Experience Japan on a 9-day Golden Route family adventure designed for families, crafted for kids and parents alike. This journey combines fun, culture, and hands-on experiences exploring Japan's iconic cities of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. Start in Tokyo with hands-on bento-making and Harajuku’s vibrant streets, and dive into Japanese culture with a guided visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Try a Ninja experience in historic Asakusa and TeamLab Planets for unforgettable fun. Head to Hakone to relax and play at a family-friendly waterpark. Then, ride the iconic Shinkansen to Kyoto, walk in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and meet monkeys at Iwatayama Park. Finish in Osaka, savoring local street food and lively culture. This fun, cultural journey blends discovery, flavor, and family-friendly excitement across Japan.
Highlights
Discover Tokyo, a dynamic blend of ultra-modern and timeless tradition
Enjoy a Japanese cooking class and craft delicious bento boxes
Experience the Ninja culture in Asakusa and TeamLab Planets for fun
Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene natural pathway
Enjoy street food in Dotonbori, Osaka, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to Japan! After arriving at the airport, an airport assistant will meet you in the arrival area. After check-in at your accommodation, spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
On this day, take the time to explore your surroundings independently. Whether you decide to engage with local culture, unwind at your accommodation, or discover hidden gems nearby, this free day offers you the opportunity to tailor your experience. Our Trip Planners can help pre-arrange guided activities today based on your preferences.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to start the half-day tour in Tokyo. First, creativity takes center stage with a cooking class. Under expert guidance, guests will craft their own adorable and delicious bento boxes, blending culinary artistry with Japanese tradition in a hands-on and fun-filled experience.
After the cooking class, explore Harajuku, Tokyo’s iconic fashion and youth culture hub, known for its unique boutiques, colorful street art, and cutting-edge style. The tour concludes with a serene visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, a peaceful haven nestled in a lush forest, offering a moment of reflection and connection with Japan’s spiritual heritage.
Day 4: Self -Guided Tokyo | Ninja Experience | TeamLab Planets
On this day, set off on a self-guided adventure through Tokyo, starting in the historic district of Asakusa. A pre-arranged Ninja experience offers the chance to dive into ancient stealth traditions, wear traditional attire, learn basic techniques, and test out your skills, before enjoying a themed lunch that brings the legend to life.
In the afternoon, the journey turns futuristic during a reserved visit to TeamLab Planets, where barefoot exploration leads through immersive, interactive, and digital art installations. From water-filled rooms to glowing digital landscapes, every step offers a sensory escape into a world of imagination and innovation.
Travel to Hakone aboard the Romance Car, a scenic express train offering a comfortable and picturesque ride to this famous hot spring region. Upon arrival, head to Yunessan, a unique water park where you can enjoy various fun and relaxing baths, including a water jungle gym, cave bath, and the dragon waterfall. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Yunessan offers a memorable experience for all ages. After a day of aquatic fun, unwind, enjoy a pre-arranged dinner and stay overnight by the water park.
Head to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train) in the morning. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and take some time to settle in.
Experience the freedom to discover Kyoto’s cultural treasures or relax in the afternoon. Perhaps explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Park or take a leisurely walk along the Kamo River, a beautiful spot to relax and soak in Kyoto’s peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy what Kyoto has to offer before your guided tour the following day.
On this day, discover Kyoto's iconic sites. During this half-day guided tour, visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering green stalks create a mystical and tranquil atmosphere. The next stop is the Iwatayama Monkey Park. Enjoy the panoramic views of Kyoto while observing playful Japanese macaques in their natural habitat.
Next, explore Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, where shimmering reflections and beautifully landscaped gardens captivate the senses. After the guided tour ends, continue to explore Kyoto independently. You can opt to visit iconic sites such as the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. This historic temple, which is perched high above the city, provides stunning views and the opportunity to drink from the holy Otowa Waterfall, which is thought to bring luck, love, and good health.
Take a morning train to Osaka and explore the city on your own today. Recommendations for exploring the city today are:
Visit the Osaka Castle, walk through its historic grounds, and enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck. Next, visit NIFREL, an innovative aquarium, zoo, and art museum hybrid. Here, observe marine life, exotic animals, and digital art displays in an open-concept space designed for an immersive experience.
In the evening, explore Dotonbori, Osaka’s lively entertainment district. Wander through the neon-lit streets and indulge in local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Day 9: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Today is your final day in Japan. A transfer will take you from the hotel to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your departure flight.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,481
Notes
Pricing is estimated for high season and fluctuates by departure date. Please request a quote from a Trip Planner for the most current pricing and details.
This trip is enjoyable most of the year, but June is typically considered a rainy month, and September is typically typhoon season. July and August are very hot months for traveling in Japan.
Initial deposit is 35% of the total cost of the trip, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
8 Nights Accommodations
2 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Private airport transfers
Rental IC Card with 5,500 yen included for all passengers. These transport cards can be used on most local trains, metros, buses and taxis across the country, as well as at vending machines and in convenience stores.
Romance Car tickets to Hakone and a private car transfer to hotel on day 5
Private car to Odawara Station and Bullet Train to Kyoto (Standard Class) on day 6
Tickets and Cooking class activity on day 3
Tickets for Ninja Experience, lunch, Teamlab Planets on day 4
Tickets in Yunessan Water Park on day 5
Tickets for Monkey Park and Kinkaku-ji Temple
English-speaking Guide on day 3 and 7 (Half-day Up to 4 hours)
Lunch on day 3 during cooking class and day 4 in Asakusa
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Domestic and Internation Airfares
Personal expenses, soft & alcoholic beverages, tips, and any items not previously mentioned
Concierge service
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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