What to see in Japan with a child - planning a route. Trip to Japan Route through the sights and cities of Japan

It is the cherished dream of many Russians. However, not everyone is able to complete it due to the high cost of this trip. The Land of the Rising Sun is considered one of the most expensive in the world, and Tokyo has been in the top five most expensive cities for tourists for several years now. But still, nothing can stop someone who wants to see Fuji and the cherry blossoms in spring with their own eyes. Our article is specifically for such travelers; it contains the most important information that will allow you to spend an inexpensive and interesting vacation in unique Japan.

A little about the country

If you're planning a trip to Japan, prepare to be amazed. You will have to do this constantly, because the Land of the Rising Sun cannot compare with other Asian countries. There is nothing here from China, Vietnam or Thailand, but, nevertheless, traveling through Japan, you seem to penetrate into the very heart of Asia and hear its beating on every street of noisy metropolises.

Tourists are attracted here by the incredible combination of modern technologies with ancient traditions, which are strictly observed by every generation of the Japanese family. If you are lucky, you will be able to see a colorful festival dedicated to, for example, kokeshi. Or sit quietly in the garden, enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms at dawn or sunset. And in big cities you will be greeted by numerous cafes, shops and shopping centers. Here you can buy something, have lunch, and in some even stay overnight. In general, a trip to Japan will be the biggest and most significant adventure of your life. And what’s doubly nice is that you will never regret the money spent on it.

Japan: solo or group trip?

First of all, before traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun, you need to decide on your budget and travel options. And there are not many of them - a group trip to Japan or an independent one. What to choose? This directly depends on your budget and capabilities.

Traveling to Japan on your own is quite possible, but will require very careful preparation. You will have to think through absolutely everything:

• flight to Japan;
• hotel reservation;
• travel route around the country;
• food outlets and excursion program;
• money exchange options;
• types of communication with the local population.

All of these aspects of a good trip will take up a lot of your time and will also require some experience in solo travel. In addition, on the road you will encounter certain difficulties that only unspoiled and sociable tourists can overcome. For example, it is worth knowing that in Japan, few of the local population speak English. Therefore, you won’t be able to simply ask a passerby for directions. Perhaps after some time you will come across a young Japanese who speaks the basics of English, but there is a high probability that this will not happen. In addition, the inscriptions in the country are not duplicated; they are all written in hieroglyphs. This fact significantly complicates holidays in Japan.

If the above difficulties scare you, then it is better to buy a travel package. Of course, it is not cheap, but you will be free from all worries, including visa issues.

Travel cost

If you are planning a flight from Moscow, then two weeks in Japan will cost you one hundred and fifty thousand rubles. This amount includes flights, travel around the country, accommodation and several excursions. Meals are served according to the breakfast system; the remaining meals must be paid for by the tourist himself. Traveling to Japan from Vladivostok is much cheaper. Our compatriots can choose a ferry tour, which on average costs about sixty thousand rubles. From Vladivostok you can get to the Land of the Rising Sun in different ways and with various travel packages on hand. This is the most popular tourist destination among locals.

Reviews of independent travel in Japan allow you to plan your trip perfectly and save a lot. On average, brave tourists can spend thirty to forty thousand less on a trip than when purchasing a tour. This money will be very useful to you on vacation, because you can bring quite a lot of useful things home from the Land of the Rising Sun. We’ll tell you how to plan a budget trip to Japan on your own a little later. Now let’s try to find out the most important aspects of preparing for the trip.

When to go to Japan?

A big trip to Japan can be planned for any time of the year, but traditionally tourists try to visit the country in spring or autumn. During these seasons, the Land of the Rising Sun appears in a particularly beautiful form. In the spring she is dressed in pink foam of sakura flowers, and in the fall the red maple leaves simply hurt the eyes. It seems that they are everywhere here, and the Japanese have even come up with several special rituals for observing this beauty.

