Japan

[lilybetsy]

I am hoping to take my three kids (will then be 20, 17 and 14) to Japan in Summer 2019. I know Summer isn't the best time to go, but school holidays mean its the only time we can go. Hoping to be there 3 weeks
Anyone have any suggestions? Do's or Don'ts ?

There's several recent threads on this on mn that you'll find useful. We loved Japan, and the absolute must is to get a railpass.

We didn't get a rail pass as we took the bullet train from kyoto to Tokyo which isn't included. So I wouldn't agree it's a must actually.

We did Japan without the rail pass but only did 3 cities: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with day trips to Himeji and Mt Fuji. We went with our 3 year old so also visited Tokyo Disney. It was an amazing trip (despite the earthquake when in Osaka!)

We booked through the dragon trip - they sorted out some great hotels and rail pass. We did Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone and Kyoto in 10 days (was very jam packed trip!). It was the most amazing holiday!

I don't know what it would be like in the Summer, but youngsters would (I think) enjoy walking the Kumano Kodo - old pilgramage routes. There's a website for it, which is a bit difficult to work out, but it's very well organised with luggage transfers. We did it when we were there and it was one of the highlights.
If not that, when we stayed in Matsumoto, we spent a day walking the Nakasendo Trail. It's a pleasant walk through old post towns and countryside. You can easily take public transport to the start and end.
We had 4 weeks travelling around and towards the end got 'templed out' and walking broke things up a bit.
while I'm mentioned temples though, the first set we did were in Nikko, a day trip by train from Tokyo. Well worth a visit as the complex is enourmous. Parts are jammed with tourists, but other areas lovely and quiet.
don't forget to get your bento boxes for the train!

The shinkansen "bullet train" is definitely included in the rail pass, I used the pass to travel from Tokyo, to Kyoto, to Hiroshima and then back to Tokyo again. I always used the bullet train

We're hoping to go to Japan in 2019 as well.
What sort of budget would you need for 2 adults and a 16 Yr old?
Would like to be away for 3 weeks with a stopover somewhere on the way home.

I'm sorry I can't help with that - if you're travelling around independently, it's difficult to keep track.

We went in May 2014. It is expensive to holiday there but the main determining factor will be where you stay. Mostly rooms are small so a room for 3 could be a challenge. Lots of hotels are for business travellers and there are Ryokans, the traditional hotels, as well. There are a few boutique hotels but not many.

The Japan Rail pass covers Japan Rail and the bullet trains. It does not cover the Private lines such as the Enoden Line. Our 2 week trip was about £2750 each excluding flights but one hotel was very expensive and we had lots of extras such as a cookery class, a geiko show in Kyoto and a guide included in Kyoto for an evening walk plus collection on arrival in Tokyo to get the rail
Pass.

I strongly suggest you look at itineraries in Lonely Planet for inspiration. Personally I would not waste a second at Disney when there is so much else to see. Eating out was not too expensive. Walking the Nakasendo Highway between Magome and Tsumago is great.

We found this country endlessly fascinating and I would love to go back. Kyoto was 28 degrees in May so very hot in the summer. Tokyo will be hot and humid. Do go though.