Multigenerational Vacation Ideas: Celebrate Holidays with Your Grandkids in Japan

Going on a multigenerational trip can be tricky. There is a delicate balance between what sounds like fun for the kids and what might be more enjoyable for older members of the family. But if there is a country where you can have all the fun in the world regardless of your age, it is Japan. There is so much to offer each and every generation. 

Spend quality time with your grandchildren by touring amazing places, eating delicious food, and participate in exciting activities like preparing sushi or dressing like a samurai. This is an adventure none of you will ever forget.

Grandpa reading a book for his grandchild. Image Credit: Freepik

Read on to learn some great multigenerational vacation ideas for your next trip to Japan. 

Multigenerational vacation ideas: 8 fun things to do with your grandkids

Once you get to Japan, you will have a lot on your plate from navigating a new city to communicating with others. We’ve taken some of the stress off your plate with a list of the best multigenerational travel trends to follow:

1) Visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea

You can spend a great day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea. It’s full of eye-catching attractions, fun and friendly Disney characters, and plenty of colorful parades.

You and your grandkids can enjoy amazing rides, shows, and beautiful sights here. Go on thrilling rides like Space Mountain or Splash Mountain and meet iconic Disney characters. All the while, be sure to take advantage of the facilities’ many photographers who will send you home with lots of memories you can print and keep for yourself. 

Many hotels in that area are family-friendly and spacious, but the Tokyo Disney resort is packed with helpful and kid-friendly amenities and character-filled meals. 

An important tip to keep in mind: Tokyo Disney Resort is not located in the city of Tokyo. It is located in Chiba, the prefecture next to Tokyo.

2) Meet Japan’s most famous cat 

What if you could visit Hello Kitty's home? It sounds like a dream for children, right? But this dream can become a reality in Japan. 

Sanrio Puroland has many attractions, shows, and character meet-and-greets for Hello Kitty fans. Your grandkids can enjoy the colorful world of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Keroppi, and many more beloved characters here. 

3) Bring a souvenir home from Cup Noodles Museum

When visiting Japan, you can enjoy an educational journey with your grandkids at the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama. This museum provides a unique experience and is a great way to learn about the history of one of Japan's most iconic culinary inventions—the cup noodles.

But that's not all. You can even make your cup noodles or bring a souvenir home. From choosing your favorite flavors to designing the cup, it's a hands-on activity that’s fun for all ages.

4) Take a day to explore Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Another activity you can do with your grandkids is pay a visit to Kyoto's lovely Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This calm forest of tall bamboo trees is a beautiful destination for travelers of all ages. 

In this forest, you can wander the lovely walkways, take family photos with the towering bamboo, enjoy a Yudofu lunch (a Kyoto delicacy), and bask in the peaceful atmosphere of a natural wonderland. Afterward, take a quick trip to visit the nearby Arashiyama Monkey Park and meet these mischievous animals, a delight for adults and children alike. 

5) Visit KidZania 

KidZania Tokyo is an amusement park where children pretend to be grown-ups! It provides an educational experience that lets children express their creativity, curiosity, and imagination in a pleasant and safe atmosphere. Kids can participate in hands-on activities and earn KidZos (KidZania currency) for their hard work.

Take your grandchildren to KidZania to encourage them to try new activities, like being firefighters or cooks. It’s a great way to teach younger generations about the reality of life and how to be independent while having a little fun while they’re at it. 

6) Visit the world of Harry Potter

If your grandkids are Harry Potter fans, you can’t miss out on this new venue in Tokyo. Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tokyo to explore the ins and outs of the making of the Harry Potter film franchise. From exploring the iconic sets to learning the secrets behind the special effects, this tour promises an interactive and engaging day out for the whole family. 

Opening on April 1st, 2024, tickets can be purchased directly from the studio or from one of their authorized distributors. Grab your wands and cloaks, and prepare for a magical adventure with your grandkids! 

7) Ride on the Shinkansen

If your family is on the more adventurous side, try the thrill of the Shinkansen bullet train. This is Japan's high-speed rail network known for efficiency, comfort, and beautiful scenery on the way. With the Shinkansen, you can travel between cities and comfortably explore Japan’s beauty. 

Pro tip: Travel by the Green car or Gran Class. 

These trains have large seats with plenty of legroom so you can relax and enjoy the journey through the lovely countryside in comfort. 

Note: Children under 12 can travel at half price. 

8) Enjoy a samurai experience 

You and your grandkids will love immersing yourselves in Japan's rich cultural legacy with a Samurai experience. This is a place where you can learn about the warrior lifestyle and wear real samurai armor. The experience will teach you about some significant and historic elements of Japanese history and culture. You’ll all learn something new together! 

Watch as your grandchildren bring inner fantasies to life by becoming Samurai for the day. They will even learn basic sword-fighting methods from skilled teachers—the samurai partner is the sword choreographer for Kill Bill. Even if the kids are too young to see the film, they’ll be thrilled to learn some of the moves. 

9) Take a sushi-making class

Where else can you eat the best sushi in the world if not Japan? There are many sushi-making classes where you can learn how to roll, shape, and prepare your own sushi.

A sushi-making session is a great way to learn some highly-coveted culinary skills and engage with your grandchildren at the same time. Roll up your sleeves, put on your aprons and chef hats, and follow the directions of Japan’s sushi experts to make delectable sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. 

Learning the secrets of Japan's most famous culinary treats doesn’t have to stop there, either. In addition to sushi, two other culinary experiences you can have in Japan include a Taiyaki making class and a food sample-making class. 

10) Create your anime in a manga workshop

If your family’s group of kids are fans of manga, comics, and anime, take a manga workshop to learn to make characters! This experience will give you a unique and imaginative way to explore your artistic potential. 

Get advice from experienced manga artists, generate ideas for character designs, and study drawing techniques. This is a memorable exercise for aspiring artists and a great activity to let your family’s creativity run wild. 

Reasons to go on a holiday with your grandkids in Japan

If you’re thinking why you should even go on a multigenerational trip to begin with, not to mention to Japan to celebrate the holidays, here are some important considerations to think over. 

1) Create incredible memories 

You can create amazing memories through multigenerational travel, especially to far-flung destinations. When you travel to new places and participate in fun activities, the shared experiences become stories connecting generations for years and decades beyond the trip itself. 

2) Strengthen family relationships

Spending quality time together fosters deeper connections with loved ones of all ages. You can share new experiences that strengthen your family bonds and create an unparalleled sense of unity across any age difference.

3) Support emotional well-being

Enjoying quality time with family members helps to improve emotional and mental health. Going to a foreign country with your grandkids creates so many opportunities to laugh, to relax, and to share in each other’s joy. Such activities can help relieve stress and increase happiness for the entire family.

Book private tours for your next multigenerational travel plan 

Everyone deserves a good time and nobody has to stay behind due to old age or health needs. That’s why we at TokudAw provide private tours for travelers to Japan.

We also provide VIP cars and services that ensure everyone’s safety. You can visit famous sights and hidden gems, eat excellent food, and learn about Japanese culture with your grandkids. 

Let TokudAw help you make your travel dreams a reality and bring joy and wonder to your family’s next adventure.