If you have any favourite places to visit just let me know
Many students and parents have told me that they are planning to travel to Japan. This is fantastic! Several have asked if I have any tips or suggestions that they might add to their itinerary. Of course there are many online sites available now which outline every possible 'must see' location, restaurant and cultural event, so we are not short on information. And more and more people have now travelled to Japan and are willing to share their experiences.
Flights to Japan arrive in either Tokyo Narita Airport or Osaka Kansai Airport. Once there the first decision is which mode of transport will you choose for your trip. Trains are fast, safe and generally easy to navigate and give you a wide variety of easy to reach options. Renting a car has its challenges but can take you to many 'off the beaten track' locations. I always choose this option, but have been lost on occasions. A combination of the two is also possible. E.g. train to a small centre where you rent a car for the day. Either way you will have a chance to see and experience many beautiful parts of Japan.
So here, based on my own experiences in Japan, are my suggestions which might be incorporated into your trip. They are in no particular order, but are generally child-friendly.
Flights to Japan arrive in either Tokyo Narita Airport or Osaka Kansai Airport. Once there the first decision is which mode of transport will you choose for your trip. Trains are fast, safe and generally easy to navigate and give you a wide variety of easy to reach options. Renting a car has its challenges but can take you to many 'off the beaten track' locations. I always choose this option, but have been lost on occasions. A combination of the two is also possible. E.g. train to a small centre where you rent a car for the day. Either way you will have a chance to see and experience many beautiful parts of Japan.
So here, based on my own experiences in Japan, are my suggestions which might be incorporated into your trip. They are in no particular order, but are generally child-friendly.
1. Kiso Valley (Nakasendo)
Location: Nagano Prefecture.
How to get there: Car. Trains are also possible. Main reason to go: Magome juku, Tsumago Juku and Narai juku: Three stunning edo period post towns on an old trade route. Each is different in appearance. A hiking trail along the old trade route allows walkers to meander through forests that connect Magome and Tsumago. |
2. Kidzania
Location: In Tokyo and Osaka (Nagoya under construction)
How to get there: Local train Main reason to go: Beats Disneyland! This is a kids city, complete with banks, shopping, restaurants and TV studio. Designed for children aged 4-14 (though my opinion is Year 5 is the upper age limit), KidZania blends learning and reality with entertainment. During your 4-hour experience, children can independently choose from a number of real-life activities and test their skills in a variety of professions. |
3. Takaosan
Location: Tokyo outskirts
How to get there: Local train Main reason to go: Walking/hiking through temples on a mountain on the outskirts of Tokyo. This is for those who have been in the big city too long and need some nature. It is a great day out on a good weather day, with beautiful views and lovely temples on a hillside setting. |
4. Onsen Hot Springs
Location: Everywhere
How to get there: Car or Train Main reason to go: Onsen are one of the great pleasures of Japan that pass many tourists by: Soaking in a hot spring bath on a mountainside, or in a city centre. This may not be everyones preferred holiday activity. There are several cultural rules and etiquettes to follow so be prepared before you go. NB: tattoos are banned. |
5. Takayama
Location: Gifu Prefecture.
How to get there: Car or train Main reason to go: Takayama (高山) is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. To differentiate it from other places named Takayama, the city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama. Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town, and in the open air Hida Folk Village museum. |
6. Castles: eg in Matsumoto
Location: . Many locations. Matsumoto is in Nagano Prefecture.
How to get there: Car and train Main reason to go: Japanese castles take you back to the feudal times. Stunning buildings in lovely settings. I happen to love Matsumoto castle, but there are many in different locations around Japan. Note: From the outside Matsumoto castle looks like it has five storeys, but actually there are six. One is a hidden floor in which the defenders could hide if under attack. |
7. Hiking (except in winter)
Location: So many places to explore
How to get there: Car or public transport
Main reason to go: Nature! Lonely Planet says: Hiking Japan is one of the hiking world’s best-kept secrets. You can go hut-to-hut in the Japan Alps, traverse the 'Big Snow Mountain’ of Hokkaidō, climb volcanoes in Kyūshū, or saunter the hills around Kyoto. Wherever you go, you probably won’t be alone: the Japanese are very keen hikers.
How to get there: Car or public transport
Main reason to go: Nature! Lonely Planet says: Hiking Japan is one of the hiking world’s best-kept secrets. You can go hut-to-hut in the Japan Alps, traverse the 'Big Snow Mountain’ of Hokkaidō, climb volcanoes in Kyūshū, or saunter the hills around Kyoto. Wherever you go, you probably won’t be alone: the Japanese are very keen hikers.
8. Kamakura
Location: About an hour south of Tokyo
How to get there: Train - easy & frequent public transport connections from Tokyo
Main reason to go: It is commonly referred to as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan because of the numerous temples and shrines in a natural setting.
How to get there: Train - easy & frequent public transport connections from Tokyo
Main reason to go: It is commonly referred to as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan because of the numerous temples and shrines in a natural setting.
9. Driving around Fuji
Location: West of Tokyo.
How to get there: Car, bus, train
Main reason to go: If you are in Japan during Summer & Autumn a drive around Mt. Fuji is a great idea. It will take a full day, as there are may places to stop: farms, ice cream shops, small villages, temples etc. On good weather days you will be blessed with stunning views of this iconic mountain. Drives in winter and spring are also possible, and offer equally beautiful sights, but many of the attractions shut during the colder months.
How to get there: Car, bus, train
Main reason to go: If you are in Japan during Summer & Autumn a drive around Mt. Fuji is a great idea. It will take a full day, as there are may places to stop: farms, ice cream shops, small villages, temples etc. On good weather days you will be blessed with stunning views of this iconic mountain. Drives in winter and spring are also possible, and offer equally beautiful sights, but many of the attractions shut during the colder months.
10. Watching a Baseball game
Location: All main cities in Japan
How to get there: Public transport
Main reason to go: The games can be fun, but watching the fan groups go through their choreographed routines is great to see. Every team has a different routine. The video below is at the Hanshin Tigers stadium, located between Osaka and Kobe and right next to Kidzania Osaka.
How to get there: Public transport
Main reason to go: The games can be fun, but watching the fan groups go through their choreographed routines is great to see. Every team has a different routine. The video below is at the Hanshin Tigers stadium, located between Osaka and Kobe and right next to Kidzania Osaka.
11. Onsen hopping in Kurokawa, Kyushu
Location: Kurokawa, Kyushu (it is quite remote)
How to get there: Car is best
Main reason to go: As real as an onsen village can get. Click the orange button to read more.
How to get there: Car is best
Main reason to go: As real as an onsen village can get. Click the orange button to read more.