Dream Design

get in touch your way...

We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.

Contact us

Find more ways to get in touch
CONNECT

Travel agents

Access Agents Portal
LOGIN

Subscribe

Travel inspiration direct to your inbox

Opening hours

Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:30pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Sunday: Closed

Uncovering Japan: a family odyssey

Tokyo – Hakone – Kyoto

A family foray
for Japan first-timers

The land of cherry blossom, samurai and anime, Japan holds a tapestry of discovery and fun for families of all shapes to unfurl.

From vibrant modern metropolises to ancient cities and a thread of spirituality weaved throughout, time spent in Japan is captivating at every turn, whether your interests revolve around the fast-paced or you prefer the quieter side of life.

Starting big and bold in Japan’s capital, Tokyo’s bustling districts filled with restaurants, shopping and museums are a feast for all the senses. Hakone provides a moment of pause surrounded by nature, the perfect spot for a hot spring bath. And then it’s onto Kyoto via bullet train where tradition reigns.

Jump to...

00
03

Where you’ll be going

Get to know where you'll be exploring in Japan, from bustling metropolises, mountain valleys, and ancient cities.

00
03

A taste of what's to come A family odyssey journal

Day 3
Tokyo
Day 5
Hakone
Day 7
Kyoto
Day 9
Osaka via Kyoto
Day 3 Tokyo
Day 5 Hakone
Day 7 Kyoto
Day 9 Osaka via Kyoto

  • 8:45am

    Hello from Tokyo! We’ve had a busy couple of days travelling and yesterday spent getting to know the city a little, visiting the Edo Museum, taking a calligraphy class and visiting the arcades in Akihabara (the kids were absolutely in their element). Today, we’re off on a guided tour of the small district of Asakusa. I can’t wait to wander around the ancient streets and pay a visit to the Sensoji temple, it’s been on my bucket list for years.

    Explore

  • 2:30pm

    This morning, we were whisked from Tokyo to Hakone in our own private car. It’s so beautiful here, with views of the iconic Mount Fuji in some spots. We took a ropeway ride to Owakudani Valley and saw the crater of Mount Hakone (slightly closer than Mount Fuji) before heading on a cruise of Lake Ashi. The views here are absolutely stunning! Now it’s off to the Open-Air Museum before checking into our hotel for the evening.

    Explore

  • 5:00pm

    Yesterday, we took the bullet train from Hakone to Kyoto, another dream for all of us checked off the list. We spent this morning at a museum dedicated to Japanese film where the kids got into the warrior spirit (okay, us adults joined in with the teens too), taking a class samurai swordsmanship. We then visited some of the local temples – the Golden Pavillion (Kinkaku-ji) is simply beautiful and the rock garden at Ryoan-ji left us all feeling very zen.

    Explore

  • 2:45pm

    Our last full day in Japan, we decided to add another city to the agenda with a day trip to Osaka. Our chauffeur picked us up bright and early, taking us first to marvel at Osaka Castle before a visit to the more modern area of Dotombori. It was very bright and quirky here with neon billboards lining the busy streets. Now it’s off to the Kaiyukan Aquarium which we’re all very excited about – I personally can’t wait to see the turtles.

    Explore
0:00


Where to stay

  • The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel
    First two senteces of hotel (all copy if belong).


Where to stay

  • Yoshimatsu Hakone
    First two senteces of hotel (all copy if belong).


Where to stay

  • The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
    First two senteces of hotel (all copy if belong).


Where to stay

  • The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
    First two senteces of hotel (all copy if belong).

Explore all the
places you can stay

  • Japan
    The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel

    Greeted by its signature scent of hinoki (Japanese cypress) as you walk through the doors, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho is a warm welcome to Japan’s capital, just a stone’s throw away from the Imperial Palace. 

    Explore this place
    • Japan
      Yoshimatsu Hakone

      Set against luscious hills, verdant bamboo gardens, calm ponds home to colourful fish, and views of Mount Fuji – while this might sound like the most serene dream, it is the reality at Yoshimatsu. 

      Explore this place
    • The exterior of Ritz-Carlton Kyoto on the river bank under a clear sky with cherry blossoms in bloom
      Japan
      The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

      From its privileged position along the banks of the Kamogawa River, inspiration taken from traditional Ryokans ensures Ritz-Carlton’s Kyoto outpost ticks every box when it comes to having it all. 

      Explore this place
  • Asia, Japan, Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Mandarin Lounge with view of Tokyo skyline
    Japan
    Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

    Towering above the streets of Tokyo, uninterrupted views of the city’s skyline aren’t a tall order at any of Mandarin Oriental’s twelve in-house restaurants; sample them all for an international fare and find your favourite.

    Explore this place
  • Asia, Japan, Kyoto, The Mitsui Kyoto, garden
    Japan
    The Mitsui Kyoto

    Greeting guests with its 18th-century Kajiimiya Gate, this reimagining from Mitsui elevates a centuries-old residence opposite Nijo Castle; where rooms designed by a world-renowned cast of creatives embrace a tranquil garden in tune with all seasons.

    Explore this place

Extraordinary
experiences

    • One for the Studio Ghibli fans

      Perhaps Japan’s most famous animated exports, the films of Studio Ghibli have long delighted fans (of all ages) across the globe. Designed by the iconic animator Hayao Miyazaki, at the Ghibli Museum, you’re greeted by familiar faces such as Totoro as you discover the fine art behind these family favourites. The museum’s motto may be ‘let’s lose our way together’, but make sure to book in advance.

    • Explore Tokyo’s bustling Odaiba Island

      Set on a man-made island, Tokyo’s entertainment district is abuzz with colour. The city’s iconic Rainbow Bridge (best seen at night) is the gateway to a world of fun in the form of immersive experiences, museums and shopping – and even a Japanese Statue of Liberty.

    • Disneyland comes to Japan

      Discovering our animated favourites continues at Tokyo Disneyland. A mirror of its American predecessor, there are seven themed areas throughout the park, including the classics (Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland) and more. The theme park gets especially busy during weekends and school holidays, so make sure to book in advance.

    • Learn the traditional art of Japanese parquetry

      A decorative woodworking technique, Yosegi-zaiku (Japanese parquetry) has a rich history spanning over 200 years. Discover this style of wooden mosaic work, with its various colours and geometric patterns, and perhaps even take home a souvenir.

    • Pay a visit to Kyoto’s Nijo Castle

      Set right in the centre of Kyoto, the grounds of Nijo Castle offer a glimpse back in time to the days of the Edo shogunate. The castle grounds are home to lush gardens, the striking Ninomaru Gotel Palace, and, if you’re lucky enough to visit during the height of cherry blossom season, rows upon rows of the stunning Sakura trees. 

    • Get to know the locals at the famous ‘Deer Park’

      Head out of Kyoto on a day trip to historical Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. Starting your day with a visit to Nara Park, known commonly as ‘Deer Park’ due to its population of hundreds of freely roaming deer. Head on to the Kasugataisha Shrine and Tōdai-ji temple for a taste of Nara’s history and spirituality.

Itinerary essentials
  • 9
    NIGHTS
IDEAL TIME
  • May - Jun
    IDEAL
WHEN TO GO
  • 12hrs
    LHR - NRT
  • 13hrs
    KIX - LHR
FLIGHT TIME
  • 5hrs 5min
    BY ROAD
  • 2hrs
    BY RAIL
ALL TRANSFERS
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
  • Umbraco.Cms.Core.Models.MediaWithCrops`1[Umbraco.Cms.Web.Common.PublishedModels.Image]

    Explore more of
    Destination

    A country that lives for both the past and future, shaped by the changing seasons and the spirits of nature; in Japan, there’s a completely unique adventure to be had with each rising of the sun.
    Discover Japan holidays