Going to Japan with kids? Klook makes it easy in 2026
Japan is one of those dream destinations that seem brilliant as an idea, but the moment you start planning it, things get complicated fast, especially with kids in tow. How do you time it around UK school holidays? Will the shinkansen system be manageable with little ones? Are the theme parks suitable for different ages?
These are real questions, and they matter because a family trip to Japan is a significant investment, and you want to know it'll work before you commit. That's exactly where Klook Japan comes in.
This summer, Klook is teaming up with family travel creators Family Fizz for a real, live family trip to Japan, and you can follow every booking, every activity, and every kid-approved moment in real time. Read on for the full campaign breakdown, top family picks, and everything you need to plan your own family holiday in Japan!
The Family Fizz x Klook Japan trip, explained
Here's the thing about this campaign: it's not a polished travel ad. It's a real family booking with real experiences through Klook, showing exactly how the process works from start to finish.
The trip goes live on 25 June 2026, and there are three ways the itinerary comes together:
• Pre-booked and locked in: Some experiences are already sorted before they land, so you can see how easy advance booking works through Klook.
• Chosen on the day: The Family Fizz kids pick between activities in real time and book straight through the Klook app, just like you would on your own trip.
• Voted by you: Follow along on Family Fizz’s IG page, cast your votes on what they do next (Mount Fuji or a tea ceremony in Kyoto?), and watch your pick happen live.
Every single experience is bookable through Klook, so you can follow along and start planning at the same time.
Japan has a cheat code; it's called Klook! 🧡
Japan can feel like a lot to figure out. But every game has a cheat code, and Japan's is Klook.
This June, we're teaming up with Family Fizz for a real family trip to Japan, and there are three ways to play:
- Pre-booked and locked in: Some parts of their itinerary are already sorted, so you can see exactly how easy it is to plan Japan with Klook
- Chosen on the day: The Family Fizz kids pick between activities in real time and book straight through Klook, just like you would on your own trip
- Voted by you: Follow along on Family Fizz's Instagram page, vote on where they head next (see Mount Fuji or go on a tea ceremony in Kyoto?), and watch your pick come to life!
Every experience on their trip is bookable straight through Klook, so you can follow along and plan your own Japan adventure at the same time. Their trip, your rules.
Going live on 25 June 2026. Press start! 🕹️
Not sure where to start? Here's how to plan your route in Japan
Family wearing kimono in a street in Japan | Photo by G N on Pexels
Japan is a big country, and it's easy to fall down a planning rabbit hole trying to figure out where to go first. The good news is that most UK families follow a similar route on their first trip, and it works really well. So before we go into your Japan cheat codes and what to book through Klook, here are our itinerary recommendations:
First timer? Follow the Golden Route
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka is the classic for a reason. Each city is different enough to feel fresh; they're all connected by shinkansen, and between the three of them you get a solid mix of city life, culture, food, and theme parks. Most families spend 3-4 nights in Tokyo, 2-3 in Kyoto, and 2-3 in Osaka, though there's no wrong way to split it.
And if you’ve got a few extra days, these are worth adding on:
• Nara: 45 minutes from Kyoto or Osaka, and the deer really do just wander up to you
• Hiroshima and Miyajima: A moving and beautiful day out, easy by shinkansen from Osaka
• Hakone: Mount Fuji views, onsen (hot spring baths), and a much slower pace after busy city days
Been before? Time to go further
If you've already done the Golden Route, Japan has a lot more to offer, and Klook covers the logistics wherever you head next:
• Hokkaido: Niseko and Sapporo are known worldwide for skiing in winter; in summer it's all national parks, lavender fields, and fresh seafood
• Okinawa: Tropical islands, snorkelling, and watersports; it feels nothing like mainland Japan and that's exactly the point
• Kanazawa: Like a quieter version of Kyoto, with great food and far fewer tour groups
• Fukuoka: Compact, laid-back, and probably Japan's most underrated food city
Once you've got a rough route in mind, the next step is locking in the experiences before they sell out. Here are our most recommended things to book through Klook before you fly, for an easier and stress-free family trip to Japan!
Your Japan cheat codes: what to book through Klook
1. Japan eSIM
Get connected as soon as you land in Japan
Before anything else, sort your data. Japan's Wi-Fi can be patchy outside cities, and trying to navigate JR lines or look up opening times without internet is nobody's idea of fun.
