Japan — a land where tradition and innovation coalesce seamlessly, welcomed our family with open arms on a journey that left an indelible mark on our hearts. We’re ready for round #2 in Japan and this time with the kids! 👧🏻👧🏻 From the bustling streets of Osaka to the tranquil beauty of Fujiyoshida, and the vibrant energy of Tokyo, every moment was a testament to Japan’s rich culture and warm hospitality. We had 10 full days to enjoy Japan, and while it’s surely never enough time, you can definitely see A LOT of Japan in this given time! Here are our unforgettable family adventures in Japan.
Osaka
Our adventure began in Osaka. We visited the Namba Yasaka Shrine, where we immersed ourselves in the serene ambiance, paying homage to ancient traditions. We then marveled at the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan’s storied past. As the sun went down, we wandered through the bustling streets of Dotonbori, our senses were tantalized by the aroma of sizzling street food, offering a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. While the street food scene here differs from our experience in South Korea, nonetheless, you can say we probably get the most excited in ANY country when it comes to street food. There’s something about it that just hits ‘home’ for our souls with comfort food at its best!
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Osaka Castle
Dotonbori
Premium Wagyu sushi
Okonomiyaki
The “Konbini” culture
Speaking of comfort food… you can’t talk about Japan without indulging in some “Konbini” food / a.k.a. Convenience store food! Unlike in North America, Yessss….it’s REAL food and Yessss, it’s that GOOD! There is no shortage of convenience stores as every corner seems to have a 7-eleven, Lawson, or Family Mart! These quick pick-me-up’s are quite useful especially when you’re pressed for time and are on the go to catch a train somewhere. Konbini is a big culture in Japan and yes, it’s well justified! YUMMMM!!
Nara
As we journeyed onward, we arrived at the small & charming town of Nara, where we were greeted by the enchanting sight of deer gracefully bowing. Much like the respect and grace exhibited by the Japanese people, these deer are trained to bow gracefully in anticipation as you offer them treats, a charming demonstration of the deep connection between humans and animals in Japanese culture. At Todaji Temple, we stood in awe of its grandeur, a testament to Japan’s spiritual heritage. By the way, much like various parts of our trip, our kids had so much fun collecting stamps at historic sites like this one….so don’t forget to bring a small notebook! 😉
You can eat mochi (Japanese rice cakes) virtually everywhere in Japan, but have you ever eaten it made by the fastest mochi pounders in the nation? In the heart of Nara City stands a famous mochi shop called Nakatanidou, where crowds of visitors flock to daily. And dare I’d say, it’s the best mochi we’ve ever tried! Our day in Nara culminated in a culinary delight, savoring the rich flavors of Sukiyaki, a perfect end to an enriching exploration.
Todaji Temple
Yomogi mochi, fresh from the pouding and dusted with kinako
Mochi-pounding show at Nakatanidou, Nara
Sukiyaki at MOMOSHIKI Nara
A special train ride…
Our journey continued with a unique experience as we boarded the Sightseeing Limited Express Aoniyoshi, a special first-class train from Nara to Kyoto. With our own private car onboard, we were treated to unparalleled comfort and luxury, enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside as we traversed between these historic cities.
Japan is renowned for its array of themed trains, each offering its own distinctive charm and immersive experience. From sleek and futuristic designs to nostalgic retro themes, these trains offer passengers the opportunity to embark on a journey that transcends mere transportation, delving into the realm of culture and entertainment. And to top it off, to our surprise, it’s actually quite affordable! So, why not take your pick and book one for yourself? Trust us, it’s worth the elevated experience as you get to your next destination in style! 😉
Kyoto
In Kyoto, we embarked on a journey through time, exploring iconic landmarks such as the Fushimi Inari Temple and the tranquil Bamboo Forest. The shimmering golden splendor of Kinkakuji and the poignant beauty of Adashino Nenbutsuji left an indelible impression. Afterward, we ventured to the serene shores of Lake Biwa to visit the picturesque Shirahige Shrine, where the serene atmosphere and stunning water views captivated our senses. From there, we continued our exploration to Shimogamo Temple, where ancient cedar trees whispered tales of bygone eras.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden temple)
Kifune Shrine
Adashino Nenbutsuji
Shirahige Shrine at Lake Biwa
Shimogamo Temple
Old Kyoto — The Higashiyama District (東山)
Our exploration of Kyoto’s old quarters revealed hidden gems like the Yasaka Pagoda and the enchanting Gion Corner. As we wandered through the narrow streets of Pontocho Alley, its quaint charm beckoned us to discover culinary delights around every corner. At the renowned Torii restaurant, nestled in a hidden alleyway (which is honestly the best sign that a restaurant is GOOD) in the heart of Kyoto, we indulged in the best Oyakodon we’ve ever tasted, savoring each flavorful bite of the succulent chicken and fluffy egg atop a bed of steaming rice. 🤤
Oyakodon
Time for something different…
Amidst the cultural tapestry of Kyoto, we found ourselves immersed in a traditional dyeing workshop at the esteemed Roketsu Dyeing Studio Yamamoto. Guided by skilled artisans, we delved into the intricate art of Japanese dyeing techniques, dipping our hands into vats of vibrant colors to create personalized keepsakes. With each brushstroke and dip, we forged deeper connections to Japanese craftsmanship, crafting memories that would last a lifetime. The experience was not just a creative endeavor but a profound journey into the heart of Kyoto’s rich artistic heritage, leaving us inspired and enriched by the beauty of traditional craftsmanship.
Fujiyoshida
From Kyoto, we embarked on the famous Shinkansen Bullet Train heading for Fujiyoshida, known for traveling at remarkable speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour), the Bullet Train offers an exhilarating journey, allowing us to cover vast distances with unparalleled efficiency.
