Travel in Japan

This time of year is perfect for a Mt. Takao Hike. The trip to Mt. Takao takes about one hour from Shinjuku station on the Keio Line. Mt. Takao has been a location of worship for more than 1,000 years. The main temple Yakuoin is located near the summit and is a popular place …

Japan car sharing makes renting a car easy. Times Car Share, along with ORIX and Careco, have locations throughout Japan and many in Tokyo with a variety of cars from compact to vans, basic to luxury, electric to gas. We`ve used ORIX, Careco and Times Car Plus and am happy with all services. Be …

Many people live in Tokyo for years and never venture out to Ibaraki. We highly recommend you visit Ibaraki with kids for the day or weekend. Ibaraki is a 70 minute drive from central Tokyo (75 minute train ride from Tokyo Station to Mito Station on the Limited Express Train). …

Hakone is a perfect location for a 36-hour romantic escape from Tokyo. Hubby and I had the luxury of leaving our four kids at home and running away for part of the weekend. If you are looking for a quick getaway for fresh air, onsens, great food, lovely accommodations and …

Haneda airport is a great spot to take your kids. The International Terminal has 30 stores, 44 restaurants, and you don’t need a flight ticket to access. Also makes a great Tokyo Rainy Day activity. Haneda Airport with Kids – TOP THINGS TO DO at the INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL   View …

As a mom of four, frequent traveler, blogger, and AirBnB host I am asked at least once a day how to get to and from Haneda and Narita Airports for families. Since there are so many options, it is not an easy answer. However, the good thing is that there …

Experience a Nikkō 36-hour adventure. The other weekend I took the two youngest children on a two day, one night adventure to Nikkō. It was a great place to see foliage, waterfalls, beautiful shrines and temples, and also play at Edo Wonderland! Easy to get to from Tokyo. Venture out …

Nakameguro is a popular yet quiet residential neighborhood filled with unique boutique shops and cafe. The area comes alive with their Cherry Blossom festival along the Meguro River in mid spring and during their summer matsuri (festival). Wondering what to do for one day in Tokyo? Pick your favorite day …

We love this quiet, residential area in Shibuya-ku. We often often spend our day in the Ebisu Station West Exit area then walk towards Daikanyama or the East Exit towards Ebisu Garden Place. Wondering what to do for one day in Tokyo? Pick your favorite day from our Tokyo one day …

Looking for a great day trip this time of year? Head to Nagatoro river rafting and grape picking in Saitama!  If you are looking for a fun one day get away to enjoy the crisp air and beautiful mountain and river scenery do visit Nagatoro River and surrounding area of …

The Mount Fuji Five Lakes Area (Fujigo-ko) is a popular  spot for camping, boating, hiking, and numerous outdoor activities. There are plenty of accommodations in each of the five lakes areas; Yamanaka-ko, Kawaguchi-ko, Sai-ko, Shoji-ko, and Motosu-ko. Camping in Japan We made reservations at Saiko Pica Village, a popular camping …

Atagoyama Kodomo no kuni (Children’s Land) in Yamanashi is a fantastic, free spot to take your kids. We happened to go during a Yamanashi Schools’ Sports Day weekend so we had the entire park to ourselves! Atagoyama Kodomo no kuni (Children’s Land) is divided into many areas; the Freedom Square, …

On a sunny day escape central Tokyo and head for the huge Showa Kinen Park 昭和記念公園.  Showa Memorial Park is approximately a 50-70 min trip from central Tokyo via car or train. Biking, hiking, climbing nets, bouncing on huge white soft blobs and hiding from dragons can keep the little ones …

If you have 3-5 days to spend in Tokyo, we highly recommend this one-day itinerary for Tokyo One Day with Kids – Shibuya, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Aoyama areas. The Shibuya, Harajuku, Omotesando and Aoyama area is a great place to see the modern, hip fashion and entertainment side of Tokyo …

Impress and educate your kids with some Shinkansen Bullet Train Trivia on your family trip. The Shinkansen train system was invented over 50 years ago, but the technology, efficiency, and cleanliness continue to awe residents and travelers. Here are our top trivia tips which have been kid tested to prove …

Oarai Seaside Town is located in the middle of the Pacific coast of Ibaraki Prefecture, approximately 100km from Tokyo. It is famous for their fresh seafood, clean beaches and the Oarai Isosaki Shrine, a place of spiritual energy along the Oarai coastline.   View this post on Instagram   Loved …

Katsuyama Port Beach is a quiet beach located a 1.5 hour drive from central Tokyo. It has a good stretch of sand, a dock for fishing, a few cement breakers, clean shower / restroom facilities, and on a clear day, a view of Mt. Fuji. We took a day trip to …

If you or someone you know is planning to travel to or within Japan over the next year and is planning to use Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms you need to know about the Japan Airbnb Rule Changed June 15, 2018.    On June 15th, 2018 all Airbnb listing …

We spent a lovely, long weekend in Atami on the Izu Peninsula with family visiting from the U.S.  Atami is a traditional and popular hot springs resort one to two hours outside Tokyo (depending on your method of transportation). We stayed at the Atami Juraku Hotel, a 3-minute walk from the station …

Hitachi Seaside Park is a beautiful park about a 2 hour drive from central Tokyo. They have beautiful seasonal flowers, and a sports and amusement park. It can be enjoyed by all ages year round. Top Theme Parks in Japan The park is divided into 7 areas and each area …

Taking long-haul flights with kids is a challenge. Getting them to sleep comfortably on an overnight flight is a struggle. Welcome the Fly-Tot, a brilliant solution to help children stretch out and sleep comfortably on long haul flights. Here are our other recommended must haves for frequent fliers.  What is …

I remember our return from the US last year and wow did I have Jet Lag Kids. All four kids were on different schedules which of course took a huge toll on me. The kitchen was working overtime as each one awoke in search of food. The jet lag crazies …

Escape the city with these Top Recommended Family Friendly Day Trips from Tokyo. Do you have a day trip to recommend? Leave in the comments section below. 100+ THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN TOKYO JOIN BEST LIVING JAPAN FOR A JAPANESE COOKING OR CRAFT CLASS – CLASS SCHEDULE HERE! …

You can’t visit Tokyo without a trip to Meiji Jingu, the most famous shrine in Japan. Here are some fun and interesting Meiji Jingu Trivia to inspire and challenge big and small minds alike.  To understand and associate with Japanese culture, you should definitely visit Meiji Jingu. Meiji Jingu was …

Karuizawa, Nagano is a beautiful mountain resort a 1 hr Shinkansen ride from Tokyo. Step off the train, take in the gorgeous mountain views, and enjoy the numerous activities Karuizawa has to offer from outdoor sports, onsens, shopping, play areas, food and more. Shopping is concentrated at the Karuizawa Prince Shopping …