A modern and futuristic country which still retains its traditions and ancient character, Japan is the perfect destination for a family adventure, especially for older children and teens. This itinerary blends Japan’s unique culture, history, food and adventure over two weeks.
Some of our favourite experiences incorporated in this family tour of Japan include a tour of Kanazawa’s samurai district, kayaking around Miyajima Island, experiencing the eclectic neighbourhoods and food of Tokyo and exploring the castles and temples of Kyoto – Japan’s cultural capital. The tour is largely self-guided with assistance and guided tours included on specified days. If you are looking for a more inclusive and guided family tour of Japan, one of our Travel Consultants would be delighted to assist you.
Tokyo – Kanazawa – Hiroshima – Kyoto
Trip Highlights
- In Tokyo, family friendly activities range from robotic cafes to manga drawing classes
- Travel to Yokohama and visit the Hara Model Railway Museum, the largest in the world
- Stay in the castle town Kanazawa, known for its samurai culture and beautiful gardens
- Enjoy a guided tour of Hiroshima peace memorials and opt to kayak around Miyajima
- Spend a couple of days in beautiful Kyoto, home to an astonishing 17 UNESCO sites
- Take the train to Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital, to sample local dishes such as takoyaki
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the flight to Tokyo.
Day 2
Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met by a representative and taken to the airport shuttle bus which will provide your transfer to your accommodation. One of Asia’s great cities, over the decades Tokyo has cemented its position as a global economic powerhouse. With its futuristic skyline, dazzling neon advertisements and surging crowds, it is easy to forget that Tokyo started life as a small 16th century fishing village named Edo. Reminders of this ancient past remain which, when coupled with the surrounding modern city, give Tokyo a unique, forward-thinking identity but one in touch with its past.
Shiba Park Hotel
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 3
Tokyo
Today enjoy a full day tour of Tokyo with a local guide. Start the tour in Asakusa where the first stop will be at the revered Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Learn about temple customs from purifying hands to praying whilst exploring this famous landmark. After visiting Kappabashi, the city’s so-called kitchenware neighbourhood, and lunch at a tempura restaurant, visit one of Tokyo’s pet establishments. From a capybara café to a mini pig coffee shop, these unique places are a great option for families to relax and interact with the animals. In the afternoon travel to Odaiba, a man-made island with futuristic buildings and a fantastic view of the city.
Shiba Park Hotel
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 4
Tokyo
Today is a self-guided day. There are many family-friendly attractions in Tokyo including Miraikan, the National Museum of Science and Innovation, or Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. Alternatively there are several activities to enjoy with the whole family including a samurai sword lesson, manga drawing class, or cycling tour of the city that we can arrange.
Shiba Park Hotel
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 5
Tokyo
This morning take the short train journey to the port city of Yokohama known for its laidback atmosphere. Visit Hara Model Railway Museum which is home to the world’s largest model train collection, and the Cup Noodle Museum which offers fun and interactive workshops where kids can create their own personalised Cup Noodle. Head to Yamashita Park, the first seaside park that opened in 1930, where you can stroll down Osanbashi Pier where children can enjoy the rides. Take a boat ride from the park back to the rail station to head back to Tokyo.
Shiba Park Hotel
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 6
Tokyo to Kanazawa – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Take the Shinkansen Bullet train to Kanazawa. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery you will pass on this three-hour journey. During the 17th century this well-preserved castle-city was Japan's wealthiest and today is still a thriving centre for culture and the arts. Spend the afternoon at leisure to start exploring Kanazawa or visit one of the traditional teahouses for a tea ceremony.
- Breakfast
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Day 7
Kanazawa
Today explore Kanazawa with a local guide. Start your day at the exquisite Kenroku-en Garden, which is ranked as one of Japan’s best and most beautiful gardens. The complex is home to the oldest water fountain in the country, several teahouses, and a villa that was the retirement home of one of the richest clans in Kanazawa. After exploring the gardens head over to Kanazawa Castle. Have lunch inside Omicho Market which is known for its fresh seafood and sushi before walking to Morihachi, an artisan sweet shop that has been around for almost four centuries. You will learn how traditional Japanese sweets are made using wooden moulds. End the day in Kanazawa’s samurai district and visit Nomura House, a restored residence of a high ranked samurai family.
