Ten Days in Japan: Family-Friendly Luxury Travel Tips

This week, we鈥檝e put together our top recommendations for a trip to Japan.聽When traveling with children, it鈥檚 often best to prioritize seeing fewer cities in greater depth, rather than trying to move locations too frequently. For a 10鈥�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聽Tokyo, Kyoto,听and Okinawa- offering a lovely balance of luxury, art, fine dining, and beachside relaxation. Below, you鈥檒l find our curated recommendations for each destination.

Tokyo

There are several exceptional luxury hotels in Tokyo, but one we particularly love is聽. The hotel offers several spacious and gorgeous suites perfect for couples or small families.聽聽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聽聽which offers 2-bedroom suites, perfect for families with older children.

While in town, make sure you save time for the聽,听, and聽聽(one of Tokyo鈥檚 oldest Japanese gardens). Children will love the聽, as well as聽, a unique immersive, multi-sensory museum.

The dining in Tokyo is exceptional. For top-tier Michelin starred experiences, consider booking in advance at聽听辞谤听聽(note that this restaurant only allows children aged 13+). For more casual choices, we love聽聽for informal sushi,听聽for ramen, and聽聽for unagi.

Kyoto

The fastest way to reach Kyoto from Tokyo is to take the聽; the quickest train is just over 2 hours. Just like Tokyo, you鈥檒l find many familiar luxury hotels that offer top-notch service, including聽. However, our top choice here is聽; 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鈥檒l likely have to book multiple rooms.

Kyoto is popular for a reason – there is so much to do and see. You won鈥檛 be able to fit everything into one visit, but we鈥檇 recommend prioritzing聽, the聽, the聽, and walking the聽. While quite 鈥渢ouristy鈥�, curious little ones might enjoy a private tour of聽; you can even add on a sword lesson, if you鈥檇 like!

Book a table at the 3 Michelin Starred聽; 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聽; this hidden shop serves up heaping bowls of top quality ramen dishes.

Okinawa

Just a聽two-and-a-half-hour聽from Kyoto, Okinawa is an island known for gorgeous beaches, deep history, and a healthy lifestyle.聽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.聽Okinawa is one of the 鈥渂lue zones鈥�; these areas are known for residents鈥� 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,听聽is the perfect blend of family-friendly and luxury. All the rooms feature waterfront views, patios, and access to all the hotel鈥檚 amenities, including horseback riding, whale watching, cooking classes, kayak tours, sunset cruises, and more. There is also a聽聽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鈥檚 program too, including the 鈥淩itz-Kids庐 Night Safari鈥�; 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鈥檚 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聽聽(elevated and excellent) or聽. 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聽,听, Katsuren Castle Ruins, Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, and Zakimi Castle Ruins, as well as the聽,听, and the聽. 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鈥檒l 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聽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聽Wi-Fi

Pocket聽Wi-Fi聽in Japan is聽a portable router that provides wireless internet access for multiple devices, connecting to Japan’s mobile network.聽You can rent these devices online before your trip and pick them up at the airport or have them delivered to your hotel.

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