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Planning a trip to Japan with kids? There are so many reasons to consider a family trip to Japan! With Japan’s rich culture, family-friendly activities, and ease of getting around, not to mention the fact that it is such a safe country to visit, it’s an ideal destination for families.
We loved Japan! All four of us can’t wait for our next visit to this beautiful and diverse country.
There aren’t too many places in the world where you can such a striking contrast between modern, high-tech cityscapes and traditional temples, but it’s also the culture… and the food… that had us loving our trip to Japan!
This detailed guide for family travel in Japan will help you make the most of your family adventure, with tips and ideas to make the most of your time.
Planning A Visit To Japan With Kids
Japan is a destination that has it all! It’s a safe destination to travel, which is one of the top requirements when visiting anywhere with kids.
There is beautiful scenery, delicious local cuisine, rich history and crazy awesome theme parks – Disneyland included! Here are the basics to help you plan your Japan itinerary:
When to Visit Japan
When you visit Japan can have a big impact on your experience. The temperatures vary drastically from season to season, with very long hot Summers and very cold Winters.
As such, there are certain times of the year when it is far more popular to visit Japan.
Cherry Blossom Season (late March to early April)
Cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times of year to visit Japan! It offers beautiful cherry blossoms blooming and ideal weather, but expect large crowds, especially in popular areas like Tokyo and Kyoto.
While this is a beautiful time to visit Japan with children, it’s also more expensive and so much busier so this might not be ideal if you are concerned about the excessive crowds at popular attractions.
Summer Festivals
Summer festivals in Japan bring energy and excitement, though the heat can be intense.
After experiencing extended Summer right into September, we can say first-hand that the heat is A LOT! And we come from a hot climate ourselves.
Families with young kids might want to avoid peak summer though because while there is a lot of fun stuff happening in Japan during Summer, the heat is extreme and very humid. This makes it uncomfortable to spend time outdoors and you may find yourself cutting your time short in favour of hotel air conditioning!
Winter
Winter in Japan can be a magical time, especially with activities like visiting snow monkeys in Jigokudani or skiing in Hokkaido. This is a favourite time of year to visit for many of our good friends, who are Japan regulars!
Autumn
Autumn is a great time for a family holiday in Japan, with mild weather and fewer crowds than Spring. Plus you get the beautiful Autumn colours which transforms the scenery in many places.
Insider Tip: The shoulder seasons are the best times to visit to avoid extreme weather and huge crowds, but if you want to visit during cherry blossom season, consider visiting the less popular cities instead.
Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Japan
There are many incredible places to visit for family travel in Japan and there’s a good chance you won’t see them all in a single trip. Our first visit to Japan stuck mostly to the tourist route between Tokyo and Osaka and this is a great starting point for your first visit.
1. Tokyo
A visit to the capital of Japan is a must. Packed with kid-friendly spots like Tokyo Disneyland, Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios Tour, TeamLab Borderless, and Ueno Zoo, Tokyo combines traditional and modern attractions for all ages.
2. Osaka
Home to Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium, and a lively food scene that children will love, especially in the Dotonbori area. We had some of our favourite food on the whole trip during our Osaka stay. Check out the Osaka Amazing Pass. We didn’t get it but friends have said it is such great value!
3. Kyoto
Kyoto offers a peaceful contrast with historical sites like Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Arashiyama Monkey Park, and scenic Gion streets. While younger kids may not enjoy the more traditional sites as much, there are plenty of family attractions too like the recently opened Nintendo Museum.
4. Nara
Kids will love seeing the hundreds of sika deer at Nara Deer Park. They can get a little excited with food, but feeding them is a lot of fun since they bow first. Plus there are many significant historic sites in Nara, including Todaiji Temple.
5. Okinawa
Karate Kid fans will have heard of Okinawa, which is known for its beautiful beaches, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and kid-friendly outdoor activities, it’s perfect for a family beach vacation. This is somewhere we didn’t get the chance to visit but it’s top of the list for next time!
6. Hakone
Spending a couple of days in Hakone is a great way to escape the city and enjoy a more slow-paced destination. The Hakone loop is a fun experience for the whole family, as well as relaxing in hot springs and visiting the Hakone Open-Air Museum for a unique art experience.
