A Luxury Family Vacation to Japan
Discover Japan's gleaming cities, fascinating history and green landscapes with your family on this luxurious two-week trip across Honshu Island. Visit the best-known landmarks in Tokyo, relax at a ryokan in Hakone, explore the forests around Mount Fuji, board a bullet train to Hiroshima and take part in an unforgettable tea ceremony in Kyoto.
Trip highlights
- Step aboard Japan's famous Bullet Trains
- Canoe on Lake Kawaguchi by Mount Fuji
- Stay in a traditional hot spring ryokan
- Visit the Imperial Palace
- Visit Japan's largest Pokémon mega-store
- Enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Private tours and experiences
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge
- Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–5
Four nights exploring Tokyo
Your trip begins in the incredible metropolis of Tokyo, a city with an infectious energy like no other. You’ll be based for four nights, allowing for plenty of time to explore. You’ll take private tours of landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, bustling Shibuya and the historic Asakusa District, with fabulous family experiences such as a traditional taiko drumming lesson and a visit to the country’s largest Pokémon mega-store.
Where you could stay
A private city tour for your family
Hamarikyu garden and river cruise excursion
Take a stroll in the former imperial gardens now known as the Hamarikyu Garden then enjoy a shared cruise on the Suminda River to Asakusa.
Asakusa visit to see Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Dori Street
Visit one of Tokyo’s oldest and best-preserved districts, stopping at the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Walk along the Nakamise Dori merchant street, which dates back to the Edo period, lined with small shops.
Taiko drumming performance and lesson
Japanese drums used to be ceremonial instruments and communication tools. Nowadays, drumming is used for entertaiment. The powerful strokes are balanced and enhanced with a beautiful posture. Watch a performance and then learn how to play the drums Taiko yourself.
Akihabara District
Explore Akihabara, an area famous for its shops catering to manga and anime fans, and the center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture. Stroll around to see an amazing array of figurines, costumes and merchandise, as well as vast arcades, ‘maid’ cafes and electronics shops.
Teamlab Planets Museum
Enter this immersive digital art museum barefoot and connect to the enormous artworks where the medium might be water, a garden, flowers or glowing lights in dark grottos.
Exploring Shibuya
Shibuya is a shopping and eating district popular with a lot of young Tokyoites, famous for its bright neon lights and five-way crossing.
Make it mine
Ancient history
Automobile
Animation
Visit the Imperial Palace
Visit the Imperial Palace, the celebrated residence of Japan’s imperial family. Located on the former site of the Edo Castle, the huge park area is surrounded by moats and massive stone walls.
Toyota Mega Web
Experience all things automobile at Toyota’s self-proclaimed car theme park. Here you can see over 60 current models, including some that have never been displayed anywhere else. As well as learning all about the technical side of things there is a kids’ section where they can learn all about traffic rules and take a turn behind the wheel.
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
Visit the appropriately named Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Ikebukuro. This is Japan’s largest Pokémon store. Come to browse its masses of exclusive merchandise, candy, clothing and mountains of cute plushies.
Days 5–6
A full day of adventures in Hakone
Enjoy a night at your relaxing ryokan near the famous spa town of Hakone. Explore the surrounding area of forests and waterways before a naturally invigorating hot spring bathing experience.
Make it mine
On the water
In open air
Hakone Lake Ashi cruise
Take a cruise on Lake Ashi which formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone. While enjoying the magnificent views of Mount Fuji in the background, look out for the reflections of the surrounding mountains in the lake surface.
Hakone Open Air Museum
Visit the unique Hakone Open Air Museum where you can enjoy the balance of nature and art through a variety of sculptures in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings. Venture to the indoor galleries to see works from Rodin, Bourdelle, Miro and one of the largest collections of British sculptor Henry Moore.
Days 6–8
Two nights overlooking spectacular Mount Fuji
Enjoy the pristine natural surroundings from the comfort of the magnificent Hoshinoya Fuji. Nestled within a pristine red pine forest overlooking Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji, this is a beautiful glamping hideaway. Volcanic activity 10,000 years ago created a landscape of craters and ice caves, and the surrounding area is ripe for exploring. Canoe on the lake, go horse riding through the forest or take a lesson in stargazing and marvel at the night sky.
Immerse yourself in nature
Aokigahara forest and lava cave tour
Visit the mysterious Aokigahara Forest, an untouched natural forest known for its dense woods and lava trails, with a nature guide. Folk tales and legends tell of ghosts and goblins haunting the forest. You will also join a guided cave tour and head into one of the lava caves, exploring the underground wonders that await.
