Japan is absolutely a great destination to visit with young children, but it can also be challenging. As you plan your trip, you might wonder whether to bring a stroller, how to plan each day so your kids don't get too tired, and what they should eat.
Luckily, this article has all the answers. We'll share tips based on real experiences from our customers who traveled with their families, so you can enjoy a smooth and fun trip.
1. Don't Plan Sightseeing on Day 1 to Adjust to Jet Lag
Go outside to help reset your body clockJapan is 14 to 17 hours ahead of the U.S. When you arrive in Tokyo in the morning, it might be bedtime for your kids back home. This can be especially hard for young children, who usually need three to four days to adjust.
A good way to handle this is to take it easy on your first day and skip any sightseeing.
After checking in at the hotel, just take a relaxed walk around the area. Being outside in the sunlight helps reset your body clock.
2. Don't Overpack Your Day and Stay Flexible
Pokemon CenterWhen planning your family's trip, let your child's energy guide your schedule. Two or three activities a day are enough. This way, your kids won't get too tired, and you can enjoy each experience fully.
This also makes your schedule much more flexible. If your child needs a nap, wants to spend extra time at a place they love, or something unexpected comes up, you can easily adjust your plans.
It's also a good idea to take a rest day after two or three days of exploring. This gives your family a chance to recharge.
3. Focus on Two or Three Major Cities
Akihabara in TokyoWe highly recommend focusing your trip on 2-3 top cities, like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
These cities offer the most kid-friendly activities, the easiest transportation, and plenty of child-friendly restaurants. Plus, you won't have to pack and change hotels too often.
4. Bring a Foldable Stroller and a Baby Carrier
If your kids need a stroller, don't forget to pack a lightweight, foldable stroller and a baby carrier.
A foldable stroller makes traveling much easier. Your child can nap in it, you won't have to carry them all the time, and you can take it on the Shinkansen and subway. Non-foldable strollers might not fit through some ticket gates.
Don't worry if you didn't bring a stroller. You can easily buy one at a large baby store in Japan. If you prefer not to buy, major stations and airports in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka also rent strollers.
A baby carrier is also very useful. Some places in Japan don't allow strollers inside, like some shrines, castles, certain areas at Ghibli Park, and some museums. Even where strollers are allowed, they can be hard to use on gravel paths or narrow sidewalks. That's when a carrier really comes in handy.
5. Avoid Visiting Japan in July and August
Summers in Japan are very hotIf your family can travel on flexible dates, it's best to avoid visiting Japan during the hot summer months of July and August.
During this time, Japan is at its hottest. The daily high often rises above 35°C (95°F), and the high humidity makes it feel even hotter. This also puts children at a higher risk of heatstroke.
Summer is also peak travel season. Lines at Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan can be very long, and standing in the sun for hours is uncomfortable for both kids and adults.
June is a better time to visit in the summer. The weather is cooler, crowds are smaller, and travel costs are cheaper than in July and August.
If your family can only travel in July or August, you can still enjoy your trip with careful planning. Spend time outside in the cooler mornings and evenings, and stay in air-conditioned places during the hottest part of the day.
Using a private car makes summer travel much easier. Your family can move between attractions in air-conditioned comfort, avoid the blazing sun and crowded subways, and let your little one nap in the car. We can help tailor a flexible itinerary to make your summer trip more relaxing.
6. Plan for Twice as Much Time as You Think
When you're out with kids, things always take longer than you think. Kids walk slowly, might need the restroom at any time, and you could end up hunting for an elevator with a stroller.
We suggest doubling the time you plan for because it makes the day much less stressful. For example, when taking the Shinkansen, 30 minutes early is usually enough, but with kids, it's better to arrive an hour early.
7. Let Kids Sleep in Their Own Bed After Age Five
A ryokan is also a great choice for familiesA single bed in Japan is usually about 1.1 meters wide, which is enough for you and your child under five.
But if your child is bigger or moves around a lot in their sleep, it's better to let them sleep in their own bed.
A hotel triple room is a great choice. Most three-star and higher hotels in Japan offer them.
8. We Don't Recommend Staying at an Airbnb
Staying at an Airbnb with young children can cause problems. Neighbors may complain, especially since residential areas in Japan have strict quiet hours after 8 pm. If your child cries or plays loudly, this can be an issue that many families have faced.
