Are you thinking of coming to Japan with a baby?
It’s time to get real here.
We love our kids, but going out with them can be a nightmare.
Add an international flight, language barrier, and cultural differences to the mix and you just might wonder what you did in a past lifetime to earn such a punishment!
Download Teni's Free Checklist:"Flying To Japan - Baby Carry-On Checklist"
12 Tips And Tricks For Exploring Japan With A Baby
by Teni Wada
Ready to see The Real Japan with your little ones?
While I can’t guarantee that your Japan trip will be free of tears and meltdowns, I can share my domestic and international travel experience to help make your trip as smooth as possible.
I’ve put together a list of 12 tips and tricks for exploring Japan with a baby or toddler just for you.
Ready to see The Real Japan with your little ones?
Let’s start with the basics!
Japan with a baby: the basics
Wondering what to pack for your trip to Japan with a baby or toddler?
Take everything that’s currently in your diaper/nappy bag, and multiply it by 2!
While it sounds like a lot, remember that you don’t want to spend your precious vacation time searching for diaper/nappies or baby food (I speak from experience: that was me in Australia last September!)
Toddler stores often have play areas for the little ones
When traveling with little ones, it’s always best to expect the unexpected. Packing for your Japan trip begins with your international flight.
It's a good idea to have an airplane carry-on list of flight essentials.
Once you’re in Japan, here are a few basic tips to help you throughout the day:
1. Dress in layers, no matter the season
In the summertime, air conditioned buildings, buses, and trains can feel extremely chilly.
Likewise, heated buildings, buses, and trains can feel stuffy. Dress your child in layers so that you can adjust for temperatures. An alternative is to bring a lightweight blanket.
Author Teni Wada with her little one
2. Toilet time
Overall, public restrooms in parks and train stations are very clean.
However, you might quickly notice that there’s no soap dispenser or hand dryer. Be sure to bring a handkerchief, plenty of antibacterial wipes, and hand sanitizer!
Related: How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese
Japan Family Vacation - Explore Family Friendly Japan
Most public toilets have a baby changing bed
3. Diaper changing facilities and nursing rooms
Generally speaking, you won’t have to worry much about where to go when you need to change your child’s diaper. Public toilets will have at least one changing bed.
Bathroom stalls often have special seats for babies and toddlers, and it’s not uncommon to find a diaper changing bed in the men’s restroom. You can also find multi-purpose toilets or even “family” toilets.
Nursing rooms are commonly found on the baby/kids’ floors of shopping malls and department stores. While men can enter the changing rooms, they should not enter the nursing room, even if it is a private booth.
Bathroom stalls often have special seats for babies and toddlers
4. Don’t rely on convenience stores for baby and toddler items
Despite being nearly everywhere you turn, Japanese convenience stores aren’t so convenient when it comes to stocking the basics for babies and toddlers. This is especially true if you need to buy diapers or wipes! Err on the side of caution and bring plenty with you on the go.
Instead, head to a department stores or shopping mall, which will have a floor dedicated to babies and kids. Look for キッズ (kizzu/kids) or 赤ちゃん (akachan/baby) on the floor guide.
100 yen shops stock nearly everything you need for babies and toddlers
If you come across a 100 yen shop (Daiso, Seria, and Can-Do) you’re in luck because they stock nearly everything you will need for babies and toddlers.
Department stores and shopping malls have a floor dedicated to babies and kids
Transportation
Japan, especially its sprawling cities, is known for its punctual and efficient transportation network. It’s also known for packed trains operating above capacity.
Of course, you want to avoid travel during peak hours (weekday mornings and evenings) but sometimes our itinerary throws us a curveball. During morning peak hours, make use of the “women only cars,” (女性専用車/josei senyou sha), the first car located at the front of the platform.
Sit in 'priority seats' as they are often located next to elevators and escalators
Throughout the day, try to sit in “priority seats,” (優先席/yuusenseki) which are often located next to elevators and escalators.
Dodge crowds, avoid travel during peak hours (weekday mornings and evenings)
Download my Free Guide:
Here are more tips on how to get around Japan with a baby and little ones in tow:
5. Use a baby carrier and a stroller
Yes, it may be cumbersome to take both when traveling, but train stations, especially in the city can be terribly congested and the platforms very narrow. On top of that, elevators are few and in high demand (though this is changing).
Take along a carrier so that you can easily get through crowds, climb stairs, or use the escalators. Use the stroller to transport all your gear.
Use a baby stroller to transport all your gear
Japan Family Vacation - Explore Family Friendly Japan
6. Go hands-free with a prepaid travel card
You can purchase these cards at train stations throughout Japan, and they can be used to pay your train or bus fare. Charge before your day adventure and you won’t have to worry about how much the fare is to your destination.
