From the bright city lights of Tokyo to ancient Japanese traditions, this exciting cultural family adventure includes a ride on the famous bullet train and visits to colourful temples and markets.
- See the neon lights of Akihabara in Tokyo
- Watch a geisha performance
- Sleep on a futon in a traditional Japanese inn
- Learn to make a bento lunch box
Begin your self-guided tour in the capital Tokyo, visiting some of the city's most famous areas for electronics, gaming and the latest fashion trends, as well as a colourful themed-restaurant.
Stay in a traditional Japanese inn, complete with hot-spring baths and a multi-course meal, before traveling to Kyoto on the famous Shinkansen bullet-train. Here, you will see the geisha perform and learn to make a bento box, with food decorated to look like a famous cartoon character, and explore the city’s famous temples and castle.
Your itinerary ends in Osaka, Japan’s foodie capital, where you can visit the lively markets and learn about local delicacies.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Tokyo.
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Day 2: Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport and assist you with your transfer into Tokyo on a shared shuttle service.
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Day 3: Pop culture tour of Tokyo
Spend a full day discovering the city’s latest trends, which might include visits to such areas as Akihabara, Takeshita Street, the Kawai Monster Café - perhaps the most colourful restaurant in Japan - and Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous shrine and a popular venue for traditional Shinto weddings.
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Day 4: Free in Tokyo
Today is a free day for you to explore Tokyo.
Why not visit the Ghibli Animation Studio or the Miraikan (National museum of science and innovation)? For family fun, we recommend a visit to Tokyo Disney or Disney Sea. Alternatively, you could travel to Chiba or Yokohama.
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Day 5: Train to Hakone
Travel by train to Hakone, where you'll stay in a traditional ryokan, complete with futon beds, tatami flooring and a hot-spring bath. Wear your kimono for a traditional multi-course dinner, which normally includes small servings of sushi, sashimi and tempura.
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Day 6: Explore Hakone
Explore Hakone using your local travel pass. Ride the Tozan switchback train that zigzags through the mountains, the Guiness World Record holder ropeway up to Mt Owakudani, or perhaps cruise in a replica pirate ship along the Ashinoko, a body of water formed after a volcanic eruption.
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Day 7: Bullet train to Kyoto
Today, take the bullet-train to Kyoto where, in the evening, your guide can take you to some of the places in the Higashiyma district and you will be able to see an apprentice geisha perform.
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Day 8: Character bento box making
Learn how to make a Japanese Bento box with a twist, decorating your food to look like a cartoon character or cute animal. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a tour of the city, visiting Nijo castle and the Golden Pavillion.
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Day 9: Train to Osaka
Make your way by train to Osaka, Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a walking tour through Osaka’s liveliest shopping, dining and entertainment districts.
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Day 10: Fly back to the UK
Make your way to Osaka airport in time for your return flight connections back to the UK, arriving later the same day.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 8+
- Itinerary Type: Tailor-made Holiday
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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May
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Oct
Our Tailor-made Holidays
Our tailor-made trip ideas can be adapted to suit your requirements. Contact our experts for a personalised itinerary.
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Our trip ideas are flexible and can be offered during the school holidays highlighted below or on a date of your choice. To book, make a no obligation booking request with your preferred departure date or enquire to find out more.
