-cooked feast using seasonal vegetables from the farm, and your host will be able to teach you a thing or two about Japanese home cooking.

This morning, make breakfast with your host at the farm and take the last opportunity to chat and learn their stories before saying goodbye. Enjoy watching the Japanese countryside pass you by as you travel by train to the vibrant city of Kyoto. On arrival you'll have time to check into your hotel before heading out for a leader-led walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. hear stories from the area as you pass temples and historic sites then this afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like. There are many optional activities to choose from or perhaps find a local restaurant for a spot of people watching and, if you're lucky, you might just see a geisha or two pass you by.

This morning, have some breakfast and then visit Fushimi Inari – the head shrine of the kami Inari with the classic red design. Take your time to feel the serenity of the place and then take a walking food tour of Nishiki market. Here, you’ll get to sample some of Kyoto’s local favourites and sit down for lunch with the family – this is the perfect place for the kids (and you!) to try something new and delicious. This afternoon is free for you to choose your own adventure. The kids might like to explore the International Manga Museum or take on a samurai experience – this activity lets the kids become ninjas-in-training for the afternoon and they’ll learn about the history of ninjas and samurai in Japan (while wearing some traditional garb of course).

This morning, have breakfast and then travel to Osaka by train. Osaka is Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo and is popular for its modern architecture, nightlife and delicious street food. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a super fun sushi-making experience for lunch. Pick your favourite ingredients and then learn how to make the perfect snack! This afternoon, you have some free time – maybe visit the Osaka Castle – before a farewell dinner with your leader and the other families. Toast to a trip well-travelled and after, maybe head out for a drink or a show.

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end in Osaka. If you’d like to spend more time in this vibrant hub (and why wouldn’t you?) just speak to your booking agent.