Travelling in Japan with kids
When you go to Japan, it sometimes feels as if you are entering a child's imagination or Alice's Wonderland, which is why kids, big and small, love it.![]()
It’s not the first place that comes to mind when travelling with kids but, in fact, this is a big growth area for family travel. It’s the four S’s that seal the deal. It is Safe, Straightforward, Speedy and Stunning. And because rail travel is so easy in Japan (and most kids love a cool train journey) nothing is too hard to access either. Japan is a great place for travel with teenagers. Its history appeals to an enquiring mind, and its fashions satisfy the search for cool. And of course, if your kids are into Anime, the massive trend for Japanese animations, try keeping them away.
Activities for families in Japan
Little monkeys
As if the fabulous hiking, biking and hot springs aren’t enough, Matsumoto is home to snow monkeys, a breed of macaque that escape the icy mountains by coming down to bathe in the Yudanaka Onsen hot springs.
Sumo wrestling
Not always easy to time, as they don’t happen regularly, it is worth trying to find a tournament on your travels as this is a top thing to do in Japan with kids.
Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, such as having to grow their hair long enough to go in a knot, similar to the samurai warriors of the past.
Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, such as having to grow their hair long enough to go in a knot, similar to the samurai warriors of the past.
Room at the inn
When you travel in Japan with kids, you will not only be given a royal welcome at their traditional inns, called ryokans, but children will also love the rituals of staying in one. Such as having to take off their shoes, sleeping in sparse rooms on futons, taking communal baths and taking tea. It’s like being given a mini Japan in a box.
Japan family holiday, private departure
Explore the highlights of Japan on this family holiday
From
£3995
14 days
inc UK flights
Japan family 12 day tour
12 Day Family Tour to experience Japan
From
£2295 to £2495
12 days
ex flights
2 week Japan family holiday
Explore Japan’s richness with your loved family
From
US $7799
13 days
ex flights
Contact Us
Call us for a chat about our holidays. We are happy to discuss your holiday and help in any way we can. No bots, queues or awful hold music.
01273 823 700
Call us until 6pm
Calling from outside the UK
Travelling in Japan with kids
Ruth Hubbard, Product Manager of one of our suppliers, Inside Japan Tours highly recommends visiting Japan with kids: “Families will love it because Japanese people love children, will treat them like celebrities and probably want to take lots of photos of them.”
More Japan articles
Visit in spring for pink cherry blossom and then try Japan in autumn for beautiful reddening autumn leaves.
From bullet trains to bubbling hot springs, we show you why Japan is such an interesting and unique country to visit.
Japan is spread over four islands, including Honsho, and thousands of smaller ones, and it's one amazing archipelago.
All of Japan's cities offer a different style and vibe, from glittering Tokyo to historic Kyoto and foodie Osaka.
Learn when to see Japan's cherry blossom, and where the awesome arrays occur.
Japan's Shinkansen trains provide peace, safety and comfort for passengers.
Japanese food and drink is delicious, healthy, seasonal, and often locally sourced. What's more, it tastes incredible.
Follow the lead of the macaques in Jidokudani Monkey Park and visit a Japanese onsen, where nothing unites like a good soak.
Walking offers an unsurpassed way to explore Japan's enthralling culture and spirituality beyond the tourist trail.
Learn where you can see Japanese macaques, as well as when to see snow monkeys.
Much of our travel advice revolves around the traditions and etiquette that exist in Japan, and are worth knowing.
All of Japan’s cities are fascinating, but Kyoto and Nara are truly special.
Exploring with a local leads you to really unique locations and special activities, as our own traveller Tim reports.
One aspect of responsible tourism in Japan cannot be ignored - the whale.
