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I’ve always wanted to have a family vacation in Japan, and this trip turned out to be even more unforgettable than I imagined. We traveled with our two kids and wanted a balance of culture, fun, and ease—and Japan totally delivered! Here’s what the family trip to Japan looked like, with tips and honest thoughts that might help if you’re planning your own Japan family trip.
I also added our full itinerary for our family vacation in Japan so make sure to read through the end for exact details!
What Airline to Fly for a Family Vacation in Japan
We flew Zip Air from San Jose, WA to Tokyo on one of their newer direct routes, which made things so much easier for a family traveling internationally. The flight was a solid 10 hours, and even though the airline was super bare-bones (like you have to buy water, food, and even blankets!), I was pleasantly surprised.
There were no TVs, but they do offer free Wi-Fi and outlets for all your devices—so I made sure to download everything beforehand. The flight wasn’t full, so my husband even had an empty seat next to him. Major win! The crew brings a menu around with a QR code for you to scan and order food, which is actually super convenient.
Pro tip: Zip Air is perfect if you’re looking for an affordable flight to Japan with kids, just make sure you’re prepared with your own entertainment and essentials.
Japan Travel Tip: Shipping Luggage with Yamato Transport
Once we landed at Narita Airport in Tokyo, we faced the first real challenge—navigating customs with tired kids and oversized luggage. After we cleared customs, we used Yamato Transport to ship our two large suitcases straight to our hotel in Kyoto. This is such a smart thing to do because there is zero space for big bags on Japan’s trains.
We decided to go straight to Kyoto on arrival to get the longest travel day out of the way. That way, when it was time to return home, we were already near the airport. It made the most sense with kids in tow and saved us from having to find an extra hotel along the way.
Riding the Bullet Train to Kyoto
This part was totally surreal and amazing but also at this point in the trip everyone was so tired after the flight. We left Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen (aka the bullet train), which literally flies at 300 mph. The train station itself was next-level clean and organized—but nothing was in English, and we had to figure everything out on the go.
And I LOVED the fashion – even on the train everyone looked like they stepped off a runway!
Everyone was dressed in beiges, whites, blacks – truly, if you were wearing color it was almost weird. All the men were in suits. All of the women were in heels or super fashionable sneakers. Their skin glowed, their hair glowed. They were so kind. Everyone was quiet and respectful. No one shows any public displays of affection.
Honestly a dream. I was instantly obsessed. As someone who hates loud, chaotic spaces, it was a refreshing change from what we’re used to in the U.S. (In fact, when we landed back home, I was instantly overstimulated by all the noise.)
Our Family Hotel in Kyoto + The Magic of Family Mart
We stayed at a hotel called Minn Gion in Kyoto, and while it wasn’t super spacious (traveling in Japan with a family of four can be tricky), it was cozy. The kids slept on mats, and the beds were all on the floor, which is pretty traditional. The pillows were hard, but honestly, it worked.
Right next door was Family Mart—basically Japan’s version of a 7-Eleven, but so much better. I lived on cheese danishes from there. We had tried a sit-down breakfast once, but quickly realized Family Mart’s pastries, drinks, and snacks were elite. I still think about those fluffy donuts and lattes. And yes, my kids grabbed a new treat every single morning. We were all in love.
Exploring Kyoto: Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park
On our first full day in Kyoto, we went to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It’s absolutely stunning and yes, very touristy—but still worth the visit. We also explored the nearby gardens and shrines, and it was sweet to see other Japanese tourists enjoying the space too. I loved that traveling around Japan with kids meant they got to see both international and local sights.
We just barely missed peak cherry blossom season, but there were still some blooms left, and they were gorgeous. In the nearby town, we stopped at little market stalls and grabbed Wagyu beef skewers for lunch. The kids tried fun drinks—my favorite was something called Salty Lychee, which I still dream about. You can find these cool vending machines with all kinds of drinks on nearly every corner in Japan. And once you find your favorite, you’re set for the whole trip.
Later that day, we went to Iwatayama Monkey Park, and it was a highlight. You hike up this little mountain and then get to feed monkeys from a fenced-in house. You hand them peanuts or fruit through the bars and they just grab it gently—unless you tease them (don’t do that). It was wild being eye-to-eye with monkeys, and my kids were so into it. Easily one of our favorite memories.
Cultural Tour and Nara Park Deer Encounter
The next day was meant to be our cultural deep dive. We booked a private tour to explore the temples near Kyoto with kids because we really wanted the kids to learn about Japan’s history and culture. But honestly, our guide didn’t share much and the experience kind of fell flat. The kids were unfortunately pretty bored at the temples.
One of the highlights of our family vacation in Japan was Nara Park—home to hundreds of wild deer that actually bow when you bow to them! You can buy little biscuits and feed them. Just be warned: if you’re holding food, they will stalk you. John tried to feed one and was suddenly surrounded. The kids were obsessed with this—it was definitely their favorite part of the day.
