Planning a trip to Japan with kids can be daunting. Here are 10 of the most unforgettable experiences that you can have with your littles in Japan.
If you want to do all of the activities that immerse you in Japanese history and culture that are also family-friendly, you won’t be able to do them all. However, put these activities and experiences on your Japan-with-kids list to make forever memories.
Family of 5 in Japan
As a chronic over-researcher/over-planner, I tend to over analyze each activity and make extreme family itineraries for our trips. Our 2 week trip through Japan was no exception.
Our family spent a week traveling on a JR pass and another week in Tokyo and the surrounding area crunching as many activities as possible into each day.
RELATED POST: Is a JR Pass Worth It with a Family
Unfortunately, some of those activities were just not worth our time and energy. Still other favorite activities needed more time. Some activities didn’t even make the list, and we wish they had.
We spent 3 days enjoying the fun and whimsy of Disney, a couple of days enjoying Japan’s most famous mountain, and most of our time experiencing the historical and cultural delights of this ancient nation.
Some of those experiences our kids don’t remember or flat-out didn’t like. However, a few of these experiences are frequent topics of conversation in our household.
We want to share our top 10 experiences for you and your family to make forever memories on your Japan trip.
10 Unforgettable Family Experiences in Japan
1. Inari Shrine Walk Kyoto
The Inari Shrine walk in Kyoto is a must-visit and an excellent destination for families with kids. This top site in Japan is especially unique due to its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and interactive exploration.
The main shrine, while crowded, is a top spot for your favorite family photos and kimonos! More than 32,000 vibrant red torii gates create a mesmerizing tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari.
This picturesque trail offers a delightful, child-friendly hike through a lush forest lined with fox statutes –the protectors of the shrine.
Or, take a less-traveled route through the bamboo forest up Mt. Inari and hike back down through the less-crowded peak back down to the bottom.
The Inari Shrine walk is a cultural experience for both adults and kids. Discuss Shinto traditions and rituals while enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Additionally, the relatively easy terrain and short walking distances between points of interest make it a manageable excursion for families, ensuring a memorable and educational outing in the heart of Kyoto.
This site is easily accessible from the Inari stop on the JR line in Kyoto.
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Peace Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the Hiroshima Peace Museum offer a profound and educational experience for families with kids. Visiting these sites not only imparts a critical historical lesson but also promotes values of peace, tolerance, and empathy.
The Peace Memorial, epitomized by the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, stands as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare. It provides an opportunity for parents to engage their children in discussions about the consequences of conflict and the importance of global peace.
The Peace Museum further educates visitors, including children, about the events of the atomic bombing and its aftermath through exhibits, survivor testimonies, and multimedia presentations. It emphasizes the message of anti-nuclear proliferation and peace advocacy.
Prepare your children for Hiroshima
I will not sugarcoat it. The subject matter is heavy. The exhibits can be quite gruesome and disturbing.
However, young visitors who have been appropriately educated and prepared can appreciate that this historical event is a tragic piece of history and that our participation in world peace is crucial.
My kids were truly touched by the museum, felt the heaviness of the air in Peace park, and appreciated the size of the destruction by walking the grounds. They have a larger understanding of world history because of this experience.
Our family could have easily spent multiple days in Hiroshima spending time at Peace park, the museum, newly rebuilt sites, and marveling at the technology that now crowns this beautiful city.
I used the 6-unit study below to prepare my children for visiting Hiroshima before our trip.
3. Kimono Experience
Admittedly, wearing a kimono in public might make you feel a little out of place. But, after only a few minutes of our family donning kimono attire in the streets, we knew that this was a great experience.
Loads of people stopped to compliment us. Older women loved stopping my young children and fixing a tie here or adjusting a sleeve there. Other people had just as much fun watching my children twirl in long robes as we had wearing them for our own photo shoots.
Don’t worry about being offensive to the culture so long as you are also respectful. Japan has a thriving kimono rental and resale industry that encourages both locals and tourists to embrace the country’s rich heritage.
