Japan is a top destination for solo travellers and groups alike, and that means family too! Whether it is your first time in Japan, or you’ve made the trip over multiple times before, there are always new things to discover and experience, and sharing them with family can be especially memorable. Let’s take a look at a few family activities that Japan has to offer.
Skiing
Wintertime is one of the best seasons to visit Japan during the year. Temperatures are not too high, the scenery is beautiful, and you have plenty of opportunities to relax in warm onsens. With Japan receiving some of the highest amounts of snow in the world, this makes the country a top spot for anyone or group of people looking out for winter adventures. Some top skiing locations in the country include Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture.
Niseko is home to a wide variety of wonderful ski and snowboarding areas, and is also home to Mt. Yotei, which is colloquially known as Ezo Fuji, due to its resemblance to Japan’s most famous mountain. In Niseko you can enjoy multiple resorts and varying types of slopes, perfect for those of all skill levels. Rental equipment is also available for those, making the trip to the resort easier if you are not keen on bringing your own skis or snowboards along. Snowshoeing is another activity that you can do in the Niseko area, giving opportunities to explore the stunning region on foot. With a huge amount of food options as well, Niseko is a prime location to take the entire family to.
The Hakuba area in Nagano has 10 distinct resorts to explore, and was one of the host areas for the 1998 Olympics. Another prime location for snow and winter sports, you can enjoy all sorts of activities, food, and drink. Located in the Japanese Alps, the mountains of Hakuba are sure to inspire awe, and be a wonderful adventure for all those looking for a snowy escape, especially with family.
Osaka Expo
Did you know that the Osaka Expo just opened its doors on the 13th of April? Running until October 13th, you have plenty of time to plan a visit to Yumeshima in Osaka to experience the wonder that a World Exposition has to offer. With the theme of ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, the expo has already recorded one million visitors. With pavilions and shows from countries from around the world, the Osaka Expo is a perfect place to learn about the world, and even experience new cultures and cuisines. You can enjoy walking the Grand Ring, the largest wooden architectural structure on Earth, which encircles the expo site and even heads out over Osaka Bay.
Pair your visit with a trip to some of the fun filled resorts in Osaka, such as Universal Studios Japan, which is full of famous games and movies come to life. Osaka has also previously hosted a World Expo in 1970, and you can still see some of the sculptures from the exposition held more than 50 years ago.
Camping and Hiking
For the outdoors loving families, camping and hiking is another great way to enjoy a trip to Japan. With a large amount of Japan’s land being forested, and its many beautiful mountains, there are plenty of camping spots that you can find to put up your tent and enjoy a night under the stars. Yamanashi Prefecture has a plethora of campsites available, and one of the best things about camping in Yamanashi is the fact that you get to see Mt. Fuji dominate the skyline. If you would like for an even more relaxing camping experience in Japan, there are plenty of ‘glamping’ opportunities available which blend the luxury of a hotel with the beauty of nature. Each prefecture in Japan will have its own unique campsites and local attractions, meaning that no matter what you are looking for, you’ll be sure to find it.
With the amount of mountains in Japan, hiking is another very accessible and enjoyable activity for the whole family. Many different trails are available, from easy walking paths to more advanced treks, leaving plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy. For example, Mt. Takao has multiple trails leading to its summit, and there is also a cable car available that takes you partway up the mountain. Less than an hour away from Tokyo and with views of Mt. Fuji and more, it makes for a great family day trip from the city.
National Parks
Exploring Japan’s nature is a great family activity to do, and visiting the many national parks in the country is a great way to see many of the unique sights that the country has to offer, in addition to getting off the beaten path. With so many different activities available for the whole family, make sure to put national parks on the itinerary for the next time you visit. There are 34 national parks located all across the country, from Okinawa to Hokkaido. As a result, no matter what you are looking for, whether it is kayaking through mangrove forests or exploring beach side sand dunes, you are sure to make lasting memories.
Family experiences are very much available, from canyoning together in the streams and rivers of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, and fishing in Shikoku. If you want to see Mt. Fuji together, then Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is the place to go, for tropical getaways and snorkeling, make sure to try Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park in Okinawa Prefecture.
Staying at a Ryokan
If you are thinking of family activities to do in Japan, staying at a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, is another top of the list experience. Traditional Japanese inns are a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture, and you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the warm onsen waters, as many are built around hot spring resorts. You’ll also get the chance to enjoy traditional Japanese dining, commonly made of seasonal ingredients and local specialities. Some ryokan offer private and attached baths, which will let you enjoy the relaxing waters whenever you want. Make sure to take in all the surroundings in the ryokan space, from the art to the architecture of the building. Most ryokan also offer the opportunity to wear traditional Japanese clothing while you stay, and walk around the premises and the inn. They can be found all across the country, from the busy city streets to mountain retreats far away from the city lights. Ryokan are perfect places for a family stay, whether just one night or more, and perfect places to experience the hospitality that Japan has to offer.
Japan has nearly unlimited options for those visiting the country, and is also a great spot to add to your list if you are planning a family trip. From a relaxing stay in a traditional Japanese inn, or hiking and exploring the Japanese outdoors, a family trip will be something that you will not soon forget.
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