Japan is a land of a thousand facets, brimming with hidden treasures. As one of the 10 most populous countries in the world, stretching across an archipelago of thousands of islands, it is home to countless wonders waiting to be discovered.
Are you dreaming of a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun but don't have the time to plan your itinerary? Au fil du Japon is a French-Japanese agency located in the heart of Tokyo. They design custom-made tours across the country, tailored specifically to your needs.
For example, below is a 12-day program we might suggest for a family trip to Japan. Japan is a fantastic destination for families with children. Clean, safe, and well-organized, the country offers plenty of urban and natural attractions that will delight both kids and adults. This 12-day circuit allows you to discover the most beautiful sites of the Japanese archipelago at a relaxed pace.
Tokyo, a blend of modern and traditional
Tokyo! Our first stop on the itinerary, where towering skyscrapers stand side-by-side with carefully preserved traditional buildings and homes. The Japanese capital boasts an impressive public transport network. We’ll explore the city by subway, visiting popular neighborhoods like Shinjuku and Shibuya. In the evening, we’ll dine in a typical Tokyo restaurant, where indulging in authentic sushi and other local specialties, prepared right in front of you, is a must. This first leg of the trip perfectly captures the balance between tradition and modernity.
Next, we’ll head to Kamakura, a coastal town, for a moment of Zen. We’ll visit several Buddhist temples, including Hase-dera and Kotoku-in. Here, we’ll soak up the nature and the peaceful atmosphere that defines the area.
Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic volcano
You can't travel through the country without taking the time to admire the famous Mount Fuji. Here, relaxation and contemplation are the order of the day. The Hakone region is well-known for its fresh air and tranquility. For families with young children, hiking to the top of the volcano can be a bit too strenuous, so our program offers a more accessible approach :) We’ll take the cable car for an incredible view of the volcano and continue our journey by boat on one of the 5 lakes surrounding Mount Fuji. To end the day on a high note, we’ll head up to the highlands to enjoy the thermal hot springs before savoring a kaiseki meal, a traditional local feast that allows you to sample several small dishes at once.
The very next day, we’ll board the Japanese bullet train (Shinkansen) to reach the city of Nagoya. With its amusement parks like Legoland, industrial and science museums, and shopping galleries, Nagoya is a symbol of the Japanese economy and home to several major corporate headquarters.
From Nagoya, we’ll take an excursion to Ise, the spiritual heart of Japan. Here, we’ll explore the Ise-jingu and Naiku shrines.
Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital
Kyoto is one of Japan's most iconic cities. Here, we’ll set out to discover this former imperial capital, from which the Emperor once ruled the entire territory. It is home to sites that have shaped the country's history and are absolute must-sees. We’ll take you to the Temple of Pure Water (also known as Kiyomizu-dera), perched on the hillside, as well as the Higashiyama district and the picturesque streets of Gion.
The next day, less than 50 km from Kyoto, Nara awaits us for a visit to splendid temples and shrines, all under the curious gaze of the deer roaming freely through the city. Though much smaller than Kyoto, Nara was also the capital of the Empire for several decades in the 8th century. Several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Todaiji Temple, are easily accessible on foot from the city center. In the evening, a delicious teppanyaki meal awaits. The chef grills and sautés various ingredients right on a hot plate, including the famous Kobe beef.
Finally, we’ll wrap up our tour in the Kyoto region by exploring the Toei Uzumasa Eigamura park, where traditions, adventures, and manga collide!
To close out this 12-day trip, we’ll transport you back to Tokyo for your return flight.
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