Kids
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Kids
Some historians estimate that there were over 25,000 castles that once existed in Japan. Now, there are only around 200 castles and ruins remaining throughout the country. Twelve castles are still original, while others have been either restored or remodeled. The castles are fortresses and act as the central government for each region. Many of them were built throughout the 1500 and 1600s. They are often situated on the top of hills for defense purposes and are surrounded by moats with beautiful gardens.
Helpful Articles and Blogs:
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The Tokyo Chapter’s recommendations for traveling to Tokyo with children: https://www.thetokyochapter.com/category/tokyo-with-kids/
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La Jolla Mom has 20 ideas for kids activities in Tokyo area.
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Hangry by Nature shows you 18 weird, crazy and fun places for kids:
Find Your Tabi’s 30 Ideas for making the most of your family’s trip to Japan:
Look below to find my top 30 recommended activities and travel options all across Japan!
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Go to a kaiten (revolving) sushi restaurant. The popular big chains:
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Take cooking classes (see my cooking section on the “Food” page)
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See the snow monkeys in Jigokudani in Nagao (see my “Outdoor & Nature” page)
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Visit a farm and learn to milk a cow, bread, butter, and jam
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Meet deer in Kasugano Taisha in Nara or Miyajima Island in Hiroshima (see my “Outdoor & Nature” page)
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Ride Shinkansen or joyful trains. Yes, there is the Hello Kitty bullet train, too. https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/hello-kitty-shinkansen (see my “Sightseeing train & boat” page)
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Learn about and experience Japanese marine life in unique aquariums
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Watch spectacular fireworks (see my “Culture” page)
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Climb Mount Fuji (see my “Motorsports/sports” page)
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Rent ninja, maiko/geisha, or samurai costumes Kyoto city
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Visit Toei Movie Lot (see my “TV & Film Location” page
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Ski or snowboard in the Tohoku region and Hokkaido (see my “Sports/Motorsports” page)
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Visit video game shops and arcades in Akihabara or Nakano (see my “Shopping” page)
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Rent a bicycle and go around town or go to Shimanami Kaio in Setouchi (see my “Sports/Motorsports” page)
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Japan is a great travel destination for families. It’s safe, clean, and offers many activities for children of all ages. It’s also perfect for adults who are kids at heart.
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Take a Wadaiko (traditional Japanese drum) lesson
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Participate in a Japanese festival (matsuri) and dance a night away (see my “Culture” page)
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Do “Anime Pilgrimage”: visit real-life locations of famous scenes from anime (see my “TV & Film Location” page)
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Visit lively Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, Nishiki Market in Kyoto, or Kuromon Market in Osaka. (see my “Food” page)
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Visit digital museums like Team digital art museums and immerse yourself in modern art. (see my “Art & Design” page)
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Visit Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, see the aquarium, and do VR.
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Have a picnic and pick fruit: strawberries, peaches, pears, oranges, grapes, and more. (see Nature page)
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Take the Panda Kuroshio train and see the pandas at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture.
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Visit a TV station for a studio visit (see Film & TV)
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Get dirty in the rice paddies and experience farm life in rural Japan in Akita.
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Learn how to make fake plastic food: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/sampuru-how-is-japanese-fake-food-made
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Visit a trick art museum: Trick 3D Art Coedo and get some incredible Instagram photos (see Art & Design)
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Visit the Cup Noodle Museum and make the only cup noodle you can take home.
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Visit a Ramen Museum to check out different types of ramen from all over Japan. You can also learn how to make ramen noodles.
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Visit the Railway Museum in Saitama or the Kyoto Railway Museum in Kyoto. Try the simulator to see what it is like to operate a train.