Japan Family Trip Activities: Ultimate Checklist When You Visit

Discover Japan Family Trip Activities with our carefully curated list of must-visit attractions for family trips. This article brings you the best of what Japan has to offer. Overseen by Japanese entrepreneurs with profound knowledge about local culture and the tourism industry.

With a variety of destinations for your Japan family trip activities to be fun and memorable. You can see beautiful waterfalls at Kegon Falls in Tochigi. You can also visit cute animals at Mother Farm in Chiba. This guide will help you explore Japan’s cultural and natural attractions like cherry blossoms. You can also visit exciting amusement parks like Fuji-Q Highland. You can also enjoy peaceful natural parks like Hitachi Seaside Park.

Join us as we uncover the top 12 Japan family trip activities. These destinations provide a memorable adventure for all ages.

Asahiyama Zoo (Hokkaido)

This is kid friendly and children will be amazed by the “wonder, beauty, and dignity of animals!”

Asahiyama Zoo transformed zoo visits by creating environments that encourage animals to display their natural behaviors. The zoo in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is busy with visitors, including those on sightseeing buses, located on the eastern outskirts.

The zoo features the “Polar Bear Pavilion” with a massive pool, the “Ezo Brown Bear Pavilion” opened in 2022. The “Penguin Pavilion” where you can see penguins swimming as if they were flying. You can also encounter cute animals like Pallas’s cats and red pandas.

You can also see the marine way (cylindrical tank) at the “Seal Pavilion,” inspired by Hokkaido fishing port facilities. This includes spider monkeys and capybaras coexisting, showcasing their natural and vibrant behaviors.

Asahiyama Zoo

• Address: Kurano, Higashi Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido
• Website
• Hours:
• April 29 to October 15: 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
• October 16 to November 3: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
• November 11 to April 9: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (last entry 3:00 PM)
• Night Zoo (August 10-16): 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry 8:00 PM)
• Hours and holidays may vary by year. Please check the official website for details.
• Closed: December 30, 2022, to January 1, 2023, April 10 to April 28, November 4 to November 10. Hours and holidays may vary by year. Please check the official website for details.
• Fees: ¥1,000 for high school students and older, free for junior high school students and younger.
• Access:
• Train Station: Take the Asahiyama Zoo Line (No. 41 or 47 bus)
  from JR Asahikawa Station, get off at the Asahiyama Zoo bus stop.
• Car: About 20 minutes from Asahikawa Kita IC on the Do-o Expressway.
• Parking: Available (free zoo parking, nearby paid parking ¥500 per day).

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo (Hokkaido)

Beloved by three generations, over 70 years of history

Opened in 1951 as the first zoo in Hokkaido, Sapporo Maruyama Zoo has a history of over 70 years. This is a unique spot for three generations of the Sapporo community.

The zoo has different areas that resemble Hokkaido’s forests. These areas include the “Ezo Brown Bear Pavilion,” “Polar Bear Pavilion,” and “Ezo Deer and Wolf Pavilion.” Additionally, there is an “Africa Zone” with giraffes, hippos, and lions.

The “Asia Zone” with rare animals such as Amur tigers and snow leopards. While the “Africa Zone” with giraffes, hippos, and lions, and an “Asia Zone” with rare animals like Amur tigers and snow leopards.

The zoo has sheep, ducks, and geese. The playground named “Maruppa” also closes in winter. Families can have fun and play together at the zoo and playground. Which makes it one of the top options for Japan Family Trip Activities on our list.

Maruyama Zoo

• Address: 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
• Website
• Hours:
• March to October: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
• November to February: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
• Closed: Meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, with adjustments for holidays. In August, meetings are on the 1st and 4th Wednesdays. Gatherings take place from Monday through Friday in the months of April and November.
• Fees: Adults ¥800, high school students ¥400, free for junior high school students and younger.
• Access:
• Train: About 15 minutes’ walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway.
• Car: About 20 minutes from Shinkawa IC on the Do-o Expressway.
• Parking: Available (¥700 per entry).

Kegon Falls (Tochigi Prefecture)

A classic school trip destination! Be amazed by the dynamic beauty with Japan Family Trip Activities

Kegon Falls is a famous waterfall where the waters of Lake Chuzenji cascade down a 97-meter drop. Many people consider the starting point for Nikko sightseeing to be one of the most majestic landscapes.

From the Akechi-daira Observation Deck, you can see how Mount Nantai’s eruption created a waterfall by blocking the river.

