Interested in Japan but don't want to handle the difficulties when traveling with your family? Simply travel with us and let our experienced tour planners and local guides make your vacation worry-free.
Connect with the rich history of Japan, breathe in the fragrance of mountain towns, wander through splendid shrines and palaces, experience different classes of Shinkansen bullet train as you traverse the country, shop on busy streets, and savor an array of Japan's culinary delights at homely local restaurants and bustling food markets, delighting in food tasting experiences that make you feel like a local!
What you are waiting for? Read the customizable itinerary and travel with us your way!
Journey Route
- Alisa Liu
- 8 years of travel advisor experience
- Has helped 8,000+ clients
This is an ideal tour for first-time visitors and families. Sign up for your favorite part of the tour or simply treat the whole tour as inspiration, designing each element specially for you.
Highlights
Wash your hands in Meiji Shrine and connect with Japanese traditions.
Experience the rich heritage of Japan by visiting various UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the country.
Dive headfirst into the pulsating center of Tokyo's youth culture.
See the panorama of Tokyo city from the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world.
Unleash your culinary creativity in a ramen-making experience for the whole family in Tokyo.
Have fun in Universal Studios Japan with your kids!
Board the different classes of Shinkansen and explore different parts of Japan.
Zoom through the incredible Japanese Alps and enter traditional folk villages.
Discover the artistry of gold-leafing in Kanazawa, creating your own unique piece of shimmering beauty.
Stay overnight in traditional Japanese ryokan — complete with tatami mat floors and sliding doors.
Learn the value of peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Feed the wild deer at Nara Park and share in the idyllic scenery.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
Honeymoon Planning 2025
I worked with Bert and he was super helpful in helping me plan a honeymoon trip to Japan. I have wanted to visit Japan for a really long time but the idea of planning a whole trip and taking in all Japan has to offer sounded like a huge amount of work and research. This planning experience took all those nerves away. I got both a summery of the trip and very detailed review of all the places on the itinerary. They have multiple ways to communicate, I choose to communicate by email. Bert was very professional and polite. Quick responses and follow up emails were sent to keep me on track with planning. More
, Apr 2024
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Customized Trip Planning
My experience with Alisa at Asia Highlights has been excellent. I wanted to customize my trip to South Korea and Japan. I made several changes and asked many questions which she answered promptly. My trip included only hotels and transportation because I wanted to explore on my own. This gave me the option to book my own tours if I want. I selected Asia Highlights because of the great reviews and booked because Alisa was helpful in planning my trip. More
JBC, Feb 2024
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Japan Tour
Alisa did a fantastic job, answering all my questions and catering to what I want for our upcoming Japan tour. The itinerary was so detailed! We are so excited for our trip! More
Theresa Beltran, Feb 2024
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Itinerary in Detail
We arrange plenty of cultural activities to help create memorable experiences along the way. We also take time to observe deer, regarded by Japanese people as messengers of the gods, and have fun in both Disneyland and Universal Studios. Of course, all of them are adjustable according to your ideas!
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo — capital city of Japan!
Upon landing at the airport, a friendly driver will transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours. Enjoy free time to start exploring the city or relax and refresh from your journey.
Embark on a full-day tour of Tokyo via private vehicle, immersing your family in a blend of history and modernity that defines the city:
- Commence your exploration at Meiji Jingu Shrine, a tranquil oasis paying homage to Japan's spiritual heritage.
- Embrace the energy of Shibuya, a hub of modern trends and youth culture.
- Round off your day at Kokyo Gaien National Garden, a lush retreat from the city's pace where you can photograph the charming Meganebashi ('Spectacles') Bridge with a unique European ambiance.
- Dive into history at Asakusa's Senso-ji temple, an esteemed symbol of Buddhism.
- Ascend to the top of Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking panoramas of the bustling metropolis.
Experience Tokyo's high-tech and pop culture vibe today in a full-day tour around the city in a private vehicle:
- Explore teamLab Borderless at MORI Building Digital Art Museum, an innovative digital art space that blurs the boundaries between art and its viewers.
- Engage your family in a ramen-making experience, discovering the art of crafting Japan's famous noodles.
- Visit the Pokémon Center, which is bursting with merchandise from the beloved franchise.
- Step into an anime café, immersing yourselves in Tokyo's dynamic pop art culture.
Each attraction offers a unique flavor of Japan's capital, allowing you to customize an engaging day for your family.
Transition into the traditional heartland of Japan on day 4:
- Starting with a self-guided trip to the station. Thanks to a detailed briefing from your Tokyo guide and ahead-of-time delivery of your Shinkansen tickets, you'll know exactly how to get to the station and what to do when the day begins.
- Experience the thrilling speed of the Shinkansen as you travel from Tokyo to Nagoya.
- Upon arrival in Nagoya, a private transfer will whisk you off to the charming town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps.
- Embark on a guided tour in a private vehicle, visiting highlights like historical Takayama Jinya, a well-preserved government house offering a window into the feudal era Japan.
- Immerse yourself in the rustic ambiance of Hida Folk Village, featuring traditional thatched homes and farmhouses that depict mountain life from centuries ago.
Journey further into the cultural richness of Japan, traveling from Takayama to Kanazawa:
- During a full-day tour in a private car, immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, famous for its distinctive gassho-zukuri ('praying hands') thatched farmhouses.
