I’m super nerdy and I like to know what to book and by when so that I don’t miss out on anything cool for myself and for my family.
I will add to this often as more things pop up.
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using my link – at no additional charge to you.
What NOT to book ahead without checking first? A Japan Rail Pass – a handful of years ago, this was a MUST for tourists but the prices and system has changed now and it’s rarely economical for tourists anymore so, if booking your trip through a travel agent – make sure that they are up to date with these changes. I explain more about the JR (Japan Rail Pass) here and how to work out if it will be cost effective for you and your time in Japan.
6 MONTHS AHEAD OF YOUR JAPAN TRIP
Time to start booking accommodation. Most accommodation in Japan won’t take reservations BEFORE 6 months ahead of time. If this makes you anxious, one hack I recommend is to book on booking.com using the “free cancellation” filter option. They like to preemptively sell some rooms but you can lock in a room and then cancel if a better deal comes along for you or another option that is more suitable opens up. *Just don’t forget to put the last day to cancel for free on your calendar!*
You don’t need to book your accommodation 6 months ahead but this is the time you CAN actually start making reservations.
See here for my recommended hotels in Tokyo for families.
See here for my Japan-wide recommendations for families with 5 or more people.
Sometimes it is confusing when booking a hotel in Japan with kids as, because there is a co-sleeping culture in Japan, it can sometimes give you a room with one bed for four people. See my tips here on how to get around the bed sharing thing in Japanese hotel rooms.
Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo (often is sold out months in advance. Klook is an easy way to purchase tickets.)
3 MONTHS AHEAD OF YOUR JAPAN TRIP
Pain Medication in Japan
Japanese pain medication is, if find to be, weaker (probably just because Japanese bodies are smaller than mine) and I also don’t like trying new medications while overseas incase I have a reaction or anything. Before packing any medication to take to Japan, make sure it is allowed into Japan first.
I have some tips regarding medicine once you are in Japan here too.
MAKE SURE ALL MEDICATION IS ALLOWED IN JAPAN. If not, you will need to apply for special permission. Also, to avoid any confusion or hold-ups, ALWAYS keep medication (and vitamins) in their original packaging – also anything that might be seen as suspicious such as baby formula (you don’t want to be carrying random packets of white powder when travelling overseas.)
See here if you require information on taking ADHD medication into Japan.
So where to start my research on what medication is and isn’t allowed in Japan?
–The Ministry of Health, Wealth and Labour of Japan website
–The Narcotics Department website Japan page
–The Japan Travel: Bringing Medicines into Japan page
–The Smart Traveller website
*I thought most people would know this already but I did have to explain to someone recently that you CANNOT bring cannabis oil into Japan. So if it says THC on it – it’s automatically a hard no. Cannabis/Marijuana/Hemp are all illegal in Japan – in any form (including gummies, oil, cookies.) Opioids, adderall and epinephrine are illegal in Japan as well. This means that, if any of the medications you need to bring contain any of these – you will need to apply in advance for approval using the MHWL website.
eg. Eczema Medication
I’m lucky to not suffer from eczema but friends who do have told me that the Japanese water makes theirs worse. Please pack ointment or whatever works for you – just in case.
Before packing any medication to take to Japan, I recommend making sure it is allowed into Japan first.
eg. Lactaid
If you have a dairy intolerance of any sort, please also note that medications like “Lactaid” aren’t easy to get in Japan. Lactase enzyme supplements are only available by medical prescription in Japan.
See here for my information on ADHD medication in Japan.
Tokyo Disneyland Official Hotels (if using)
Time to book your official Tokyo Disneyland Official Hotels. Please note that you don’t HAVE to stay at an official Tokyo Disney Hotel (I’ve written about them here) as you can commute from central Tokyo easily (30-40 mins from most places in Tokyo) OR you can choose to just stay at a hotel NEAR Tokyo Disney (much more affordable and most of them have a free shuttle to the parks anyway.)
