Sponsored links does appear in this post. We may get a little percentage, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Learn the Disclosure.
Japan is not the easiest country to travel to, particularly with children. English is not commonly spoken, the language is so advanced that it becomes complicated, and it costs money despite being one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations.
For first time visitors, Japan can be frustrating. It’s a pretty safe nation, but it also has a lot of social norms and customs firmly rooted in its traditions.
We all have hallucinations of our kids screaming in a church or disturbing the atmosphere of a Chinese courtyard, and how that might indicate on the visitors and how they might behave.
However, traveling to Japan with children should n’t be done by that. It can be an enriching, enjoyable and very interesting country for them to explore. One of the main motivations for traveling with children is to observe and show them how different nations live.
Do n’t let fears and anxieties hold you back, just make sure to follow these tips…
Tips for Visiting Japan with Kids ( With A Budget )
We were all very excited to visit Japan, but I did have some quiet doubts – did the children eat the food? would we be able to move around without being able to understand the speech? did everything in Japan become super cheap?
I then feel like I can answer those questions truthfully now that I have visited. Below I have shared some ideas for visiting Japan with kids and how to prepare for your trip so you can get experience less stressed and excited about the experience.
1. Be prepared for the journey to Japan
We flew from Asia to Japan using a low-cost flight. There are several airlines that fly to Japan, such as Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, British Airways, LATAM Airlines and ANA ( All Nippon Airways ) all fly direct to Japan.
It might seem difficult to fly with kids on a low-cost airline, but it is entirely controllable if you make the right preparations.
Most budget flights include the suffer only, which means you need to prepare food, entertainment and relaxation plans.
Food was a must for the airfare to Japan. Even if you purchase the food choice with your passport, I greatly recommend taking along more meals.
You can never guarantee that a child may enjoy the flight food, but if they’re like mine, they’ll probably still need more food. I made plastic meal packages for the children, which came in very nice towards the finish of the trip.
The children had their own iPads for pleasure. They can be shared and you can always take your own as well.
Read More: Tips for flying with children and ideas for low-cost flights with boys
2. Use public transportation in Japan ( so do n’t use the Shinkansen or JR Pass ).
Most people will find a Japan Rail Pass to go around Japan, which allows you to drive the classic saga – the gun station.
If you plan to spend more than a week in Japan and would like to visit more than three cities, it might be worthwhile to save time and convenience. However, those on a tight budget can save a lot by using buses and slower trains instead for around$ 450 per adult and$ 250 for a child.
With the JR Pass, you may purchase them before you get to Japan, and finally pick them up from a place in Tokyo.
It makes no sense to purchase a JR Pass because we had a scheduled domestic airfare booked to take us from Osaka to Japan. We only need to travel by train from Osaka to Nara or Osaka to Kyoto.
We just bought tickets from the seat equipment at the coach stations as we needed.
The best public transportation system in Japan, in my opinion, is available. The trains run regularly, they run on occasion, and the carriages and facilities are all so well presented.
The Tokyo subway yet has color-coded outlines and numbered starts, so if you’re not sure what the name of your prevent is, you may at least find out where you are going by looking at the numbers. The signs are in Japanese and English.
It seems confusing at first, but after your first day, you get the hang of it and bless the Japanese for coming up with such an easy- to- use metro system.
We were able to navigate Osaka and Tokyo without any difficulty, despite our lack of Japanese proficiency.
Do n’t be afraid to ask station staff or other passengers politely for help. We repeated this and everyone was fantastic at assisting us in getting to our desired location.
3. Make plans for what to eat with kids in advance.
Pack your snacksFeeding five kids away from home can be very expensive, and challenging, when everyone has different tastes.
To fuel our exhausting days of sightseeing and exploration, we wanted to try Japanese cuisine while also making sure the kids were well-fed.
For the most part, this is how we planned our meals in Japan for the day:
Choose a hotel that serves breakfast since Japan does n’t really do breakfasts. We would have a later breakfast around 9ish and the kids would eat whatever they liked. They were happily well fed for hours after having a large breakfast, so we did n’t have to worry about snacking excessively.
Snacks and water bottle – Each day we would stop by places like Family Mart or 7- Eleven and pick up snacks for the following day. We’d purchase things like cakes, rice cakes, and popcorn. We brought our own large water bottles from home and took four of them and filled them up at the hotel each day. Due to the amount of walking we did, we had to make sure the kids were hydrated because the weather in Japan was still very warm, especially in Osaka. Once kids start to get thirsty, the whinging starts and the wanting to stop happens. The best way to prevent is to take preventive measures!
Cultural dinner – We did try some regional specialities such as okonomiyaki in Osaka and Tempura in Tokyo. Additionally, we visited sushi and ramen restaurants. The kids were willing to try sushi, but were more fascinated in the conveyor belts and technology of the place. These were actually highlights for both kids and adults as a result of our immersion in a new food culture. This was really a two for the price of one deal, we were well fed and entertained at the same time!
Eat places in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan
Okonomiyaki- Japanese PancakeIn Osaka, we went to Okonomiyakiya” Kiji”, which is located in the” Takimi- koji” restaurant mall at the basement of Umeda Sky Building.
