Planning a trip to Japan with a toddler requires careful preparation. In this ultimate guide to planning your Japan trip with a toddler, we’ll share the best times to visit, child-friendly accommodations, essential packing tips, and crucial health and safety precautions, so that you can plan and travel stress-free.
We recently travelled to Japan in May 2024 with our 18-month-old toddler, spending two wonderful weeks exploring the country.
Drawing from our firsthand experience, we’ll provide practical tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your family adventure in Japan.
So let’s dive directly into the things you must know about planning your visit to Japan with a toddler.
What are the Best Times of Year to Visit Japan with Toddlers?
The best time to go on a family trip to Japan with a toddler is NOW!
I know what you are thinking – That doesn’t help! It’s a general statement, but it’s true. With the yen at one of its lowest points in history compared to other major FIAT currencies (€, $, £), now is one of the best times to go to Japan.
Everything will be cheaper for you and your family. You’ll be able to do a lot more for a lot less.
So don’t keep delaying your family’s dream trip. Go to Japan NOW!
Of course, some months are better than other when it comes to the expected weather, crowd levels, beautiful scenery, etc. Next, I will tell you which are the best months to go to Japan, and which months you should avoid if possible.
Best Seasons for Family Travel to Japan with Toddlers
The four seasons are well-defined in Japan. Hot summers, cold winters and mild spring and autumn seasons. That’s why we recommend travelling to Japan with kids in spring or autumn.
We know that those are not great months for kids of school age. But if your kids are still in nursery like ours. Then you will be able to find cheap flights and accommodation during school term when other families cannot travel.
Spring in Japan (March to May)
We highly recommend visiting Japan in April or May. We went in mid-May, after the Golden Week, and the weather and crowd levels were perfect. Remember to avoid the Golden Week if you can (more on the reasons why below).
Spring is an ideal time to visit Japan with toddlers. The weather is mild and pleasant, making outdoor activities enjoyable for the whole family. This helps in packing and travelling light which is very handy when you are already travelling with your baby stuff.
One of the main highlights of spring is the cherry blossom season. Although you can expect this time to be busier, if you want to enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens across the country as they burst into beautiful pink blooms, perfect for your Instagram photos and family album, then do aim for it. But remember that the days of the cherry blossom season change every year and also depend on the city.
Autumn in Japan (September to November)
Autumn is another fantastic season for family travel in Japan. The temperatures are also comfortable, making it perfect for exploring the outdoors. The country is renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows transforming the landscapes.
This season also offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for toddlers. Families can enjoy leisurely walks through parks and gardens, visit farms for fruit picking, and explore scenic countryside areas. Autumn festivals, with their colorful displays and kid-friendly events, add an extra layer of excitement to your trip.
Times to Avoid Travelling with Children to Japan
Japan’s Golden Week (Late April to Early May)
The Golden Week, spanning late April to early May, is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods. This is when locals take their vacations, leading to crowded tourist spots, packed public transportation, and higher accommodation prices. Travelling and visiting places with toddlers can be challenging due to long lines and busy spaces.
If this is the only time when you can visit Japan, book accommodations and transportation well in advance and consider less popular destinations.
Summer in Japan with Toddlers (June to August)
While Japan is undeniably beautiful, the high temperatures and soaring humidity of the summer months can be quite overwhelming. The temperatures often are above 30°C (86°F), and the humidity can make it feel even hotter. This can be particularly tough on little ones, who might not handle the heat as well as adults.
Japan in the summer is also very crowded with families traveling with toddlers or kids that have finished their school year, and other people who take their annual leave during the summer months.
Popular attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, Kyoto’s temples, and Hiroshima’s Peace Park can get incredibly crowded. This means busy trains, long waiting lines and busy streets, which can be challenging when you’re managing a stroller or trying to keep track of energetic toddlers.
If you do decide to visit during this time, be prepared for the heat and plan for plenty of rest breaks, hydration, and indoor activities to keep everyone comfortable and happy.
Rainy Season in Japan (June to July)
The rainy season in Japan, known as tsuyu, spans from early June to mid-July. This period is characterized by frequent and heavy rainfall. While the rain helps cool down the rising summer temperatures, it also brings high humidity, which can be uncomfortable for young children.
The constant rain can disrupt outdoor plans and make sightseeing more challenging. Tourist spots such as Tokyo’s parks, Osaka’s Universal Studios, and the scenic views of Mount Fuji may not be as enjoyable when you’re dealing with heavy rain and high humidity. Slippery surfaces and puddles can also be a risk for little ones who love to run around.
If you do choose to visit during the rainy season, pack plenty of waterproof gear, like raincoats, an umbrella – you can buy the typical transparent Japanese umbrella in any convenience store – and a stroller raincover.
Plan for indoor activities, such as visiting museums, aquariums, and indoor play areas, to keep everyone entertained and dry.
Winter in Japan with Kids (December to February)
Winter in Japan brings its own set of challenges, especially for families with young children.
The temperatures in Japan during winter can drop significantly, particularly in the northern regions like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps. In cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, although you won’t get extremely low temperatures, you can still expect cold weather, and even snow, which would require you to pack and wear a good set of warm clothes for you and your baby.
Snow can be both a blessing and a curse. While it creates picturesque landscapes and offers fun activities like skiing and snowboarding, it makes travelling hard.
Walking through snowy streets with toddlers and strollers can be very tricky, and delays in public transportation are not uncommon.
However, if your family enjoys winter sports and is prepared for the cold, this season could still be a magical time to visit Japan. Just make sure to pack appropriately and plan your itinerary with the weather in mind.
