Things to do with your teenage children in Japan besides Disneyland and Universal Studios

Make custom ramen

Credit: Getty Images

1/6

You need to make a trip to the Cup Noodles Museum, a popular museum in the Minato Mirai district of Yokohama that is dedicated to the history of instant noodles and the story of their inventor Momofuku Ando.

You can also participate in a 90-minute workshop to experience the whole process of making instant ramen noodles. After the noodles are made you can take them home to eat. You can make your reservations here.  

If your teen loves design, they can also choose to create their own Cup Noodles package.  Your specially designed cup will also include the choice of your favorite soup as well as four toppings. As there are a limited number of workshops each day, they require an advance reservation.

Magical sunsets in Okinawa

Credit: Getty Images

2/6

Okinawa is famous for its beautiful beaches, unique island culture, and the longevity of its people and a recognised Blue Zone. If you’re looking for a unique beach destination, Okinawa is definitely a worthy consideration. There are many activities to do in Okinawa mostly to do with nature which I think is great for teenagers who are consumed by digital technology. One of the experiences that struck us most was the two-hour experience guided kayak tour on the Hija River in Okinawa.

Led by an experienced guide, you’ll get to explore the mangroves and enjoy sweeping views of the sunset from your kayak. Soak up the picturesque landscape and see some local fauna such as small crabs and gobies. 

Embark on a samurai & ninja adventure

Credit: Getty Images

3/6

Teens start their history lessons in Secondary One so an immersion into Japanese history and culture might pique their interest. Make a trip to Edo Wonderland in Nikko for a glimpse of Japanese history. Inside the attraction, you’ll be able to walk around a reconstructed town with Edo-style architecture and see live performances like the Oiran Courtesan Procession. At the Grand Ninja Theatre, you can join in the training experience to learn how to be a ninja or samurai. 

If you love F1, a go-kart rental is the easiest way to experience what it is like to be an F1 driver. While Tokyo is famous for its street cart (although it’s not as loved by locals as it’s viewed as a street hazard), you will need a driver’s license to drive one of those. A fun way to enjoy Japan with your teens is to book yourself a go-kart adventure. We did our research as my son is an avid go-karter and these three spots come highly recommended by former American F3 race car driver Cameron Das. 

First up is the Big Bang Drift Tokyo where people can experience drifting with small, drift-capable go-karts. This is located at the Big Bang Yamato Leisure Sports Plaza in Yamato, which is a short train ride from Tokyo. Coming in a close second are two spots. The Neo Speedpark Chiba for superior elevation and Ishino Circuit Toyota which according to Das feels very similar to an FIA (International Automobile Federation) grade circuit.  

Take a day trip to a traditional village and drink natural spring water from Mount Fuji

Credit: Getty Images

5/6

Don’t miss this spot if you’re going to Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. In fact, if your schedule is flexible, you should spend the night as the area has many charming accomodations. The traditional village town Oshino Hakkai (literally meaning “eight seas of Oshino”) refers to the eight freshwater ponds formed by the meltwater of Mount Fuji. The ponds are  recognised as part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage site and have been a source of cultural significance for centuries. 

Besides its scenic Mount Fuji backdrop, Oshino Hakkai isn’t just about nature, it’s also a cultural experience as the area around the ponds is dotted with traditional thatched-roof houses , a style that was common in rural Japan from the Jomon era (c. 14,000–300 BCE) until the mid-20th century.  

Of course, as mentioned earlier, one of the biggest highlights of Oshino Hakkai is the unparalleled view of Mount Fuji. On clear days, the mountain stands majestically in the background, making it a stunning sight from any angle. If your teen loves photography, he can put his talent to test here with the unique perspectives of Mount Fuji, framed with traditional thatched-roof houses, and its reflection in the ponds.

Lastly, Oshino Hakkai features designated areas where you can drink clean and pure water from the springs - naturally filtered for decades through Mount Fuji’s volcanic rock and ranked among Japan’s top 100 best waters.

Up close with Sumo wrestlers

Credit: Getty Images

6/6

Sumo is Japan’s national sport that existed for over 1,500 years. It was originally a Shinto ritual, performed to pray for good harvests and appease the gods. The sport has evolved over time, transitioning from a ritualistic practice to a competitive sport with a complex system of rankings and tournaments. 

In this guided tour,  you will learn about sumo wrestling with an early morning visit to the training stables, where you’ll experience what a typical day is like for a sumo wrestler. Not only will you get an up-close view of high-ranking wrestlers while they train, your expert guide will share interesting facts and stories about the sport and its history.