Overview
This itinerary is ideal for families with limited vacation time who would like to experience the essence of Japan. It is perfect for short breaks, such as the Easter Holiday. It offers a mix of iconic landmarks, anime-themed activities, nature experiences, and opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture.
The essence of our journey lies in nurturing family bonds – from serene moments shared in ancient temples and shrines to the thrill derived from a plethora of diverse experiences. With your preferences leading the way, Japan Highlights is committed to meticulously crafting a unique journey tailor-made for your family.
- Days:8±
- Best For:First-timers, families
- Departure date:up to you
- Sample Price:from US$5,069 each (2 people) and US$ 3,390 each (4 people)
*The price is based on a private tour.
Highlights
- They craft tailor-made itineraries rather than fixed group tour schedules, so your trip fits what your family wants to do.
- You explore at your own pace with your own guide and private vehicle when guided.
- Tours are season-led, meaning they’re designed to align with Japan’s best seasonal experiences — like cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, winter powder snow, or local festivals.
- The company has many excellent reviews online with ratings typically around 5.0 stars on platforms like Trustindex/Tripadvisor. Guests often commend stress-free planning, responsive support, and knowledgeable guides.
- Japan Highlights handles all logistics — from accommodations and tickets to transfers and guides. They also provide 24/7 support while you’re on tour.
Itinerary
- Konnichiwa! Upon arrival at Osaka Kansai International Airport, one of our amiable drivers will meet you and provide a one-way private transfer to your inviting hotel in Osaka. Settle down in your comfortable room to recover from your travels, or start exploring the alluring ancient city at your own leisure.
- Visit iconic Osaka Castle Park, a sprawling estate that hosts the famous Osaka castle, surrounded by lush gardens and scenic views.
- Step into the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, where Osaka's Edo period comes alive. Its vast collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, primarily of famed Kabuki actors, beckons art lovers, and history aficionados for an enthralling visit.
- Experience the thrill of ninja techniques at a private ninja base — an immersive experience that carries you deep into Japan's fabled past.
- Immerse yourself in a culinary journey at Dotonbori, a renowned hotspot for Osaka's gastronomic delights. Relish local street foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, or venture into popular restaurants for a wider taste exploration.
- Start the day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, widely known for its striking torii gates that line the path up the sacred mountain.
- Immerse your family in Kyoto's rich culture with a kimono-wearing experience. Wander through Gion's nostalgic streets and age-old shrines, creating memories that will stand the test of time.
- Stroll the history-filled slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, offering a charming display of well-preserved Kyoto architectural scenes.
- End the day at Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple), an iconic temple boasting a large wooden terrace overlooking a serene forest.
- Bask in the beauty of Kinkaku-ji temple, a.k.a. the Golden Pavilion — a Zen temple layered in gold leaf, offering mesmerizing views across its reflecting pond.
- Journey to Arashiyama next, starting with Monkey Park Iwatayama, a natural habitat for snow monkeys that offers a fun-filled family experience.
- Board the charming romantic train and get enraptured by the beautiful mountain scenery and rustic landscapes on a serene ride of approximately 25 minutes.
- Take a tranquil stroll through the Bamboo Grove, offering an otherworldly walking experience surrounded by towering bamboo trunks.
- Visit Nonomiya Shrine, a Shinto shrine surrounded by tranquility and the mystique of medieval tales.
- Depart for the train station in your private car and marvel at Japan's high-speed rail journey from Kyoto to Tokyo. A private car will greet you in Tokyo, escorting you to your hotel. From there, unfold Tokyo's avenues at your leisure.
- Begin your day with a visit to Senso-ji Temple, revered as Tokyo's oldest and most important Buddhist temple.Immerse yourself in the historic charm of this spiritual site.
- Relish a sushi-making experience, a fun and interactive family activity, as you learn to prepare this iconic Japanese dish and savor it for lunch.
- Appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo from Tokyo Skytree.
- Venture into the captivating realm of Pokémon at the iconic Pokémon Center. Browse through a vast array of Pokémon merchandise, from plush toys and trading cards to clothing and accessories. Let your inner child run wild as you discover the magic of Pokémon.
- End the day with a laid-back visit to an anime café — a quintessential Tokyo experience for any family.
- Embark on a leisurely day trip to the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes region from Tokyo in a private car. Once the day concludes, you will be transported back to your hotel in Tokyo.
- Capture the charm of Mt. Fuji and blossoms at Oishi Park on Lake Kwaguchi's northern bank. The park offers a picturesque setting with seasonal blooms such as cherry blossoms, tulips, canola in spring, and lavender during summer.
- Afterwards, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Kawaguchiko Music Forest. This unique theme park and museum features automatic musical instruments amidst European-style gardens.
- For lunch, savor a warming hoto noodle tasting experience.
- Explore the enchanting Fugaku Wind Cave, a lava cave accessible to children and seniors. Inside, the shimmering ice and sound-absorbing basalt rock walls create a unique environment.
- Immerse in traditional Japanese culture at Saiko Iyashi No Sato Nenba, a village featuring thatched-roof houses.
Your private car will transport you to the airport. As you set forth, we wish you a peaceful onward journey, with cherished memories of Japan inspiring your future adventures.
Cost
Price Includes:
- Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
- English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
- Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
- Accommodation for all nights
- Trains between itinerary cities
- Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
- 24/7 helpline while touring
- Governmental taxe
Price Excludes:
- International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa fee, if applicable
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
- Tour code: ah-jp-22
Osaka Highlights — Top Sights & Experiences
🏯 Osaka Castle & Park
Explore one of Japan’s most famous historic landmarks — Osaka Castle Park — with its striking castle keep, museum, gardens, and views over the city. It’s especially lovely during cherry blossom season.
🍣 Dotonbori — Entertainment & Food
Dotonbori is Osaka’s most vibrant entertainment district, known for dazzling neon signs (including the famous Glico Running Man), canal-side walks, local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and a lively nightlife atmosphere.
🗼 Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower
This retro-classic neighborhood has old-school charm, quirky shops, lots of kushikatsu (fried skewers) stalls, and the Tsutenkaku Tower, which gives panoramic views of Osaka and fun photo spots with the happy-god statue Billiken.
🐠 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
One of Japan’s largest aquariums, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan brings marine life to life with whale sharks and immersive exhibits representing ecosystems around the world.
🎨 Art & Culture
Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka – modern and contemporary art with works by Japanese and international artists.
National Museum of Art, Osaka – a subterranean museum with contemporary art collections.
Osaka Science Museum – interactive exhibits and a planetarium for curious minds of all ages.
🌆 Modern Views & Cityscapes
For panoramic views, head up the Umeda Sky Building observatory — great at sunset — and take in Osaka’s urban spread and rivers below.
🛍️ Markets & Local Flavor
Kuromon Ichiba Market — a foodie paradise with fresh seafood, grilled scallops, fruits, and wagyu skewers.
Shinsekai & retro arcades — great for nostalgic eats and quirky spots.
🍜 Osaka Cuisine — “Japan’s Kitchen”
Osaka has a reputation as Japan’s culinary heart — from takoyaki (grilled octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), deep-fried kushikatsu, and rich ramen — perfect for casual and memorable family food adventures.
🧭 Quick Tips
Energy & vibe: Osaka’s atmosphere is casual, upbeat, and local–friendly — perfect for food explorers and night wanderers.
Festival spirit: If you time it right, Tenjin Matsuri (one of Japan’s great festivals) lights up the city with parades and fireworks.
Great base: Osaka is well-connected to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Universal Studios Japan® by train, making it a great hub for national itineraries.
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
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