Child-Friendly Accommodations in Japan
Japan is known for its tiny flats and hotel rooms. Being a highly populated country with limited space and very highly dense cities, Most accommodation in Japan is tiny compared to most European and American rooms.
And we have to admit that, even though we didn’t experience that ourselves in most places we visited, the hotel rooms we stayed in were most of them smaller than the average room size in other countries we have visited.
We were warned by friends and colleagues, so when planning the trip and searching for accommodation, we payed close attention to the room size we were booking.
We didn’t want to be in a tiny room smaller than 20sqm (215sqft) with a hyperactive toddler. Choosing larger rooms comes at a premium, but trust us, it is worthy. And if you book them in advance, and in the right areas, you will find deals that will compensate for any higher fare you may be getting.
Recommended Areas to Stay in During your Trip to Japan with Toddlers
This largely depends on the city you are visiting. We will cover the main cities and the places we visited in a separate post. But as a general rule, look for places near a train or underground station.
Most cities in Japan are so large that you will have to take one or two metro lines to get to your destination. So you don’t want to spend an extra 20-30min walking before getting to the train station. Especially at the end of the day when your toddler is tired and you just want to get to your accommodation to start the bedtime routine.
Another good tip for areas to stay in Japan with kids and toddlers is to find slightly quieter areas away from the busiest neighbourhoods and streets. For example, stay in Tokyo in Asakusa, rather than Shinjuku or Shibuya.
These are the areas we stayed in during our trip:
- Tokyo: Asakusa, near the Asakusa station. Well-connected family-friendly area.
- Kyoto: Shijocho, near Karasuma and Shijo stations. Well-connected area with lots of restaurants and convenience stores.
- Osaka: On top of the Osaka-Umeda station.
- Takayama: Near the train station. It’s a small city so you will likely be close to everything.
Health and Safety Precautions Should We Take When Travelling to Japan with Children
Japan is a very safe and generally very clean country. You won’t have to worry about getting robbed or not finding child-friendly restrooms. We found them on every station, restaurant, shopping mall, parks,… essentially everywhere.
Preparing for the Trip
When preparing your trip to Japan with your little ones, we recommend you consult and discuss the trip with their Pediatrician ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date, and obtaining necessary medications. This is specific to your country of origin or departure so we won’t go into much detail here.
Feel free to send us a message if you want to discuss anything in particular with us or if you need our help with any topics of your trip.
Family Travel Insurance for a Trip to Japan with Toddlers
It is very important that you get a travel insurance for you and your child for the whole duration of your trip. You never know when you are going to need to head to the ER because of an emergency and then receive a crazily high medical bill.
There are many insurance companies out there, so do a bit of research and compare what they offer and their price
It’s something that you hope you never have to use but we definitely think that it is money well spent, even if you don’t have to contact them at all.
Child-friendly Food in Japan
Japan offers a huge variety of child-friendly food options. Even if your little one is a picky eater, you will find something they will like. Our little baby O loved trying new dishes on every restaurant. You will generally find rice, noodles, and mild-flavored soups that can be easily enjoyed by toddlers. Dishes such as ramen, udon, and soba noodles are perfect for little ones, as they are soft, flavorful, and easy to eat. Ramen and soba where our daughter’s favourite dishes during our trip
Another great option is the bento box, which offers a variety of small portions of different foods, allowing children to try a little bit of everything. These can include rice, grilled chicken, tamagoyaki (sweet omelet), vegetables, and fruit. Convenience stores, known as konbini, are also a lifesaver, offering a range of ready-to-eat meals and snacks like cookies and yogurt that are perfect for children on the go. Don’t worry, they will give you spoons and chopsticks with your shop.
For families concerned about dietary restrictions or allergies, many restaurants provide detailed menus. Additionally, supermarkets and food markets are excellent places to pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, and familiar snacks to keep your toddler happy and safe during your trip.
Even sushi places will have child-friendly sushi so that you don’t miss out on the amazing Japanese sushi.
Conclusion – Planning your Trip to Japan with a Toddler
In conclusion, Japan is a fantastic destination for families with babies and toddlers. The country is exceptionally safe and clean, and the people are incredibly friendly, especially with the little ones.
Visiting Japan was at the top of our bucket list, and it did not disappoint. It’s definitely a must-visit for families looking for a unique family adventure.
With a bit of advance planning and by following our tips, you will have a stress-free and amazing family trip to Japan.
From finding the best times to visit and choosing child-friendly accommodations to packing wisely and taking necessary health precautions, you’re now equipped to make the most of your adventure. Enjoy your trip and the many unforgettable moments that await you and your little ones in Japan!
Feel free to write to us with any questions, queries, or general comments about your experience in Japan if you have already been. We’d love to hear from you!
FAQ
How easy is it to move around Japan with a baby stroller?
In general it is very easy to travel around Japan with a baby stroller. We highly recommend having a light and ultracompact stroller as it makes it much easier when going through crowded places or when entering the underground and public transport system.
We have written an in-depth post about how to easily move around Japan with a stroller that will give you all the information you should know about it.
How do you entertain a toddler during a 14-hour-long flight to Japan?
This is one of the main things that put a lot of families off from going to Japan. But if you plan ahead and are prepared with the right toys, snacks, and tools, it will be a smooth flight that you will actually enjoy.
Are there any family-friendly restaurants in Japan? My toddler is a picky eater.
The short answer is YES. Absolutely. Japan is full of family and child-friendly restaurants. Most of the restaurants have cutlery, dishes, kids menu and high chairs.
