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Traveling To Japan With A Baby Or Toddler: What To Know!

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There’s no denying it: All countries are different. But believe it or not, Japan is somehow more different than most.

Imagine a country where tipping is considered disrespectful; English is not the national language but is widely used and understood!

For any grown-up visitor, Japan is an exotic destination. It is a unique country that offers an exciting escape from familiar surroundings, with its peculiarity being part of the captivating appeal.

🏆 Best Baby-Friendly Hotels in Japan

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are my picks for baby and toddler-friendly hotels in Japan!

Hotel In Tokyo: Imperial Hotel Tokyo (5-Star) (Where we stayed!)
Hotel In Kyoto: Hotel Imagine Kyoto (4-Star) (Where I wished we stayed!)
Hotel In Osaka: Hotel Nikko Osaka (4-Star) (Most popular hotel for families)

The big question, however, remains; can you travel to Japan with a baby or toddler?

Is Japan safe and baby-friendly? And where can you stock up on baby supplies?

We cover all these questions in our guide below.

What You Will Find In This Article:

Click to hop straight to these sections.

Is Japan Baby-Friendly ?
Japan with a Baby: Everything You Need To Know (Tips, What to expect, where to find supplies & more!)
Where to go in Japan with a Baby or Toddler

Traveling to Japan with a Baby: Is Japan Baby-Friendly?

We have read repeatedly about how baby-friendly Japan is, yet we found the holiday a bit challenging (*honest truth).

(We have a complete guide of other ideas on the best places to go on a holiday with a baby .)

So here are my thoughts: if you are traveling to Japan with only a baby (and no other kids), I think Japan is a great destination. It is also crucial to pick one to three destinations at most to visit during your trip (we did seven different places). Keep it easy.

We were traveling with three kids, though, and together with having to drag luggage + hold hands + carry a baby up and down stairs to subways & train stations regularly ; we found the trip REALLY HARD. The same would be true if you visited Japan with a toddler.

However, I have some invaluable tips on how to ensure your holiday will be easier than ours! Learn from our mistakes and take them on board.

There are definitely many benefits to visiting Japan with a baby. The country is safe.

You can find baby supplies in the stores. The streets are stroller-friendly.

You will even often see little baby seats in toilet cubicles so you can pop your baby down whilst you do what you need to do.

A vacation to Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that promises lots of adventure, education, and a giddy blend of culture, it is always worth a little challenge.

Guide to a Baby-Friendly Japan Trip: Top Tips + Everything You Should Know

Before you embark on your journey to Japan, these great tips will help you create the ultimate baby holiday in Japan.

This guide will also be helpful to those traveling to Japan with a toddler.

You will find all the information about how to prepare for your trip, where to find baby supplies, how to explore, and more!

You will find information on where to go in Japan with a baby or toddler down lower in the post.

1. Passports

Children are required to have their passports to be allowed to travel to and around Japan.

You will also need to carry the passport when you travel on trains as you might be required to show it.

2. Vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccinations for a child to travel to Japan.

3. Don’t Pack Too Much!

Getting from one destination/attraction to the next in Japan can be a bit of a mission when you have too much luggage, especially when traveling with your baby!

While the train system is super-efficient, taxis are costly , so you will most likely use the trains to get around.

We found that very few stations had lifts or escalators, which meant that we had to carry our baby (in a carrier) and all the luggage down and up too many stairs.

So is Japan baby friendly? Not always!

Try to minimize and pack as light as you can.

Think hard about which items you will really need. (We have a complete list of the best baby travel gear you might find helpful).

You will also need to be able to fit the luggage in the luggage compartment above your seat (see the photo above to see how much space you have – not much!).

Tip: If, like us, you find it too hard to drag all your luggage from one destination to the next, here is a handy tip: Japan has a luggage forwarding system!

We used this because we got so sick and tired of struggling to get from point A to point B.

Essentially, you can organize and pay for your luggage to be collected from your hotel in one city and dropped off at your hotel in the next city.

You can do this at the hotel reception. We thought the prices were pretty reasonable (nothing in Japan is cheap).

Important to note that the process typically works overnight, so you will have your bag the next day (depending on how far they have to travel).

So we always took our essentials in one suitcase and only carried that suitcase with us.

You can learn more about this forwarding system here .

4. Be Prepared for the Flight to Japan

Remember to book bulkhead seats with a bassinet when traveling to Japan with a baby.

You can use the bassinet and have loads more room (and no reclining seats in front of you!).

You should also know what your ticket price includes.

If your baby is eating solids, remember to call the airline and request a baby meal. This meal usually includes a drink box and some pureed food pouches.

Remember, airline food is never guaranteed to be a hit with kids. So make sure you have your own snacks and baby food supplies for the trip on hand.

We have loads of tips for flying with a baby that you can read in our post here .
You can also find bucketloads of traveling with baby tips by clicking on our baby or toddler travel guide here.
Find a list of the best travel items for toddlers in our complete guide here.

5. Is Japan Stroller Friendly?

The streets and parks are definitely stroller friendly! In fact, there is so much walking from subway stations to tourist attractions that a stroller could definitely be useful.

The only thing is that there are typically no lifts or escalators leading to the subway station and you might have lots of stairs to climb, so my suggestion is to make sure that you have a lightweight stroller.

When we visited Japan, our daughter was still pretty young and so we mostly had her in a baby carrier.

It was cold during our trip so it also helped to keep her warm as we didn’t have all the fancy gear that Japanese moms use to keep their little ones warm in the strollers.

We actually ended up sending our stroller to the storage at the airport as we got sick and tired of carrying it up and down the stairs at subway stations, but if our daughter was older and heavier I think we would have kept our stroller instead.

6. Travel Slower

Traveling through Japan with a little one will undoubtedly slow you down.

One of the downsides is that you won’t be able to visit as many locations as you’d have wanted.

You should, therefore, always consider planning activities that are close to one another.

Ensure you travel slower and allow plenty of time for your baby to be changed, fed, or rocked to sleep.

Don’t forget to schedule some downtime for yourself too; otherwise , you might get exhausted.

Because it can be so tricky getting from point A to B in Japan with a baby, I recommend minimizing the number of cities you will be visiting.

We tried to see Tokyo, Kyoto , Miyajima , Nara, Shirakawa-Go, Takayama , and Kanazawa on our 3-week trip, and we were exhausted by the end of it!

So pick 1-3 cities for your trip and keep it simple and easy.

Tokyo with a baby is lots of fun, and so is Osaka and Tokyo – you can find more information about these cities down further in our post!

7. Always go for Public Transport in Japan

While we are on the topic of transport, here is another tip: If you’re planning to stay in Japan for longer than a week and plan to travel between major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto (which is obvious), traveling by rail would be the most economical option.

Japanese public transport is undoubtedly one of the best in the world!

So whether it’s a bus, a subway, or the Japan Rail Pass (basically long-distance train travel), Japanese public transport is a great option for those with kids. Kids under the age of 6 can travel for free, and kids between 6 and 12 will be half-price.

This makes Japan with kids a whole lot more affordable!

Further Reading: Let us help you decide whether the Japan Rail Pass will be of benefit to you.

Tip: Always avoid rush hour in the main cities. This is because it can sometimes get hectic, and the lack of space can scare the little one.

You will be surprised at how many people can squash into the trains at these times. I wouldn’t recommend it.

The weekday rush hours peak between 8 am and 9 am in the morning and shortly after 5 pm in the evening.

8. Do you Need a Car Seat in Japan?

Legally if you rent a car you do need to use a car seat for children under 6 years of age, you can find more information on car seats in Japan here .

Because taxis are so expensive we only used a taxi once and we did not use a car seat for the taxi.

We also hired a private driver to take us from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-Go because the bus was already sold out. The drive took around 1 hour and we did not have a car seat.

Overall I highly suggest a car seat for obvious safety reasons. We planned on public transport and relied on trains and buses because we did not want to carry a car seat around with us on top of all the other luggage.

9. Try to Travel Hands-Free

We found that many attractions were located in beautiful hilly areas, which meant that not only did we have to deal with stairs at the train stations, but we also had to climb stairs at the attractions!

While we did indeed take our baby stroller along, we barely ever used it on our Japan trip, and I would suggest that you leave it behind altogether.

Instead, try to travel hands-free. We had Avalee in a baby carrier all the time. It made life so much easier as we climbed many stairs at attractions or headed down all the stairs to the subways.

We also prefer to travel with a backpack diaper bag , which is great to not only balance out the weight of our baby on the front but also makes it easier for us to have our hands free to deal with money and tickets (and to hold our other two daughters hands at the busy train stations).

Tip: If you find that you do need a stroller, you can always rent one.

There are a lot of online shops that offer baby cots, car seats, baby carriers, and many more baby amenities at affordable prices.

There’s also some great baby food in Japan! Everything is in Japanese , so best to ask your hotel receptionist to help you. They tend to be super friendly and happy to help.

Most of the department stores and shopping centers in Tokyo have free stroller rentals, which will give you a break from the carrier if you need it .

10. Japanese Department Stores Are Baby-Friendly

Most department stores in Japan are extremely baby-friendly.

They have nurseries with changing tables and private breastfeeding rooms. Some well-known stores with these amenities include; Daimaru, Isetan, Matsuya, and Mitsukoshi.

We often found it best to head to the drug stores instead of the supermarkets for food and baby supplies.

Drug stores are an excellent source of baby supplies, and you can typically find them easily. They will sell your pre-packaged baby food, formulae, snacks, and diapers.

Pureed Baby Food: Our baby didn’t like Japanese baby food and purees, so make sure you pack your own just as a backup.
Baby Formula: Our baby didn’t mind the baby formula in Japan. The best brands are Meiji, Morinaga, and Icreo. We couldn’t understand how many scoops to add, but our hotel receptionist managed to translate the instructions for us, so ask if you are confused.
Baby Diapers: While they are readily available, they are expensive. Our Australian diapers were much better quality as well, so we made sure to keep a good supply of our diapers for the flight home (because nobody wants to change a baby’s diaper more often on a plane than is necessary)

Note: We did struggle to find supplies in the smaller towns, so stock up in the cities before you head out to islands or remote destinations.

11. Restaurants in Japan

While most restaurants and pubs allow babies, use your common sense when deciding which restaurant is appropriate for him/her.

Many restaurants in Japan are tiny, crowded, and noisy, which is such a great atmosphere for us but can be pretty overwhelming for a baby.

Smoking in restaurants is also allowed, and we often walked into a restaurant only to turn back around when we realized how heavy the cigarette and cigar smoke was.

You also won’t easily find a high chair in these restaurants, so expect to hold your baby on our lap or in your baby carrier.

If your baby is a bit older, you might like to take a lightweight travel high chair with you. Here are our recommendations for portable high chairs .

Dinner time for us typically meant that our baby Avalee was tired, but the restaurants were way too noisy, so we struggled to get her to sleep, and she spent dinner crying. It wasn’t fun.

So my tip here is to remember that they have Domino’s Pizza Delivery.

We ended up ordering delivery for a few nights so that we could eat in our VRBO apartment instead (and that way, Avie could get some sleep in her portable cot) – dinner + peace = heaven!

12. Breastfeeding in Japan

If you are planning on breastfeeding in Japan, I highly suggest you pack in a cover-up.

While breastfeeding in public is fine, I never saw anyone with their boob visibly out; it is all about discretion.

If you prefer to feed in breastfeeding rooms, you will always find them in department stores, museums, and play centers.

13. Book a Machiya (Japanese-Style House) or VRBO Apartment

As a pre-warning, hotel rooms in Japan are really tiny and pretty pricey. I also highly recommend asking them if a baby cot will be available.

If your baby is moving, you might prefer a Machiya or an VRBO rather than a hotel so that there is room for your little one to crawl and play.

They are also fabulous choices for those who can’t afford the pricey prices of the hotels.

We enjoyed staying in a mix of all three of the above.

We loved our VRBO’s in Japan as they typically come with a fully functional kitchen that certainly allows you to cook your meals, especially for the baby.

Most also have a washing machine that will make the baby’s laundry easier.

I will share some hotel links below for those who wish to stay in a hotel.

You will find that most hotels will have some information on their cots/extra beds that say, “There is no capacity in this room for a cot”, so if you use our links below for hotels that do offer and have space for cots it will save you loads of research time.

Note about cots: We ended up taking a portable baby cot with us to Japan as many of the hotels and VRBO’s did not have a cot available, so it is essential to ask the question before you book to ensure that baby has a safe space to sleep.

>>> Click here to see a list of recommended travel cribs to take along.

Let’s look at our top recommended places to visit with a baby and I will also include our recommendations of which hotels actually provide a baby cot.

Where to go In Japan with a Baby or Toddler

Wondering where to go in Japan with your little one? We share a simplified version of our way-to-busy itinerary.

Find below 3 destinations that I recommend you include in your Japan Itinerary with a baby or toddler.

1. Tokyo with a Baby or Toddler

Is Tokyo baby-friendly? Yes – well mostly!

Here are our top tips for traveling to Tokyo with a baby or toddler.

Tokyo’s streets are narrow and popular spots will be packed to the brim with people. Many of Tokyo’s subway stations don’t have elevators or escalators, so keep in mind that you need to be able to carry all your luggage and strollers up and down stairs if you take public transportation.

So a small lightweight stroller will be key. A stroller will be helpful though because you will be walking A LOT.

So even if you have a toddler that loves walking, they will get tired and the stroller will be very helpful to have.

See if you can book a hotel or VRBO that is close to the subway station – honestly, you will be surprised at how many trains you will be catching during your stay.

Things to do in Tokyo with a Baby or Toddler:

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
Senso-ji Temple Tokyo and Ueno Park
Day Trip to Nikko (lots of stairs so don’t bother taking the stroller – book a tour here )
Visit the Government Building for views over Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Imperial Palace
Tokyo Disney Parks (for older toddlers – buy your 1 day pass online here )

How Many Nights to Stay for:

I recommend staying for 5-7 nights in Tokyo.

Where to Stay in Tokyo with a Baby:

Find below our three favorite accommodation options for those traveling with a baby.

Imperial Hotel Tokyo (5-Star): This hotel is perfect if you can reach the price. It is convenient with an airport shuttle drop-off at its front door. It is also in a central location with three stations within a 5-minute walk. They have family rooms available that offer more space. Babysitting is available, as well as cribs. Click here to check availability and prices .
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi (5-Star): Another fabulous option as it is directly accessible from JR Tokyo Station. They also have babysitting services as well as cribs available. Fabulous location; you can’t go wrong. Click here to check availability and prices .
Nohga Hotel Ueno (4-Star): This hotel is conveniently located 3.3 km from Tokyo Skytree, in the Taito district of Tokyo. No babysitting services here, but you can request a cot for free. Click here to check availability and prices .

After more suggestions of where to stay in Tokyo? You can find our list of the best family hotels in Tokyo here.

2. Osaka with a Baby or Toddler

Osaka is fairly easy to explore with a baby or toddler. Our favorite thing to do in this city was to use it as a base for some stunning day trips.

Things to do in Osaka with a Baby or Toddler:

Stroll Around Dontonbori (A good place to go for food)
Osaka Castle Park
Miyajima Day Trip (You can either DIY or book an organized tour here )
Kurashiki Day Trip
Himeji Castle Day Trip
Universal Studios (for older toddlers – book your transport + entrance ticket online here )
Nara Day Trip (You can either DIY or book a guided tour here )
I recommend staying for 3-4 nights in Osaka.

Where to Stay in Osaka with a Baby:

InterContinental Hotel Osaka (5-Star): In an excellent location and only a 5-minute walk from JR Osaka Train Station. Their rooms are lovely and soundproof. They have babysitters available as well as free cribs. Click here to check availability and prices .
Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower (4-Star): This hotel is conveniently located close to the train station. They have larger family rooms available to offer space. The rooms are soundproof, and cribs are available as well. Click here to check availability and prices .
Hotel Nikko Osaka (4-Star): The Hotel Nikko brand is a popular one for travelers due to their affordable prices. They are also located with direct access from the airport shuttles. It is also directly connected to Shinsaibashi Subway Station. They also have cribs available as well. Click here to check availability and prices .

2. Kyoto with a Baby or Toddler

Kyoto is a BIG city. Expect to spend a lot of time on public transport in order to get from one tourist attraction to the next.

Try to stay close to a train or bus station to make life a bit easier.

Streets and many tourist spots are stroller-friendly.

Things to do in Kyoto with a Baby or Toddler:

Explore Arashiyama and the Fushimi Inari Shrine (Included highlights include The Kimono Forest of Arashiyama, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine)
Ginkaku-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Shimbashi Street, and Gion District (A great way to see these sights is on a private walking tour ).
Southern Higashiyama, Nijo Castle, and the Golden Pavilion
To make life really easy, you could also see all the Kyoto highlights on a full-day tour. Check prices and availability for the Kyoto highlights tour here .
I recommend staying for 4-6 nights in Kyoto.

Where to stay in Kyoto with a baby:

Find below our two favorite accommodation options for those traveling with a baby.

Hotel Imagine Kyoto (4-Star): What we love about this hotel is that all the units have a seating area (which means more space). The hotel is close to Kyoto station, so exploring other areas of Kyoto is easy. Free cots are available too. Click here to check availability and prices .
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (4-Star): This hotel offers a free 5 min shuttle to the Kyoto Station. The World Heritage site Nishi Honganji Temple is just a 5-minute walk away. We love their family-size rooms, and they have cots available as well. Click here to check availability and prices .

Of course, if you want to include a few more destinations, then you can check out our guide on the most beautiful places to visit in Japan for first-timers .

Conclusion To Our Japan with Toddlers or Babies Guide

The idea of traveling to a foreign country is often an intimidating prospect for many.

The idea of making the trip with a baby or toddler in tow is even more worrying to many, but that doesn’t mean parents cannot have an exciting holiday in a foreign land far away from home.

You can travel to Japan with your baby; you must be well-prepared!

Visiting Japan with a baby is more straightforward than in many other countries.

That’s because Japan is a baby/kid-friendly country, and everybody seems to love babies.

To highlight this, there are seats for babies to sit on in many public places and kid areas for children to let loose, run around and have some fun!

Believe it or not, changing tables are everywhere, including in the men’s bathroom! Some places even offer free diapers and microwaves.

This is a place where you’ll walk in big cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto and see babies everywhere.

But do learn from our mistakes and travel slowly and lightly for your Japan travels.

So if you’ve been planning to travel to Japan and have some worries about going with your baby, know that it is an excellent destination if you use our tips above (do it better than us!)

Traveling to Japan with a baby or toddler is possible! All you have to do is keep up with the above fantastic tips, and you and your baby will be good to go.

How to Visit Japan with a Baby or Toddler

Over to You:

Do you have any helpful tips to add to our Japan baby travel guide?
Do you have any other questions that you need answers to?
Looking for best places to travel with toddlers ? Read our complete guide to worldwide destinations.

Jolene Ejmont

40 thoughts on “traveling to japan with a baby or toddler: what to know”.

Great article and thank you for the tips – we are travelling in May 2019 with our baby boy who will be 2 years old by then. Would you be able to recommend the AIRBNB places you stayed in, please?

This is amazing! We are planning to travel in December with a 7 month old! Will it be too cold for him? What do you recommend to tackle the cold weather?

Hi, looks like the temperature will be similar to when we went with our little one. Make sure to take layers – we had leggings on the legs with jeans over the top, layer a jumper with warm jacket over the top. Beanie on the head. Many people in Japan used a special warm cocoon on their prams to combat the cold as well. We chose to baby-wear our little one to help with body temp instead as we knew we wouldn’t use the pram cocoon again after the trip, but could be worth looking into as well.

Such a fantastic post – thanks for all the tips! We are going in 2 weeks time and have pretty much sorted itinerary and travel. Only question I have is where would you recommend staying in Tokyo (AirBnB) there are soo many properties!

Hi, we had a super dodgy place in Tokyo that I don’t want to recommend – it didn’t have a mattress on the bed, just the base!! Make sure you pick a property that has lots of reviews on it and that has at least a 4-star rating! We went during Cherry Blossom season and made the mistake of booking to late, so was left with the newly added properties that hadn’t been reviewed yet – big mistake.

Hi Jolene! We are going to Japan in December with our 10 months old baby, just to let you know that your tips are very useful! Thanks a lot 🙂

Hi there, thanks for your article. I will be traveling in Feb -Mar for 2 & a half weeks with my hubby and baby (who will be turning one over there) . Just wondering what you recommend we do with the JR rail pass. I thought I would just get a two week pass instead of three weeks (to save on Money) and activate when we leave Tokyo to our next destination however I wasnt sure if we’d need this pass activated on arrival to Tokyo to get from the airport to the accommodation. What do you think would be the most cost efficient option for us? Get the 3wks JR pass or organise a transfer to the hotel from the airport maybe? Also are there any destinations that are easy with a baby or on the other hand to difficult with a baby and we should avoid? Thanks for your help!!

