Japanese Cities & Culture

Arrive in the whirlwind that is Tokyo, a city like no other, with the juxtaposition of traditional and modern and past and future in evidence. Check out the stunning Sensō-ji temple for starters, then perhaps visit the electronics district at Akihabara, where you’ll find all sorts of electronic gadgets and software as well as anime and manga comics. Later on, treat the kids to a fun, and rather noisy Taiko Experience, where they’ll learn how to play the Japanese drum.

Head on to Takayama in the mountainous Hida region. Takayama’s old town is particularly well preserved and retains its traditional ways of life. The best way to explore is on your Takayama Hida Furukawa cycling tour. Taking you through the farming villages and rice fields with a knowledgeable guide, who will help you understand more about life in this beautiful bucolic region, this light-hearted cycling tour is fun for all the family.

Ride the train to Kanazawa, perhaps the best preserved Edo-period city in the country, and join a Kanazawa Highlights tour, which will show you the very best of this pretty town with an English speaking guide. Take a look around the beautiful flowers and ponds of Kenrokuen Garden, the Nagamachi samurai district and Kanazawa Castle, which is slowly being renovated after several fires over the centuries. Don’t leave without trying the excellent Kanazawa cuisine, which focuses on seafood.

Head on to historic Kyoto and take a walk through the atmospheric streets of Gion, the geisha quarter. Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, built in 1855, former home to the Emperor of Japan and found in the pretty grounds of Tokyo Imperial Park. The children will love the atmospheric Nijo castle, with its two concentric moats, as well as the beautiful Golden Pavilion. Later, try your hand at making ninja stars in an origami class and then put the finishing touches to your ninja skills with a ninja training session, where you can even dress up like a real ninja, complete with a (rubber) sword.