Japan is one of the most incredible countries to visit, especially with family and kids. From its beautiful landscapes, to its long and rich history, there’s so much to offer for everyone. From Tokyo’s high rise buildings, and modern attractions, to Osaka castles and temples, and the steaming hot springs of Hakone, Japan is a great place for the whole family to have a unique experience.
There are so many great places for kids to explore, like the famous Theme Parks of Tokyo with its iconic rides from roller coasting to ferris wheels, or the lovely museum district with its creative activities for kids and educational experiences as well. All the while, there are the stunning historical monuments, the beautiful architecture, and the impressive shrines existing in all the different regions of the country.
Travelling Japan with kids can be tricky because of language barriers, cultural differences, and the fast-paced lifestyle of Japanese cities. But with careful planning, and preparing the right itinerary, your experience can be seamless, safe, and most importantly, enjoyable.
To make it easy for you, here’s a revised Japan travel guide designed specifically for families with children. This will normally take up 10-14 days depending on the age group and number of kids you have.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
On the first day you’ll arrive in Tokyo, and enjoy the mesmerizing cityscape. You can choose to either have a leisurely walk in one of the many parks such as Shinjuku-Gyoen National Garden, or explore the Tokyo Tower. You can also spend your first few hours shopping for souvenirs in the Tsukiji Market, or vending machines, and electronics, in Akihabara.
Day 2: Exploring Tokyo
On the second day, you’ll explore the city further. You can choose from Museums such as the Teamlab Borderless or the Tokyo Edo-Toma museum, or the Senso-ji temple, or the marionette show, and the Akiko Yakitori restaurant. There are plenty of attractions that can be tailored towards whatever the age range or interests of your family.
Day 3-4: Off to Hakone
On Day 3, you’ll head to Hakone, a popular mountain resort destination renowned for its hot springs, and its remarkable views of Mt. Fuji. You can enjoy a scenic cable car ride, a cruise boat ride, going across the lake, and at the end, visit the Owakudani Valley for a peek at the volcanoes. The following day, there are plenty of outdoor activities available such as rafting, water sports, and camping.
Day 5-7: Osaka and Nara
On Day 5, you’ll take the train to Osaka. This vibrant and hustle and bustle of the city center can be overwhelming, but there are many kid friendly activities you can do in the city. From visiting the many theme parks, such as Universal Studios Japan, and Legoland to spending a few hours exploring Osaka Castle and the nearby historical sites, Osaka will definitely serve as leisure time entertainment for the whole family.
On the following days, you can take a side trip to Nara, the birthplace of Buddhism in Japan, and visit its historical parks, shrines and monuments. Stroll through the lovely serene gardens, enjoy the deer park, and take a boat ride in the peaceful mountain lake.
Day 8-10: Return to Tokyo, Shopping, and Free Time
On Day 8, you’ll take the high speed railway and return to the vibrant city of Tokyo. You can plan day trips to the Imperial Palace or Meiji Jingu Shrine, or visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum. You can also plan a whole day of family-themed shopping and visits to the trendy youth-eyea outlets such as 109 and Harajuku.
On the final days, you can opt for free time exploration or an organized activity such as a cooking class to bring back some Japanese culinary knowledge to your home country.
Day 11: Departure to Home
On the last day, you’ll make the return trip to your home country. Make sure to plan a day before travel to get last-minute shopping and souvenirs, and to get those beautiful family photos that will remind you of this splendid experience for the years to come.
Tips and Advice
When travelling with kids in Japan, there are several tips and sources of guidance that can be useful. In terms of accommodation, look for family-friendly hotels that not only ensure comfort but also provide extra services such as free airport transfers or gifts for the children.
In addition, research in advance the age limits of the attractions and activities that you plan to visit as restrictions to some places may not be suitable for your children. Also carry some snacks and water bottles in case your children get hungry or thirsty. Lastly, always carry a first-aid kit in case of any accidents or unexpected illnesses.
Emergency Help and Information
Japan is known for its systematic policies and well-developed infrastructure in most of its cities. Nonetheless, accidents and emergency cases are unavoidable and may occur. It is wise to be prepared in any situation.
It is important to know the national emergency numbers in Japan in case of any serious conditions. Those numbers are 119 for fire and ambulance, and 110 for police emergencies.
Another essential service when travelling in Japan is the 13-hour English information support and health advice line (Dial +81-3-5285-8181). This free service is open from 9AM to 9PM and is available to provide assistance in times of need, especially for travelers.
General Tips to Keep in Mind for Your Family Trip to Japan
Travelling in Japan can be overwhelming for a first time visitor. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind for whenever you travel in Japan with your family.
- Make sure to purchase an International Travel Insurance for Japan and be aware of the coverage.
- Be prepared for possible language barriers, as not everywhere you go will be English speaking.
- Research some basic Japanese phrases and etiquette, such as ‘thank you’ or ‘hello’, as this will make your experience smoother.
- Always plan ahead of time, check timetables for local trains or metro lines, as delays or closures may occur.
- Carry a reliable map with you, and plan alternate routes in case of existing transportation problems.
- Carry cash, as there are several places where credit cards are not accepted.
Accommodation and Travel
When travelling with kids, it is important to book a family-oriented hotel, as they usually provide extra services that will make your stay more comfortable. It is also good to research in advance the average fare for transport, as there is a wide variety of fare options available in Japan. Lastly, make sure to book a seat reservation in advance to make the journey as stress free and enjoyable as possible.
Final Words
Japan is an amazing country to explore, and it is the perfect destination for families. It offers plenty of incredible experiences that can be tailored according to any age and family size. With careful planning, and the right tips and advice, your Japan trip with kids can be the most memorable family vacation ever.