7. Sapporo
Japan’s fifth largest city and capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is ideal for winter fun, skiing, snow festivals, and a famous zoo, making it a great choice for families during the colder months.
8. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a place best if you have older kids or teens. As such, we left it off our itinerary for our first visit but look forward to seeing it next time. Hiroshima is a thoughtful mix of history and beautiful green spaces. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum are educational, offering a sensitive way to learn about history with older children.
Insider Tip: Use Google Maps to plan your day, as it’s widely accurate for train schedules and walking directions, including which platform and even sometimes which carriage will offer you the quickest exit at the station.
Arriving in Japan
Japan has several major international airports, with Narita and Haneda in Tokyo and Kansai Airport near Osaka as the most popular for international arrivals.
Each airport in Japan offers smooth, family-friendly services, making it easy to transition from a long flight to your destination. We found they prioritised families at the airport, which is great when you’re new to a country.
Immigration and Customs
Japan’s immigration process is efficient, but make sure you allow extra time if travelling with young kids. There are designated lines for families at many airports and always airport staff there to help direct you where you need to go.
Airport Transport Options
There are multiple transport options to and from each major airport:
Narita Airport to Tokyo: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) for a direct train to Tokyo Station, which is convenient for those with JR passes. The limousine bus is an affordable alternative to central Tokyo hotels and Tokyo Disney Resort, especially with luggage, however, the last bus departs the airport around 6 pm.
Haneda Airport: Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo, which might be a consideration for family travel. The Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line train connect Haneda to Tokyo Station, while Limousine airport buses go directly to many central locations.
Kansai Airport: The Kansai Airport Express takes travellers to Osaka and Kyoto quickly, and limousine buses are available for direct hotel drop-offs in central Osaka and Universal Studios.
Getting Around Japan with Kids
Japan has a fantastic public transport system, making it easy to get around, particularly by train.
- Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass): If you’re travelling between cities, the JR Pass is a cost-effective and convenient way to access unlimited rides on the Shinkansen bullet train. For short trips, local trains and subway stations are easy to navigate.
- Metro System: Japan has an extensive metro train line system of local trains and buses.
- Subway Day Passes: Some cities, such as Tokyo or Osaka, offer day passes covering various modes of transportation, including trains and buses. If you are exploring the city, they can be a cost-effective option for 1, 2 or 3-day stays in a city.
- IC Cards: Pick up an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) at the airport for easy access to public transport throughout Japan. This will be helpful for subways, buses, and even some vending machines as it is essentially a pre-paid travel card that allows you to tap and go as you get on and off public transport, eliminating the need for individual tickets.
Insider Tip: Until recently, a JR Pass was one of the most cost-effective ways to travel in Japan, however, with price increases, this isn’t always the best option now. If you are only visiting the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it’s likely not worth getting a JR Pass but if you do have plans to go beyond these cities and do several day trips, it might be better value than individual tickets.
Navigating Japan with Small Children
The major cities in Japan are very busy, but still easy to navigate. Try to avoid public transport at peak times if you are able as it can feel a little overwhelming.
- Strollers and Baby Carriers: Lightweight strollers are recommended, but baby carriers may be easier in crowded places.
- Access to Essentials: Family-friendly restrooms with changing facilities are available at major train stations and malls.
- Overcoming Language Barriers: Most major attractions have English signage. Download a translation app for easier communication.
Insider Tip: Train attendants and staff at tourist attractions are generally helpful and can guide you in English if needed. If in doubt, have the Google Translate app on your phone. This is useful for scanning signs for interpretation too!
Luggage Delivery Services
A couple of times during our Japan trip, we opted for taxis instead of trains, just to avoid catching multiple trains with luggage. Taxis and private transfers are expensive in Japan!
There is another option that is really popular and quite brilliant and that’s the luggage delivery services.
Consider using luggage delivery (takkyubin) services, especially if staying in smaller hotels or ryokans, so you can send your luggage ahead to your next destination and travel lighter.
If you have a lot of luggage, it might be worth comparing to the cost of a taxi between destinations, but for longer trips or when you only have two or three suitcases, this can be cost-effective and make your transit so much easier!
Some services are same-day delivery while many one to two days, depending on how far they are travelling. A lot of hotels will arrange this for you or you can organise it via a konbini (convenience store).
Finding Family-Friendly Accommodation
Japan has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets. One thing that is worth knowing before you book accommodation in Japan is that rooms are typically smaller than what you would expect in a Western country.
Many Japanese hotel rooms have very little room for luggage, which is one of the reasons many people try to travel light when visiting Japan… along with the fact that navigating trains with luggage isn’t much fun either.
The other thing to know is that beds can often be smaller too. A ‘double’ bed by Japanese standards is not much bigger than a ‘king single’ or ‘twin’ sized bed in other countries.
We found reading the reviews on booking websites to be most helpful in determining bed size.
Bed sharing is also common in Japan and you can sometimes book hotel rooms based on bed-sharing – a parent and small child.
We accidentally booked a bed-share for our first night at Toy Story Hotel and it was pretty squishy with me and my 9-year-old daughter to share for a night.
Ideally, rooms with single beds per person can often be a safer choice, since you know everyone will have a bed.
International chain hotels often have larger beds and slightly more roomy hotel rooms. Our favourite are the Mimaru chain of hotels with large family rooms that have plenty of space and proper queen-sized beds.
Most of the hotels do provide access to washing machines, either in the room or coin-operated, which is helpful when packing light.
Here are the main types of accommodation options in Japan:
- Ryokan Experience: Many traditional Japanese-style inns (ryokan) are family-friendly, offering private rooms with tatami mats, futons, and some even in-room onsen baths. They can sometimes be a more affordable option and they can be great for larger families since the rooms are quite basic – mostly just futon mattresses in an open space, so they can sometimes accommodate larger families.
- Hotels: Typically located close to public transport. Larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka have Western-style hotels with private rooms suited for families, such as the Mimaru Apartments.
- Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb offer apartment rentals that include kitchens and washing machines, which can make a longer stay more comfortable.
Insider Tip: Book accommodation in advance, especially during busy seasons, and read the reviews carefully regarding bed sizes.
Family-Friendly Japanese Food Tips
Japanese food is incredible! But let’s be real… a lot of kids don’t like trying new things and if you’ve got a chicken nuggets kinda kid, you might be worried what they’re going to eat during your Japan stay.
Don’t worry, Japan caters to everyone. Even picky eaters.
Of course, if your kids are willing to try the local cuisine, it’s a must. There are so many Japanese dishes that a lot of kids love. Noodles, rice dishes, and all the convenience store quick eats!
But a lot of places also have Western foods on the menu if needed. Spagetti, pizza, burgers. You’ve got options!
- Japanese Cuisine for Kids: Japan has many kid-friendly dishes, from ramen and curry rice to miso soup and tempura.
- Konbini: Japanese convenience stores are THE BEST! Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart have ready-to-eat options and snacks. This is a great option for quick on the go meals, breakfasts or when you want to keep your trip budget down. Our kids loved trying different foods from the supermarkets (and did grab the occasional pasta dinner too).
- Local Markets: Explore markets like Nishiki Market in Kyoto or Kuromon Ichiba in Osaka for a taste of local snacks and sweets. The street food is some of the best food we had during our whole Japan trip.
- Plastic Bags: Japanese restaurants and supermarkets often use minimal packaging and charge for bags, so bring along a reusable shopping bag or two for your trip.
Insider Tip: Many restaurants have an English menu available. If not, Google Translate is your best friend!
Staying Connected In Japan
Japan has free WiFi services in many public places and most hotels too. It’s not always great though.
There are 4 main options for staying connected during your family holiday in Japan:
- International Roaming: Use your existing mobile plan with international data roaming services. This is easy but really expensive in most cases!
- Portable WiFi Device: A portable WiFi router can be a great option for families who have multiple devices they want to connect to the internet, such as mobile phones and tablets. This might be the better if you all plan to share the data. You can pick up a portable WiFi device from the airport upon arrival or pre-book one.
- Prepaid Sim Card: Pick up a local sim card from the airport or at a konbini. This is a cheap option but does require you to remove your existing sim card.
- eSim: This is a digital sim card that you can activate upon arrival easily. You can set it up before you leave home so it’s just a matter of switching in your phone settings for instant connectivity upon landing. We used Airalo for our Japan trip and it was simple and reliable throughout Japan!