Enjoy a powerful view of the waterfall from the upper observatory near the hot spring town by Lake Chuzenji. The lush greenery in May, vibrant autumn leaves in October, and frozen Twelve Falls in winter are stunning. You can also ride the Kegon Falls Elevator to the base of the falls for a closer look at the roaring scenery.

Kegon Falls

• Address: Chugushi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
• Website
• Hours: Open 24 hours
• Kegon Falls Elevator: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (hours may vary by season)
• Closed: None
• Fees: Kegon Falls Elevator: ¥570 round trip for junior high school students and older, ¥340 for elementary school students.
• Access:
• Train: Japan Rail Pass – From JR Nikko Line Nikko Station or Tobu Railway Tobu Nikko Station. Take the Tobu bus to Chuzenji Onsen bus stop, then about a 5-minute walk.

• Car: About 25 minutes from Kiyotaki IC on the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road.
• Parking: Available (Kegon No. 1 and No. 2 Parking Lots, ¥320 per entry).

Mobility Resort Motegi (Tochigi Prefecture)

When you visit Tochigi Prefecture you can enjoy your first bike ride, athletics, and zipline!

Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi Town offers races, forest athletics, ziplines, a 3D maze, and family attractions. Renamed from “Twin Ring Motegi” in March 2022, it blends people, nature, and mobility. Motorcycle and car sports for small children, such as the “Bun Bun Scooter,” “Motorcycle Training.” They also have “Moto Touring” for parent-child rides in the forest.

You can go on a day trip when you visit Tokyo Disneyland or stay overnight in glamping or hotel stays. The hotel recently added spacious family rooms in March 2022.

Mobility Resort Motegi

• Address: 120-1 Hiyama, Motegi Town, Tochigi Prefecture
• Website
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (hours may vary by season and day. Please check the official website for details.)
• Closed: None (closures may occur for facility maintenance)
• Fees:
  Admission: ¥1,200 for junior high school students and older.
  ¥600 for elementary school students.
  ¥300 for children aged 3 to preschoolers (additional attraction fees apply).
  Park Passport Set (admission + unlimited rides for one day, advance purchase only.) ¥4,200 for junior high school students and older, ¥3,600 for elementary school students, ¥2,000 for children aged 3 to preschoolers.
• Access:
• Train: Take the bus from JR Utsunomiya Station to Mobility Resort Motegi bus stop. Note that buses only operate on weekends and holidays.
• Car: About 40 minutes from Mito IC on the Joban Expressway. about 50 minutes from Moka IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway.
• Parking: Available (¥1,000 per day). Special admission and parking fees apply during races and events.

Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki Prefecture)

Be amazed by breathtaking scenery! Encounter nature throughout the seasons

Hitachi Seaside Park sits on the Pacific coast of Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture. an urban park where you can enjoy flowers throughout the seasons, such as daffodils and tulips in spring. Including zinnias and sunflowers in summer, and kochia in autumn.

From April to May, the Nemophila flowers cover “Miharashi Hill” in a light blue hue. In autumn, the kochia changes from green to red and then to golden as the season progresses. Plenty of facilities awaits you for active fun, including large rides, and a forest athletic area.

Hitachi Seaside Park

• Address: 605-4 Mawatari Onuma, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
• Website
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (hours may vary by season. Please check the official website for details.)
• Closed: Tuesdays (following weekday if Tuesday is a holiday)
• Fees: ¥450 for high school students and older, free for junior high school students and younger
• Access:
• Car: About 1 minute from Hitachinaka Toll Road Hitachi Seaside Park IC.
• Parking: Available (¥520 per day)

Mother Farm (Chiba Prefecture)

Enjoy animal interactions, flower fields, and attractions!

Mother Farm, located in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, is a tourist farm offering a vast area. This is equivalent to 53 Tokyo Domes where you can enjoy rich nature and animal interactions. The farm is on a hilltop, providing views of the Boso Mountains, Tokyo Bay, and even Mount Fuji on clear days.

The farm offers a variety of Japan family trip activities, including interactions with sheep, alpacas, and goats. The amusement park “Waku Waku Land” with a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round.

This also includes flower and fruit fields, zip lines, bungee jumping and farm gourmet experience. They also have soft serve ice cream and jingisukan (grilled mutton) which you can enjoy a full day with the whole family.

The flower fields change with the seasons, offering beautiful views of rape blossoms in spring. nemophila in early summer, and petunias and kochia from summer to autumn. Additionally, it’s a great spot for family photos making it one of the top choices for Japan Family Trip Activities.

The farm also offers glamping, allowing you to camp comfortably without bringing any equipment. During your stay, admission and parking are free, and you can enjoy the park until closing time on your checkout day.