In winter, skiing is possible in Japan; several major resorts are characterized by high comfort and equipped with the latest technology. But for those who are not attracted to skiing, it will be quite uncomfortable to explore Japanese sights and enjoy the trip in winter. In addition, during the winter season the country can be very windy, which is quite unusual for most of our compatriots.

In summer the country is very hot and stuffy. Air conditioning is everywhere in cities, and tourists suffer from temperature changes. Many people take sweaters or jackets with them to wear in restaurants or shopping centers. But if you prefer a beach holiday, then go to Okinawa. Here you will receive an incredible level of service and enjoy swimming under the hot sun.

Where to go in Japan?

If you take the trouble to study reviews of independent travel in Japan, you can easily create your own travel itinerary. For the first time, a week will be enough for you to get acquainted with the Land of the Rising Sun. The following cities are suitable for this:

• Tokyo.
• Nara.
• Kyoto.

Moving between settlements on high-speed trains, in seven days you will explore the most beautiful parks, swim in hot springs, visit the most famous temples and, of course, taste the bustling and noisy life of megacities.

If you are already a little familiar with travel, you can choose slightly different ones, and increase your stay in this country to two weeks. During this period, tourists will be able to see Hiroshima, Osaka, Kobe and other extraordinary places. In general, you can plan to explore one city per day. In this case, the trip program will be very eventful.

Visa application: nuances and features

Any trip to Japan begins with the most difficult thing - obtaining a visa. Not everyone, even a very experienced tourist, can do this. The thing is that to obtain a visa, Russians need a special letter on official letterhead. In addition to this, you will need to confirm your hotel reservation (and this is quite problematic when traveling on your own) and send a package of documents using special mail (postage cost will be at least seventy dollars).

Many of our compatriots negotiate with travel companies and pay them for visas. This usually takes two weeks and saves a lot of time.

Accommodation in Japan: where is the best place to stay?

To remember your trip to Japan for a long time, you need to take photos almost everywhere. Hotels and small inns deserve special attention. It is worth noting that the Land of the Rising Sun has quite a large selection of places to stay. But, if you want to save a little money, then they will all be very unusual and entertaining.

Many tourists stay overnight at spa centers. Don't be surprised, this is quite common in Japan. For about thirty-five dollars you will get a small room with a bath and a lounger. There will also be a TV and all other amenities, and you can go down to the restaurant for dinner. Guests can enjoy a variety of treatments and massages.

This is exotic for Russians. They are quite inexpensive and have a very high level of comfort. There are even double capsules for traveling couples. This pleasure will cost approximately thirty-five dollars per night.

Love hotels seem like a very unusual place to spend the night. These buildings are intended for love dates and provide the possibility of renting from one hour to several days. These hotels are decorated quite exotically, but equipped to the highest class. In addition, they are much cheaper than regular rooms. A night in such a hotel will cost from eighty to one hundred and fifty dollars.

Meals while traveling

Of course, you can eat in restaurants every day, but a budget holiday does not imply such luxury. Therefore, make your choice in favor of Japanese fast food, it is extremely healthy and tasty. No hamburgers or fries, just seaweed, sushi and seafood. This pleasure will cost approximately 5-6 dollars.

If the choice of dishes in a cafe confuses you a little with a large number of incomprehensible names, then buy a ready-made lunch at the supermarket. Its cost will be the same as in a cafe, and through the transparent film you will always see the contents of the package.

Gourmet trip

Experienced tourists choose a special type of vacation - a culinary trip to Japan. It is worth noting that this is something incredible. Of course, there are still few Russians willing to spend money on such a tour, but their number is increasing every year. What attracts gourmets so much to the Land of the Rising Sun? Of course, restaurants with Michelin stars.

The fact is that as soon as Tokyo was included in the Michelin guide, restaurants with stars appeared in it. And tourists flocked to them, wanting to experience gastronomic delight. The number of gourmet restaurants increases every year, and Tokyo has already significantly surpassed the recognized gastronomic center of Paris in terms of these characteristics.

For example, in the oldest quarter of Tokyo, Ginza, there are sushi restaurants with three Michelin stars. Chef Jiro works in one of them, about whom feature films have even been made. His work seems like real art, and the price of the dishes he prepares exceeds several thousand dollars.