Insider Tip: You will find yourself using Google maps often and since free WiFi is not always available, it’s recommended you have some form of connectivity for your travels.
Kid-Friendly Japanese Phrases to Learn
Learning a few Japanese phrases can be a fun way for kids to engage with the culture and show politeness during their travels. Kids can be pretty awesome at learning new languages too!
Here are some simple phrases to teach your kids before your trip to Japan:
- Hello – Konnichiwa
A friendly way to greet people during the day, whether it’s meeting someone new or just saying hello to locals. - Thank you – Arigatou or Arigatou gozaimasu
Saying thank you is a great way to show appreciation, whether it’s at a store, a restaurant, or when someone offers help. - Excuse me / Sorry – Sumimasen
This versatile phrase is perfect for getting someone’s attention or apologizing if they accidentally bump into someone. - Goodbye – Sayonara
A polite way to say goodbye, especially when leaving a store or saying farewell to new friends. - Yes – Hai and No – Iie
Simple responses for common questions, making it easier to answer or understand others. - Delicious! – Oishii!
A fun phrase to use when trying Japanese food and expressing how tasty it is!
Cultural Etiquette Tips for Kids in Japan
When visiting Japan, respecting local customs makes travel more enjoyable and leaves a great impression on locals. It’s also great for kids to learn the cultural differences in Japan compared to their home country.
Here are some simple, kid-friendly tips that make a big difference:
- Quiet Voices on Public Transport: Trains and buses in Japan are often very quiet. People avoid phone calls and keep their voices low to respect others. Encourage kids to use “library voices” when on public transport.
- Shoes Off Indoors: In homes, temples, and sometimes restaurants or hotels, it’s customary to remove shoes at the entrance. Show kids how to spot places with shoe racks or slippers, as these are clues to take off their shoes. Many hotels will provide slippers for guests to wear, although they might not have kid sizes (or only by special request).
- Respecting Temples and Shrines: These are sacred spaces where people go to pray or reflect, so it’s important to be respectful. Teach kids to keep their voices down, avoid running, and follow any posted rules or pathways. Bowing slightly at a temple’s entrance is also a sign of respect.
Unique Cultural Experiences for Families
There are so many uniquely Japan experiences that would help make your Japan family trip even more special. You might not be able to fit them all into your stay, but worth trying to do at least one.
Experiencing traditions and customs in other countries is one of the best ways to teach kids about the world while travelling and it helps to make the time more memorable too.
Here are some of the cool cultural experiences you might like to consider for your Japan family travel:
Tea Ceremonies
Kyoto is the perfect place for a short, kid-friendly tea ceremony. Many experiences are tailored for beginners and offer sweets with the tea, making it accessible to kids.
Sumo Matches and Baseball Games
Watch a sumo match if you’re visiting during tournament season or catch a baseball game to experience local culture. Sumo events sell out really quickly so you will need to book well in advance for this experience!
Onsen (Hot Springs)
Visit family-friendly onsen facilities with areas suited for children. Many hot springs are far too hot for kids, however there are some that are suited to families that have fun features like waterslides too.
Pokemon
The Pokemon craze is worldwide these days, but it all started here in Japan! There are Pokemon centres in many different locations around Japan. We visited 3 during our 2-week trip in Japan. There are also Pokemon cafes and other themed attractions around the country. Of course, if you’re a Pokemon Go player, you will have plenty of fun… ‘gotta catch em all’.
Interactive Museums
Try Miraikan for tech exhibits, the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama, or Edo Wonderland, where kids can dress up as ninjas. There are also some really kooky ones like the Poop-themed Unko Musuem.
All Things Kawaii
Kawaii means cute and its a huge cultural phenomenon in Japan. Think Hello Kitty. You can get virtually everything in kawaii aesthetic in Japan.
Kimino Hire
Renting a kimono or yukata in Japan is a popular tourist experience. You can stroll around the historic cities in your gorgeous outfit just for fun, or have a professional hair and make up styling session followed by a photography session too. Little girls will especially love this experience! We didn’t get the chance as it was just too hot but next time for sure, as our youngest really wanted to.
