The Best Things to do in Japan with Kids

Why go on a family holiday to Japan

How much time do we have? The list is endless. But what we love about Japan is the clash of ancient soul with futuristic fun – where you can learn about, and take part in, centuries-old traditions in the morning, and lose hours surrounded by the flashing lights of a pachinko parlour in the afternoon.

There’s so much for kids to learn from travelling here (not that they’ll realize it – which does come in handy). It may be from observing the deep commitment of sumo wrestlers who practice their craft in gruelling training sessions day after day. Or perhaps it’s taking part in the creative process involved in decorating candy, making sushi, or putting together the perfect bowl of ramen – as well as mastering how to use chopsticks. They’ll be immersed in an entirely new, fascinating culture, absorbing new customs and cultures along the way.

But beyond the long, long list of why we adore Japan, there’s one thing you really need to know: every Black Tomato family holiday to Japan is pieced together to make the perfect puzzle.  We take all of your family’s wishes and use them to create something beautiful and unusual. 

So, where could you go?

The best places to visit in Japan with family

Nowhere packs a cultural punch like this Asian nation. And if you’re looking for things to do in Japan with kids, there are several places we’d always suggest starting with. First up, there’s Tokyo, which is more than a place to touch down, but a thrumming metropolis of exceptional restaurants, world-class gaming arcades, and thrilling shopping districts, with stores stacked with everything from beauty to tech. Osaka, meanwhile, is the foodie stop, while Kyoto is much more relaxing: with geishas, temples, and tea ceremonies. And depending on the time of year, you may like to head off the coast to swim in the aquamarine waters of the Okinawa islands, or visit the ski slopes of Hokkaido. 

Tokyo

Touching down in Tokyo is a culture shock – in the best possible way. On the one hand, this capital, on the eastern coast of Honshu, is the very definition of buzzy, with its world-famous neon lights, pedestrian crossings like Shibuya and Harajuku, and frenetic markets like Tsukiji. On the other hand, it’s surprisingly calm – a place where stress is dealt with serenely and everything operates with mouth-agape efficiency. 

Dive a little deeper into Tokyo with one of our expert guides and you’ll discover so much more than bright city lights and busy walkways. This is a city that’s more than just a stop off – a place that blends ultra-modern city life with traditional culture. The result? A highly intoxicating experience – and a ‘must do’ on every family holiday to Japan. 

You may choose to immerse yourself in Japan’s ancient traditions like sumo wrestling,  ninja training, and taiko drumming. And there are dozens of modern attractions too, like the teamLab digital art museum, the teen-approved arcades of Akihabara, rollercoasters (looping and free-falling right there in the city centre), and go-karting excursions dressed up as the Super Mario brothers. In between all of that is a chance to eat, eat, eat – in backstreet bars and flashy, skyscraper sushi joints. And it’s not just about eating but creating too – how about a ramen-making masterclass to bring the nation’s star dish to your own kitchen back home? 

Kyoto

After time spent strolling the sidewalks of Tokyo, Kyoto is the spot to slow the pace and catch some breathing space. Located in the central region of the country (an easy bullet train hop from Osaka), the former imperial capital is the heart of traditional Japanese culture, with a staggering 2,000 temples and shrines dotting the city. One of the most family-friendly is the Golden Pavilion or Kikaku-Ju, a Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site that glitters in the sunlight. With the help of one of our guides, you’ll learn about the history and symbolism of the pavilion – why each of its three floors has a different architectural style, how the gardens are carefully designed to highlight the changing seasons, and the role of Zen in shaping both the temple and its serene surroundings.

In fact, your Black Tomato guide is there to take you on a cultural journey through the entire city, from exploring the historic Gion district where you’ll spot geishas in traditional dress, walking through the famous bamboo groves of Arashiyama and taking part in a local tea ceremony – a relaxing ritual in a traditional tea house. You’ll have your pick of some of the world’s best hotels here too, from the intimate and reliably brilliant Four Seasons Kyoto to the serene Six Senses, with its sensational spa. 

