Japan Among Top Safest Travel Destinations

The result of the latest survey of Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) re-claimed Japan as one of the safest destinations in the world.  Their 2010 Global Peace Index (GPI), released on June 8, 2010, ranks Japan as the third safest country in the world, following New Zealand and Iceland.  Although Japan has been well known for high level of safety, this ranking reassures the advantages of Japan tourism for family travelers.

In addition to the superior safety, Japan’s efficient train system facilitates varieties of itineraries for family travelers.  The combination of these two elements enables family travelers to maximize the activities in Japan, and there are a lot of activities for both adults and children.

Just 1.5 hour train and bus rides from central Tokyo takes many family travelers to Hakone, a fabulous destination for natural hot springs and ryokan experience.  Featuring Picassos, Henry Moores and Rodins in the open air field, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is also open for children not only to look at the sculptures but also touch, climb and play with them, and experience three-dimensional creativity through physical contact.

Japan’s safety and efficient public transportation also take family travelers to national parks and camping sites like Qkamura properties.  Their programs include local and cultural activities at different facilities such as cottages, cabins, and lodges.  During this summer, they charge 5,000 yen (approximately $50) per child per night with two meals at any Qkamura facilities where they can experience local life.

Beyond internationally acknowledged contemporary art museums, Tokyo also has museums for children.  At Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki, producer of the Oscar-winning animation movies “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke” and others, created a real world of their movie scenes.   Ghibli Museum in Mitaka mocks up the life-size fantasy villages where children experience the wonder world of Hayao Miyazaki movies.

Even in urban areas, safety really accounts for unforgettable stay:  Tokyo’s spectacular Tokyo Disney Resort houses the Tokyo Disney Land and the world’s only Tokyo Disney Sea.  Next door is the Cirque du Soleil’s Theatre Tokyo, where they perform the exclusive show to the Tokyo location “ZED.”

Japan’s high-level public safety lowers travelers’ concern for late evening activities, opens every corner of the country and local life and activities to family travelers with no fear of crimes.  Taking advantage of the safety level, tourism industry of Japan keeps developing more and more family friendly facilities and programs.

For more information on fun things to do in Japan read FTF’s article entitled Trips For Family Travel in Japan.