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