Japan with 70 year old parents for 7 days

[TokyoBoots]

Hello
I am taking my parents to Japan for 7 days in June. It will be their first trip (and my 3rd).

My parents aren't really fussed about where they go but my mum has asked to see old Edo architecture and a real life geisha (I think the latter might be harder to facilitate).

I've been to Kyoto, Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Naoshima, Sapporo.

When I've been to Japan I've walked 20k steps a day, especially in Kyoto. I don't think my parents will be up for this and will need frequent pit stops.

we are only going for 7 days so I was thinking of doing 2 days in Tokyo, 2 days somewhere else, then heading back to Tokyo before we fly home.

can anyone recommend a good city or town or part of Japan with Edo architecture and things to do and see?

I did think Kyoto would be a good option but I'm not sure they would cope with the walking.

what about Kanazawa? Or is there any other part of Japan that would suit for a few days?

thank you

This reminded me that a Japanese colleague told me that their pavements are made often with rubberised components, or asphalt binders which makes them soft underfoot, less injury and quieter! This came up because her parents in their 70s were visiting London from Japan, and really commented on how ‘hard’ our pavements are. So maybe it won’t be as bad!

@HipHipWhoRay wow that's so interesting!! Fingers crossed! I'm not going to push them, and they are happy to sit at a cafe or pop back to the hotel to rest while I do my own thing!

Kanazawa is delightful - all the best of Japan in miniature from old to new. Smaller and more manageable than Tokyo and far less touristy than Kyoto ( or it was when we went10 years ago - they had just got the bullet train!) Highly recommend.

Kyoto, Edo, definitely. I’d also consider travelling on Shinkansen to southern Japan and Hiroshima too, they’d see loads of the country and rest at same time. Tokyo is fantastic as you know, time in museums and people watching so not always on their feet.
What an amazing trip, they’re lucky to have you

Does Tokyo have to be the base?

Between Kyoto/Osaka and Hiroshima there’s some lovely quieter places that might suit. Uji, Kurashiki, Okayama, Himeji, Onomichi, Miyajima etc. The scenery from the windows of the Shinkansen in that whole region is glorious too. It would be a stretch to go that far south from Tokyo in 7 days but probably ok if your starting point was in Kansai.

If starting and ending in Tokyo is set then Kanazawa is a good shout. Other places to consider are Kawagoe or Sawara.

Hi, I think your parents will find it is very well suited to there age group! I second the suggestion to fly into Kansai and have your base from there. Tokyo would be very exhausting. I would stay in the Kansai region as first Nara, then Kyoto were the capital prior to Tokyo.

With the way flights are now routed over the arctic - it's actually quicker and easier to take an Asian carrier - say Cathay Pacific or Korean, and transfer there to Kansai Airport. A direct flight to Tokyo now takes ages. European and Japanese airlines will not fly over Russia but Cathay does.

If you haven't been to Nara before that might be a great call - smaller than Kyoto but some fantastic old temples and lots of historic buildings and as it is more compact less walking. Hiroshima, which I know you have been to is also quite compact and you can get the shinkansen from Osaka, stop at Himeji to see the lovely castle and then hop off at Hiroshima. You could also then stop at Kurashiki which is like a mini Kyoto with canals and lovely buildings https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5750.html

We are heading off in a few weeks (husband Japanese) to spend the summer and are avoiding Kyoto due to overtourism. I think the few remaining geisha are pretty unhappy about being hounded. I have many happy memories from Kyoto in the nineties and noughties but just don't feel right visiting now. Nara on the other hand...

Just to pick up on what @Thismotherthingisconfusing said about geisha. If you want to see a real life geisha, the way to do that is to book a geisha experience. Please don’t be one of those people taking photos of maiko (who are mostly still teenagers) when they are just trying to go about their lives. The way tourists regularly harass them and treat them like public property is horrible.

I’m also someone who avoids Kyoto. Uji (another historic city in Kyoto prefecture) is lovely though.

Thank you all so so much for your replies! Unfortunately flights are already booked to Tokyo direct and I don't think I can make my parents catch a Shinkansen to Kyoto or Osaka as soon as we land so will have a look into Kanazawa, Kawagoe or Sawara.

@Takoneko and @Thismotherthingisconfusing the over tourism is one of the reasons I'm keen to avoid Kyoto as it was pretty busy when we were there 8 years ago and I've heard it's even busier. We definitely won't be harassing any geisha! I was going to look into booking tickets to a performance but from memory I think they usually happen around April time so we have missed the boat on that.

I would genuinely love to go back to Hiroshima and explore a bit more round the area so might look into that aa an option and check with the parents to in case it's too rushed.

@BillytheMountain thank you, I'm lucky to have them and I just wish I could take them for longer!

Excellent thread thank you

See you have already booked flights to Tokyo - in which case how about Fuji Five Lakes area - Hakone. Fujiya is an amazing hotel - everyone from Einstein to Helen Keller (photos resplendent in kimono) stayed here - it really is like stepping back into another age. It's got pricey but you could go for lunch or dinner. https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-kanagawa/in-hakone_odawara/article-a0004623/

Hakone has lovely views of Fuji and wonderful art museums if that is your thing.

I haven't seen anyone mention Nikko - it has world heritage temples and is easily reached from Tokyo for the day https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/ Should be cooler as well if you hit a hot day or two. Worth keeping an eye on the weather forecast in June as peak rainy season - it is so unpredictable these days though. Enjoy the beautiful azaleas and hydrangeas everywhere.

If you want a visit to the seaside Kamakura is the nearest resort to Tokyo and lots of history and temples - here is a lovely blog with season flowers https://www.japan-guide.com/blog/jess/160606.html

I am very jealous - would prefer to be going in June than July!!

Hello, just coming back on here to say thank you for all your tips and we had a wonderful time!

We went to Tokyo and Kanazawa in the end (with a day trip to shirakawa/takayama by bus from Kanazawa!). It was the perfect mix of old and new. My parents loved the Shinkansen.

My only regret is that we didn't have longer. 7 days was only really 6 days when you take into account flight times.

Thanks again for all the tips!

So glad to hear you had a wonderful time. We’re planning to visit Kanazawa next spring, were there any particular highlights for you?

@Takoneko we loved Kenrokuen Garden, it was absolutely beautiful! We also loved Omicho market - loads of gorgeous fresh seafood you could pick up and eat! We didn't get a chance to go to the modern art museum sadly but would like to do that if I am every lucky enough to go back.