Japan with Teenagers: 19 Fun & Teen-Approved Things to Do

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Planning a trip to Japan with teens or kids and looking for fun things to do beyond the usual temples and shrines? This guide covers some of the best things to do in Japan with teenagers, from unique cultural activities to hands-on experiences that older kids will actually enjoy.

We recently visited Japan with our teenagers and tried a wide range of activities across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond. From samurai classes and sumo shows to high-tech art museums, busy city districts, and day trips to places like Nara and Mt Fuji, there’s so much variety that it never gets boring.

In this guide, we share the places and activities our teens liked most in Japan. You’ll find a mix of must-see sights and fun experiences, plus ideas to add variety throughout your trip. Think street food tastings, anime and gaming districts, quirky attractions, and plenty of moments that feel very different from the typical sightseeing routine.

MOM TIP: Mix traditional sights with more interactive experiences when traveling in Japan with teens. Temples and pagodas are impressive, but they can quickly start to feel repetitive. Add some hands-on activities, unique attractions, and fun stops along the way to keep everyone engaged.

Japan quickly became one of our teens’ favorite destinations in the world, not just for the different culture, but especially because of the wide range of unique experiences we included in our trip.

Here are some of the best things to do in Japan with teenagers, starting with their absolute favorites:

1. Sumo Show Experience

If you’re looking for a truly Japanese experience that will impress even the toughest-to-please teens, don’t miss an opportunity to see sumo wrestlers in Japan. We opted for a sumo entertainment show, and all three of our teenagers ranked it #1 of all the things we did on this trip. I guess because it’s so unique and something you can only experience in Japan.

It’s fun, a bit quirky, and easy to follow even if you don’t know anything about sumo. It’s not a real training session, but an entertaining show for visitors – including food, drinks, souvenir photos, and all. They explain the basics of the sport, demonstrate some moves, and even invite people from the audience to challenge the wrestlers. Our kids didn’t volunteer, but they had a great time watching others step into the ring.

We opted for this sumo show in Asakusa in Tokyo. It also included a short geisha performance and a delicious chicken hot pot lunch, which our teens really enjoyed. There are many other options, including a similar sumo show in Kyoto. Both of these are very easy to add to your itinerary since they’re right by many of the main sights. Just be sure to book ahead — when we traveled, these shows sold out weeks in advance.

Good to know: If you prefer to attend a more serious sumo training session, you can find a wide variety of options here. Just keep in mind that they are usually located further away from tourist areas and require more time and planning to arrange.

I also think that a sumo show is more entertaining for most tourists (and definitely teens) than watching a morning training session. It’s also cheaper than attending a sumo tournament, which must be really interesting too, if you can find one that fits in your itinerary.

2. Samurai Sword Class

A samurai sword class is one of the best hands-on cultural activities we did in Japan. We booked this samurai sword class in Kyoto, and it turned out to be one of the most fun and memorable experiences of our trip.

This isn’t just something you watch – you actually take part. You dress up as a samurai, learn how to handle the sword, and practice a variety of moves with guidance from experienced instructors. It’s all very accessible, even if you’ve never done anything like this before.

Our boys do karate, so this was a highlight for them, but I enjoyed it just as much. It also turned into a fun bonding activity, especially since the kids seemed genuinely impressed with mom’s “samurai skills” :).

The experience we booked also included a traditional kenbu sword dancing show (you can also book just the show separately). While interesting, this part felt a bit more niche and wasn’t as exciting for our teens. The sword class itself, however, was absolutely worth it and something we highly recommend for families. Just keep in mind that this activity is better suited for adults and teenagers rather than younger children.

We also visited a Samurai Ninja Museum during our trip. It was ok if you just want to learn some history and see truly impressive costumes, but it’s not even remotely comparable to the sword class experience.

3. Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour

Akihabara is one of the most lively areas of Tokyo and a must-see if you have teens who are into anime and manga. Often called “Electric Town,” it’s packed with neon lights, arcades, themed cafés, and quirky shops.

