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Traveling Japan with Kids

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

May 11, 2022

Last Updated on February 5, 2025

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. The 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

  • Why Japan is Great for Kids
    • When to Travel Japan with Kids
    • How Long to Travel Japan with Kids?
    • How to Get Around Japan with Kids
      • By Car
    • By Intercity Train
      • By Public Transport
    • Language in Japan
    • How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids
    • What to Eat in Japan with Kids
    • Where to Eat in Japan with Kids
    • Where to Stay in Japan with Kids
      • Traditional Ryokan
      • What You Should Know About Ryokans
      • Airbnb
      • Modern Hotels
      • Our Hotel Recommendations in Japan
    • Best Things to Do in Japan with Kids
      • 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
    • Planning Your Family Trip to Japan

Why Japan is Great for 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. There are SO many fun restaurants, cat cafes, kids-oriented themed parks and Sanrio stores that will make every kid go gaga.

Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) are great places to stay with kids. The tatami rooms have plenty of space for kids to run around. You 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.

READ NOW
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japan with kids - kyoto traveling japan with kids



When to Travel Japan with Kids

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.

READ NOW
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traveling japan with kids - cheito pagoda with mount fuji


How Long to Travel Japan with Kids?

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

By Car

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!

japan with kids - shinkansen

By Public Transport

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


Language in Japan

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. 

japan with kids - japanese


How to Get Travel Insurance for 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


What to Eat in Japan with Kids

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.

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traveling japan with kids - japanese food


Where to Eat in Japan with Kids

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.

japan with kids - a standard set

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.

japan with kids - eating in Takayama


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.

Traditional Ryokan

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. You can also check out options to take a train from Tokyo to Hakone.

READ NOW
Staying at The Best Ryokan in Hakone, Japan

traveling japan with kids - traditional ryokan

What You Should Know About Ryokans

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

Airbnb

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.

Modern Hotels

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.

READ NOW
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japan with kids - yunessen hot spring park

Our Hotel Recommendations in Japan

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 tenyuOur stay at Hakone Kowakien Tenyu was incredible!


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:

Go to the Robot Restaurant 

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

Visit the MORI Digital Museum 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!

japan with kids - mori digital museum

 

Eat at the Kawaii Monster Cafe

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!

japan with kids - kawaii monster cafe

Try Rainbow Food in Harajuku

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!

Sign up for a Harajuku Tour!

japan with kids - rainbow grilled cheese sandwich

Go to a Hot Spring Themed Park

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.

japan with kids - yunessen themed park

Wander around the Omicho Market in Kanazawa

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!

japan with kids - omichi market

 

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

Explore the Arashimaya Bamboo Groves in Kyoto 

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

Feed Deers in Nara

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. 

japan with kids - deers in Nara

See the Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani

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

 

Cost of Traveling Japan with Kids

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

Food: $500

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

japan with kids - fushimi inari


Packing for a Trip to Japan with Kids

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.

READ NOW
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traveling japan with kids - waterproof clothes


Final Tips for Traveling Japan with Kids

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!

japan with kids - slurping noodles

  • 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.
READ NOW
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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.


Planning Your Family Trip to Japan

Thank you for reading! I hope this Japan with kids guide provides valuable information to help you plan the perfect family adventure in Japan.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below—I’d be happy to help!

If you are traveling around Japan, these articles might be useful to help you plan your trip:

  • The Ultimate 2-Week Japan Itinerary
  • Japan Off the Beaten Path: The Northward Golden Route
  • Japanese Food Guide: What to Eat in Japan
  • Driving in Japan
  • Staying in the Best Ryokan in Hakone
  • 5-Day Shanghai Itinerary
  • 3-Day Beijing Itinerary
  • My 4-Day Kyoto Itinerary
  • Portugal with Kids

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.


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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.

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  • the Curious Pixie
    October 13, 2018

    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.

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      the Curious Pixie
      October 13, 2018

      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.

      Reply
  • madhu sharma
    October 13, 2018

    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

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      madhu sharma
      October 13, 2018

      hi Madhu, glad you found it useful! :)

      Reply
  • Pia
    October 13, 2018

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

    Reply
  • sue
    October 13, 2018

    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.

    Reply
  • Julie
    October 13, 2018

    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!

    Reply
    • Ana
      Julie
      August 3, 2019

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

      Reply
  • Malvika Vithani
    October 13, 2018

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

    Reply
  • Lesia Joukova
    October 13, 2018

    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!

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Lesia Joukova
      October 15, 2018

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

      Reply
  • Encarna
    October 23, 2018

    Muy bonito reportaje Nellie

    Reply
  • FamofFour
    January 19, 2019

    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!

    Reply
  • Carla Hookway
    March 3, 2019

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

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Carla Hookway
      March 5, 2019

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

      Reply
  • Gary
    March 6, 2019

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

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Gary
      March 9, 2019

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

      Reply
  • Tammy Leal
    March 13, 2019

    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.

    Reply
  • Pamela Robinson
    July 23, 2019

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

    Reply
  • Laura Reed
    October 9, 2019

    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?

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Laura Reed
      October 9, 2019

      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.

      Reply
      • Laura
        Nellie Huang
        October 12, 2019

        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!

        Reply
  • Ariel
    December 2, 2019

    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.

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Ariel
      December 4, 2019

      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.

      Reply
  • Molly
    September 14, 2020

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

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Molly
      September 17, 2020

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

      Reply
  • Helen Wearmouth
    June 29, 2023

    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.

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Helen Wearmouth
      July 17, 2023

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

      Reply

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