About This Trip
In this 12-day family-friendly itinerary, experience Japan's highlights and natural beauty through a leisurely Nakasendo hike with your children or parents.
Starting from Tokyo's ancient and modern wonders, enjoy the sumo lunch and the lively Akihabara, as well as a Lake Kawaguchi day trip for the panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. The tour then takes you along the Nakasendo trails for a relaxing hike with primitive forests and wooden post-towns, before heading to Kyoto for its ancient buildings and traditions. Finally, explore Osaka freely after the Nara day trip with those roaming deer.
Itinerary Summary
| DAY | PLACE | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 - 2 | Tokyo | Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, Sumo-themed Lunch, Akihabara |
| 3 | Hakone | Oshino Hakkai, Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, Lake Kawaguchiko Cruise |
| 4 | Hakone - Nagoya | Free Exploration, Shinkansen Experience |
| 5 - 7 | Nakasendo Trail | Nakasendo Hiking, Edo Post Towns of Magome, Tsumago & Narai |
| 8 - 9 | Kyoto |
Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Kimono Tea Ceremony / Samurai & Ninja Museum, Nijo Castle Arashiyama: Biking Tour, Bamboo Grove, Yakatabune Boat Ride, Temple Garden of Tenryuji |
| 10 | Kyoto - Nara - Osaka | Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple |
| 11 - 12 | Osaka | Explore Osaka at Your Own Pace |
Itinerary
Welcome to vibrant Tokyo! Ancient temples meet neon skyscrapers in this bustling fusion of tradition and technology.
Upon arrival, be welcomed by our veteran driver for a private transfer to your hotel.
- Tokyo
Explore Tokyo like locals today, using its efficient public transport together with your private guide.
You and your family will visit the peaceful forest sanctuary of Meiji Shrine first. Walk through the towering torii gates and enjoy a calm escape from the busy city, or write your wish on an ema for your family's health and happiness.
Next, head to Senso-ji Temple, which showcases the lively atmosphere of historic Tokyo. Walk along the vibrant Nakamise Street through tempting aromas and busy crowds, try local snacks, and capture memorable family photos against the huge Kaminarimon lantern.
Followed by a sumo-themed dining experience for lunch, with chicken hotpot as well as the wrestler performance for fascinating insights into Japan's sumo culture.
Later, spend your afternoon in Akihabara to see another side of Japan with anime, manga, gaming stores, and high-tech gadgets.
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- Tokyo
Start your day with a convenient private pick-up from Tokyo. Your English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the day, providing insights and helping the family enjoy a stress-free experience.
Stroll along the peaceful pathways of Oshino Hakkai, admire traditional thatched-roof houses, and enjoy views of Mount Fuji reflected in its crystal-clear spring ponds.
Continue to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, take your time to climb the steps to the iconic Chureito Pagoda, a scene loved by photographers worldwide.
Then, ride a serene cruise with your family across the calm turquoise waters of Lake Kawaguchiko. Breathe in the crisp alpine air and capture Mt. Fuji's reflection in the lake's mirror-like surface.
After the tour, proceed to Hakone. Check into a modern Japanese-style onsen resort for a relaxing hot spring bath, either indoors or outdoors, to unwind after a day of sightseeing and light walking.
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- Hakone
Enjoy a free morning exploring Hakone at your own pace. You may choose to visit one of its artistic museums nestled in the forest, for example, Hakone Open-Air Museum, where impressive sculptures and artworks are displayed across scenic gardens.
In the afternoon, make your way to the railway station for the Shinkansen to Nagoya, which usually takes around one hour.
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- Nagoya
After breakfast, take a train from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa (approximately 50 minutes). From there, continue by bus to Magome (around 25 minutes).
Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic hike along the Nakasendo Trail from Magome to Tsumago (about 9km and usually takes 3-4 hours at a relaxed pace). This trail lets your family immerse in pastoral vistas, tranquil soundscapes, and cultural echoes of old Japan amidst timeworn post towns. Slow down your pace and enjoy the beauty, simplicity, and heritage of the Japanese countryside.