- Continue on to explore the historical elegance of Kanazawa Castle, a landmark of the city's samurai history.
- Round off the day amidst the tranquility of Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three landscape gardens, renowned for its beauty in all seasons.
This day offers a deep dive into Japan's architectural and natural splendor, creating priceless family memories.
Begin your day with an exploration of more Kanazawa gems:
- Visit Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved section of the city known for its historical teahouses.
- Engage in a unique gold-leafing experience, a nod to the city's renowned gold leaf craft, adding a touch of extravagance to your day.
- Afterwards, embark on a scenic train ride from Kanazawa to Kyoto aboard the Thunderbird (express train).
- Upon arrival in Kyoto, utilize your detailed information provided in advance to smoothly navigate your way to your hotel. Remember, your train ticket also works as a metro ticket once you arrive in Kyoto!
Your evening is at your leisure, giving you valuable free time to either begin exploring or simply rest up after an eventful day.
Immerse your family in the historical and cultural wonders of Kyoto with a full-day tour in a private vehicle:
- Take in the glittering sight of Kinkaku-ji temple, a.k.a. Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple coated in gold leaf.
- Explore Nijo Castle, a well-preserved castle showcasing Japan's feudal history.
- Immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of Arashiyama, a scenic district on the outskirts of Kyoto.
- Visit the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, and end the day trip at Nonomiya Shrine, a small Shinto shrine set amidst the verdant Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Of course, the order and selection of visits is flexible, offering you the freedom to prioritize sites that resonates most with your family's interests.
Set off towards Osaka, making stops at some of Kyoto's and Nara's most renowned attractions along the way:
- Begin your day with a visit to Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera), an iconic Buddhist temple offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
- Move on to Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to the famous path lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates.
- Upon arrival in Nara, visit Mount Wakakusa, a beautiful grass-covered hill offering stunning city views.
- Take a leisurely stroll in Nara Park, known for its free-roaming herd of deer, before ending your day in Osaka.
Throughout your journey, enjoy the comfort and convenience of touring by private vehicle. The rest of the day is yours to start uncovering the vibrant charms of Osaka.
Ready for an adventure-filled day? Your family is off to Universal Studios Japan!
- With your 1-Day Studio Pass, dive into the world of your favorite movie characters, and enjoy a variety of exhilarating attractions and shows.
- Your local guide will provide detailed transfer information ahead of time, ensuring a smooth experience.
Be ready to create unforgettable memories together within this magical world of fun and excitement.
On day 10, embark on a new chapter of your Japan journey as you travel from Osaka to Hiroshima using your pre-provided train tickets:
- After a smooth trip aboard the Nozomi Train from Shin-Osaka Station, you will alight in Hiroshima where a rich history awaits an unfolding before you.
- With your private guide and vehicle, you will visit the majestic Hiroshima Castle, offering historical insights into Japan's feudal period.
- Take a moment of reflection at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, an enduring symbol of peace. Its poignant memorial monuments, museums, and lecture halls offer a testimony of Hiroshima's tragic past and its subsequent commitment to world peace.
Your history-filled day of exploration will end as you settle into your Hiroshima hotel for the night.
Soak in more of Hiroshima's unique blend of tranquility and historical significance:
- Enter Shukkei-en Garden, a compact but beautiful space representing various landscapes from all over Japan.
- Take a cruise to Miyajima Island, where the world-renowned Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its iconic "floating" torii gate await.
- Post exploration, board the Nozomi Train back to Osaka. Detailed instructions will guide you smoothly from the station to your hotel.
Enjoy your free time in the evening to rest or discover Osaka's vibrant streets.
On day 12, we would experience a memorable day in Osaka, the heart of Japan's Kansai region:
- Start your full-day tour at Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, where you can marvel at traditional Japanese woodblock prints.
- Embark on our half-day Culinary Delights adventure in the vibrant Shinsekai ('New World') district, offering a taste of Osaka's gastronomy.
- Become a ninja for a day with a fun-filled Ninja Experience, learning about their fascinating history while mastering some ninja techniques.
- End the day in Dotonbori, the city's entertainment heart where a plethora of shopping and dining options await.
Experience Osaka's unique blend of culture, history, and food at your own pace.
As your unforgettable family journey through Japan comes to an end, enjoy a seamless one-way private transfer from your hotel to the airport.
Reflect on the incredible memories you've gathered, from the buzzing streets of Tokyo and Osaka to the historical charm of Kyoto and Hiroshima, while on your way home. Each destination will have shown you its unique delights, from cultural landmarks and traditional artisanal experiences to culinary tours and thrilling amusement parks.
Sayonara and safe travels! We hope to welcome you again soon.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
Hotel in Tokyo with walking distance to Shimbashi and Ginza
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Kid-friendly traditional Ryokan in Takayama
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Conveniently located hotel in central Kanazawa
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Unique warm hotel with fine location in Kyoto
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Hotel ideally located for leisure activities in central Osaka.
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Hotel offering a breathtaking sea view in Hiroshima
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Tour Price:
- The price is based on a private tour for 4 people during the low season.
- The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
- We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
- We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).
Price Includes:
- Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
- English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
- Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
- Accommodation for all nights
- Trains between itinerary cities
- Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
- 24/7 helpline while touring
- Governmental taxes
Price Excludes:
- International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa fee, if applicable
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Tour code: ah-jp-13
Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
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At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.