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Family Holidays to Japan

Japan is an exciting and enriching holiday destination for New Zealand families, offering a blend of modern entertainment, rich culture, and family-friendly experiences.


From bustling cities to tranquil countryside, Japan caters to all ages and interests. Families with younger children will love the magic of Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka, where beloved characters, themed rides, and spectacular shows create unforgettable memories.


For nature and cultural exploration, consider visiting Kyoto for its temples, bamboo forests, and kimono experiences, or Hakone for hot springs and scenic views of Mt. Fuji. Families can also enjoy snow play and skiing in Niseko or Nagano during winter.


For families with teenagers, Japan’s pop culture offers huge appeal. Tokyo’s Harajuku and Shibuya districts are hotspots for fashion, anime, and gaming. Akihabara, Tokyo’s electronics and manga hub, is a must-see for fans of Japanese pop culture. Teenagers may also enjoy themed cafés, Pokémon Centers, and real-life Mario Kart tours.


Whether it's high-tech fun in the cities, outdoor adventures, or cultural discoveries, Japan provides a safe, clean, and incredibly rewarding destination for New Zealand families looking to travel together and create lifelong memories.

Top Things for Families in Japan

Theme Parks & Attractions

  1. Tokyo Disneyland – Classic Disney magic for all ages.

  2. Tokyo DisneySea – Exclusive to Japan, with immersive lands and thrill rides.

  3. Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) – Home to Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter.

  4. Fuji-Q Highland (Yamanashi) – Thrill rides with Mt. Fuji views (also has Thomas Land for little ones).

  5. Legoland Japan (Nagoya) – A colourful, hands-on theme park for younger kids.


Cultural Experiences

  1. Dress in kimono in Kyoto – Explore temples and historic streets in traditional style.

  2. Samurai & Ninja Experience (Kyoto/Tokyo) – Learn about Japan’s warriors through fun, interactive programs.

  3. Ghibli Museum (Tokyo) – For fans of Studio Ghibli's magical films.

  4. Odaiba (Tokyo Bay) – A futuristic entertainment island with teamLabs, shopping malls, and arcades.

  5. Edo Wonderland (Nikko) – Step back in time with costumed actors and historic reenactments.

Animal & Nature Fun

  1. Nara Deer Park – Hand-feed friendly, free-roaming deer.

  2. Asahiyama Zoo (Hokkaido) – Known for its creative animal enclosures and snow-loving species.

  3. Ueno Zoo & Park (Tokyo) – Japan’s oldest zoo with pandas and nearby museums.

  4. Arashiyama Monkey Park (Kyoto) – Hike up for great views and wild monkeys.

  5. Aquariums like Kaiyukan (Osaka) or Okinawa Churaumi – Massive and engaging for all ages.


Unique Japan-Only Experiences

  1. Ride the Shinkansen (bullet train) – Fast, smooth, and exciting for kids.

  2. Stay in a Ryokan – Traditional inns with tatami mats, futons, and onsen.

  3. Visit Pokémon Centers (Tokyo, Osaka, etc.) – Paradise for fans of the franchise.

  4. Eat at a Themed Café – Try Pokémon Café, Ninja Café, or a robot restaurant.

  5. Enjoy Japanese Festivals – Dress in yukata, play festival games, and watch fireworks or parades.

Accommodation in Japan for Families

Accommodation in Japan for families offers a wide range of options to suit different travel styles and budgets.


For larger families or those wanting more space, apartments and Airbnb-style rentals are ideal. These often come with kitchens, laundry facilities, and separate sleeping areas, making them practical for families with younger children.


For those seeking cultural immersion, staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) can be a memorable experience. Many ryokan accommodate families with spacious tatami rooms, futon bedding, and offer meals served in-room. However, some ryokan have shared bathrooms, which may not suit everyone, so check with us for amenities in advance if this is important to you.


Family-friendly hotels, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, often have connecting rooms or family suites. We work with some of the best family hotels options in Japan such as Mimaru, which offer dedicated family rooms with bunk beds, kitchen facilities, laundry facilities and more.


For theme park visits (like Tokyo Disney or USJ), consider partner hotels, which offer convenient shuttles and early entry perks. Always check the room size with us — Japanese hotel rooms can be compact — and look for reviews from other families. Booking early during peak seasons is also recommended.


For our straightforward but action packed view our Japan Highlights Family Holiday.

Top Tips for Families Travelling to Japan

Planning & Getting Around

  1. Get a Japan Rail Pass – Ideal for families travelling between cities; buy it before arriving in Japan.

  2. Use an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) – Great for local trains, subways, and even convenience stores.

  3. Stay near major train stations – Especially in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka for easier access and fewer transfers.

  4. Book accommodation early – Family rooms can be limited, especially during holidays and cherry blossom season.

  5. Download key apps – Like Google Maps, HyperDia (or Japan Travel), and the Tokyo Disney Resort App.


Accommodation

  1. Consider apartment hotels or Airbnbs – More space, kitchens, and laundry = easier family living.

  2. Try a night in a ryokan – A traditional inn with tatami mats and futons is a great cultural experience.


Food & Dining

  1. Convenience stores are lifesavers – They offer affordable, fresh meals for kids and adults alike.

  2. Look for family restaurants – Chains like Gusto or Saizeriya are casual, affordable, and kid-friendly.

  3. Don’t worry if your kids are picky – Japanese food is varied: try ramen, curry rice, or even Western-style meals.


Activities & Entertainment

  1. Visit theme parks – Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan are perfect for kids and teens.

  2. Explore kid-friendly museums – The Railway Museum, Ghibli Museum, and CupNoodles Museum are all family hits.

  3. Enjoy animal experiences – Nara Deer Park, Asahiyama Zoo, and various aquariums are great for younger kids.


Cultural Awareness

  1. Teach basic etiquette – Like removing shoes indoors and being quiet on public transport.

  2. Bring socks – Especially when visiting temples and ryokan, where you’ll remove shoes often.

  3. Respect queuing – Japanese people value order and patience, especially on trains and buses.


Packing & Comfort

  1. Pack light – Luggage space on trains is limited. Use coin lockers or forward luggage services when moving around.

  2. Bring a travel stroller – Useful in cities but ensure it's compact for train and metro use.

  3. Prepare for all weather – Japan’s seasons are distinct. Layers work well, and a compact umbrella is handy.


Bonus Tip

  1. Be flexible and curious – Japan is full of surprises. Follow local festivals, try vending machine snacks, and let kids lead a day of discovery.

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