Here are the links to many of the things parents knew to book ahead of time before visiting Japan with children!
Here is my full list of apps I recommend for visiting Japan with kids – it’s a good idea to download these even before you leave your home country.
Having 2-3 options for before 10am (as Japan opens late – even the supermarkets and even in the major cities)
My Tokyo list has more than 50 options for things to do with kids before 10am!
Here is my Before 10am list for Kyoto.
Which medication is allowed in Japan?
I have written here about which medication is allowed in Japan.
Click here if you’re specifically worried about ADHD medication rules.
How to make sure the main tourist attractions still have lots of kid-friendly options nearby?
Tap on the following touristy spots and areas below for my recommended playspots and our favourite restaurants in the immediate area.
Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavillion in Kyoto)
Kiyomizudera (Kyoto)
Nishiki Market (Kyoto)
The Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama (Kyoto)
Nara Deer Park (Nara)
Dotombori (Osaka)
The Universal Studios Japan area (Osaka)
Shibuya Crossing (Tokyo)
Sensoji Temple (Tokyo)
Tokyo Tower (Tokyo)
Team Lab Planets (Tokyo)
Team Lab Borderless (Tokyo)
Tokyo Skytree (Tokyo)
Meiji Shrine (Tokyo)
Takeshita Street (Tokyo)
Akihabara Electric Town (Tokyo)
Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)
Ueno Park (Tokyo)
Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo Disneysea area (Tokyo)
Hiroshima Peace Museum & Park (Hiroshima)
Can’t see the sightseeing spot you’re after? Use the search bar as I update my blog every single day !
How to leave time for slow travel moments?
This is all about pacing and being realistic for how many things to do per day.
For this reason, I write my area guides like a list. So you can choose an early morning activity or a slow breakfast option. Then a mid-morning “event” etc and then I give as many kid-friendly restaurants as I can – so that my readers have lots to choose from – depending on what they all like to eat – and I also try to include lots of options for picky eaters. Search my blog by area or city name in order to help you build an itinerary that is fun for adults AND kids depending on your sightseeing spots or where you choose to stay.
I speak about the joys of slow travel with kids in Japan here.
How to build an itinerary for Japan with kids?
Here is a 3 week sample itinerary that I created for families for their first trip to Japan. It’s a long and detailed itinerary but it’s also a good way to see what is realistic and help narrow down what you may or may not be interested in while travelling in Japan as a family. I recommend using this itinerary – even if it helps you narrow down what you DON’T want and then lean into what you do. This itinerary also includes at least 3 restaurant suggestions for meals and ALL restaurants are 100% kid-friendly.
How to make sure I’m prepared if my kids have allergies?
I have written in detail about what to do in advance (even before you leave for Japan) for kids who have allergies or specific dietary requirements in order to have the least amount of obstacles before travelling around Japan with kids.
How to know how the fast pass system works at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea ahead of time?
This will save literally hours of waiting inside the parks. I explain how the Tokyo Disney system works here.
Here is our one day strategy for both Tokyo Disney parks.
And what about the express pass system for Universal Studios Japan?
I explain how USJ works here – especially when visiting with kids.
Which special activities should I book in advance for kids while in Japan?
My full list is here – includes sumo, dinner cruises, cooking classes, Team Lab, Shibuya Sky, baseball…. etc…