In Fujiyoshida, the welcoming embrace of Wakakusa no Yado Maruei immersed us in the quintessential essence of traditional Japanese hospitality. Nestled amidst serene surroundings, our stay epitomized the authentic ryokan experience—a cornerstone of Japanese culture that no trip to Japan is complete without. Within the tranquil confines of the ryokan, we indulged in the time-honored ritual of rejuvenating onsen baths, surrendering to the restorative waters as you enjoy the majestic views of Mount Fuji. Yet, soaking in an onsen is more than just a leisurely soak—it’s an art steeped in etiquette and reverence. If it’s your first time in an onsen, here is a quick guide on how to take an onsen bath.
While we already had pretty amazing views of Mount Fuji from our hotel, ascending 400+ steps to Chureito Pagoda will reward you with panoramic vistas that stretches to the horizon. The journey continued with visits to Oshino Hakkai and Sengen Shrine, offering profound insights into Japan’s rich spiritual heritage. Each moment spent amidst these sacred sites deepened our appreciation for the cultural tapestry of Japan.
To see a different angle of Mount Fuji, head over to the north side of Lake Kawaguchi. At Hanna Terrace, we delighted in delectable lavender-flavored soft ice cream, while you take in sunset views of Mount Fuji. Back at the ryokan, a traditional Kaiseki feast awaited us, each dish a culinary masterpiece. We savored the intricate flavors, appreciating the culinary artistry that graced our table. This was easily the best FULL meal of our trip! 🤤
Chureito Pagoda
Sengen Shrine
Gorgeous sunset views of Mount Fuji from Wakakusa no Yado Maruei Ryokan Hotel
Yokohama
Yokohama beckoned with the allure of the Gundam Factory, a marvel of engineering set against a backdrop of vibrant sunsets. As we stepped into the world of Gundam, we were enthralled by the towering presence of the iconic robot, which holds a place in the Guinness World Book of Records as the world’s largest mobile humanoid robot and largest mobile Gundam. Catching many shows throughout the day, we marveled at its graceful movements and SIZE! It was actually a stroke of luck to experience this attraction in its final month, as the show was sadly set to close 😓 shortly after our visit. Grateful for the opportunity, we immersed ourselves in this super cool experience.
Tokyo
The famous crossing
Tokyo captivated us with its captivating blend of modernity and tradition. We couldn’t resist the whimsical charm of Harajuku, where we indulged in custom-made pancakes at the Snoopy Cafe. Shibuya Crossing left us in awe with its iconic bustling energy, and we had to experience the famous scramble ourselves—it was our first time in Shibuya, after all. From the heights of Shibuya Sky, we marveled at panoramic views of the cityscape stretching out before us. Meanwhile, our kids were delighted by the Gachapon (Capsule Toys) scattered throughout the city, eagerly spinning their way to collect some cool toys.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
FUN FACT: Did you know you can drive around Tokyo in a Mario Kart? That’s right! Channel your inner Mario or Luigi and zip around the bustling streets of Tokyo in a real-life Mario Kart experience. It’s a fun and unique way to explore the city, offering a thrilling adventure for gamers and non-gamers alike. Here is a quick guide on ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about this Mario Kart adventure! 😉
Tokyo Tower
Cool eye candy & the night life
Team Labs Planets mesmerized with its immersive displays, transporting us to otherworldly realms of light and sound. Sanrio Puroland ignited the imagination of our girls 👧🏻👧🏻, as they reveled in the playful wonderland of their favorite characters. Exploring the labyrinthine streets of Shinjuku at night, we stumbled upon Omoide Yokocho — a narrow alleyway also known as “piss alley”, offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. It’s famous for its atmospheric maze of tiny yakitori stalls and eateries, often frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Super fun “light” displays at Team Lab Planets, Tokyo
Sanrio Puroland
Shinjuku
Omoide Yokocho (a.k.a. “piss allley” or “memory lane”)
Hoot hoot!!
At the Owl Cafe, we immersed ourselves in a truly enchanting experience, forming unforgettable bonds with these majestic creatures. Delighted by the opportunity to interact with them up close, we were able to touch and gently pet the owls, each one revealing its own distinct personality.
PRO TIP: Ensure a seamless Japan trip by booking ALL tickets and reservations in advance! Tokyo’s special cafes and attractions often sell out quickly, with limited or no walk-in tickets available on the day. To guarantee a hassle-free experience, do yourself a favor and secure your bookings ahead of time! 😉
Unforgettable sushi and impeccable robot service
Our culinary journey reached its zenith at Tsujuki Market, where we savored the freshest sushi and indulged in delectable mochi treats. Sushi at the market is at its freshest because this is always the first stop for fishermen after their daily catch. 😉 Dare I say “you haven’t had real sushi until you’ve been to Japan” and this was definitely so true coming to this market place. At the Dawn Robot Cafe, we were introduced to Japan’s cutting-edge technology with a heartwarming twist. The robots serving us were avatars controlled by real people, a concept that deeply resonated with us. Learning that these operators were individuals with disabilities, we were moved by this innovative approach that provided them with employment, enabling them to earn a living and find purpose in their work. It was a truly inspiring way to conclude our journey on a high note.
Uni & assorted Sashimi rice bowls
Our super cool server 🤖 at the Dawn Robot Cafe
Conclusion:
As we bid farewell to Japan, we carry with us more than just memories; we carry a profound appreciation for its rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and innovation. Our journey wasn’t merely a vacation—it was a transformative experience that enriched our lives and deepened our connection as a family. “Arigatō gozaimasu” Japan, for an adventure that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Lastly, if you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵, here are a few important things to know before traveling to Japan.