Hi! Your post is so helpful! We plan to travel on February and witness the snow festivals in Sapporo. My baby will be 1 year old by then 🙂 What winter clothes would you recommend? And is the water in Japan safe for our baby? We are feeding him formula milk so I’m worried if there will be safe water to use.

Hi Jen, water in Japan is safe. Japan is such a modern country you really don’t have to worry. In regards to clothing, I highly recommend you layer her up, you might also like to baby-wear your 1 year old for extra warmth. Take a beanie or warm hat too. we had leggings under jeans for our little one and a vest, long sleeve t-shirt, jumper with a thick jacket over the top. Easier to take off some layers when/if a day warms up. Have a fabulous trip!

We’re leaving in a few weeks to Tokyo to attend the Sapporo Ice Festival as well. We have a doona stroller that converts from a stroller to a car seat. Would you recommend just leaving that behind? Or bringing it with? I ask because we’re not planning on strolling her that much, and she has a carrier, but for the car seat. Did you bring a car seat? And if so was it helpful on the plane to have a place for her to settle in? Or did you do a lap baby ticket?

Hi, we used a lap baby ticket and had her sleeping in the baby carrier on the plane and in the car trips as well. We mostly used the trains and to be honest it is really tricky when you have to much ‘stuff’ and you use the trains as space for luggage, prams etc are so limited. Travel as light as you can if you plan on moving around Japan.

Hi Jolene, your article is great and full of good tips. I am trying to plan a 8 to 10 day trip to Japan in May with my husband and 2 year old son. I cannot decide if we should stay in tokyo for about 6 days and then head out to Fuji 5 lakes area (mainly to check Thomas the tank engine Land) or head south to Kyoto and Osaka. What would you recommend for a first time trip or could we squeeze in both Osaka and Fuji?

Well, I love Kyoto and Osaka much more than Tokyo – but that is probably for personal reasons 🙂 You can also visit Universal Studios Japan if you head that way. You could try to do Osaka and Fuji but the thing with Fuji is that you don’t want to have anything set in stone, because it is actually tricky to get visibility on it – so best to call them in the morning to check if it is worth the trip or not.

This is super helpful! My partner and I are in love with Japan and have been three time so far, but have been feeling a bit nervous about going back with baby, so it’s super reassuring to hear from someone who’s survived! 🙂

Haha, we survived 🙂 Just pack light and make sure to take a baby carrier along with you on the trip. Have a fabulous time!

This is such an inspirational and helpful post! We are hoping to travel to Japan with our then 10 month old during the cherry blossom season this April. Which travel bed is Avie pictured in here? Also, for a trip of about 10 days, would you suggest about 2 days in Tokyo and then having a main base out of Kyoto or Osaka? TIA!

Hi Avi, our little one is in the PeaPod travel bed, which worked nicely. You will probably need more than 2 days in Tokyo (depends on what you want to see though), but the city is MASSIVE and it takes a while to get to interest points. For Cherry Blossom season I would definitely choose Kyoto as a base and just do a day trip to Osaka from there. Be prepared for crowds though – recommend taking a baby carrier as it will be hard to squeeze into the crowds with a stroller.

Do you plan where to break when the baby wanto take a nap?

Where is like a good place to rest while baby sleep

Our baby mostly slept on the go. We used the baby carrier a lot and she just fell asleep in there whilst we kept on exploring.

Your blog is what encouraged us to plan a trip to Japan with our 3 month old baby for end March/beginning April 2019. Considering how young he is he’ll almost always be in the carrier facing inward, so won’t get to see nor interact with much during the trip, especially with the weather being cold, so we are a bit apprehensive of our decision. I guess the main concern is, will it be miserable for the little one since he’s awake most of the day? He barely takes naps during the day. Any words of wisdom would be great!

We went around that time and it sure was chilly, but our little one was cozy in layers of clothes (because it does warm up in the day), a beanie and in the baby carrier close to our warmth. Our little one didn’t sleep easily out of our arms, but she did fall asleep easily in the carrier though. You could keep your outings short if you want and just head out at midday when the day is warmer and keep inside in the morning and late afternoon when it is colder.

Where are you planning on going?

Very very cool blog! I’ve been living in Kyoto for the last 5 years and recently had a little baby girl. Living here obviously makes it completely different, but after travelling quite a bit with her this winter in Europe, here are the things I love about Kyoto; (hopefully you do not mind me sharing this with everyone, I don’t mean to hijack your post!!)

1- Most traditional restaurants here in Kyoto have tatami floor seating; so even without a high chair, you can just lay/sit baby on the floor and actually enjoy a meal!! 2- You’ll find a nursing room in almost ANY department store. 3- Hotels (or air bnb rentals) again are great; no need for a baby cot because you can just sleep on futons! Most of them have a rental one if you ask them though.

I hope that all the families planning a trip here will have an amazing time. I look forward to reading more of your articles!

Hi there, thanks for your thoughts 🙂 Our baby was moving around a lot, so the tatami floors didn’t always suit, sometimes we needed her strapped in to stop her from getting up to nonsense – but a helpful suggestion for those with little babies. Also, the boutique hotels we stayed in didn’t have cots, only the larger chain hotels did, so I would ask before I book, not after 🙂 I love Kyoto, I think it might be my favorite city 🙂 Thanks for sharing some tips – always helpful for our next readers to have choices so they can pick what suits them 🙂

Thanks Jolene for amazing article, it is full of great information. I’m planning to travel to Japan from the UK with my husband and our 4 months old baby this year. Do you think 4m baby is too little to travel so far? Also, please can you recommend a travel cot? Best, Monika

Hi, thanks – so glad you enjoyed the article. I don’t think travelling a long distance to Japan with a 4m baby is too far. Try and do overnight flights where possible. We have a link on the article that will take you to travel cots – there are some great ones on there. I would suggest seeing which one you prefer based on size, weight etc. When you have booked your accommodation, I would suggest reaching out to them to see if they can provide one before purchasing one to travel with. Thanks and have a great time!

Thanks for the information. We’ve been once before and now going back with a 1.5 year old in summer. It will be hot in a carrier, but we’ll use it sometimes and take a stroller too.

I’m looking for information about the laws of crossing the boarder into Japan with a car seat made for Canada. I think the car seats here are better regulated and maybe even cheaper. Do you know where I cam find information about this? I’d hate to get to customs and have to leave it behind.

Hi Sandra, no idea on the laws for that sorry. My main concern would be whether you would be able to strap the car seat into a car. Every country has a different adjustment for seats, in Australia we use an anchor strap, here in Italy, they have clips to clip the seat into and other countries often just use the seat belt. If it is for a rental car, I would suggest maybe just hiring a car seat with the car so that you know it will fit.

How old was your baby when you travelled to Japan? We were thinking of travelling with our baby end of May and he will only be 3 months old, do you think that is too young to be travelling to japan from vancouver, canada? He will have his first sets of shots by then but he is too young to get any extra vaccinations as per the travel clinics here in vancouver. Please let me know your thoughts, thank you so much!

Avie was around 6 months I think, but I would have zero hesitation in taking a 3-month-old to Japan. To me, Japan is on the same level as countries such as USA, Australia and European countries. I don’t even think we needed any vaccines for Japan as adults 🙂 Enjoy your trip and don’t stress about it 😉

Can you use your own car seat in Japan?

You would need to research how your car seat connects to a car and what type of connection they use in Japan. For example we are in Italy atm and they have both an anchor point in the back as well as two clips that the car seat connects to in the car seat, so our seats from Australia won’t work well here. Where are you from?

What a great way to live your life with passion. I have been to japan before and loved your post. This time I am traveling with a 1 year old and I just have one concern. Can I travel thru japan without a car seat? I will be taking both trains and cabs. Kindly advise.

Hi, yes you don’t need a car seat for taxi or for trains 🙂 Would, of course, be a good idea to have something to secure bubs to keep your little one safe. So consider an option, even having them constrained in a baby carrier and the seat belt inbetween you and your the baby carrier is safer than nothing at all.

Hi Jolene, such great post tons a great tips!! We are planning a one month travel with our 6 months old this November and we are hesitating between Australia/New Zealand or to go back to Japan. What would you recommend, since you lived in Australia?

Oh gosh, that is a tough question if I don’t know what you love doing and what your personalities are like. Australia and New Zealand are easy countries to visit and perfect for those who love nature. Japan obviously is a fabulous destination if you prefer a good dose of culture on your trips instead. What do you usually love doing on holidays?

Hi! This is such a great post. Can you recommend which AirBNBs you stayed at ?

Hi! Is it possible if we book 1 week in osaka and travel within those days to kyoto, tokyo and nara? thanks Hope to receive any recommendations. thank you in advance.

Hiya Irene, I really wouldn’t do that with only 1 week – you could easily fill up 1 week in Tokyo alone. You could, however, base yourself in Osaka and do a day trip to Nara and a day trip to Kyoto (although I LOVE Kyoto and would rather recommend you stay there for at least 2-3 nights). More info on day trips from Osaka here: https://www.wanderluststorytellers.com/absolute-best-day-trips-from-osaka/

Hi! When you were in the train (not the shinkansen one) for such a long trip (let say 1 hr) can baby eat snacks on the train?

Hi, we avoided it. You can though on regional long-distance trains – you will know as they will have a tray and cup holder. I think we did give her a milk bottle on some trains though and nobody complained about that.

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Japan with a baby – comprehensive travel guide 2024.

Table of Contents

Although Japan is a dream country for many families, it can also be an intense and challenging place to travel. So, if you’re going to visit Japan with a baby in 2024, we strongly recommend that you spend some time researching and planning your trip.

Careful preparation and planning are the keys to successful family travel, and this is particularly true if you’re traveling to a country like Japan (and even more so with a baby). So, please read this article carefully.

We have visited Japan twice with a baby and traveled extensively. In this article, we’re going to share our experiences and insights to help you plan and prepare for your trip.

We have designed this guide to be helpful at whatever stage of planning you are in, whether you are just beginning to explore Japan as an option or whether you are setting off in a couple of days’ time. The information, tips, and advice that we share are as real and practical as possible.

WHY NOT BOOK A TOUR? – If you have always dreamed of visiting Japan but the whole thing feels too overwhelming – consider booking a longer guided tour. We recommend the Unique 10 Day Private Japan Tour on Get Your Guide – See all of the best bits and don’t miss a thing whilst someone else does all of the planning and navigation for you 🙂

Why should you travel to Japan with a baby?

mount fuji with baby hike Planning a Family Trip to Japan with Kids

We would like to start this article on a positive note. If you are weighing up a trip to Japan with a baby, we would strongly encourage you to go for it.

Traveling with a baby can be less challenging than traveling with older kids. So, if you have been dreaming of a Japan trip, it may well be the perfect time to do it before your kids grow older. (You can, of course, travel to Japan with older kids, but as kids get older, it can present some unique challenges.)

For our family, traveling around Japan with a baby was a very romantic, positive, and memorable experience. There really is something special about exploring temples, bamboo forests, and Japanese cities with a baby on your back.

Here are some more reasons to travel with a baby:

Travel to Japan before your kids are older.
A baby is almost always free for accommodation, transport, and activities in Japan.
Flying with a baby is cheaper than flying with older kids.
Traveling around Japan, you will need to do a lot of walking (taxis and car rental are quite expensive). It is ideal to do this before your child is old enough to walk.

Visiting with a toddler?

If you’re visiting with a toddler this presents a whole world of new challenges! So we have actually pulled together a separate guide – Japan with a toddler – Everything you need to know

Traveling Japan with a baby – top destinations

kyoto mum and baby Planning a Family Trip to Japan with Kids

Early in the planning process, we recommend mapping out the main cities and attractions that you hope to visit. The following cities are some of the most popular destinations for families in Japan. Each of these cities is a fantastic place to visit with a baby:

Osaka – Plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, bright lights, and also play spaces for kids. There is also an extensive underground shopping district, which means you can protect your baby from the elements in hot, cold, or rainy weather.
Tokyo – A fantastic destination for an iconic Japanese city experience. Accommodation can be quite expensive, and you will need to use a lot of public transport to get around. There are lots of themed cafes, tourist districts, and things to do for families.
Kyoto (pictured above) – A great destination if you are interested in iconic Japanese beauty and culture. This beautiful city has a historic feel, and there is plenty of great street food around.
Nagoya – A hidden gem for families in Japan. There are lots of things to see and do, from the castle to the science museum. There are also several parks, which is great if your baby is starting to crawl or toddle.
Hiroshima – Another popular city with families in Japan. As a large city, there are plenty of modern conveniences and lots of activities and attractions for families.

Baby-friendly accommodation in Japan

Finding suitable accommodation in your budget range is probably going to be the most challenging part of your trip to Japan. We recommend that you book your accommodation as early as possible so that there is the greatest range of options available. If you’re unsure of your travel dates, you can book something with a free cancellation policy. In some cases, apartments, guesthouses, and hotels may charge for infants. It is important to enter your child’s information when you are booking to see if you are charged for them.

It is very rare to find places that have a crib or cot available. We recommend that you think carefully about your sleeping arrangements. Many apartments and guesthouses have futons on the floor. This could actually be a very good option with a baby. For example, consider the fact that your baby will not get hurt if they roll off the futon in the night. If possible, we recommend booking a place that can provide an additional futon for your baby so that you are not trying to share with them.

It is also important to be aware of the fragile environment if your baby is starting to crawl or walk. It can be quite stressful staying in more delicate Japanese properties. Some traditional Japanese guesthouses have a lot of breakable ornaments, tea sets, and paper sliding doors.

Many families in Japan choose to stay in apartments. There are a few advantages to choosing an apartment. It is fairly easy to personalize and baby-proof your own apartment. Apartments also have amenities such as a washing machine or bathtub, which can be super helpful if you’re traveling Japan with a baby. If you do book an apartment in Japan, we recommend speaking to your host to see if they can provide a cot or crib for your stay.

Japan with a Baby Packing List

To help you plan your trip to Japan, we wanted to provide a packing list. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of everything you and your family will need; instead, we want to share a few things that you may consider bringing:

Sling or baby carrier
Season-appropriate clothing
Baby-friendly sun cream
Your preferred brand of baby milk
Your preferred brand of nappies
Waterproof layer for your baby
Baby changing travel mat

Facilities in Japan

Japan with a toddler push chair supermark

Japan really lives up to its reputation for having some of the best facilities in the world. Baby-friendly facilities are no exception. Facilities in Japan are genuinely state-of-the-art, and it is as if they have thought through every eventuality and come up with a clever solution to help. Here are some examples of some of the amazing family-friendly facilities in Japan:

Dedicated family assistance lanes (for example, at immigration in airports)
Dedicated seating on public transport for families (there is not a strong culture of protecting these spaces, so you sometimes need to ask to sit in a dedicated seat)
Family-friendly toilets with baby changing tables and baby chairs (surprisingly helpful if you need to use the toilet)
Nursing rooms where you can find hot sterilized water and comfortable chairs for breastfeeding your baby
Pushchairs available to borrow at shopping malls and supermarkets
Soft play spaces which are free to use for families in shopping malls and supermarkets

Overall, excellent facilities are widespread and widely available in Japan. However, there are a couple of gaps you need to be aware of. Firstly, baby chairs are few and far between in many traditional restaurants. You sit on the floor by the table, and this can be quite challenging if you are sitting with a baby (Balancing a baby and trying to eat with chopsticks whilst upholding Japanese etiquette is a pretty challenging combination!). It is also important to recognize that cribs and cots are not widely available in Japan, so you will need to be prepared to sleep next to your baby.

Japanese Culture for Family Travel

Japan has a quiet and conservative culture. In most cases, Japanese people quietly go about their business and don’t pay a lot of attention to foreigners (this is a massive contrast with China, where many locals will want to take selfies with you and have a conversation). In some cases, you may be surprised that locals don’t step in to help if you’re struggling with your child. This can feel unfriendly and unwelcoming, but it is just Japanese culture to keep to yourself.

If your baby is crying a lot, you can feel very self-conscious, especially if you are around a lot of quiet Japanese people. In our experience, Japanese people are very understanding and patient with babies, so don’t sweat it. In some cases, we even found that locals were empathetic and gave us understanding looks.

Is it Acceptable to Breastfeed in Japan?

Yes, it is acceptable to breastfeed in Japan. If you are breastfeeding in public, we recommend using a feeding scarf to cover yourself and your baby. It can take a little practice to use these at first. If you’re uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public, many places have special nursing rooms where you can breastfeed your baby in private.

Traveling Around Japan with a Baby

Traveling around Japan can be quite expensive. If you’re trying to keep your overall travel budget low, we recommend sticking to a few destinations and minimizing long-distance journeys. The JR Pass is surprisingly expensive, so if you are only visiting a few cities, it may be cheaper to buy your tickets from the JR station when you arrive in Japan (in most cases, you do not need to pre-book your tickets; you can just arrive at the train station and buy them on the day). Taking long-distance trips with a baby can also be quite challenging, so we really do recommend planning your itinerary carefully and sticking with two or three destinations.

It is free to travel on trains, buses, and public transport with babies. Many Japanese cities have extensive subway systems (again, babies are free on the subway). Navigating a Japanese subway system with a baby can be quite challenging, especially if you’re traveling around rush hour. The subway can get very crowded, and this can be overwhelming and overstimulating for a baby. If possible, we recommend avoiding traveling on public transport around the morning and afternoon rush hour times. Taxi and car rental is relatively expensive in Japan, so if you are planning a low-budget trip, you will need to be prepared to do a lot of walking. You may wish to use a pram, but be aware this can be challenging, especially if you are exploring crowded areas. Personally, we prefer to use a sling, which allows us more mobility and also helps us connect with our baby.

Get your JR Pass early

You can’t purchase your JR Pass from the stations in Japan – so you need to book it online in advance. We highly recommend getting your JR Pass on KLOOK . They offer 7, 14 and 21 day Whole-Japan passes and also include a FREE Guide Book to help you make the most of your pass. They also do global delivery – so if you do need a JR pass make sure you book it on KLOOK.

Shopping for a Baby in Japan

If you have a preferred brand of nappy or baby milk, we recommend that you bring a sufficient supply for your whole trip. (If possible, it is even worth traveling with a backup bag of formula in case your main bag gets spilled, contaminated, or lost.)

However, if you’re struggling to pack everything, it is very easy and affordable to buy nappies, wet wipes, and baby milk in Japan. Convenience stores are widespread around the country, including small rural towns (Family Mart and Lawson’s are the most common brands of convenience store, and in both cases, you can find baby products). Many towns and cities also have supermarkets where you can buy supplies like nappies, wet wipes, and formula. To give you a feel for the price, a large pack of nappies generally costs in the range of 800 – 1,200 yen (which is roughly £4 – £6 or $5 – $8).

Feeding your Baby in Japan

Japanese food alone may well be enough of a reason to visit Japan. If you’re a fan of sushi and sashimi, you really are in for a treat. Food is also surprisingly affordable in Japan relative to the high price of accommodation and transport. But what is it like to feed a baby in Japan? This all depends on exactly what stage of feeding your baby is at.

Pre-weaning Infant

If you’re traveling with a very young baby who is only on milk (i.e., less than six months), just make sure that you bring a sufficient supply of formula. If you are exclusively breastfeeding, you don’t even need to worry about this.

Weaning baby

If you’re traveling to Japan around the age of weaning your baby, it can actually be quite challenging. Depending on your feeding plan for your baby, it is not viable or practical to travel with copious quantities of baby food, so you will need to work out whether you are happy to wean your baby on the solid foods that are available in Japan (supermarkets often sell baby food purees, but this may not be to your preferences).

Post-weaning baby

If your baby is already confident with solid food, then Japan has a lot of great options available. Here are some of our top pick baby foods in Japan:

Baked sweet potato – This is a great, tasty, healthy, and filling treat for a baby.
Baked products – There are plenty of convenience stores and bakeries in Japan, so it is easy to find things like croissants, breads, and other baked goods.
Noodles – Noodles are widespread in Japan; just make sure that you chop them up, and if you are buying noodles from a restaurant, you may need to wait for them to cool.
Fresh fruit – Most supermarkets and convenience stores stock a reasonable range of fresh fruit. You can often find things like apples and bananas, which are fantastic for a baby.
Sandwiches – Most convenience stores serve a range of sandwiches (including familiar favorites like egg sandwiches).
Rice-based dishes – You can often find rice-based dishes like simple sushi and onigiri. This can be surprisingly good for a baby.
Pasta dishes – This one is a little surprising, but pasta dishes are surprisingly popular in Japan. Many cafes, restaurants, and even convenience stores stock pasta dishes (such as lasagna, spaghetti bolognese, and carbonara).
Boiled eggs – Boiled eggs are widely available around Japan, including convenience stores. (Watch out for onsen eggs – these are half-boiled eggs, and they are widely available around Japan. A half-cooked egg may not be ideal for a baby.)
Steamed buns – Steamed buns are surprisingly common around Japan. You can often find them in convenience stores, and they are very affordable. This makes a great snack for a baby or young child.

