Day 1 (10/03): Tokyo
With visits to both the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, and TeamLab’s interactive Planets digital art space, this day is planned to be a glimpse into Japan’s 'futuristic' settings that are both fun and educational for your children. In addition to that, all of these activities are set to take place on a man-made island out in the middle of Tokyo Bay.
Activities:
TeamLab PlanetsMIRAIKANBoat across Tokyo Bay
Day 2 (10/04): Nikko
Today, as an almost complete turn from yesterday's activities, the theme and focus will be on parts of Japan's past. Nikko is just north of Tokyo, and the best way to get there is by train. There is a train that actually has a private cabin (which is pretty rare for Japan), and it's the most enjoyable way to watch the landscape change from modern, to countryside. Nikko is the resting place for the shogun who unified Japan. There is a shrine there in his honor, and it by far the most ornate of any shrine I've seen in the country (I briefly spoke about this with you on the phone). The first half of this day is best spent with a knowledgeable guide who can give you all of the history of Nikko, and the shrines so that you can appreciate it best. The shrine itself is planted right in the middle of a large cedar forest, which only adds to its majesty. After that, the next stop is more lighthearted. The open-air, Edo-era museum/theme park, which isn't located too far from the shrine. I love visiting here, and they usually have to kick us out, because we typically stay until closing hours. There is sooo much to do, see and learn while visiting. There are impromptu sword fights, hidden ninjas in the streets, areas that teach you about the crafting process of katanas (it is insanely complex), and even stations where you can try your hand at creating traditional Japanese crafts. It's a lot of fun.
As transportation in the area can be very complicated, we would like to arrange a private car for you and your guide on this day. We would also like to make dinner arrangements for the both of you when you return to Tokyo.
Activities:
- Visit to Toshogu Shrine (guided)
- Visit to Edo open-air museum/theme park
- Private compartment train (based on availability)
Day 3 (10/05): Tokyo
I've tried to work in some martial arts-related activities into your itinerary that aren't intense, and are enjoyable for your entire family. The visit to a sumo stable is the first of such activities. There are different "stables" in Tokyo and each offers different activities/experiences and so we would look for one that offers the best experience for children.
We typically give people a free day in each location that they visit in order to explore the location on their own, however due to ERFS restrictions, this may not be possible. We are tentatively putting a visit to Tokyo's Samurai museum (which is really just a very, very large private collection) into the itinerary. It's an amazing place and the guides here are extremely knowledgeable about samurai weaponry, and the tour of the museum ends with a demonstration of different weapons (weapon depends on the day you're visiting).
The Robot Restaurant is something I think your entire family will definitely enjoy. We spoke about it on the phone, it's dinner theater taken to its absolute extreme. Very loud, very happy, very well choreographed, very Tokyo. It's like Power Rangers, but live-action. Also, I'm hoping that they reopen soon, so this one is also tentative. I will update this online itinerary with alternatives soon.
Activities:
- Sumo stable
- Cat cafe
- Samurai Museum
Robot Restaurant- Bullet train to Kyoto
Planner's notes: If you are going to leave for Kyoto on this night, the Robot Restaurant may be pushing it. Also, as of today (9/7/22), they still have yet to make an announcement about when they will start their shows again, so it may be best to simply nix this for now.
Day 4 (10/06): Kyoto
There is a relatively famous action scene choreographer in Japan who is also a very big film fanatic, and creates very short action films for families visiting Japan. He choreographs everything for you, and teaches you bits of Japanese. He used to do all of this at the airport within an hour or so before people leave the country. Here's an example of what the final product looks like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNYtBdcDzF4
Activities:
- Kyoto hike (per the message sent to you via email)
Samurai Action Film with KenjiMt. Takao hike
Day 5 (10/07): Kyoto
Today we want you to be able to take in some of the sites of early Autumn, and also to visit some of Kyoto's classics. The day will start with a boat ride down the Hozugawa river. This ride however is a traditional 3-manned wooden boat, and is a portion of the route that used to be used in the past to transport cargo between Osaka and Kyoto. The ride is beautiful, and a lovely way to take in the natural surroundings of Kyoto. It ends in the Arashiyama district, where you will have the chance to visit one of Japan's most beautiful zen gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The garden is somehow beautiful and different in every season. It was masterfully designed. There is a path behind Tenryuji that is famous for being lined with extremely tall bamboo. I'm going to include a picture of it in the small gallery below.
The Arashiyama area also has a small mountain called Iwata that also serves as a sanctuary for monkeys. It is a really nice hike (albeit, short), and the top of the mountain gives you a view of the entire city of Kyoto. Kid typically really like this park.
