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FUN FAMILY FINDS: Discover why Japan is the perfect kid-friendly holiday option

A family holiday to Japan ticks all the boxes. It’s safe, it’s fun, it’s colourful and the nation’s obsession with kawaii (cuteness) gives the country an overall child-like feel.

A family holiday to Japan ticks all the boxes. It’s safe, it’s fun, it’s colourful and the nation’s obsession with kawaii (cuteness) gives the country an overall child-like feel.

It’s also easy to get around, too, whether on foot or on the country’s impressive public transport network: your kids ­– hell, the whole family – will enjoy a ride on a Japanese bullet train!

Having given the world so many characters that are absolutely adored by kids, such as Mario, Hello Kitty, Pikachu, Sailor Moon and many others, it’s no surprise that kids will feel right at home in the Land of the Rising Sun.

If Japan stirs your interest for your next family holiday, read on. Here’s a brief guide on all the family-friendly fun awaiting you in Japan.

 

Hitting the slopes with the kids

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Combine a skiing holiday with the cultural pleasures of Japan and have an amazing family holiday. Whether your kids are absolute beginners or rival what you can do on a set of skis or snowboard, Japan has dozens of family-friendly ski resorts all over the country.

For example, Tomamu in Hokkaido is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the country. Here, kids receive group lessons in between all the fun to be had in the kids club. Mum and dad can get lessons here too, without having to worry about who’s looking after the little ones.

Another great family-friendly ski resort is Appi Kogen, located in the Tohoku area north of Tokyo, with dedicated snow parks and sports clubs designed for the whole family.

 

Amazing attractions for the little ones

KARRYON-Japan-HelloKitty-World

Spend the day with the kids at one of the dozens of amazing theme parks all over Japan, including Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea in the nation’s capital and Universal Studios down in Osaka. For kids a little older, and for mum and dad, the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters and thrill-rides at Fuji Q High Land is an option too.

For a more Japanese interpretation of the humble theme park, check out Sanrio Puroland, which is the home of Hello Kitty and her colourful compradres, and Edo Wonderland where kids and parents can dress up as samurais, geishas and ninjas!

 

Fabulous foodie options for the children

KARRYON-Japan-Takeshita-dori-Rainbow-Sandwich

All kids like sugar, right? Treat your little ones with a sweet walk down Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, Tokyo, where they’ll be able to try some colourful rainbow food the street is famous for. There’s rainbow cheese toast, rainbow fairy floss, animal ice-creams and more sugary treats than you can poke a candy cane at!

For something a little more substantial, the whole family will enjoy sitting down for a meal at Ninja Restaurant in Tokyo, where real ninjas will serve you authentic Japanese cuisine right at your table!

 

Accommodation for the whole family

From authentic Japanese ryokans ­– where you get to sleep on traditional futon mattress bedding and sit on tatami mats behind classic sliding doors – to luxury hotels where every whim is catered to, Japan has a range of accommodation options to suit the whole family.

For example, the Four Seasons Hotel at Marunouchi, walking distance to the Imperial Palace, is famous for its family-friendly facilities and age-appropriate welcome gifts – such as child-sized slippers.

You can even stay at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea if you can’t pull the kids away from the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain or Peter Pan’s Flight rides! Alternatively, there are many family-friendly hotels nearby, including five in and around Universal Studios in Osaka.

 

For more family fun in Japan, visit the website here.

 

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