UK roaming costs add up fast; here’s how they compare:
Standard UK roaming | ||
Cost | Under £20 for 7 days unlimited 5G | £7.50/day add-on or £80–£100 roaming pass, per person |
For a family of 4 | Under £80 total | £320–£400+ for a roaming pass alone |
Setup | Activate before you fly, ready on arrival | Automatic, but charges apply the moment you land |
For tablets | Works on tablets too — one less thing to sort | Separate charge per device |
New customers | Free 3GB eSIM | N/A |
Existing customers | 50% off | N/A |
Grab a Japan eSIM through Klook and you'll have high-speed internet ready to activate on arrival. No SIM cards to swap, no waiting at airport kiosks.
Klook Tip: You can set up your eSIM before you board. You can activate it as soon as you land and skip the queues entirely.
2. Shinkansen tickets
The shinkansen platform in Tokyo Station
The shinkansen (bullet train) is the best way to move between Japan's major cities, and kids tend to love it. Tokyo to Osaka takes just over two hours; Tokyo to Kyoto is around the same. The speed alone makes it worth it, but there are a few practical things worth knowing before you board, especially with a family.
First, luggage. The shinkansen has designated overhead storage, but larger suitcases need to be pre-booked into a reserved luggage space. If you'd rather not manage multiple bags across cities, our luggage transfer service is one of the most useful things you can book for a family trip.
Your bags get collected from your hotel and delivered directly to your next destination, so all you need on travel days is one small bag with the day's essentials. For families moving between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, it makes city-hopping significantly less stressful.
You can book your shinkansen tickets through Klook, with multiple route options depending on your itinerary. It's a much smoother process than trying to navigate the JR ticketing machines on arrival.
Klook Tip: Book your shinkansen seats in advance, especially during summer holidays. Window seats on the right side going from Tokyo to Osaka give you the best views of Mount Fuji on a clear day!
And when you first land or head home at the end of the trip, you can skip the stress of public transport with tired kids in tow. Klook's airport and private transfers are reliable, affordable, and bookable in advance, so you're not scrambling for a taxi after a long-haul flight.
Japan Airport Transfers
3. Universal Studios Japan tickets
Get your Universal Studios Japan ticket through Klook!
Universal Studios Japan is one of the biggest reasons families plan a trip to Japan, and for good reason. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Nintendo World, and Minion Park are all within one park, which means you'll want a full day here at minimum. Family Fizz will be heading to USJ as part of their Klook Japan trip, so follow along to see it through their eyes!
Universal Studios Japan tickets through Klook include QR code entry, so you go straight through the gates. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially in summer.
Want to know more about USJ? Check out our full USJ booking guide:
Of course, USJ is just one option. Klook has a wide range of family-friendly attractions across Japan to suit different ages and interests, including the following:
• Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Two full parks, each worth a dedicated day!
• Sanrio Puroland: Ideal for younger kids and Hello Kitty fans
• Legoland Japan® (Nagoya): Great for families with children aged 2-12
• Studio Ghibli Museum (Mitaka, Tokyo): A must for Ghibli fans, but tickets require advance booking months ahead
• Aquariums and zoos: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Ueno Zoo in Tokyo are both popular family stops
Whatever your family is into, there's a good chance Klook has it covered. Browse the full selection and build your own lineup before you fly!
Klook Tip: Studio Ghibli Museum tickets are released monthly and sell out almost immediately. Set a reminder and book as early as possible — walk-in entry is not available.
4. Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip
A view of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko, part of a Mount Fuji day tour from Tokyo
You don't need to build a whole Fuji itinerary from scratch. A Mount Fuji day tour from Tokyo through Klook takes care of the transport and key stops, so you're not spending the day figuring out buses or worrying about missing the last train back.
The mountain is stunning on a clear day, and the surrounding area, Hakone; Lake Kawaguchi; and the Fuji Five Lakes region are some of the most scenic parts of Japan.
Klook Tip: Mount Fuji is best seen in autumn, specifically the Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor, and winter, when the skies are clearest. Summer visits can be cloudy, but the activities around the base are worth the trip regardless.
5. Tea ceremony in Kyoto
Experience a Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto
Kyoto is a bit different from Tokyo; it's slower, older, and the best parts are walkable. Two spots worth prioritising are Fushimi Inari Taisha (the famous shrine lined with thousands of torii gates) and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which pairs well with a walk through the surrounding temple grounds.
But if you want a more hands-on cultural experience that the whole family will remember, you can try joining a Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto through Klook. It's a calm, guided session where you learn the basics of the chado (the way of tea) tradition and get to taste freshly prepared matcha, something kids tend to find fascinating once they're in the room.
If you have a spare day, a Nara deer day tour is an easy and memorable add-on. Nara is just 45 minutes from Kyoto by train and home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, a genuine highlight for younger kids especially.
