I am so lucky that my readers are such mindful travellers and ask often for the “right thing” to do.
I have a general guide on mindful train travel with kids in Japan here.
And here I have written about Japanese dining etiquette.
Here are some tips on travel etiquette while in Japan with kids.
1) Take shoes off babies and toddlers while on the change table during a diaper change.
Many department store baby rooms have signs in foreign languages, reminding tourists. Understandably, people in Japan don’t like the idea of their babies lying down on top of dirty surfaces that have been touched by outdoor shoes.
See here for where to buy diapers / nappies in Japan.
2) Take shoes off babies and toddlers in taxis
Taxi drivers in Japan are always surprised and grateful when visitors take the time to do this. It keeps the seats clean from outdoor dirt (especially as little legs can’t drape over the edge.) The same etiquette applies for little legs on carpeted train seats.
3) Not playing with chopsticks before the food comes (or rubbing them together)
This was hard for my kids when they were small so we just put their cutlery , including chopsticks, in front of the adults until the food arrived.
4) Making sure you are drip dry at the onsen or public baths before stepping out of the wet area into the changing room section.
I have written an article for those who don’t feel naked being in an onsen here.
Most hotels in Japan I work with say that they wish they could ask all of their international clientele to do this. The body shouldn’t be still wet enough to “drip water” in the change room section.
5. Let other passengers get off the train before you get on.
This is an easy thing to speak through with even small children before taking the train in Japan. Even easier as the platforms are marked. Stand in line for the train and then move to the side of the doors until everyone has stepped off the train
4. Swinging on the hand rails on the trains is a big no-no
I know.. most people probably know this but…you’d be surprised how many tourists let their children do this and it’s a pet peeve of Japanese people especially on a busy train. Sorry. I know this is really fun for kids but,even if noone is around – it’s considered to be SO rude and disrespectful – more than most bad behaviour in Japan. Don’t let kids do this .Please. Don’t let kids do this .Please. It’s one of the complaints I hear about most from Japanese friends – foreigners letting their kids swing around like it’s a jungle gym.
Part of travel with kids in Japan (or anywhere) is about setting clear expectations. We find it best to say things like “ok so we are going to board the train – here are the expectations for while on a train here.”
