A Luxury Family Vacation to Japan

Visit the Imperial Palace, the celebrated residence of Japan’s imperial family. Located on the former site of the Edo Castle, the huge park area is surrounded by moats and massive stone walls.

Experience all things automobile at Toyota’s self-proclaimed car theme park. Here you can see over 60 current models, including some that have never been displayed anywhere else. As well as learning all about the technical side of things there is a kids’ section where they can learn all about traffic rules and take a turn behind the wheel.

Visit the appropriately named Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Ikebukuro. This is Japan’s largest Pokémon store. Come to browse its masses of exclusive merchandise, candy, clothing and mountains of cute plushies.

Take a cruise on Lake Ashi which formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone. While enjoying the magnificent views of Mount Fuji in the background, look out for the reflections of the surrounding mountains in the lake surface.

Visit the unique Hakone Open Air Museum where you can enjoy the balance of nature and art through a variety of sculptures in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings. Venture to the indoor galleries to see works from Rodin, Bourdelle, Miro and one of the largest collections of British sculptor Henry Moore.

Visit the skeletal remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall at The Peace Memorial Park. Both the park and museum are moving, educational and humbling, featuring sculptures and memorials from all over the world. Visit Hiroshima Castle before moving onto the Miyajima or “shrine” Island to see the dramatic gate of the Itsukushima shrine and red O-Torii gate which appears to float on water.

Take the ropeway and enjoy a short hike to the top of Mount Misen, standing 530m high, where fantastic views of the mountain of sea await. There are also some light treks around the summit that can be enjoyed.

This evening, you’ll have an once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience an evening in the company of Geisha at an exclusive Kyoto restaurant and tea house. Two Geisha, accompanied by a musician, will perform traditional dances and songs with their skilfully-honed art in entertainment, playing games and making conversation (your guide will act as a translator).

Visit the Geisha district of Gion which is famed for its beautifully preserved traditional architecture. During Gion’s golden age in the first half of the 19th century, more than 3000 Geikos (young Geisha) worked in some 700 teahouses. You can keep your eyes open for Geisha on their way to an assignment. This is also a great opportunity for shopping in this craft-rich district.

Toei Uzumasa Kyoto Studio Park was known in the 1960s as the “Hollywood of Japan”. Toei, one of Japan’s leading film companies opens its sets to the public at Eiga Mura (Film Village) and the result is a theme park complete with samurai and ninja shows, geisha, arcades and souvenir shops. Many movies were shot here and it is still a working studio. You can turn into a samurai or a princess with real disguises, including wigs and makeup.

Indulge yourself in a little make believe and become a part of old Japan. Try on the elegant makeup and intricately patterned kimono of the Geisha or Samurai wear.