Top Tip: As a full-time travel blogging family, we have spent many years on the road with our kids. We have learned not to put our own preconceptions and hesitations onto our children. If food is genuinely hygienic and healthy, we always encourage our children to give it a go, and it is important to do this with a baby too. We recommend that you develop and lead a family culture of trying new things and include your baby in the process. It is surprisingly fun to see a baby enjoying new food experiences as you travel.

Some Challenges of Travelling Around Japan with a Baby

Overall, we would highly recommend traveling to Japan with a baby. Having visited Japan twice with a baby, we have absolutely adored both trips and could not recommend it more highly. However, there are likely to be some challenges on your trip. Here is a summary of a few challenges of traveling Japan with a baby:

A lot of walking – Bring a good pair of shoes and a baby carrier.
Extreme climate – Very cold winters and hot summers, so bring appropriate clothing.
Lack of cots and cribs – Remember, you will need to think through and plan your sleeping arrangements.
Lack of baby chairs in restaurants – You may need to hold your baby whilst you are eating.
Big crowds – If you are visiting popular tourist hotspots, it can get very crowded. This can be stressful if you’re traveling with a baby.
Finding affordable accommodation and transport – Transport and accommodation can be quite expensive in Japan, so you’ll need to spend some time planning your trip to make sure that you don’t blow the budget.

A Couple of Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to travel to Japan with your baby, it is important to work out your expectations. If you’re looking for a chilled and relaxing holiday, you may want to consider a different destination, like Thailand. Find a nice beach resort, slow down, and relax. In contrast, if you are visiting Japan, we recommend making the most of the experiences. It is important to see your trip as a way to immerse yourself in a new and unique culture, experience strange and surprisingly tasty food, and visit some destinations that you have always dreamed of seeing. This may not be a relaxing trip, but it will certainly be a memorable trip.

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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How to Travel Japan with a Baby

Blogger Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse with her partner and baby at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Japan

I love Japan. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world. But is it a suitable destination to visit with a baby? Solo female travel expert Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse was recently there with her baby and has tons of tips and advice for travelers thinking of taking a baby with them to Japan.

Japan was our first major international trip with our then six-month-old. I’d heard mixed things about how baby friendly Japan would be, from DMs telling me it wouldn’t be a great trip to the total opposite with people gushing about how baby friendly it was.

We decided to go for it, hitting four spots in two weeks, taking public transportation and staying in a mix of apartments and hotels. Traveling with a baby in Japan comes with some special considerations, but overall, it can be a great trip IF you plan it right. Here’s everything to know:

Table of Contents

Japan Baby and Toddler Friendliness

Getting around japan with a baby, packing light is wise for japan, renting baby gear in japan, buying baby essentials in japan, choosing where to stay in japan with a baby, baby sleep in japan, feeding and meals in japan, medical services in japan.

Blogger Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse with her partner and baby looking into the mirror at an art installation in Japan

With a few strange exceptions, like the lack of cribs, Japan is one of the most baby and family-friendly places I have been. It all started when we were personally escorted to the aircraft by a Japan Airlines gate agent when boarding our flight to Osaka. They even offered me a place to sit with the baby while I waited. It felt like first class treatment.

Each time we encountered an airport queue in Japan, whether it was for security or boarding, they always had a family line, which is sadly missing from every US airport I’ve encountered.

There are family restrooms everywhere as well, and I really mean everywhere. Even the smallest metro and train stations had them, and I never encountered one that wasn’t sparkling clean. People respected that they were only meant for those with disabilities and young children, as well. I never had to wait to use one and never saw an able-bodied single person walk out of them, which I see all the time in the US.

The bathrooms are also full of useful items like a baby holder, which I’ve only otherwise seen in Singapore, changing tables, and padded benches for nursing. I’ve truly never seen a family bathroom as equipped as the ones in Japan.

The locals also LOVED our baby. Everywhere we went, people would play peek a boo with him, smile at him, and light up when they saw him. We felt very welcome everywhere we went with him.

Blogger Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse with her infant son in a baby carrier as they stand in a snowy landscape in Japan

Although they’re more expensive, we tended to prefer train travel to bus travel in Japan so that we could make use of the changing tables on the trains. They were more spacious, and the buses rarely had a place to change diapers.

If you’re traveling during high season, be sure to book train tickets ahead of time and reserve seats to avoid having to stand with your baby.

Alternatively, consider renting a car to get around. They can be pricey, and if you’re North American you’ll be driving on the opposite side of the road, but it also gives you ultimate flexibility.

Blogger Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse with her partner and baby under a torii arch in Japan

We opted to leave the stroller at home and just travel with a soft baby carrier . While a stroller can be helpful at times, Japan has a lot of stairs and some metro stations, even in Tokyo, don’t have elevators. We always found them at JR stations, though.

I have mixed feelings about this decision as we were aching by the end of the trip. If I were to do it with a toddler or older baby I’d probably opt for a hiking baby carrier instead. It distributes weight better and is a more comfortable experience, plus they have storage space. Just keep in mind that they’re bulky and you’ll most likely need to remove it when using public transport.

If you absolutely have to bring more than you can physically carry, there are luggage forwarding services in Japan that can help transport your luggage from hotel to hotel for you.

Since our baby was a bit younger and not yet mobile when we visited Japan, we felt OK with not having a dedicated sleeping space and utilizing the floor beds instead. However now that he’s older, he needs a dedicated sleeping space and ideally a stroller. If we were to visit now, I’d utilize rental services to keep our suitcases light and still have access to the items we need for safety and comfort.

It’s possible to rent strollers in various cities in Japan , depending on how remote you’re going. You can also rent other baby gear in some parts of Japan, particularly in the more major cities.

One way to pack lighter is to plan to buy baby essentials in Japan. It’s easy to find diapers, formula, and baby food if you know where to look.

If you’re doing baby-led weaning, which we were at the time, you can shop at any Japanese supermarket for fruit and veggies.

It was actually a treat to visit the grocery stores there since they had almost entirely different snacks and brands than I’ve seen elsewhere. The produce was also way better, as it was mostly locally grown. Even in the winter, we were eating perfectly ripe, locally-grown strawberries.

If you need diapers, baby food, or formula, you won’t find them at a grocery store. These items are for sale in drug stores only. Matsumoto Kiyoshi (with brown lettering) is the one we came across the most often.

Diapers were easy to buy. They will have the weight clearly displayed in kilograms. Jarred baby food and formula were in the same section of the store. If you need a specialized (non-cow) formula, that may be harder to find. Since we did for my baby, we brought enough with us from home for the whole trip.

Download the Google translate app so that you can hold your phone camera up to the Japanese Kanji and read what the ingredients and baby food flavors are. Don’t expect to see English translations in stores.

Blogger Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse with her partner and baby sitting next to a window in Japan with a snow-topped mountain in the background

Unless you’re willing to pay up a bit more, especially in Tokyo, you can expect hotel rooms to be on the smaller side. However they tend to include breakfast, which makes life easier for parents with young children.

Apartments, which you can book on Airbnb, usually have two floors and a kitchen. The kitchen was helpful for food prepping for the baby, and the two we stayed in had microwaves. I travel with microwave steam bags to sanitize our bottles, so this was a nice surprise.

The two floors also gave us a place to hang out while he took his naps. Apartment rentals are almost always larger, and in my experience, more affordable than hotel rooms can be. Sometimes they have washers and dryers as well.

Hot water kettles are a nice feature whether you’re in an apartment or hotel room. They seem to be the standard in Japan, which makes sanitizing, washing, and heating water for formula easier. Tap water in Japan is generally safe to drink and wash with.

The most bewildering and disappointing thing about traveling in Japan with our baby was the lack of cribs. Even in the 5-star ryokan we stayed at in Kawaguchiko , there was no baby crib on offer. It made me wonder what locals do. Do they bring their own? Do they co-sleep?

In half of the places we stayed, the beds were traditional-style mattresses on the floor, so it was fine for our baby to sleep on the floor mattresses, however now that he’s more mobile, I’d want to bring along our travel bed.

One of the negative things I heard was that we’d be turned away from restaurants in Japan with our baby. While I’m sure it happens, I didn’t encounter this, even at kaiseki (which is the highest level of dining in Japan) restaurants. Sometimes they even had toys they’d bring out for our son.

We were told that the lounge in the hotel we stayed at in Tokyo wouldn’t be available to the baby in the evenings when alcohol was served, however. Some restaurants, including the Michelin star ones you might be hoping to eat at, could hold the same policy. There are some restaurants in Japan that are specifically geared towards families. The most common you’ll find are Bikkuri Donkey, Joyfull, and Gusto.

Most restaurants in Japan will have high chairs, but when at more casual ramen or yakitori restaurants, you’re less likely to come across them.

If you’re nursing, my sense in Japan was that it’s best done in private. I never saw anyone openly nursing in Japan, though I saw plenty of bottle feeding. The family restrooms are probably your best bet for a comfortable and private experience. I saw a nursing pod (a little room that offers nursing privacy, similar to the Mamava pods at US airports) at a few major train stations in Japan as well.

As a parent, I’m more concerned with the availability of healthcare services than I ever was before traveling with a baby. Thankfully Japan has a wonderful medical system with perfectly capable doctors.

I know this firsthand as I needed to visit a doctor in Kyoto when my asthma flared up. I was able to visit an international doctor at a clinic that services foreigners the same day. All of the medication the doctor prescribed was available there as well. In most cases they’ll want a cash payment which you can then submit to your travel insurance for reimbursement.

In non-emergency situations, look for a doctor that specializes in international patients as there can be language barriers. I was able to find mine easily on Google Maps. Otherwise, hospitals are widely available, even in smaller towns.

Overall, I loved traveling in Japan with our baby. The clean family bathrooms provided an easy place to change him, feeding and buying supplies were easy, and getting around was simple with such a well-connected rail system .

I was worried with so many stops and logistics that it might be a nightmare, but everything is so well-organized in Japan, it all worked out. Plus, the adorable interactions between our son and the locals made it a heartwarming experience.

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings in 2012, Kristin has been traveling the world ever since. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook .

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Safety Wing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money; information on costs; tips on what to see and do; suggested itineraries, reading, and packing lists; and much, much more!

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Visit Japan Web: How to register

Travelling to Japan? Visit Japan Web registration will save you precious time on arrival. Here's a step-by-step guide of what to do.

If you’re planning to visit Japan, it’s highly recommended that you take time to complete the so-called “Fast-track registration” before travel. This expedites the arrivals process after you land, granting access to a special lane at the airport.

Fast-track registration was previously done through the MySOS app, but from 1 November 2022, Japan has switched over to Visit Japan Web (VJW) instead. Here’s how the transition process works:

If you have not registered yet, you should do so via VJW
If you have already completed MySOS registration, you can use the MySOS blue screen for entry into Japan up till 13 January 2023

Those who have previously registered via MySOS are welcome to register again via VJW if they so wish.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the VJW registration process. It’s not significantly different from MySOS, although it has the added convenience of bringing immigration and customs clearance under the same portal.

Visit Japan Web

Visit Japan Web registration should be done at least six hours prior to your scheduled arrival time. There are three sections to complete:

Quarantine (Fast-track)
Immigration

Completion of each section will generate a QR code, which travellers will show at the arrival airport to expedite procedures.

Step 1: User registration

After creating your VJW account, the first step is to register your personal details.

You’ll first be asked two questions:

Do you have a passport issued by the Japanese government?
Will you enter Japan with a (special) re-entry permission?

For the vast majority of Singaporeans, the answer to both will be “no”.

You’ll then need to provide your passport details.

If you’re travelling with children, you may register them under your VJW account. The portal is vague about what the cut-off age is for an individual to require their own VJW account; with MySOS it was 13 years and above.

If you cannot complete the procedures of the airport by yourself, such as infants, you can register as a family members traveling with you without creating an account, and the representative can also enter the family members traveling with you portion to create a QR code. For those who can do the procedure by themselves, we ask that you prepare to be able to display it on your own smartphone, etc. as much as possible. -Visit Japan Web

I believe the idea is that as far as possible, each traveller should have their own device to display their own QR code, for efficiency reasons. If that’s not realistically possible, then they can be registered on someone else’s VJW account.

Step 2: Trip registration

The next step is to register your trip details.

Optional field, for your own reference
Planned arrival date in Japan
If you’re flying a codeshare, enter the name of the operating airline
If you’re flying a codeshare, enter the main flight number (i.e. not the 4-digit one)

You’ll also be asked for your intended address in Japan. You can enter the postal code (without hyphens) of your hotel here and see if the fields auto-populate. If they don’t (as was the case for the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, postal code 1028585), then you’ll need to enter the information manually.

Step 3: Quarantine procedures (fast-track)

When you first click on the quarantine procedures (fast-track) tab, you’ll see a red screen and a “not yet registered” status. This should look familiar to anyone who’s completed MySOS registration previously.

Our goal is to turn this screen to blue. This involves completing three sections (not four; you’ll either submit a vaccination certificate or a pre-departure test).

Unless you have all your documents already scanned on your computer, I’d recommend doing this section from your phone so you can snap photos and upload them immediately.

The first step is to upload a copy of your passport’s information page.

Once that’s done, the tag next to Passport will change to “Scanning”. Sit tight. You won’t be able to continue with fast-track registration until the system has scanned your passport.

This should take 10 minutes at most, and you’ll receive an email confirmation once it’s done (add [email protected] to your safe list).

Refresh the page and the tag next to Passport should have changed to “Please verify”. Click on it and confirm your scanned details.

Now return to the “Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures” screen and scroll down. You’ll see the tag next to Questionnaire WEB has changed to “Please register”. Tap on it, and you’ll be sent to another webpage. Toggle the language on top as necessary.

To complete this section, you’ll need to provide:

Date of arrival in Japan
Arrival flight details
This section can be left blank if you don’t know
Whether or not you’re a crew member
Nationality
Date of birth
Address of accommodation
The calendar is not translated into English. All you need to know is 月 is month, and 日 is day. The rest should be intuitive enough
Departure flight detail
Remember to include your usual country of residence in your travel history
Health declaration
Email address
Contact number
Alternative contact number

Most of the information here should already be pre-populated, though for whatever reason, the accommodation information isn’t ported over. You’ll need to complete this again, keeping in mind the following:

Don’t include hyphens for postal codes. Once the postal code is entered, the rest of the field should auto-populate
If the system refuses to recognise your postal code, leave the postal code field blank and enter the values manually
Remember to select the last option “lodging or destination facility”

Double check your responses, and click “complete response” when done.

Return to the “Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures” screen and scroll down. You’ll see the tag next to Vaccination certificate has changed to “Please register”.

Tap on it and select “Will submit”. If your vaccination certificate details are in Japanese or English, tap “yes” for the first prompt, provide the details of your three doses and upload a copy of your vaccination certificate.

As a reminder, three doses of any of the following vaccinations, in any combination, will satisfy the fully vaccinated criteria (Janssen and CanSino only requires two doses).

Unvaccinated children under the age of 18 who travel with fully vaccinated parents/guardians will be treated as fully vaccinated. Children aged below six will be treated as fully vaccinated, regardless of their parents’/guardians’ vaccination status.

That’s it! You’ll be brought back to the “Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures” screen, which will now show your vaccination certificate as “being reviewed”. There’s nothing more to do at this point; you can ignore the last section on pre-departure testing since you’re fully vaccinated.

Your information will be reviewed, and you’ll receive an email once your status changes. In my case it took about 1 hour.

Return to the VJW portal, and you’ll see the status screen has turned to blue. You’re all set!

Step 4: Immigration

The disembarkation card requires some additional details, namely:

Your country and city of residence
Purpose of visit
Intended length of stay in Japan
Declaration

The rest of the information should already be pre-populated from Step 3.

Step 5: Customs

The customs declaration requires some additional details, namely:

City of departure to Japan
Number of family members travelling with you
Declaration

Other sections

There are two additional sections in the VJW advising on travel insurance and emergency contact information. These are just FYI; no action is required from you.

Visit Japan Web registration has now gone live, which brings the fast-track, immigration and customs forms under one portal.

Registration should be relatively quick, and my approval was received in one hour, but the key thing is to do it early. There’s bound to be a deluge of applications over the next few days, so if you’re travelling soon you’ll want to give yourself plenty of buffer time.

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Traveling in Japan with a baby

Whether by half-Japanese families or young parents in love with Japan, travel to Japan is totally feasible with a small kid. Yet, whether you want it or not, it will create some disruption to the kid’s habits. We can (hope to) minimize just about everything else but only flight duration and jet lag 🕓 remain unavoidable. Some babies easily deal with these disruptions, while the vast majority of the other kids do not. And it is hard to plan based on empirical evidence.

Let’s not be too optimistic or deeply anxious: accept the fact that those supporting your travel are mainly experienced travelers with kids and eventually supplemented by those who getting benefits from your departure. And in this context, there are obviously worse destinations than Japan!

The essential condition remains to plan your stay in advance in order to better approach it and therefore minimize unexpected events and worries once there.

Before leaving

Administration and security.

All Canadian, English or American children, from newborns to age 16, need their own passport to travel. Your child’s passport will be valid for a maximum of 5 years. A child’s passport is valid until it reaches its expiry date, even after the child turns 16.

You can apply for a passport online or print out the form online from the governmental websites to start the application process. Do not forget that it might take 4 to 6 weeks to obtain the final document.

It is also wise to check you insurance contract and especially the repatriation conditions, in case something happens.

Choosing the season

Regarding the period of the year for traveling, let’s review the highlights already given in the article here...

...which are:

The hanami period will already be very crowded—too crowded to add another difficulty with an infant.
Summer is much too humid and hot for young children.

Two excellent seasons to go to Japan, according to our experiences, are:

During May , as soon as the Golden Week finishes: The temperatures are nicer without being stifling, the tsuyu is not here yet, and the greenness is beautiful (especially azaleas). It is also a break from tourists!
From mid- September to the beginning of October : After the typhoon period, one can enjoy an Indian summer and its pleasant temperatures, just before the third touristy outburst of fall for the maple trees.

Duration of the stay

There are two quite opposite opinions about the duration of the stay.

Those thinking travel is already hard to swallow for a young kid may choose to stay a maximum of one to two weeks in Japan. Others may argue that, as they are going to handle all of these inconveniences, why not stay for a longer duration? They may decide to travel for three weeks or more.

Each family will make their own choices based on their knowledge and experience.

Choosing the flight

With the goal of minimizing the duration of the flight as much as possible, a direct flight should logically be the first and wisest choice. Only a few companies fly directly:

From New York: All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL)
From San Francisco: ANA and JAL
From London: ANA, JAL, and British Airways

If you choose to land in Tokyo , favor flights arriving in Haneda and not Narita, as this will halve the transportation time to your accommodations.

Of course, the higher the class of seat, the larger the space that will be allocated, for your and your baby’s comfort. Therefore, a business class seat will allow everyone to lay down on the seat/bed, which will favor better sleep. For babies up to 9 kg, companies will provide a "bassinet" (a small cradle) and reserved seats: usually the first row of each class.

An infant’s fare depends on his or her age:

Under 2 years old, we pay, at most, the airport taxes (about 10% of an adult’s fare)
Above 2 years old, the fare usually varies from 25% to 50% of an adult ticket, but the kid will have his/her own seat.

A baby is also allowed several suitcases in the cabin and in the hold.

The stroller is usually considered a supplementary piece of luggage that can, in international airports, can be used up to the airplane’s doors. It is useless to invest in a costly model specific for cabins: a classic stroller will be enough. It is totally possible to bring water in a baby bottle or bottle (note how hypocritical it is for the rest of the population).

When going through customs 🛂 , a control may happen by testing the liquid or asking you to drink a little of it.

In the plane

If your baby has frequent otitis media or other ear infections, be very careful! It is not feasible to consider traveling with a baby who has otitis media, as his or her ears might not resist the takeoff and landing: the suffering is real, and aftermaths are possible. A health check-up is essential before planning any travel with a baby. To avoid discomfort during pressure changes, having a baby bottle ready will allow your baby to calm down during these moments of the flights.

Once at cruise, most companies’ staff will be caring. Patience and courage will be necessary during times when the baby is not sleeping. Get ready to walk the corridors. Depending on the baby’s age, an anime or cartoon on your smartphone 📱 (or on the plane ✈️ ’s screen) will help to make the baby quieter (although it might condense the excitement for later on…).

