Day 1 Tokyo, JapanArrive Tokyo

Tour begins: 5:00 PM, Conrad Tokyo. A transfer is included from Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports to the Conrad Hilton hotel in the heart of the city's Shiodome district within walking distance of the famous Ginza district. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight as you meet your fellow family travelers in one of the world's most exciting cities.

Your day begins at lively Tsukiji Outer Market, a great place to hunt for foods made of fish and learn firsthand how to make sushi for lunch. This afternoon, visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, try your hand at the art of Taiko drumming, and enjoy the height of fashion for kids and teens in trendy Harajuku. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.

Set off for a day of hands-on discovery that blends centuries-old culture with cutting-edge creativity. Begin with a visit to Asakusa Kannon (Senso-ji), Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 645, where centuries of tradition unfold in the lively streets of Asakusa. Browse Nakamise Street's traditional stalls before enjoying a rickshaw ride through the historic district—an intimate glimpse into old Tokyo. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where a sumo demonstration brings Japan's national sport to life as you dine. In the afternoon, dive into the immersive worlds of teamLab Planets Tokyo - an award-winning digital art museum where you'll walk through water, bloom with flowers, and wander among stars in ever-changing installations. Return to your hotel later this afternoon, with the evening at leisure to relax or continue exploring Tokyo on your own.

Capable of traveling up to 200 miles per hour, Japan's famous bullet train is the fastest way to speed from place to place. Today, come aboard for a train ride to the hot springs town of Hakone in the Japanese countryside for an overnight stay. After lunch alongside Lake Ashi embark on a tram ride up to the heights of Owakudani, a volcanic valley famous for it's active sulphur vents and hot springs. Created 3000 years ago following the explosion of the Hakone volcano, the valley is famous for it's 'kuro-tamago', a local variety of hard-boiled egg boiled in the mineral-rich hot springs causing the shells to turn black. In the afternoon, explore the outdoor sculpture park at the Open Air Museum with kid-friendly interactive art installations that encourage you to climb on.

This morning, enjoy a pirate boat cruise across picturesque Lake Ashi - weather permitting, take in views of Mount Fuji towering off in the distance.Afterward, continue your journey by bullet train toward Hiroshima. Take in the sights like the locals do and find lunch in the food courts at the train station. Late this afternoon check into your hotel for the next two nights, the Hilton Hiroshima, ideally located in the center of the city. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.

A short ferry ride this morning brings you to the island of Miyajima for a visit to Itsukushima Shrine, famed for its "floating" torii gate rising from the sea. Roaming freely among the island's wooded paths are gentle Sitka deer, adding to the sense of quiet enchantment in one of Japan's most scenic settings. Returning by ferry, enjoy a hands-on culinary experience as your family learns to make okonomiyaki, a savory, crepe-like pancake layered with your choice of ingredients—then savor your creation for lunch. This afternoon, travel to Hiroshima, a city forever marked by history yet defined today by its message of peace. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where moving exhibits and memorials honor the lives lost and reflect a global hope for a future without nuclear weapons. If you wish, take in panoramic views from Orizuru Tower overlooking the park. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Speed to the enchanting city of Kyoto aboard a bullet train this morning, an experience in itself, arriving for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, your family will visit a place of spellbinding beauty, Nijo Castle; built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the powerful first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). On a guided tour - shoes off - you'll listen closely as you walk the famous nightingale floors, designed to chirp underfoot and alert the shogun to approaching footsteps, a detail that never fails to capture young imaginations. Afterwards, walk across the street to Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection, set beside the castle grounds on the site of a former Edo-period estate. Thoughtfully designed and serene without feeling formal, the hotel is recognized as one of "The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2024" by Condé Nast Traveler. Take time to settle in, explore the peaceful courtyard spaces, and enjoy being together before dinner at the hotel at your leisure.

Home to more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is world-famous for its refined culture, dining, and charm of rural Japan. Explore its landmark sites today, including a locally guided visit to golden-topped Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, set in a garden on the edge of a lake, and a walk through Nishiki Market, rich with history and tradition and renowned for its famous foods and goods. This afternoon, learn about the art of life in this enchanting city as you experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony and discover the finer points of calligraphy. Your evening is free to spend with your family as you wish.

After breakfast, visit the Buddhist temple Kiyomizu-dera this morning for a locally guided tour. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple was founded in 780 on the side of a steep, forested hillside overlooking the Otowa Waterfall. Its name, which translates as "pure water temple," comes from the clear streams that flow beneath the main hall. Tradition holds that each stream offers a different blessing - longevity, academic success, or good fortune in love - and choosing wisely is part of the fun. From the temple's expansive wooden deck, enjoy sweeping views across Kyoto. Following your visit, enjoy a Kyo-Yuzen stenciling experience then enjoy lunch on your own and free time in Kyoto. This evening, come together with the families who've shared your journey for a farewell reception and dinner, celebrating the adventures you've had, the moments you've shared, and the memories you'll take home together.