You can visit Akihabara on your own, but we wanted the full local experience, so we joined this highly-rated Akihabara anime and gaming tour. Our guide was super passionate about anime, and it made a huge difference. We got tips on the best shops for anime figurines (both new and second-hand), looked for Pokémon cards, and tried our luck at the claw machines and gachapon (Japanese capsule toy machines).

Our tour also included a visit to a maid café – something I probably wouldn’t have convinced our teens to try otherwise.

It was fun and gave us a much better feel for the area than we would have experienced on our own. And yes, our kids picked up a few figurines — very reasonably priced, thanks to our guide’s tips.

This experience is definitely more niche and won’t appeal to everyone, but if you have teens or young adults in your group who are into anime or gaming, they’ll love it. For our twins, Akihabara was basically a dream come true — like stepping into a real-life version of everything they watch and read.

4. Shibuya Crossing & the Energy Around It

The famous Shibuya Crossing (aka Shibuya Scramble) in Tokyo was high on our teens’ list even before we started planning our trip to Japan. They had seen it on TikTok countless times, and it definitely lived up to expectations. We were here on a Saturday afternoon, and I can honestly say I’ve never experienced a place as busy as this — especially around the metro/train station, where you simply move along with the crowd.

The crossing itself is fun to watch, but crossing it yourself is part of the experience. The moment the lights turn red, hundreds of people start crossing from all directions at once. We ended up doing it several times, just because it’s such a unique experience.

The whole Shibuya area is just as lively, with huge screens, music, crowds, and a constant buzz that really gives you that “Tokyo” atmosphere that teens expect.

If you like shopping, you could easily spend a day exploring the many shopping centers here (Shibuya Parco is a good one to check out). If you’re more interested in sightseeing, stop by the famous Hachiko statue, explore Shibuya Center-Gai Street, or head to the rooftop at Miyashita Park. Don’t miss Shibuya Sky, the most popular observation deck in Japan (more info further below).

PRO TIP: For the best views of Shibuya Crossing from above, head to the bar on the 7th floor of MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 mall (“Shibuya Crossing S VIEW” on Google Maps). There’s an entrance fee that includes a drink, and while window spots aren’t guaranteed, they manage the space so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the view. It was very quiet when we visited, and we spent almost half an hour sipping drinks and watching the crossing below — it’s fascinating.

5. teamLab Digital Art Museums

If you’re looking for something different from the usual sightseeing, teamLab digital art museums are a great addition to your Japan itinerary. These immersive experiences are fun for all ages, but especially appealing to teens.

We visited two of them – teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless in Tokyo – and absolutely loved both. One of our favorite parts is where you can color your own drawing – like a fish, turtle, or butterfly – and then see it come to life and move around on the walls.

If you’re planning to visit just one, teamLab Planets in Tokyo is likely the best choice. It’s the most varied and includes some really memorable sections, like walking through water and the moving garden installations. It’s also the most popular, so you’ll need to reserve a time slot well in advance (check availability here). Borderless is also excellent, but offers less variety and is more artsy than interactive. The newer teamLab experience in Kyoto is said to combine some elements of both.

TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka is quite different since it’s completely outdoors and can only be visited at night. Hours vary depending on the season (check availability here). Set inside Nagai Botanical Garden, it combines nature with interactive art installations that come alive at night.

Whichever you choose, try to visit at least one immersive digital art museum in Japan. And be sure to book tickets in advance – these places are extremely popular and often sell out weeks ahead.

6. Animal Cafés

Animal cafés are very popular in Japan, and you’ll find all kinds of them – from mini pigs and capybaras to hedgehogs, cats, and even owls. They can be a fun and different experience, especially for teens (more so than young kids).

We visited two of them – a mipig café in Kyoto and an owl café in Tokyo, and our teens absolutely loved both. At the pig café, one of our kids was constantly surrounded by so many little pigs that we started calling him the “pig whisperer.” It’s a very interactive experience, with animals that are used to people, but it can also feel quite busy, with lots of visitors and pigs in a relatively small space.

