PERFECT FOR:
- Active Families & Couples
- Nature Lovers
- Those fascinated by everything Japan
- Those seeking off-the-tourist-path experiences
- Culture & History buffs
An unforgettable private Japan Family Tour – Tokyo, Kiso Valley, Kyoto & Lake Biwa
11 Days / 10 Nights – Tour Code (JPO) – Private Tour – Departs Daily
This 11-day private family journey through Japan is more than a vacation—it’s a shared story waiting to be written together. Crafted with care, it invites you to see, taste, and feel Japan in ways that linger long after the journey ends.
In Tokyo, the city pulses with energy and contrast. One moment, you’re wandering under the crimson lanterns of Sensoji Temple; the next, you’re immersed in the shimmering dreamscapes of TeamLab Planets. Children laugh as you sample sizzling street food at Tsukiji Market, and the whole family joins the roar of a baseball crowd under the bright stadium lights—a moment that feels like stepping right into the heart of Japanese life.
From the capital’s dazzle, the Shinkansen carries you into the stillness of the Kiso Valley. Along the Nakasendo Trail, the air is fresh with cedar and the only sound is your footsteps on the ancient path once walked by samurai. Nights in a traditional ryokan bring warmth and quiet connection—tatami floors underfoot, steaming onsen waters, and the kind of meals that feel like gifts from the heart.
In Kyoto, time slows. Golden temples shimmer on mirrored ponds, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove sways in a gentle hush, and the orange gates of Fushimi Inari seem to stretch endlessly toward the sky. At Lake Biwa, you’re welcomed by local families into their kitchens and fields—rolling mochi, harvesting fruit, and sharing stories that bridge generations.
From Tokyo’s neon sparkle to the mountain trails of the Alps, from moments of pure adventure to the quiet grace of tradition, this journey is designed to stir your family’s senses, deepen your bonds, and leave you with memories as vivid as Japan itself.
- Tour Overview
- Tour Itinerary
- Price Chart
- Gallery & Blog
TOUR INCLUDES:
- 10 nights hotel accommodations per itinerary
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Other meals as specified per itinerary
- Rail tickets between Tokyo / Kiso Valley / Kyoto
- Private sightseeing by private guide utilizing public transport
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Separate baggage transfer service between Tokyo and Kyoto
TOKYO (4 nights)
- 4 nights at Shibuya Excel Stream Hotel | Shibuya Excel in Tokyo
- Full-day tour featuring the city’s “cool spots” including Teamlab Planets & Akihabara
- Half-day city tour of Tokyo’s Must-Sees (Tsukiji Market, Sensoji Temple & Meiji Shrine)
- Yomiuri Giants or Yakult Swallows Baseball Game Tickets
KISO VALLEY (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Ryokan Fuki No Mori in Kiso Valley
- Half day hike of Nakasendo Trail
- Tour of Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku
- Hotel Kaiseki Dinner (2) Nightly
KYOTO (4 nights)
- 4 nights at Royal Park Hotel Sanjo | Dhawa Yura Hotel Kyoto
- Full day Tour of West Kyoto by Bicycle
- Half-day Countryside and Cultural Immersion tour in Lake Biwa
- Admissions to Ninja & Samurai Museum
- Departure transfers to Itami (ITM) or Kansai Airport (KIX) in Osaka by shared shuttle van
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel by private car. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to relax or soak in the energy of Shibuya Crossing, just steps from your hotel.
Day 2 Tokyo
This morning, step into two of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks—the serene, tree-lined sanctuary of Meiji Shrine and the vibrant Tsukiji Market, where the air is rich with the aromas of sizzling street food. Then, dive into the ultra-immersive world of teamLab Planets, a spellbinding digital art museum where glowing water, shimmering light tunnels, and interactive installations blur the line between art and reality. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Tokyo
Morning at leisure to relax or explore Shibuya. Then head to Asakusa for a stroll along Nakamise-dori, its lively lanes lined with colorful snack and souvenir stalls, leading to Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Enjoy a lively sumo show with the chance to sample a sumo wrestler’s hearty meal, then dive into Akihabara, famed for its anime, gaming, and electronics culture. Continue to Ueno Park to watch giant pandas at play. If time permits, take a short walk to neaby Ameyoko market nearby before capping the day at your choice of animal café in Shinjuku or Harajuku. The evening is yours to explore Shinjuku’s vibrant food and nightlife scene. (B,L)
***Note: guests are to make their way to Asakusa for the Sumo experience. Your guide will meet you afterwards for this afternoon’s tour.
