Travel Guide To Japan With Kids

Japan has many family-friendly destinations that offer plenty of fun and educational activities to enjoy for all ages. You can have a trip that includes highlights of Japan for 9 days or customise a holiday package to Japan with multiple local travel agencies in Japan directly on 2EZTOUR. Here are some of the most popular family-friendly destinations in Japan:

Where to go in Tokyo for family

Tokyo is a bustling metropolis that offers a wide range of family-friendly activities and attractions, including amusement parks, museums, zoos, and more. Some popular places to visit in Tokyo with kids include Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, Ueno Zoo, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise, with countless delicious and unique dishes to sample. Be sure to explore the city’s many restaurants, food stalls, and markets to discover the best of Tokyo’s culinary delights.

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea – These are two of the most popular theme parks in Japan, offering a wide range of attractions and entertainment for all ages.

Tokyo Tower – This iconic tower offers breathtaking views of the city, and kids will love the glass floor in the observation deck.

Tokyo National Museum of Nature and Science – This museum offers interactive exhibits on science, nature, and the history of Japan.

Ueno Zoo – Located in Tokyo, this zoo has a wide variety of animals to see, including pandas, tigers, and elephants.

KidZania Tokyo – This indoor theme park allows kids to role-play different professions and learn about various careers.

Ghibli Museum – Located in Tokyo, this museum showcases the work of renowned Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli, and offers interactive exhibits and screenings of their films.

Legoland Discovery Centre – Located in Tokyo and Nagoya, this indoor attraction features Lego-themed rides, exhibits, and activities.

What to eat in Tokyo

Ramen: This hearty noodle soup is a staple of Japanese cuisine, and Tokyo has some of the best ramen restaurants in the country. Some popular varieties include shoyu ramen (soy sauce-based broth), miso ramen (miso-based broth), and tonkotsu ramen (pork bone-based broth).

Sushi: Tokyo is home to some of the best sushi restaurants in the world, where you can sample fresh and delicious seafood, including tuna, salmon, and sea urchins.

Tempura: This Japanese-style fried food is made by coating vegetables and seafood in a light batter and deep-frying them until crispy. Some popular tempura dishes include shrimp, squid, and vegetables like eggplant and sweet potato.

Yakitori: These skewered and grilled chicken skewers are a popular street food in Tokyo, and can be found in food stalls and restaurants throughout the city. Some popular varieties include Tsukune (chicken meatballs) and Negima (chicken and scallion skewers).

Okonomiyaki: This savoury pancake is a popular dish in Tokyo, made with a batter of flour, eggs, and grated yam filled with cabbage, meat or seafood, and topped with a variety of condiments, including mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce.

Where to go in Kyoto for family

Kyoto is a beautiful city in Japan that is rich in culture and history, a wonderful destination for families, with plenty of cultural attractions, beautiful scenery, and delicious food to enjoy. Be sure to explore the city’s many temples, shrines, and gardens, and try some of Kyoto’s famous cuisine while you’re there. It offers many family-friendly activities, such as visiting traditional temples and gardens, taking part in cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and kimono rentals, and exploring the Kyoto Railway Museum.

Okinawa: Okinawa is a popular beach destination that offers a range of activities for families, including snorkelling, kayaking, and visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which is home to a wide variety of marine life.

Kinkaku-ji: Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this stunning temple is covered in gold leaf and is one of the most famous sights in Kyoto. Visitors can explore the temple’s beautiful gardens and take in the breathtaking views of the pavilion.

Fushimi Inari Shrine: This iconic shrine is known for its thousands of bright orange torii gates, which form a winding path up the mountain. Visitors can hike through the gates and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Kyoto Imperial Palace: This beautiful palace was once the residence of Japan’s imperial family, and is now open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the palace’s beautiful gardens and learn about the history of Japan’s royal family.

Nijo Castle: This historic castle was built in the 17th century and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can tour the castle’s interior and see the elaborate decorations and furnishings.

What to eat in Kyoto

Kaiseki: This traditional multi-course meal is a feast for the senses, with a variety of small, beautifully presented dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Kaiseki can be quite expensive, but it’s a great way to experience the best of Kyoto’s cuisine.

Yudofu: This simple dish of boiled tofu served with a dipping sauce is a Kyoto specialty, and is often served in traditional Japanese restaurants.

Matcha sweets: Kyoto is known for its high-quality matcha green tea, which is used to make a variety of delicious sweets and desserts, including matcha ice cream, matcha mochi, and matcha cookies.

