Au Pair in Japan: Guided tour

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, combines old traditions with modern-day novelties. Here, any Au Pair will find a lot of things to do during their free time. Start by visiting the historic Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa district, where you can experience traditional Japanese culture and shop for souvenirs at Nakamise Street. 

 

For a taste of modern Tokyo, head to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. If you are interested in fashion, grab your Au Pair friends and take a stroll through the trendy Harajuku district, known for its unique and quirky shops.

 

If you are an outdoorsy person, we recommend spending a day in the calm and picturesque surroundings of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Another activity for nature enthusiasts is a boat ride on the lake in Ueno Park. If you are an art lover, you will definitely appreciate the diverse exhibitions at the Tokyo National Museum. 

 

Probably, you have already heard that Tokyo is renowned for its culinary scene, ranging from sushi and ramen to street food at local markets. Don’t miss a chance to eat out with your Host Family, who can show you restaurants popular among locals.

Kyoto is a great place to explore Japan's rich cultural heritage. Firstly, we recommend visiting the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. It’s a perfect place to take a photo or a selfie and share the Japanese spirit with your followers on social media. Kyoto is also home to other stunning temples such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), where you can enjoy great views and the feeling of tranquillity.

 

Next on the list is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove where you can take a stroll to unwind from your busy Au Pair routine. If you are interested in Japanese traditions, you definitely need to pass by Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district, where you can take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

In Nara Park, you can enjoy a delightful day with your Host Kids, surrounded by nature and friendly animals. One of the main attractions of this park is feeding free-roaming deer, which are not afraid of visitors and can be fed special deer crackers available for purchase. 

 

While exploring the park, you can also visit the Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, and speak with the kids about history and its significance. The park territory is a perfect location for a picnic or outdoor games, which will definitely bring a lot of fun and joy to your trip. 

Hiroshima is a city famous for its resilience. It is home to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The park is located in the heart of the city and features several important monuments, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few structures that survived the bombing. 

 

The Museum exposition shares a strong message of peace and speaks in favour of the abolition of nuclear weapons. It is a good place to think about and discuss the importance of peace and cultural diversity which can lead us to a safer world. 

 

Besides its historical landmarks, Hiroshima also has a number of vibrant modern attractions. If you are hungry after the museum visit, you need to go to Okonomi-mura, a multi-story building with numerous restaurants dedicated to okonomiyaki, Hiroshima's famous savory pancake.

 

Those who are interested in technology can book a tour of the Mazda Museum, where there is a chance to learn about the history and future of Mazda cars and the Japanese automobile industry. Another great museum you can visit is the Hiroshima Museum of Art, which houses a big collection of European and Japanese modern art. 

Osaka is often referred to as Japan's kitchen because of its great food scene that includes delicious street food, local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and even Michelin-starred restaurants. Here you can explore new tastes and try the best dishes this country has to offer.

 

From the city's historic landmark, Osaka Castle, you can take a glimpse into the country's feudal past and enjoy panoramic views from its observation deck. If you are more into modern attractions, do not miss the Dotonbori district with its neon lights and bustling atmosphere. It is a must-visit location if you are looking for such entertainment as cinemas, theatres, and shopping. Here you can also take a photo next to one of the most iconic landmarks - the Glico Running Man sign. 

 

When visiting Osaka either with your Au Pair friends or your Host Family, you simply cannot miss a visit to Universal Studios Japan. It is one of the several Universal Studios theme parks, where you can find unique theme areas including the Jurassic Park area, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World. 

 

All areas are aimed at providing interactive and immersive experiences for the visitors, which means that both you and your Host kids will get a great bonding opportunity while exploring the attractions and riding the most thrilling roller-coasters. 

 

Bear in mind that Japan offers a lot of exciting opportunities beyond visiting its main attractions. For example, you can explore quiet rural villages, known for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Another thing to do is to visit onsen (hot springs) in smaller towns and experience a big part of Japanese culture. If you want to feel like a local, book a stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can try kaiseki, a full-course meal made with seasonal ingredients. If you want to learn some cooking skills, take a cooking class where you will be taught how to make sushi or ramen. Spare some time to explore Japan's beautiful countryside by walking a few hiking trails in the mountainous regions of the country.

 

If you want to learn more about an Au Pair stay in Japan, read this article!