The 3 month out point is also a good time to lock in a reservation for the Chicken Ramen Workshop at the Cup Noodle Museum. Please note that you don’t need a far out reservation to attend the Cup Noodle Museum (500 yen for adults. Children in High School and younger are free) – you just need to book ahead for the Chicken Ramen Workshop.
Click here to book the Chicken Ramen Workshop at the Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama.
Click here to book the Chicken Ramen Workshop at the Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka.
The Chicken Ramen Workshop is for children 6 and older (don’t worry : younger kids can take part in the Cup Noodle Museum make your own cup noodle options.).
*Please note that all of the cup noodle options here (chicken ramen or make your own options) include some kind of animal products in the stock or flavourings. If you are vegetarian you can choose your own vegetarian toppings but please note that it is not completely meat or fish free.
I’ve written about the Cup Noodle Museum in detail here.
3 month ahead is also a good time to book the indoor theme park where children get to try lots of different jobs, Kidzania. I’ve written about Kidzania in detail here including details about reservations, which days are English days and the different types of tickets. Personally, I only recommend Kidzania for children 3-8 years old (as a rule, kids must be at least 3. I, personally, feel that it’s not much fun for children who are older than 8 or 9 years old.)
Click here to book in for the digital art experience in Osaka called “Miracle World.” (Book up to 3 months in advance.)
2 MONTHS AHEAD OF YOUR JAPAN TRIP
It’s notoriously difficult to get tickets but 2 months ahead is the time try and get your hands on Ghibli Park Nagoya tickets. Many people also look into third party buyers and sellers for this.
USJ tickets and Express Passes are available from 2 months ahead of the date you would like to attend (from midnight exactly 60 days in advance.) See all of my information onUniversal Studios Japan here. Please note, this is based in Osaka.
Need help choosing the best Express pass for you and your family? Read here now.
2 months out is also a time to think about niche or specific dietary requirement related cooking classes. Just to make sure you don’t miss out. I recommend the following cooking classes in particular.
A kid-friendly cooking class in Kyoto
Here is a great ramen, gyoza and onigiri cooking class in Kyoto (for children 12 years old+ only)
A parent & child Japanese cooking class in Yokohama
Wasabi Plus Japan
Based in Yokohama. Classes in a beautiful cooking studio. Classes also incorporate chats about Japanese traditions and Japanese culture in relation to cooking. See here for the Wasabi Plus Workshop for Parents and Kids.
A gluten-free cooking class in Osaka
I recommend joining one of Yukiko’s Gluten Free Comeconoco Cooking Classes in Osaka too. Link and details here. Many people love her okonomiyaki classes most. Even if you can’t finish all the food during the class – you can take it away with you. She also has gluten free bread and pastry making classes.
A gluten free & vegan udon and tempura cooking class in Tokyo
This cooking class is for children 10+ OR adults with children who are sitting (or, hopefully, sleeping?) in a stroller. See all the details for this vegan & gluten free Tokyo cooking class for families here.
A sushi-making class in Asakusa , Tokyo (can be made gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan upon request)
This class welcomes children. Children under 4 are free (they will need to share the dishes with the paying participant/guardian though.) See all the details or this sushi-making class here.
A gluten free, muslim-friendly and/or vegan cooking class in Tokyo
I highly recommend booking a cooking class with“At Home with Nahoko.” See her website here for class details and prices (most classes require a minimum of two people.)
Nahoko is knowledgable and cautious about cross contamination too (separate mats and chopping boards for those with different dietary requirements and allergies) and understands the importance of handwashing and changing utensils when moving between students. Gluten free ramen is a skill that not everyone can master easily (without it turning into mush) but she is happy to share her tips and techniques to make it all work out and create a truly stunning meal.
A kid-friendly sushi making class in Asakusa or near Tokyo Tower in Tokyo
Here is a great kid-friendly sushi making class that you can take either in Asakusa or near Tokyo Tower.