Gashapon & Claw Machines
This is a little less of a cultural thing but still something you need to do when in Japan! They have multi-level stores filled with capsule toy machines (gashapon) with just about everything you can think of inside them. And they have giant claw machines with so many cool things to win. We had a lot of fun with these!
Insider Tip: Most public onsens do not allow people to bath if you have tattoos. Check the policies before you visit or stay at a ryokan with a private onsen instead. Hakone is great for this!
Top Attractions and Experiences for Kids
The cultural experiences above are really special experiences to have in Japan, but those aren’t the only fun things to do in Japan with kids!
Amusement Parks
In addition to Tokyo Disney Resort, Universal Studios Japan offers themed areas like Super Nintendo World and Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are loads of other incredible theme parks in Japan also, such as Sanrio Puroland (Hello Kitty Land) and Fuji-Q Highland.
If you want thrill rides or kid-centric activities, visiting at least one is great for families! We did a Tokyo Disney Vacation Package which is a bit of a splurge, but it was so much fun!
Animal Encounters
If you love animals, there are a lot of unique wildlife experiences in Japan.
Nara Park’s deer are fun to feed, the Snow Monkey Park in Nagano are popular to visit and we loved visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park too.
There are also various animal cafes (like owl and capybara cafes) in Tokyo that are popular with families. We chose not to visit any of these as the idea of these wild animals in small spaces didn’t really feel right, but if that is your thing, there are a lot of different options.
Iconic Landmarks
If you want city views from above, you’ve got a lot of options for observation decks in Japan. Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo, or Umeda Sky Building in Osaka are all very popular tourist attractions.
There are also quite a few ferris wheels around the country, particularly in Osaka, such as the Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Tempozan Village or Osaka Wheel, which is around 10th largest in the world.
Insider Tip: Arrive at popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Shrine or Kiyomizu-dera Temple early to avoid long lines, especially during peak times.
Day Trips from Major Cities
There are some beautiful day trips from the big cities that are worth considering when visiting Japan with your kids. Here are some popular choices:
- From Tokyo: Take a day trip to Hakone. If it’s a clear day, you might get Mount Fuji views (it can be very shy). Hakone is also a great place to spend a couple of nights, which is what we did.
- From Osaka: Visit Nara for the deer park, or take a train to Kobe for scenic harbour views and local beef tasting.
- From Kyoto: Travel to Himeji to explore the largest castle in Japan, or visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island for picturesque views and more deer. It’s also possible to do a Nara day trip from Kyoto too.
Insider Tip: For ease, consider purchasing tickets in advance or opting for a day tour, which allows for more convenience with small children with transport and a guide.
Budget Tips for Families Traveling in Japan
Japan can be a little pricey, especially if you splurge on experiences such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios – both of these things are what really blew our Japan budget!
But with some strategic choices, families can enjoy a memorable Japan trip without breaking the bank.
Here are a few ways to save money in Japan:
- Visit 100-Yen Stores for Souvenirs: These shops, like Daiso are packed with affordable, high-quality souvenirs, from unique Japanese snacks to stationery and small toys—perfect for kids and family members back home!
- Dine at Konbini (Convenience Stores): Japanese convenience stores, or konbini like FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven, offer surprisingly delicious and affordable meals. There are healthy choices and treats, plus you can find budget-friendly, kid-approved food.
- Choose Affordable Family Attractions: Some attractions, like Ueno Zoo or exploring historic districts, are low-cost or even free. Parks, temples, and traditional neighborhoods provide cultural experiences without high entrance fees. Pick one or two big budget attractions if you’re trying to keep your spending down, and otherwise make the most of what you can see and do for free.
- Avoid Cherry Blossom Season: As mentioned above, while it is a stunning time to visit Japan, it’s also far more expensive during March and April with the blooms.
If you are looking for a family-friendly destination to visit, Japan is absolutely one to consider! We all loved our time in Japan and have already been planning our next visit as a family. The kids loved the kawaii vibes and it’s hard not to fall in love with the beautiful scenery and historic landmarks!
You can read our 2-week Japan itinerary and check out our tips for things to know before you visit Japan too!
More Japan planning resources:
- Japan packing list
- Nara day trip itinerary
- Our Japan trip cost
- 2-day Hakone itinerary
- Should you get a Hakone Free Pass?
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