The Owl Café was completely different. It’s not a chain, but a small place run by a couple who are clearly passionate about owls. Most of the birds are rescues, and the proceeds support wildlife conservation. It felt much more personal and quieter than other animal cafés we looked at. Being able to get so close to these birds was a very special experience. This one is located in Akihabara, and we combined it with the anime and gaming area tour mentioned earlier.

Mipig cafés, on the other hand, can be found in several cities across Japan, so they’re easy to add to your itinerary wherever you are traveling.

If you’re planning to visit an animal café, be sure to book in advance, as they are very popular and often have limited time slots. And since not all places prioritize animal welfare the same way, it’s worth doing a bit of research and choosing carefully. Keep in mind that many of these cafés are not ideal for families with very young children.

7. Nara & Bowing Deer

Nara is one of the most popular day trips from Kyoto or Osaka, and a must-do for families. There’s plenty to see – from impressive temples like Todai-ji (home to the giant Buddha statue) to Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its hundreds of lanterns, and the large Nara Park that connects it all.

But for our teens, the real highlight was the bowing deer. Nara is famous for its hundreds of free-roaming deer, and yes, they really do bow to you.

Traditionally, deer here were considered sacred and believed to be messengers of the gods, so people treated them with great respect. These days, there’s also a much more practical explanation: the deer have learned that bowing often leads to getting food.

You can buy special deer crackers in the park, and once you have them, don’t be surprised if you suddenly have a whole group of deer following you around (and bowing quite insistently). It’s fun to watch at first, but they can get quite persistent. If you want them to leave you alone, stretch your arm out with your palm facing forward – it signals that you don’t have any food, and they usually back off.

Good to know: You can visit Nara by train, but if you want to make the most of your time and see several sights in a day, consider a guided tour.

We opted for this luxury private day tour from Kyoto, which covered all the main highlights in Nara, plus Horyu-ji Temple (one of the oldest in Japan) and even Fushimi Inari in Kyoto.

We wouldn’t have been able to see nearly half as much on our own. Having a private driver and an English-speaking guide meant everything was taken care of – transport, timing, tickets, and even lunch. We could just relax and enjoy the day without worrying about directions, planning, or even buying crackers for the deer. Being able to rest during the drives between stops made a huge difference, too, especially with jet lag (we did this at the start of our trip).

8. Modern Japanese Taiko Drum Show

If you’re visiting Osaka with teens, I highly recommend seeing the UTAGE taiko drum live show. Taiko is a traditional Japanese drumming style, but this modern performance takes it to another level with high energy, choreography, and a lot of interaction with the audience.

The music is powerful and truly unique, and the performers are incredible. The whole show is fast-paced, lively, and keeps your attention from start to finish (it lasts almost an hour).

Our teens absolutely loved it! One of the highlights is that they invite people from the audience to join in. Two of our kids went up on stage to try drumming themselves, and they couldn’t stop talking about it afterward. It’s one of the most memorable experiences from our Japan trip.

Good to know: The venue of this show is located right by the Osaka Aquarium and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, so it’s easy to combine with a visit to this area. That said, we went there just for the show, and it’s more than worth a short metro ride outside the main tourist areas.

TIP: You could also combine this evening show with a day at Universal Studios, which is just a short taxi ride away.

9. Osaka Neon Districts

If you’re looking for the classic neon-lit Japan vibe, take your teens to Osaka’s colorful districts like Dotonbori, Namba, and Shinsekai. They are busy, a bit chaotic, and packed with bright signs, street food, shops, and all kinds of entertainment. It’s exactly the kind of atmosphere our teens hoped to find in Japan.

Shinsekai has a slightly retro, old-school amusement district feel, with neon signs, casual eateries, and local specialties like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). It’s a nice contrast to the more polished areas around Namba and Dotonbori, and gives you a glimpse of a different side of the city.

Dotonbori is the most famous, with its huge billboards, the iconic Glico running man sign, and a lively, almost party-like atmosphere. A short Dotonbori river cruise is a fun way to see it from the water, especially in the evening when everything is lit up. Right nearby, you’ll find Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street, a long covered arcade with plenty of shops and places to grab a quick bite.

