Japan is an excellent destination for family vacations, offering a blend of safety, convenience, and unique experiences for children. This comprehensive Japan Family Travel Guide will help you plan a smooth, enjoyable, and budget-friendly trip with your kids. From navigating transportation and accommodation to discovering family-friendly attractions and activities, this guide provides all the information you need to create an unforgettable family adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.
1. Transportation
Railways are the primary mode of travel in Japan. Consider the following:
- Avoid rush hours (7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:00 on weekdays), especially in Tokyo and Osaka.
- Hold children’s hands tightly to prevent separation in crowds.
- Allow extra time for transfers, particularly when using strollers.
- Look for elevators at major stations, though they may not always be conveniently located.
- Use priority seating available on many local trains for pregnant women and those with small children.
- Note that most trains (except some urban ones) have at least one car with a toilet.
Fares:
- 12 years and older: Full fare
- 6-11 years old: Half fare
- 1-5 years old: Up to two free per adult
- Under 1 year: Free (unless occupying a reserved seat)
Most rail passes offer 50% discounts for children aged 6-11.
Buses generally follow similar child discount policies. Long-distance buses may not offer child discounts, or if they do, it’s usually less than 50%.
For rental cars, children under six must use child seats in the rear. Most rental companies offer child seat rentals.
2. Accommodation
Western-style hotels:
- Usually charge by room but limit occupancy.
- Children under 12 can often co-sleep with parents or other children.
- Extra beds or cots may be available for an additional fee.
Traditional Japanese inns (ryokan and minshuku):
- Prices typically include meals.
- Child rates vary based on age and meal type:
- 12 years and older: Full rate
- Under 12 (child’s meal): Discounted rate
- Young children (no meal, but occupying bed): Further discounted rate
- Infants (no meal): Usually free
Vacation rentals can be economical for larger families.
3. Dining
Most Japanese restaurants welcome families with children. Recommended options include:
- Family restaurants and chain restaurants: Often offer children’s menus and family-friendly seating.
- Conveyor belt sushi: Popular and child-friendly.
- Shokudo and casual restaurants: Generally suitable for families.
Many restaurants provide high chairs or booster seats, but they may lack safety straps. Consider bringing a scarf or luggage strap to secure your child.
4. Changing, Nursing, and Public Toilets
- Changing stations are increasingly common in public restrooms, including men’s facilities.
- Public toilets are free and abundant, found in department stores, shopping malls, train stations, and many convenience stores.
- Large handicap toilets often have changing stations and are suitable for families.
- Public breastfeeding is allowed but discretion is advised.
- Dedicated nursing rooms are often available in department stores, shopping malls, outlets, and theme parks.
5. Hot Springs (Onsen)
- Many onsen offer private baths (kashikirifuro or kazokuburo) for families.
- Reservations may be required, with fees typically ranging from 2000-5000 yen per 45 minutes.
- Children in diapers should not enter onsen baths.
- Water temperature may be too hot for young children in many onsen.
- In gender-segregated baths, young children (usually up to age 9) can enter opposite-sex baths when accompanied by family.
6. Sightseeing
- Museums, theme parks, and other attractions often offer half-price admission for children under 12.
- Many educational museums provide discounts for middle school, high school, and college students.
Popular child-friendly attractions:
Tokyo:
- Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland and DisneySea)
- Ghibli Museum
- Sanrio Puroland
Osaka:
- Universal Studios Japan
Nagoya:
- LEGOLAND Japan
- SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
Kyoto:
- Toei Uzumasa Eigamura
- Kyoto Railway Museum
Other areas:
- KidZania (multiple locations)
- Fuji-Q Highland (Fuji Five Lakes area)
- Monkey parks (e.g., Jigokudani Monkey Park, Arashiyama Monkey Park)
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Conclusion
Traveling with children in Japan can be challenging, but with proper preparation, you can ensure an unforgettable family adventure. Japan offers a wealth of child-friendly facilities and attractions, along with unique cultural experiences for kids. By tailoring your Japan Family Travel Guide itinerary to your children’s ages and interests, and allowing for plenty of rest time, you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring the Land of the Rising Sun as a family.
For more information, visit https://www.japan.travel/