Every city in Japan has its own culinary traditions, so gourmets can travel all over the country in search of a special taste. One of the most popular Japanese foods is noodles. There are simply a lot of options for preparing it - boiling, frying, steaming and the like. Each region in the country has its own recipe. We can say that a culinary tour allows tourists to discover new facets of an already familiar country.

Money exchange

Many inexperienced tourists often have problems exchanging money. Keep in mind that the best place to buy yen is at home. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a very unpleasant situation, because many ATMs and terminals may not accept a European payment system card. This is due to the fact that Japanese terminals operate on their own system. Only a few ATMs in large shopping centers easily accept absolutely all bank cards.

It will not always be possible to exchange money at a bank, because tourists may come on holidays, and it is impossible to exist without money in Japan. Therefore, experienced travelers advise bringing the main amount of money in cash, and leaving funds on a bank card to pay for restaurants and purchases.

When going to the Land of the Rising Sun, tourists need to know a few simple rules for staying in Japan that will make the trip easier. We have collected the most important recommendations:

• Don't try to tip in Japan, it's not worth it. There is no tipping system throughout the country.
• In Japanese bars, in honor of friendship, it is customary to pour alcoholic drinks from your own bottle, so if you are awarded such an honor, be sure to return the gesture of respect.
• Never point your finger at objects or people - this is extremely impolite, but you can point at yourself.
• In a restaurant, all you have to do is wave your palm in front of your nose and the waiter will remove the dirty plates.
• In the Land of the Rising Sun, it is customary to take off your shoes in many rooms. You may be asked to take off your shoes in certain areas of a restaurant, hotel, apartment building, temple, etc. It is considered especially indecent to step on a mat with a shod foot; this is perceived as an insult.

• When going to the hot springs, keep in mind that those with tattoos on their bodies are escorted to separate baths. They are not allowed to be in a common area with other vacationers.
• When you receive an invitation, be sure to bring a gift with you. This is considered a sign of politeness and respect.

Of course, it is difficult to list all the nuances of traveling in the Land of the Rising Sun, because a lot can be learned only after an independent trip.

Japan, travel: reviews

Not a single tourist had an angry comment about Japan, at least we didn’t encounter any. This means only one thing - you can and should go to this country. It will reveal a lot of interesting things even to those who are very poorly informed about the culture and traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Experienced tourists prefer Japan to all other Asian countries. Ask them why. We think the explanation will take several hours. After all, it is simply impossible to describe this amazing country and its people in a few words. Travelers are delighted with the historical monuments of Japan, its cities, cuisine and original traditions. Tourists say that you can come here many times and each time find something unusually exciting for yourself.

What do you need to decide to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun? Yes, just a little - desire, a spirit of adventure and more money. And then you can tell your friends when you return home about what an incredible trip you had in Japan.

How to organize an independent trip to Japan? Useful information for travelers. Prices for tickets, visa, transport, hotels, food and attractions in 2019.

Exchange rate: 100 yen (JPY) ≈ 55 RUB.

Flights to Japan

When going on an independent trip to Japan, be especially careful when purchasing tickets. The country is considered one of the most expensive holiday destinations, but if you keep an eye on the airlines, you can find very attractive offers.

The cost of traveling to Japan will initially be lower for residents of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Khabarovsk, since prices for tickets departing from these cities are the lowest in the country - from 15 thousand rubles.

A flight to Japan from Moscow costs from 25 thousand rubles, from St. Petersburg - from 26-27 thousand rubles. You can also fly relatively inexpensively from Novosibirsk (from 26 thousand rubles) and Vladivostok (from 16 thousand rubles).

Visa to Japan in 2019

Obtaining a Japanese visa is a very labor-intensive process. Its type is determined by two main factors: the length of stay in the country and the purpose of the visit. Long-term visas are issued for study and work. Short-term - for tourist trips, business visits, visits to friends or relatives, as well as transit trips. In addition, there are certain nuances with documents when applying for a child visa.