6. teamLab Japan
Teamlab Borderless in Tokyo
teamLab is one of those experiences that are hard to explain until you're standing inside. The digital art collective has venues across Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond, so there's a good chance one fits naturally into your family's itinerary regardless of which cities you're visiting.
Each venue is different, but the concept is consistent: fully immersive, walk-through digital art spaces where light, sound, and movement react to the people inside them. Both kids and adults tend to be mesmerised, and once you’re there you’ll understand why.
Here's our quick guide to the main teamLab Japan options:
Venue | Best for | Location |
Younger kids, shorter visit (1-2 hrs) | Toyosu, Tokyo | |
Older kids and teens, bigger scale | Azabudai Hills, Tokyo | |
Evening visits, outdoor experience | Osaka | |
All ages, cultural city setting | Kyoto |
Family Fizz will be visiting one of the teamLab venues during their Klook Japan trip, so stay tuned to find out which one they pick. In the meantime, book your tickets through Klook in advance, as both Tokyo venues sell out regularly.
7. Dotonbori food tour in Osaka
Grab a takoyaki in Dotonbori
Osaka's Dotonbori district is where families go to eat well without trying very hard. Takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and gyoza are all easy to find along the main canal strip.
Skip the guesswork and join a guided food tour in Dotonbori. It's a 3-hour walk through the best spots in the area, with a local guide who knows exactly where to stop. It's a relaxed way to cover more ground and try dishes you might have otherwise walked straight past.
FAQs about your family holiday trip with Klook Japan
What is Klook?
Klook is Asia's leading travel experiences and services platform, trusted by millions of travellers across the world. Founded in 2014, it started by making it easier to book experiences across Asia and has since expanded globally, bringing that same local knowledge and supply to UK travellers planning trips to Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and beyond.
What makes it useful for Japan specifically is the depth of supply. Klook works directly with local operators across the country, which means you're getting the same options that locals use and not just the tourist-facing packages. From shinkansen bookings and theme park tickets to day tours, cultural experiences, airport transfers, and hotel stays, it's all in one place.
Why should I book my Japan trip through Klook?
Beyond convenience, there are a few practical reasons Klook is worth using for a family Japan trip:
• Instant confirmation: Most bookings confirm immediately, so you can plan around fixed dates straight away
• Flexible bookings: The majority of products offer free cancellation or date changes, giving you room to adjust if plans shift
• Klook Rewards: You can earn points on every booking and redeem them against future trips!
• Exclusive deals: Klook regularly runs promotions and discount codes for Japan activities not available elsewhere.
• Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, no currency conversion surprises at checkout
• New customer offer: All first-time Klook users get a free 3GB Japan eSIM!
• Existing customer offer: 50% off a Japan eSIM
Keep an eye out for a Klook promo code or discount code around campaign periods: the Family Fizz x Klook Japan trip launching 25 June 2026 is a good time to check 👀
Is Japan family-friendly?
Japan is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. The public transport is safe, punctual, and easy to navigate with children; most major stations have lifts, clear English signage, and enough space to manage a pushchair or buggy without too much difficulty.
Theme parks here are also world-class, food is varied enough to keep even fussy eaters happy, and the country's general culture of cleanliness and orderliness means travelling with kids feels less stressful than in many other destinations. Japan also tends to be very welcoming towards children in restaurants and public spaces.
What are the best family-friendly attractions in Japan?
Japan has a lot going for families. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and Tokyo DisneySea are the biggest theme park draws, but Teamlab Borderless and Teamlab Planets are also great destinations for kids and adults alike.
Kyoto's temples and interactive cultural workshops (tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and wagashi-making) are great for older children, while the shinkansen rides themselves tend to be a highlight for younger ones. A Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo rounds out most family itineraries well, combining scenic views with easy, organised transport.
Which areas in Japan are most family-friendly?
Tokyo is the most practical base for families, since it has excellent public transport, a huge range of attractions, and everything is easy to navigate even without Japanese language skills. Osaka is a strong second, especially if Universal Studios Japan is on your list, and it's generally more relaxed and slightly cheaper than Tokyo.
Kyoto is worth at least a day or two for the cultural side of Japan, and it's well connected to both Osaka and Tokyo by shinkansen. For a slower pace, the Hakone area near Mount Fuji is a good option if you want to combine nature, views, and an onsen experience.
Can I use a Klook discount code for Japan bookings?
Yes! Klook regularly runs promotions, and discount codes can apply to a wide range of Japan activities and tickets. The best place to check for a current Klook discount code is directly on the Klook website or app, or by following Klook on Tiktok and Instagram.
More Japan travel guides for you
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