These cards are a great way to avoid long lines at train stations and popular tourist spots.
Another reason to get a rechargeable 'IC card' (as they are known) is because they can be used at convenience stores, vending machines, etc. across Japan. They are a hassle-free way to make purchases without fumbling around for change, perfect for when you’re traveling with kids.
One day passes are great way to explore an area
7. Get a one-day pass
Combine your rechargeable IC card with a one day pass. These are great way to explore the area near your accommodation or your destination. Alternatively, if your kids are having a meltdown, it may help to get off the bus or train and help them calm down.
8. Make use of buses when possible
Don’t let the buses intimidate you. They are often a welcome alternative to crowded train stations and are a great way to see Japan with a baby up close. The only downside is that buses may not be a comfortable option waiting outside when it is too hot or too cold.
The pair seating is also a great choice for tired kids to lay out on your lap without disturbing other passengers.
Related: How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese
Eating and dining out
Japanese restaurants often have kids’ menus or free drinks/meals for children under 3. While it’s also good to bring your child’s favorite snacks when traveling, there are plenty of tasty and healthy options for babies and toddlers.
Here are some of my recommendations...
Barley tea is non-caffeinated and is more refreshing than still water
9. Stay hydrated with barley tea
Nearly every Japanese person grew up drinking barley tea. It’s the drink of childhood and humid summers. Barley tea is non-caffeinated and has a roasted taste that feels more refreshing than still water.
It’s sold everywhere -- in convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines, normally around 100 yen a bottle. Look for 麦茶 or むぎ茶.
10. Have a family meal at a sushi spot
One of the most family-friendly dining spots in Japan is a conveyor belt sushi spot. Choose a dish from the lane or order from the multilingual tablet provided at your table. Some spots have games, or other forms of entertainment.
But, nearly all will have kid-approved choices like fruit juice, milk, chicken nuggets, fries, and jelly.
Kids love inari zushi (pouches of fried and sweetened tofu filled with seasoned rice)
While options for babies are limited, you will appreciate the escape-free baby booster seats that attach directly to the table.
Best sushi picks for kids: inari zushi (“pouches” of fried and sweetened tofu filled with seasoned rice), natto (fermented soybeans) rolls, tuna rolls, or cucumber rolls.
11. Eat like the locals - grab a rice ball (onigiri)
If you need a mess-free kids’ meal on the go, just pop into a supermarket or even better, a convenience store, for the classic rice ball, called onigiri in Japanese.
Kids will love wakame (わかめ, a type of seaweed), konbu (昆布/kelp), or natto (納豆, fermented soybeans) rolls.
The dim lighting in Starbucks can help calm down excited kids
12. When all else fails, Starbucks
While Starbucks may not scream “Japan” to you, the cosy, smoke-free environment is a wonderful place to rest. They often occupy prime real estate and are a great place for people watching and taking a break. The dim lighting can also help calm down excited kids.
Use the free wi-fi to entertain kids, catch up with relatives back home, or check out the next stop on your Japan itinerary.
There you have it, 12 tips and tricks for exploring Japan with a baby or toddler.
While it’s not an exhaustive list, I hope these are useful tips that will relieve some of the stress as you plan your Japan trip.
Do you have any questions or experience of travelling to Japan with a baby or toddler? If so, please leave a comment below.
About the Author
Author Teni Wada is a blogger, content creator, and first-time mom documenting her journey of motherhood in Tokyo and travels with baby at The Wagamama Diaries.
Resources
Download Teni's Free Checklist:"Flying To Japan - Baby Carry-On Checklist"
Related: How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese
Related: How The Japanese Anticipate Other People's Needs
Japan Family Vacation - Explore Family Friendly Japan
If you enjoyed this article please share this image online:
Feedback and questions welcome - please leave a comment below.
Hi! Im so glad to stumble unto your article just before a week of my japan trip with my 9 years old baby,
So this is my first trip to japan, im wondering is there any high chair available on the local’s restaurant? I heard that most of japanese restaurant are quite small and arent so baby friendly.
Thanks!
Hello Angel – pleased you found my article in time!
Some local restaurants (and cafes) will have baby high chairs, some won’t. It’s essentially down to the individual owners as to whether or not you’ll have them.
What I would suggest though is if you find a place you’d really like to try but don’t see anything about a baby high chair simply ask at the entrance if they can provide. They may have them but only produce them when asked.
Have a great trip!
We will go to Japan with our daughter SOPHIE when she completes 1 year old.
RICK TAKASHI IKESAKA
That sounds wonderful Rick! Will it be your first trip to Japan, or have you been before?
Where to rent or borrow a stroller and also a car baby seat (age 3)
Thanks for the question Jorn – depends where you’re going to be when you need to rent the items. If you can tell me where you’ll be, I can make some recommendations.