The ideal remains to test several of these conditions before locking up your family for 12 hours!

Maybe even more than for adults, the goal is to synchronize children as early as possible in the country to the rhythm for the same school hours. It is sometimes easier to cope with jet lag when arriving in Japan rather than when coming back from there, yet there is no true evidence—it depends on each person.

In Japan, the sun rises and sets very early, whatever the season is. This would not be an issue if Japanese homes had normal curtains or sun blinds… but they tend not to. It is not easy to have a baby wear a sleeping mask 😷 .

This could be a great opportunity to visit temples and shrines, which are empty of tourists at these early hours!

Health/hygiene

Naturally, prepare a health and medicine case with the essentials: anti-diarrhea/constipation medicine, anti-fever medicine and pain killers, anti-allergy medication and arnica balm, if your baby walks.

If your baby has fragile bottom, then plan to bring its daily diapers, although there are many sorts of Japanese supermarkets and pharmacies. One can easily find places to change your baby’s diaper in malls and train 🚅 stations.

Traveling in Japan does not require any vaccines, but the one against Japanese encephalitis is advised if you plan to go to rural areas or if you are planning to hike. Bring your health documents and health insurance with you.

Prepare a list of medical health centers: international and famous hospitals will allow you to easily find an English-speaking doctor.

Finally, avoid onsen ♨️ and sento, where temperatures are not adapted to babies’ bodies.

Accommodation

Let’s be honest here: there is nothing more comfortable than a house or an apartment, and Airbnb happens to be the most resourceful website to find a good place. Some homes even have services and materials, such as baby beds or playpens. Also, the Japanese bathroom 🛁 , which is very watertight, makes it practical to clean yourself with your baby.

When everybody is tired, you might end up spending a lot of time inside, more than if you had traveled without your baby, so the choice of accommodation is critical and justifies a larger budget. If possible, avoid staying at multiple homes during your travel, or avoid constantly changing it.

Whatever the selected type of home, it is essential to find one with excellent insulation for heating during the harsh winters and cooling during the stifling summers. We will insist on this aspect, as it should be almost the first criterion, knowing the climate of Japan and the bad insulation quality of homes.

Attention: Baby-sitting services are not a cultural habit, so do not rely on them.

Transportation

Commuting may be a problem when traveling with kids in Japan.

We more or less cannot find taxis with baby seats. Only one company, tokyo-taxi.jp , can have these childcare accessories and can easily be booked online in English; moreover, they only have services in Tokyo region. Yet, classic taxis will never refuse to have a baby come aboard. It will rely on you to determine if this sounds secure enough for you.

In public transportation (free for children under 6 years old), space reserved for strollers does not exist:

Reserved seats in Tokyo trains and metros are still not respected;
Buses happen to be a baffling problem (let’s not even talk about Kyoto ’s buses)
The shinkansen remains the most comfortable, if you book seats in first class or in the last row to enjoy more space.

However, most train stations have lifts, which are very useful as strollers are forbidden in escalators. Expect to spend more time when transferring in a station, as numerous travelers with big suitcases, seniors and lazy people use them.

If baby is comfortable with it, do not hesitate to rent a car 🚙 and / or a bike 🚲 properly equipped to reduce commuting times and schedules by public transportation.

Depending on your baby’s feeding phase, you will need to plan to have a certain stock of baby formula or other favorite foods. Applesauce and prepared mashed potatoes are also very useful.

On site, the choice of baby food remains quite small. If you doubt whether to introduce raw fish sushi 🍣 to your kid, do not worry too much— Japanese cuisine offers a wide variety of food. Even while enjoying your sushi, your kid can have vegetarian or cooked sushi and maki.

For the rest, the huge amount of food choices in Japan will offer some interesting and funny tasting experiences, based on your ability to read the ingredients in Japanese.

Japan happens to be an easy country to enjoy with a baby, at least in the cities. Numerous visits are possible with a young child, and some are even created for them (including numerous gardens and squares in Japan). Also, we easily find bathrooms for babies with changing tables in malls.

In the countryside, it is a little more complicated, and it is wise to correctly inform yourself before climbing a mountain to reach a temple, for example.

The essential accessory for travel with a baby is a stroller and/or a baby carrier, which will allow you:

to comfortably access numerous places;
to start nap time while still visiting, which is more convenient: no need to go back to the hotel/apartment in the middle of the day; and
to tidy up the space around you, if needed, in public transportation, for example.

A stroller is easier to use, and you can still enjoy access numerous attractions.

With one objective being to minimize transportation time, it is important to plan ahead district by district.

Avoid planning very busy days, as they will be tiring both for you and your child.

Feelings and benefits for baby

Your child’s consideration and enjoyment of the travel will vary depending on the age and developmental phase of your child. Most babies are emotional sponges (even perhaps with delayed effects). Travel can be tiring and stressful, even more so when having to take care of a baby. The main goal for parents is to remain as serene as possible.

It is important to take the baby’s favorite games and toys, with which he or she spends most of his or her time playing, without forgetting the doudou—your baby’s comforting toy or blanket. Keep a secure and reassuring cocoon around your kid to prevent anxiety. As a rule, Japanese people tend to accept babies’ anger crises (from their own babies and those of others!).

When everything is going well, interacting with locals becomes so interesting. Japanese people of all ages will remove their serious faces, even the strictest salarymen. Therefore, we will ask the mother the age of the child. And if your baby is blonde, get ready to hear massive amounts of " kawaii "!

A little vocabulary

baby: 赤ちゃん aka- chan
stroller: ベビーカー baby-car
diaper: おむつ omutsu
Flights and Airports
Internet & Phones
Budget and money
Japanese Food
Visit with Kids
Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
Weather forecast
Time in Japan
Holidays & Festivals
Natural Disasters
Customs and Duties
Works and Closures
From October 9 to 10 -- Hachiman Matsuri (the Autumn Takayama Festival)
October 22 -- Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto
October 29 -- Isao Takahata's birthday (born in 1935)
October 31 -- Halloween in Japan
November 3 -- Festival of Culture (Bunka no hi - holiday)
November 9 -- Shichigosan: festival of children of 3-5-7 years in Japan
Tokyo : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
Around Tokyo: Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mount Fuji , Mount Takao , Yokohama ...
Kansai: Kyoto , Nara , Osaka , Mount Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
Japanese Alps: Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo ...
West: Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
South: Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
North: Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

Temples and Shrines
Gardens and Parks
Hiking and Trekking
Observation Decks
Public Baths (Onsen and Sento)
Festivals (Matsuri)
Amusement Parks
Visit on a Budget / Luxury

Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

Japan Rail Pass
English speaking Guides
Pocket Wi-fi
Japan Nightlife
Working in Japan
Religion and Spirituality
Arts and History
Movies / Animated Movies
Japanese Music
Studio Ghibli
Photos / Videos
Weird Japan
Translations
Kana & Kanji
Japanese Swear Words
Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
Introducing yourself
Thank you / Apologize
Count / Say Your Age
Say the Date / Tell the Time
Happy birthday
Enjoy Your Meal
Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

How to Travel Japan with a Baby and Toddler

I travelled a lot before having children and since welcoming two lovely babies into the world I’ve been keen to continue exploring, taking them with me. Some places are easier than others to travel with kids and as we recently experienced, Japan is an excellent place to travel with babies.

Travelling on the Shinkansen with a toddler from Tokyo to Kyoto

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We spent a week travelling Japan with a baby and a toddler and would recommend taking your little ones there for a holiday. It’s clean, it’s safe and has excellent transport, delicious food and great baby facilities. We did a lot of research before travelling, spoke to other families that had travelled and after visiting ourselves now have some key tips to make a holiday in Japan with babies as stress-free as possible.

Shibuya Skytower with a baby and toddler

Take the Shinkansen Train

We loved travelling on the Shinkansen with the babies. It’s speedy and comfortable, and you can take plenty of snacks, drinks and all your luggage on board. Previously, many people opted to purchase the JR Pass which allows unlimited travel on most Shinkansen train services for a set period. (7, 14 or 21 days). However, the prices went up significantly in October 2023, so if you’re only taking a few train journeys in Japan then it makes much more sense to book individual point-to-point (P2P) train tickets , which is what we did. The other bonus of this is you can take the fastest trains (Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen Bullet Trains) which weren’t previously included in the JR Pass.

Our Japan family itinerary started and ended in Tokyo with a stay in Kyoto in between. So purchasing two single tickets was the best option and even if we had visited an additional city such as Osaka, P2P tickets would still be cheaper than buying a JR Pass.

Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen with a toddler in Japan

We booked our tickets through Klook . Make sure you select a ticket with ‘reserved seat’ on booking, which allocates you a seat. Babies and toddlers don’t require a ticket, but they won’t have their own seats unless you purchase them a ticket with a seat reservation. We had both the toddler and baby on our laps for the 2 hour train trip and it was fine.

There is just one row on each Shinkansen carriage that has an allocated space for large luggage, so if you need this, pop to a train station in Japan before your journey and ask to swap your reservation to that seat. Alternatively, you can pay a fine onboard which is 1000 yen to store your luggage providing there is space. (The reservation swap is free for one change). If you have small pieces of luggage then you can place them in the luggage racks above the seats.

One tip for taking the Shinkansen with a toddler and a baby is to make sure you get prepared for embarking/disembarking early. The trains don’t stop for very long, so it’s good to have one parent dealing with the bags while the other focuses on getting the kids on and off. A baby carrier is a good idea for this.

Read the perfect 10 day Japan family itinerary .

Take a Travel Pram and a Baby Carrier

It’s hard work lugging a big pram around, especially if you are taking the Metro and Shinkansen, so it is a good idea to take a travel pram to Japan. We have a double travel pram so that both the baby and the toddler can nap on the go, and it made it much easier to navigate the busy streets. It is compact enough to easily get on and off the train when folded and we took it on the Metro with no problem. Just be aware that not all stations have lifts, but we were always able to manage on the escalators. It’s also available as a single .

In Tokyo, we also visited the Tsukiji Fish Market, which is pretty busy and the stroller was narrow enough that it wasn’t too stressful! However most of the time, we kept the baby in a baby carrier – I think it was more enjoyable for her and in busy places like Tokyo it’s much easier. So if you don’t already have one it’s worth investing in a good baby carrier before the trip. We love the Ergobaby Omni Breeze . The baby also slept most of the flight there and back in the carrier too.

Travelling in Japan with our travel pram - the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double

It’s worth noting that not all tourist attractions are stroller-friendly. For example, Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto has lots of steps, especially the later sections. So it’s better to leave the pram at your accommodation when visiting and use a baby carrier.

Lots of steps at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto

Family Friendly Accommodation in Japan

Japanese hotel rooms are notoriously small, so I highly recommend booking an apartment hotel in Japan. We stayed our entire trip at Mimaru Suites – a chain of apartment hotels – which we loved. These are perfect for families, with one, two and three bedroom apartments with kitchens and living spaces. Most also have a washing machine which is ideal for washing baby clothes after a poonami or a messy dinner. All of the apartments had microwaves so I could sterilise dummies and bottles in this handy reusable sterilisation bag .

It also means that you can put the babies to bed and enjoy an evening in the living space – rather than having to sit in the dark and trying not to wake the kids – something we did in Milan before realising apartments are the way to travel with children!

Our family friendly three bedroom apartment at Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo

Mimaru Suites offer an extensive range of free rental items too, including baby cots and bedside panels for toddlers and they even provided us with a nappy bin! There are also more unusual items available like rice cookers, kitchen scales, yoga mats and luggage scales.

We particularly loved Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo which had lots of nice extras like a coffee machine that was available all day, a free craft beer and sake happy hour and calligraphy lessons.

Our toddler enjoying the views from our apartment at Our three bedroom apartment at Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo

Pack Light

It’s worth being as minimalist as possible when packing for a Japan trip with a baby. We managed to take one suitcase for all four of us, along with a big backpack, a daypack and a nappy bag. It’s not easy pushing a suitcase and a pram simultaneously, so if you can reduce wheeled cases to one, then it makes life a lot easier when travelling between destinations.

This is another reason why staying in an apartment with a washing machine is a great idea. You can take less clothes and wash them during the trip.

Family friendly apartment at Mimaru Suites Tokyo Asakusa

What to Pack for a trip to Japan with a Toddler and a Baby

I’ve written an article all about what to pack when travelling with a baby , which includes most of the things required for a trip to Japan. But a few extra things to point out specifically for travelling in Japan with a baby and toddler are listed below:

Hand sanitiser – this may sound like a strange one, but we found that while the baby change facilities were excellent, lots of them did not have soap. So it’s well worth bringing hand sanitiser and hand sanitising wipes with you everywhere, as well as Milton wipes .
Disposable nappy bags – Another thing we noticed in the baby changing rooms was that many of them didn’t have bins and in fact around Japan, it’s very rare to see a bin. People tend to eat in restaurants or at home in Japan – not on the move – so the take-out culture isn’t as common as it is in places like Australia and the UK. If you do get a takeaway coffee for example, you are expected to take your cup home with you or back to the place you bought it from for them to dispose of. So it’s a good idea to have some plastic nappy bags with you as you might not find a place to dispose of a dirty nappy for a while!
Cash – Japan is such a modern and developed country that I wasn’t expecting to need cash. However, there were many occasions where only cash was accepted or only Japanese credit cards worked, such as for tickets on the Metro and for food at the fish market, so make sure you bring some cash with you or head to the ATM when you arrive.
A non-WiFi baby monitor – so you can use it even if the accommodation doesn’t have WiFi.
Monitor mounts – These are so handy for attaching the monitor to door handles or curtain rails.

Restaurants and Food in Japan

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Japan was to eat the delicious food and it didn’t disappoint. Not all restaurants in Japan are baby-friendly, so it’s worth doing a bit of research before you go, but we had some fantastic meals with the children.

In Tokyo, there are lots of fun little areas of laneways with tiny restaurants, such as Golden Gai. Unfortunately, many of these are not that accessible when travelling with babies. Some only seat a few people so there is no way you’ll be getting a pram into one of these tiny eateries. However, we did manage to sit outside at one of the Omodie Yokocho restaurants and had a great meal with the babies.

Dinner at Omodie Yokocho in Tokyo with a baby

We generally tried to find bigger places to eat, such as Kura Sushi in Asakusa which is very child-friendly and fun. We also enjoyed Yakiniku Marutomi in Kyoto and they were happy to provide a high chair for our toddler which was handy given that there was a hot plate in the middle of the table so we needed to keep him contained!

Quite a few of the restaurants we ate at offered a kid’s menu, including children’s sushi (which generally seemed to be smaller and sweeter portions of regular sushi).

Read our guide on what to eat in Tokyo

Kura Sushi - our toddler enjoyed the sushi conveyor belt!

In the evenings, we either ate early at a restaurant or ate at home in our apartment hotel. You can use Uber Eats in Japan and there is also a Japanese app called Wolt. On other evenings we bought sushi from 7 Eleven or Fresco supermarket and ate that in our apartment. Both have great options and are very affordable.

In Japan, legally you have to be 20 to enter a bar. We tried to go out for a drink one evening with the baby in a carrier but sadly couldn’t get in anywhere for this reason. So that’s worth bearing in mind if you’re planning an evening out.

Baby Changing

You will find baby-changing facilities in shopping centres, train stations and most tourist attractions. These are in general very clean and spacious. Though worth noting as mentioned before, that many don’t have soap. Nappies can be purchased from most pharmacies. Lots of the public toilets also have a little seat to put your baby in while you use the toilet which I thought was very cute. Though my baby is far too wriggly to trust putting her in one!

Japanese Parks

Parents of toddlers will know the importance of having somewhere for the little ones to let off steam. Luckily the Japanese cities we visited have fantastic parks. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo is huge and has lots of green space to enjoy – it’s also very beautiful – particularly during the Cherry Blossom and Autumn periods. I also bookmarked a variety of children’s playgrounds on Google Maps before the trip so we could pop to a park for a quick swing or slide when out and about each day.

Travelling to and from Japan with Babies

We flew with ANA who were amazing and I would fly with them again. The staff were so attentive and helped us with the baby and the toddler. Tokyo Haneda airport is great and has excellent facilities and they have prams that you can use once you have checked in your luggage. (ANA also had this option when flying from Sydney too).

We took the Airport Limousine bus from Haneda to Shinjuku and the Metro from Asakusa back to the airport and both were easy with the babies.

Using the airport prams at Tokyo Haneda Airport

Overall, travelling in Japan with babies was a fun and easy experience and I’m keen to go back soon and see more of the country.

How to Fill in the Visit Japan Web (VJW) : Handy Guide to Entering Japan:

By GetAroundJapan

Starting November 1, 2022, you can use Visit Japan Web, short for VJW, for express entry into Japan. All handwritten information that was previously required, such as immigration information and customs declaration forms, can be filled out in advance through Visit Japan Web, reducing the time required for entry into Japan.

We have already explained how to create a VJW account in this article ( New Rules for Japanese Immigration: mySOS to be retired in favor of VJW . If you need it, please click the previous link to see it. This article will lead you step by step to fill out the VJW.

In addition, Visit Japan Web can only be used at several major airports in Japan: Narita International Airport (Tokyo/Chiba), Haneda Airport (Tokyo), Kansai International Airport (Osaka), Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya), Fukuoka Airport (Fukuoka), New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido/Sapporo), and Naha Airport (Okinawa). If the airport you plan to land at is not one of the above seven airports, you cannot use VJW for expedited customs clearance and must use paper documents instead.

All picture from VJW Official Website・デジタル庁

Table of Contents

Visit Japan Web User Registration Procedure

Registration of your details.

Click “Your Details” on the “Home Screen”, and register your details using Visit Japan Web.

Differentiate between entry/return procedures

Answer the question of entry and return procedures.

※ Confirmation of re-entry permission If you have a long-term visa to Japan (e.g., for study, employment, permanent residence, etc.), which means you will enter Japan with a re-entry permitselect “Yes”. If you are traveling to Japan, then select “No”.

Passport details in Visit Japan Web

Intended address in japan (optional).

Visit Japan Web Registration complete

The display shows “Registration complete” to complete the registration.

Register your planned entry/return trip to Japan in Visit Japan Web

New registration for planned entry and return

Click “New registration” on the Home Screen, and proceed to “Register Planned Entry/Return – Planned Entry/Return Screen”.

You can register a maximum of 5 entries.

If there are more than 5 reservations, the oldest reservation in “Arrival in Japan” will be deleted.

Registering Planned Entry/Return

Enter your planned entry/return.

The follows are required fields:

Planned arrival date in Japan
Airline company name
Flight number (numbers only)
Boarded flight number

Intended Address in Japan

Enter your intended address in Japan.

Postal code
Hotel name, place of stay
Contact phone number

Select family members traveling with you

If you have family members accompanying you, select “Family member accompanying you”.

Confirm the entered details

Registration of planned entry/return complete

Visit Japan Web: Entry/return procedures

Quarantine procedures (fast track), disembarkation card(as of december 28, 2022, abolished).

Updated April 28, 2023

Starting from April 29, 2023, individuals entering Japan on or after April 29, 2023, are not required to present valid vaccination certificates or pre-departure testing certificates. In accordance with the above-mentioned regulations, the “Quarantine Procedures (Fast Track)” button will be removed from midnight on April 29 (Japan time).

Click “Quarantine Procedures (Fast Track)” in the “Japan Entry/Return Procedure Screen”, and proceed to the “Quarantine procedures (Fast Track) Screen”.

Disembarkation Card For Foreigner registration

Registration of foreigner’s entry record is required for landing application.

For Japanese nationals and foreign residents re-entering the country (i.e., permanent residents, holders of work visas, or study visas, etc., and foreign nationals holding a residence card), the “Disembarkation Card For Foreigner” in the “Japan Entry/Return Procedure” will be grayed out, and no data entry is required.

After registering the foreigner’s entry record, you can present the QR code to the immigration officer for landing.

Basic information

Date of Birth

Immigration information to Japan

Purpose of visit
Specific purpose for visit
Last flight No.
Intended length of stay in Japan (number of years, months, days)

Intended address in Japan

If you are staying at a friend’s house, you can ask him/her how to fill in the address, or if you have a hotel reservation, you can send an email to ask how to fill in the hotel.

Finally, there are some questions to fill out

After confirming all the information, you can finish filling out the form.

Customs Declaration

Preparation for customs declaration.

Click “Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles” in the “Japan Entry/Return Procedure Screen”, and proceed to the “Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles – Operation Selection Screen”.

Fill in the following basic information

Passport number
Date of Arrival
Name of flight (ship)
Point of embarkation

If you are traveling with someone, please select the number of people you are traveling with.

After confirming all the information, you will finish filling out the form.

