Luxury Family Holidays in Japan
Japan is a playground for children, and a world full of robotics, pioneering gadgets and gizmos, neon lights and make-believe. Plan your Japan family holiday with Scott Dunn for…
- Custom Japan family itineraries made for young families to multi-generation trips
- Luxury hotels and traditional ryokans ideal for families
- Adventure-filled experiences, from Mount Fuji to Kyoto’s temples
- Seamless travel and 24/7 support from Japan travel experts
Family holidays to Japan are fascinating, colourful and full of energy. From Tokyo’s bright lights and quirky neighbourhoods to Kyoto’s ancient temples and the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Japan offers a mix of adventure, culture and discovery that appeals to all ages. Families can wander under cherry blossom trees in spring, watch snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, and learn about the legends of samurai warriors that shaped the country’s past.
Japan is also one of the easiest destinations in Asia to explore with children. It’s clean, safe and exceptionally well-organised, with the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train making it simple to travel between cities. There are a wealth of experiences that educate and inspire across Japan — from learning about centuries-old customs to exploring creative arts and theatre that are still a part of Japanese life today.
With Scott Dunn, family travel through Japan is effortless. Our experts create custom-made itineraries for every kind of traveller, from multigenerational holidays to Japan tours with teenagers. Each holiday plan is designed around what you want to explore, so there’s fun at every stage of your family trip to Japan.
Top Things to Do in Japan with Kids
While your kids are bound to love the entire country, there are a few key activities and places that really cater to them, as well as the young at heart. Below are the top 7 things to do in Japan with your children that our guests have loved time and time again.
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Harajuku, Tokyo
Explore one of Tokyo’s most playful districts. A wonderland for kids and teens, Harajuku bursts with colour, quirky fashion and kawaii cafes themed around Pokémon, Moomins, cats, robots, and more. Great for all ages.
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Akihabara, Tokyo
Otaku heaven for anime and gaming fans. Explore giant arcades, neon-lit stores, and cosplay cafés. Sample Japanese cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants to family-friendly, cosy izakayas. Great for teens and kids 8 and up.
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Breakfast at the Fish Markets, Tokyo
Start your day at Tokyo’s Tsukiji or Toyosu markets. Watch tuna auctions, enjoy affordable sushi breakfasts (with set menus for about £15 a head), and show the kids how sea-to-plate dining comes to life. Great for all ages.
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Odaiba, Tokyo
Cross Rainbow Bridge to this futuristic man-made island. Explore kid-friendly attractions like teamLab’s digital art installation or explore Miraikan’s robots and VR exhibits. Great for all ages, especially younger kids.
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Samurai Experience, Kyoto
Step into Japan’s history with a hands-on samurai workshop just outside of Kyoto. Kids aged 10 and older can dress in traditional clothes, learn the art of using a samurai sword, discover ancient etiquette, and learn Japanese history too.
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Kayaking & Walking, Hiroshima
Paddle around Miyajima floating Grand Torii Gate, then hike or ride the cable car for island views. After exploring, try the city’s famous savoury pancakes Okonomiyaki. We recommend a nature and cultural Hiroshima day trip for kids 10 and up.
- Harajuku, Tokyo
- Akihabara, Tokyo
- Breakfast at the Fish Markets, Tokyo
- Odaiba, Tokyo
- Samurai Experience, Kyoto
- Kayaking & Walking, Hiroshima
Best Family Tours & Hotels in Japan
Leave the planning to us! Every Japan family tour with Scott Dunn can be shaped around what excites your family most. Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka on a family highlights tour filled with hands-on experiences, or venture into the landscapes of Mount Fuji, Hakone, and Hokkaido on an adventure and nature itinerary.
Looking for unique ways to customise your journey? For city explorers, you can capture the energy of Tokyo on a Streets of Tokyo Photography Tour. For active families dive into daily life on a food, culture and cycling tour, with a guided walk through Takayama sampling local delicacies. If you have foodies in your group, go on a guided tour at Kyoto’s famed Nishiki Market before joining a fun cookery class to learn classic Japanese dishes together.
Japan also has a fantastic mix of ultra-luxury hotel chains and smaller, traditional offerings. Both are great for families. Hotel groups like the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental really get families and know what children (and parents) need for a relaxing holiday. Meanwhile, at guesthouses and ryokan, you will experience true Japanese hospitality, where nothing is too much trouble.
Scott Dunn can help your build a Japan family holiday with memory-making moments for all ages.
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Luxury Family Japan Holidays FAQs
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Since climate varies from region to region, the best time to visit Japan really depends on which part of the country you’re visiting and what is on your itinerary:
- Spring (March–May): Famously beautiful time to see cherry blossoms bloom across the country. Beautiful but busy, especially during Golden Week holidays (late April). Temperatures range from 2°C–24°C.
- Autumn (September–November): Best time for sightseeing with mild, dry weather (mid–high 20s). Japan transforms with vibrant red and gold foliage.
- Winter (December–February): Best for snow activities with the family. Expect 5°C on average, colder in the mountains. And you can see snow monkeys and relax in hot springs.
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Tokyo is one of the best places to visit in Japan with families, filled with pop culture, neon lights, museums, game centres and themed restaurants to keep kids entertained. Even the bullet train ride between cities is an adventure, thrilling younger travellers and making sightseeing a treat.
The countryside also promises much entertainment for children while on holiday in Japan. Places like Hakone, Takayama and Kawaguchi offer their world-renowned hot springs, or onsens, which are the perfect antidote to a stint in Japan’s bustling cities. Hunker down with the family in a ryokan or take to two wheels and explore the beautiful countryside by bicycle. Getting a glimpse into daily life in Japan is an incredible contrast, and while these locations still offer lots of activities, it is slower paced than days in Tokyo.
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Yes, Japan is very welcoming towards toddlers and young children. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are especially toddler-friendly, with parks, aquariums, interactive museums, and themed cafés that make sightseeing fun for little ones.
When you are on the go, do be aware that accommodations like baby-changing facilities or stroller access can be limited. Japanese people are more likely to carry their babies everywhere, so if strollers are a necessity, travel may be easier with slightly older children.
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We recommend spending at least 10 to 14 days on a family holiday to Japan. This allows plenty of time to travel between cities, enjoy family-friendly experiences, and explore the country at a comfortable pace.
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Most restaurants in Japan welcome children, though kids’ menus are uncommon except at larger chains. It’s also worth checking ahead for non-smoking areas when dining out.
Many hotels in Japan are suitable for families, offering spacious rooms, kids’ meals, and child-friendly amenities. Some traditional ryokans also provide family rooms and meals suited to younger guests.
Japan Travel Guides and Inspiration
Ready to start planning your ideal Japan holiday? Packed with recommendations about the local culture, cuisine and how to travel around, our Japan holiday guides give you all the intel you need ahead of your holiday to Japan.
Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning
