Traveling to Japan with kids: a complete guide

Offering a rewarding blend of modern attractions, cultural experiences and natural beauty, visiting Japan with kids makes for an unforgettable family vacation. Safe, clean and easy to get around, the country has so much to keep all ages satisfied whether your little ones are into theme park thrills, robo-tech magic, anime, ninjas, or outdoor adventuring. Indeed, many of the best places in Japan will keep kids very happy. Inspired to visit? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting Japan with kids.

The best times to visit Japan with kids

The best time to visit Japan with kids depends on the type of trip you’re after, your budget, and how well your family handles crowds and seasonal weather.

For most families, spring (March-May) is the best time to visit. The weather is mild, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and outdoor sightseeing is comfortable. Parks like Ueno in Tokyo and Maruyama in Kyoto are perfect for picnics under the sakura trees, and theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios are less crowded than in summer.

That said, each season has something to offer. Summer (June-August) brings vibrant festivals, fireworks, and beach trips to Okinawa, though it’s also hot and humid. Fall (September-November) offers cooler temperatures, stunning foliage, and fewer tourists—ideal for visiting Kyoto’s temples or hiking in Nikko. Winter (December-February) is perfect for snow-loving families, with skiing in Hokkaido and a chance to see snow monkeys in Nagano.

Not sure where to start with planning your vacation? Read up on how to plan a trip to Japan, and take inspiration from our Japan itinerary that deliver everything you want from your family vacation.

Staying safe and healthy in Japan

While Japan is very safe, the following tips might just make traveling with kids all the smoother. As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed!

Thinking ahead to what you’ll need to bring, everyone should come armed with comfortable shoes and lightweight rain gear — sudden showers are common.

Also bring plenty of hand sanitizer and tissues – public restrooms often lack soap and paper towels — and travel sickness bands in case kids get motion sickness on train rides.

It also goes without saying that you should also bring your own medication, and always carry some cash.

You’ll know better than anyone about the kinds of foods your kids will eat, and know that picky eaters struggle with unfamiliar dishes.

If that rings a bell in relation to your children, stock up on supplies from convenience stores (e.g. 7-Elevens and FamilyMarts) that sell kid-friendly foods like rice balls (onigiri), fruit and sandwiches. Also, try to make a fun thing of trying Japanese dishes in the countdown to your trip.

If anyone in your group has a food allergy, be sure to carry a translation card to let your servers know, and note that many restaurants don’t accommodate special requests.

Another general point that kind-of goes without saying is to teach your kids to stay close in busy places like Shibuya Crossing, markets, and theme parks. 

You could give them ID bracelets or contact info cards, and designate a meeting point in theme parks in case you get separated.

How to get around Japan with kids

Japan has an excellent transportation system, which means getting around Japan with kids is pretty easy, especially if you do your research and plan journeys ahead of your vacation, and follow our tips. 

Here’s an overview of how you and your little ones can get around Japan, with tips to make the experience all the smoother.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train) 

If you’re traveling longer distances across longer periods (e.g. 7, 14, or 21 days), we suggest getting a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) to save cash, and for convenience. Read our guide to choosing the right Japan Rail Pass.

Good news ­— kids under six travel free, but they must sit on a parent’s lap, and you’ll want to book reserved seats to make sure you’re seated together.

Large luggage must also be booked in advance, and you should stock up on snacks, and come armed with entertainment and motion sickness bands for kids.

Domestic flights and long-distance buses 

Domestic flights are fast and convenient for long distances, so look into them if you’re short on time.

While long-distance highway buses are plentiful and cheaper than trains, they’re not ideal for younger kids who are likely to feel restless and cooped up.

How to get around the cities

Japan’s cities have excellent public transport, but some aspects and areas can be challenging with kids.

When using trains and subways, tap-and-go IC cards (Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA) make travel easier.

While subways are stroller-friendly, some older stations lack elevators, and it’s best to avoid rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). 

If you’re using a stroller, look for "Priority Cars" on trains as they have more space.

Taxis are safe and clean, but expensive and most don’t have car seats, so bring your own if needed.

10 tips for traveling to Japan with kids 

Here are our top 10 tips for making your family vacation in Japan all the more enjoyable.

These come in addition to considering avoiding peak holiday seasons (Golden Week and New Year), checking the weather in advance (Japan has very hot summers and very cold winters), carrying cash, and taking lots of breaks. Best to rest little legs often to avoid the pitfalls of overtiredness.