We had our late lunch at Umeda’s Floating Garden first, then we headed there first. It is very popular among the locals, so I recommend visiting outside of traditional meal times. Before we were seated and our orders taken, we would have waited about 25 minutes.
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake and is so delicious. The chef prepares the Okonomiyaki and serves them on a grill that is set in the middle of the table.
In Tokyo, we went to Shinjuku Tsunahachi and we also had to wait to be seated– probably closer to 40 minutes. Unfortunately, I ca n’t show you the delicious food we ate because no photos were taken inside the restaurant.
This was actually the first time the kids had eaten tempura and if had n’t been for the price they would have easily eaten more.
Although this tempura bar was a little more expensive than others, having the opportunity to sit on a bench and watch the chef prepare and cook the food was worthwhile.
The kids were completely fascinated by it and sat quietly for the entire time their meal was being prepared just watching it.
Additionally, they had a western menu with instructions on how to eat your meal, which made life simpler.
5. Choose your Japanese theme park wisely.
Tokyo DisneySeaAs we were visiting both Osaka and Tokyo, we had three options for theme parks – Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo Disney Land and Tokyo DisneySea.
We had to make a decision about which theme park we would visit because we were only going to see one while traveling to Japan with kids.
We learned that Tokyo Disneyland is 100 % like Magic Kingdom in other countries, but TokyoSea is the unique Disney experience for Japan. Where else can you purchase popcorn with soy sauce?
I did further research and found that for the ages of our kids ( 14 – 4), DisneySea was the best bet.
Disney Land would be Disney Land if you had not previously visited a Disney Land for younger children. For older kids, Universal Studios is probably better.
Tips for Visiting Tokyo’s DisneySea
You could easily spend an entire day (until 10pm ) at DisneySea, but we did n’t. We chose to let the kids choose the attractions to go on instead of the shows and parades to make the most of it.
We split into two groups for most of the day – three kids with dad who liked the more adventurous rides and two kids with me who wanted to take it a bit tamer. None of the rides, however, are particularly wild.
While it seems a little expensive to buy the refillable popcorn tub, it is an experience my kids loved and are still talking about.
Thematic areas at DisneySea are all meticulously planned and meticulously executed, such as Mediterranean Harbor and American Waterfront. etc ). The kids thought this was really good because each area has a different flavor of popcorn. We tasted strawberry, curry and black pepper.
A Guide to the Harry Potter Wizarding World at Universal Studios Japan
6. Be Persuaded by Japanese customs and culture
Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. Accepting the culture of Japan will undoubtedly enhance your visit with children, even though this is n’t a money-saving tip.
It’s polite to bow when you greet someone and say thank you. You show more respect the deeper the bow.
Japanese people do n’t walk around and eat or drink. Avoid eating, drinking, or talking on the phone while using public transportation.
When it comes to escalators, always stand on the right side. When entering homes and some tea houses, you should also remove your shoes. Usually there is a sign telling you when to do it.
7. Do not tip
Tipping is viewed disrespectfully in Japan. If you leave a tip, the waiter will run after you thinking you’ve accidentally left your money.
Saying a big thank you instead of tipping makes the service staff uncomfortable.
8. Obtain a loan
Japan runs mostly on cash. Credit cards are accepted in most places around the world, which is what we are used for. So make sure to use them when you see an ATM.
It’s also worth noting that ATMs are not commonly found either, so once you see one, try to withdraw as much as you need.
9. Learn some basic phrases
Because English is not widely spoken in Japan, learning a few easy phrases will be a great help for you on your trip. Make sure to download Google Translate, as you will likely use it a lot throughout your trip.
Here are some easy phrases to learn:
Hello – Kon’nichiwa
Thank you, Arigata.
Please – Onegaishimasu
Please excuse me, Sumimasen.
Sorry – Gomen
Yes, Hai
No – Īe
Say goodbye to Sayanara
10. Respect one another at temples and shrines.
When visiting shrines, remember to tell your kids to be respectful and quiet. This is not the place to melt down in!
Also remember to take off your shoes. Typically, as you wander around inside, you can wear slippers.
11. Bring a bag with you when you trash it.
Trash cans are not common in Japan, so you’ll likely have to carry your trash around all day before you find a bin to throw it in.
12. Hide your tattoos
Although this may be more for parents and grandparents, anyone traveling to Japan should be aware that tattoos are illegal and should be kept as far away as possible.
There are onsens ( hot springs ) who will deny you entry if you have tattoos, or make you get a private bath.
Unmissable Activities in Japan for Families.
One of the best things about visiting Japan with kids is there was so much to do and see that was either free or very reasonably priced ( with the exception of DisneySea ).
What are some of our top-rated family-friendly attractions in Japan?
Nara Deer Park
We all had a fantastic time at Nara Deer Park. It’s become one of the most famous things you can do, as you can approach and feed the friendly deer.
We took a few trains from Osaka to Nara station, and it only took us 50 minutes overall.
It is a 15 minute walk from the station to the park, where not only can you walk amongst roaming deer, but you can also see beautiful temples. which are open to the public for all.
Check out this day tour to Nara Deer Park
Osaka Castle
Osaka CastleOsaka Castle was certainly worth seeing. Make sure you have good shoes for walking, snacks, and water for the kids since the train station is a short walk away.
The castle is one of the most famous sites in Japan and showcases the luxurious and elegant design of Japanese architecture from the Azuchi- Momoyama period ( 16th century ).
After exploring the castle, you can relax on the property’s lovely garden and lawn space.
Kids can enter for free and adults have to pay only a small fee.
Fish market at Tsukiji
Tsukiji fish marketTsukiji Fish Market was not somewhere I thought to take my kids but after going, happily I was wrong.
The largest global wholesale fish and seafood market is known as the Tsukiji Market. The peak of the market activity is before 9am and tourists are not allowed in the market before that, but entry is free.
On a sign at the front of the market, it said,” small children,” you are not allowed prams, large bags, open footwear, pets, and so on. We took all five kids with us, the youngest being four and we had no problems.
We were all fascinated by how the activity sounded and buzzed, and how, in the chaos of people and vehicles, it all just worked without incident!
There is also an outer market selling goods and restaurants where you can sample the fresh seafood.
Tokyo’s Sumo Wrestling
Sumo Wrestling In TokyoWe were so lucky that there was a Grand Tournament on when we were visiting. We purchased tickets before we set off for Japan, as these events are very well-liked and quickly sell out.
Ticketing has a number of options and we would have loved to have a box seat, but the cost was prohibitive for us.
Single tickets cost less than a box, which only has four seats, so we would have needed two. While we were much further from the action, we could still see very well.
It was amazing to observe the customs and traditions that are a part of sumo wrestling.
Tickets allow you to stay all day, but we opted to attend only the last half. For the older children, this was okay, but thankfully we had plenty of snacks for the younger ones, who initially found it a little boring.
Check out this Sumo Show Experience with Chanko lunch
Monkey Park and Bamboo Grove at Arashiyama
One of the biggest attractions in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Iwatayama Monkey Park.
The bamboo grove is exactly as it says on the packaging. It’s a huge bamboo forest where bamboo trees reach between 5- 10 meters. some up to 20 meters.
The monkey park is a fun attraction where you can feed and interact with playful monkeys. It’s a good 20 minute walk through the bamboo grove to the forest, and there are a lot of steps involved. So, don sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
Senso- ji Asakusa
Tokyo, Japan’s Senso-ji Temple’s Hozomon Gate in the Asakusa DistrictSenso-ji is the most well-known temple in Tokyo and also the oldest. This Buddhist temple attracts 30 million visitors a year, and is one of the most architecturally stunning temples in the country.
A unique thing to do here is to obtain your fortune. It has a self service fortune box, where you can place your money in a collection box, and then a stick with a number slides out.
You will need to match the number to a set of drawers on the wall if you pay close attention to it.
Open the drawer with your number and pull out a slip of paper to reveal your fortune.
Watch everyone else do it if you’re in doubt.
Ueno Park and Zoo
Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo, is located in Ueno Park. Here you can see the giant pandas, who have lived in the zoo since 1972.
The park itself is a green haven from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Relax by Shinobazu Pond and admire the lily pads, or explore one of the museums in the park, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum or National Museum of Nature and Science.
Akihabara
Akihabara is a district known for its electronic shopping and arcades. Bring your kids to a manga or anime store, or visit the Tokyo Anime Center to play some video games.
Visit Radio Kaikan and explore 10 floors of Japanese toys, collectables and more.
In this district, there is a lot to see and do. It’s also famous for maid cafes, which contrary to common belief, are mostly family friendly – though you use your best judgement about whether you’d want to take your kids there.
If you have n’t heard of them before, it’s where the hostess dress up as maids and deliver you in adorable voices. They also serve cute cakes, sometimes in the shape of bears or other cute characters.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Japan with kids exceeded all our expectations. We would have loved to stay longer because it was such a wonderful family trip to Japan.
The Japanese people were so incredibly helpful to us – people went out of their way to help us if we asked them for directions or assistance.
We all think that Japan was one of our favorites when we look back on our family vacations.
Japan is so well organized, clean and efficient, making it so pleasant and easy to get around with kids, and overall I would say it’s a very kid- friendly country.
There is n’t much your kids wo n’t like about Japan, from the robots that will serve your food to the world-class theme parks and manga culture.
Tours of Japan
Travel Tips for Japan
Need more inspiration for your trip to Japan? What other helpful guides are there?
The PERFECT 10 Days in Japan Itinerary ( for First Time Visitors )
A Guide to the Harry Potter Wizarding World at Universal Studios Japan
The Most Exciting Things to do in Japan
Pin to save on Pinterest
Bio: Nicole Avery is the master organiser behind the popular parenting blog Planning With Kids, where she shares tips and tricks to organising the chaos of family life and with five kids aged 14 – 4. Here, you can read more about her trip to Japan with her family.
Share on Facebook
Share on X ( Twitter )
Share on Pinterest
