When Epic Travel Designer received R’s request to design a kid-friendly holiday to Japan, we were thrilled for several reasons:
- The vacation was 19 days long, allowing us to showcase the best of Japan.
- The clients were adventurous and wanted to explore Kansai, Hiroshima, Gifu, and Tokyo—an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our logistical expertise.
- They wanted a kid-friendly experience, which is our speciality.
Background of The Client
R had studied in Japan and spoke Japanese fluently. He wanted to take his family back to Hiroshima, where he had fond memories. However, past attempts at DIY Japan travel planning had turned into stressful disasters. Instead of cherished family moments, their previous vacations were plagued with arguments over itineraries, train schedules, and hotel bookings and what to do in Japan. Rather than quality time, it became a logistical nightmare, leading to disagreements and tension. This time, he decided to engage an expert.
He promptly paid the upfront travel planning fee to kickstart the process.
Travel Requests:
- Travel Dates: Mid-Dec to end of Dec
- Duration: 19 Days
- No. of Pax: 4 (2 Adults, 2 Kids under 12)
- Special Requests:
- Drive 3 days in Hiroshima, Kansai, Tokyo, and Gifu
- Kid-friendly activities
- Disneyland, DisneySea, USJ
- Hands-on experiences like a cooking class
Highlights of the Ultimate Kids-Friendly Holidays to Japan
Hiroshima
Rabbit Island
Imagine your kids giggling as adorable bunnies hop around them! Okunoshima, also known as Rabbit Island, is home to hundreds of friendly rabbits, making it a magical experience for families.
Miyajima
Walk through the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine and marvel at the breathtaking view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kids love the tame deer that roam the island, and the momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) are a must-try!
Osaka
Universal Studios Japan
From Super Nintendo World to Minions Park, this theme park delivers non-stop excitement. Meet your kids’ favourite characters, go on thrilling rides, and experience the magic of Hollywood.
Nara Deer Park
Watch your children’s delight as they feed and interact with the friendly deer of Nara. A surreal experience in a picturesque setting!
Okonomiyaki Cooking Class
Step into a local kitchen and learn how to make Osaka’s famous savoury pancakes, okonomiyaki! A hands-on experience where kids get to flip their own creations.
Himeiji
Himeji Castle
Nicknamed the “White Heron Castle,” this beautifully preserved fortress is a must-visit. Let your little ones imagine being samurais as they explore its impressive interiors.
Gifu
Takayama Sanmachi Old Streets
Stroll through beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, enjoying traditional sweets and crafts. A must try is the Hida beef.
Wintery Shirakawago
Instead of a day trip, we arranged for an overnight stay to avoid the day-tripper crowds. After 5 PM, the village becomes an enchanting winter wonderland with no rush or crowds. Wander through snow-covered Gassho-style houses in peace. What’s even better? A stay in a traditional ryokan, enjoying the warmth of an outdoor onsen and indulging in a refined kaiseki dinner—a truly immersive experience.
Kanazawa
Kenrokuen Garden
Ranked among Japan’s top three landscaped gardens, Kenrokuen is a sight to behold, especially in winter when it turns into a serene snow-covered paradise.
Nagoya
Legoland
A dreamland for kids who love Lego! Fun rides, interactive exhibits, and giant Lego creations make this a must-visit.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Watch real robots in action and learn about Japan’s world-famous innovation in a hands-on, engaging way!
Hakone
Hakone Day Trip
Take a scenic cable car ride over volcanic valleys, visit Owakudani’s bubbling hot springs, and taste the famous black eggs said to extend your life!
Tokyo
Disneyland & DisneySea
No Japan trip is complete without the magic of Disney! We planned two full days so the family could soak up the full Disney experience.
Harry Potter Studio
Step into the wizarding world and relive the magic with an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.
Tokyo Toy Museum
A paradise of traditional and modern Japanese toys where kids can play and learn.
Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wear
Step into a world of tranquillity and mindfulness as you don a beautifully coloured kimono and experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. This isn’t just about drinking tea—it’s about appreciating the art of slowing down, embracing the present moment, and understanding the cultural philosophy behind Japan’s tea rituals. In a serene setting, you will learn the graceful etiquette, precise movements, and significance behind every gesture. A perfect way to immerse in Japan’s elegant traditions.
Food Replica Workshop
Ever wondered how Japanese restaurants create those ultra-realistic food displays? In this fun and creative workshop, kids will have a blast crafting their own fake food—from a glossy bowl of ramen to a tempura dish that looks good enough to eat! In just 30 minutes, they’ll transform from beginners into amateur food artisans, taking home a unique souvenir of their Japanese adventure.
Logistical Mastery – The Backbone of This Trip
Coordinating this itinerary wasn’t just about picking places—it was a logistical nightmare.
From navigating Japan’s complex rail system with multiple regional rail passes, to carefully scheduling rental cars and private transfers, every detail had to be meticulously planned. The balance between self-driving, Shinkansen, and private transfers was carefully crafted to optimise both convenience and comfort.
Had R attempted this DIY again, it would have taken him at least six months of research to put together—and even then, the risk of errors was high. This is where our expertise shone through, ensuring a seamless experience so the family could simply enjoy their holiday without stress.
Client’s Testimonial
Was super grateful for the great planning. The entire family enjoyed our trip. The prompt response when we met with some issues while overseas was a great help to ease the anxiety. Will be using the service again soon! - R
And true enough, R booked another trip with us for their next Japan adventure during the June vacation—a testament to the value of expert travel planning!
Ready for Your Own Ultimate Japan Adventure?
Don’t waste months stressing over details—let us handle everything so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.
📩 Contact Epic Travel Designer today and start planning your perfect Japan Private Tour!