In addition to a voluminous list of documents, you should have the so-called guarantee in the country itself, ensuring both stay in Japan and timely departure. The guarantor can be either a resident of the country with permanent status (individual) or a tour operator (legal entity). In both cases, the inviting party is required to provide a package of various papers.

The lists of required documents can be found on the embassy website.

When organizing an independent trip to Japan in 2019, we recommend turning to intermediary companies for help. They will solve all bureaucratic issues for you and become your guarantor, charging a fee of about 10 thousand rubles.

(Photo © rurinoshima / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Transport in Japan

Buses

Both buses and trams are not the best solution for tourists in Japan. On these types of transport you will not always find route names in English. However, if you can read hieroglyphs, the risk of going the wrong way is minimized. The cost of the trip is approximately ¥220-420.

In addition, if you study the routes well and do not limit yourself to traveling in one city, there is a sure way to save money: moving from one city to another is cheapest on night buses.

Metro

The most convenient form of transport for moving around the city is the metro. The names of all stations are duplicated in English. Trains run at five-minute intervals from 5:00 to 23:30. The fare depends on the city and distance. In Tokyo, for example, the price of a trip is approximately ¥120-320. A one-day pass will cost ¥1000. Tickets can be purchased from special ticket machines in the metro.

Railway transport

Trains in Japan are considered high-speed transport for travel between major cities and commuter transportation. They are divided into four main types: Local trains, Rapid express trains, long-distance trains and bullet trains. Tickets can also be purchased from special machines. The fare depends on the distance and class of train: from 1500¥ to 44000¥.

Japan Rail Pass

When planning an independent trip to Japan, it is quite natural to want to save money, including on transportation costs. A travel card can help with this Japan Rail Pass. It is created exclusively for tourists by Japan Rail (JR), which is the country's main railway company. The travel pass is issued in advance before traveling to Japan, usually when obtaining a visa. It applies to all JR transport: shinkansen, some subway lines and many commuter trains. There are three types of Japan Rail Pass: for 7 days - 28300¥, for 14 days - 45100¥, for 21 days - 57700¥.

Taxi

This type of transport in Japan is considered one of the most expensive. In addition, from 23:00 to 6:00 taxis provide services at a night rate, which means an additional 30% to the cost of the trip. The price is formed as follows:

• landing 580-720¥;
• for every 280 meters - 80¥;
• for every 135 seconds of downtime - 90¥.

The cost of traveling to Japan in general is a considerable amount even with savings. Nevertheless, using a taxi service a couple of times is not a bad idea. Tired from the flight, with luggage in hand, it is more convenient to get from the airport to the hotel by a pre-booked taxi. You can order a transfer online using the service.

Do you want to know minimum cost of travel to Japan taking into account all cost items? We have calculated the main costs: flights, hotel accommodation, food, public transport, and visits to the main attractions of the country. Read about what we came to in ours.

(Photo © Loïc Lagarde / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Hotels in Japan

Accommodation for tourists in Japan comes in three main types: capsule hotels, international hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans.

Capsule hotels

They are considered the most budget-friendly housing option in Japan. The capsules are small sleeping cells that are located next to each other in two tiers. There is enough space to watch TV, read or just sleep. As a rule, in capsules you can adjust the temperature and the desired brightness of light. Hotels of this type provide shared toilets, showers, and individual luggage compartments. The cost of a cell is from $20 per day. At this price, for example, you can stay at the capsule hotel Capsule and Sauna New Century or Capsule and Sauna New Japan EX.

International hotels

This type of hotel, familiar to tourists, is the most popular among those who travel independently in Japan. According to the level of comfort, they are divided into the following types:

• Delux (DX) - expensive hotels with the highest level of service (approximately 5*+);
• Superior (SP) - housing with DX elements, but at a lower price (approximately 5*);
• First (F) - living conditions above average (approximately 4*);
• Standart (S) - standard class hotels with a basic set of amenities (approximately 3*);
• Econome (E) - budget accommodation option.

