t Young visitors getting up close to the fishes at Osaka Aquarium
Japan is a great place for a family holiday. The people are friendly, the crime rate is low, and the public transportation system is easy to use. With a huge mix of attractions and activities, you won't fail to keep the kids entertained.
t Young visitors getting up close to the fishes at Osaka Aquarium
When the weather outside is frightful, head into an amusement arcade. Often located near major train stations, these flashing alleys are a great place for kids to burn off excess energy. The country's big game companies, such as Sega, and Capcom, churn out new titles for these arcades, keeping young and old gamers entertained. For gentler distractions, dive into the mammouth Osaka Aquarium, home to around 30,000 marine animals, including a pair of graceful whale sharks.
Creative cosplay is a great way to introduce children to Japanese culture. Kids will love dressing up as samurai, ninja, daimyo and geisha (www.toei-eigamura.com), and reliving the days of yore at the epic Toei Kyoto Studio Park. For rather more contemporary culture, the Ghibli Museum immerses visitors in the worlds of Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away. Don’t miss the life-sized robot from Castle in the Sky that dominates the rooftop garden.
Japan's clean, fast, and affordable public transportation system provides ready access to the Japanese countryside. The densely forested mountains, lush green of rice paddies, and pristine beaches are idealnatural playgrounds. Take the kids to Niseko’s slopes for some of Japan’s best skiing, or to learn to surf in the waves of Miyazaki.
Children will clamor to visit Tokyo Disneyland, home to Mickey Mouse and his pals. Here you can ride hair-raising roller coasters, and have your photo taken with one of Disney’s iconic characters (www.tokyodisneyresort.jp). If you only have time for one of the parks, choose Tokyo DisneySea for its under-the-sea theme. To explore the worlds of some of your favorite movies, head to Universal Studios in Osaka or, for a wackier experience, go to Huis Ten Bosch, near Nagasaki. Occupying a seafront plot the size of Monaco, this vast park re-creates a 17th-century Dutch town, with windmills, canals, and narrow houses.
Discover Japan Your Way
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Eat Shinyokohama Ramen Museum A range of ramen. ⌂ 2-14-21, Yokohama ∑ raumen.co.jp The Gundam Café Robot-themed waffles. ⌂ 1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Tokyo ∑ g-cafe.jp/en |