Japan family adventure

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.

After passing through customs and luggage collection, you're met by an airport guide who'll give you your trip documents and direct you to your private vehicle, which takes you to your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and relaxing after your flight.

Your guide will meet you today in the hotel lobby to run through your trip and offer any local advice so you can enjoy the country with confidence. To begin, your guide will explain your itinerary in more detail and answer any questions you have. Now feeling confident to explore, you'll head out with your guide to see some of the city's highlights. In the evening, go on a family-friendly food tour to sample some of the local Tokyo cuisine in the vibrant district of Meguro.

The whole family should be ready to make some noise today at a traditional taiko drumming class. After working up a sweat in class, take the rest of the day to relax and explore Tokyo's vibrant dining scene.

Today, we recommend exploring some of Akihabara's many arcades and gaming shops. After lunch, head over to Nakano Broadway to try your hand at drawing 'manga' — the popular Japanese graphic art.

Board your first bullet train today and be whisked to the city of Hiroshima. Upon arrival, head out to see the Peace Park, where you may wish to visit the Peace Memorial Museum, as well as explore the lively local food culture.

Today, you'll head to Miyajima Island, home to one of Hiroshima prefecture's highlights, the gate of Itsukushima Shrine, often referred to as the floating torii, as it appears to float in the water during high tide. What better way to see it at this time than from a kayak? Spend a half day on an easy kayaking excursion circling the floating gate before exploring the island and perhaps seeing some of the curious resident deer. Take an exciting, fast ferry back to Hiroshima through the canals, ending back at the Peace Park.

Your second bullet train journey takes you back east to Kyoto, known for its temples and gardens, but with plenty to delight visitors of all ages. We suggest following up your manga drawing class from earlier in the trip with a visit to the International Manga Museum this afternoon.

In the morning, gain an insight into the fabled ninja who existed in the shadows of feudal Japan. An instructor will guide you on how to throw shuriken (throwing stars) and become acquainted with a ninja's arsenal.

Tradition meets creativity this morning in your hands-on bento cookery lesson, where you'll learn to create a delicious and appealing Japanese bento box. With your bellies full, head out to explore or take a well-earned rest back at your hotel.

This morning, your guide will escort you on a cultural tour of Kyoto curated to keep the whole family engaged at a selection of the area's most vibrant and engaging temples and shrines. Spend time wandering through the tori gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, ringing a local temple bell, and spotting koi at Maruyama Park.

Your final bullet train east will take you to Hakone National Park, famed for its numerous hot spring resorts, traditional inns, and viewing points of Mount Fuji. Using your Hakone Free Pass (included), you'll circle the park on the funicular train, cable car (or bus if you prefer), and boat on Lake Ashi. On the way, there are a number of open-air art museums that are great for the whole family. Check into your Japanese inn, or ryokan, for one night, including the use of hot spring bathing — a huge part of Japanese culture — and 'kaiseki' evening meal, lots of little tapas-style Japanese dishes using local seasonal ingredients.

We suggest you use today to visit Yunessun Spa Resort, a fun and unique hot spring 'theme park' with baths that look like you're sitting in a noodle soup bowl, among others. This is very popular with kids and kids at heart.

Return by train to Tokyo today for a final evening to pick up any last souvenirs, or simply relax and enjoy one more delicious Japanese meal.

Your family will be met at your hotel by your private car for the drive back to the airport and your journey home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.