Ryokans

An ideal option for those who, during an independent trip to Japan, want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of national traditions. The floors in such hotels are covered with straw mats (tatami), and the doors and some windows are sliding partitions made of translucent paper in a wooden frame (shoji). It is customary here to sleep on the floor and wash in the common bathhouse ofuro, however, given the shyness of many tourists, rooms with private bathrooms are created. Ryokan can be rented from $90 per night for two, for example, at Sakura Ryokan Hotel Tokyo.

Food in Japan. Prices in 2019

Japanese cuisine uses fresh and natural products that undergo minimal heat treatment. This is done to preserve the natural appearance and, most importantly, the original taste. In addition, mixing a large number of ingredients is alien to traditional culinary works. Aesthetic minimalism, clarity of detail and bright colors are the basis of Japanese dishes.

The main ingredients here are fresh vegetables, seafood, rice and noodles. Sushi, which is well known to us, is considered far from the main Japanese dish, as the vast majority of tourists believe. We have highlighted several popular national dishes that are worth trying in Japan.

Ramen- This is a broth with wheat noodles. There are four bases for this dish: soy sauce, tankotsu (pork bone broth), miso (bean paste) and salt broth. Ingredients can also include: pickled mushrooms, eggs, bamboo shoots and spinach.

Onigiri- rice balls with fish filling, wrapped in seaweed. You can try this common Japanese snack for just ¥100.

Yakitor- These are pieces of chicken on skewers, grilled over charcoal. These skewers are usually served with tare sauce, which is made from mirin, soy sauce and sugar.

Fugu- poisonous fish, which is considered a real delicacy. To neutralize it, certified masters, like surgeons, remove internal organs containing poison, and only then begin the cooking process.

Shabu-shabu is a dish that gets its name from the sound that occurs during cooking. Moreover, the cook here is the customer himself. In restaurants that offer this dish, small stoves are built into the tables, on which a bowl of boiling broth is placed. Thin slices of beef or pork are dipped into the bubbling liquid using chopsticks, and after that the marbled meat is ready for tasting.

When calculating the cost of traveling to Japan, we found it useful to provide information on how much food costs in cafes and restaurants in Japan.

Prices in Japanese cafes:

• breakfast - 650¥;
• lunch - 850¥;
• dinner - ¥1200.

Prices in Japanese restaurants:

• breakfast - 800¥;
• lunch - ¥1200;
• dinner - 2000¥.

(Photo © k_t / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Attractions in Japan

Look for interesting excursions on the Sputnik and . Individual and group, without crowds of tourists and in Russian.

Every prefecture, city and village has a rich cultural heritage. Here you can endlessly admire both historical monuments and achievements in the field of modern technology. We have highlighted several of the most popular attractions for those planning an independent trip to Japan.

It is believed that at least once in his life, a real Japanese must conquer the sacred volcano on the island of Honshu. Climbing to the top of Mount Fuji is officially allowed only from July 1 to August 27, when the snow melts. In turn, in winter the mountain is especially beautiful: you can contemplate the snowy peaks of the legendary volcano while lying in a hot spring (onsen).

Ancient castles

More than a hundred ancient castles have survived in Japan. Here are the most famous residences in which the history of the great state began:

1. Nagoya Castle- located in Aichi Prefecture. Built in 1612, it was once the main residence of the Tokugawa branch of the shogun family.
2. Inuyama Castle- located on the border of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. Built in 1440, the castle is listed as a national treasure of Japan.
3. Coty Castle- was founded in Kochi Prefecture in 1601 after the Battle of Sekigahara. Listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
4. Kumamoto Castle- erected in 1601, bears the second name “Crow Castle”, and is also included in the list of national treasures of Japan.

Tokyo Disneyland

This is the first Disney park outside the United States. On 465 thousand m² there are 47 attractions of the famous cartoon brand. You can visit the park by purchasing a ticket, which is called a passport here due to the age categories of the guests:

• from 18 years old - ¥6200;
• from 12 to 17 years old - ¥5300;
• from 4 to 11 years - 4100¥.