Days 8–10
Two nights in Hiroshima
Your travel designer will recommend the best things to see and do during your time in Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, to help you make your most of your time here. Great efforts that were taken to rebuild this large and prosperous city with the careful reconstruction of important historical monuments such as Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden.
Make it mine
History
Adventure
Visit Hiroshima and Miyajima
Visit the skeletal remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall at The Peace Memorial Park. Both the park and museum are moving, educational and humbling, featuring sculptures and memorials from all over the world. Visit Hiroshima Castle before moving onto the Miyajima or “shrine” Island to see the dramatic gate of the Itsukushima shrine and red O-Torii gate which appears to float on water.
Mount Misen hike
Take the ropeway and enjoy a short hike to the top of Mount Misen, standing 530m high, where fantastic views of the mountain of sea await. There are also some light treks around the summit that can be enjoyed.
Days 10–14
Four nights of exclusive experiences in Kyoto
Spend your time in Kyoto admiring the impressive imperial beauty of the city, evident in the abundance of prewar buildings such as grand palaces, traditional “machiya” townhouses and ornate shrines. See kimono-clad geisha on their way to engagements and stroll in the celebrated Ryoan-ji rock garden. Make sure you visit the magnificent wooden Kiyomizu-dera and the Golden and Silver Pavilion Temples.
Where you could stay
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Exploring Kyoto and beyond
A private tour of Nara
Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, lies just outside Kyoto. Look out for the hundreds of deer that roam the park before marvelling at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, its magnificent interior and numerous bronze lanterns. Marvel at the massive Todaiji temple, reputedly the largest wooden building in the world and one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. In Naramachi, visit the fascinating Naramachi Koshi-no-ie, an old residence open to the public and wander past small boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants along the narrow lanes.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-Ji Temple
Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a famous Zen Buddhist temple that is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of Rinzai Zen sect and part of World Cultural Heritage monuments. You’ll also explore the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the most beautiful in Japan.
Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji Temples tour
Visit the Kinkaku-ji ‘Golden Pavilion’ temple. Built in 1397 to serve as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Kinkaku-ji served as the inspiration for the Ginkaku-ji the Silver Pavilion which was built by the Shogun’s grandson. Then, continue to the serene Ryoan-ji Temple which is celebrated for its rock garden, comprised of nothing but clay walls, raked sand and 15 rocks.
The tradition of taking tea
Experience a tea ceremony, one of Japan’s most famous traditional cultural practices, that encompasses not only the making of tea, but also tea-room architecture, the appreciation of tea utensils and bowls, and Zen Buddhism. The tea master will teach you how to prepare and present matcha, powdered green tea.
Make it mine
By night
By day
The movies
The theatre
Exclusive evening with Geisha in Kyoto
This evening, you’ll have an once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience an evening in the company of Geisha at an exclusive Kyoto restaurant and tea house. Two Geisha, accompanied by a musician, will perform traditional dances and songs with their skilfully-honed art in entertainment, playing games and making conversation (your guide will act as a translator).
Gion Geisha district tour
Visit the Geisha district of Gion which is famed for its beautifully preserved traditional architecture. During Gion’s golden age in the first half of the 19th century, more than 3000 Geikos (young Geisha) worked in some 700 teahouses. You can keep your eyes open for Geisha on their way to an assignment. This is also a great opportunity for shopping in this craft-rich district.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Toei Uzumasa Kyoto Studio Park was known in the 1960s as the “Hollywood of Japan”. Toei, one of Japan’s leading film companies opens its sets to the public at Eiga Mura (Film Village) and the result is a theme park complete with samurai and ninja shows, geisha, arcades and souvenir shops. Many movies were shot here and it is still a working studio. You can turn into a samurai or a princess with real disguises, including wigs and makeup.
Dressing up as a Samurai or Geisha
Indulge yourself in a little make believe and become a part of old Japan. Try on the elegant makeup and intricately patterned kimono of the Geisha or Samurai wear.
Why book with Jacada
Pesonalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
I can't recommend Jacada enough! If you want a curated and hassle free trip, do it with them! They planned all details and gave us plenty of info leading up to the trip that we really didn't need to do much ourselves. We decided to use them for a culture/food trip through Japan and it was beyond exceptional! The best!