If your teens are into games and entertainment, this area has plenty to keep them busy. You’ll find huge arcades and places like Round1, where you can try everything from the latest game machines and bowling to karaoke rooms and multi-sport activities. We didn’t have time to try it all, but you could easily spend half a day (or more) just exploring, playing games, and shopping here.

TIP: These districts are best visited in the evening, when the lights are on and the atmosphere is at its best. If your teens like lively places with lots going on, they’ll love Osaka.

10. Traditional Food

No trip to Japan would be complete without trying some of the local food. Every region and city has its own specialties, and the variety is huge. We had some great meals in Japan, and a few we wouldn’t order again, but trying traditional dishes is always part of the fun.

We found that the easiest way to get acquainted with Japanese cuisine and try a wide range of dishes is by joining food tours. Local guides know exactly where to go, what to order, and how to introduce you to foods you might never pick on your own. Plus, since many restaurants in Japan specialize in just one type of food, you’d otherwise need to visit quite a few places to try a similar variety.

We did two food tours – this one in Osaka and one in Kyoto – both quite different, but both excellent:

• In Kyoto, we did this Nishiki Market food tour. It included a bit of sightseeing, with stops at places like Pontocho Alley and Nishiki-Tenmangu Shrine, but the main focus was the food at Nishiki Market, often called the “Kitchen of Kyoto.” We tried a wide range of smaller tastings, including Japanese omelet (tamagoyaki), various traditional sweets, and also a full meal with dumplings (gyoza), soup, etc.

• In Osaka, we joined this local food tour, which took us to Shinsekai and Dotonbori neighborhoods, combining sightseeing with local food. There was less variety, but the portions were very generous, and we tried all the Osaka classics, including kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

Without these tours, we would never have tried many of these dishes. Some were a big hit, others less so, but that’s part of the fun. It’s a great way to try new food and discover local specialties, just make sure you’re hungry before you go!

11. Bike Tours

Bike tours are a great way to do some of the more traditional sightseeing in Japan with teens, especially if they aren’t too eager to visit one temple or shrine after another. Instead of long walks and lots of “just looking,” you cover more ground, get a bit of activity, and see a mix of main sights and local areas, which makes it much more interesting for teenagers.

We did two bike tours – one in Osaka and one in Kyoto. Both were excellent, but quite different. In Osaka, we joined this highly-rated highlights bike tour, which included places like Osaka Castle and Tenmangu Shrine, but also some lesser-known spots. We only had a day in Osaka, and this tour gave us a really good mix of the main sights and everyday city life in a short time, plus it included delicious local food.

In Kyoto, we opted for a hidden gems e-bike tour, which focused more on quieter areas, backstreets, and lesser-visited temples and shrines, including the Imperial Palace. It took us away from the busiest tourist spots and gave us a chance to see a different side of the city.

Our kids really enjoyed both experiences, and it was a great way to add variety to the itinerary. If you’re traveling with teens who are not too excited about visiting countless temples, a bike tour is an easy way to make it more engaging while still seeing many of the main sights.

12. Temples & Shrines

Temples and shrines are a big part of any trip to Japan, and you’ll likely visit quite a few along the way. Even though teens aren’t always excited about this type of sightseeing, these were the ones that really stood out for our teenagers:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple), Kyoto – the very first one we visited, and it immediately impressed them with its gold-covered building and beautiful setting.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto – famous for its endless red torii gates and one of the must-sees.
• Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto – known for its beautiful pagoda and a large terrace with great city views.
• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Kyoto – a unique temple with hundreds of quirky stone statues, each with its own personality. Our teens really enjoyed this one!
• Senso-ji, Tokyo – a lively temple with a busy market street leading up to it.
• Meiji Shrine, Tokyo – much quieter and set in a forest, a hidden gem right in the middle of the city.
• Todai-ji Temple, Nara – home to the giant Buddha statue, which really impressed our teens.
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara – famous for its hundreds of lanterns and a very different atmosphere.

