Japan Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
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Japan is a dream destination for many families, offering an amazing mix of family-friendly attractions, culture and adventure. From world-famous theme parks to unique cultural experiences, Japan is safe, clean, and packed with unforgettable experiences for children and parents alike. This guide will help you plan the ultimate family trip to Japan, covering the best destinations, accommodation options, food recommendations, travel tips and practical advice.
Why visit Japan with kids?
Cultural experiences
Japan is steeped in fascinating traditions that kids can experience firsthand. Try on a kimono, attend a tea ceremony, watch a Sumo match, or take a Samurai lesson. These hands-on activities make learning about history fun and interactive.
Family-friendly attractions
Japan is home to some of the world’s best family attractions, from Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan to quirky animal cafés and immersive art museums. Whether your kids are into anime, animals, or outdoor fun, Japan has something for everyone.
Easy transport
What about family travel within Japan? Japan’s public transport is efficient, clean, and safe. High-speed trains, subways, and buses make it easy to get around – even with a stroller or tired toddler in tow. Stations are well-marked, and people are generally helpful.
👉 Read our full guide to family travel around Japan here (this link will be back soon!)
Seasons & festivals for family travel in Japan
No matter when you travel to Japan with your family, there’s something magical happening. Spring brings cherry blossoms; summer is full of fireworks and festivals; autumn offers gorgeous foliage; and winter dazzles with illuminations and snow festivals.
👉 Read our full guide to festivals for family travel in Japan here (this link will be back soon!)
Best time to visit Japan
Spring (March to May)
Thanks to the cherry blossoms, this is one of the most popular times for family travel to Japan. Parks are in full bloom, temperatures are mild, and seasonal foods like sakura-themed treats are everywhere.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is festival season! While it can be hot and humid, it’s also full of energy – think fireworks, traditional dancing, and water parks. This is a great time for beach trips or heading north to cooler areas like Hokkaido.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn brings crisp air and vibrant leaves. It’s perfect for temple visits, countryside explorations, and scenic hikes. There are fewer crowds than in spring, and the food is amazing – think sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and seasonal seafood.
Winter (December to February)
Skiing, snowboarding, and snow festivals are winter highlights of family travel in Japan. Families can enjoy onsens (hot springs), magical illuminations, and even spend Christmas or New Year’s in a unique cultural setting.
Top destinations in Japan for family travel
Tokyo
Tokyo is an exciting city with something for all ages – theme parks, anime experiences, quirky experiences, science museums, and animal cafés. Don’t miss Disneyland, TeamLab Planets, and the Pokémon Centre.
👉 Read our Practical Family Travel Guide to Tokyo – it covers where to stay, how to get around, eating with kids and more.
👉 Read our full guide on things to do in Tokyo with kids here.
👉 Read our guide to teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless with kids here – which is better?
Kyoto
In Kyoto, families can step back in time. Explore ancient temples, stroll through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, and take part in a samurai or ninja workshop. It’s a slower pace than Tokyo and rich in tradition.
👉 Read our full guide to Kyoto with kids here (this link will be back soon!)
Osaka
Osaka is known for food and fun. Visit Universal Studios Japan, wander the lively Dotonbori area, and meet sea creatures at the Osaka Aquarium. It’s a great city for older kids and food-loving families.
👉 Read our full guide to Osaka with kids here (this link will be back soon!)
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is a nature lover’s paradise. Go skiing in winter, visit flower fields in summer, and enjoy outdoor hot springs year-round. It’s especially appealing for families looking to escape the crowds.
👉 Read our full guide to Hokkaido with kids here (this link will be back soon!)
Okinawa
If you’re after beaches and marine life, Okinawa is where to travel in Japan with your family. Explore white-sand beaches, visit the Churaumi Aquarium, and learn about the island’s distinct culture and cuisine. It’s a relaxing side of Japan that kids will love. Okinawa is Japan’s answer to Hawaii!
👉 Read our full guide to Okinawa with kids here (this link will be back soon!)
Japan family travel essentials
Visas & entry requirements
Many nationalities, including Australians, can enter Japan visa-free for short stays. Australians can travel to Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for short stays for both tourism and business travel.
However, entry and exit travel conditions can change on short notice, so always check the current requirements before your family trip to Japan.
Transportation
The Japan Rail Pass is great for long-distance family travel in Japan and can save money. Within cities, use prepaid IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo) for hassle-free metro and bus travel.
👉 Read our full guide to getting around Japan here (this link will be back soon!)
Staying connected
Your hotel will most likely have WiFi. However, this doesn’t help you when you’re out and about and need to use your phone’s data for directions or to call a taxi. One of the easiest ways to stay connected in Japan is to purchase an eSim before you leave.
👉 Read our full guide on eSims for travel here.
