Ten Days in Japan: Family-Friendly Luxury Travel Tips
This week, we’ve put together our top recommendations for a trip to Japan. When traveling with children, it’s often best to prioritize seeing fewer cities in greater depth, rather than trying to move locations too frequently. For a 10–14-day trip, we recommend focusing on just three key destinations to minimize travel fatigue and maximize enjoyment. Our top picks for a first-time family visit to Japan are Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa- offering a lovely balance of luxury, art, fine dining, and beachside relaxation. Below, you’ll find our curated recommendations for each destination.
Tokyo
There are several exceptional luxury hotels in Tokyo, but one we particularly love is Aman Tokyo. The hotel offers several spacious and gorgeous suites perfect for couples or small families. The Aman Suite at 1,689 square feet is the largest and features a dining table for six, a mini wine cellar, and rooftop views. However, it is a one bedroom with a daybed (and the option to add further sleeping arrangements.) For more privacy, you might consider booking two rooms at Aman – or consider another stellar hotel, such The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi which offers 2-bedroom suites, perfect for families with older children.
While in town, make sure you save time for the National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, the Meiji Shrine, and Koishikawa Korakuen (one of Tokyo’s oldest Japanese gardens). Children will love the Ghibli Museum, as well as teamLab Planets, a unique immersive, multi-sensory museum.
The dining in Tokyo is exceptional. For top-tier Michelin starred experiences, consider booking in advance at Kagurazaka Ishikawa or Azabu Kadowaki (note that this restaurant only allows children aged 13+). For more casual choices, we love Sushidokoro Shigeru for informal sushi, Ginza HARU CHAN for ramen, and Yaesu Unagi Hashimoto for unagi.
Kyoto
The fastest way to reach Kyoto from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen (Bullet Train); the quickest train is just over 2 hours. Just like Tokyo, you’ll find many familiar luxury hotels that offer top-notch service, including Aman Kyoto. However, our top choice here is Sowaka; this boutique hotel offers traditional Japanese ryokan with modern amenities nestled in an absolutely gorgeous Japanese garden. Note that there are no true suites so if traveling with more than one child, you’ll likely have to book multiple rooms.
Kyoto is popular for a reason – there is so much to do and see. You won’t be able to fit everything into one visit, but we’d recommend prioritzing Fushimi Inari, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Kyoto National Museum, and walking the Philosopher’s Path. While quite “touristy”, curious little ones might enjoy a private tour of the Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto; you can even add on a sword lesson, if you’d like!
Book a table at the 3 Michelin Starred Kikunoi Honten; this restaurant is a modern take on traditional ryotei culture with a deep emphasis on hospitality and excellence. For a more informal (and kid-friendly) meal, try Noodle shop Rennosuke; this hidden shop serves up heaping bowls of top quality ramen dishes.
Okinawa
Just a two-and-a-half-hour from Kyoto, Okinawa is an island known for gorgeous beaches, deep history, and a healthy lifestyle. Okinawa also has a rich cultural heritage that sets it apart from mainland Japan; influenced by its history as the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, the island offers a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian traditions. Okinawa is one of the “blue zones”; these areas are known for residents’ longer than average lifespans. Ideal for families, Okinawa offers both laidback beach days and outdoor adventure, from snorkeling coral reefs to exploring ancient castles. It is also the birthplace of karate!
For accommodations, Hoshinoya Okinawa is the perfect blend of family-friendly and luxury. All the rooms feature waterfront views, patios, and access to all the hotel’s amenities, including horseback riding, whale watching, cooking classes, kayak tours, sunset cruises, and more. There is also a Ritz-Carlton in Okinawa if you are looking for classic luxury; it features a gorgeous golf course and spa, as well as access to many local classes, including karate, candle and soap making, and cocktail courses. They have a robust children’s program too, including the “Ritz-Kids® Night Safari”; children are set up with a tent in the room, as well as a number of fun and creative games.
Okinawan cuisine is fresh, plant-forward, and deeply rooted in the island’s unique subtropical environment. While in town, be sure to try local staples like Okinawa soba (a comforting noodle dish with a pork-based broth), goya (bitter melon, often stir-fried in goya champuru), moringa, and asa seaweed, which adds a briny depth to soups and salads. For dining out, try Mie (elevated and excellent) or Hanamura soba. You will also find many small noodle shops; these are often unassuming but where you will find the most authentic and flavorful meals. Your hotel will likely be able to point you to the best in the area.
We recommend spending most of your time in Okinawa outside at the beach, inside local eateries, and in the water; however, you must also make time to visit the Gusuku Sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sites include Shuri Castle, Nakijin Castle Ruins, Katsuren Castle Ruins, Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, and Zakimi Castle Ruins, as well as the Tamaudun mausoleum, Sefa-utaki, and the gardens of Shikina-en. These are incredibly fascinating and beautiful historical sites; they are the perfect way to explore the area and learn more about the rich history.
Quick Tips for First Time Visitors
Book a private guide.
When possible, book a private guide – beyond any language barrier, a guide can help you understand cultural etiquette, and point you to cultural spots off the beaten path.
Familiarize Yourself with Basic Phrases & Customs
As always, we recommend new visitors take some time to learn about the cultural norms before heading out to a new destination. For example, in Japan, tipping it typically not expected (and, in fact, can be seen as rude) and shoes are not work in most homes (and some restaurants). You’ll typically be provided with slippers in these scenarios.
Use a Luggage Forwarding Service
When traveling between cities on public transport, have your luggage forwarded to your next destination using a common luxury service in Japan Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato). This is a safe and reliable service – but we do always recommend putting Apple Airtags in any luggage you will not be personally handling.
Consider a Pocket Wi-Fi
Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan is a portable router that provides wireless internet access for multiple devices, connecting to Japan’s mobile network. You can rent these devices online before your trip and pick them up at the airport or have them delivered to your hotel.