What makes visiting temples and shrines more interesting for teens is not just the buildings, but everything that’s happening around them. Before entering, you usually wash your hands at a purification fountain, and in the main halls, you’ll see people bow, pray, and clap their hands. There are also small details that make each place different, like wooden plaques where people write wishes, or paper fortunes that you tie up if you get a bad one.

Many shrines and temples also have their own character. Some are associated with animals or symbols – like the fox statues at Fushimi Inari, the lanterns at Kasuga Taisha, or the quirky stone statues at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. These little details make each visit feel a bit different.

We found that visiting a few temples and shrines with a local guide at the start of our trip made a big difference. Our Nara day tour was ideal for this, since it included several major sites. The guide explained the meaning behind the rituals and traditions, which helped us understand what we were seeing and made the rest of our temple visits much more interesting.

13. Mt Fuji Views

No trip to Japan feels complete without seeing Mt Fuji. And don’t worry – you don’t have to climb the mountain; it’s all about the views. You can see Mt Fuji from many different places, and a guided day trip that includes several scenic locations is the easiest way to experience it.

We visited on a day trip from Tokyo, and booked a private tour focusing on the classic “A” itinerary around the Fuji Five Lakes area. It included stops at Oishi Park, Oshino Hakkai, and Arakurayama Sengen Park with the famous Chureito Pagoda. The route normally also includes Mt Fuji’s 5th Station, but the road was still closed due to snow when we visited.

The main highlight for us was the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint. It’s one of those iconic postcard views you often see in travel guides, with the pagoda in the foreground and Mt Fuji in the background. The other stops were nice as well, each offering a slightly different perspective of the mountain and the surrounding area.

Our teens said this Mt Fuji excursion was one of the highlights of the entire trip, which says a lot considering everything else we did in Japan.

There are also alternative day trips (often called “B” itineraries) that focus more on the Hakone area, with options like a lake cruise, ropeway views, and the famous floating orange torii gate on Lake Ashi. This is a very popular photo spot, so you may have to wait in line for that classic picture, especially during busy times.

Whichever route you choose, the experience is really about enjoying the scenery rather than ticking off specific sights. And of course, you need some luck with the weather as Mt Fuji can sometimes hide behind the clouds.

PRO TIP: There are so many Mt Fuji day tours that the choice can get overwhelming. Do some research and book with a reputable company that has plenty of recent, genuine-looking reviews, and always check the latest feedback for any red flags.

Despite years of experience and thorough research, we got scammed in Japan. The private tour we chose had hundreds of excellent reviews and responsive communication right up until the evening before, but the driver never showed up on the day. Later, we noticed a wave of recent negative reviews, so it seems something had changed quite suddenly (or a legit account was somehow taken over by scammers).

This is less likely with group tours, but if you’re booking a private one, be extra careful. Booking through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator can help since you’re usually protected if something goes wrong (we were able to get a full refund). Still, finding a last-minute alternative wasn’t easy. This highly-rated tour by a fully licensed local operator ended up saving our day. This option is run by Magical Trip, a company we used for several other tours on this trip.

14. Observation Decks

Observation decks are a popular thing to do in Japan, and they’re usually a big hit with teenagers.

In all honesty, after visiting some of the best observation decks in New York, London, Dubai, and all over Europe, the ones in Japan didn’t feel nearly as impressive, mostly because of relatively simple skylines. That said, it’s still worth doing since it gives a different perspective and adds some variety to your trip.

We visited quite a few observatories in Japan with teens, and their favorites were Shibuya Sky (outdoor) and Tokyo Skytree (indoor). These are also the most popular ones, so tickets can be harder to get; late afternoon and sunset time slots often sell out within minutes after release.

We also went up Tokyo Tower. It was fine, but the architecture was more impressive than the views at the top. It’s ok as a quick stop if you’re already in the area, but definitely not a must. For the views, Nidec Kyoto Tower is likely worth your time more.

