Destination: Japan

Located in the Pacific Ocean in eastern Asia, Japan is an island nation made up of 6,852 islands that form a line along the coasts of North and South Korea. Many of these islands are tiny and largely uninhabited, and lie within the main landmasses that make up Japan, making it appear as if there are only a few islands separated by the waters of the East China Sea.

Japan has a history that is rich with military culture and tradition, and many of the tourist attractions focus on these eras which make it an interesting country to visit for adults and older children. But although its roots lie in a feudal system, the country manages to combine ancient tradition and sacred buildings with modern skyscrapers and futuristic technology.

The culture in Japan is prevalent in all aspects of life here. The national sport is Sumo wrestling, which is a unique spectator event (although perhaps not ideal for the really young), the favourite food is Japanese rice which can be used to create an unimaginable number of delicacies, and the national dress is the Kimono which is still worn today.

The climate in Japan is mostly warm, so you would be able to enjoy the favourable temperatures at any time of the year. However, the summer months of June to July bring the rainy season and this can mean heavy downpours that can really dampen a day out. Follow that up with the typhoon season in August to September and you might find yourself wanting to steer clear of the summer altogether. The best months for visiting are in March to May, although you’ll want to steer clear of ‘Golden Week’ at the end of April when the Japanese take their own holidays because the hotels and transport networks will be packed and expensive.

Things to do in Japan with Children

The Kyoto Temple Tour and Bullet Train Ride is an exciting adventure for the whole family. Your whole family will be literally whisked off on one of Japans ultra modern bullet trains, arriving in the Kyoto region in time for a tour of some of the most iconic temples and castles in the area. Your tour will also include an overnight stay, and it’s a great way to visit a little bit more of the country without taking too long out of your holiday.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese evening with your family as you experience An Evening In Japan. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to your dinner reservations, where you’ll enjoy a traditional tempura meal and watch a Maiko – a traditional female Japanese dancer – entertain the guests. After a pleasant evening you’ll be returned to your hotel. There is no limit on ages for this package.

The National Science Museum in Taito is a great place for a family visit, and in this country of such great technological advancement, you can expect to find a wide range of interesting experiments and exhibits on show here. It’s a great day out for the whole family.

For up-to-date travel advice, see the Foreign & Commonwealth Office guidelines