Monique Van Tulder

A Grown Up's Gap Year™ | Wellbeing. Travel. Chic Locals.

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

Why Japan is a great choice.  After our 1st family trip to Japan (for three weeks) – I asked my boys (then 11 & 12 years) for their top five reasons why they rated it as one of the best places for family holidays

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

The Proximity

For Australian families, Japan is only a ten-hour flight away from a completely different culture.  Depending on your time of departure, after a few hours of shut-eye, you could be enjoying breakfast in Tokyo.  A big thumbs up from the boys…

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

The people

You would expect a country of 127 million to have a diverse mix of people (we certainly saw some sights…) – however, the boys loved the polite and welcoming nature of everyone we encountered, without exception.  Whilst language was a barrier (even armed with our lovely new Lonely Planet, Japanese ‘phrase guide’ – our efforts were rudimentary at best…); everyone was patient with our requests for directions and questions.  “The Japanese are so polite”, the youngest wanted me to mention, and I agree…

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

The Snow

Our end of year holidays generally involves some skiing.  I will be honest and say that when The Husband suggested the Japanese Alps, I wasn’t a fan. To visit the country, yes I couldn’t wait, however, I had heard that the Apres Ski scene was virtually non-existant…call me a lush, but a skiing holiday requires a hot toddy and cosy fire at the end of a  cold day on the slopes.  I am pleased to report we found both, and fabulous powder, scenery, culture in Hakuba (near Nagano). Pre-trip I had difficulty finding detailed information on Hakuba Tourism for families – I will detail everything you should know in future posts…

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

The Food

I had assumed we were in for a culinary treat in Japan. We all enjoyed regular Japanese meals in Australia. Every traditional meal we sampled was superb (and fresh and beautifully presented…) – we also found truly the largest selection of magnificent pastries and cakes and other goodies we have ever encountered. The highlight for the boys was a cooking class in Kyoto at the home of lovely Taro, Yoshiko and their two sweet girls…

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan
Haru Cooking Classes-http://www.kyoto-cooking-class.com
What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

The Culture

The perfect blend of old and new, tech and traditional kept the boys enthralled and educated. A ‘not to be missed’ experience was the walking tour we did with Samurai Joe Okada (85 years young, a wealth of fabulous snippets -so interesting the boys happily followed his stories and tour for hours, not so much of a whimper of being tired or cold…) – and the sword training!!!!!  Another day we visited a ‘cat cafe’ – yes really – cute cats, but probably a one-off excursion…

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

So much more to see and experience – we will visit again…

Monique’s Favourite Part…

Spending time with the family – relaxing and just having fun in one of the best family holiday destinations in Asia.

What to do on a Family Trip to Japan

I hope this post helps you in planning – What to do on a Family Trip to Japan.

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A GROWN UP’S GAP YEAR

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