Inside: How To Explore Japan With The Whole Family. Collaborative post.
If you have been toying with the idea of booking your next family vacation to Japan, take this as your sign to do it. Japan is a fun, safe and fascinating country that is brimming with family-friendly activities, ready to become your new favorite holiday destination.
For overseas visitors from Australia, for example, it is strongly recommended to complete your AUD to Yen currency conversion before setting off on vacation, as this will allow you to hit the ground running on arrival without having to deal with any unforeseen issues that could potentially arise should you attempt to convert your money once in Japan.
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Reasons to Love Japan
Japan is an outstanding vacation destination for the entire family, with plenty of activities and experiences on offer to suit people of all ages.
Safe & Convenient
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and is surprisingly easy to navigate, even if you don’t have knowledge of the language. It should therefore come as no surprise that it is an exceptionally popular holiday destination for people around the world.
Another key aspect that further raises Japan’s appeal to tourists is how efficiently and effectively the country operates. Public transport is regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure it sticks to a strict timetable in spotless condition.
Japanese people are notoriously helpful and welcoming, with impeccable customer service and people willing to help around every corner.
Plenty for the Entire Family
One vital component of a successful holiday is ensuring that the entire family feels involved and engaged. Japan manages to perfectly blend child-friendly activities and attractions that will not only intrigue and engage your child on an educational and historical level but also tap into their wildest dreams and imagination filled with robots, fast trains, ninjas, and anime.
And while the kids are having a great time, parents will be enthralled by this magical country, too. From its delicious local cuisine and famous soju to its picture-perfect natural wonders like Mount Fuji and the annual cherry blossoms, you won’t feel like your kids are having all the fun.
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Top Activities to Enjoy
With so many exciting and unique experiences to enjoy in Japan, it is only natural to feel like you will never have enough time to see and do it all.
Visit World Class Aquariums
At Kaiyukan Aquarium in Osaka, you can witness the magical ecosystems of the Pacific Ring Region come to life. Here, you can interact with different marine creatures in various touch pools and become mesmerized by technicolor sea creatures drifting under subdued lighting.
On the other hand, the Churaumi Aquarium on Okinawa Island offers an educational insight into the ecology and wildlife of the surrounding waters. Here, you can view enormous whale sharks, manta rays, and other large marine species in their aquarium’s massive tanks.
Walk Through Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest
Located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama attracts tourists daily, and for good reason. With a soothing river and sprawling mountains, it is easily one of the most beautiful districts in the city. At the heart of this scenic escape is the famous bamboo forest.
Visitors should expect crowds no matter the season. But even when filled with fellow admirers, the experience still feels otherworldly. Dedicate at least one day to exploring this spectacular corner of Kyoto.
Mingle with Deer
If you have ever seen videos online of the famous bowing deers, you will be pleased to know there are two main destinations worth checking out to spend time with Japan’s native deer, known as sika. First, you could visit Nara Park in the city of Nara, which is located less than an hour away from Kyoto and Osaka. Purchase some deer crackers on arrival and enjoy mingling with your new four-legged friends.
Alternatively, you can head to Miyajima, which is close to the historical city of Hiroshima. Here, you will witness thousands of tame sika happily coexisting with the local island residents. It is truly a sight to behold.
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Explore a Medieval Japanese Castle
When you think of medieval castles, your mind likely turns to the numerous examples that litter the European countryside. But they don’t compare to their Japanese counterparts. With spiraling turrets and looming towers built from medieval materials like solid wood and stone and large moats protecting the expansive grounds, you will transported back to the days of fighting samaris and ruling emperors.
For the ultimate history lesson, visit one of the impeccably preserved castles of Himei, Hikone, or Matsumoto to get a proper glimpse into the life of feudal Japan.
Take in a Sumo Fight
Sumo wrestling is probably Japan’s best-known sport, albeit somewhat complicated to understand. Should your schedule allow it, take the family to an official sumo basho. The adrenaline-packed atmosphere and lively crowd will more than make up for your lack of understanding. They are held six times a year, starting in January and occurring every other month until November.
Should you find yourself traveling during an ‘off’ month, you can still get your sumo fix by attending a morning practice session that is held at a sumo-beya, where wrestlers live and train.