1. Avoid rush hour on public transport 

We mentioned this above, but it’s important, so here’s a reminder that Japan’s trains and subways are extremely crowded during the 7–9 am and 5–7 pm rush hours. 

If you’re using strollers and your kids are young, this is especially important.

2. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC Card 

Japan’s IC cards (Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA) work on trains, buses, and even vending machines.

So, if you load them up and tap to pay, there’s no need to buy tickets every time.

3. Research family-friendly hotels 

Many hotels have small rooms, so when checking out Japan accommodation, keep an eye out for Tatami-style ryokans (these are great for toddlers), apartments with kitchenettes (especially if your kids are picky eaters), and larger family rooms in chain hotels.

You might also want to consider places close to major train stations to make getting around easier. 

4. Pack light and use luggage delivery services

Japan’s train stations have lots of stairs, which makes large suitcases tricky to carry. So, avoid this struggle, use Takkyubin (Yamato Transport) to send luggage between hotels for stress-free travel.

Just be sure to pack a small day bag with essentials while waiting for your luggage.

5. Stock up on kid-friendly snacks

While Japanese food is delicious, we all know that kids can be picky, so stock up on noodles, rice balls, fruit and other snacks from convenience stores.

6. Plan an itinerary that includes top kid-friendly attractions

Japan is loaded with state-of-the-art theme parks and hands-on experiences for kids, so be sure to consider them while you map out your itinerary.

For example, Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are superb, and the same goes for Hello Kitty and the Pokémon Center in Tokyo.

Wherever you choose to go, be sure to buy theme park tickets online in advance.

7. Learn a little lingo 

Knowing a few words of Japanese will come in handy:

• Arigato (ありがとう) – Thank you
• Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me / Sorry
• Toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか？) – Where is the toilet?

Google Translate or the Papago app can help with menus and signs.

8. Rent a pocket wi-fi device or get a SIM card

As public Wi-Fi isn’t common in Japan, you might want to rent a pocket wi-fi device or buy a local SIM card at the airport.

The former enables multiple devices to connect, making it ideal great for families.

9. Bring a small stroller or baby carrier 

While Japan is pretty stroller-friendly in many places, some train stations have no elevators, and temples and shrines have lots of stairs.

As a result, a lightweight stroller or baby carrier is often your best option.

10. Be prepared for the restrooms 

While Japan has high-tech toilets with lots of buttons and bidets, some older places have squat toilets, and many public restrooms don’t have soap or paper towels.

So, carry plenty of wet wipes and hand sanitizer.

Things to do in Japan with kids 

Whether your children are into anime, samurais, outdoor adventures, or futuristic robots, Japan has plenty to keep the whole family happy.

Here’s a run-down of the best family-friendly things to do in Japan you really should have on your radar, grouped into theme parks, nature experiences, cultural activities, and fun futuristic, high-tech experiences.

1. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, Tokyo

Tokyo Disneyland is perfect for younger kids, while DisneySea is unique to Japan and has plenty of attractions for older children, too. 

We really recommend buying tickets online in advance for these.

2. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka

Encompassing Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Castle and Minions Park, you’ll be hard pushed to see everything Osaka’s incredible Universal Studios Japan has to offer in a single day.

Be sure to book Express Passes to save time and max out your experience, and read up on reasons Osaka should be on your radar, besides Universal Studios.

3. Fuji-Q Highland, near Mount Fuji

Boasting several world-class roller coasters for older thrill-seekers, with Thomas Land on hand to keep younger kids happy, Fuji-Q Highland comes with the bonus of offering incredible views of Mount Fuji.

4. Nara Deer Park, Nara

If you arrive in Nara by train, walk 20 minutes to the Todai-ji Temple UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the Great Buddha — one of the largest bronze statues in the world — before continuing to Nara Deer Park. 

Here, the park’s famous free-roaming deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition, will keep little ones delighted for hours. They can be pushy, though! So, hold your deer crackers behind your back.

While here, you can also visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is renowned for the thousands of bronze and stone lanterns that line its pathways.

5. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano

If you’re visiting in winter, consider including Nagano’s Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in your family vacation itinerary.

Watching wild snow monkeys bathe in hot springs is something else! But, as the hike to the park takes 30-40 minutes, you’ll want warm clothes.

6. Tropical beaches and Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa

Looking for a tropical vacation? Head to Okinawa, where crystal-clear beaches, safe swimming and snorkeling, and one of the biggest aquariums in the world awaits.

7. Samurai and Ninja experiences

If your kids are into action, head to Kyoto to explore the Samurai and Ninja Museum, where hands-on experiences can be booked. For example, kids can get to dress as a samurai or ninja, learn sword skills, and learn some traditional skills.

Tokyo’s Ninja Trick House will also be a hit in this regard. Here (older!) kids can throw iron ninja stars (shuriken), learn swordplay skills and see cool demos.

8. Ghibli Museum, Tokyo

A must-visit for anime fans, Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum showcases interactive exhibits from the likes of Totoro, Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.

Tickets sell out quickly, though, so be sure to book in advance.

9. Edo Wonderland, Nikko 

Inviting kids to step back in time to Samurai Japan, Nikko’s Edo Wonderland boasts replica samurai and ninja village, replete with in-character actors, costumes, and fun activities.

Traveling with older kids? Up the excitement by traveling from Tokyo to Nikko on a four-day railway adventure.

10. teamLab Planets, Tokyo

Tokyo’s teamLab Planets presents a wildly inventive wonderland of digital art, with interactive art-scapes, glowing water features and futuristic floating flowers. 

We suggest wearing shorts, roll-up pants, or even a change of clothes —  kids are likely to get wet in the watery exhibits.

11. Pokémon attractions, Tokyo and Osaka

Head to the Pokémon Centers and Pokémon Café in Tokyo and Osaka to buy exclusive Pokémon merch, and eat Pokémon-themed food.

The Pokémon Café requires reservations weeks in advance, though, so book early to avoid big disappointment.

12. Miraikan Science Museum, Tokyo

Curious kids will be well and truly wowed by Tokyo’s Miraikan Science Museum.

Here you can meet ASIMO the humanoid robot, see state-of-the-art space tech, and enjoy stacks of hands-on science exhibits.

Japan itinerary with kids

The following sample 7-day family-friendly Japan itinerary blends fun, culture, nature, and wildlife, with a view to covering Japan’s best attractions without too much rushing around. 

Ideal for first-time visitors, it’s best suited to families with kids aged 4+ (it’s stroller-friendly, but involves some walking), with a Japan Rail Pass recommended for the intercity travel it entails.

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo for family-friendly fun

After landing at Narita or Haneda Airport, grab a Pocket Wi-Fi and IC Card for easy transport. Take the Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus to central Tokyo, check into one of the best places to stay in Tokyo, then explore kid-friendly spots like teamLab Planets or Pokémon Center.

Day 2: Enjoy Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea 

We suggest devoting day two to one of Tokyo’s top theme parks. 

Tokyo Disneyland is best for younger kids, with its Fantasyland, Winnie the Pooh world, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic, while Tokyo DisneySea is better for older kids — the rides are bigger and faster!

Day 3: Uncover Kyoto's culture and nature

Take an early Shinkansen to Kyoto (2h 20m). After checking in, head to Nara (45 minutes away) to feed deer and visit Todai-ji Temple. In the evening, explore the Samurai and Ninja Museum before enjoying Japanese BBQ or Okonomiyaki for dinner.

Day 4: Explore traditional Kyoto and a bamboo forest

Start the morning at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perhaps renting a kimono to stroll through Higashiyama. In the afternoon, walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and visit Iwatayama Monkey Park. Alternatively, take a scenic boat ride on the Hozugawa River before dining in Gion, Kyoto’s historic Geisha district.

Day 5: Mount Fuji adventures

Take a 2-hour Shinkansen to Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi. Spend the afternoon riding the Hakone Ropeway for Mount Fuji views, exploring Owakudani’s volcanic valley to try black eggs, or cruising Lake Ashi on a pirate ship — great fun for kids of all ages.

Day 6: See snow monkeys or visit Matsumoto Castle

Take a 2-hour Shinkansen to Nagano and spend the afternoon at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where monkeys soak in hot springs. In warmer months, visit Matsumoto Castle instead for samurai history and kid-friendly exhibits. In the evening, don’t miss Nagano’s famous soba noodles for dinner.

Day 7: Return to Tokyo, explore Akihabara

The last day of this Japan itinerary involves taking a 90-minute Shinkansen back to Tokyo.

If you have time before your departure flight, spend the afternoon in the “Electric Town” of Akihabara to explore arcades, manga stores and anime shops.

 Anime fans might also want to visit the Ghibli Museum — advance booking required.

Inspired to visit Japan with your kids? Read up on important things to know before traveling to Japan, and get yourself the in-depth Rough Guide to Japan to help plan your trip.