A family trip to Japan with your children can be an unforgettable experience for everyone. The country is known for its safety, cleanliness, and incredible mix of modern and traditional attractions, making it a great destination for you and your kids.
However, for most travelers, it’s a very long, once-in-a-lifetime trip, and a lot of things can go wrong, or you may simply get a bit fed up with each other.
Traveling in Japan with kids requires some extra planning and attention to detail to make it a smooth experience. Below are ten tips to help you make the most of your family adventure in Japan.
Here’s an overview:
Choose the Right Time to Go
The time of year that you travel to Japan with kids can significantly impact your experience. Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit due to mild weather and beautiful natural scenery, such as Japanese cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn leaves in fall.
These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the extreme cold of winter.
Summer is also a great time to visit, thanks to the different exciting festivals and fireworks you and your family can experience. If your family enjoys winter sports, visiting in winter allows you to go skiing and snowboarding in places like Hokkaido.
Use Japan’s Excellent Transportation System
Japan’s public transportation system is incredibly efficient but can be overwhelming if you try to do everything on the fly. Here’s some info that will help you navigate it:
- Trains: The Shinkansen (bullet train) is fast and convenient for long-distance travel between cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
- Subways: In major cities, subways are probably the best way to get around. However, try to avoid rush hour if possible when traveling with small children.
Taxis: While taxis are more expensive than public transport, they can be helpful when traveling with tired children or lots of luggage.
Using JR Pass for Families
The JR Pass from JRailPass.com is one of the most legit and trusted services for cost-effective travel around Japan by train for tourists. It offers unlimited travel on JR-operated trains, including Shinkansen bullet trains, local trains, and some buses.
If you’re traveling with your kids, it’s good to know that:
- Children under 6: Can ride JR trains for free as long as they don’t occupy their own seats. If you want them to have a seat, you’ll need to purchase a child ticket at a discounted rate.
- Children aged 6-11: Can get a 50% discount on both regular train tickets and the JR Pass. They will be able to reserve their own seat.
- Children over 12: Once your child turns 12, they will need to pay full fare for both regular tickets and JR Passes.
Also, when you get a pass, each member of the family needs just one ticket throughout your trip. The ticket can be used at any time for any train ride during the period of your pass, which can help you avoid misplaced tickets.
If you are organizing an extensive trip across multiple cities, purchasing a regional pass can save money and simplify the planning process. You can reserve seats in advance at no extra cost, ensuring that your family sits together during longer journeys.
Plan Kid-Friendly Activities
Japan offers a wide selection of activities that will keep your kids (and you) entertained and engaged. Here are some highlights:
- Theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are must-visits for families with young children, offering magical experiences with rides, parades, and character meet-and-greets.
- Cultural experiences: Engage your kids in Japanese culture by visiting temples, participating in tea ceremonies, or trying traditional crafts like origami or calligraphy.
- Nature encounters: Nara Park is famous for its friendly deer that roam freely and allow kids to feed them special crackers.
- Interactive museums: Museums like teamLab Planets Tokyo offer immersive digital art experiences that are perfect for families.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on Japan’s national holidays, as many attractions may be closed during these times.
Keep Your Kids Busy While Traveling
Japan’s excellent public transportation system makes getting around easy, but long train rides or crowded cities can test any child’s patience.
Try the following to keep them entertained:
- Bring snacks: Japanese convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, are lifesavers when it comes to snacks. You can find kid-friendly options such as onigiri (rice balls) or even small bento boxes.
- Portable entertainment: Tablets loaded with movies or games can be a great way to keep kids occupied during long flights or train rides.
Pick the Right Japanese Cuisine
Children aren’t always fans of trying new culinary dishes.
However, Japanese food is diverse and often appeals to children due to its simplicity and fun presentation. Some kid-friendly dishes include:
- Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake that kids can help cook at the table.
- Udon noodles: Thick noodles served in broth that are easy for kids to eat.
- Tamago sushi: Sweet egg sushi that is often a hit with younger children.
- Karaage (Fried chicken): Bite-sized pieces of fried chicken that are perfect for picky eaters.
For younger children or toddlers, family restaurants typically have special children’s menus featuring dishes like spaghetti and cute bento boxes decorated with anime characters.
Stay at Family-Friendly Accommodations
When traveling in Japan with kids, choosing the right accommodation is a big deal. Many hotels in Japan offer family-friendly options, such as larger rooms with flexible sleeping arrangements.
Depending on if you want to immerse yourself or feel like you’re back at home, you can try:
- Ryokans: Staying at one of these traditional hotels allows your family to experience classic Japanese hospitality. Kids will love sleeping on futons laid out on tatami floors, and many ryokans have private hot springs where families can bathe together.
- Western-style hotels: If you prefer more familiar comforts, many Western-style hotels in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto offer cribs, high chairs, and babysitting services.
Pack Wisely
Packing appropriately is a must when traveling with kids to Japan. Keep in mind that you’ll be walking a lot, your children will want to be entertained, or get frustrated or tired at times, so try to bring the following:
- Comfortable shoes: Sightseeing and travel involve a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes for both you and your children.
- Baby carriers or strollers: If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, consider bringing both a collapsible stroller and a baby carrier.
- Snacks from home: While Japanese snacks are easy to come by, bringing familiar snacks from home can be helpful if your child is a picky eater.
Respect Japanese Etiquette
Japan has a strong culture of respect and politeness. To help your children be respectful, you can:
- Teach your kids basic Japanese phrases like arigato (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me).
- Encourage them to be quiet on public transportation.
- Many public places require shoes to be removed before entering; pack easy slip-on shoes for your child.
Be Prepared for the Weather
Japan’s weather varies greatly depending on the season and where you decide to travel. Keep these tips in mind when planning your trip:
- In spring and fall, pack layers, as temperatures can rise or drop throughout the day.
- Summer can be hot and humid, so bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.
- Winter calls for warm clothing if you’re visiting northern regions like Hokkaido or planning on skiing.
Use Japanese Convenience Stores
Japanese convenience stores are incredibly well-stocked with everything from snacks to toiletries.
You’ll find essentials like diapers, baby wipes, bottled water, and even pre-made meals that cater to both adults and children.
Convenience stores also sell inexpensive toys or activity books that can entertain kids during downtime.
If you need to replace a broken toy or run out of food, this is where to go.
Bonus Tip: Plan Your Japan Itinerary Beforehand
When traveling with kids, having a well-thought-out itinerary is crucial, whether you want to travel from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto. Japan offers so many attractions and experiences that it can be overwhelming to decide what to do.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Avoid crowds: Popular destinations like Tokyo Disneyland or Kyoto’s temples can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. Planning your visit during off-peak hours or days can make the experience more enjoyable for your family.
- Reserve seats on trains: If you’re using the JR Pass, reserving seats in advance for long-distance trains ensures that your family sits together, especially during busy travel periods.
- Be adaptable: While having a plan is important, it’s equally important to leave some room for unforeseen events. Kids might want to spend more time at a particular attraction or need extra rest, so keep the schedule flexible.
Traveling through Japan with kids can be an amazing experience filled with cultural discoveries, delicious food, and irreplaceable memories. With careful planning and embracing Japan’s unique culture, your family trip will undoubtedly be fun and give you more reasons to keep traveling together!
