Do you have a young anime or manga fan in your household? In case you’re not sure, the terms refer to Japanese animated films and graphic novels, respectively, and they are becoming so popular in the United States, bookstores are dedicating entire sections of their inventory to the genre, and movies are becoming increasingly available on streaming video services.
The good news for tourism in Japan is this cultural phenomenon is boosting interest to the destination among young American travelers, although of course, Japan offers an entire menu of other, more traditional attractions.
Keeping pace with this trend, Adventures by Disney AdventuresbyDisney.com is adding Japan to its roster of vacation options for 2019 with a 10-night itinerary that includes visits to Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, Hakone and Tokyo.
Hakone Shrine. Photo: Tianchad | Dreamstime.com
Best of all, the itinerary includes family-friendly, hands-on activities — like riding in a rickshaw, cycling and even cooking — that go beyond the typical sightseeing tours.
Here’s what you can do with your family on the trip:
- Bike through the rural countryside of Japan, including in quaint farm villages and along rice paddies.
- Cruise on a river boat along the Hozugawa River.
- Travel in an authentic rickshaw through Kyoto’s Arashiyama district and the Bamboo Forest.
- See a live Sumo wrestling performance at the Kehaya-Za Sumo Experience & Museum.
- Experience the time-honored tradition of Samurai swordsmanship — kids can even give it a try — and watch a Maiko dance performance in Kyoto.
- Engage with local practitioners in the arts of Taiko drumming, origami and calligraphy.
- Discover the secrets to making perfect sushi and learn how to build a bento box for your next picnic.
- Speaking of food, visit the CupNoodles Museum in Tokyo and learn to make your own chicken ramen by hand.
- Explore historical shrines and temples, such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sensoji Temple, Pure Water Temple, the Kamakura Daibutsu and Meiji Shrine.
- Chill out at Hama Rikyu Gardens, a green oasis nestled among Tokyo’s skyscrapers, and unwind with a customary tea ceremony steeped in history and tradition.
- Journey to some of Japan’s most famous neighborhoods and markets, like Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo and Dotonbori, Osaka’s popular dining district.
- Savor delicious local treats, such as sake tasting for adults and giant cotton candy for smaller travelers.
The new itinerary is just one of Adventures by Disney’s menu of offerings in 2019, which also include a revamped Alberta, Canada, itinerary, which includes cowboy-style rope wrangling and exploring Banff National Park and Lake Louise.
The company is already accepting bookings for all 2019 vacations.
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