Day 4 Tokyo
Full day free at leisure to further explore Tokyo on your own. Your dedicated Japan travel specialist will be happy to help plan out the day’s activities based on your interests, pace and what matter to you most. (B)
Day 5 Tokyo / Kiso Valley
This morning, ride the super-fast Shinkansen to Nagoya, then continue by express train into the scenic Kiso Valley. After settling into your ryokan, explore Magome, one of 69 post towns on the Ancient Post Road that connected Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo period. Meander cobblestone lanes lined with Edo-era wooden houses, tea shops, and craft stores in a serene mountain and heritage setting. As dusk falls, return to your ryokan for an exquisite multi-course kaiseki dinner. (B, D)
Day 6 Kiso Valley (Nakasendo Hike)
After a leisurely breakfast, travel to Tsumago-juku, one of Japan’s best-preserved Edo-period post towns where wooden inns and latticed storefronts line stone-paved streets. From here, embark on a scenic 5-mile (approx. 3-hour) hike along the historic Nakasendō Trail to Magome. Follow forested mountain paths past hidden waterfalls, moss-covered shrines, whispering bamboo groves, terraced rice paddies, and timeless villages where centuries-old teahouses still welcome travelers. Return to your ryokan and spend the afternoon at leisure to relax and soak in an onsen. (B, D)
Day 7 Kiso Valley / Kyoto
This morning, journey by rail (3 hours) to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, exploring the vibrant area surrounding your accommodation. (B)
**Note: For the avid anime fan, it is possible to visit Ghibli Park located near Nagoya en-route to Kyoto. Please discuss this option with your travel advisor if interested.
Day 8 Kyoto (Bikes, Samurai Swords & Ninja Stars)
This morning, hop on two wheels for a private cycling tour of Western Kyoto, where adventure meets scenery at every turn. Marvel at the shimmering Golden Pavilion, stroll through the towering stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, ride across the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge with sweeping river views, and pause for a quiet moment at the Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden. Return to downtown for some free time, then swap your bike for a sword in a ninja training session at the Samurai Ninja Museum—complete with stealthy moves, a bit of friendly family competition, and plenty of laughs. (B)
Day 9 Kyoto (Lake Biwa)
This morning, set out on an invigorating cultural and scenic journey around beautiful Lake Biwa. Pedal at a leisurely pace along a picturesque lakeside road before reaching a charming farm village. Here, life moves at a slower rhythm—off the tourist trail and deep into the heart of the Japanese countryside. Visit a local family’s home, where you’ll help prepare a simple, home-style Sukiyaki hotpot lunch, then share stories around the table. Afterwards, roll up your sleeves for hands-on agricultural activities. Bid farewell to your newfound friends and make your way back to Kyoto, with the rest of the day free to relax or explore. (B,L)
Day 10 Kyoto (Free Day to Relax and Explore)
Spend your final full day in Kyoto at leisure to create your own version of Kyoto. Your travel designer will help you plan out the day – from hiking the torii lined trails at Fushimi Inari to experiencing a tea ceremony in a kimono, to discovering Nijo Castle’s “nightingale floors”, we’ve got you covered! (B)
Day 11 Return Home
Transfer to Itami or Kansai Airport in Osaka by shared shuttle van for your departure flight onward. (B)
|
2026 Price Chart (Prices valid through December 20, 2026) |
||
| Departs Daily | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| Jan. – Feb. | 6,225 | 2,185 |
| Mar. – Apr. | 6,985 | 2,995 |
| May | 6,525 | 2,585 |
| Jun. – Aug. | 6,275 | 2,195 |
| September | 6,525 | 2,585 |
| Oct. – Nov. | 6,725 | 2,775 |
| December* | 6,525 | 2,585 |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | ||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes entrance fees, hotel taxes & service charges
- For 3 and 4 passengers traveling together, deduct $350 and $550 from above tour prices, respectively.
- Price excludes all airfares, personal expenses, meals not specified, beverages during included lunches & dinners
- Tour commences in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto.
- Peak Season Surcharges or blackout dates apply during Sakura season (Cherry Blossoms in late March – mid April), Golden Week Holiday (April 29-May 6) & December Holiday period (Dec. 24- Jan. 03). Please contact us for details and restrictions.
- All hotels, tours and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
Japan Gallery
HIGHLIGHTS
- Teamlab Planets Digital Museum
- Sumo Show & Lunch
- Sensoji, Tsukiji & Akihabara
- Magome, Tsumago and Nakasendo Hike
- Ryokan Stay with Onsen & Kaiseki Dinner
- Bicycle Tour od Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Golden Pavilion
- Lake Biwa Countryside Excursion
Price Starting From:
$6,225
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Tokyo – Shibuya Excel Stream Hotel
Kyoto – Dhawa Yura Hotel
Kyoto – Royal Park Sanjo Hotel
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