Preparation for entry into Japan

Show the QR code (different from the above QR code for quarantine!) to the immigration officer at the time of entry. You will be able to clear customs quickly.

※Update January 25

The Foreigner Entry Record and Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles have been integrated into the Immigration and Customs Declaration section.

Personalized suica (my suica) are back now available at station ticket machines, wifi return postbox locations at major japanese airports, welcome suica vs suica: what’s the difference, leave a reply cancel reply.

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Exploring Japan With A Baby: 12 Lifesaving Tips & Tricks

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Japan with a baby The Real Japan Rob Dyer Teni Wada

12 Tips And Tricks For Exploring Japan With A Baby by Teni Wada

Ready to see The Real Japan with your little ones?

While I can’t guarantee that your Japan trip will be free of tears and meltdowns, I can share my domestic and international travel experience to help make your trip as smooth as possible.

I’ve put together a list of 12 tips and tricks for exploring Japan with a baby or toddler just for you.

Let’s start with the basics!

Japan Without Japanese Audiobook eBook bundle The Real Japan Rob Dyer

About the Author

Author Teni Wada is a blogger, content creator, and first-time mom documenting her journey of motherhood in Tokyo and travels with baby at The Wagamama Diaries .

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Feedback and questions welcome - please leave a comment below.

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Traveling With Children
Helping You Plan

A little research can help ensure family-friendly fun

Traveling to Japan with children may seem like a daunting prospect and something best avoided. However, the country is surprisingly accessible and with the right preparations, you can avoid the worry and stress and focus on providing young minds with a stimulating and inspiring journey.

Out and about

If you plan to travel by public transport, you'll find priority seating on most trains and buses for passengers traveling with young children. Travel is generally free for children up to the age of five, with half-price fares for youngsters aged six to twelve. When in major cities, avoid traveling with strollers during peak rush hours. During the weekdays, between 7-9 a.m., public transport gets extremely busy.

Child friendly bathrooms and changing areas are generally available—especially in major cities, most stations and sightseeing spots. In bigger department stores and shopping complexes, stroller rental is often an option.

Eating out in Japan is one of the highlights of a trip to the Far East, and while you may find the small counter restaurants unfit for a family meal, the nation offers plenty of "Family Restaurants” offering a wide range of food—including kids' meals—in a family friendly atmosphere. Head to the basement floor in the big department stores as they usually offer lots of different food to taste—a great chance for children to try something new.

Check with your hotel regarding baby beds, and dining options when you book. If you are staying in one of the more traditional ryokan hotels, futons are lined up on the floor for the family to sleep on. Be aware however, that the typically Japanese menu in ryokans might not suit all tastes.

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Be aware that smoking is still very much part of Japanese social culture, and even though designated smoking sections exist in many restaurants, cafes and public facilities, the smoke can drift into the non-smoking areas. However, with a little research, you can find a number of fully non-smoking places where you can lunch and dinner with the family with ease.

For a more comprehensive understanding of traveling to Japan with children, personal research is recommended. Many website offer plenty of useful ideas and tips.

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12 of the best things to do in Japan with kids

Feb 11, 2024 • 11 min read

Plan your family visit to Japan with these top things to do with kids © kiatthaworn khorthawornwong / Shutterstock

No matter where you go in Japan , you’ll find it’s an easy, fun, safe place to travel with kids.

What’s more, with one of the world’s lowest birth rates, Japan is likely to welcome you and your kiddos with open arms. Many older people, without grandchildren of their own, will dote on yours. While there are certainly some places that are for adults only, most hotels, restaurants and even car rental agencies have equipment and are happy to accommodate families. Add to that the “wow!” factor that your kids will have traveling through a unique, vibrant and fascinating country, and you’re sure to have a trip of a lifetime.

Here are our top tips and recommendations that will make your family trip to Japan a success.

A family with a stroller walk along a path beside a river under cherry blossom

What makes Japan good for kids?

Japan has fascinating festivals to witness (or even participate in!), great restaurants to dine at, interesting museums and temples, and your kids may even know more than you do about Japanese culture – especially if they’re Ghibli fans or enjoy manga and anime. That said, there are some things to be aware of and a few precautions that can make a trip go even more smoothly.

If you’re traveling with really little ones – babies or toddlers – you’ll likely want to bring (or perhaps rent) a small, lightweight stroller. Subways do have elevators, but the narrow escalators can be tricky to safely use with a bulky stroller, and depending on where you go, there may be lots of stairways. Having a stroller that folds up to not much more than an umbrella is a godsend.

Nearly all restaurants and hotels have accommodations like high chairs, but keep in mind that Japan hasn’t had much need to invest in the latest and greatest when it comes to kiddo equipment. While spotlessly clean, these things may be older and more tippy than what you’re used to at home. They’ll still get the job done, but you’ll want to be alert.

Nursing mothers will find that nearly all public areas (such as train stations and airports) have lockable “family” bathrooms that you're welcome to use for changing a diaper or breastfeeding. Open breastfeeding is uncommon, but inconspicuously feeding under a shawl or cloak won’t raise eyebrows.

And Japanese people are pretty easy-going about a noisy kid, too, so you don’t need to be too quick to shush them if they’re getting loud or having too much fun. Playgrounds are found in many parks, apartment complexes and rest areas. They’re rarely private, so in most cases, you can enjoy them at will.

Boys playing in falling blossom in a park and laughing

There are two important things a family traveling with kids in Japan will want to prepare for:

Crowds: If you’re traveling at peak times , the crowds can be mind-boggling, and it’s easy to get separated if you’re not careful. Make sure (in a park or temple) that you’ve set a meeting spot. In places like a subway, you may want to invest in a backpack leash set so your child won’t get swept away by the hordes.

Quick train transfers: Japan’s trains run on time, always to the minute and sometimes to the second. They do this by opening the doors quickly and shutting them the moment folks have gotten into or out of the cars. If you’re busy wrangling kids and trying to get luggage to the door at the last minute, you may miss that chance to get on or off – or worse, some of you will get out, and some won’t. Plan ahead by keeping careful track of when your stops are, make sure (if you’re a two-parent family) that one parent gets out first and the other gets out last, bookending the kids, and have a plan in place if the train leaves while someone’s still on it. For example, tell your kids to get off at the next stop, find a police officer and wait for you to get them.

Where is best in Japan for kids?

Japan is a playground that kids will adore no matter what age they are. Majestic Mt Fuji will impress young travelers of any age, as will the many castles, temples and Japanese gardens.

Tiny tots will love the goldfish and koi ponds found in almost any temple, the interesting foods, and of course the Pokémon and Ghibli museums. Older kids may love all that too, plus the technological wonders of Tokyo ’s Akihabara neighborhood or looking out at the sprawling metropolis from the famous Skytree .

But there’s so much more: river rafting in the countryside, steaming onsen baths, beautiful temples, hiking and skiing. Best of all, it’s safe and clean.

A family sits at a table in an outdoors museum complex with a toddler standing nearby

Best things to do in Japan with babies and toddlers

Enjoy the cherry blossoms.

If you’re in Japan in March, you should bring your baby or toddler to a local cherry blossom viewing . Any major city will have a park or hilltop where the yoshino cherries thrive. In Tokyo, Ueno park and the Imperial Palace are excellent spots. Osaka Castle is also gorgeous at this time of year. It’s so popular that there’s even a cherry blossom forecast so you can plan the right weekend to visit. These gorgeous trees burst with pale pink blossoms in late spring, making for truly stunning photographs.

Bring food and drink and find a place to sit, enjoy the quiet beauty, or make friends with nearby families. And if you can't make it at cherry blossom time, the fall maple leaves generate similar excitement and are just as beautiful.

Reserve your spot at the Ghibli Museum

For toddlers who have seen a Ghibli movie or two, a trip to the Ghibli Museum will probably be a highlight of the trip. They can clamber over a stuffed version of the famous Nekobus, see original artworks, and take pictures with life-size figures of movie characters. There’s even an impressive bronze Laputa: Castle in the Sky robot. (It’s worth noting that just about any fan of Miyazaki Hayao will enjoy visiting, though there’s an age cutoff on clambering around on the Nekobus.)

If this is a key spot for your visit, you’ll need to plan months in advance, as reservations are necessary and will not be changed if you can’t come at the reserved time.

Visit Rabbit Island (Ōkunoshima)

Instead of just going to a zoo, which of course is fun for kids but can be done at home, consider a trip to Rabbit Island (known as Ōkunoshima), in Japan’s beautiful Inland Sea area. Once a location for poison gas production during World War II, this spot now has a number of hotels and literally thousands of free-roaming rabbits that are totally unafraid of people. The chance to see them up close and even feed them is a sweet, safe, fun thing that’s great for little ones. That said, like any wild animal, they can nip – you don’t want to encourage the tots to touch or hold them.

Feed the fish in the gardens, parks and castle grounds

Japanese gardens, parks, castles and museums often have impressive koi and goldfish ponds, and young tots love watching the beautiful colored fish swirl around in hopes of a handout. Often, there are fish-food pellets you can buy, but if not, just letting your child get close and personal with some friendly fish will be a hit. Kyoto’s beautiful Gold Pavilion and the Silver Pavilion have lovely ponds with fish and turtles to look for, but they’re found all over the country.

A child eats sushi that they have selected

Best things to do in Japan with school-age kids

Eat well at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant.

Eating takes on a whole new meaning in Japan. Sushi is a ubiquitous staple, and seeing it trucking by on a conveyor belt is a hit with kids who are old enough to watch and only touch items they’re actually going to eat. Chances are there’s a place near your hotel, so ask at the front desk for directions.

Conveyor-belt restaurants are called kaiten-zushi in Japanese, and it’s mesmerizing to see the little plates pass by. Look out for the classic tuna and salmon nigiri , but you may see lots of unfamiliar seafood, too. Grab the ones that look tasty and give them a try. One note of caution: most booths have individual dispensers of boiling water for tea, which can cause a splash. Make sure kids don’t try to use it themselves until they’ve gotten the hang of it. At the end of the meal, the bill is calculated by counting and sorting the empty plates, which are color-coded to the prices. In seconds, your server will stack and calculate the bill, and you’re on your way.

Ride Yokohama’s Cosmo Clock 21

For a bird’s eye view of a beautiful cityscape, hit Yokohama (a city near Tokyo) and take a ride on the unmissable Cosmo Clock 21 , a giant Ferris wheel by the waterfront. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the bay and the city. Interestingly, this was for a time the tallest Ferris wheel in Japan, until it was bested by only 0.5m (1.6ft) by one in Shiga prefecture. Not to be outdone, the crafty Yokohama-ians built a pedestal for their wheel that brought the height up by just enough to keep the title of “country’s tallest.” At least for now.

See the Great Buddha of Kamakura

Whatever your spirituality, the Great Buddha of Kamakura is a special site that’s worthy of a visit, and impresses even little kids. You can marvel at this enormous copper statue from the plaza in front, which is paved and easy to access with strollers. But the truly inquisitive will also want to go inside the structure (look behind for the entrance). Fascinatingly, this statue has endured typhoons and even tsunamis since the 1200s.

A teenager gazes upwards at the electric-light signs in a city street

Best things to do in Japan with tweens and teenagers

Hike mt fuji.

Young hikers will want to summit the incredible Mt Fuji, but it’s worth noting that this popular hike shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. You’ll find the peak is much colder than the base, and while you can ascend about halfway by car, the steepest parts of the climb will await you. Those wanting to see the sunrise should overnight partway up the slope, but the view of the asahi (morning sun) is worth it!

Visit an onsen

Japan’s delightful onsen – hot springs – are a treat for teens, tweens and even younger kids, though the latter should be careful as sometimes the water is very hot. You’ll find the most relaxing are those outside in the countryside, where a gurgling stream or chirping frogs might be the soundtrack, but even in Tokyo or Kyoto , you can find baths to enjoy. Note that no swimwear or even towels are allowed in the bathwater – this experience is strictly au naturel .

If you’re bashful about being naked with strangers (usually separated by gender, though there are mixed baths), ask for a “kashikiriburo” at your hotel: these are locked baths you reserve time in (often 60 minutes) and can bathe in private alone or with your family.

Marvel at Tokyo’s Akihabara district

The sheer size of Akihabara is overwhelming, street after street filled with towering skyscrapers selling electronics of every type imaginable. If your kid has been looking for a camera, phone, audio equipment or headphones, this is the place to find them, or at least to see what the future’s going to look like – because in Akihabara, the future is now.

See Hiroshima or Nagasaki

A trip to either of the cities of Hiroshima or Nagasaki will impress on anyone the horrors of nuclear technology, and the strength and courage of the human spirit. There’s no denying this is a somber, grim topic, but the Peace museums in both cities, with iconic structures and artifacts, are vivid reminders of how much we as a global people must work to ensure these awful events never happen again. Though some of the photos are graphic and even upsetting, kids will come away knowing more about the role these two cities played in WWII, and with a deeper understanding of how vital peace is.

Go skiing in spectacular snow

Snow lovers will find great skiing in places like Niseko, Furano or Zao Onsen, and lessons for tweens, teens and even toddlers are easy to arrange at any of the popular resorts. The winter fun doesn't stop on the slopes though: take a tour of the vast snow fields (some of them 6m/20ft deep) or cruise above the strange, gargoyle-like forms of the “snow monsters” – conifer trees that have been covered so much by wind-driven snow that they are unrecognizable. There are also the famous snow monkeys to look for, too!

Planning tips

Trains are a fantastic way to see the country, and if you’re planning to travel around, consider getting a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). Available for seven, 14 or 21 days, these must be purchased outside of Japan, and the voucher exchanged once you arrive. Note that they’re not cheap, so you’ll want to do the math. With the pass, you can do all the travel you want, thanks to unlimited rides. It also lets you reserve seats in advance, making family travel that much easier. Note that many city trains and subways are not part of the JR Rail system.

Many of the nicer hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) will have loaner family items, such as umbrellas, strollers and high chairs.

If you run out of a product or need to buy additional ones, know that Japanese sizes for some items – such as diapers – can be a little small.

Be aware that Japan prohibits some common medicines, such as popular antihistamines. If you or your child have hay fever, you may need to opt for a Japanese brand once you arrive.

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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

A Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures

While it’s recommended to use the Visit Japan web app, it’s not mandatory. In fact it may be quicker to use the standard paper immigration forms on arrival in Japan.

There are now no Covid protocols for Japan. The Japanese government still recommends that visitors to Japan use the Visit Japan Web app, which replaces the paper arrival card and customs declaration, but you DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE VISIT JAPAN WEB APP.

On our last entry to Japan in October 2023, those not using the app actually moved faster through immigration and customs. So, it’s really up to you: use the app or just go old school and fill out a paper arrival card and customs declaration (and if you don’t get them on the plane, you can pick them up at immigration and customs).

Visit Japan Web

Time required to fill out and instruction manuals

When you first download the app and look at the instruction manual, you may get the impression that it’s going to take a long time to complete Visit Japan Web. In practice, it takes about 15 minutes and is pretty intuitive. I suggest using the simplified manual and quarantine section manuals linked below.

Three parts to Visit Japan Web

Note, Visit Japan Web actually consists of three parts: 1) immigration information (ie, disembarkation card information), 2) customs information (ie, customs declaration), and 3) tax-exemption section. When you successfully complete these sections, you will receive three QR codes. The first two you will show at the airport upon arrival. The third you will show at shops that offer tax-free shopping to tourists.

Important tip

You will need a charged smartphone with internet access for Visit Japan Web to work at the airport when you arrive. Japanese airports have free wifi, so connectivity is not an issue, but be sure to charge your phone before flying. Just in case something goes wrong with your phone or you cannot get online at the airport, it’s a good idea to do two things to print out your immigration and customs QR codes to show at the airport.

Important Visit Japan Web Links

Here’s the Visit Japan Web download site .
Here’s a detailed manual for using Visit Japan Web.
Here’s a simplified Visit Japan Web Manual (scroll down for instructions).

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport . You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help

Kyoto District Map

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Kyoto Station Area
South East Kyoto

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Home » Travel » Ultimate Guide To Family-Friendly Japan With Kids

Ultimate Guide To Family-Friendly Japan With Kids

Top 10 destinations for families to visit in japan *open visa-free from october 11, 2022.

There is never a dull moment in Japan. Its magnificent culture is apparent everywhere you look – traditional architecture, arts & handicrafts, and local cuisine, to name a few. And the juxtaposition of all these with modern technology, pop culture, and street couture, is not something that you will often find in other countries. Japan also has a little bit of everything for all ages, whether it’s an amusement park visit or a walk in one of Japan’s busiest districts, visiting a temple, or enjoying sushi from a sushi train – you will never run out of things to do for both adults and kids alike!

Good news for all lovers of Japan – it’s opening up again for travelers from October 11, 2022! Let’s go!!

Want more? Check out our Family-Friendly Guide to Okinawa with Kids !

Restrictions When Traveling to Japan with Kids

UPDATE ON TRAVELING TO JAPAN IN 2022: October 11, 2022 Re-Opening

Effective October 11, 2022, the Japanese government has announced that independent travelers will be allowed to visit Japan visa-free! Hoorah!

What does this mean and how about masks?

Visitors can travel to Japan with ease again!

What restrictions are still in place when traveling to Japan?

Visitors must still show proof of vaccination or recent recovery from Covid to enter Japan. Fully vaccinated individuals will not have to take a pre-departure test.
Visitors entering Japan will either need to show proof of vaccinations (three shots of a Covid-19 vaccine or take a pre-arrival PCR test (for those not vaccinated or less than 3 vaccinations) or show a recovery letter). More information is here.

How about masks? Do you need to wear a mask in Japan now?

There is no law requiring people to wear masks, but it is recommended by the local government to wear them in public places like trains and shops.

TOKYO WITH KIDS: Family-Friendly Guide To Tokyo

The capital city of Japan, Tokyo will keep you busy until the wee hours of the night. There is so much to visit that you can focus on just going around Tokyo and possibly a day’s tour in Odaiba as it is just off its coast. The city has three big amusement parks - Disney Resort , Tokyo Dome City , and Sanrio Puroland . Disney Resort has two massive areas, one is Disneyland and the other is DisneySea. Both of which would most likely require a full day each to explore. Sanrio Puroland is indoors and not as huge as Disney, and half a day’s time would be good. For a more child-centered play center, Tokyo has KidZania . Ghibli Museum is another popular place to visit in Tokyo, especially if your kids are fans of the Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. Even if they aren’t, the museum still has fun areas to explore, like the giant cat bus, and a special screening of a short animated film that is exclusively shown in the theater at the museum. Other museums that would surely pique your child’s interest would be the Railway Museum , the Fire Museum , the Cupnoodles Museum , and for the older kids, there is a Samurai Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science . Aside from the samurai museum, if your child/ren are fans of samurais or ninjas, you can dine in Ninja Tokyo restaurant , where ninjas serve you and it will feel like entering a movie set.

Take a break from all the activities and shop till you drop in the famous Character Street under the Tokyo Station, where your children’s jaws will drop. Kiddyland in Harajuku will also elicit the same effect (plus it's tax-free). If your kids would love to see animals, there is an aquarium and a zoo . For the more outdoors type, a quick trek up Mt. Takao is rewarding, plus there is also a monkey park on the trail. When you are not in the mood to trek down, you can always opt for a cable car ride. Another great attraction is the Tokyo Skytree - whether you would like to see Tokyo from the top or dine in the flashy 634 Musashi Restaurant - it will be an experience that you and your family won’t forget.

If you want just one place that has it all, visit Ueno Park - it comes complete with its own zoo, museums, and library. Dabble in history and visit the Senso-ji Temple and the Meiji Shrine .

ODAIBA WITH KIDS: Family-Friendly Guide To Odaiba

Although Odaiba is located in Tokyo, it has so much to offer that you might want to consider doing a separate tour of the artificial island itself. Reaching it is an adventure as you will be riding an automated monorail, sans driver, and enter the island through the rainbow bridge (it is lit up in rainbow colors at night time). There are several landmarks that you might want to see, such as the smaller version of the Statue of Liberty in New York with an amazing backdrop of Tokyo Bay, a lifesize Gundam outside a mall (for fans of the anime), and a store dedicated to it, plus the Giant Sky Wheel (do take note that it's seasonal) for an unforgettable view.

You will keep the children amused when you visit the teamLab installations - Borderless allows you to explore openly, and Planets - where you can walk on water. But if you’d like to get the kids into action, visit Legoland Discovery Center and Joypolis (an indoor amusement park that the older kids and teens can also enjoy). Madame Tussaud’s is renowned worldwide, but it might be more entertaining for adults and teens. The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, also known as Miraikan , has a curiosity field that is free to enter where children can do active play or experiments. There is also a Tokyo cruise pier located at Odaiba Seaside Park and Palette Town, and you can view their timetables and fares, here .

