Family trips to Japan

Japan is a polished, family-friendly, surprisingly affordable destination once you're on the ground — the flights are the expensive part. Most family-of-four trips run 12-14 nights through Tokyo, a side-trip to Hakone or Mt Fuji, and 4-5 nights in Kyoto. The itinerary below is calibrated for family-of-four travel; pair it with the Japan cost guide for the saving plan.

When to go: Cherry blossom (late March-early April) and autumn leaves (mid-November) are the iconic seasons but the most expensive. Shoulder months (May, October) are nearly as nice and noticeably cheaper.