Money matters
Japan is still a largely cash-based society, though cards are accepted more often now. Carry cash for transport, small shops, and rural areas. ATMs are widely available at convenience stores.
Language tips for family travel in Japan
English isn’t always spoken, but signage is improving and is good in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Learn a few basic Japanese phrases and download a translation app (like Google Translate) to help with interpreting menus, transport, and conversations.
Hot tip: Use the image function on Google Translate to interpret what all the buttons do on the toilets!
👉 Read our guide to useful phrases to learn here (this link will be back soon!)
Family-friendly accommodation in Japan
Hotels vs. apartment stays
Hotels are typically small, but apartment-style accommodations (like Mimaru Hotels or Hotel MONday Group) offer space, kitchenettes, and laundry – great for family travel in Japan. In general, accommodation is not particularly cheap here.
Recommended family hotels
Mimaru Hotels are designed with family travel in mind, and you’ll find them conveniently located near train stations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto in Japan. You’ll find various options that include bunk beds and themed rooms, which can be a lot of fun for families.
For theme park fans, staying near Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea offers maximum convenience.
Unique stays
Want something different? Try a traditional ryokan (inn) with tatami mats and futons or a themed hotel like a ninja room or Pokémon suite.
Must-try Japanese food for families
Kid-friendly dishes
Japanese cuisine has plenty of options kids will love – ramen, sushi, tempura, gyoza, and mochi are all big hits.
Tips for picky eaters
Most restaurants have photos on the menu, and convenience stores are full of familiar foods. 7-Eleven food is a huge step up in appeal from Australia and might just be your saviour for picky eaters.
At the very least, eating from the 7-Eleven will be a fun novelty of family travel in Japan. Many places also serve Western-style options and you can find some of your favourite fast food chains in Japan.
Food allergies in Japan
If allergies are a concern, prepare cards in Japanese to show at restaurants. Apps and allergy translation cards can help communicate dietary needs.
Fun dining experiences
Take the kids to a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, try a character café, or get noodles from a vending machine. If you’ve got a sweet tooth or are all about food that looks good in photos, you won’t go unsatisfied here. Eating in Japan is an adventure!
👉 Read our review of the Pokemon Cafe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo here – is it worth it? (this link will be back soon!)
Packing tips & what to bring for Japan family travel
Seasonal packing guide
Pack according to the season – layers in spring and autumn, sun hats in summer, and warm jackets in winter. Japanese people dress quite smart most of the time and are a little conservative in how they dress, so think ‘smart casual’ rather than board shorts and singlets.
Must-have items for family travel in Japan
Bring a lightweight stroller or baby carrier for younger kids, a power bank, plug adapters, travel snacks, and activities for long journeys. It’s ideal to bring basic medicines from home, such as panadol and hay-fever relief, as you may not be able to get what you’re used to from home.
What NOT to pack
Japan has high standards for hygiene and etiquette. Leave bulky shoes at home (many places require shoe removal), and avoid overpacking, as convenience stores have most essentials.
Family travel in Japan with babies & toddlers
Stroller vs. baby carrier
A compact stroller is handy in cities, but a carrier is easier for crowded stations or rural areas. This is going to boil down to what you usually use at home and how comfortable you are lugging it around.
Where to find baby supplies
You’ll find nappies, formula, and wipes at pharmacies and large convenience stores. Department stores often have baby rooms for feeding and changing.
Best attractions for young kids
Parks, aquariums, gentle boat rides and indoor play centres make Japan surprisingly easy to enjoy with little ones. Just remember to leave time for downtime.
Japan family travel FAQs
Accommodation can be expensive here, particularly at peak travel times. Affordable convenience store meals and free/cheap attractions help to keep the costs down. However, Japan is not considered a budget destination.
Mostly, yes. Major cities and attractions are accessible, though some metro stations and older buildings lack elevators.
Any age works for family travel in Japan, but kids five and up can enjoy most attractions and travel more easily. Japan is amazing for tweens and teens due to the pop culture and theme parks.
Respect local customs and teach your kids about Japanese manners for a smoother trip. You’ll need to remove shoes indoors, speak quietly on transport, and exercise patience in crowded areas and lines. 👉 Read our guide to cultural differences between Australia and Japan here (this link will be back soon!)
Final tips & next steps
Japan is an exciting destination for family travel with endless possibilities. Whether you’re exploring vibrant Tokyo, experiencing Kyoto’s traditions, or relaxing on Okinawa’s beaches, Japan has something for everyone. One trip will definitely not be enough!
👉 Read our full guide on how to book a family trip to Japan here (this link will be back soon!)
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Where to next?
- 7 Amazing experiences in Asia with kids
- 7 unique things to do in Japan
- Japan National Parks – bucket list picks
- Spotlight on The Best Things to do in Kyushu Japan
- Sensational Snow Vs. Tantalizing Tropical Island in Japan