There is an open air steam-engine train that is an excellent way to get to the meeting spot for taking the boat down the river. It is a beautiful way to get to the boat, however it will add a small amount of time to your overall journey. I do believe that it is worth it though! I'd also like to use this day to arrange a tea ceremony for your family as it is something that you mentioned your wife would enjoy.
Activities:
- Hozugawa traditional riverboat ride
- Short hike of Iwatayama Monkey park
- Tenryuji zen garden visit
- Torokko Steam Train
- Tea Ceremony
Day 6 (10/08): Danjiri Matsuri
This day will be completely dedicated to the Danjiri Matsuri. I've actually planned this whole itinerary around this event! I HIGHLY recommend keeping this experience in your itinerary! We try our absolute best to arrange each itinerary to include a matsuri festival within it, and this one is actually one of the best in the entire country. It has been happening for hundreds of years in Osaka, and it really encapsulates the personality and the style of Osaka and its people.
You can also expect all of the typical things that you would see at a matsuri festival. Food stalls (usually yakitori, yakisoba, takoyaki, etc.), game stalls, drink stalls, etc. (barring any local ordinances that are in place due to COVID). The events of the festival itself are kind of difficult to explain. In other places in Japan, during a festival, the god of the local shrine is 'placed' within a small portable home called a mikoshi. That mikoshi is then paraded around the streets of that neighborhood, slowly and usually with a chant of, "WASSSHOI!" Here however, it's pulled by a group of men at very high speeds around corners while someone else dances on top of it. It's also a bit competitive between different neighborhoods. Here's a video to give you an idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNqj8DfI1Mo&ab_channel=NipponTVNews24Japan
It is easily worth an entire day, and I have looked on their website to make sure that it will take place this year.
Activities:
- Danjiri Matsuri
Day 7 (10/09): Himeiji
Today will be all about visiting Himeiji Castle in Himeiji and Todaiji Temple in Nara. This is another day where the guide you have is very important, as they can make the day a much more special one, by imparting knowledge about each respective location.
Himeiji is special in that it is one of the only castles that is mostly original, and has survived wars, fires, and earthquakes. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is by far the most beautiful castle in all of Japan (in my opinion, it isn't even a close competition).
Todaiji Temple houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world. Its grounds are also home to many free roaming (and friendly) deer. Deer have a special place in Japan's mythology, as they are sometimes seen as messengers for the gods. I think that both you and your kids will enjoy both of these activities.
Activities:
- Himeiji Castle (via bullet train, short journey ~40 minutes)
- Todaiji Temple
Day 8 (10/10): Kyoto
I wanted to make sure that you didn't leave the Kansai area without seeing Japan's most famous shrine, Fushimi Inari. This is the shrine with thousands of red-orange torii gates on the mountain that possesses the same name. It's been in tons of movies, like Memoirs of a Geisha, so I think it should be instantly recognizable. In addition to this, I think it would be nice to make a visit to Kiyomizudera, which is famously known as the temple where no nails where used in its construction. It's history is very interesting, and there are a lot of enjoyable things there for kids as well. Having the right guide on this day will be key.
Something else I wanted you guys to experience before leaving the Kansai area is its food. Nishiki Market is a great place to visit for trying a multitude of different types of foods that you otherwise would not be able to have access to. I think this day is also the perfect day for making a reservation at a restaurant in the Pontocho area. There are many options that I will go over with you on our next call to try to arrange something that everyone in your family will like.
Activities:
- Kiyomizudera Temple
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Nishiki Food Market
- Restaurant (TBD)
- Bullet Train for Nagano
Day 9 (10/11): Nagano
I chose Nagano for its onsen, and for the monkey hot springs that are famous in this area. The area also has very nice traditional ryokan inns, many of which include a small onsen on their grounds, if you don't want to visit a public one. Something else that is important when staying at a ryokan is the kaiseki dinner service. It can be compared to a multi-course meal, but is packed with really delicious Japanese staples (sashimi being at the core of it, typically).
I can arrange for the ryokan to be near the monkey hot springs, so that you guys can hike to the location, if you wish. I've placed this day last intentionally, as it is meant to be a relaxing hot springs day.
Activities:
- Traditional ryokan stay
- Short hike
- Monkey hot springs
- Onsen
- Kaiseki Dinner
Day 10 (10/12): Tokyo
I've left this day open, as the trip from Nagano to Tokyo can be long, and after getting settled into your hotel, there may not be much time to arrange anything significant. I think a food tour may be best, but we can speak on what it is that you guys may enjoy most for this day.