In Osaka, we really enjoyed Harukas 300, which offers great views and is easy to visit without planning or reservations. It’s a quieter alternative to the more popular Umeda Sky Building, which is well worth visiting for its unique architecture.

TIP: If you only plan to visit one observatory, go for Shibuya Sky or Skytree (book ahead!). And if you’re in Osaka and the sky is clear, Harukas 300 is a good-value option that you can just decide at the last minute.

15. Shinjuku + Night & Light Show

If you’re in Tokyo with teens, don’t miss the Night & Light show at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. The projections light up the entire building with colorful visuals, often featuring anime-style graphics and other dynamic animations that are really fun to watch. Our teens were truly impressed.

Right next door, you can visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory. The views are nice, and it’s free, but don’t expect a quick visit – lines can get very long, especially in the late afternoon/evening. We skipped the observatory due to a 2-hour line and just enjoyed the light show.

Shinjuku itself is also worth visiting, especially with teenagers. This bustling area is packed with neon lights, big screens, shops, and all kinds of entertainment, and it really gives you that “Tokyo at night” atmosphere. Even just walking around here is an experience in itself. If you want to explore deeper, check out this Shinjuku food tour for families.

Good to know: The Night & Light projection shows are free and run several times per night on select days after dark, with different themes depending on the season. Check the latest times on the Tokyo Projection Mapping Project website when planning your itinerary.

16. Parks, Gardens & Seasonal Scenery

No article about Japan would be complete without mentioning the Japanese passion for natural beauty and seasonal scenery. They really take it to another level, and there’s usually something special to see throughout the year – from cherry blossoms and colorful flowers in spring and summer to fall colors and even snow and ice festivals in winter.

We were lucky to visit during the cherry blossom season, and it made so many places feel even more special. Simply walking along a sakura-lined street on the way to and from our hotel in Kyoto felt like a highlight every day. And then there were the blossoms everywhere else – in parks, along riversides, around temples, shrines, and castles…

One of the most impressive parks we visited in Japan was Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo. It’s a huge, beautifully maintained park with different garden styles and plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the scenery. From what we saw, it’s well worth visiting in any season.

We also really enjoyed the Sakura Nights event at Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto. We didn’t even know it existed until we noticed long lines forming outside after the regular closing time, and decided to check it out. The illuminated cherry blossoms and light projections at the castle gardens were so impressive that we all forgot how tired we were from the jet lag and spent a few hours taking it all in.

Good to know: If you are hoping to see a specific seasonal event or location, it’s worth doing some research and planning your trip around it. But if you simply want to enjoy cherry blossoms or fall colors, just try to plan your trip in the right season.

There are so many beautiful parks, gardens, temples, and riversides all over Japan that you’ll come across seasonal scenery naturally throughout your trip.

We traveled to Japan during our kids’ spring break, in the second and third weeks of April. Since cherry blossoms usually peak around the end of March, we assumed we’d be too late and didn’t do any research about the best sakura spots. But the moment we arrived, we realized the season was far from over. We saw cherry blossoms almost every day throughout the entire trip – they were literally everywhere.

17. Odaiba Waterfront in Tokyo

One more place our teens really enjoyed beyond expectations was the Odaiba waterfront area in Tokyo. This part of the city feels very different from the rest, with wide promenades, open views, modern architecture, and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

One of the highlights here is the small beach area overlooking Tokyo Bay, with great views of the Rainbow Bridge and the city skyline. There’s even a small Statue of Liberty replica, which feels a bit random at first, but once you read the story behind it, somehow it makes sense. Plus, it’s a fun photo opportunity for teens.

We visited around sunset and loved watching the skyline change from day to night. We also accidentally caught the Tokyo Aqua Symphony fountain show. This large-scale water and light show runs several times a day at Odaiba Seaside Park, and is especially nice after dark when the fountains are illuminated. You can check the latest show times here.

Good to know: Odaiba is especially worth visiting in the late afternoon and evening. It’s a nice area to slow down a bit after busy sightseeing days in Tokyo. We combined it with our visit to teamLab Planets, which is just a short taxi ride away. Small Worlds miniature museum is also located in the same part of the city and is another fun stop for families with teens who enjoy detailed model worlds, anime, or photography.