Ancient temples

There are two main religions practiced in Japan: Shintoism and Buddhism. The first is based on the ancient animistic beliefs of the Japanese, and the second was brought by Chinese monks. The most famous Japanese temples are located in Kyoto, including: Ginkaku-ji or Temple of the Silver Pavilion, a Buddhist sanctuary Tongasan Kesan-ji and the temple of the resting dragon Rean-ji.

(Photo © Travelbusy.com / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0)

Introductory image source: © zoonyzoozoodazoo / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-SA 2.0

Briefly about the upcoming trip to Japan: how it happened, about fears and mediocre knowledge of Japanese culture and history. Questions are accepted.

Life is an amazing thing. At the end of last year I realized that I missed . By its night lighting, screeching sirens and the faint smell of chocolate. I should go back - I decided, but that was not the case! CThe series of events led me to exactly the opposite result. On the first day, I fly with great company to the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Japan is waiting for us!

About concerns

I have never been to Asia, but here I have to visit two countries at once. On the way back we will have 12 free hours in Beijing during the connection. To be honest, I’m worried about unfamiliar hieroglyphs, my mediocre English and possible problems with logistics. We have compiled a busy route: Moscow - Beijing - Osaka - Nara - Kyoto - Tokyo - Osaka - Beijing - Moscow. I wouldn't want to get stuck halfway. Especially at Beijing airport during the first hour and a half layover.

About the cultural code

In addition to the incomprehensible squiggles instead of letters, here’s another thing that’s confusing. We know a lot about Europe thanks to history at school. We also know about the USA. Thanks to Hollywood movies. But our ideas about Japan are close to zero. In class, of course, they study the Battle of Tsushima, Pearl Harbor and the bombing of Hiroshima, even briefly mentioning the Meiji Restoration, the period of isolationism and the post-war economic miracle, but the rest of Japanese history is shrouded in the fog of war. So it turns out that for most people, including me, the image of Japan is a mess of works, names and traditions that have gained worldwide fame.

Beautiful Fuji. Huge tsunami. Sushi and rolls. Karate, sumo and judo. Hachiko waiting for his owner to the song Big in Japan. Samurai, geisha and ninja watching anime and reading haiku under sake in the shade of sakura near the rock garden. Pokemon, Godzilla and Sailor Moon. This is the yellow-haired lady who was remembered with the phrase: “Moon prism, give me strength!” What else is there? Japanese policeman, tea ceremony and origami.

I suspect that such a vinaigrette can be considered an adequate representation of Japan with the same degree of convention with which vodka, matryoshka and ballet describe the entire depth of the Russian soul. Unfortunately, in a couple of weeks it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to understand what Japan is really like, but you can get a first impression. That’s what I’ll try to do, and then present it here.

We're back and here are the important texts:

And more on the topic (dry and to the point):

Japan is diverse, but homogeneous. Japan is a country where on your left is a thousand-year-old temple, and on your right is an ultra-modern high-rise building.
What to see in Japan, going there for the first time on your own? How to plan a route around the country in order to capture its spirit and not drown in impressions? What to see when you are there with a child?

Some people rightly trust standard tours along the main tourist routes. For starters, this may be quite enough. But if you have at least a little experience of independent travel, don’t be afraid to visit Japan on your own!
This article was written by the author of the site based on his own trip to Japan with his schoolchild. I give recommendations from my own experience, you can follow them as you wish.

When to go to Japan?

The best time to visit Japan is autumn and spring school holidays!
For trips to European countries in other articles, I recommended shifting the dates due to the massive travel of families with children these days (and, accordingly, more expensive tickets), but fortunately this does not apply to Japan. This is not a popular “school” destination, so feel free to plan your trip around the holidays.
Moreover, according to weather conditions, this is the best time. Spring - plums. Autumn – bright colors of deciduous plants. This is the time of “admiring nature” for the Japanese. Join them too.