Where to go in Hokkaido for family

Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan, a great destination for families who love the outdoors, offering activities like skiing and snowboarding tours in the winter, hiking and biking in the summer. The city of Sapporo also offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, such as the Sapporo Beer Museum and the Sapporo Science Centre.

Sapporo: Hokkaido’s largest city is known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere. Be sure to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February, where you can see amazing ice sculptures and enjoy winter tours.

Furano and Biei: These neighbouring towns are famous for their beautiful lavender fields and other colourful flowers, which are in full bloom in the summer months.

Otaru: This charming port town is known for its picturesque canal, historic buildings, and delicious seafood. Be sure to try some of the local seafood and visit the Otaru Music Box Museum.

Asahiyama Zoo: This popular zoo is home to a variety of animals, including penguins, polar bears, and red pandas. Be sure to visit the penguin walk, where you can see the penguins waddling around the zoo in a parade.

What to eat in Hokkaido

Seafood: Hokkaido is surrounded by the sea, and is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood. Some popular dishes include salmon, crab, scallops, and sea urchins.

Ramen: Hokkaido is also famous for its rich and flavourful ramen, which often features a hearty miso-based broth and is topped with local ingredients like corn, butter, and seafood.

Where to go in Osaka for family

Osaka is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in Japan, known for its delicious food, friendly people, and fascinating cultural attractions.

Osaka Castle: This 16th-century castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Osaka. Visitors can tour the castle’s interior and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top floor.

Universal Studios Japan: This theme park is one of the most popular attractions in Osaka, featuring a variety of rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: This impressive aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including whale sharks, dolphins, and penguins. Visitors can walk through a tunnel surrounded by a massive tank filled with fish, and watch live shows featuring trained sea creatures.

Dotonbori: This bustling street is one of the liveliest areas in Osaka, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s a great place to sample local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the city.

What to eat in Osaka

Okonomiyaki: This savoury pancake is one of Osaka’s most famous dishes. Made with a batter of flour, eggs, and grated yam, okonomiyaki is filled with cabbage, meat or seafood, and topped with a variety of condiments, including mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce.

Takoyaki: These small, fried balls of batter are filled with bits of octopus, ginger, and green onion. Takoyaki is a popular street food in Osaka and can be found in food stalls throughout the city.

Where to go in Nara for family

Nara is a small city near Kyoto that is known for its deer park, where visitors can interact with friendly wild deer. It also has several important Buddhist temples and shrines, including the Todai-ji Temple, which houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha.

Todai-ji Temple: This historic temple houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha.
Kasuga-Taisha Shrine: This Shinto shrine is known for its thousands of lanterns and beautiful architecture.

Isuien Garden: This traditional Japanese garden features a pond, streams, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Horyu-ji Temple: This historic temple is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and is known for its beautiful architecture and art.

What to eat in Nara

Somen: Somen are thin, white noodles that are typically served cold in the summer months. Some popular places to try somen in Nara include Yoshino Somen and Tsuki no Shizuku.

Kakinoha sushi: A type of sushi that is wrapped in persimmon leaves. Some popular places to try kakinoha sushi in Nara include Kasuga Taisha Honden and Kishu Kaki no Ha Sushi.

Yamato soba: A type of buckwheat noodle that is popular in the Yamato region of Japan, which includes Nara. Some popular places to try yamato soba in Nara include Kiri no Mori and Naramachi Koshi no Yume.

Where to go in Hiroshima for family

Hiroshima is a city in western Japan known for its tragic history and beautiful natural scenery. Despite the devastation caused by the atomic bombing in 1945, Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a vibrant and modern city.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: This beautiful park is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the atomic bombing, and features several memorials and museums. Visitors can also see the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, which was one of the few buildings to survive the blast.

Miyajima Island: This picturesque island is known for its iconic Itsukushima Shrine, which is built over the water and is famous for its “floating” torii gate. Visitors can also see friendly deer roaming the island and enjoy beautiful views of the sea.

Hiroshima Castle: This historic castle was rebuilt after the bombing and now houses a museum showcasing the history of Hiroshima.

Shukkei-en Garden: This traditional Japanese garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, with beautiful ponds, waterfalls, and walking paths.

What to eat in Hiroshima

Okonomiyaki: Hiroshima is famous for its version of this savoury pancake dish, which is made with layers of cabbage, noodles, and other ingredients, topped with sauce and mayonnaise.

Oysters: Hiroshima is known for its fresh and delicious oysters, which are served grilled, fried, or raw.

Momiji Manju: These sweet cakes are shaped like maple leaves and are filled with sweet red bean paste. They make a great snack or souvenir to bring home!

Written and Shared by Youin Travel Team