OSAKA WITH KIDS: Family-Friendly Guide To Osaka

Osaka is a one-stop destination that will have you wishing you stayed longer. The second most populous city after Tokyo, Osaka’s to-visit list includes at least two Ferris wheels, the HEP Five Ferris Wheel (the red colored one), and the uniquely oblong-shaped, Don Quijote Dotombori Ferris Wheel beside Ebisu Tower. And if you want to continue seeing Osaka from above, they have an observation tower as well - Abeno Harukas 360 view . There are also several amusement parks including the famous Universal Studios Japan featuring the newly-opened Super Nintendo World and a Legoland Discovery Center as well. Adults will also enjoy a different kind of theme park where relaxation is more of the end goal than fun, at Solaniwa Onsen Theme Park , as it is an onsen after all. For shopping, visit Rinku Pleasure Town Seacle .

There are two different kinds of zoos in Osaka - a more futuristic and modern looking is Nifrel Zoo and Aquarium, but if you’re more traditional, there is the Osaka Tennoji Zoo and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan . Or visit both for comparison. You’d think that museums are a dime a dozen, but the ones in Osaka are uniquely made for kids- they are interactive and also an area for playtimes, such as the Kids Plaza and Big Bang Children's Museum . Osaka also has a Cupnoodles Museum (just like in Tokyo). A glimpse of the past can be seen by visiting the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living . Older kids might appreciate the Osaka Science Museum , and the teens and adults would definitely get a kick out of visiting the Dotonbori Konamon Museum as it’s more of a cooking school/tasting place. If you are keen on a different kind of eating experience, you can share the space with owls at the Happy Owl Cafe .

For an outdoor experience, a trek on Mount Kongo will be a memorable one as you can also visit the Chihaya Akasaka Village . There is also Hirakata Park (in between Kyoto and Osaka) for a more relaxing time or a Tombori River Cruise for those wanting to be on the water. But make sure that whatever you do in Osaka, you don’t skip the majestic Osaka Castle .

KYOTO WITH KIDS: Family-Friendly Guide To Kyoto

With at least 2,000 shrines and temples, you might never have the chance to visit all of them in Kyoto. If you have a limited time, there are a couple of places that are a must-visit whilst here. This city used to be the imperial capital of Japan, which is probably why the juxtaposition of old and new is more prominent here than in any other city in the country. For a unique experience and a step into the past, have a Geisha experience, which includes a kimono and tea ceremony, and a walk through Gion, one of the popular Geisha streets. You can also visit the Interactive Samurai and Ninja Museum , and the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. Interested in how Japan makes its period TV shows and movies? Head to the TOEI Kyoto Studio Park , the only jidaigeki theme park in Japan.

For an outdoor experience, pass through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove , visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama , trek in Mt. Hiei , or ride a Hozugawa River Cruise . Fans of animals can visit the Kyoto City Zoo and the Kyoto Aquarium . For kid-friendly museums, they have the Kyoto Railway Museum , Kaleidoscope Museum , The National Museum of Modern Art , and the Kyoto International Manga Museum for manga fans. For craft lovers, you can visit the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts (where there are also workshops for kids) but it’s not the only museum featuring arts and crafts from Kyoto, there are a lot more others, and you can check out what else piques your interest, here . And for a view of Kyoto from above, visit the Kyoto Tower .

OKINAWA WITH KIDS: Family-Friendly Guide To Okinawa

A trip to Okinawa will definitely involve a visit to the beach as this is an island, whether you choose to spend a day on the shore and do water activities or just for a view of the outlook - there is always something for your particular desire. It was once a separate country under the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a visit to the Shurijo Castle Park would be a great start to learning about its past. The Katsuren Castle Ruins opened a new historical and cultural facility, called Amawari Park and you can visit it first prior to climbing up to the ruins. Another great ruin to visit would be the Zakimi Castle Ruins, and also a stop at The Yuntaza Museum is recommended before proceeding. Sefa Utaki (a sacred, UNESCO world heritage site) and Gangala Valley would satisfy your outdoor adventure needs. If interested in flora and fauna, there is a botanical garden and a Tropical Dream Center .

Okinawa World is a one-stop destination - a ticket for all attractions grants you entrance to the Gyokusendo Cave, the Craft Village (where you can create your own handicraft, including the following - Bingata studio, Indigo dyeing studio, Weaving studio, Papermaking studio, Ryukyuan glass), and the HABU museum park and shows (including the Eisa Dance). If you have older children, you can also pass by the brewery and the cultural center. If the handicraft center inside Okinawa World is not enough, visit the Shuri Ryusen , which was built to preserve and spread awareness about the traditional crafts of Okinawa. For animal lovers, visit the Okinawa Zoo & Museum and the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium . Bios no Oka offers several experiences such as a lake tour, a water buffalo cart ride, and a small fish clinic, to name a few. The adventure playground and petting/walking the goats is free of charge. Another free park that is a blast for locals and tourists alike is Nakagusuku Park - which is also a camping site.

Love pineapples? Whether you are a fan or not, a visit to Pineapple Park is going to be a unique experience. Make your own Purple Sweet Potato Tart by enlisting in the Beni-imo Tart Making Experience . Want a break from history and traditional Japan? Head over to the American Village for shopping and dining. For water lovers, Cape Maeda is great for snorkeling and scuba diving and provides basic facilities. Sea Park Chatan Water Playground (only for 110 cm and taller and must know how to swim) is also a great place for kids. Venturing to other islands is not a problem, but make sure that you have the schedule of the transfers and the island regulations. For beach information, check here . And if you would like to know more about the islands, click accordingly: Kume Island , Miyako Islands , Kerama Islands , and Yaeyama Islands .

NARA WITH KIDS: Family-Friendly Guide To Nara

Nara is all about the great outdoors, and it comes as no surprise that the Nara deer park is the main attraction when visiting the area. The park also encompasses the Todaiji Temple , Kohfukuji Temple , and Kasugataisha Shrine . For the older children, a visit to the Nara National Museum and the Nara City Museum of Photography could be added to the itinerary.

The Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum showcases toys from the Edo Period and a walk along Naramachi gives you a glimpse of traditional Japan. Another good place to walk is on the Tanize Suspension Bridge . One of the best places to see the cherry blossoms is Mt. Yoshino as the whole mountain turns pink from April to May. The cable car ride up to it is also a good activity for kids. Outdoor activities, such as trekking, rafting, snowshoeing, and the like can be arranged with Evaguri . A cable car ride on the cute Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car would be a good accompaniment to the Ikoma Amusement Park . Strawberry Picking is available at Asuka Strawberry Farm , view artwork in a park at the Murou Art Forest , and learn more about insects at the Kashihara City Museum of Insects .

NAGOYA WITH KIDS: Family-Friendly Guide To Nagoya

Yes, we kid you not. Nagoya is home to Oasis 21 - an oval-shaped platform that has water in the center and is located a couple of floors above ground level. Underneath is a bus terminal and an event space, surrounded by greenery. A walk along the spaceship, especially at night, would definitely be memorable. If your kids are into vehicles, there is a Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology , a SCMaglev and Railway Park , and the Fuji Antarctic Museum (a ship that was turned into a museum) which is located in the port area, which also houses the Maritime Museum and the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium .

Nagoya also has a garden and zoo, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens , and a fruit park . There is also a Legoland Resort , which includes Sea Life, another amusement park located at the port is Nagoya Port Sea Train Land and there is also for smaller children, Todagawa Children's Land . Another museum that’s great for kids is the Nagoya City Science Museum .

NISEKO AND HOKKAIDO REGION WITH KIDS: Family-Friendly Guide To Hokkaido

Niseko is popular for its powder-like snow, which is why tourists flock to it during the wintertime. And if skiing is your thing, there are lots of ski schools offering great packages to kids and families. GoSnow is an international ski school in Hirafu, Niseko Base Snowsports has classes for kids 3 and up, and NISS in Hanazono. If skiing is not on the agenda, Galaxy Of Kids in Hanazono is a huge indoor play space, Hanazono Park offers tons of fun, such as sledding, snow tubing, zip-lining, and winter rafting . Jo Jo's is also popular with families as it offers a three-story indoor playground and a climbing wall within the NAC ( Niseko Adventure Centre - also offers family activities such as rafting in the summer) building. If you feel like wandering inside a museum or an exhibit, there are two places that you can go to - Kutchan Museum of Natural Sciences and the Ogawara Museum . Get rid of the snow feeling and dip into an onsen with your whole family at Kanronomori Hotel .

Hokkaido’s biggest city, Sapporo, is also a great destination for families with children. For animal fans, visit the Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa which is popular for its penguin walk in the winter, and the Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo . There is also the Otaru Aquarium for a more indoor affair. If you prefer animals that are not caged, visit the North Safari Park . The Northern Horse Park is also a great place for horseback riding and interacting with horses - it turns into a winter park in the winter season.

Aside from zoos, farms and parks are abundant in the region as well. Sapporo Satoland and Lake Hill Farm (famous for their ice cream) are interactive farms that you can visit. Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate entertainment park, Sapporo Art Park is a huge area that has a museum, an art hall, a children’s atelier, and an outdoor stage, and Moerenuma Park has art installations. Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park is famous for snow activities in the winter and it is the only government park in the region. For local entertainment, visit the Sapporo Children’s Puppet Theater in Nakajima Park.

Additional Info:

Notes when traveling:

Most museums or restaurants need reservations before going, so it’s best to go to their websites once you have your vacation dates and book your tickets or your table.
Not all attractions are open all year round. For example, the Hozugawa River Cruise in Kyoto is not open for certain times during winter. It is best to check the websites for the schedules.

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Japan with Kids: How to Plan the Perfect Japan Family Trip

Last Updated on September 20, 2024

Japan is a great family travel destination, with its neon streetscapes and kid-friendly amenities. This is my detailed guide to traveling Japan with kids.

There’s nowhere else like Japan. It is ultra modern yet traditional, and highly urbanized yet filled with nature. The multi-faceted country is truly unique in every sense of the word.

I’ve been to Japan three times, and my favorite was definitely the Japan family trip we did with our then 3.5-year-old daughter. It turns out Kaleya is just as crazy about Japan as we are.

Japan is a great destination for kids. T he country is home to psychedelic neon cities, bizarre themed cafes, and ancient towns. The great infrastructure in the country means it’s easy to get around and explore without worrying for your kids’ safety. For those planning to travel Japan with kids, I’m sharing details of our trip to help you plan your Japan family trip.

japan with kids - traveling japan with kids

Table of Contents

How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids

When to travel japan with kids, how long to travel japan with kids, by public transport, language in japan, what to eat in japan with kids, where to eat in japan with kids, traditional ryokan, what you should know about ryokans, modern hotels, our hotel recommendations in japan, go to the robot restaurant , visit the mori digital museum in tokyo, eat at the kawaii monster cafe, try rainbow food in harajuku, go to a hot spring themed park, wander around the omicho market in kanazawa.

Try on a Kimono in Kyoto

Explore the Arashimaya Bamboo Groves in Kyoto

Feed deers in nara, see the snow monkeys in jigokudani, cost of traveling japan with kids, packing for a trip to japan with kids, final tips for traveling japan with kids, travel resources, japan with kids.

In general, traveling Japan with kids is easy and fun thanks to the great infrastructure and kid-friendly amenities. The whole country is organized, clean and efficient.

Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) are great places to stay with kids. The tatami rooms have plenty of space for kids to run around. Y ou get to all sleep on futons laid out on the floor, which is a fun experience for kids (though a back-breaking one for adults). Many ryokans have their own onsens (hot springs), which are super fun for both kids and adults alike.

Tokyo is an exception though: Many izakayas (bars) tend to be tiny and not suitable for kids. Most subway stations don’t have elevators, and the Tokyo subway is possibly the deepest underground subway I’ve ever seen. That said, almost everywhere else in Japan is easy and superb for travel with kids.

japan with kids - kyoto traveling japan with kids

It’s important to have travel insurance for travel during the pandemic. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. They cover kids for free as long as you’ve got a plan with them. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before the coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

japan with kids - posing with sumo apprentices

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most popular months to travel Japan due to the mild weather and moderate humidity. Some spots can get overcrowded, especially during the cherry blossom season. Each year, the sakura season varies (usually around April), so make sure you check the predicted dates beforehand.

We traveled to Japan in late September and still found many places quite crowded, particularly Kyoto. During our trip, we experienced mostly warm days of 21-25 deg C, with some rainy days. In the mountainous areas like Takayama and Nagano prefectures, temperatures ranged around 10-15 deg C, but a light jacket was enough.

Winter (December-February) is pretty cold with temperatures dipping to freezing point. But Japan has lots of great ski stations and it’s a good time to see snow monkeys in Nagano.

traveling japan with kids - cheito pagoda with mount fuji

Japan is a big country and there’s just SO much to see and do, whether your family prefers nature, cities, culture or food. We only had five days on our first trip to Japan and it definitely left us wanting more.

Two weeks in Japan are perfect; though you would probably want to have even more time to see and experience it. In two weeks, we managed to see the best of Japan, but I’ll admit I packed in too much into the itinerary.

If you want to explore Japan off the beaten path , then you would need at least three or four weeks. Tokyo is a must-see; check out my detailed Tokyo itinerary .

Here’s a summary of our Japan itinerary :

3 Days in Tokyo — to experience all the wacky fun experiences
2 Days in Hakone — with a stay at a hot spring resort and water park
2 Days in Okuhida — to experience nature in the Japanese Alps
1 Day in Kanazawa — to eat the freshest seafood
3 Days in Kyoto — with day trip to Nara to see the deers
1 Day in Shibu Onsen — to see snow monkeys in Jigokudani
1 Night in Narita — to catch our flight home

japan with kids - Okuhida in the Japanese Alps

How to Get Around Japan with Kids

We chose to rent a car in Japan as we wanted to explore Japan off the beaten path and see more natural sights. It was also a lot more convenient when traveling with our 3.5-year-old daughter who still needs the stroller from time to time.

While the Japanese public transport system has an impressive coverage across the country, there are still some places that are only accessible by car or foot. The quaint villages and mountainous areas that we went, such as Okuhida in the Japanese Alps, happened to be my favorite parts of Japan. I recommend driving the Golden Northward route if you’re looking for a scenic route that brings you off the well-trodden path.

It was surprisingly easy to drive in Japan . Most road signs are in both Japanese and English. We could find our way easily using Google Maps since we had a mobile WiFi dongle. Car rentalin Japan is quite affordable. We booked from Discover Car rental and paid US$565 for our two-week rental of a compact Japanese car and a child seat.

Read all about driving in Japan!

traveling japan with kids - our car rental

By Intercity Train

Japan is well known for bullet trains (shinkansen) that are ridiculously fast and efficient. I personally think taking a shinkansen is a must-try experience when in Japan! We did it on our first trip to Japan and were blown away. It’s actually faster to travel around Japan by bullet trains than by car. For example, it takes four hours to get from Tokyo to Kyoto by train, but it takes seven hours by car.

If you’re traveling Japan for more than a week, I suggest getting a JR Pass to get unlimited travel on JR transportation (including bullet trains, local trains, buses, monorails and ferries).

A 7-day JR Pass costs around US$265 while a 14-day pass costs US$420. Getting a JR Pass will definitely save you money, as individual trains are super expensive. Kids under 6 travel for free. You can compare individual train prices with the cost of the JR Pass using the handy Japan Rail Pass Calculator .

Get your JR Pass here!

If you’re taking public transport, I’d recommend getting the Pasmo / Suico pass. It’s a prepaid smart card that allows you to use most public transport (metro, trains, buses, monorail) in Japan.

The card also functions as an electronic wallet. You can buy things on trains, in vending machines, convenience stores and restaurants that accept the card. Suica and Pasmo cards can be purchased through ticket machines at any JR stations.

More info here.

traveling japan with kids - cheito pagoda

English isn’t commonly spoken in Japan. On our first trip to Japan almost 10 years ago, it was quite challenging to travel Japan without any knowledge of Japanese as all signs on the street and public spots were shown only in Japanese.

This time round, we found it much easier as most signs are now in English as well. Japan has definitely become more travel-friendly in the past decade.

Also, free WiFi is easily available in many public places in Japan and you can use Google Translator to translate signs etc. It’s also affordable and convenient to rent pocket WiFi router. We rented our router from GetYourGuide for US$71 that provided us unlimited WiFi for two weeks.

Many people have the misconception that Japanese food is all about raw seafood and sushi. That can’t be far from the truth. The megadiverse cuisine consists of a huge array of food types: from different kinds of noodles to rice bowls, grilled meat to bubbling stews.

EVERY meal we had in Japan was great — even ramen from vending machines tasted amazing. You really can’t get bad food in Japan. My 3.5-year-old daughter, who’s usually a fussy eater, absolutely loved the food in Japan. Her favorites were edamame (steamed peas) and onigiri (triangular rice balls) as well as udon noodles.

Check out my detailed Japanese food guide, including 40 best Japanese dishes to try.

traveling japan with kids - japanese food

You can find food everywhere in Japan and they’re surprisingly affordable. A meal in a standard sushi restaurant costs around 800-1500 yen per person, not including drinks. Every restaurant/diner provides free iced water or tea with your meal.

There are also entire restaurants devoted to food that looks like characters such as Hello Kitty or Rilakkuma. Other themed restaurants like Kawaii Monster Cafe and Maid Cafe are also great fun for kids.

If you’re on a budget, seek out the vending machines. You can easily get a ramen or katsu rice bowl for around 500-800 yen. Even convenience stores like 7-11, Family Mart, and Lawson’s have cheap and delicious yakitori (meat skewers), onigiri (triangular rice buns) and bento sets.

If your kids aren’t adventurous eaters, there are plenty of fast-food restaurants, western cafes and bakeries in Japan. The convenience stores also stock sandwiches and other food that are familiar to them.

Here are some of the places we ate at and really enjoyed:

Sushi Dai, Tokyo — Located outside the famous Tsukiji Market, this is indisputably one of the best places to enjoy sushi in Tokyo. You’ll get an affordable taste of the freshest and finest seafood for only a fraction of the price of upmarket sushi restaurants. But it’s a tiny place and might not be suitable for those with strollers/babies. Reserve your table here!

Kisoji, Tokyo — Our Japanese friend brought us to this shabu-shabu (hotpot) restaurant and we had some of the best wagyu beef I’ve had. You can book a tatami room and cook the shabu-shabu or sukiyaki yourself. Book a table here.

Sengoku Buyuden, Tokyo — This samurai-themed restaurant is quite an interesting place to celebrate a special occasion. Alberto booked a seven-course dinner here for my birthday and the food was really good. Book your table here.

Sakura Tei, Tokyo — We absolutely loved this restaurant chain that lets you make you own okonomiyaki and monjayaki (pan-fried pancake batter). It’s cheap and casual, and filled with character. Reserve a table here.

Tenka Chaya, Kawaguchiko — While driving around the Mount Fuji area, we chanced upon this gorgeous roadside teahouse and had an amazing meal there. All of its tables are on tatami floor and the menu is traditional hot broth pot.

Kaseidon Ichiba, Kanazawa — Inside the Omichi market, you’ll find the best spots to try fresh sashimi that the city is famous for. This place serves awesome salmon roe, oysters, scallops and outstanding sushi. Read reviews here!

Sakaguchi-Ya, Takayama — Housed in a Samachi traditional building, this restaurant serves the famous Hida beef in the form of handrolled sushi or beef rice bowl. A little pricey but well worth for the quality food and atmosphere! Book a table here.

Hokkyokusei, Kyoto — Right next to Yasaka Shrine is this cute ‘Western’ cafe that specialises in omurice (Japanese omelette rice), which is one of our favorite Japanese dishes. Kid-friendly and good service. See reviews here.

Where to Stay in Japan with Kids

Hotels in Japan get booked up quite fast, especially during the peak period (March to May). I strongly suggest booking early and confirming your hotel stay a few days before arriving in Japan.

Another thing to note is that many hotels don’t seem to respond to emails promptly – even top rated hotels. So you can often wait a day or two for a response to a simple question regarding your accommodations.

One of the experiences I think every visitor must try in Japan is staying in a traditional ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that usually has tatami flooring, futons as beds, and an onsen (hotspring).

Staying in ryokans gives you the chance to experience how the Japanese traditionally used to live. Plus, they tend to be spacious, which makes it great for families who want to share one room.

Every ryokan provides yukata (simple Japanese robe) for you to wear to the onsen or as pyjamas. In hot spring towns like Shibu Onsen, you can even wear the yukata out to town. Read about our stay at the best ryokan in Hakone .

traveling japan with kids - traditional ryokan

However, there are some things you need to know about staying in a ryokan. Firstly, ryokans tend to be the same price or even pricier than modern three-star hotels in Japan. We paid an average of around $80-120 per night for a room.

