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Family: self-guided Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
Japan in 13 Days, 10 Nights in Destination
From
$4,929
$3,199
/person
-35%
Hannah
Travel crafter
See Japan’s cities, temples, and the deer of Nara Park on this family-friendly itinerary with guided tours, museums, and local cuisine! Where memories are made on this trip: learning origami and an Osaka Castle family photo shoot.
Trip Highlights
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Tokyo
Included
All flights
Accommodation
Some transfers
Activities
Availability
Departures available until December 2025
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $960
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
- WHAT'S THIS?
Categories available
superior included
- WHAT'S THIS?
Itinerary
A family journey through Japan, where you'll explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka's iconic landmarks and vibrant cityscapes with all the essentials and some tours included. Have fun sharing family-friendly activities such as an origami class and a visit to Tokyo's famous teamLabs interactive art museum!
1st Day: US - Night on board
Prepare for an unforgettable family journey across Japan, exploring its natural wonders and ancient traditions! Arrive at your departure airport, ready for a flight to Tokyo*. Night on board.
*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
2nd Day: Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo, a dazzling metropolis rich in history and tradition. You and your loved ones will be met at the airport by our representative who will talk you through your itinerary, deliver your travel documents, provide helpful information and recommendations for your free time and assist you with your self-transfer to the hotel.
Once settled at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to start discovering this exciting city of contrasts and its delicious cuisine. We recommend heading to one of the many food markets, where you can sample lots of different dishes at bargain prices! Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or similar
5347 Reviews
See our full selection
3rd Day: Tokyo
Spend today free to explore the delights of Tokyo at your own pace. You also have the option to take an optional full-day tour of the city of Tokyo by bus*, including the most important sights in the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
*Optional full-day tour of the city of Tokyo: self-transfer to the famous 'Love' statue in Shinjuku, from which the tour will depart at 7:50 AM. Drive past Harajuku shopping district and stop to visit the famous Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine.
Next, see the Imperial Palace area among other highlights before stopping in the historic neighbourhood of Asakusa, home to the Senso-ji Temple Kaminari-mon Gate and the Nakamise shopping avenue. Enjoy a Matcha tasting experience and a Japanese lunch at a local Izakaya restaurant before climbing the Tokyo Skytree tower, where you can admire the infinite Tokyo skyline.
In the afternoon, board a river cruise that will take you through Tokyo Bay to Odaiba island and end the tour back at Shinjuku.
Important: Please leave your hotel with time and plan your self-transfer ahead. The bus will leave at 8 AM with no exceptions.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or similar
5347 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Full day Tokyo city tour
Light
See more
4th Day: Tokyo
Today is your family's day to visit the teamLab Planets interactive museum! Among Tokyo's best-known attractions, teamLab is a unique group of large immersive exhibitions appropriate for all ages. Self-transfer to the museum and arrive at the time assigned in the entry ticket. Enter enormous 3-dimmensional spaces created with a combination of light, music and digital technology that will allow you and your family to become part of the artworks for as long as you like! After the visit, you might enjoy a walk around the surrounding area, where you can find the famous Toyosu Fish market. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or similar
5347 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Visit to teamLabs interactive museum
Light
See more
5th Day: Tokyo
You have another free day. To come face-to-face with legendary Mount Fuji, we recommend that you take our unforgettable optional excursion*. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
*Mount Fuji Optional Excursion: Depart by bus at 7:45 AM from the same meeting point in Shinjuku and head up to Fuji's 5th Station. At this height, you and your family will be amazed by the breathtaking views from above the clouds. After strolling around this area from which mountaineers start their journey to the summit, you will stop for a lunch at the Oshino Shinobu ninja-themed village.
After a lunch break, the bus will take you to Owakudani valley, also known as "Hell Valley". Here you can see hot springs and volcanic activity and even try the famous "black eggs", boiled in the sulphur pits. Then ride the Hakone ropeway down to Lake Ashi, where you will be able to catch a stunning view of Fuji's silhouette whilst sailing on this pristine lake. Finally, return by bus to Shinjuku Station.
Important: Please leave your hotel with time and plan your self-transfer ahead. The bus will leave according to schedule with no exceptions.
Please note: If road conditions or unforeseen circumstances restrict the ascent to the 5th station, you will instead travel the highest elevation possible considering the circumstances. The same also applies for the cruise on Ashi Crater Lake; if conditions or circumstances prevent sailing on the lake, alternative visits and experiences will be taken to replace the activity.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or similar
5347 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour
Moderate
See more
6th Day: Tokyo - Kyoto
Today, self-transfer to Tokyo station and board a bullet train to Kyoto, the capital of the Japanese Empire for 11 centuries. The trip takes only around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the train can reach speeds of 300 km/h! Once settled in Kyoto, we recommend exploring the emblematic neighborhood of Gion, known for its traditional architecture and admired geishas. Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similar
3764 Reviews
See our full selection
7th Day: Kyoto
Excited for your fitst full day in historic Kyoto? Start your day together with an origami lesson in a traditional Kyoto "Machiya" or house. Make your own creations using colourful origami paper and admire the more advanced finished pieces on display. Your children will love this ancient Japanese art!
In the afternoon, you may want to join an optional Kyoto bus tour* to discover various temples in the cultural capital of Japan. Overnight stay in Kyoto.