Osaka

Dig out your stretchiest pants because there’s an unofficial slogan in Osaka: Kuidaore. The meaning? ‘Eat til you drop’. And that should give you some clue as to what’s ahead. 

But let’s start with some of the other reasons to love this vibrant port city on Japan’s western coast. There’s Osaka Castle; originally built in the 16th century, today’s reconstruction is surrounded by moats, walls, and gardens in every shade of green. During the day, you can wander the landmark site, stopping off at the museum and observation deck, or, at the right time of year, snapping pictures of the blush-pink cherry blossom. At night, its illuminated walls make this top sightseeing spot feel even more serene.

As for other things to do in Japan with kids? Osaka is your gateway to Legoland Discovery Centre with its LEGO-themed rides, Duplo farm and model-building workshops, plus Universal Studios, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Waterworld: Jurassic Park. In the city center, you can hop on the Ferris wheel at one of the oldest theme parks in Japan, while the Science Museum is a sure-fire hit with its four floors of interactive exhibitions.  

In the end, though, all roads lead to – you guessed it – food. Dotonbori is one of the most famous spots in “Japan’s Kitchen”, where you can dig into okonomiyaki (a cabbage-stacked, sweet and salty sauce-drizzled pancake), takoyaki (batter-dipped balls of octopus) in the glare of neon lights. With the help of Jamie, one of our guides, you can explore further, coming across tiny izakaya (Japanese pubs) with grilled meats served as snacks, and sake, served warm or cold, plus the best spots to dine at the counter for a speedy and simple ramen, learning all about the nation’s eating etiquette (which includes lots of noisy slurping).

Nara

It’s an easy 40-minute train journey from Kyoto to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. The compact, easily walkable city demands a detour to experience one of the most serene and overlooked spots in the country. The joy of a day trip here is soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, sipping green tea in traditional houses, wandering alongside shinto shrines, gazing up at lantern-lit skies and taking in temples, some of which date back to the eighth century. We love taking some time out at the foot of the giant bronze Buddha statue in Todai-ji Temple, but wandering around the peaceful temple grounds and traditional gardens is just another way to decompress kids – and big kids – who may need some downtime in nature.

One of the most fun things to do in Japan with family is to take the chance to witness wild free-roaming deer that wander the city of Nara. With a backdrop of flower-filled gardens, seeing them happily grazing in the sunshine is something that feels straight out of a storybook. You’ll see them everywhere – even wandering the streets – but Nara Park, which is home to over a thousand of the animals,  is the spot to get your best pictures.

All that walking calls for some local food, and in Nara the must-try dish is kakinoha-zushi – oblongs of rice topped with marinated mackerel and wrapped up into a bundle with persimmon leaves, which have been cultivated in the region for hundreds of years. In fact, you could go on an entire persimmon tour, sampling pastes, jams, and crispy varieties. Then? Sake. The rice wine’s brewing techniques were developed here, and you’ll find dozens of breweries across the city.

Our favourite family-friendly activities in Japan

One of the questions we’re asked most is “what are the best things to do in Japan with kids?” There is no one-size-fits-all answer here: instead, our ideas are determined by your family. And these suggestions are based on so much more than your kids’ ages – instead, it’s about what they love, what they loathe, what sparks their curiosity and their creativity. And of course, you’re pretty important too – what do you want to get out of your family holiday to Japan?

We’ll pull that all together and take you on a journey that’ll immerse you in ancient Japanese culture in some of the world’s most modern cities. There could be once-in-a-lifetime experiences like training with ninjas, watching wrestlers in sumo stables, plus plenty of time to enjoy the simple things that makes Japan such a fun place to travel (like catching the shinkansen – the fastest train in the world, or experiencing the buttons, jets of water, and whooshing air in a Japanese restroom – something you will talk about back home).

Japan: it really is crammed with unexpected holiday memories at every turn.