Secondly, you sleep on thin mattresses or futons that are laid out on the tatami floor. We found it quite hard to sleep at first and had backaches after our second night. (I know we sound so spoiled!).

One of the ryokans we stayed at had such bad soundproofing walls that we were kept up all night because of noisy neighbors. It felt like we were staying at a hostel despite the high price we paid.

So take my advice, book just 1-3 nights at a ryokan (instead of 7 nights like we did!).

japan with kids - wearing a yukata in the ryokan

Recently there was a government crackdown on the use of residential accommodation as Airbnb in Japan. As a result, all hosts must be issued with a permit to offer Airbnb services. This has seen many travellers left without accommodation when their Airbnb was cancelled.

There are several modern hotel chains in Japan that are affordable and have quality facilities. APA Hotels and UNIZO have branches all over Japan and great locations. However, most of these have tiny rooms where you’ll barely have space to walk.

I suggest paying more and booking twin rooms or family rooms if you want to be a bit more comfortable. The APA Hotel we stayed in Tokyo even had an onsen and a rooftop outdoor pool

We wanted to try the capsule hotels, but they turned out to be more expensive than budget hotel rooms (as we would have to pay $30 per capsule and get three capsules). Plus the capsules are divided between men and women, so Alberto would have to be separated from us.

japan with kids - yunessen hot spring park

Here are the places that we stayed at and can recommend to family travelers:

APA Hotel Tokyo Nishishinjuku, Tokyo — A modern three-star hotel centrally located in Shinjuku and steps from a subway station. Good quality facilities, including an onsen (hot spring) and rooftop swimming pool. The small double room is tiny; opt for a twin or family room instead. Check latest rates here.

Hakone Kowakien Tenyu, Hakone — Opened in April 2017, this spectacular five-star hot spring resort is a worthwhile destination on its own. Read my detailed review of the hotel here ! All of its rooms have tatami flooring, open-air stone bath and mountain views. The hotel also has an attached hot spring themed park that’s perfect for kids. Check the latest rates here.

Fujino Kirameki Fujigotemba, Gotemba — Possibly the most family friendly hotel we stayed at in Japan, this glamping site has beautifully furnished cabins transformed from cargo containers and huge play areas for families to hang out. Best of all, it has a gorgeous setting high up above Gotemba, with Mount Fuji in the backdrop and a thick cypress tree forests surrounding it. Book here!

Konji Ryokan, Gifu prefecture — Located in the Okuhida hot spring villages, this traditional ryokan is located in the Japanese Alps and close to hiking trails. Sadly it rained the whole time we were there and the nearby Shin-Hotaka Ropeway was closed. Still a gorgeous area to visit. It’s a 1-hour drive to Takayama from here. Book here!

Kaneki Hotel, Shibu Onsen — This ryokan in the village of Shibu Onsen is clean, cute and affordable. It has a nice and brand new private onsen which you can use for your own (which we really appreciate as most other hotels don’t have that). You’ll also get a key to enter the nine onsens that the village is famous for. It’s the nearest village to the Jigokudani Snow Monkeys Park. Check the latest rates here.

Search for Japan hotels here!

traveling japan with families - hakone kowakien tenyu

Best Things to Do in Japan with Kids

There’s no shortage of things to do in Japan with kids. You can choose from themed cafes, unique museums, cultural experiences and excursions, but these are best booked in advance before your trip to avoid disappointment.

There are also lots of free things to do, for instance most temples in Japan are free to visit. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Japan with kids:

This over-the-top entertainment show is great fun, and kids under three go for free. Take note that it can be very loud and bright for young kids, though they provide noise-cancelling headphones.

Our daughter really enjoyed the crazy show. Note that it’s more of a show than restaurant. You do need to book your tickets in advance (they’re cheaper online as well) as they can sell out.

Book Your Tickets here!

japan with kids - robot restaurant in tokyo

Definitely make some time in your Tokyo itinerary to visit this museum! The newly opened museum is hugely popular thanks to social media, so book your tickets way in advance. In a huge three-dimensional 10,000 square meter space, artworks created by computers move in and out of the rooms freely, creating magical formations.

Personally, the MORI Digital Museum is a MUST-see in my opinion and particularly interesting for kids. There are several areas designated to babies and young kids and lots of interactive artworks for adults. but be prepared to wait in line even if you have tickets (we only waited for 30 minutes to enter). Read reviews and tips here!

Bright, whimsical and bizarre, the Kawaii Monster Cafe is a themed cafe is definitely designed for kids. Besides its psychedelic interiors, the food here also comes in rainbow colors.

There’s an entry fee of 500 yen (US$4.40) and you have to order at least 1 food and 1 drink per person. We ended up spending around $40 here for the 3 of us, twice of what we usually spend. In my opinion, it’s way overpriced and only suitable for young kids. Book your table here!

Harajuku is Tokyo’s wacky playground for those who love alternative stuff. There are lots of cartoon comic stores, cutesy boutiques and big-chain lifestyle shops here. Best of all, it’s home to Tokyo’s most innovative foodie experiences.

We highly recommend trying the rainbow-colored cotton candy at Totti Cotton Factory, and rainbow grilled cheese sandwich at the nearby Le Shinier. Kids (and adults) go crazy over these things!

japan with kids - rainbow grilled cheese sandwich

Yunessen hot spring park in Hakone is not just any typical water park: here you can dip in pools with wine, sake, coffee and tea. It’s a lot of fun for both kids and adults alike. All the pools are fed with natural hot spring water, so they stay warm even in winter.

Tickets are quite cheap and you can easily spend a whole day here. Entry tickets cost 2900 yen (US$3.30) per adult and 1600 yen (US$1.80) per child. Reserve your ticket here.

Kanazawa is best known for its fresh seafood and out-of-this-world sashimi. The Omicho Market is an excellent spot to bring the family and get a good introduction to Kanazawa’s seafood. You’ll see huge Japanese crabs here as well as larger-than-life oysters, shrimps and sea urchin.

If your kids are adventurous eaters, see if they want to taste some! It costs around 600 yen ($5) to try an oyster or two big shrimps. There are also some interesting things to try like blue beer and gold-leaf icecream!

Try on a Kimono in Kyoto

What an experience it was to try on the Japanese national costume! We got to see the complicated process of putting it on and then experienced wearing it all over Kyoto. Even Kaleya loved putting on the kimono.

To capture the special moment, we even booked a photography session with Flytographer . The results turned out great and we now have gorgeous family shots.

If you’re interested in booking a photography session, use this link and the code “NELLIEHUANG” to get US$25 credits. You can also combine your kimono rental with a tea ceremony to have a full cultural experience.

Book your kimono rental here!

JAPAN WITH KIDS - exploring Kyoto in kimonos

In the outskirts of Kyoto, you can find beautiful bamboo forests as well as large gardens and hiking trails in and around the Katsuragawa River. The Path of Bamboos is packed with tourists these days, but it’s still a beautiful area to visit especially for families.

You can even hire a rickshaw to bring you around parts of the bamboo groves that are exclusive to rickshaw riders. More info here.

japan with kids - arashimaya bamboo grove

Nara park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara’s nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city.

Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed. The park is big and dotted with temples, shrines and lots of greenery.

The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is best visited in winter when the Japanese macaques are often seen dipping in the hot springs. However, the monkeys are fed by park staff, so they do hang out in the park year round.

Even if the monkeys don’t interest you, the area is worth visiting for a chance to hike and experience Japan’s nature. Read more about it here.

The nearest town, Shibu Onsen, is a cute hot spring village that I highly recommend visiting. If you stay at one of their associated ryokans, you’ll get a key to enter all of the 9 onsens in the village for free. These are not scenic onsens, but are rather public baths that villagers use for their daily baths.

traveling japan with kids - snow monkey park

Let’s face it, Japan IS expensive (especially if you want to do all kinds of activities) but it’s still affordable compared to the US or Western Europe.

The cheapest way to travel Japan with kids is to use local transport and book budget hotels. Transport was the biggest cost for us and we spent around US$1050 on our car rental, toll fees, parking and gas.

You might spend less if you opt for the JR Pass — remember kids under 6 travel for free and kids aged 6 to 11 enjoy half price on the JR transportation.

As for accommodation, expect to pay at least US$65 per night for a tiny 3-star hotel room and around $100 for a traditional ryokan room . Accommodation in small towns (e.g. Shibu Onsen and Kanazawa) tend to be cheaper. Hostels and capsule hotels are around the same price for families as you’ll be paying around $20-35 per person.

Activities can add up too if you’re planning to book experiences like the Robot Restaurant and sushi-making classes.

Here is a breakdown of our expenses in USD (not including airfare):

Transport: $1050

Accommodation: $1400

WiFi rental: $100

Miscellaneous: $200

Activities:

Robot Restaurant: $64 x 2
Harajuku Owl Cafe: $5 x 2
MORI Digital Art Museum entrance: $28.25 x 2
Kimono rental: $100
Kawaii Monster Cafe: $40
Yunessun hot spring themed park: $10

TOTAL: $3600

The biggest tip I have for those traveling Japan with kids is to pack as light as possible . Japan is very urbanized and you’ll probably be doing lots of walking, using public transport and moving between places. Packing lightly will make getting around easier, especially with kids.

Most cities in Japan are busy and crowded. The subway is often packed and commuters are in a rush. It can be a challenge walking around with a toddler who can’t keep up with the pace. Decide if a stroller is useful as it can be a pain getting strollers in and out of the subway and along busy walkways.

On this two-week trip in Japan , we traveled with just our day-packs, Kaleya’s Pockit lightweight stroller and our Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 32 wheeled suitcase .

Since it was September and the weather was still warm, I packed mostly t-shirts, thin pants, dresses, and leggings. I also had a cardigan and a thin leather jacket for the chilly days. For Kaleya, it was the same — mostly long-sleeved tshirts, a few dresses and skinny jeans.

Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be walking quite a lot. As it gets quite rainy in autumn, we only packed waterproof jackets for us and a raincoat and rain boots for Kaleya.

traveling japan with kids - waterproof clothes

The first thing you’ll notice when arriving in Japan is that the Japanese are incredibly polite and respectful. They don’t expect foreigners to follow their etiquette, but they do appreciate it when you make some effort and blend in.

Here are some important things for families to keep in mind:

The Japanese bow a lot to show their gratitude. You don’t need to do the same if you’re uncomfortable with that. Make sure to learn some basic Japanese words and express some courtesy. “Thank you” is one word you’ll hear a lot: “Arigatō gozaimash ta”. “Hello” is “Kon’nichiwa” and “Excuse me” is “Sumimasen”.
Japanese toilets are the coolest — both kids and adults are sure to be amused by them! There are plenty of buttons on the side of the toilet, each with a different function (heating, drying, washing etc). However, some places still have the squat toilet (hole in the ground), so get your kids prepared for that.
Kids would love the fact that it is customary to slurp noodles loudly in Japan to show that you’re enjoying it. My daughter completely embraced it and had slurping competitions with us!

Keep in mind that placing chopsticks upright in your food, crossing them or passing food with them are what people do at funerals. Just place your chopsticks on the side of your plate when you are not using them.
Breastfeeding is generally not done in public, though you can find a quiet corner and use a shawl to cover. Many department stores have nursing rooms as well as spacious baby-changing facilities where you can breastfeed in private if you prefer.
Remember to bring any medication that your child takes regularly (or may need), as Japanese pharmacies don’t sell foreign medications.
Always remove shoes when entering a private home, temple or traditional ryokan. Some restaurants with tatami mat seating also require you to remove your shoes and use their slippers. Note that they have different slippers for bathroom use, so make sure not to confuse them.

traveling japan with kids - slippers for outdoor wear

Japan runs mostly on credit cards, but some places don’t take international cards. It’s best to have some Japanese yen at hand at all times. Many ATMs don’t take international cards either — the best places to withdraw cash are the 7-11 stores.
There is no tipping in Japan, though of course you’re free to give some spare cash if you want to show your appreciation for their good service.
No eating, drinking or talking on the cell phone in the train or subway. The Japanese are very considerate to other people, so please try to do the same.
Always stand on the right side of the escalators.
It’s extremely rude to blow your nose in public. Try to do that in the toilet.
Don’t be surprised to see many people walking around with hygienic masks. People who have a cold or illness often wear these to prevent spreading their germs.

japan with kids - inside the tokyo subway

Phew! That’s it from me for now. Thanks for reading all the way to the end.

On an ending note, I’d like to remind you not to plan too much when traveling Japan with kids. Because there’s SO much to do, many people end up trying to pack too many places into their itinerary. We made the same mistake and definitely wished we weren’t so ambitious in seeing so many places.

Keep in mind that you’re there to have fun and explore, so slow down and enjoy the beautiful country with your family in a relaxing pace! I hope this guide has been useful. Feel free to leave me any questions or comments you may have below.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page .

Booking Flights : Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
Accommodations: I always use Booking.com to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
Travel Insurance: It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Health Advice: I always refer to the travel guides on the CDC website for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
Tours: If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures . I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with Viator and GetYourGuide ; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
Transportation : Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using Bookaway and Busbud . They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable .
Travel WiFi: I always travel with my Travel WiFi Sapphire 2 device; it’s the most convenient way to get internet data on the go. Instead of getting a local SIM card in every country I travel, I get an internet data package online and the device works immediately when I land.

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides . She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

The Comments

the Curious Pixie

Absolutely loved this guide. It’s my dream trip to go to Japan with kids. I am a veggie, so the food situation slightly concerns me, but not enough to put me off going.

Thank you! I have a vegan friend who just went to Japan, who said she managed to get by. But I met a vegetarian in Japan and he said he struggled to find things that were suitable for him. So I guess it depends on individuals as well.

madhu sharma

Wow it’s great to know that Japan is kids friendly.i also have 3.5 year old son.n this guide is really helpful

hi Madhu, glad you found it useful! :)

I’d love to go to Japan with my daughter one day. Thanks for the inspiring post!

This is a great guide for adults as well as kids. Or for the kid in all of us. Your final tips are also really helpful.

This is a really helpful guide! I just got back from Japan and stayed 3 weeks, and I rushed it, too. I would agree that it’s important to go at a slower pace and spend more time in Kyoto and Tokyo. It sounds like you had a great time!

Thank you so much !!! ? So helpful and detailed !! All your advices are great, can’t wait to go there with my son and husband !

Malvika Vithani

This was such a detailed guide – thank you! I actually don’t have kids but all the activities still sound amazing. :)

Lesia Joukova

I love reading Japan guides so much. I also think family guides really work out well for me because I’m such a kid that I would totally go to a themed hot springs park and a robot show! Thank you for sharing, really-really loved this post!

hi Lesia, thanks for the kind comment! Glad you like the post!!

Muy bonito reportaje Nellie

Hi – great blog post! I do have 2 kids – 6 & 2 so this definitely helps a ton in planning as most vlogs on youtube chronicle singles or couples with no kids.

Similar to the other commentor above – we are also a family of vegetarians. So it’ll be our added challenge. But at the same time kids do need to know there is a whole world that surrounds us – not just where we live. You have definitely given us enough tips & activities to consider. Thank you for being so detailed!

Carla Hookway

Thanks for posting this – very informative, helpful & interesting – it’s inspired my want to travel to Japan even more!

You are welcome and hope you enjoy Japan with your kids!

Really enjoyed your blog. Planning to do a trip with a 10 and 8 year old probably this November and appreciate all the tips!

Thank you so much Gary! Let me know if you have any questions at all and I’m happy to help if I can!

Wonderful review of your trip to Japan, very useful tips. Thanks for sharing all the detailed information. Can’t wait for us to book our trip.

Pamela Robinson

Love this!! I’ll be following your blog from now on. This is such a helpful guide!!

This is great, we’re going to japan with two toddlers in march and im following your itinerary. Did you Book a JR railpass on this visit or just drive it all? I’m contemplating just driving but not sure about getting into tokyo that way?

hey Laura, good to hear you’re following my itinerary! We drove the whole time, though I used a JR pass on my first trip. During our time in Tokyo, we used a combination of the local subway and our car rental. The subway was useful for busy areas like Shinjuku but we found the car to be useful to go to areas that were further out, like Akihabara, the Tsukiji fish market, and the interactive museum. It can be exhausting walking and taking the subway all day, especially for young kids. Driving in Tokyo wasn’t too stressful, but parking can be expensive (around $10-20 a day) and there are tolls in some parts of the city. It was really relaxing and fun to drive though, especially in the mountains. The car hire companies are so good at explaining everything when you’re picking up the car, and they make sure you’ll clear about the rules and how things work.

Thank you Nellie, this was really helpful. We can’t wait! Definitely want to check out the interactive museum too. I’m actually really relieved to be driving. I couldn’t imagine how stressful dragging two toddlers through the busy subways would be!

we will be going to Japan end of March. We want to take our three kids but are unsure since we’ve never been. They will be 6 months. 3 and 4 years old. In your opinion will three under 5 be too challenging for a first time trip to Japan? We travel state side frequently but this will be our first international with them.

Hey Ariel, I don’t think there’s ever the ‘best’ time to travel with kids. So yes, I encourage you to travel Japan with your kids! Japan is honestly fantastic for kids of all ages – the bright lights, animation characters, interesting food will all make your kids go wow! Plus the infrastructure is great and you can easily get around on public transport. To make things easier, I would recommend going slower so you won’t feel too stressed up and the kids get to enjoy and play more rather than moving around. I recommend spending 5 days in Tokyo and 5 days in Kyoto. That way, you can take your time to see and experience things. We rented a car to make moving around easier and to explore the mountains. So perhaps you can consider that too. It is slightly more expensive than taking the train because of the tolls and parking fees.

Such a great guide! I’m in the beginning stages of planning and this helped alot! Thank you!

Aww thank you! I’m really glad you find this useful. :)

Helen Wearmouth

This has been a fantastic post to read, very informative. Thank you very much. We are considering Okinawa, have you been? If so would you recommend it? Many thanks in advance.

hi Helen, oh we haven’t been to Okinawa but I’ve always wanted to go!

How to Travel With a Baby in Japan

While making an overseas trip may not be the first thing on your mind if you have recently added a new member to your family, if you’d be so inclined you should definitely consider Japan. Japan, including the capital, Tokyo , is a surprisingly family-friendly holiday destination. As traveling with babies is always a bit of a challenge, it is good to be prepared so you can make everyone’s travel experience a great one. Here are 7 tips on how to travel with a baby in Japan for your best family trip to the Land of the Rising Sun!

Clothing for Travel

Family friendly accommodation, public transportation in japan, baggage shipping service, bring a baby carrier and a lightweight stroller, baby friendly spaces in japan, plan for extra time, family friendly tours in japan.

Packing and dressing smart is half of the work of making any long-haul trip as stress-free as possible. First of all, it is always a good idea to travel as light as possible. As most accommodations have laundry machines on the premises and coin laundromats are also ubiquitous in Japan, you shouldn’t worry about packing a change of clothes for every travel day. Bringing 4 or 5 sets of clothing per person is enough for most people, and for babies, you may want to bring one extra set for little accidents that happen on the go. Bringing one comfortable vest or light jacket for everyone is also a good idea, as temperatures can differ quite a lot between air-conditioned spaces and outside. If you travel during the winter , make sure that some of your clothing is thermal clothing, as conditions can be cold and humid. If you don’t have that type of clothing yet, you can buy ‘heat tech’ for a good price at Uniqlo .

Looking to travel lighter on your trip to Japan? Go sustainable and lighten your load with Any Wear, Anywhere!

Many hotels in Japan cater to business travelers, meaning that the rooms are small and so are the beds. Business-style hotels are great for budget-conscious people who travel solo or as a couple, but for families, they tend to be too cramped. If you travel with a baby or bigger kids that you want to stay in the same room with, you’d better make sure that the accommodations you book are family-friendly. Bigger resorts tend to have family rooms that are spacious and can sleep larger groups, and they also often have special kid rooms where babies and toddlers can play safely. You can also opt for a whole apartment or even a house to yourself through services like Airbnb, especially if you prefer to cook (most of) your own meals. And if you don’t mind a bit of a splurge, luxury ryokan can also be a very comfortable lodging option for those traveling with kids.

While traveling through Japan in a rental car is possible, we recommend families with young children travel by train. Unlike in some countries, train and bus travel is convenient and comfortable in Japan, and it can also be surprisingly affordable. Longer distances are usually best traveled by shinkansen , the super-fast bullet train that is an experience of its own. There is ample space, and you can take a walk through the long train with your kids if they get restless. The JR pass is what makes the shinkansen affordable for foreign tourists, and kids under 6 travel for free.

