How to plan a family trip to Japan
Japan is a great destination for families as it is safe and equipped with infrastructure facilities for getting about without having to worry about the safety of your family. Blessed with beautiful natural surroundings, and rich history as can be seen in the old towns, kid-friendly amenities. neon cities, themed cafes and ultra-modern cities add to the rewarding mix of experiences awaiting eager families.
Why visit Japan with your family
- A clean and safe country with breathtaking natural beauty
- Travelling around using public transport is comfortable and convenient
- It has an array of wonderous attractions castles, shrines, theme parks, temples etc
Complementing these unique features is the experience your children will be exposed to during their visit. The discipline and orderliness of the country and its people, respect for others and placing value on one's family. These make a strong impression on young minds.
Best periods to travel with family
The mild weather periods are the ideal ones for families with children which are Spring from March to May and Autumn from September to November as often selected by families at Shinjuku accommodation.
However, be aware that some attractions you are keen to have your children experience may be crowded during these periods such as the cherry blossom season so check out the predicted dates as the cherry blossom periods vary each year.
The Winter months of December to February are extremely cold and are ideal if your family are keen to explore winter sports. The summer months of July and August are warm and can be rainy days too posing difficulties with little kids.
Bear in mind that having travel insurance coverage for kids is wise and most travel insurance companies have COVID-19 coverage.
Plan your tour within Japan
Decide whether you will visit one metro city or a few depending on the length of your stay. Tokyo has a lot of attractions for families with children such as the world-famous Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea, Shibuya crossing the busiest intersection in the world, Harajuku for neon lights and pop culture and many more. Based on the likings of the family members' visits to Kyoto, Osaka and others can be included.
Accommodation in Japan
Japan is an expensive destination as regards accommodation whether it is for a single person or a family. The good news is there are options one can look at. Your trip to Japan will be a tour of many cities, there are cities where the prices are more manageable than others. You can opt for a family-run guest house in certain cities, and a traditional Japanese inn or Ryokan in another whilst in metro cities such as Tokyo you can try an apartment such as Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo.
All 03 types of places offer a different experience. The ryokan experience would be cherished even if it is for a day as your kids get ample spaces in tatami rooms to run about and to be sleeping on futons laid down on the floor, an experience they will cherish.
Getting about in Japan and the Food Scene
Reputed for their bullet trains, being in Japan is an occasion to experience this shinkansen ride, it is fast and efficient and is an ideal way to get about between cities, Your children will be thrilled with the experience. If your family is staying for over a week, the best is to get a JR pass enabling travel on the trains including bullet trains, buses, monorail and ferries. Taking the subway and buses is also a convenient mode of travel depending on the distance and cities.
Japanese cuisine is more diverse than sushi and raw seafood with sauces. It is also full of bubbling stews, grilled meat and bowls of noodles and rice which are available everywhere. Regions may have variations however taste the perfect sushi, enjoy your bowl of noodles and learn to slurp just like the Japanese do, to show your enjoyment of food.