Bullet train travel
Travel by bullet train reaching speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour.
Japan is a captivating destination for families where the ultra modern meets the deeply traditional. Journey by train from cutting-edge Tokyo to the ancient cultures of Kyoto discovering some fabulously quirky, fun and fascinating pastimes along the way.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Japanese Traditions
Learn traditional origami, Manga drawing, Karate and age-old sweet making techniques.
Historic kayaking
Kayak around the floating Torii Gate, off the sacred island of Miyajima in Hiroshimo.
Traditional Living
Spend a night in a ryokan: sleep on a futon, soak in an onsen and dine on kaiseki cuisine.
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Day 1
Arrive Tokyo
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Day 2
Tokyo
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Day 3 & 4
Tokyo
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Day 5
Tokyo - Kanazawa
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Day 6 - 7
Kanazawa
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Day 8
Kanazawa - Hiroshima
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Day 9
Hiroshima
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Day 10
Hiroshima - Kyoto
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Days 11 & 12
Kyoto
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Day 13
Kyoto - Hakone
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Day 14
Hakone - Tokyo
Day 1
Arrive Tokyo
Arrive into Tokyo and transfer to your accommodation in the city.
Day 2
Tokyo
Spend today with a guide familiarising yourselves with the city. Explore using Tokyo’s comprehensive and incredibly efficient public transport network to soak up some of the classic historical sites including the Imperial Palace, Meiji shrine, dedicated to the defied spirit of Emperor Meiji, and Tokyo’s old town. Take a walk down Omotesando shopping street, a broad tree lined avenue home to the flagship stores of the world’s top fashion brands. In the evening your guide will seek out the capitals best family friendly restaurants to join locals and sample traditional Japanese dishes.
Day 3 & 4
Tokyo
Continue exploring Tokyo at your leisure. Watch a sumo wrestling bout, attend a baseball match, cruise down the Sumida River, prepare your own Japanese bento box or stop for a drink in one of the cities many cat cafes!
Day 5
Tokyo - Kanazawa
Transfer to the railway station today to board a bullet train and travel to Kanazawa, a journey of around two and a half hours.
Day 6 - 7
Kanazawa
Spend the next two days exploring Kanazawa including the Kenrokuen garden, ranked one of the top three gardens in Japan, Nagamachi, a historical village where top and middle-class samurais used to reside and the 21st century Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Pritzker Prize-winners, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. The museum is known for its modern architecture and progressive exhibits, including Leandro Erlich’s ‘Swimming Pool’, which gives an illusion of being under or above the water.
Day 8
Kanazawa - Hiroshima
Transfer to the railway station and travel by train to Hiroshima, a journey of around four hours. This evening, meet with your guide to take a walk through the dynamic Hondori district bypassing the more touristy areas to sample street food where the locals choose to eat.
Day 9
Hiroshima
Explore the city today and learn more about the history and resilience of Hiroshima and its people. Take to the water to kayak to the sandy shores of Miyajima Island passing Itsukushima Shrine, visit the Peace Memorial Museum or hike some of the hillside trails around the city scaling Mt Futaba for incredible views and a matcha tea ceremony.
Day 10
Hiroshima - Kyoto
Travel by train to Kyoto and check into your accommodation in the city.
Days 11 & 12
Kyoto
Over the next two days explore some of the cities many temples including the UNESCO Kinkaku-ji Temple ‘Golden Pavilion’, weave through the back streets of old Kyoto by bike and immerse yourself in the regions fascinating culture via a traditional tea ceremony, a tour by rickshaw or an evening walk with an expert guide through the streets of Gion, realm of Kyoto’s geisha.
Day 13
Kyoto - Hakone
Travel by train to Hakone, a region known for its natural hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Check into a ryokan to experience your last night in Japan at a traditional Japanese Inn, sleeping on a futon bed and experiencing an onsen.
Day 14
Hakone - Tokyo
Travel to Tokyo airport for onward travel.
More Details
Quirky Tokyo
Shared Experiences
Begin your family adventure in the magical city of Tokyo with a day in the company of a local guide who will introduce you to the weird and wonderful of the city. Create some of your own ‘plastic food’ which is present in the window of every restaurant in the city and stop for a drink in one of the pet cafes where cats, rabbits and even reptiles outnumber the customers. Dine in a Ninja restaurant with secret passwords and Ninja waiters and maybe spend a day in the the nearby port city of Yokohama, home to the cup noodle museum where you can make your own unique flavour combination.
Bullet Trains
Uncomplicated Adventures
Public transport in Japan is astonishingly efficient making it a very enjoyable way to travel. Most of the journeys during this family adventure to Japan will be done by train and public transport. Journeys on board the Shinkansen train, otherwise known as the bullet train are super-efficient, speedy and fun, reaching speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour.
Samurai and Optical Illusions
Travel: A Classroom without Walls
In Kanazawa, learn about the cities ancient Samurai past before jetting forwards to the future at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. A fascinating museum to spark the interest of creative minds with exhibits from around the world including Andy Warhol, plus a fun exhibit, The Swimming Pool – an interactive piece creating the illusion of being underwater.
Castles, and Cartoon Food in Kyoto
Shared Experiences
Kyoto is a city with over 2,000 religious buildings, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and will capture everyone’s imagination. Visit Nijo Castle, the private home and gardens of a powerful feudal lord and take a walk through Nishiki market with its colourful array of weird and wonderful foods and spices. Spend time in a Japanese home creating your very own Bento box, with a twist, a traditional Japanese lunch box. Learn the basics in cooking and preparing an artistic yet delicious Japanese bento.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £3,985 Per person
When to travel
Japan in January
The weather is generally cool, dry and sunny in many parts of the country. In the north, there is heavy snowfall, making for excellent skiing conditions.
Japan in February
Ski season is in full swing in the north. Winter continues to bring some of the coolest but driest conditions to the rest of the country.
Japan in March
The start of the cherry blossom in southern Japan, as the weather warms. A popular time to visit Japan, especially towards the end of the month.
Japan in April
Perhaps the busiest month, as the cherry blossom spreads northwards across the country. A stunning time, but expect to plan accommodation and excursions in advance.
Japan in May
The cherry blossom reaches the far north of the country around Sapporo at this time, and temperatures are generally warm. It is generally dry in most parts, with vegetation vibrant and lush. It is worth avoiding Golden Week, a national holiday during the first week of May.
Japan in June
Many parts become hot and humid, with the rainy season occurring in Okinawa. A consequence of the rain is that the countryside and most gardens are at their best.
Japan in July
It can get very hot and humid in many parts of the country at this time, making it the perfect time to escape to the mountains. In particular, this time of year has the best conditions for the hike up Mount Fuji.
Japan in August
There are many festivals at this time and locals are on holiday, making it a busy time of year for travel. It is a great time to explore the Sapporo area, with cooler and less humid conditions.
Japan in September
September brings a quieter time for travel, with most locals back at work. The temperatures start to cool off a little, but the humidity generally remains.
Japan in October
The start of autumn for the majority of Japan, showcasing a wonderful array of autumn colours across the countryside. The weather is still pleasantly warm, with less rain.
Japan in November
Across the country, this is the best month to see the beautiful autumn colours. There are fewer visitors, and the temperatures remain mild, especially in the south.
Japan in December
The first couple of weeks of December are some of the quietest times to travel, and you can enjoy the natural thermal hot springs with snow on the ground.
Holiday Inspiration
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