As for the temples, they’re historically interesting in theory, but most of them have burned down and been rebuilt several times. Japan has all these rituals with fire to cleanse spirits, and… yeah, the temples keep catching on fire. Some are still active for Buddhists, but it just didn’t feel very impactful compared to the dramatic historical sites you’d find in Europe.
Tea Ceremony in Kyoto: A Must-Do!
On our last day in Kyoto, we booked a traditional tea ceremony at the Kimono Tea House—one of the most authentic, family-friendly things to do in Kyoto with kids. They dressed us up in full kimonos and walked us through the entire ceremony. The hostess explained the significance behind each step, and it was such a peaceful and beautiful experience. We also got to walk around the old part of Kyoto afterward, which gave us a feel for traditional Japan.
If you’re looking for a great Kyoto with kids activity that’s both educational and hands-on, definitely add the tea ceremony to your family-friendly Japan itinerary.
Back to Tokyo: Hello Night Markets and…Greek Food?!
From Kyoto, we transferred back to Tokyo and stayed in a hotel in a great little area near a bustling night market. Surprisingly, one of our favorite meals there was actually Greek food! Honestly, we weren’t big fans of traditional Japanese food—it’s very adventurous to say the least. So we ended up eating everything from Chinese food to Italian, and yes, even burgers. We skipped the fast food chains, but we definitely weren’t shy about mixing it up.
The sushi? Super fresh, yes. But it’s very simple—just fish and rice. Not exactly flavor-packed, which is more my vibe. Still, overall, the food in Japan was great—we just leaned more international in our tastes.
Lost Luggage Drama: A Rare Mishap in Japan
Okay, quick detour back to our luggage saga because it was wild. When we landed for our family vacation in Japan, the airline was supposed to deliver our bags within 24 hours. Japan is known for their accuracy and efficiency so when it was late we were like…hmm what’s up?
John checked the tracking and it said “delivered.” But our hotel hadn’t received anything. Turns out, the hotel staff had accidentally locked our bags in a different room and forgot to tell the next people on shift! Thank goodness.
Fortunately, we packed little carry-ons just in case, but it was chaos for a minute!
Back to the luggage—after it was delivered to us, I remembered I had left an AirTag inside one of the bags. So when we were heading back from Kyoto to Tokyo, we decided to ship them again rather than struggle with oversized bags on the subway.
Japan’s stations are modern, and yes—there are elevators and escalators almost everywhere, so it’s totally doable if you choose to bring your bags with you. But my husband preferred shipping, so we stuck with that system.
Even when I didn’t complete the shipping process properly the second time, we were still able to retrieve our luggage easily. It actually arrived in Tokyo around the same time we did, and we just picked it up at a nearby Yamato station.
Exploring Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing and Kawaii Shopping
Day one in Tokyo? So much fun. We started at Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, and then hit up Takeshita Dori Street. It’s supposed to be all teen fashion, but really, it was like stepping into a Japanese version of Claire’s—think glitter, plushies, wild accessories, and total chaos. The kids loved it.
There were also these little toy capsule machines everywhere—like gumball machines, but with random trinkets. My youngest kept getting the ugliest ones and was so mad about it. My oldest, on the other hand, had a full strategy and managed to score the good stuff. It was hilarious and very on-brand for both of them.
If you’re looking for a shopping adventure in Tokyo with kids, this street is it. We dropped about $300 in a blink. My husband was a champ carrying all our new “treasures” so make sure you bring an extra bag or something to tote your goodies in.
A Note on Designer Shopping in Japan (& Secondhand Shopping!)
If you’re thinking of splurging on luxury goods while in Japan, I’d honestly say skip it. The prices are the same (or higher) than in the U.S., and you don’t get the same tax-back perks as you do in Europe. Plus, you have to deal with customs and carrying everything back. If you want to buy something designer, Europe’s the place. In Japan, I’d stick with local pieces—handmade leather, cashmere, traditional garments—things you can’t get anywhere else.
One more quick note about shopping—while we visited high-end spots like Isetan, there are also tons of secondhand luxury stores throughout Tokyo. But don’t be fooled by social media hype. The prices aren’t wildly discounted; in many cases, they’re just a few hundred dollars less than retail. If you’re hunting for a rare vintage piece, it’s worth it. Otherwise, it might make more sense to just buy new and enjoy the full experience.
Rainy Day Fail on our Family Vacation in Japan: The Museum Miss and TeamLab Regret
Our second day in Tokyo was rainy, which made things a little trickier. We wanted to go to TeamLab Planets, this insanely cool interactive light museum, but tickets were sold out. Total bummer. So make sure you get your tickets ahead of time.
Instead, we headed to what I think was the Miraikan Museum (aka the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation). And it was actually a hit! There were robot dogs that responded to petting, machines that could read the signs you held up, and interactive exhibits that showed how your senses and memory age over time. It was such a great indoor activity, especially for curious kids.
