Family Fun in Japan
Tokyo, Yudanaka, Kanazawa & KyotoThis unforgettable journey is designed with families in mind, combining the weird and wonderful with arts and crafts and the great outdoors. The journey takes in Snow Monkeys, Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa, brilliantly combining interests for adults and kids alike. Brimming with unique experiences, this is one of our favourite family itineraries.
At a glance
If you travel in winter, see Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs. Known as Snow Monkeys, they can be seen year round but tend to bathe when it is cold
Visit Japan's quirky 'Kiddy Land', a shopping paradise for children that includes manga, cartoons and Japanese anime
Spend time at the Ghibli Museum. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki, this is a playful wonderland dedicated to Japanese animation that families adore
There's the option to visit Tokyo Disneyland and/or Universal Studios Japan
Journey highlights
-
If you travel in winter, see Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs. Known as Snow Monkeys, they can be seen year round but tend to bathe when it is cold
-
Visit Japan's quirky 'Kiddy Land', a shopping paradise for children that includes manga, cartoons and Japanese anime
-
Spend time at the Ghibli Museum. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki, this is a playful wonderland dedicated to Japanese animation that families adore
-
There's the option to visit Tokyo Disneyland and/or Universal Studios Japan
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The best and most popular times to visit Japan are the climatically stable seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). The highlight of spring is the cherry-blossom season, which usually arrives in Kyoto in early April. Bear in mind, though, that the blossoms are notoriously fickle, blooming any time from late March to mid-April. Autumn is an equally good time to travel, with pleasant temperatures and soothing autumn colours, which usually peak between late October and mid-November. Be warned that Kyoto is crowded with domestic and international tourists during the cherry-blossom and autumn-foliage seasons.
Of course, you can visit Japan at any time of year and you will need to travel during winter if you want to see the Snow Monkeys bathing in the hot springs surrounded by snow.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | $9,400 | $2,300 | plan your trip |
| June | $7,400 | $1,900 | plan your trip |
| July | $9,400 | $2,300 | plan your trip |
| August | $9,400 | $2,300 | plan your trip |
| September | $7,400 | $1,900 | plan your trip |
| October | $11,300 | $2,800 | plan your trip |
| November | $11,300 | $2,800 | plan your trip |
| December | $9,400 | $2,300 | plan your trip |
| January | $7,400 | $1,900 | plan your trip |
| February | $7,400 | $1,900 | plan your trip |
| March | $10,300 | $2,600 | plan your trip |
| April | $11,300 | $2,800 | plan your trip |
-
May
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,400
Deposit from*$2,300
-
June
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,400
Deposit from*$1,900
-
July
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,400
Deposit from*$2,300
-
August
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,400
Deposit from*$2,300
-
September
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,400
Deposit from*$1,900
-
October
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$11,300
Deposit from*$2,800
-
November
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$11,300
Deposit from*$2,800
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,400
Deposit from*$2,300
-
January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,400
Deposit from*$1,900
-
February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,400
Deposit from*$1,900
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$10,300
Deposit from*$2,600
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$11,300
Deposit from*$2,800
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Fly to Tokyo
Tokyo
The first three nights are spent in Tokyo. On one of the days with your private guide using the super-efficient public transport system visit the Edo Tokyo Museum, take a look around Akihabara Electric Town that's famous for cosplay and anime and venture up the Tokyo skytree for an amazing view Tokyo’s skyline, stretching as far as the eye can see. Despite being a huge city, Tokyo is incredibly easy to get around and very safe and is often a highlight for families.
Accommodation: Palace Hotel ( 3 nights )Yudanaka
Next up is Yudanaka, in the Japanese Alps. From Tokyo you will take the super-efficient bullet train to Yudanaka, with a change in Nagoya, with the total trip taking just over two hours. This region is home to very cute Japanese macaques, who in winter bathe in the steamy hot spring onsens - one of the most photographed sights in Japan. The macaques are here year-round, so even if it isn't snowing you should get to see them feeding and playing on the grass surrounding the natural hot springs. In Yudanaka we have included a private guide and driver so that you explore the snow monkey park and if you fancy enjoy some cycling and hiking and the nearby arty town of Obuse is not far away either.
Accommodation: Jinpyokaku Honten ( 1 night )Kanazawa
From Yudanaka you will then visit Kanazawa, again by bullet train with a change in Nagoya and a total travel time if just over two hours. Kanazawa is the most wonderful city on Japan's northern coast. Famed for specialist crafts, this is the perfect place to learn the art of gold leaf but also visiting a traditional Samurai and Geisha houses. Kanazawa is one of only five cities where Geisha can still be seen. We have included a private guide on one of your days in the city so that you can take in all the highlights, especially in the Samurai and Geisha district which the teens will love.
Accommodation: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kanazawa ( 2 nights )Kyoto
You'll end in beautiful and unforgettable Kyoto, an easy and direct bullet train from Kanazawa, taking just over two hours. Over your four nights here spend time in some of the world's best parks and gardens, visiting golden pavilions and Buddhist temples. With your day of private guiding, spend some time exploring the beautiful Geisha district of Gion and enjoy browsing through the beautiful handicrafts and even visit Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, a real life movie set. On your free day in the city we suggest visiting Nara, home to hundreds of deer that roam freely around this ancient region. From Kyoto you will say goodbye to Japan and driven to Osaka where you will be able to take your international flight home.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kyoto ( 4 nights )Fly home from Osaka
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The best and most popular times to visit Japan are the climatically stable seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). The highlight of spring is the cherry-blossom season, which usually arrives in Kyoto in early April. Bear in mind, though, that the blossoms are notoriously fickle, blooming any time from late March to mid-April. Autumn is an equally good time to travel, with pleasant temperatures and soothing autumn colours, which usually peak between late October and mid-November. Be warned that Kyoto is crowded with domestic and international tourists during the cherry-blossom and autumn-foliage seasons.
Of course, you can visit Japan at any time of year and you will need to travel during winter if you want to see the Snow Monkeys bathing in the hot springs surrounded by snow.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Why Scott Dunn?
At Scott Dunn, we live and breathe travel. An insatiable appetite to discover the world runs through everything we do. We relish the planning and revel in the detail. We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference, and we stop at nothing to make every trip not only exceptional but totally unique.
- Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, based around exactly what’s important to you
- Packed full of unique experiences, hand-picked by our journeys team
- Expert local guides enrich your experience in every destination
- Your own dedicated Travel Specialist who will take care of every detail of your trip
- We have a 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- We offer flexibility and financial protection to give you total peace of mind