18. Shopping

Shopping was a big highlight for our teens in Japan. From clothing and gaming stores to anime merchandise, Pokémon shops, electronics, and endless gachapon machines, there’s always something new to discover. Even teens who normally don’t care much about shopping will likely enjoy browsing Japanese stores, many of which feel completely different from what they are used to at home.

Some of our favorite shopping areas were Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Ginza in Tokyo, each offering something completely different. Ginza is known for its big flagship stores and modern shopping centers, while places like Akihabara are more focused on gaming, anime, electronics, and collectibles.

One store we kept coming back to was Uniqlo. Some of the larger locations are huge and have several floors with clothing, accessories, and special local collections you don’t find elsewhere. At some stores, you can even design your own T-shirt or sweater at a surprisingly reasonable price, and it gets printed within minutes. Our teens had so much fun creating their own designs, and now they have some really original (and useful) souvenirs from the trip.

And then there are all the smaller things teens tend to love in Japan – capsule toy machines, claw games, themed stationery, quirky snacks, and stores packed with items you didn’t even know existed.

TIP: Leave extra space in your suitcase for shopping. We normally travel with hand luggage only, but for Japan, we brought two large checked bags half empty, and both were completely full on the way home.

19. Hotels Our Teens Loved in Japan

We let our teens help choose the hotels in Japan, and they took their task very seriously. Looking back, they picked really well, and each place added something different to our trip.

These were our teens’ picks:

• OMO5 Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts in Tokyo was our overall favorite. We loved the modern design, the contemporary atmosphere, and the incredible city views from our room. The kids spent every free minute sitting by the window, watching the city life below, and taking endless photos and time-lapses. Price/quality was excellent, and the location was also super convenient for exploring Tokyo.

• Hotel Tavinos in Kyoto was a very different and much more budget-friendly option. The manga/anime-inspired design gave it a very Japanese feel that our teens really enjoyed, and the location was excellent for sightseeing in Kyoto. Plus, this hotel has connecting rooms, which are perfect for families who want an additional bathroom.

• Hotel Hankyu International in Osaka was the most luxurious hotel of our trip, and it really impressed all of us. We opted for a Club Superior Suite, and it made the stay feel even more special. The room was huge, the bathroom felt incredibly luxurious, and the skyline views (also from the shower!) were amazing. The lounge access also offered very good value, with complimentary drinks and food throughout the day, especially if you actually have the time to enjoy it.

Good to know: Standard hotel rooms in Japan are often much smaller than what many families are used to, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto, so always check room sizes and layouts before booking. We found that one larger room with a separate shower, toilet, and sink gave much better value and comfort for our family than two cramped rooms with tiny all-in-one bathrooms.

TIP: Many Japanese hotels offer lots of thoughtful little extras, from comfortable pajamas, slippers, and bathrobes, to all kinds of amenities you might not expect. So check what’s provided before your trip, since it can save quite a bit of space in your luggage.

So, this is our guide to some of the best things to do in Japan with teenagers. We spent two weeks exploring Japan with our teens and could have easily filled another few weeks. Japan is one of those destinations where there’s always something new to see or do, and the variety is what makes it such an amazing place to visit with older kids and teens.

At the same time, there’s no way you can do everything in one trip, so don’t try to overpack your itinerary. Our secret to a successful family trip is always the same: balance and variety. Mix traditional sightseeing with hands-on experiences, modern attractions, fun food stops, shopping, and a few local activities that are just there for pure entertainment. That’s what made this trip so memorable for our teenagers.

Japan quickly became one of our teens’ favorite destinations. I hope this guide gives you some inspiration and helps you plan an amazing trip with your teens, too!

TIP: Looking for more teen-approved vacation ideas? Check out our guide to some of the best places to visit with teenagers around the world.

📌 Planning a trip to Japan with teens? Save this guide to Pinterest so you can easily find all these ideas and recommendations later!