We tried to check out a nearby mall afterward, but it was a total letdown—not at all what the website promised. If you’re stuck indoors in Tokyo, definitely double-check reviews before hopping around too far in the rain.
Day Trip Change: A Rainy Detour from Mount Fuji
Originally, we planned to take a private car to Mount Fuji, which made sense since traveling there by train can be tricky with all the stops. But due to rain and heavy overcast skies, our driver suggested skipping the trip. Instead, we visited a historical open-air museum Nihon Minka-en which features preserved farmhouses from all over Japan.
These structures were physically moved from their original locations and reassembled in one beautiful, garden-filled area. Many were once owned by wealthy families, and some were occupied as recently as 50 years ago. I loved this stop because it was both educational and visually stunning.
A Happy Accident Leads to the Imperial Palace on our Family Vacation in Japan
On our way back from the museum, we accidentally got on the wrong train. Thankfully, we were heading in the right general direction, just south instead of north. We hopped off and realized we were near the Imperial Palace, so we walked through the area, which felt like Japan’s version of Washington, D.C.
Though access to the palace is restricted (you need advance tickets), we still enjoyed walking the grounds. It’s a beautifully maintained, formal part of Tokyo with a totally different vibe—suited business professionals, official buildings, and political landmarks.
A Day of Pandas and Modern Art in Ueno ~ Highly Recommend!
We stayed in the Ueno area of Tokyo, which was a fantastic location. Nearby, we visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and Ueno Zoo—home to a rare black-and-white panda! The zoo had animals we’d never seen before, including an impressive reptile exhibit. It turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly fun days. Highly recommend!
Foggy Views at Tokyo Skytree
That evening, we had tickets to Tokyo Skytree—the third tallest tower in the world. Unfortunately, it was foggy (again!), but we still had dinner in the tower. Despite the limited view, it was a cool experience to dine in such an iconic spot.
Karaoke with the Kids and Easy Dining
One night, we did karaoke with the kids, which was such a fun, laid-back activity. What I loved most about Japan was how spontaneous and easy things felt—you could pop into a little restaurant or grab street food without a reservation, and everyone was always incredibly accommodating.
Kindness Everywhere: Subway Stories and Safety
Japan felt unbelievably safe. Even when we were lost or had subway mishaps (like underpaying for tickets), people always helped us—sometimes even the guards just waved us through. One moment that stuck with me: on a crowded train, we saw a young man silently let an elderly woman nap on his shoulder. They didn’t know each other, but he let her rest there and didn’t move until her stop. It was such a tender, human moment.
Takeaways from our Family Vacation in Japan
Looking back, this family vacation in Japan was truly one of the best experiences we’ve ever had! From the rich history and futuristic cities to the warmth of the people and the ease of transportation, it was a dream for both adults and kids. Our Japan family trip itinerary had a little bit of everything—culture, nature, tech, tradition, and plenty of fun surprises along the way. If you’re planning a family trip to Japan, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s one of those places that leaves you inspired, humbled, and already planning your return.
If you want to check out more family destinations, be sure to check out my other travel posts in these places: French Riviera: Things to Do & Must-See Spots, The Best Vacation Spot for 2025: St. Barth’s Travel Guide, and Hopkins Belize: An Honest Review from a Family Perspective.
Our 9-Day Itinerary for our Family Vacation in Japan Trip
1. Thursday (Arrival at Narita, Japan)
a. Narita to Tokyo Station (Tokyo Express)
b. Tokyo Station to Kyoto (Nozomi Shinkansen)
c. Minn Gion Hotel in Kyoto
2. Friday (1st Day) Kyoto
a. Okochi Sanso Garden
b. Bamboo Forest
c. Nonomiya Shrine
d. Bamboo Forest Trail
e. Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien
f. Arashiyama (Lunch)
g. Arashiyama Garden Cafe
h. Sushi Naritaya
i. Wagyu Okada Ya
j. Togetsukyo Bridge
k. Monkey Park Iwatayama
3. Saturday (2nd Day)
a. Nara Tour
b. Nara Park
c. Todai-ji Temple
d. Kasuga Taisha Shrine
4. Sunday (3rd Day) Kyoto
a. 15:30 – Tea Ceremony and Kimono for Kids (ages 7-12) and Families
b. KIMONO TEA HOUSE MAIKOYA Karasuma Shijo
5. Monday (4th Day)
a. Ueno Hotel Aima in Tokyo
6. Tuesday (5th Day)
a. Shibuyu Crossing
b. Center-Gai
c. Harajuku – Meiji-jingu shrine (Yoyongi-koen park)
d. Takeshita-dori Street
e. Omote-Sando
7. Wednesday (6th Day)
a. TeamLab Planet
b. Miraikan Museum
c. Karaoke
8. Thursday (7th Day)
a. Nihon Minka-en
b. Kawasaki Museum of Science
9. Friday (Last Day)
a. Ueno Zoological Gardens
b. Tokyo Museum of Art
c. Asakusa
d. Tokyo Skytree