Attending ninja – or samurai – training

There are workshops and then there are Ninjutsu workshops – your chance to step into the shadowy world of ninjas and the noble realm of the samurai. This extraordinary, immersive experience is one of the most unusual and fun things to do in Japan with family, as you learn the art of meditation, ancestor veneration, and the concept of Ku, meaning “no self” from a legendary sensei at his karate dojo. Oh, and there’ll be hands-on training with samurai weapons, including throwing stars and blowguns, mastering the stealthy steps of these noble warriors. Your teachers? Descendants of a 16th-century ninja clan – experts in wielding these authentic swords and masters of the ‘inner eye’ – a key part of samurai philosophy and the cornerstone of their legendary focus and intuition, some of which you may even be able to channel back home. That’s quite the holiday souvenir.

It’s physical, it’s fascinating, and it’s just one part of our 10-night Japan Family holiday – which is stacked with similarly unusual bonding opportunities for you and your family.

Visiting sumo stables

You may have arrived in Japan keen to see the spectacle of a sumo tournament – Japan’s national sport. This? It’s several bumps better. After breakfast, we’ll take you across Tokyo to a sumo stable, where wrestlers practice and perfect their craft in gruelling multi-hour sessions. Grab a seat and get comfy – kids, you’ll need to be still and silent for quite a while – as you witness the ‘keiko’, an intense morning training session where you’ll see the techniques, hierarchy, and customs that define sumo culture, in this mesmerizing glimpse into Japanese heritage.

This behind-the-scenes experience is led by the best of the best: your guide is a former sumo wrestler and a former sumo reporter in Japan. He’ll introduce you to the wrestlers and make sure you get a photo with them – if you wish. It’s just one of the many, many immersive experiences on this family holiday to Japan that we’ve knitted together over dozens of our own family trips to the country.

Kyoto tea ceremony

Black Tomato family holidays to Japan are all about balance, and after time spent swiping samurai and watching sumo wrestlers pound and push, you may be seeking something a little more sedentary. The best place for it is undoubtedly Kyoto, a serene city dotted with centuries-old houses, where quiet and contemplative tea ceremonies are an integral part of daily life. The journey begins with a locally crafted sweet before you kneel before your host, observing their fluid movements and techniques as they go through their ritualistic preparation of the green tea. Then it’s your turn: a chance to make your own cup of matcha under the gentle guidance of a pro. Sipping the specially made brew gives you a long moment to appreciate the tranquillity of something so simple – a perfect cup of tea – while learning about an ancient Japanese custom.

We love this experience for the quiet moments of connection it creates, and with every sip of green tea back home, you’ll be transported to this holiday moment, surrounded by your loved ones in one of the coolest countries in the world. It’s just one experience on our family holiday to Japan; other similarly serene experiences include time spent in the indoor and outdoor baths at an onsen and the chance to take on a Kyushu tradition of being buried up to your neck in warm volcanic sand. It’s much more relaxing than it sounds, we promise.

Making amezaiku candy in Tokyo

During your time in Japan you will notice how aesthetically pleasing virtually everything is – and that even applies to the candy. Making amezaiku candy, the prettiest of all, is more of an art lesson than a culinary one. The Japanese candy is crafted from a heated sugar taffy called mizuame, creating a delicate sculpture that happens to taste delicious. You’ll shape warm taffy using your hands and scissors, choosing what you’ll create (animal figures like birds, rabbits, and goldfish are common). Edible paints will allow you to decorate the candy with the final intricate details before you admire your handiwork, which can be wrapped in bubble wrap and bagged up to bring home. Next, it’s time to take a walk around the neighborhood, dipping into the candy houses, bakeries, boutiques, and temples that dot the Asakusa district.

If you’re wondering what to do in Japan with kids – searching for something unusual and creative vs loud and lively – this is it. And it’s just one element of our family trip to Japan that’s always a hit.