Mother Farm

• Address: 940-3 Tagura, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture
• Website
• Hours:
  February to November: Weekdays 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Weekends and holidays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  December to January: Weekdays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Weekends and holidays 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Closed: None (a few irregular holidays on weekdays in December and January)
• Fees:
  ¥1,500 for junior high school students and older 
  ¥800 for children aged 4 to elementary school students
  ¥700 for medical dogs

• Access:
• Train: About 35 minutes by direct bus from JR Kimitsu Station
• Car: About 15 minutes from Kimitsu PA Down Smart IC on the Tateyama Expressway
• Parking: Available (¥1,000 per entry)

Kamogawa Sea World (Chiba Prefecture)

Be amazed by the performances of the ocean’s rulers, killer whales!

Kamogawa Sea World, located on the Pacific Ocean in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture. This is an aquarium theme park based on the concept of “encounters with the world of the sea.” You can meet about 800 species and 11,000 marine animals.

Don’t miss the performances of intelligent belugas, dolphins showing perfect coordination, and comical, adorable sea lions. The killer whale performance at the “Ocean Stadium” is particularly impressive. It features amazing stunts performed by trainers and killer whales in the water.

Kamogawa Sea World

• Address: 1464-18 Higashi-cho, Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture
• Website
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (hours may vary by season and day. Please check the official website for details.)
• Closed: Irregular (Please check the official website for details.)
• Fees:
• Admission:
• Until January 9, 2023: ¥3,000 for high school students and older, 
  ¥1,800 for elementary and junior high school students, 
  ¥1,200 for children aged 4 and older
  
  From January 10, 2023:
  ¥3,300 for high school students and older,
  ¥2,000 for elementary and junior high school students,
  ¥1,300 for children aged 4 and older

• Access:
• Train: About 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Awa-Kamogawa Station
• Car: About 50 minutes from Kisarazu IC on the Tateyama Expressway
• Parking: Available (¥1,200 per day)

Fuji-Q Highland (Yamanashi Prefecture)

A theme park where you can meet Thomas the Tank Engine

Fuji-Q Highland is a vast amusement park located at the foot of Mount Fuji. It offers easy access by public transport or car, making it a perfect spot for Japan family trip activities.

The park’s signature attractions include roller coasters such as “Takabisha,” “FUJIYAMA,” and “Eejanaika.” Many scream-inducing attractions like the horror house “Haunted Hospital.” You can enjoy a full day with your family.

The park also has areas that children will love, such as the outdoor theme park “Thomas Land” based on Thomas the Tank Engine. Additionally, “Lisa and Gaspard Town” features French picture book characters. Including the ninja anime-themed area “NARUTO×BORUTO Fuji Konoha Village.”

Fuji-Q Highland

• Address: 5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Website
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (hours vary by season and day. Please check the official website for details.)
• Closed: Irregular (Please check the official website for details.)
• Fees:
• Admission: Free
• 1-Day Free Pass (unlimited rides):
  Adults ¥6,000 – ¥6,800
  Junior and senior high school students ¥5,500 – ¥6,300
  Elementary school students ¥4,400 – ¥5,000
  Preschoolers and seniors ¥2,100 – ¥2,400 (fees vary by date. Please check the official website for details.)
• Access:
• Train: Get off at Fuji-Q Highland Station on the Fujikyu Railway, a short walk.
• Car: Immediately from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway.
• Parking: Available (¥1,500 on weekdays, ¥2,000 on weekends, holidays, and peak periods. Please check the official website for details.)

Ise Sea Paradise (Mie Prefecture)

An aquarium where you can interact closely with marine life

Ise Sea Paradise, located next to the power spot of Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) in Ise. This is an aquarium where you can get up close and personal with marine life. The concept is a “zero-distance” aquarium where you can see sea lions and walruses up close. You can also interact with rare creatures like spotted seals and seahorses.

You can take photos with walruses, shake hands with clawless otters, and touch adorable spotted seals. In the fish area “Touch Fish Pavilion,” you can even experience seahorses wrapping around your fingers. This aquarium is enjoyable for both children and adults.

Ise Sea Paradise

• Address: 580 Futami-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture
• Website
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (hours may vary by season and peak periods. Please check the official website for details.)
• Closed: None (maintenance closure in December, December 6-9, 2022)
• Fees:
  Adults (high school students and older) ¥2,100
  Elementary and junior high school students ¥1,000
  Children aged 4 to preschool ¥500
• Access:
• Car: About 8 minutes from Ise IC on the Ise Expressway via the Ise Futami Toba Line.
• Parking: Available (fees vary by day. Please check the official website for details.)