*Optional Kyoto bus tour: On this exciting excursion, you’ll visit the Fushimi Inari, among the most important of the many shrines dedicated to Inari, the deity of good harvest and success, known for its emblematic red gates. Next, visit the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site. Pay a visit to the Sanjusangendo Temple next, known for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similar
3764 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Origami Workshop
Light
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Kyoto afternoon bus tour
Light
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8th Day: Kyoto
You have a free morning to enjoy the city as you please. In the afternoon, set off together on a journey to the peaceful city of Nara. When you arrive, begin with a tour of two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. The fascinating Todai-Ji happens to be one of the world's largest wooden structures! Spend free time relacing in the picturesque Nara Park, where your little ones will love seeing its famous wild deer up close while walking and playing. Return to Kyoto for overnight stay.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similar
3764 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Afternoon Nara Excursion
Moderate
See more
9th Day: Kyoto - Osaka
Today, self-transfer to Kyoto station and take a local train* to travel to Osaka. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to discover this charming city. We recommend visiting the Kuromon local market and its Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, from which there is an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay in Osaka.
*The local train transfer from Kyoto to Osaka does not have a fixed schedule. Passengers can exchange their ticket at any time during the transfer day and choose the departure time that best suits their plans. The local train departs from Kyoto station.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Monterey Lasoeur Osaka or similar
1024 Reviews
See our full selection
10th Day: Osaka
Today you’ll be part of a photoshoot at Osaka castle, creating unforgettable memories together during an hour of fun. Take a picturesque shot of Osaka Castle, showcasing its grandeur and historical significance, as your family poses in front of the iconic landmark during your private session.
You can enjoy yourself for the rest of the day by exploring the beauty of Osaka. Overnight stay in Osaka.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Monterey Lasoeur Osaka or similar
1024 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Osaka castle private photoshoot
See more
11th Day: Osaka
Enjoy another free day in Osaka with your loved ones. We highly recommend an optional morning walking tour* with a visit to the Shinsekai area, famous for its colourful signs and neon lights. Overnight stay in Osaka.
*Osaka walking tour and Shinsekai street food: Set off with your English-speaking guide for a tour of Osaka's commercial centre: the Shinsekai neighborhood is known for its dynamic feeling and vibrant street life! Stop by the main attractions and discover Osaka's vibrant street food scene, especially its kushikatsu (skewers) with meats, vegetables, and seafood.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Monterey Lasoeur Osaka or similar
1024 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Osaka walking tour and Shinsekai street food
Light
See more
12th Day: Osaka - Night on board
Sadly it's time to say goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun. On this day, use your Airport shuttle bus* ticket to transfer from Osaka to the Osaka airport. Night on board.
*Airport transfer only included for flights departing from 9AM. For earlier departures it's the client responsibility to self-transfer to the Osaka airport.
13th Day: US
Arrive in the US and end your family holiday.
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Categories Available:
superior
From $3,199
Selected
Accommodation: 10 Nights
Included activities
Show more
Available Activities
The price includes
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - Tokyo, Osaka - US.
- Tokyo Subway Pass 72h, Kyoto Bus/Subway Pass 24h, local train from Kyoto to Osaka, bus transfer Osaka - Osaka airport.*more information
- 10 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels.**more informationSee hotels included
- Bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto.***more information
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Japanese SIM Card (only internet - up to 3GB).
- Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival.****more information
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase
Not included
Meals, arrival airport transfer and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
This tour doesn’t include a guide on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of each passenger to self-transfer between hotels and meeting points for activities/excursions and to / from departure points of included transfers.
A number of Japanese cities impose an accommodation tax, which must be paid directly to the hotel.
Activities/excursions in Tokyo and Kyoto include a guide while in Osaka they are completely independent.
*Airport transfer only included for flights departing from 9AM. For earlier departures it's the client responsibility to self-transfer to the Osaka airport.
**Non-smoking rooms: unfortunately, hotels in Japan have a reduced number of non-smoking rooms and we can not guarantee you will be allocated one in advance. Please note: double beds in Japanese hotels are not always the standard Western size and can sometimes be less wide.
***You will receive the exact Tokyo - Kyoto bullet train transfer details upon your arrival to Tokyo.
The usual departure time is between 9 and 10 AM leaving from Tokyo Station and reaching Kyoto Station around 12PM. Please arrive to Tokyo Station with enough time before departure to locate the exact platform and train you will be using. We can't guarantee specific seat requests (aisle / window, etc).
The local train transfer Kyoto - Osaka does not have a fixed schedule. Passengers can exchange their ticket at any time during the transfer day and choose the departure time that best suits their plans.
****Airport Meet & Greet: An agent will be waiting for you at the Arrivals hall of the airport, where they will deliver all necessary documents for this trip (transportation tickets, Sim card, activities information and meeting points, etc). They will talk you through your itinerary, provide helpful information and recommendations for your free time and assist you with your self-transfer to the hotel.
Whenever the Meet & Greet service can't be arranged or you can't find them at the arrival hall (due to flight delay, arrival terminal sudden change, etc), the travel documents will be sent to your hotel.
For those passengers who book a trip without international flights through Exoticca, you will need to share your flight details with us with at least 30 days before arrival to Japan if you want to enjoy the M&G service.
Entry requirements
Valid passport with at least six months validity.
Visa
No visa is required.
Currency
Japanese Yen.
Language
Japanese.
Electricity
110 V. Adapter required.
Health
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travelers from the US.
Time zone
UTC + 08:00 or UTC + 09:00.
Other useful information
You are not expected to leave a tip.
Tourist Office website
https://us.jnto.go.jp/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
This is a semi-escorted tour, during which only some of the booked activities are carried out with a local English-speaking guide. There is no 24-hour guide on site.
If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.
While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.
Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.
Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.
Pay in installments
60%
At time of booking
40%
60 days before departure
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