Visiting teamLab Borderless

In a city filled with amusement parks, gaming arcades and rides, it may be a surprise to hear that one of the very best things to do in Japan with kids is to visit a museum. This is no ordinary museum, though: teamLab Borderless is a game-changing digital art museum that’s more of a mind-boggling immersive experience than endless, potentially dreary exhibitions. Inside, rooms of interactive artworks and digital projections respond to your presence as you wander through the space, on a journey that makes you both an observer and creator. It’s a full-on sensory experience of cascading light waterfalls, floating lanterns, and ethereal digital forests that will leave visitors of all ages to pause in wide-eyed wonder.

Visit Tsukiji Market for sushi making

You may well have heard of Tsukiji Market – the vast space was once home to the most famous and largest fish market in the world. Its outer area is still legendary stuff – a wonderland for food lovers, where stalls are piled high with fresh vegetables, artisanal treats, and kitchen utensils. Who’d have thought a chopping board would prove to be such a nostalgic holiday memento? With one of our expert guides by your side, you’ll explore the markets’ busy alleys, learning about Japanese food culture – from growing produce, to cooking, and eating. Then, in a nearby kitchen, a sushi chef will share the art of sushi making; you’ll learn how to prep the rice, select the fish, and present it just right – mastering the all-important ‘roll’. Then you’ll sit down to eat your freshest of the fresh maki, uramaki, and ngiri – a process and meal that even the fussiest of eaters will be impressed by. 

It’s just one element of our Tokyo & Kyoto Japan Family Holiday – a trip that’s packed with fun things to do in Japan with family, helping you uncover the country in the most unusual and immersive of ways. 

Ramen tour of Tokyo

On the face of it, ramen is a simple, delicious noodle dish that you’ll be able to eat day in day out on your family trip to Japan. But there’s so much more to it than that: this is a dish of huge cultural significance, and there’s a meticulous process and craft involved in every bowl. We’ll take you on a journey that tells the story of the humble noodle soup, revealing the ins and outs of this iconic dish. You’ll stroll through neighborhoods that are home to award-winning ramen shops, each with their own backstory and interpretation of the meal. You’ll take your pick from customizable menus, and sample various mini bowls from rich bone-broth tonkotsu to a lighter shoyu, learning about the flavor options and regional specialities. Hungry for more? One of the best things to do in Japan with kids is a ramen-making masterclass – creating your own noodles and broth, and getting a deeper understanding of the artistry and passion that goes into every single bowl.

Day trip to Nara

A heady blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty makes Nara a particularly special trip during your time in Japan. With one of our expert guides leading the way, you’ll need just a day (it’s a speedy train ride from Kyoto) to get a good sense of this place, where deer roam freely in Nara-koen Park, and lantern-lit paths lead the way to beautiful shrines. It’s also home to the country’s largest bronze Buddha, a soaring high 8th-century work of art and shining example of the country’s artistic legacy. Beyond that? Temples, tea houses, and tranquil quality time with your family.

Osaka food tour

You don’t have to be a hardcore food obsessive to appreciate Osaka’s food scene: aside from tasting a never-ending stream of delicious dishes, this is a chance to understand what makes the locals tick, and why Osaka’s unofficial slogan is ‘eat til you drop’ (you have been warned). We’ll take you on a tour of Japan’s gastronomic heartland, where the streets are dotted with sizzling stalls and microbreweries, and hidden alleyways lead to some of the country’s most stand-out restaurants. You’ll sample Osakan specialities like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, before a trip to some cozy izakaya (or Japanese-style pubs). More than just a meal, this is a deep dive into the beating heart of Japan’s culinary capital, on an immersive tour that will leave you and your family with dozens of delicious “do you remember when we tried [insert your favourite slightly obscure dish] in Japan?” moments. 

When it comes to family holidays to Japan, we know you’ll be searching for something that blends together enough of what you want, with plenty of what they – the kids – want. Our years of travelling across the nation mean we can weave together ‘entirely you’ holidays that are packed with diverse cultural experiences that’ll create long-lasting memories. No endless deliberations. No drama. Just dizzyingly good fun.