Weekend Trips

On our last visit we found an amazing playground park in Karuizawa, Nagano. Located a short drive from the popular Tsuruya Supermarket lies Yukawa Furusato Park (湯川ふるさと公園). It`s a large and clean park that all families can enjoy, dog-friendly too! Families can be seen walking their dogs, picnicking on the …

Gifu Castle, originally named Inabayama Castle, was rebuilt in 1956 and in 2011 was designated a National Historical Site. Located on top of Kinka Mountain the castle contains a historical museum and observation deck with lovely views of Gifu city and neighboring Nagoya. There are two ways to get to there; …

If you are looking for a quick, carefree weekend trip to enjoy white beaches and blue seas visit Club Med Ishigaki, Okinawa. Only a three-hour flight from Tokyo, Club Med Kabira Beach Ishigaki Okinawa (石垣島カビラクラブメッド) offers an all-inclusive vacation package that`s great for families. The package includes buffet-style breakfast, lunch …

If you are skiing in Nagano-ken this winter, spend half a day visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑). I took the kids there and we all had a great time seeing the monkeys and hiking into the valley. It is about 25-30K from Nozawa-onsen or Shigakogen ski areas making it an …

Nozawa Onsen is one of our top family ski locations. Easy to access from Tokyo, great skiing and above average Japanese apre ski food and activities. Our family of six are all ski lovers and have traveled all over Japan, North America and EU enjoying powder. Skiing in Japan is …

Karuizawa, Nagano is our favorite mountain resort getaway. Best part? It`s only 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. *** The …

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 …

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 …

Karuizawa is a mountain resort in Nagano just a 1 hr Shinkansen ride from Tokyo. Japanese flock to this location all year round. It`s a popular tourist-vacation spot in the summer because it`s quite cool providing a pleasant escape from Tokyo`s heat and humidity. Various outdoor activities in summer include tennis, hiking, …

Support Fukushima through Sightseeing! Although life has returned to normal for most people living in Fukushima, tourists are still avoiding the prefecture.  Radiation levels are no higher than any average city in the world, but ignorance still keeps many people from visiting and many sightseeing spots are barely surviving. For travelers who …

We highly recommend a visit to Yamanashi Fuefukigawa Fruits Park when in Yamanashi. The highest point of the park gives spectacular views of Mount Fuji on a clear day, a beautiful night view of the Kofu Basin, and has a number of activities for families throughout the park. WHAT TO …

Yamanashi Prefecture, home to Mount Fuji, is a beautiful area to camp and take in the fresh mountain air, soak in natural onsens, sip on the area wine and go fruit picking. We stayed in the Koshu area about an hour and a half drive from Tokyo (about an hour from Fujikawaguchiko) …

Sayama Berry Land (Saitama-ken) (狭山ベリーランド) has one of the largest blueberry farms in the Tokyo area with over 50 types of berries and 2,000 bushes. The blueberry bushes are in covered mesh houses. Here are other great places to visit in Saitama with kids They have two parking areas; one …

We spent a long weekend in Karuizawa last month and were surprised to see many store closures at the Karuizawa Prince Outlet as there were undergoing renewal (the stores that were closed should be reopened and in a new location by the first weekend of July). We were also disappointed to see …

If you are looking for a great day or weekend trip from Tokyo, I highly recommend Minami Boso (the southern area of Chiba) and the Kamogawa Sea World. Kamogawa Sea World is a 1.5-2 hour trip from central Tokyo where you can enjoy the sea breeze, beach and learn about …

Chiba is a beautiful prefecture with ocean, river and rice patties, and some of our favorite Chiba Camping Grounds. Below are five excellent camping facilities that are unique in environment and services. All camp facilities are within 2 hours drive from Tokyo so easy to get to for a quick …

Fuji Safari Park is a lovely place to see and experience animals from around the world living freely. Fuji Safari Park offers visitors 4 options to experience their safari park 1) Self-drive option where visitors can progress through the park in their own car at their own pace, 2) Jungle Bus …

If you are planning a family ski vacation to Niseko, Hokkaido, register your children early to attend one of the top Niseko Kids Ski Schools. I was told there are over 30 ski schools in Niseko, however, after some personal research and visiting Niseko we are recommending three English language …

GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is one of the most convenient snow resorts to visit with little ones outside Tokyo. It`s a 75-min shinkansen ride (Max-Tanigawa or the Tanigawa) from Tokyo station and the train drops you off right inside the base of the GALA Yuzawa Resort making it ultra convenient if traveling with small …

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 …

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 …

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 …

White Beach Hotel in Shimoda is less than a 2 hour Shinkansen train ride from Tokyo and is right across the street from beautiful Ohama beach (Kisami beach). The hotel is owned and run by Americans so everything is in English, it has super-friendly staff, is family-friendly and attracts a …

Thomas Land is one of our favorite theme parks for young kids on our list of TOP Theme Parks in Japan. Thomas Land, in Yamanashi, Japan, is the world’s first Thomas & Friends Theme Park. Located a 1.5 hour drive from central Tokyo, and within the Fuji-Q Highland Theme Park, it`s a great …