- Breakfast
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Day 8
Kanazawa - visit Shirakawa-go
Today is a self-guided day. You may wish to visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. This unique architectural style was developed over many generations where the roofs were constructed without any nails and are intricately designed to withstand large amounts of snow. Despite being private houses, some are open to the public including the Wada House, a legacy left behind by the Wada family who were once the most affluent in the area. In the evening you may wish to take a food tour of Kanazawa with the family. Sample local and national delicacies as you wander through the lively Korinbo District.
- Breakfast
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Day 9
Kanazawa to Hiroshima – by train
Today is self-guided day. Take the bullet train down to Hiroshima where you will arrive in the afternoon. Hiroshima, the first city to suffer a nuclear attack, is known for the devasting atomic bomb that was dropped on the city in 1945 during the final stages of World War II. This now picturesque and friendly city offers numerous art galleries, a thriving food scene and sobering historic sites including the Peace Memorial Museum and the poignant Atomic Bomb Dome. Relax this afternoon or start exploring the city after a long journey.
- Breakfast
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima
Day 10
Hiroshima
Today is a self-guided day. Explore the sobering sites of Hiroshima today. Start at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and see the Atomic Bomb Dome before crossing Motoyasu Bridge and stopping at the Children’s Peace Monument. Here features a statue of a young girl and several booths filled with colourful paper cranes. Continue to the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, which was designed by the 1987 Pritzker Prize winner, Kenzo Tange. Below the arch -shaped stone lies a chest that holds the registry of all those who sadly passed from the bombing. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum before stopping for lunch where we would recommend okonomiyaki, a Japanese pancake filled with pork, cabbage, ginger and a special sauce. End the day with a visit to Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Garden.
- Breakfast
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima
Day 11
Hiroshima – visit Miyajima
This morning take the ferry to Miyajima, a small sacred island located in the Seto Inland Sea. Meet your guide on arrival and start your tour at Itsukushima Shrine, designated as one of Japan’s three most beautiful views. The huge, red o-torii gate seems to be floating in the water during high tide and is one of the country’s most recognisable images. You will also visit Daisho-in, the most visited Buddhist temple on the island and there will also be an option to hike up Mount Misen to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Alternatively, you may wish to explore Miyajima by kayak and enjoy a different perspective of the famous shrine and island.
- Breakfast
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima
Day 12
Hiroshima to Kyoto – by train
Today is a self-guided day. This morning take the Shinkansen Bullet train to Kyoto which takes two hours. Home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sights, Kyoto is a must-see city on any Japan itinerary. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure where you may wish to explore one of the family friendly attractions in Kyoto including the Kyoto International Manage Musuem or Toei Kyoto Studio Park.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 13
Kyoto
Today explore Kyoto’s with a local guide. After breakfast visit one of the city’s most famous sites, the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, where thousands of orange torii gates stretch up the mountainside. Continue to Sanjusangendo, a less-visited temple where 1001 life-sized Buddhist statues stand in the world’s longest wooden building. After lunch at Nishiki Market travel to Nijo Castle, an ornamental palace built for the shogun in the early 1600s. Walk the halls, see the audience chambers and experience what it was like to visit the military ruler of Japan in the samurai era. The final stop of the day is at Nanzenji Zen Temple, a quiet retreat where monks have lived since 1291, which is also known for its excellent Zen rock garden.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 14
Kyoto - visit Osaka
Today is a self-guided day. You may wish to take the train and visit Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital. Start your self-guided tour by visiting Doguyasuji, a unique market that sells anything food or kitchen related, before heading to Sennichimae, a lane filled with small eateries that serve Osakan delicacies such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki and the famed fugu. Other places of interest include Hozen-ji Temple, Kamagata Ukiyo-e Museum and Dotonbori, the city’s famous restaurant and entertainment district. Alternatively you may wish to stay in Kyoto to explore other landmarks including the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the famous golden temple of Kinkaku-ji. Or why not participate in a traditional tea ceremony or cookery class.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 15
Kyoto to the UK
Take the shuttle bus to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Discover picturesque Hakone, the best place in Japan for views of iconic Mount Fuji, particularly on clear days. Explore the surrounding national park, take a cable car up Mount Owakudani for a birds-eye view of Mount Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi and board the Hakone Tozan ‘switchback train’.
Incorporate more time in Osaka, one of Japan’s most dynamic cities. Bustling, fun and flamboyant, Osaka is the food capital of Japan and comes alive at night. Head to Dotonbori to try a host of culinary delights including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakitori skewers, hot pot and sake.
Historic Nara can easily be visited on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. Japan’s first permanent capital during the 8th century, Nara is full of historical landmarks including the Todai-ji Temple complex which houses the world's largest bronze Buddha statue and the Kofuku Temple.
