Dreamy clips of Kyoto draped in soft pink cherry blossoms and Tokyo’s vibrant anime-style street fashion flood social media, turning Japan into the ultimate dream destination for families with teens.
Though Japan has something for everyone—from budget-friendly Tokyo Disneyland to ancient samurai villages, monkey parks, and historic castles—planning a trip can feel overwhelming, says Tamatha Frederick, a senior Japan specialist at Audley Travel.
Outside Tokyo, English translations on websites and family-friendly hotel options—like connecting rooms or vacation rentals with kitchenettes—can be tricky to find.
That’s why many parents prefer the simplicity of a cruise or guided land tour. Each has its perks and drawbacks. Here’s what to weigh when deciding between the two—and which option comes out ahead.
Ease and Convenience (Winner: Cruises)
Both cruises and land tours cater to kids of all ages, but cruise lines offer something extra: kids’ and teens’ clubs. These give worn-out parents a breather and keep energetic kids entertained—as long as they’re at least three years old and potty-trained.
Cruises also make mealtime easy with kid-friendly breakfast and dinner options, so you can grab a quick bite before trying authentic set lunches or hot pot meals in port. Best of all? You only unpack once.
Your cabin might not be as spacious as some hotel rooms, but it’s close to dining areas, and the ship has safe spots like ice cream bars and pools for older kids to hang out. There are also big-screen movies on deck or evening shows, like performances by famous balloon artists.
Many cruise lines offer premium packages with in-room food and drink delivery—perfect for when you or the kids are too tired to eat out after a long day of exploring.
Of course, this convenience means missing out on authentic land-based stays, like traditional ryokans with tatami mats, low tables, and onsens (hot springs).
Range of Activities (Winner: Land Tours)
Custom land tours shine when it comes to tailoring activities to your family’s interests. They offer hands-on experiences—like ramen-making, taiko drumming, and ninja dojo classes—alongside classic shrine and samurai village tours, which both land and cruise trips include.
Cruises do visit kid-friendly spots like aquariums and hot springs, but they’re designed for large groups, not your family’s unique tastes. InsideJapan Tours, for example, can craft an entire trip for theme park lovers, covering Tokyo Disneyland, Sanrio Puroland (Hello Kitty’s world), and Fuji-Q Highland’s roller coasters. They can also snag hard-to-get tickets—like for the Ghibli Museum—or arrange offbeat experiences, which are gold during peak season (April to June).
Bethan Grant—whose husband co-founded InsideJapan Tours—says some of her family’s favorite memories from last summer’s trip were the unexpected adventures, like hopping on taxi boats near Tokyo, stumbling upon a tour of Japan’s parliament (the National Diet), catching a sumo match, or paddleboarding on Lake Ashi near Mount Fuji.
“There’s only so much trailing around and looking at things before kids get bored,” she says.
Choice of Cities (Winner: Land Tours)
Cruises only stop at specific ports on their route. Land tours, on the other hand, let you go almost anywhere, thanks to Japan’s efficient trains, taxis, and buses—including the Shinkansen bullet train, which zips 311 miles in just two-and-a-half hours.
That’s not to say cruises don’t hit popular spots like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, or Mount Fuji—you just have to pick the right sailing. If your travel dates don’t line up with a cruise that stops there, you’ll miss out. Plus, many cruises only give you one day per destination.
You can add extra days before or after your cruise to explore places like Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing or catch a baseball game near Yokohama’s cruise port.
Affordability (Winner: Cruises)
Cruises can be cheaper, depending on your room choice. But once you add excursions, Wi-Fi, and premium food and drink packages (for those morning coffees and evening cocktails), costs climb.
An 11-day Princess Cruises trip with my teen son ranged from 193to193to694 per day, from interior cabins to balconies. Promos—like free child fares or cabin upgrades—can lower the price, so it pays to compare. Other family-friendly cruise lines in Japan include Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Holland America.
Custom land tours, like Audley’s, average 500–500–700 per person daily, covering trains, admissions, hotels, and guides.
Both options create unforgettable family trips—it just comes down to your comfort level, budget, and interests.