Family VacationsJapan

Japan family vacations come in many forms, and can cater to a wide range of interests, from close encounters with gentle deer in Nara Park, to a family day out at Tokyo’s Disney parks. The one constant is the memories that will last a lifetime in one of the safest, most fascinating countries in the world. Japan also leans proudly into its kitschy side, celebrating subcultures defined by gaming, animation, pop culture and more.

A Family Day Out in Tokyo

Tokyo, likely to be your first stop in Japan, defines the word ‘megacity,’ and so offers a staggering variety of family-friendly attractions. There is of course Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, commonly ranked among Disney fans as the world’s best Disney park, bar none. You can also hit up the thrill rides at Tokyo Dome City. That said, it’s possible to have a great family vacation in Tokyo on a budget too. Simply strolling neighbourhoods like kawaii (cuteness)-loving Harajuku or the shamelessly geeky tech dens of Akihabara, aka ‘Electric Town’ can be a great family day out. Don’t miss out on Ueno Park either, which harbours Tokyo Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum. It’s also just a short walk away from iconic temple Senso-ji, and the much-loved Samurai Ninja Museum. Another great day out for families is the Studio Ghibli Museum. Located in Tokyo’s west, this celebration of the studio known for Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and other animated greats, invites imaginations of all ages to run wild in animated filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s worlds.

As a nightlife and business district, Shinjuku is less geared toward families, but a stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is still a tranquil way to break up the day while admiring its enormous towers. You can zip to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free views, and keep an eye out for Godzilla, peeking out over the roof of Toho Cinemas. The statue actually belongs to Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, but you can get up close by taking the elevator to the cafe on the eighth floor, enjoying drinks and cakes while you admire the world’s favourite Kaiju. 

Odaiba: Much More Than a Mall

Odaiba, a reclaimed island located in Tokyo proper and well-connected by public transit, welcomes you with its unusual mix of Japanese culture, including a life-sized statue of the robotic anime hero Gundam, and shamelessly kitsch copies such as a replica of the Statue of Liberty. It’s known for its restaurants and shopping malls, but in between those, you’ll find unique offerings to delight Japanophiles of all ages. Gundam gets his own store, as does Hello Kitty, with other stores devoted to Tokyo nostalgia, Toyota’s latest toys, arts and crafts and of course, cats. These stand out not just for how specialized they are, but because many of them blur the line between store and theme park, making a day out at Odaiba a great choice for a family vacation in Tokyo. You can even embrace cutting-edge Japanese immersive art at teamLab Borderless, have a laugh at the Tokyo Trick Art Museum, or immerse yourself in that most traditional of Japanese pastimes, the onsen at Oedo Onsen Monogatari. This is a great place to experience onsen culture as a family, before hitting the arcade to try your hand at uniquely Japanese games. For family gaming time though, nowhere on Odaiba can match Sega’s Joyopolis theme park. Take a night-time spin on Odaiba’s ferris wheel of unbeatable views of the Tokyo neonscape.

Kyoto: Stepping into History

Kyoto explores the stately side of Imperial Japan, but it can be just as exciting for families as Tokyo. While kids still love exploring the traditional gardens and temples like golden Kinkaku-ji, they’ll also have a great time following the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha, keeping an eye out for the foxes that represent the inari deity, each of which holds a key to the rice granary in its mouth. Lean into history at Nijo Castle, then explore the world of Japanese comic art at the Kyoto International Manga Museum. There’s even a Samurai Ninja Museum nearby, if you didn’t get time to go in Tokyo.

Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is another must-visit, where towering bamboo stalks create an enchanted forest effect. Arrive early, since it can get a bit crowded, then take the short, invigorating hike up to Arashiyama Monkey Park, where wild macaques roam free (watch your valuables!). For an immersion into Kyoto culture, don't miss the chance to experience a traditional tea ceremony, where children and teens are more than welcome.

Osaka: Japan’s Friendly Kitchen

Osaka is known for its friendly, laid-back attitude and its culinary delights. It’s also a great home-base for exploring the Kansai region, including Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Kobe, and Mount Koya, so staying here for a few days can make a family Japan vacation easier logistically too. Begin the adventure at Universal Studios Japan, where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter casts its spell over young wizards and witches. For an educational twist, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan showcases ocean wonders from across the globe, leaving children in awe.

Osaka is ‘Japan’s kitchen,’ so follow your nose (or ideally, a guide) to street food delights in Dotonbori, where savoury okonomiyaki (japanese savoury pancake) and fluffy takoyaki (octopus balls fried in batter) tempt your taste buds. For families with aspiring chefs, joining a cooking class to learn these recipes is both fun and rewarding.

Deer and Daibutsu in Nara

Nara makes a great day trip just a short train ride from Kyoto or Osaka. Known for its friendly free-roaming deer, Nara Park delights visitors of all ages. Purchase a bag of crackers, and let the deer come to you. Next to it, the majestic Todai-ji Temple houses a gigantic bronze Buddha statue or Daibutsu, a must-see before you leave.

The trails of Mount Kasuga behind its namesake grand shrine offer gentle hikes filled with picturesque views and opportunities to encounter local wildlife. It’s a chance to connect with Nara (and its deer) in a quieter setting.

Hokkaido: A Winter Playground for All Ages

Hokkaido, Japan’s second largest island stands out for families looking to experience nature. It’s quieter and less developed than the big cities to the south, yet it’s constantly surprising at any time of year. In spring, head to the flower fields of Furano. In summer, Hokkaido’s milder temperatures are ideal for hiking. It also offers autumn foliage to rival any in Japan, while in winter, the slopes of Niseko offer for the perfect family skiing vacation, or watch playful snow monkeys soaking in a natural hot spring. Be sure to book some onsen time for yourselves, however!