Traveling to Japan with Kids: A Dad’s Guide to Family-Friendly Japan
If you’re wondering whether traveling to Japan with kids is worth it — I’m here to say: 100% yes. As a dad of three young kids (ages 1, 3 and 5 when we went to Japan), we survived a month-long adventure across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and Japan made family travel feel like magic.
From clean public transportation to kid-friendly food and fascinating cultural experiences, Japan is one of the best countries to visit with children. Below, I’ll share essential travel tips, a list of top kid-friendly places to visit in Japan, and honest advice from the trenches.
🧠 Is Japan Good for Kids?
Japan is incredibly safe, clean, and welcoming — even with a stroller and snack-crumb trail. We were blown away by how helpful locals were, how easy it was to get around, and how much our kids actually enjoyed the trip.
✈️ First: Tips for Traveling Japan With Kids
1. Pack Light — But Smart
You don’t want to drag massive luggage on Japanese trains or through subway stations. We each had a small roller suitcase and a backpack. Pro tip: Japan has coin laundry everywhere, and many hotels offer it too.
2. Stay Near Train Stations
Trains are how you’ll get everywhere. Book your hotels near major stations (especially in Tokyo and Kyoto). Trust me, a five-minute walk feels like a mile when your toddler melts down at 4 p.m.
3. Japan LOVES Kids
Almost every restaurant we walked into had a high chair, kid utensils, or even a small toy. People were kind, helpful, and endlessly patient with our stroller, snack trail, and noise level.
4. Portable Wi-Fi = Sanity
Get a pocket Wi-Fi device or Japanese SIM at the airport. Google Maps works flawlessly here, and you’ll need it to survive the train system.
🗾 Family-Friendly Places to Visit
1. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea
Even if you've been to Disney elsewhere, this is different. The Japanese attention to detail, cleanliness, and service is unmatched. DisneySea (next door to Disneyland) is unique to Japan and worth it for older kids — ours loved the “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” ride.
✅ Tip: Buy tickets online in advance. Go mid-week to avoid local crowds.
2. Ueno Zoo and Park (Tokyo)
A huge park, paddle boats, museums, and a charming zoo with pandas? Yes, please. It was a slower-paced day, and we needed it.
✅ Tip: Stop by Ameyoko Street nearby for snacks and quirky little shops.
3. TeamLab Planets (Tokyo)
Think: digital art you can walk through, splash in, and interact with. Even my 3-year-old was mesmerized. A total sensory experience — and yes, there are barefoot water rooms.
✅ Tip: Book tickets early — it sells out.
4. Kyoto Railway Museum
One of the coolest and most interactive train museums we’ve ever seen. Kids can climb inside trains, operate simulators, and even drive a mini bullet train. Dad was equally obsessed.
✅ Tip: Combine this with a stop at nearby Umekoji Park and grab lunch at the food court across the street.
5. Nara Deer Park
Just a 45-minute train from Kyoto, Nara is magical. The kids fed free-roaming deer (sold only-safe crackers), explored ancient temples, and ran through open grassy fields.
✅ Warning: The deer can be very enthusiastic about snacks. Guard the crackers.
6. Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)
A huge, spiraling aquarium with a whale shark centerpiece and hands-on exhibits. Perfect for a rainy day.
✅ Tip: Take a ferry ride nearby afterward to extend the adventure.
🍱 What Do Kids Eat in Japan?
You might be surprised by how much they’ll try:
Rice Balls (Onigiri) from 7-Eleven
Ramen/Udon – warm and slurp-friendly
Katsu Curry – fried pork and sweet sauce
Conveyor Belt Sushi – fun to try even if they stick to dessert
🏨 Where to Stay in Japan with Kids
Tokyo: Mimaru Hotels – kitchens and bunk beds
Kyoto: Airbnb near Nishiki Market – local charm and space
Osaka: Hotel Universal Port Vita – walkable to Universal Studios
Look for family hotels with laundry, kitchenette, and more space than business hotels.
✅ Final Thoughts: Is Japan Family-Friendly?
Yes — absolutely. It’s clean, welcoming, and full of adventure. With a mix of high-tech fun and ancient culture, Japan is one of the best international destinations for kids. Even with the usual chaos of parenting, this trip gave us memories (and photos) we’ll cherish forever.