Little-visited, Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu in the far south of Japan is a fascinating place to explore. Food lovers will discover fresh seafood and a host of traditional dishes including ramen and hotpot or head to nearby Dazaifu which is the setting for the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
Guide to Price
15 days from £4950 - £6950 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Train travel as specified
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- English speaking guides where specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4950 - £6950
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways, Japan Airlines, ANA and Virgin Atlantic all offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo, the Japanese capital. Indirect flights are available from most major UK airports to Tokyo and other Japanese cities including Osaka and Nagoya with flights connecting in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Hong Kong and other main Asian cities.
Flying Times From UK
Flight times from the UK to Japan range from 12 to 14 hours for direct flights. Connecting flights with stopovers can take considerably longer.
Time Zone
Japan is +9 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
UK citizens do not require a visa before arrival in Japan as long as the visit lasts less than 90 days and does not include periods of paid work. Those wishing to stay longer will need to obtain a visa prior to travel.
Do’s & Don’ts
Japanese culture is complex and often confusing for foreign visitors to get to grips with However, it is well worth diving in to and the locals will appreciate any effort you make.
Remember to bow in almost any social situation, from saying hello to taking leave and saying thank you. Bow with hands at the sides and with a deep nod of the head. Japanese people are, on the whole, very polite so while they might not outright chastise tourists for forgetting to bow, you can be sure they will respect you more if you do!
Japanese matted flooring does not work well with muddy shoes – most people will expect you to take shoes off in their private housing, in traditional ryokan hotels and even in some public areas like restaurants and temples.
When drinking from a shared bottle, usually rice wine or sake, pour for others and wait for someone to pour for you as pouring for yourself is considered impolite.
The Japanese people value privacy and are generally reserved in public so noisy phone calls or shouting is frowned upon.
Money
The currency of Japan is the Yen. Yen comes in notes or coins, in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 denominations for coins and 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 notes. Japan has been making efforts to move away from cash as a system but in rural areas or traditional places they may not accept credit or debit cards. Currency exchange in Japan is easy and reliable ATM machines are found throughout the country.
Tipping
Tipping is not a custom in Japan and if you leave a tip do not be surprised to see someone run out after to return your money or refuse with a polite bow. A guideline for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Japanese cuisine has a long tradition and is renowned the world over – since 2001 Japan has had the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world. Japanese food usually centres on rice, noodles, fish and vegetables with many kinds of broths and soups. Japan is also famous for its excellent sushi bars which have since been exported in various forms around the world. The Japanese love to drink green tea which is consumed in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. A widely consumed alcoholic beverage is a rice wine called sake, beer is also common and Japanese whisky has become more popular, and respected, in recent years.
Accommodation
In all main Japanese cities the range of accommodation is extensive and there will always be a wide-range of different options. All major internationally recognised hotel companies are present in Japan and many of their flagship properties can be found in Tokyo. Further afield, in provincial towns and cities, accommodation is usually in smaller, independent, Japanese owned hotels. In nearly all cases hotels will be very modern in both style and design. To fully experience the culture and hospitality no visit to Japan is complete without a stay in a ryokan – a Japanese-style inn. Found throughout the country, ryokans vary greatly in quality and style but all will have a special Japanese atmosphere with tatami floors, futon beds, traditional cuisine and hot spring ‘onsen’ baths.
Shopping
Shopping in Japanese cities is a hectic and busy experience but one you will not forget. You will find crowded streets and a huge variation of shops from high end fashion stores to teenage manga comic book emporiums and everything in between – all splashed with bright neon lights. Tokyo is world renowned for its street-wear and style scene, so for the latest fashions head to the districts of Harajuku and Shibuya. In contrast for the latest technology, Ginza is the place to visit. Outside major cities, shopping is more traditional, with many markets and locally made goods.
Suggested Reading
A recommended book is ‘Gateway to Japan’, published by Kodansha, although there are many other detailed guides available, including ‘The Donald Richie Reader: 50 Years of Writing on Japan’, by a westerner who has lived in Tokyo for over 50 years. Good works of fiction about Japan include anything by Haruki Murakami, David Mitchell's ‘Number9dream’ and ‘Who is Mr Satoshi?’ by Jonathan Lee.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Japan the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Looking for something more bespoke?
Our Japan travel consultant can help you create your perfect trip
- Experts in tailor-made holidays
- Honest pricing with no hidden extras
- ABTA and ATOL protected
Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.
Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.
On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.
Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.
We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
