Hi everyone ! I (25F) have been to Japan twice already, first one completely on my own (had for bases Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo and then did day trips from there + one night at Mt. Fuji) and went another time with a friend (Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto). My mom (F62) is retiring at the end of the year, and we've been considering going on a trip to Japan with my dad (M67) next year. I'm obviously excited because since my last trip, all I've been thinking about is going back, but also, as someone who is used to solo traveling, I'm definitely afraid aha. I love the freedom that comes with solo traveling; but obviously can't leave my parents all on their own during that time (we are French, I speak english fluently but they don't speak it at all, and I know some basics in japanese). So thats why I'd like to know opinions/tips from other people on how they made their trip with their parents nice and stress-free !
Did you use the Shinkansen or get a car? Did you perhaps travel by plane within the country? Hotels or Airbnb (though i've been hearing contradicting things about the legality of airbnbs and in general would rather stray away from them)?Are there some activities or cities that your parents enjoyed more than others, did you redo some of the stuff you'd already done (golden route?) or did you add new things so you'd discover things you hadn't done yet? Things you bought that made the trip easier? I'd love to know! Also, considering their age (vs mine lol), did you take frequent "breaks" where you just walked around and didnt really plan anything? Onsen trips? (I know that when I go to Japan my days are usually PACKED but still not too tiring, I know how to limit myself!)
We still haven't really planned anything since it would probably be in a year from now (I was considering May 2027), but I do know my parents aren't really shopping people and not big on pop culture (i also don't really care about shopping but do love collecting some merch from animes) so I was mostly considering having Tokyo as a base for 3/4 days maximum so we could explore other things outside since some areas like Akihabara, Shinjuku or Shibuya might not be their cup of tea (i loved Kamakura and definitely want to take them here again).
So yeah! thank you in advance to those who will reply 🙂
by miyuswaa