Travellers aged 17 and under get 20% off family trips from 1 January 2026
Japan Highlights Family Holiday
Take the family on an adventure through Japan’s highlights
Grab the kids and head to the place where tradition meets modern tech – Japan of course! Start in Tokyo, where you’ll discover the Harajuku district, kawaii culture and ancient shrines. Learn to play the Taiko drums, visit a robot cafe, then travel through the countryside on a shinkansen. Spend a night in a traditional Japanese guesthouse in the Fuji Five Lakes region, explore a temple before wandering through the sights in Kyoto. End in Osaka where you'll indulge in a traditional local-style dinner and toast to a fun-filled adventure.
4.9
35 reviewsStart: Tokyo, Japan
End: Osaka, Japan
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 5 years old
- Style
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorize trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Family
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
From
USD $4,435
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore Tokyo's eclectic youth subculture in Harajuku and take a class in Taiko drumming.
- Discover Kyoto’s history with its many shrines, geishas and temples. Then, snap the perfect family picture at the iconic red gates of Fushimi Inari.
- Support the future of inclusive employment and support a good cause with a visit to an experimental cafe, where the robot waiters are controlled remotely by staff living with disabilities.
- Spend a night in a traditional Japanese guesthouse in the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes region. Learn about local customs and Japanese Buddhism with a temple visit, then make Hoto noodles for dinner.
- Indulge in the city’s food scene on your final night with a fun Osaka-style group dinner – a great way to celebrate your final night on this family adventure.
Itinerary
This trip generates 34 kg of CO2-e per person per day. Learn more about our climate commitment.
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore including fascinating museums, world-class shopping centres and neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the Hama Rikyu Garden, visit the Sumida Hokusai Museum or explore Ueno Park. After your meeting, join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
- Hotel Monterey Hanzomo or similar (1 night)
Meals
- Dinner
Included activities
- Tokyo - Welcome dinner
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Get ready for a day of fun as you head out to explore the Harajuku area – a district known for its colourful street art, youth fashion, vintage clothing shops and tasty treats. Visit Takeshita Street – the birthplace of kawaii culture. For an introduction to Japanese culture, you'll also visit Meiji Shrine and take part in a hands-on, heart pumping Taiko drumming class. Learn how to play these traditional instruments before having a go yourself. Later you'll have an opportunity to visit Shibuya, the well-known crossing between two of the busiest railway stations in the world before enjoying a free evening to find the perfect dinner spot.
Accommodation
- Hotel Monterey Hanzomo or similar (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Tokyo - Shibuya Crossing
- Tokyo - Harajuku Walk & Meiji Shrine Visit
- Tokyo - Taiko Drumming Experience
This morning you'll head out on a walk through the weird and wonderful Akihabara Electric Town – this is the centre of Japanese otaku culture and a favourite for anyone who loves gaming, manga and anime. Stop for a drink at a social enterprise robot cafe, where people living with disabilities work as staff by remotely controlling robots from their homes or hospital beds. Learn how staff are able to interact with customers through the robots’ operating system and maybe have a go at operating one yourself! The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe head across town to Shinjuku or visit Asakusa.
Accommodation
- Hotel Monterey Hanzomo or similar (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Tokyo - Dawn Avatar Robot Café (from)
- Tokyo - Akihabara walking tour
Today travel to Oshino Hakkai Village – a small village in the Fuji Five Lake region, named after its eight crystal-clear spring-fed ponds. When you arrive, be greeted with a welcome ceremony, then head to your Minshuku accommodation (Japanese guesthouse). Later, walk to a nearby local temple for a Japanese Buddhism experience of meditation and calligraphy painting. For dinner, you and your family will learn how to cook Hoto noodles (a rustic noodle soup made with flat, wide wheat noodles simmered in a miso-based broth) and onigiri rice balls.
Accommodation
- Oshino Hakkai Minshuku or similar (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Included activities
- Oshino Hakkai - Japanese temple experience
- Oshino Hakkai - Hoto noodle making
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Kyoto for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your stay in Fuji Five Lakes region as you will not have access to your luggage again until Day 5.
A Minshuku is a traditional Japanese Guesthouse where you will sleep on traditional futons on tatami mats placed on the floor, just like the locals do. Rooms are private, partitioned by sliding doors although facilities are shared.
For some departures the group may be accommodated all together in one Minshuku or split over two separate Minshuku properties located near to each other. During peak holiday periods in Japan (May and August), the group may be accommodated in Minshuku in Yamanakako or another village in the Fuji Five Lakes region instead.
The temple visited today is a religious site for locals so modest clothing should be worn, covering shoulders and knees. The included experiences may also change at short notice due to local ceremonies and unforeseen events. Alternative activities may include a tea ceremony and Shabutsu (Tracing Buddha).
This morning, have breakfast at the Minshuku guesthouse then watch the Japanese countryside pass you by as you travel by bus and train to the vibrant city of Kyoto. If the weather is clear this morning, you’ll be able to see Mt Fuji. When you arrive, you'll have time to check into your hotel before heading out for a walk with your group through Gion – Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Listen to stories from the area as you pass temples and historic sites. Tonight is free for you to enjoy, you might like to head to a local restaurant for dinner or visit a show.
Accommodation
- Park Hotel Kyoto Oike or similar (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Kyoto - Gion Walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari this morning – the head shrine of the kami Inari with the classic red design. This afternoon is free for you to choose your own adventure. The kids might like to explore the International Manga Museum or become a samurai for a day and learn about the history of ninjas and samurai in Japan (while wearing some traditional garb and trying out some cool moves, of course) - your leader will have the best recommendations!
