How do you celebrate a high school graduation and a college graduation at the same time? For Travel Mom Susan Easterday and her family, the answer was a once-in-a-lifetime three-week trip Japan Family Vacation.
In this podcast episode, Susan shares how her family explored Tokyo, the Japanese Alps, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, and Osaka, balancing history, culture, fun, and food. From anime stores and cat cafés to tea ceremonies and mountain hikes, their itinerary had something for everyone. And along the way, they discovered travel tips that any family can use.
And for more on planning your family’s trip to Japan, check out this article and the KeeKee Kid’s Guide for Japan.
For more family vacation inspiration, check out all the podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!
Meet the Easterday Family
Susan and her husband, Brendan, are financial advisors with two young adult children: Capri (22) and Evan (18). Over the years, they’ve made the most of their “18 summers,” those precious years of family travel while kids are still at home.
- Capri chose Italy (and her namesake island) for her graduation trip.
- Evan, a longtime anime fan who studied Japanese on Duolingo, picked Japan.
This was their biggest adventure yet, designed to celebrate both milestones together.
Japan Travel Planning: Why They Used a Travel Advisor
Japan was a complex, multi-stop trip. Susan worked with a travel advisor who partnered with in-country specialists. That decision proved invaluable:
- On-the-ground help in Japan made last-minute reservations and solved problems in real time.
- Adjustments to the itinerary were easier — like moving tour times when trains ran late.
- Local insights added hidden gems (like a ramen shop or a knife-making stop in Osaka).
Tip for Families: For multi-city, international trips, a travel advisor with local partners can reduce stress and unlock experiences you’d likely miss on your own.
Can’t-Miss Experiences in Japan with Kids and Teens
Tokyo: Anime, Cat Cafés & City Energy
- Anime shops and pop-culture districts were Evan’s dream come true.
- A quirky stop: Tokyo’s own Statue of Liberty replica on the bay.
- Family favorite: a cat café, where cats roamed freely across tables as guests sipped drinks.
- Gardens, temples, and neon shopping added variety.
The Japanese Alps: Hiking & Ryokan Life
- Brendan and Evan hiked Mount Yakedake, a dormant volcano — complete with a monkey encounter on the descent.
- Capri and Susan enjoyed lighter hikes and the serene pace of Matsumoto.
- The family stayed in a traditional Ryokan, sleeping on tatami mats, enjoying hot springs, and sampling elaborate Japanese meals.
Kanazawa: Gardens & Tea Ceremony
- Famous Kenroku-en Gardens.
- A 350-year-old tea house where they joined a traditional tea ceremony.
Kyoto & Nara: History & Sacred Deer
- Kyoto’s walkable districts, temples, and guided tours.
- Day trip to Nara: feeding sacred deer (who can get pushy for crackers!) and seeing one of the world’s largest Buddhas.
- Schoolchildren approached tourists to practice English — creating charming, memorable exchanges.
Hiroshima: Reflection & Resilience
- Visiting the Peace Memorial and reflecting on history.
- A moving encounter with a taxi driver who showed them a 9/11 memorial bracelet, symbolizing shared empathy across cultures.
Osaka: Food & Nightlife Energy
- A lively, neon-lit “Vegas of Japan.”
- Food tour highlights: a Japanese knife shop, a retro pinball parlor, and street food stalls.
- Universal Studios Japan added a dose of theme-park fun.
Disney Magic in Tokyo
- Tokyo Disneyland (for a night).
- Tokyo DisneySea: the family’s favorite, often called the best-themed park in the world.
Family Food Adventures in Japan
Food was a highlight and an adventure.
- Best bites: Tiny ramen restaurants recommended by local guides.
- Ryokan meals: Elaborate spreads with raw fish, grilled fish at breakfast, and fermented delicacies. Challenging for picky eaters but unforgettable.
- Breakfast buffets: Many hotels offered both Japanese and American options — a lifesaver for kids.
- Funny surprise: An “Italian” dinner in Matsumoto with no spaghetti and meat sauce — only seafood pasta!
Tip for Families: Look for hotels with breakfast buffets, pack snacks, and embrace the adventure, but know you can still find comfort foods along the way.
Top Tips for Planning a Family Trip to Japan
- Start early: Susan wished she’d begun planning more than six months ahead.
- Mix city and countryside for variety.
- Use trains: fast, clean, efficient. Store luggage at stations for day trips.
- Try guided tours to unlock hidden gems and navigate subways with ease.
- Stay flexible: ambitious itineraries mean you won’t rest much, but you’ll see a lot.
What was everyone’s favorite part of the trip?
- Evan: Anime shops in Tokyo and hiking in the Alps.
- Capri: Ryokan stay and tea ceremony in Kanazawa.
- Susan: Tokyo’s energy and Tokyo DisneySea.
- Brendan: Experiencing Japan’s deep culture of hospitality.
What’s the next adventure you’re planning?
With their kids now grown, Susan and Brendan are shifting into what they call the “Freebird” stage of family travel. Their new philosophy:
- Keep trips interesting enough that adult kids want to join.
- Cover the costs, and they’ll show up.
- Stay flexible so kids’ schedules don’t limit family time.
Upcoming adventures include a Christmas ski or hiking trip (depending on Capri’s availability) and a European river cruise leading into Oktoberfest for Brendan’s 50th birthday.
🏯 🇯🇵 🍱
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your enchanting journey through Japan.
And for more on planning your family’s trip to Japan, check out this article and the KeeKee Kid’s Guide for Japan.
For more family vacation inspiration, tune in to all the podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!
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