Imagine watching snow monkeys soak in steaming hot springs, walking through a forest of giant bamboo, or marveling at a castle that looks like it jumped out of a storybook. 

That’s exactly the kind of experience you can enjoy in Japan!

That’s right.  Japan is full of incredible, sometimes surprising, experiences, scenes and history that have captivated explorers’ imagination for centuries. 

From bustling cities to peaceful mountains, modern inventions to century-old temples, there’s something for every family to explore.

Ready for the adventure? Grab your map, and let’s go!

1. Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano

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This park is famous for its Japanese macaques, often called snow monkeys. In winter, the monkeys bathe in natural hot springs to stay warm. Kids will love watching the monkeys relax and play in the snow, while parents can enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.

Interesting facts:

• The monkeys in Jigokudani are the only known wild monkeys in the world that regularly bathe in hot springs.
  
• The park sits in the valley of the Yokoyu River, surrounded by mountains covered in snow during winter.
  
• These monkeys are very social and live in groups of up to 30 individuals.

2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Walking through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove feels like stepping into another world. Towering bamboo stalks sway in the breeze, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Once there, visitors can stroll the two distincts paths and relax to the forest’s quiet whispers.

Interesting facts:

• The soothing rustle of the bamboo is so unique that it has been officially recognized as one of the 100 Japanese Soundscapes, encouraging people to connect with nature through sound.
  
• Near the grove, you’ll find a “forest” of 600 poles wrapped in colorful traditional kimono fabric at Randen Station. It’s a hidden gem many tourists miss.
  
• Inside the grove is the tiny, picturesque Nonomiya Shrine, once used by imperial princesses, while just outside stands Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is mostly made up of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). These giants can grow up to 92 feet (about 28 meters) tall.

3. Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

This famous shrine is known for its thousands of bright red torii gates that wind up the mountainside. Walking through the gates is like following a mysterious trail on a map, where each turn reveals hidden shrines, fox statues, and beautiful views of Kyoto below!

Interesting facts:

• There are over 10,000 torii gates along the trails of Fushimi Inari, donated by individuals and companies.
  
• The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity.
  
• Fox statues throughout the shrine are considered messengers of Inari and are believed to bring good luck.

4. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, Tokyo

For families who love theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea bring magical worlds to life. 

Interesting facts:

• Tokyo DisneySea is unique to Japan; there’s no other Disney park like it in the world. Its eight themed “ports of call” are inspired by real-world harbors and myths, like the Mediterranean, Arabian Coast, and American Waterfront, making it a fun geography lesson.
  
• Even though it’s Disney, you’ll spot Japanese touches everywhere, from seasonal festivals like Tanabata (Star Festival) to local snacks like mochi shaped like Disney characters.
  
• Tokyo Disneyland’s Cinderella Castle is modeled after European castles, while DisneySea’s Mediterranean Harbor recreates Italian architecture so realistically that you feel transported abroad.
  
• Areas like “Port Discovery” introduce kids to futuristic science concepts, while “Mysterious Island” is inspired by Jules Verne’s novels, blending literature, imagination, and science.

5. Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island

Known for its “floating” torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. Families can walk along the sandy shores at low tide, explore the shrine, and even meet the friendly deer that roam the island.

Interesting facts:

• The shrine was first built in the 6th century and rebuilt several times over the centuries.
  
• The “floating” effect happens at high tide, when the gate appears to rise from the water.
  
• The deer on the island are considered sacred messengers of the gods and freely roam the streets (There are over 1,200 deer on Miyajima Island!).

6. Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes Region

Mount Fuji, Japan’s most famous mountain, is a symbol of the country’s beauty and natural power. Visitors can explore the Fuji Five Lakes area, enjoy boat rides or picnics by Lake Kawaguchi, walk easy trails through surrounding forests, or visit nearby cultural sites like Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine. And the good news is that in winter, kids can even try snow play at the nearby resorts!

Interesting facts:

• Mount Fuji is 3,776 meters tall and is Japan’s highest mountain.
  
• The mountain is considered sacred and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.
  
• The five lakes: Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Shoji, and Motosu, offer boating, fishing, and incredible reflections of Mount Fuji in their waters.

7. Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

For children and adults who love stories and animation, the Ghibli Museum is magical. It celebrates the work of Studio Ghibli, Japan’s most famous animation studio, known worldwide for films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Interesting facts:

• The museum features short films that can only be seen there.
  
• Exhibits show the animation process, from sketches to final scenes, giving kids insight into creativity and teamwork.
  
• The building itself is inspired by Ghibli’s films, with hidden doors, staircases, and playful designs.

8. Himeji Castle, Hyogo

Himeji Castle is often called the most beautiful castle in Japan. Its white walls and elegant design make it look like a castle straight out of a fairy tale.

Interesting facts:

• Himeji Castle was first built in 1333 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  
• The castle survived earthquakes, wars, and even World War II bombings without major damage.
  
• Its defensive design includes hidden passageways and maze-like paths to confuse attackers!

9. Oirase Gorge, Aomori

Oirase Gorge is a magical forest trail with rivers, waterfalls, and mossy stones. Walking the trail, kids can observe different types of trees and plants, listen to the sounds of rushing water, and spot wildlife like birds and fish. In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant red and gold, showing how nature changes with the seasons

Interesting facts:

• The gorge stretches for about 14 kilometers and follows the Oirase River.
  
• Some waterfalls, like the Choshi Otaki, drop over 10 meters and create stunning rainbows on sunny days.
  
• The area is home to rare birds and freshwater fish.

10. Nara Park, Nara

Nara Park is famous for its friendly deer that roam freely among the trees and temples.

Interesting facts:

• The deer are considered sacred and have been protected for centuries.
  
• Visitors can buy “deer crackers” to feed them safely.
  
• Todai-ji Temple, located in the park, is home to the Great Buddha, a towering 15-meter-high bronze statue, one of the largest of its kind in Japan.

Do your kids love exploring the world?

If your kids like to explore the world, here’s something they’ll enjoy; the Little Explorers’ Journal is designed for homeschooling families, with history and geography units full of story-driven mini-lessons, quizzes, puzzles, recipes, and hands-on activities, all connected to the globe-trotting adventures of five young explorers, the Intrepid Explorers. Through these interactive resources, your kids will solve mysteries, uncover treasures, and discover fascinating facts about different countries, all while following the team’s adventures.

And if your children love reading adventure books, the adventure series, The Intrepid Explorers, takes them even further. The books follow the Intrepid Explorers on action-packed missions — from retrieving stolen artefacts to protecting endangered species — in different countries around the world. 

The first book The Intrepid Explorers; the mysterious case of the stolen suling is set in Australia and is available here (you can also scan the bar code below).