In our experience, wearing a kimono was a way that Japanese invited us into their heritage. Donning a kimono showed that we wanted to celebrate Japan. Plus, by participating as a family, our children have more of an appreciation for traditional Japanese attire and customs.
Our family purchased resale kimonos from a popular kimono store found in most large cities in Japan. We shipped them home to keep as a memento of our trip. However, one of the best places to rent kimonos is at the Inari Shrine walk. There are many kimono rental stores in the immediate vicinity, and it is one of the best places to get the best photo ops.
4. Visit At Least One Castle (Himeji, Nagoya, or others)
Visiting a castle with kids in Japan is a fantastic family experience for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an engaging history lesson in a visually captivating setting, making learning fun for children.
Secondly, exploring these castles often involves interactive exhibits, such as armor and weapons displays, which can captivate young minds. Moreover, many castle grounds are surrounded by picturesque gardens and parks, offering ample space for kids to play and enjoy the outdoors.
Some of Japan’s top castles to visit with kids include:
Nagoya Castle (Nagoya): This iconic castle has a modern museum and beautiful gardens to explore. This was one of our favorites because the grounds were so extensive giving our children ample space to run, play, and observe the history.
Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima): Situated in a scenic park, this reconstructed castle offers history and lovely surroundings. Unfortunately this castle does charge for admittance, but it also gives unparalleled views of Hiroshima and even the A-Bomb Dome.
Castles to Visit with Kids
- Himeji Castle (Himeji): Known as the White Heron Castle, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with extensive grounds and educational exhibits.
- Osaka Castle (Osaka): This castle features a museum with interactive displays and spectacular views from the top floor.
- Matsumoto Castle (Nagano): Renowned for its black exterior, it provides a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.
- Nijo Castle (Kyoto): Kyoto already has so many sites of interest, you might quickly pass by Nijo Castle –the home of the first Edo shogun. This stunning and oft-rebuilt castle has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1994.1
These castles not only showcase Japan’s historical and architectural heritage but also offer an enjoyable and educational experience for families, making them great destinations for kids.
Our kids loved seeing one or 2 of Japan’s castles and their distinct architectural style. However, after a few castles, they grew bored of what looked just like other sites they had seen.
Therefore, like good dessert, the first or second bites are the best, but after that, your children might grow weary of castles in Japan!
5. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
Visiting Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea is an extraordinary family experience that seamlessly combines the enchantment of Disney with a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Japanese culture.
I already love Disney, so adding these world-famous parks to the itinerary was a no-brainer. If you only have one day to dedicate to the parks, check this post out to determine which is right for your family.
RELATED POST; Which to choose: Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea?
These theme parks offer an array of attractions, shows, and dining options that often showcase Japan’s rich traditions, folklore, and craftsmanship. For instance, DisneySea’s Mediterranean Harbor captures the ambiance of Venice, while the Japanese-style architecture of Tokyo Disneyland’s Cinderella Castle reflects cultural elements.
Furthermore, the parks’ courtesy and cleanliness align with the Japanese culture of hospitality and respect. Visitors can savor local delicacies like takoyaki (octopus balls) or attend seasonal festivals, like the Tanabata Star Festival, where Japanese customs are celebrated.
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea offer a delightful blend of Disney magic and a cultural experience that can be cherished by families with children while making cherished memories.
6. Hike on Mt. Fuji
Most parents are probably not willing to take kids to the summit of Mt. Fuji. Moreover, Fuji is closed a large portion of the year. However, hiking lower stations of Mt. Fuji is still a great memory-maker with kids.
Hiking the lower stations of Mount Fuji is a wonderful family activity in Japan, even if reaching the summit is not feasible with young children.
The lower slopes of Fuji offer breathtaking natural beauty, serene environments, and a taste of the mountain’s cultural significance. Families can explore lush forests, serene lakes, and charming villages, creating an opportunity for kids to connect with nature.