There are a few other downsides. There's no front desk, so if something goes wrong, you're on your own. And Airbnbs are often not near a station, so you might have to walk 15 minutes or more, which can be tiring.
In comparison, staying at a three-star or higher hotel, or an apartment-style hotel like MIMARU, is much easier and stress-free. You won't have these problems.
9. Go to Family Chain Restaurants for Kid-Friendly Meals
Curry is the most popular dish at family restaurantsFamily chain restaurants are always a top choice for families. They're perfect for kids who don't know what to eat, can't sit still, or just want familiar Western food.
If your child has allergies, these restaurants are also the safest choice. Their menus clearly show allergens, and they often have low-allergen kids'meals.
Family chain restaurants are easy to find in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Popular choices include Gusto (offers both Western and Japanese dishes), Royal Host (a slightly more upscale option), Coco Ichibanya (famous for curry), and Denny's (American-style meals).
These restaurants offer a wide variety of Western and Japanese dishes, are good value, and have English menus and kids' meals. Some have gacha machines so kids can have fun while waiting for their food.
10. Grab Fried Chicken and Snacks at Convenience Stores for Picky Kids
If your child wants fried chicken at every meal, convenience stores are a great solution.
You can easily find ready-to-eat or packaged fried chicken at Japanese convenience stores like 7‑Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson.
These stores also have lots of snacks, perfect if your child didn't eat enough or if you want to give them a small treat.
11. Pick Food Halls at Stations or Department Stores
Food samples outside the restaurantFrom my experience, food halls at train stations or department stores are a great choice for family meals, especially for picky kids.
They offer a wide variety of options, from tonkatsu and sushi to ramen, tempura, Chinese dishes, and Western food. You can grab a quick meal and enjoy it at your own pace.
Each restaurant displays realistic food replicas outside. You can let your child choose what they want to eat by looking at the samples.
12. No Need to Book Restaurants in Advance
Most restaurants accept walk-insBooking every meal in advance can take the fun out of your trip and stop you from trying new things.
You never know if your child will want to eat at a specific place when the time comes, or if they'll be too hungry to wait for a reservation. Reservations can also tie you down, forcing you to plan your day around meal times instead of enjoying more time at the places you love.
Japan has many great restaurants that welcome walk-ins. If you see a place where locals are eating or the menu looks tempting, just go in. It can make your trip more fun and full of little surprises.
13. Take Subways and Buses Less Often
Subways and buses in Japan are convenient, but they aren't very family-friendly for young kids.
You can easily walk over 15,000 steps in a day. Some subway stations don't have elevators, and sometimes you have to take a long detour just to find one.
If you want to save energy, we've got you covered! A private car will take you directly to your hotel and attractions, so you can avoid the hassle and enjoy every moment. Explore our Japan Family Tours for more ideas.
14. Avoid Taking Public Transportation During Rush Hour
The subway in JapanIf you're taking the subway with your child, try to avoid the morning rush (7–9 am) and the evening rush (5–7 pm).
Avoiding these times means the trains will be much emptier. You'll skip the crowds and will likely find a seat, so your child can sit comfortably.
15. Use an iPad or Picture Books to Help Your Child Stay Quiet
When traveling with kids, one of the biggest worries is them suddenly getting loud. In a quiet country like Japan, being stared at can make parents feel even more stressed.
The easiest way to keep your child calm is with an iPad loaded with their favorite cartoons or a picture book they love. Whether you're waiting for food, standing in line, or riding the Shinkansen, your child can stay quiet, and you won't have to worry about bothering anyone.
16. Diaper Changing Made Easy in Japanese Restrooms
Public restrooms in Japan are clean and easy to find, and most have changing tables. You'll see them in women's restrooms, family restrooms, and even in many men's restrooms. Whoever is looking after the child can easily find a spot to change a diaper.
Just a heads-up: some restrooms don't have trash bins for diapers. Bring a few sealed bags, put the used diaper inside, and take it with you so you don't have to awkwardly hunt for a bin.
Ready to Plan Your Japan Family Adventure?
Tell us what your family wants to do in Japan, and our expert travel advisors will create a custom itinerary just for you. We'll take care of all the details, balance everyone's interests, and make sure your trip is stress-free.
Here are some of our handpicked Japan family tours for your inspiration: