exoticca_logo

Book your trip

Get expert advice and book your trip with ease.

Book with an expert:

+44 20 76 60 34 10

Need assistance with your trip?

  • Peace of mind for £99 /pp

    Cancel for any reason with Flex cover

    Flex cancellation: peace of mind for just £99 per person
    picture-icon

    View 10 photos

    Family: self-guided Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

    Japan in 13 Days, 10 Nights in Destination

    GROUP TOURSSolo TravelerAutumnSummer in AsiaCulture
    Hannah, Travel Expert

    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

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      Kyoto
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      Osaka
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      Tokyo

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. Some transfers

    4. Activities

    Availability

    1. Departures available until August 2025

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + £ 910

    4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. superior included

    2. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    £ 5,939

    £ 4,149

    /person

    -30%

    Book with an expert:

    +44 20 76 60 34 10

    abta_iconatol_icon

    Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

    smart-fare-logo-icon

    Best Price Guarantee

    SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

    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: UK/Ireland - Night on board

    arrow-icon

    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

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    5436 Reviews

    See our full selection

    3rd Day: Tokyo

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    5436 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Full day Tokyo city tour

    Light

    See more

    4th Day: Tokyo

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    5436 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Visit to teamLabs interactive museum

    Light

    See more

    5th Day: Tokyo

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    5436 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour

    Moderate

    See more

    6th Day: Tokyo - Kyoto

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    3789 Reviews

    See our full selection

    7th Day: Kyoto

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    3789 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Origami Workshop

    Light

    See more
    Optional
    Kyoto afternoon bus tour

    Light

    See more

    8th Day: Kyoto

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    3789 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Afternoon Nara Excursion

    Moderate

    See more

    9th Day: Kyoto - Osaka

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    1024 Reviews

    See our full selection

    10th Day: Osaka

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    1024 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Osaka castle private photoshoot
    See more

    11th Day: Osaka

    arrow-icon

    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
    tripadvisor rating

    1024 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Osaka walking tour and Shinsekai street food

    Light

    See more

    12th Day: Osaka - Night on board

    arrow-icon

    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.

    13th Day: UK/Ireland

    arrow-icon

    Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your family holiday.

    Categories

    superior

    From £ 4,149

    Selected
      check-icon

      Pick a date and start customising your trip

      Learn more

      arrow-down-circle-icon

      Previous

      Next

      arrow-down-circle-icon
      May 2025
      June 2025
      July 2025
      August 2025

      Included activities

      Included

      Japan Welcome pack

      Included activity for day 2

      Welcome pack including Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival, individual SIM Card/s to stay connected at all times and Tokyo Subway Pass.

      Physical rating:

      Light

      Included

      Visit to teamLabs interactive museum

      Included activity for day 4 in Tokyo

      Immerse yourself in the captivating digital art installations at teamLab Planets, an interactive museum with multiple 3D spaces designed to surprise and delight guests of all ages! Spend as much time as you like exploring and taking fun photos to share.

      Pick up time: info at destination

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Origami Workshop

      Included activity for day 7 in Kyoto

      An image of a traditional Japanese townhouse (Machiya) in Kyoto where families can participate in an origami lesson, with colorful origami paper and finished creations on display.

      Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Afternoon Nara Excursion

      Included activity for day 8 in Nara

      Head to Nara and visit two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stroll through the enchanting beauty of Nara Park and discover Todai-Ji Temple.

      Duration 05:30h Approx. Pick up time: 13:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      This tour doesn't operate on a daily basis and it has different departure days every month.

      more information

      Show more

      Available Activities

      Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
      Optional

      Full day Tokyo city tour

      Suggested activity for day 3 in Tokyo

      Visit Tokyo highlights as Meiji Shrine and the Asakusa area. Enjoy a matcha tasting experience and a Japanese lunch before climbing Skytree tower to see a panoramic view. Finish with a cruise to Odaiba island.

      Duration 09:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      Please note that you must be on time at the meeting point in front of Shinjuku's "Love" statue. Plan in advance your self-transfer and how to find the right exit from Shinjuku station.

      more information
      Optional

      Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour

      Suggested activity for day 5 in Mount Fuji

      Ascend by bus to Subashiri 5th Station on Mount Fuji. After lunch, sail across Lake Ashi while enjoying unforgettable views. Ride the Hakone cable car to admire the sulfur fields and the volcanic Owakudani valley.

      Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      Please note that you must be on time at the meeting point in front of Shinjuku's "Love" statue. Plan in advance your self-transfer and how to find the right exit from Shinjuku station.

      more information
      Optional

      Kyoto afternoon bus tour

      Suggested activity for day 7 in Kyoto

      Discover the beauty of Kyoto by visiting the famous red torii gates at Fushimi Inari, the KiyomizuTemple (UNESCO) and the incredible Sanjusangendo Temple!

      Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 13:30 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Optional

      Osaka walking tour and Shinsekai street food

      Suggested activity for day 11 in Osaka

      Immerse yourself in a street food-tasting tour and savor the city's most popular culinary delights! Discover the essence of the city through its vibrant and flavorful street food.

      Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information

      The price includes

      • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
      • International flights: UK/Ireland - Tokyo, Osaka - UK/Ireland.
      • 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 information
        See 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).
      • ATOL Protection.
      • Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival.****
        more information

      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 travellers from the UK.

      • Time zone

        UTC + 08:00 or UTC + 09:00.

      • Other useful information

        You are not expected to leave a tip.

      • Tourist Office website

        https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/en/

      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.

      The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

      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 +44 20 8068 3176 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.

      Pay in installments

      Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

      Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

      Exoticca Travel Stories

      Creating unforgettable memories, one traveller at a time

      Subscribe to our newsletter and join Exoticca GO

      • check-icon

        The best travel deals

      • check-icon

        Exclusive promotions

      • check-icon

        Expert travel tips