Toba Aquarium (Mie Prefecture)

Home to approximately 1,200 species! Meet dugongs

Toba Aquarium boasts the highest number of species in Japan, housing around 1,200 different species. The only aquarium in Japan that still keeps dugongs.

The entrance “Coral Reef Tank” welcomes you with colorful corals, which have been growing since its opening in 2003.

The aquarium’s stars, the otters “May” and “Kira,” have feeding times at 9:40 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:20 PM. By these times you can see them eating shellfish and fish on their bellies. If you’re lucky, you might see them performing “squid-ear jumps,” where they jump to catch squid stuck to the glass. Other must-see attractions include penguin walks, walrus interaction times, and sea lion shows.

Toba Aquarium

• Address: 3-3-6 Toba, Toba City, Mie Prefecture
• Website
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM from July 20 to August 31)
• Closed: None
• Fees:
  Adults ¥2,800
  Children (elementary and junior high school students) ¥1,600
  Preschoolers (3 years and older) ¥800
• Access:
• Train: About 10 minutes’ walk from JR and Kintetsu Toba Station.
• Car: About 15 minutes from Ise IC on the Ise Expressway via the Ise Futami Toba Line.
• Parking: Available (¥800 per day)

Adventure World (Wakayama Prefecture)

From pandas and dolphins to safaris, surely one day is not enough!

Adventure World is a multi-purpose theme park that combines a zoo, aquarium, and amusement park. Located in Wakayama Prefecture or the scenic hill of Shirahama. This place is a home to about 1,400 animals of 140 species, living on land, in the sea, and in the air.

Don’t miss the giant panda family, including Fuhin, born in November 2020. Her older sister, Saihin (pictured above). At “Panda Love ” near the entrance, you can see them playing on the playground equipment and basking in the sun.

You can also visit “Safari World” to see herbivores and carnivores in their natural habitats. “Marine World,” which houses around 450 penguins of eight species and polar bears. While on “Enjoy World,” where you can enjoy rides and interact with small animals. A theme park where you can spend a leisurely day. What more can you ask for?

Adventure World

• Address: 2399 Katada, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture
• Website
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed: Irregular (Please check the official website for details on hours and closure dates.)
• Fees:
  Admission: ¥4,800 for adults (18 and older), 
  ¥3,800 for teenagers (12-17)
  ¥2,800 for children (4-11),
  free for children 3 and under,
  ¥4,300 for seniors (65 and older)

• Access:
• Train: About 10 minutes by Meiko Bus to Adventure World from JR Shirahama Station, a short walk from the bus stop. You can even take a bullet train going to your destination.
• Car: About 10 minutes from Nanki Shirahama IC on the Kisei Expressway.
• Parking: Available (¥1,200 per entry)

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Okinawa Prefecture)

Be amazed by the giant tank with whale sharks and manta rays

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is part of the Ocean Expo Park, established in 1975. This is to commemorate the Okinawa International Ocean Expo. Located in northern Okinawa Prefecture, the park also features the Okichan Theater for dolphin shows. While the Sea Turtle Pavilion, the Manatee Pavilion, the Oceanic Culture Museum, botanical gardens, and more.

The aquarium holds several world and Japan records, including the world’s longest captive record for whale sharks. It also conducts marine biology research, showcasing many new and rare species.

Starting at the Uminchu Gate on the 4th floor, visitors follow a path that takes them from shallow waters to the deep sea. The highlight is the “Kuroshio Sea” large tank viewed through a massive acrylic panel. Watching the whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, and the large manta rays swimming gracefully is a magical experience.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

• Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture
• Website
• Hours:
  Regular season: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM (last admission 5:30 PM)
  For peak periods, please check the official website for details.
• Closed: Please check the official website for details.
• Fees:
  Regular ticket (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM): ¥2,180 for adults, ¥1,440 for high school students,
  ¥710 for elementary and junior high school students, free for children under 6
  4:00 PM ticket (4:00 PM – last admission): ¥1,510 for adults, ¥1,000 for high school students
  ¥490 for elementary and junior high school students, free for children under 6

Learn how this Japanese Phrase: Wasshoi! is an effective way to easily connect with locals when you visit Japan!

• Access:
• Bus: About 2.5 to 3 hours from Naha Airport by express bus to Ocean Expo Park
• (Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium), about 10 minutes’ walk from the bus stop.

• Car: About 50 minutes from Kyoda IC on the Okinawa Expressway.
• Parking: Available (free)

Please note that the information and photos provided may not be the most up-to-date. Always check the official sources before making plans.

We hope our list of Japan family trip activities inspires your plans for an unforgettable adventure. Safe travels!