Family Holidays in Japan: a Teen’s-Eye View

Take the Family are a UK-based travel agency that specialise in family holidays that suit all ages - even hard-to-please teenagers. We pride ourselves on knowledge and experience that ensures that, wherever your chosen destination, everyone has fun, relaxes, and learns a lot on their trip. 

Japan is a hugely popular destination for teenagers - but what's it like to explore Japan as a teen? Below, you'll find out from a teenager themselves. 

What is it Like to Travel in Japan as a Teen?

Travelling with teens. Three small, seemingly inconspicuous words that strike dread into even the most hardened parental team. Arduous plane journeys spent with a sulking slab of adolescent misery hell-bent on pouting their way home again…

As a 15-year-old, I admit that I’ve been guilty of this sort of behaviour. But when I was told we were taking a two-week break in Japan and that I should like it or lump it, I needed no encouragement to like it very much.

"One man was so desperate to help us find a temple that he forced us to take a personal tour, despite the fact that we weren’t lost – just really slow walkers."

Freedom and Independence for Teens Visiting Japan on a Family Holiday

Though there are certain areas where you can still find men in flat caps walking whippets, Japan is filled with technology and six-metre-high televisions that made my gadget-loving heart sing for joy. As soon as I arrived, all I wanted to do was explore, and luckily my parents were happy to oblige – there could not be a safer place to let your teens wander. Even in the heart of Tokyo, kids of all ages stroll freely – there are no dodgy back alleys, no one collapsing in the street or falling out of a taxi after a night bingeing on cheap cider. And the clubs aren’t dingy basements but mostly karaoke bars: annoying, at times, but enjoyable too.

Speaking the Language in Japan on our Family Holiday

As a slightly atypical teen, I pored over phrasebooks, delighting at the chance to drive my family crazy with my half-formed attempts at Japanese. However, at the risk of sounding like your typical British tourist, I have to say that only a few key phrases were actually needed – nearly everyone I spoke to wanted to help or practise their English on us. Indeed, one man was so desperate to help us find a temple that he forced us to take a personal tour despite the fact that we weren’t lost, just really slow walkers.

History and Culture for Teens in Japan

Of course, a huge part of Japan is its heritage, and I admit to having been pretty sceptical about a week’s worth of history and culture when I could have spent another year in the Harajuku district, ogling the abstract fashion. But the temples were beautiful and fascinating. 

Where to Stay in Japan with Teenagers

My advice when it comes to where to stay is to opt for traditional Japanese accommodation (a ryokan) – it does mean sleeping on a mattress on the floor, but it’s both cheaper and much more fun. Japan has many amazing hotels, but these are mostly filled with businessmen and rich, vaguely obnoxious, tourists who gazed at us in horror as we lugged around the enormous bags we had strapped to us, backpacking being apparently a frown-evoking sin.

By Saffia Badat

Book a Family Holiday to Japan with Take the Family 

Pack an itinerary full of incredible Japanese experiences when you book your family holiday to Japan with Take The Family. We can tailor your accomodation, tours, and activities to the needs and interests of every family member, ensuring a holiday that none of you will ever forget. 

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