Our family started at Station 1 on the Yoshida trail where we explored shrines, temples, and cultural sites. In our experience, the hiking trails are generally well-marked and manageable.
It was nice to spend the day outside in nature after so much city hustle and bustle. Plus, we capped each day off with a soak in an onsen!
7. Ride the bullet train
Riding a Japanese bullet train, known as the Shinkansen, is a fantastic experience for families with kids in Japan for several reasons. These high-speed trains are not only a marvel of engineering but also a convenient and enjoyable mode of transportation. Kids will be thrilled by the train’s impressive speed, which can reach up to 200 miles per hour, making the journey itself an exciting adventure.
The Shinkansen is renowned for its punctuality and safety, ensuring a stress-free travel experience for parents. The spacious and comfortable seating, onboard facilities like dining cars, and clean restrooms cater to the needs of families. Furthermore, the scenery outside the train windows is captivating, allowing children to observe Japan’s diverse landscapes, from urban skylines to picturesque countryside.
Overall, riding the Shinkansen provides an opportunity to infuse a sense of wonder and exploration in kids while traversing the country with ease, making it an enriching and memorable family experience.
8. Universal Studios Japan Osaka
With world-renowned cultural experiences around every corner, your kids might be ready for a break from ancient history and cultural traditions.
Visiting Universal Studios Japan is not only a fun way to spend the day as a family but a way for your children to experience Japanese culture, characters, and language in a more child-friendly way.
Our top attractions in Universal Studios Japan included Hogsmeade and the one-and-only Super Mario World!
Universal Studios is also in a convenient location in Osaka, and includes food and fare from all over the world. Our kids were so excited to have bugers, fries, and milkshakes for dinner after weeks of sushi, Ramen, and other Japanese foods.
9. Shibuya and Hachiko
The most iconic scramble in Tokyo is found at Shibuya crossing. In the same corner, you will find Hachiko!
The scramble is a mesmerizing spectacle for kids. Watch from above if you get the chance. The bustling pedestrian scramble, surrounded by vibrant lights and towering billboards, creates a dynamic atmosphere that captures the imagination.
Adjacent to the corner, take your photo op at the Hachiko statue that celebrated its 100th year in 2023.2
In preparing for our visit to Japan, no story captured my children nearly as much as Hachiko and his loyalty.
RELATED POST: Books to Read with Your Kids before Visiting Japan
Hachiko’s story of unwavering loyalty and companionship resonates deeply with kids. The statue becomes a tangible symbol of love and devotion, offering parents an opportunity to share a heartwarming tale with their children.
The entire Hachiko corner is adorable, full of photo ops, and a way to make the Hachiko story and his moral unforgettable for your children.
10. Food…All the Food
When we returned from our Japan trip, everyone asked us whether our children liked Japanese food. The reality is that Japan is filled with food from all over the world–really good food!
Our children certainly enjoyed dining at Japanese street vendors and casual izakayas. However, they also ate Vietnamese, Korean, and even American fare. We found so many incredible foods in Japan.
They ate mochi at Disneyland, but they also ate Italian gelato in Nagoya. They ate ramen in Tokyo, German cake in Kyoto, and French pastries in Fujiyoshida.
Everything they tried had a distinct Japanese flair–whether served with a twist or Japanese precision.
Food in Japan was always a cultural experience. If you want to make unforgettable family memories, then embrace the unique gastronomic diversity found throughout Japan!
Memory-Making in Japan
Japan is on a lot of bucket lists and is an incredible destinations for families. There are tons of kid-friendly sites, attractions, museums and more. However, not all of them are uniquely Japan or worth your time.
Add these 10 unforgettable experiences for a memorable family trip to Japan and leave Japan with more than souvenirs.
Our family had a fantastic time exploring so many cities in Japan. But, the memories that stuck with our kids the most were those on this list.
Looking for some more Japan tips? Check this out.
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