If you are using public transportation to get around in Japan, you may be worried about lugging your large suitcases along with you and your baby. Luckily, for those who didn’t manage to travel light, there is a great service available in Japan. The so-called Takuhaibin service can help you ship your large pieces of luggage from one accommodation to the next for as little as 1500 JPY. Hands-free traveling has never been this easy before! If you stay in a hotel, the front desk can take care of the shipping process for you. Are you staying in self-arranged accommodation? In that case, you can get assistance in English by phone to find out where to drop off your luggage.

Getting around can be a challenge if you have one of those large baby strollers that can weigh a ton, especially if you want to use public transportation or want to visit places that can only be reached by taking the stairs. What we recommend is to do what the local parents do, and bring a baby carrier. In Japan, parents usually carry their kids until they are around 1 and a half years old and start to walk on their own. It is so much easier to move around that way, and babies tend to be quieter if they are carried around. If your baby is a bit older but can’t walk long distances yet, a combination of a carrier and a lightweight stroller can be the winner.

There are many public places in Japan that were designed for the needs of young parents. Newer public toilets in parks as well as in places like shopping malls have clean and spacious accessible toilets with diaper changing stations and small seats where babies can safely sit until the parent is done. Many malls also have nursing rooms near the toilets that can be used for breastfeeding. In Japan, breastfeeding in public is acceptable as long as you use a blanket to stay discreet.

One of the most important things to do if you travel to Japan with a baby or young kids is not to pack your itinerary too tight. As things always don’t go exactly the way you planned them, you will greatly decrease your chances of any travel stress if you leave enough extra time in your schedule to deal with these unforeseen circumstances. Besides, isn’t it much more enjoyable and relaxing to leave yourself plenty of time to actually soak up your surroundings and enjoy the details instead of just trying to cram as many things as you can into your trip? The best way to do this is to limit the number of cities you visit in one travel week to 2 and to only make day trips to places that are easily accessible from the city your accommodation is in. This way, you will maximize your travel time without losing out on many of the beautiful things that can be seen and done in Japan.

If you do your best to stick to the tips mentioned above, you should not have too many issues traveling with young children in Japan. Generally, amenities that make life with babies easier are readily accessible in Japan, especially in larger cities. Another good idea is to book a private guide for one or more days. This can help make your trip even easier as companies like us can make any necessary preparations to make your day smooth, fun, and educational. We offer private tours in Tokyo , Kyoto , Osaka , as well as other cities in Japan. If your kids are a bit older, we also have a special Harajuku tour for the whole family . We hope that your trip to Japan with your baby is a safe, fun, and memorable experience!

As more people get COVID-19 vaccines, travel becomes safer for adults and children. Loveholidays penned this guide to help parents make preparations for traveling with babies and kids abroad.

Happy traveling!

Stefanie Akkerman moved from the Netherlands to Japan in 2013 with her Japanese husband and son. She jumped into the niche of Dutch tour guiding in Tokyo and Kamakura in 2015 and occasionally writes articles about all the great sights and activities Japan has to offer. She loves (Japanese) food, and to work that all off she goes diving, snorkeling, cycling, or hiking.

This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra costs to you.

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Things to Do

15 Best Places to Travel with Babies and Kids in Japan

Fun and cool places to travel with children in Japan

Japan has so many beautiful places that we can visit with our family, especially for those families with children.

Traveling is so much fun when they are with us. It is also good to get to travel for our children because they learn while having fun, especially when you go to places like educational amusement parks, aquariums, museums, and zoos.

In this article, I would like to share with you the places that I have traveled to before with my husband. We visited these places before we had our child, but still, we enjoyed it so much and we saw a lot of families with children having fun.

So now that we have a son (toddler), we want to re-visit these places. Especially now that summer is approaching. If you are also a momma like me or are expecting to be a mom, here are some places that are good to travel with our children.

1. Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland is an internationally famous theme park. Here in Japan, Tokyo Disneyland is one of the most well-known places where you can bring your family. It is good for all ages; anyone can enjoy the amazing and magical rides and shops.

You can also visit Disney Sea which is located right next to Disneyland. However, when I visited Disney Sea, I noticed that most of the rides are good for adults while the rides in Disneyland are more fun for children ages 2 and above.

Both are nice places and amazing though. Tokyo Disneyland is located in Urayasu, Chiba prefecture.

Information

If you want to know more about Tokyo Disneyland, check out the following articles as well.

▶ 10 Must-Try Food at Tokyo Disneyland

▶ Where to Stay near Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

▶ What to Buy at Tokyo Disneyland

2. Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo is known as Japan’s oldest Zoo founded in 1882. Almost 3,000 different kinds of animals, including exotic animals, can be seen here. You will also see here the popular giant panda which is the main attraction among children as well as adults.

The place is big and it was nice to walk around. It is good for all seasons to visit the place, but for me, I prefer to visit in the spring and fall seasons since it is not too cold or too hot.

The place is very easy to get to; just 5 minutes walk from Ueno Station.

Odaiba City is one of the famous places in Tokyo Bay. It is a great place to visit with your children. Actually, the place is good for all ages. There are a lot of things that you can do when you visit Odaiba.

Your children can enjoy the amusement installations inside the mall such as Legoland, the museum, and the famous Gundam statue which is often visited by tourists from around the world.

The place is very easy to get to even if you do not have a car. The nearest Station is Telecom Center Station. From there, it is just a 9-minute walk to Odaiba.

If you would like to know more about Odaiba, check out the following articles!

▶ 10 Best Things to Do in Odaiba

▶ 6 Best Restaurants in Odaiba Area

4. Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama

The Cup noodles museum is a place where you can have fun while learning about the well-known Japanese noodle product, Nissin cup noodles. It is a good place to visit with your children as well.

You and your child can enjoy walking around inside the museum and seeing the different kinds of noodle products that have been sold throughout the years.

The most exciting part of this place is that you can make your own flavor of cup noodles and make your own design for the cup. For sure your children will love it and will have fun.

5. Universal Studios in Osaka

The next place on our list is Universal Studios Japan . This is also one of the most famous theme parks that have branches around the world. Here in Japan, it is located in Osaka. There are also many fun rides and attractions for children.

If you plan to travel from Tokyo by car, it will take 4-5 hours of driving or 6 hours by bus.

If you want to know more about Universal Studios Japan, be sure to check the following articles!

▶ Universal Studios Japan Guide and Tips

▶ 5 Best Rides at Universal Studios Japan

▶ Where to Stay near Universal Studios Japan in Osaka

6. Edo Wonderland

Edo Wonderland is a cultural theme park about old Japan. This place is so amazing, the right from the entrance when they open the gate, you will instantly be taken to ancient Japan.

You can rent a costume from traditional Japan like Yukata. They also have Ninja costumes which are popular among children (the staff will help you to dress up). You can walk around the park while dressed in this clothing.

There are also a lot of activities inside that you and your children can enjoy. It is like you are in an old village during the Edo period.

The place is located in the Nikko area in Tochigi prefecture which is an area also known for having many Onsen.

7. Tokyo Dome City

Nex, we have Tokyo Dome City. This is one of the most famous amusement parks in Tokyo.

Besides having a sporting stadium that hosts many types of events, there is also a lot of attractions that are good for children. From bowling, Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and much more. The place has many shops and restaurants, making it a place where anyone can enjoy.

Tokyo Dome City: the Popular Entertainment Complex in Tokyo

8. Sunshine Aquarium

Sunshine Aquarium is another very popular place you can enjoy along with your family. It is located on the uppermost floors of sunshine city mall in Toshima-Ku near Ikebukuro station.

This is one of the best places to go with kids to experience ocean life with different species of animals from the sea.

They also have shows that both children and adults can enjoy.

If you want to know more about aquariums in Tokyo, check the following article!

▶ 5 Best Aquariums in Tokyo

9. Nasu Lake Family Park

Nasu Rindo Lake Family Farm is an amusement park that also has animals like a Zoo. Her, you can interact and feed the animals.

There are also many rides and activities for children as well as adults. You can ride a boat if you want to go to the other side of the lake.

Kids will definitely enjoy this place. I think this is one of the best places for the family to bond, especially with your children. We will definitely come back here with our son.

10. Nasu Highland Park

The next place on our list is just over 20 minutes driving from Nasu Rindo lake Family Farm. It is Nasu Highland Park.

Similar to the previous place, this is also an amusement park. However, this one has a gigantic roller coaster and Ferris wheel as well as water rides.

This place is more on rides for both children and adults. More exciting activities to enjoy with your children.

11. Legoland Resort Nagoya

Legoland Japan Resort in Nagoya is the first Legoland theme park in Japan. Just like other theme parks, there are a lot of activities and rides to enjoy with your children.

You can also program an event for your children in this place like birthday parties and other types of getherings.

The place is just 31 minutes by train from Nagoya Station.

12. Nagoya Anpanman Children’s Museum and Park

The Nagayo Anpanman Children’s Museum and Park is definitely a nice place for kids.

Your children will surely love this place for its gigantic cartoon characters walking around the area. And most of the museum is all about the cartoons character such as superheroes.

It is a big park for children with a lot of rides and there is also a place where babies can crawl.

13. Sanrio Puroland

Sanrio Puroland is the next place on this list. It is also known as “Hello kitty land”.

This theme park is also pretty popular, and they have a lot of shows where you can see many of your favorite Sanrio characters in real life.

It is good for kids, especially if you have a baby girl they will definitely love this magical place.

If you want to know more about Sanrio Puroland, be sure to check the following article!

▶ Sanrio Puroland : Hello Kitty Theme Park in Tokyo!

▶ Sanrio Puroland Review: Enjoying the Hello Kitty Theme Park

14. Kidzania Toyosu

Kidzania Toyosu is an educational entertainment amusement park that is really good for your children.

Here, kids get to experience many different job occupations such as firefighter, bakery, game developer, etc. Your kids will have fun and enjoy the place while learning.

while your kids enjoy these activities, parents can watch them through a large monitor.

15. Nara Deer Park

Lastly, on our list, we have Nara park. This is also a good place for both children and adults. You can walk around the area and enjoy the tourist places and shops , all this while you are surrounded by deers. You can buy special cookies here for feeding the deers.

We haven’t been here yet, but one of my friends recommend this place to me. It is good for outdoor activities and seeing the beauty of nature. A relaxing and calming place.

We will definitely visit this place.

Here’s an article about things you can do at Nara!

▶ Nara: 10 Best Things to Do

. . .

Thank you for reading and I hope this article gives you some idea of the places where to bring our children.

For more related articles, check these following articles!

▽Related Articles▽

20 Best Safe Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids

▼Editor’s Picks▼

Clarita Kurita

Greetings to all mommies I am a supermom from Philippines. Previously, I worked and lived in Dubai for seven years, until 2015 the year I moved in Japan. Currently, I am happily settled here with my Japanese husband and our 7 months old baby. I could only describe my almost 6 years of living here as a roller coaster ride more so, after I gave birth to my son. Japan had changed me in ways unimaginable. It has influence my lifestyle, my perceptions and beliefs. I was able to witness firsthand the pros and cons of living in the country. From their language, culture and ethnicity, the people, place and in work. Those years were enough to give me quite personal and memorable experiences which I would be more than delighted to share with you.

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How to use the Visit Japan Web for Entering/Returning to Japan
Visit Japan Web: Detailed step by step how to Fast Track your arrival
Adventures with Baby in Japan
Travelling with a baby in Japan
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Visit Japan Web
Login. Email. Password. Remember me. Reissue confirmation code/Forgot password?
Traveling To Japan With A Baby Or Toddler: What To Know!
You will find information on where to go in Japan with a baby or toddler down lower in the post. 1. Passports. Children are required to have their passports to be allowed to travel to and around Japan. You will also need to carry the passport when you travel on trains as you might be required to show it. 2.
Japan With a Baby
So, if you're going to visit Japan with a baby in 2024, we strongly recommend that you spend some time researching and planning your trip. Careful preparation and planning are the keys to successful family travel, and this is particularly true if you're traveling to a country like Japan (and even more so with a baby).
Traveling Japan with a baby
Take Day trips. The great thing about basing your self out of big cities in Japan such as Kyoto and Tokyo with a baby is that there are almost endless possibilities for day trips. For instance the city of Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara for the deer and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest all can be done as day trips really easily from Kyoto.
How to Travel Japan with a Baby
Generally, planning fewer things is easier than a packed itinerary when traveling with a baby anywhere in the world. This is especially true for Japan where you're most likely taking a mix of trains and buses around the country. The more remote you're going, the more connections you're likely to have as well.
Visit Japan Web: The Online Registration Before Arriving in Japan
In mid-October 2022, a new change in the procedure has been announced for all entry in Japan from November 14 included: every traveler (tourist, foreign resident and Japanese citizen alike) can register in advance on the Visit Japan Web site. Visit Japan Web is a free, single portal to group formalities related to:
Instruction Manual
Revised "Chapter 2 Using Visit Japan Web" Revised "Chapter 2 Account for Using Visit Japan Web" Revised "Chapter 3 Japan Entry/Return Procedure" Revised "Chapter 4 Registration Procedures of Planned Entry/Return" 2.17. January 30, 2023. Revised "Chapter 3 Japan Entry/Return Procedure" 2.20. March 28, 2023
Visit Japan Web: How to register
🇯🇵 Summary: Travel to Japan: Complete Visit Japan Web registration. Register at least six hours before entry; No pre-departure test required unless unvaccinated. Unvaccinated travellers must take PCR test within 72 hours of departure; Unvaccinated children aged below 18 travelling with fully vaccinated parents will be treated as fully vaccinated
Traveling in Japan with a baby
Visits. Japan happens to be an easy country to enjoy with a baby, at least in the cities. Numerous visits are possible with a young child, and some are even created for them (including numerous gardens and squares in Japan). Also, we easily find bathrooms for babies with changing tables in malls.
10 Day Japan Family Itinerary with a Baby and a Toddler
Day 3-8 Kyoto. Day 8-10 Tokyo (East) We started and finished our stay in Tokyo as we had return flights from the city, however, if you can get a direct flight in or out of Osaka or don't mind a connection, you may wish to amend this itinerary to group the Tokyo sections together and avoid taking two trains. Book flights to Tokyo.
How to Travel Japan with a Baby and Toddler
Make sure you select a ticket with 'reserved seat' on booking, which allocates you a seat. Babies and toddlers don't require a ticket, but they won't have their own seats unless you purchase them a ticket with a seat reservation. We had both the toddler and baby on our laps for the 2 hour train trip and it was fine.
How to Fill in the Visit Japan Web (VJW)
Visit Japan Web: the airport. Starting November 1, 2022, you can use Visit Japan Web, short for VJW, for express entry into Japan. All handwritten information that was previously required, such as immigration information and customs declaration forms, can be filled out in advance through Visit Japan Web, reducing the time required for entry into Japan.
Exploring Japan With A Baby: 12 Lifesaving Tips & Tricks
1. Dress in layers, no matter the season. In the summertime, air conditioned buildings, buses, and trains can feel extremely chilly. Likewise, heated buildings, buses, and trains can feel stuffy. Dress your child in layers so that you can adjust for temperatures. An alternative is to bring a lightweight blanket.
Traveling With Children
Travel is generally free for children up to the age of five, with half-price fares for youngsters aged six to twelve. When in major cities, avoid traveling with strollers during peak rush hours. During the weekdays, between 7-9 a.m., public transport gets extremely busy. Child friendly bathrooms and changing areas are generally available ...
12 of the best things to do in Japan with kids
Enjoy the cherry blossoms. If you're in Japan in March, you should bring your baby or toddler to a local cherry blossom viewing. Any major city will have a park or hilltop where the yoshino cherries thrive. In Tokyo, Ueno park and the Imperial Palace are excellent spots. Osaka Castle is also gorgeous at this time of year.
A Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures
Note, Visit Japan Web actually consists of three parts: 1) immigration information (ie, disembarkation card information), 2) customs information (ie, customs declaration), and 3) tax-exemption section. When you successfully complete these sections, you will receive three QR codes. The first two you will show at the airport upon arrival.
Ultimate Guide To Family-Friendly Japan With Kids
Head to the TOEI Kyoto Studio Park, the only jidaigeki theme park in Japan. For an outdoor experience, pass through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, trek in Mt. Hiei, or ride a Hozugawa River Cruise. Fans of animals can visit the Kyoto City Zoo and the Kyoto Aquarium. For kid-friendly museums, they have ...
Trip Report: Japan
Visit Japan Web: Completed this form for each of us (baby included) about 2 weeks prior to departure. Husband and I are both 4x Moderna-vaccinated. Baby is not COVID-vaccinated. Husband and I completed all the steps on Visit Japan Web and received the "blue screen" at completion. I completed all the steps on Visit Japan Web for baby as well.
Japan With Kids: Don't Plan a Family Trip Without Reading This!
We've compiled our experience to create a classic Japan itinerary that hits the top destinations for first-time visitors. Our itinerary is spread out over 2 weeks and includes the highlights of Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto, and more! We'll send you our complete 2-week itinerary, filled with tips and advice.
Japan with Kids: My Detailed Family Travel Guide -- WildJunket Travel Blog
Here's a summary of our Japan itinerary: 3 Days in Tokyo — to experience all the wacky fun experiences. 2 Days in Hakone — with a stay at a hot spring resort and water park. 2 Days in Okuhida — to experience nature in the Japanese Alps. 1 Day in Kanazawa — to eat the freshest seafood.
How to Travel With a Baby in Japan
Japan, including the capital, Tokyo, is a surprisingly family-friendly holiday destination. As traveling with babies is always a bit of a challenge, it is good to be prepared so you can make everyone's travel experience a great one. Here are 7 tips on how to travel with a baby in Japan for your best family trip to the Land of the Rising Sun!
How to use the Visit Japan Web for Entering/Returning to Japan
Visit Japan Web is a web portal launched by the Japanese Government to Fast Track your entry into Japan. This is a simple help guide on how Visit Japan Web works for foreigners coming or returning to Japan. Easy Step-by-Step guide about Visit Japan Web. Inbound Platform Corp. (TSE Code: 5587) Toggle Dropdown. Toggle Dropdown.
15 Best Places to Travel with Babies and Kids in Japan
Previously, I worked and lived in Dubai for seven years, until 2015 the year I moved in Japan. Currently, I am happily settled here with my Japanese husband and our 7 months old baby. I could only describe my almost 6 years of living here as a roller coaster ride more so, after I gave birth to my son. Japan had changed me in ways unimaginable.

Traveling To Japan With A Baby Or Toddler: What To Know!

🏆 Best Baby-Friendly Hotels in Japan

Traveling to Japan with a Baby: Is Japan Baby-Friendly?

Guide to a Baby-Friendly Japan Trip: Top Tips + Everything You Should Know

1. Passports

2. Vaccinations

3. Don’t Pack Too Much!

4. Be Prepared for the Flight to Japan

5. Is Japan Stroller Friendly?

6. Travel Slower

7. Always go for Public Transport in Japan

8. Do you Need a Car Seat in Japan?

9. Try to Travel Hands-Free

10. Japanese Department Stores Are Baby-Friendly

11. Restaurants in Japan

12. Breastfeeding in Japan

13. Book a Machiya (Japanese-Style House) or VRBO Apartment

Where to go In Japan with a Baby or Toddler

1. Tokyo with a Baby or Toddler

Things to do in Tokyo with a Baby or Toddler:

How Many Nights to Stay for:

Where to Stay in Tokyo with a Baby:

2. Osaka with a Baby or Toddler

Things to do in Osaka with a Baby or Toddler:

Where to Stay in Osaka with a Baby:

2. Kyoto with a Baby or Toddler

Things to do in Kyoto with a Baby or Toddler:

Where to stay in Kyoto with a baby:

Conclusion To Our Japan with Toddlers or Babies Guide

Jolene Ejmont

JAPAN , TRAVEL DESTINATIONS |

Why should you travel to Japan with a baby?

Visiting with a toddler?

Traveling Japan with a baby – top destinations

Baby-friendly accommodation in Japan

Japan with a Baby Packing List

Facilities in Japan

Japanese Culture for Family Travel

Is it Acceptable to Breastfeed in Japan?

Traveling Around Japan with a Baby

Get your JR Pass early

Shopping for a Baby in Japan

Feeding your Baby in Japan

Pre-weaning Infant

Weaning baby

Post-weaning baby

Some Challenges of Travelling Around Japan with a Baby

A Couple of Final Thoughts

How to Travel Japan with a Baby

Japan Baby and Toddler Friendliness

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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Visit Japan Web: How to register

Travelling to Japan? Visit Japan Web registration will save you precious time on arrival. Here's a step-by-step guide of what to do.

Visit Japan Web

Step 1: User registration

Step 2: Trip registration

Step 3: Quarantine procedures (fast-track)

Step 4: Immigration

Step 5: Customs

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