Konnichiwa and welcome to today’s blog on life in Japan for Kids!
We recently holidayed in Japan and it certainly didn’t disappoint! We kickstarted our adventure in Tokyo and what an amazing city to start the Japanese experience. The Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) were out, and we visited several Japanese gardens, including a Bonsai museum. Being Spring, all the parks were full of locals enjoying the weather and many local Kindy’s came out with young children all piled into buggies – it was fantastic to see.
The Greater Tokyo area has a population of 38 million – almost 60% more than the population of Australia. Yet Tokyo remains one of the world’s most liveable cities – and we can see why. Everything is orderly and calm. For the entire time we were in Tokyo, we didn’t hear one car horn being sounded, nor did we see anyone raise their voice out of frustration or abusing others to move out of the way. They seemingly walk, ride their bikes and drive their cars around peacefully and respectfully towards each other. It is so busy, the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest cities in the world…yet it is quiet on the streets!
In Tokyo there is lots to do with Kids, here are just a few ideas:
- Kiddy Land
- Kidzania
- Sky Tree (if you like heights)
- Ueno Zoo
- Lego land
- Disneyland
Other ideas are to visit the local markets, and in particular the fish markets! Kids will love wandering around the markets looking at all the seafood on display. Local parks and playgrounds are also good. We did notice though, in all the parks we saw, there is no grass (just dirt or cement), however the equipment was good. There were no fences around the parks and all the parks we saw were right beside busy expressways and roads.
Baseball is huge in Japan, so depending on the ages of your kids – you could catch a game.
We then headed to the elusive Mt Fuji and got a glimpse of her in all her beauty. We took our time and drove through the Japanese Alps staying in little towns called Matsumoto and Kanazawa. While in Matsumoto we had the chance to stay in a traditional Japanese hotel and enjoy the hot spring baths. We also drove past the Mt Fuji Amusement Park or commonly known as Fuji-Q Highland. An amazing park for kids, with Mt Fuji as the backdrop!
Amusement Park Mt Fuji
We continued driving to Kyoto and had 3 nights in this beautiful city. I would describe Kyoto as traditional and modern Japan joined together. I loved the shopping and the food in Kyoto! We did a walk through the Gion district which is famous for its teahouses and Geisha girls.
We left Kyoto and caught the bullet train to Hiroshima. Hiroshima is a modern city, due largely to the fact it was destroyed by the atomic bomb during WWII. Visiting the Peace Park was solemn, yet we came away feeling positive after seeing the progression the Japanese people have made and how they have moved forward positively.
In the peace park there is ruins of the Genbaku Dome, which was one of the few buildings that was left standing. It was humbling to visit Hiroshima, and to experience the powerful impact the A Bomb had on both Japan and Australia’s history.
Whilst in Hiroshima we also experienced an earthquake! Up on the 16th floor in the early hours of the morning, it was quite scary to say the least.
On the bullet train again, and this time heading to Osaka. There was something different about Osaka compared to all the other cities we had visited. Osaka had modern architecture, and a buzzing nightlife. The food in Japan, on a whole, was fantastic and was mainly seafood (fish) and rice. By the time we arrived in Osaka, we were craving steak…and we found it!
Wagyu was on the lunch time special at a downtown steak house. It worked out to be approx. $10 Aussie, and it was the most tender steak we have EVER tasted. Absolutely mouth-watering, we felt pleased as the same steak house charged $100 A for the evening menu.
Whilst in Osaka with Kids, a must is to head to Nara to visit Todai-ji-Hall and the huge Buddha. There is a small square hole in the base of one of the temple’s great wooden pillars, and this hole is the size of Buddha’s nostril. The Buddhist’s believe if a child can crawl through the hole, they will be granted a life of happiness.
And of course…. Universal studios Japan is in Osaka, so this is a must visit with kids.
One aspect of our trip that did overwhelmingly stand out for us was the kids of Japan. Their level of independence and self-reliance was noticeable. It was very common to see young kids (as young as 8&9) walking to School without adults.
It appears that Japan prides itself on a low crime rate and creating a safe society for their children to grow up in….and they have certainly achieved this.
Japan has 5 times the population of Australia yet has 4 times less the crime rate.
On a final note, if nothing in this blog has ignited you to want to come and visit Japan, how about you come to experience the toilets! They are a work of art. From heated seats to arm rests and self-opening lids…it was sheer luxury J
Sayonara and have a happy day out.
Megan Carige
Author
Happydayout.com.au