Accommodation
- Park Hotel Kyoto Oike or similar (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari - Taisha
Optional activities
- Kyoto - International Manga Museum - JPY1200
- Kyoto - Authentic samurai experience - JPY10000
Special information
Some optional activities in Kyoto such as the Nintendo museum, TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto, Sagano Romantic Train and tea ceremony experiences, book out far in advance. To avoid disappointment we recommend checking availability directly with the activity supplier and booking tickets prior to arriving in Japan.
Osaka is Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo and is popular for its modern architecture, family-friendly activities and delicious street food. When you arrive, you'll have some free time in the afternoon to explore – maybe visit the Osaka Castle or pick up some souvenirs from the famous Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street. Come together tonight with the other families for a traditional Osaka style dinner to celebrate new friendships and your Japanese whirlwind adventure.
Accommodation
- Osaka View Hotel Honmachi or similar (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Included activities
- Osaka - Farewell Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
After breakfast your trip comes to an end and you are free to depart Osaka any time today. If you’d like to spend more time in this cultural hub (and why wouldn’t you?) just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
JapanMeals
7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transport
Metro (local train), Public bus, Shinkansen (bullet train), Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Minshuku: traditional Japanese Guesthouse (1 night)
Included activities
- Tokyo - Welcome dinner
- Tokyo - Shibuya Crossing
- Tokyo - Harajuku Walk & Meiji Shrine Visit
- Tokyo - Taiko Drumming Experience
- Tokyo - Dawn Avatar Robot Café (from)
- Tokyo - Akihabara walking tour
- Oshino Hakkai - Japanese temple experience
- Oshino Hakkai - Hoto noodle making
- Kyoto - Gion Walk
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari - Taisha
- Osaka - Farewell Dinner
Optional activities
- Kyoto - International Manga Museum - JPY1200
- Kyoto - Authentic samurai experience - JPY10000
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Before you book you should know
- Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
- On this trip, you’ll spend a night in a Minshuku (traditional Japanese guesthouse) where you’ll sleep on the traditional tatami floor (futons and blankets on the floor mat) and have shared facilites. It's a unique expereince and great taste of local life.
- While the minimum age to join this trip is 5 years please review the itinerary and activities involved to ensure that it is suitable for your family.
- The average age of children who travelled on this trip in the last year is 12 years old. Most children on Intrepid Family trips are between 10 and 14 years old.
1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. CHILD AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.
3. CHILD PRICE: Children aged 17 years and under at time of travel on this trip, are eligible to receive 20% off the full adult price.
4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
5. LUGGAGE: Luggage size restrictions apply to rail travel in Japan. It is recommended that you pack light and compact and review the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
6. TRANSFERS: We are currently unable to offer airport transfers in Japan. Please refer to the Joining Point Instructions of the Essential Trip Information for our recommendations on arrival. Your leader will be able to advise the best way to reach the airport at the end of your trip.
7. ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation in Japan can be difficult to secure at short notice, particularly during peak travel seasons. If you are wishing to spend longer in Japan before or after your trip, we recommend requesting additional accommodation via your booking agent as soon as possible.
8. ROOM SIZES: Room sizes in Japan may be smaller than you’re used to, and larger families may be provided two rooms due to limited availability of triple or quad share rooms. If your family would prefer a triple or quad share room please request one via your booking agent as soon as possible. They may not be available in all destinations.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
Hotel (6 nights), Minshuku: traditional Japanese Guesthouse (1 night)
GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room.
Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room.
Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.
Hotel Monterey Hanzomon
23-1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo
102-0082
JAPAN
Phone: +81 335567111
Description
Hotel Monterey Hanzomon is located in the heart of Tokyo, near the Hanzomon area. It is ideally situated close to Hanzomon Station (on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line), providing convenient access to major attractions like the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, and Chiyoda. It is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers due to its central location and proximity to cultural landmarks and business districts. Although located in central Tokyo, the hotel is in a very quiet environment.
Instructions
Japan has a very efficient public transport service and there are many ways to get from the two airports in the Tokyo region (Narita Airport or Haneda Airport) to your hotel. Narita is located approx. 65 km from Tokyo and taxi fares are expensive given the distance (around JPY25,000). Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo and a taxi fare will cost around JPY6,000-10,000.
Public Transport
If you prefer to make your own way to the hotel from Narita, there are various connections either by express train or limousine bus to Tokyo Station and then by taxi to Hotel Monterey Hanzomon. The airport information desks can provide helpful advice too. The most direct way is by JR Narita Express (approx. JPY3,000 and 60 mins) or Limousine Bus (approx. JPY1500 and 80 mins) to Tokyo Station and then by taxi.
If you're travelling from Haneda Airport, the most direct option is Limousine Bus to Tokyo City Air Terminal (T-CAT) (approx. JPY1000 and 40 mins) and then subway or taxi.
Please check the transport details on the hotel's website: https://www.hotelmonterey.co.jp/en/hanzomon/access/
If you're having any problems finding the hotel, ring the hotel directly (you can use one of Japan's green public phones with coins of JPY10 or JPY100). "
Dates and prices
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Prices can change anytime
Our prices drop or increase based on demand, seasonality, availability and market conditions.
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Our prices drop or increase based on demand, seasonality, availability and market conditions.
Learn more about pricing
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Reviews
4.9 . 35 reviews
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.
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