SNOW MONKEYS & SAMURAIS

Though Tokyo is a massive and bustling city, it is also very child-friendly and perfect for a family holiday. On arrival into Japan’s capital, you’ll be taken to your base, the Mandarin Oriental. A truly stunning hotel which reflects its surroundings, housing futuristic luxury in a traditional style, use the Mandarin Oriental to experience the wave of energy that emits from Tokyo’s streets.

Go to the National Museum of Emerging Science to see a humanoid robot playing football, walk around the life size traditional houses at the Edo Tokyo Museum or watch a fascinating morning sumo practice in a stable. Coming alive during the festive season, Tokyo Disneyland provides a great day out for those that like rollercoasters, while the Skytree, Toyko’s highest observation deck, offers superb views of the city and has the benefit of not moving at high speeds.

While you are in Tokyo, you’ll be taken on an animé and manga tour – the kids will love the drama, being drawn in by the bright colours and incredible toys, while you’ll be able to witness just how integral animé is to Japan’s pop culture.

Departing Tokyo, you’ll arrive at your next stop, Yudanaka. This region is known as ‘Hell’s Valley’ thanks to the steam and boiling water that bubbles from the earth’s surface. This is where you’ll enjoy one of Japan’s most iconic wildlife experiences: coming face-to-face with the adorable Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys.

Completely unfazed by human visitors, these red-faced critters love to soak in the region’s hot springs – and so will you, at your traditional ryokan inn, Kokuya. With traditional futon bedding and tatami flooring, this hotel allows you and your family to experience the ancient Japanese way of life without compromising on luxury.

You’ll arrive into Kyoto by way of the pulse-quickening bullet train and then be taken to the classically luxurious Ritz-Carlton, your home for three nights.

Race the little ones up the steps of the colourful Fushimi-Inari Shrine, ogle at the peculiar produce at the Nishiki Market, with rows of red octopus, eels and live crabs, and visit Nijo Castle to walk along squeaky floors, designed as an anti-ninja defence. For views of the snow-capped mountains beyond, travel up the 100 metres to the top of Kyoto Tower or head underground at the Kyoto Aquarium to see the wide variety of ocean life, including reef sharks, dolphins and penguins.

To round up all of the sights into one leisurely trip, consider a cycling tour of Kyoto, weaving between the quiet backstreets or walk around the pedestrian-friendly Gion district in search of the beautiful Geishas.