Japan (City and Countryside)
This is an amazing trip with kids. This is the trip that made them fall in love with travel. Ever since- they've been asking, 'Where to Next!?'
- More about your Oliver Guide: Carrie Kaufman
- Trip type: Family, City, Mountains
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: Two weeks
to & from
SFO to NRT – American Airlines. We flew into Narita airport and took a car service to our hotel. The flight is not so terrible (even with kids) from California. If coming from East Coast I would fly to CA to break it up if possible.
Tokyo to Takayama – Train
Takayama to Kyoto – Train
Kyoto to Hiroshima – Train
Hiroshima to Miyajima – Ferry
Miyajima to Osaka – Train
Osaka back to Tokyo – Train
The rail system in Japan is clean, fast, reliable and easy to navigate. We used the Japan Rail system to get to most of our destinations. You should purchase a Japan Rail Pass to ride the trains at a discounted rate only available to foreign tourists. This web site provides detailed information on how to obtain a Rail Pass: http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp.html
When we were in smaller towns and villages we walked, biked or took a taxi. Taking a taxi in Japan can get pricey, but you literally get “white glove” service.
Where to Stay
Tokyo – Four Seasons Hotel at Marunouchi – Centrally located- right near Tokyo Station- very friendly service – large rooms
Takayama – Ryokan Wanosoto– Experience traditional Japan tucked away in the mountains. When you step onto this property you feel like you stepped back in time. Kaiseki meals, Onsen, traditional Japanese fireplace.
Kyoto – Hyatt Regency – Modern hotel, great location, american breakfast
Miyajima – Ryokan Iwaso – Located on Miyajima Island (near Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site) This Ryokan sits in a beautiful setting, but the rooms are very sparse. You stay here for the setting and experience