Where to Visit in Japan for the First Time Family Vacation

 Kica Sipert - Japan is filled with incredible scenery and memorable attractions across the length and breadth of its many islands to travel.

That being said, narrowing down where to go in the country on a first trip can often be impossible. Fortunately, we have a little expertise in this area and can help you understand it easily.

In this article, we will share with you the most important tips and best places to visit in Japan for your first family vacation in this wonderful country.

Things you need to know before you go:

tip: After figuring out what type of Japanese visa you might need for your trip, we strongly recommend that you create yourself a Japan itinerary so that you can find one of the must-sees for first-time travel. Don't miss the destination either.

In our option, this is an essential part of planning your trip, especially if you are only visiting Japan for a week or 10 days.

4 Must-Visit Japan Destinations for First Time Travelers

If you're only planning on visiting Japan for a few days or a couple of weeks, it's highly unlikely that you'll be able to visit the entire country in one go (unless you take the high-speed Shinkansen trains and the expense Don't do) too long in big cities, at least).

While the northernmost island of Hokkaido is well worth a visit, especially in winter, as well as the tropical islands of Okinawa, we recommend first-time visitors to the areas around Tokyo and other major Japanese cities in the region. Huh.

There is more than enough to see in Tokyo itself to fill a short itinerary, and if you live in the capital, you can do several exciting side-trips in one day. These include short stays to the historic city of Osaka and even to Mount Fuji, perhaps Japan's most revered international symbol.

For more information on how to prepare for a first trip to the country, the best way to travel in Japan and what to pack for your stay, take a look at our guide to traveling to Japan for the first time .

1. Tokyo, the capital of Japan

Most of the first-timers to Japan make the country's capital their primary destination, and with good reason.

A visit to the bustling metropolis is a unique experience and offers travelers a wealth of iconic attractions to visit in Tokyo, as well as a plethora of fun activities to keep the kids entertained when visiting as a family.

Some of the places to visit in Tokyo include:

• Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree - the city's tallest and second-tallest buildings are ideal vantage points where you can take stunning pictures of the capital's skyline.
• Senso-ji - the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan and the most visited spiritual site in the world.
• Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan - You could easily spend an entire day at each of these vibrant theme parks near Tokyo, and your kids will probably love you forever, no matter which one you choose to visit.

Of course, you don't need to face long queues at the busiest tourist attractions to enjoy your time in Tokyo.

Walking around the city and experiencing the adorable array of world-class restaurants and unique shopping areas is enough for many first-timers. We would especially recommend visiting Shinjuku district.

If you're looking for ideas on where to stay in Japan's capital when you're traveling with kids, check out our guide to the best family hotels in Tokyo.

2. Historic Osaka

If you're staying in Tokyo and you feel like your capital city is full, we highly recommend a day trip to Osaka.

The first attraction to cross off your itinerary for the city is Osaka Castle, a historic structure that has survived countless fires, wars, and natural disasters.

Nevertheless, it has since been fully restored to its original glory. The extensive palace gardens are also a great place to visit during cherry blossom season, possibly the best time to visit Japan.

3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto

While we would ideally recommend a few days in Kyoto to experience everything the city has to offer, you can easily do a tour in one day. However, we advise you to give preference to some attractions, especially Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a magical natural place that is truly supernatural.

If you have time, we would highly recommend visiting the nearby Tenry-ji Temple, as well as the Fushimi Inari Shrine and its famous Red Tori Gate.

4. Hiroshima and Miyajima

If you are planning a 10-day Japan itinerary, you may want to consider getting a Japan Rail Pass and traveling a bit further. The city of Hiroshima and its famous Peace Memorial Park are a worthy destination in the south of the country.

If you have the time, we'd really recommend visiting nearby Miyajima Island, which is home to the floating Itsukushima Shrine. This ancient religious site is one of the most photographed places in Japan and you will know why if you visit the magical monument at sunset.