After completing the hike, check into your accommodation in Tsumago and enjoy a peaceful evening in this historic post town.
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- Tsumago
The Nakasendo hike today takes you to the classic Torii Pass. Take a bus from Tsumago to Nagiso Station (approximately 10 minutes) after breakfast, then board the JR train to Yabuhara Station (around 1 hour).
From Yabuhara, your family walking tour can follow the main trail to Narai (about 6km, taking around 2 hours at a relaxed pace; while looking for more adventure, there are also side routes taking 4-5 hours to complete), enjoy forested paths, traditional wooden bridges along the way, and panoramic views from Torii Pass.
After completing the hike, spend the rest of the day exploring Narai-juku, one of the best-preserved post towns on the Nakasendo Trail. Hop those traditional merchant houses and local craft shops lined along the historic streets, and enjoy the town's charming Edo-period atmosphere.
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- Narai
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Narai to take a final stroll through the historic streets. When ready, make your way to the railway station for your train journey to Kyoto. The trip includes transfers at Nakatsugawa and Nagoya, taking approximately 4 hours in total.
Upon arrival in Kyoto, proceed to your hotel on your own. Take a glimpse of the rituals and romance of a bygone era preserved in Kyoto's lanes after your sound rest.
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- Kyoto
Spend a full day exploring Kyoto with your private guide using convenient public transportation.
Commence your family journey at Kiyomizu-dera, one of the best places to see the panoramic views of Kyoto from its observation deck. Walk along the charming Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka streets, lined with traditional shops, cafés, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Continue to join a shared tour according to your interest: Try traditional kimono and enjoy a hands-on tea ceremony at Gion district; or enjoy a samurai experience at the Annex of Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto around Ninshiki Market.
Conclude the day at Nijo Castle. Marvel at its lavishly decorated apartments adorned with paintings and gold leaf, and listen to the groaning floorboards laid to detect intruders.
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- Kyoto
Take advantage of public transport, visit western Kyoto today for a full-day excursion to Arashiyama with your private guide.
Upon arrival, rent bicycles locally (rental fees paid on-site, varying by duration and bicycle type) and cycle through the charming streets of Sagano to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. Afterward, visit Temple Garden of Tenryuji, a masterpiece of Zen design, which features a central pond that beautifully incorporates the surrounding mountains as borrowed scenery.
Then, take a peaceful walk through the towering Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, filtering the sunlight with stalks sway.
Later, board a Yakatabune (30min), a traditional Japanese pleasure boat, and admire the breathtaking view of the Togetsukyo Bridge from the water. Or, you will sit back and relax on the Sagano Scenic Railway, which will take you on a mesmerizing journey through the countryside.
After the tour, your guide will accompany you back to the city.
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- Kyoto
Today's Japan family tour will drop by Nara before transferring to Osaka.
With your private guide and driver, start the morning at Fushimi Inari-taisha, traipse along the paths flanked by thousands of vermilion torii gates.
After a short dive from Kyoto, Nara Park is your next stop. See deer roaming freely on the lawn, and capture the moment when feeding them with crackers. Continue to Todai-ji Temple, home to the impressive Great Buddha, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks.
After sightseeing, your guide will escort you to Osaka for check-in at your hotel.
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- Osaka
Enjoy the self-guided day in Osaka and explore the city at the max flexibility.
Apart from the food walking tour around Dotonbori at your own pace, for an exciting day of fun and adventure, we recommend visiting Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
Enjoy a wide range of attractions and shows suitable for all ages, from thrilling rides to interactive experiences based on popular movies. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Minion Park are especially popular with children.
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- Osaka
Find your way to the airport for your departure flight.
As your plane takes off from Osaka, you look down one final time at the tiny patchwork of rice fields and crowded streets. Goodbye, lovely Japan.
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