How many days will it take?
At least a week, optimal days 10. Due to the long flight, you will need time to adapt, as well as “adjustment” to the surrounding reality. She is the same, but different)))
On the other hand, there is no point in planning a trip for a long time (more than 2 weeks) for the first time. The child will be satiated with information and impressions.
A long trip makes sense if, for example, you want to spend some time in Okinawa.

Japan route

For your first acquaintance with the country, it will be enough for you to plan an acquaintance with the two main cities of Japan - Tokyo and Kyoto.
Few? Not at all, believe me. Moreover, we inspect not only their centers, but also go to the surrounding areas. We walk and enjoy the views, contemplate, and be surprised. Instead of running around, getting acquainted with all the sights “for show”.

Plan approximately equal time for each city (for example, if you have 10 nights, then 5 in Tokyo and 5 in Kyoto). We had 9 nights, we allocated 4 days to Kyoto, 5 days to Tokyo. Which we later regretted - it was necessary spend more time in Kyoto.

It's better to start with Kyoto. And then your trip will be not only across cities, but also across time, from antiquity to modernity - and this is very interesting! Kyoto is the oldest city in Japan, where old traditions seem to have frozen (and this is not an exaggeration!). Tokyo is more modern, dynamic, strict.

Having flown from Russia to Tokyo, it is better not to immediately check into hotels in the capital, but to go and settle there. When people arrive in Tokyo in the first half of the day, the day of arrival is usually somewhat hectic, so it would be easier and more convenient to spend it on moving.


What to see in Kyoto
After checking into a hotel (or better yet, to fully experience classic Japan), take a walk around the neighborhood on the first evening. Understand where you are))

And then plan the 3-4 days at your disposal to visit the following places:
— (an hour’s drive outside the city, for the whole day, a visit to Nara is a must!),
– visit to Inari (near Kyoto, spend a few hours),
– a walk along the “philosopher’s path”, from to Kiyomizudzera Temple (east of Kyoto, a leisurely walk with sightseeing can take the whole day),
- walk through the northwestern part of Kyoto - Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji rock garden,
— visit to the Emperor's Palace and/or Nijo-jo Castle (center of Kyoto. If you have little time, it is better to choose Nijo-jo).
— Sanjusangen-do Temple (Highly recommended. In Kyoto, relatively close to the train station. A visit can be planned in the morning of the day of departure)

The question may arise: will it be interesting for children to examine all these complexes? The answer to this was given by me in the article.
Among direct children's entertainment in Kyoto, we can mention the KYOTO AQUARIUM Aquarium or the Toei Kyoto Studio Park (www.toei-eigamura.com/)

More details about the details of the route will be written in a separate article about the sights of Kyoto.

I repeat once again - do not waste your time in Kyoto. Its ancient temples, palaces and parks are many times more “authentic” than similar ones in Tokyo. Enjoy Japanese antiquity in Kyoto.

What to see in Tokyo
Plan your move to Tokyo so that it is convenient for you to check out from one hotel and check into another.

In Tokyo, your family entertainment program might look like this:
— (Tokyo area, for the whole day),
— inspection of the imperial palace (the center of Tokyo, if you have already been to the imperial palace of Kyoto, then in general it’s not worth going here)
— visit to the observation tower (there are several to choose from),
— Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum (for children),
- entertainment in Odaiba - Maritime Museum, MeSci National Museum of Science and Innovation, Toyota Demonstration Center,
— Tokyo Disneyland (full day).
— go out in the Shibuya area to see the monument to the faithful dog Hachiko.


Well, it will take your time, just like without it. The toy stores in Tokyo are definitely worth a visit!

As you can see, the program can turn out to be very intense. You will begin your acquaintance with the country from the old temples of Kyoto and Nara, and end with views of skyscrapers and an examination of the most modern robots of the Science Museum.
For more information about the attractions of each city, see other articles on the site.
The article and all photos are from the author of the site

The Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, the Buddhist temple in the Asakusa area, Ueno Park, the Hachiko statue and many other interesting places. Closer to sunset, we suggest going to the port and having dinner on the ship during a cruise with views of evening Tokyo.