Traveling in Japan with Kids: What You Need to Know

Japan is an amazing place to travel with kids, where you will find not only safety and convenience, but also a lot of interesting activities for young explorers. The country's low birth rate allows older people who do not have grandchildren to pay attention to your children. Although there are places that are only for adults, most hotels, restaurants, and even rental cars offer services for families, making the trip comfortable. Japanese culture is amazingly diverse and vibrant, which will add an unforgettable experience to your trip. Here are our tips and recommendations for a successful trip to Japan with children.

What makes Japan kid-friendly?

Japan is full of exciting festivals, interesting restaurants, museums, and magnificent temples. Your kids can be real experts in Japanese culture, especially if they are Ghibli fans or into manga and anime. However, there are some things to keep in mind and take precautions to ensure a comfortable trip. If your little one is still very young, you may want to bring a lightweight, collapsible stroller, as narrow escalators and stairs can sometimes be difficult for regular strollers.

All restaurants and hotels usually have special high chairs for children, but it is worth remembering that Japanese baby equipment can sometimes be not as modern as in other countries. Most public places, such as train stations and airports, have family toilets that are suitable for changing diapers or feeding. In addition, the Japanese are quite tolerant of children, which makes the trip even more enjoyable.

There are two important things to keep in mind when traveling with kids in Japan: crowds and fast train connections. During rush hour, crowds can be very dense, so plan ahead to meet at a park or temple. Trains in Japan arrive and depart on time, which requires special attention when getting on or off with children. Have a contingency plan in case someone misses the train.

Where is the best place to spend time with children in Japan?

Japan is a playground for children of all ages. The majestic Mount Fuji impresses little ones, as do numerous castles, temples, and Japanese gardens. For the little ones, there are ponds with goldfish and koi, as well as Pokemon and Ghibli museums. For older children, unforgettable opportunities will open up in Tokyo's tech hub, the Akabara district, as well as breathtaking views from the Sky Tree. And that's not all: calm rivers, hot springs, picturesque temples, mountain hikes, and skiing. In addition, Japan is famous for its safety and cleanliness.

The best entertainment for babies and toddlers will be:

• Enjoying the cherry blossoms. If you find yourself in Japan in March, do not miss the opportunity to show your child the beauty of cherry blossoms in one of the parks.
• Visiting the Ghibli Museum. For those who have already seen several Ghibli films, a visit to the museum will be a real treat.
• Trip to Rabbit Island (Ōkunoshima): Instead of visiting the zoo you can see at home, head to an island where thousands of friendly rabbits roam freely.
• Feeding fish in gardens and parks. Japanese parks and gardens often contain ponds with goldfish.

The best entertainment for school-age children:

• Dinner at a restaurant with a conveyor belt for sushi. Food is especially important in Japan.
• Ride the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel in Yokohama. This unforgettable Ferris wheel offers magnificent views of the city and the bay.
• Visit the Great Buddha (Daibuzu) in Kamakura. This historical site amazes even the smallest children with its grandeur.

Plan your trip in advance, as Japanese trains make it easy to travel around the country. Consulting with hotels and using convenient apps will help make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.