A kimono rental experience with a photo shoot in Osaka?
This is for adults and children – just next to Osaka Castle and other surrounding areas.
Where can I rent plus size kimono in Tokyo?
This company offer plus size kimono rental in Asakusa, Tokyo. Make a reservation here.
A bauble making craft class – made of upcycled kimono fabric in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
This is one of my daughter’s top 3 favourite things to do in Tokyo. Make a reservation via the Bikudesigns website here to request a family workshop. Children must be 8 or older to take part (and if they are younger than 10 they will need a 1 adult to 2 children ratio.)
This Osaka Street Food Tour allows people of all ages (even families with strollers) but I personally recommend this tour for parents with a young baby in a carrier OR with teens who are up for trying lots of different foods.
Perhaps you’d be keen on booking a tea ceremony experience for your family
See here for my recommended list of tea ceremony options for families (and I also explain some of the complexities of taking part with little kids.)
Or a Taiko Drumming Class (kids 3 and older can also participate with parents/guardians) at the Taiko Center in Akihabara. Make a taiko class reservation here.
Or would you like to participate in a Japanese calligraphy class in Asakusa?
1-2 MONTHS AHEAD OF YOUR JAPAN TRIP
This is now the time to secure specific restaurants you want to make sure you don’t want to miss in Japan. For example, here is my list of kid-friendly Wagyu & Kobe beef options. Here is my list of omakase high end options that also welcome children.
This is also the time for doing some preparation & research for travelling with strict dietary requirements in Japan. I have all of my tips on what to prepare ahead here.
1-2 months ahead of time is also good timing for booking tickets to a sumo tournament. Tickets go on sale approximately 2 months in advance.
1-2 months in advance is the best time to secure little special treats like :
-booking a Jinrikisha (a Japanese rickshaw) ride through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama.
I’ve put a link here for those who would like to book a jinrikisha (a Japanese rickshaw) tour ahead of time in Arashiyama. It is possible to just turn up and ride – but to avoid having to wait during busy season, it can be a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time.
–reserving a boat ride on the Dotombori in Osaka (kids and babies allowed.) Personally, I really only recommend doing this at night as it’s a bit grey and yucky during the day – but the neon lights make it a bit nicer at night. As it is just a boat cruise for sightseeing it’s quite reasonably priced too.
You can also book the Ninja & Samurai Museum in Asakusa which is good for little kids ( a bit cheezy and touristy but great for kids who love to dress up and it also makes for really cute photo opportunities.) Need to reserve online ahead of time. There is an English speaking tour guide here who explains the history and stories regarding samurai and ninja. See here for other places to sightsee and eat with kids nearby.
The Samurai & Ninja Museum in Kyoto
This is a great option for families (even grannies and grandpas like this one.) Unless you have ninja obsessed teens- I feel that this activity is best for kids between the ages of 2-8.
Ghibli Mitaka in Tokyo – tickets go on sale the month before – on the 10th of the month. For example: if you were going to book for March then you would need to be online to book on February 10th. These tickets are very very hard to acquire. So I recommend also looking into third party buyers in order to have the most success.
Here are things to do in the area around the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.
1.5 months ahead – time to book this Latte Art shop in Asakusa (Tokyo) called Hat Coffee. I speak more about it in my Asakusa with kids article here. Bookings are essential (walk-ins may have to wait hours and hours.) For guaranteed entry, I recommend reserving a spot at Hat Coffee Asakusa here.
*Please note that there are two Hat Coffee locations – make sure you attend the correct branch after making your reservation.
1 MONTH AHEAD OF YOUR JAPAN TRIP
Exactly 31 days ahead of your Japan trip, it is time to book the Pokemon Cafe. 31 days ahead of your desired date at exactly 6pm. Many people have more luck booking the Osaka version over the Tokyo option. If you miss out on the cafe, don’t be too sad as the food is famously terrible. Some people say they have luck just turning up on the day and trying for a cancellation – but this is risky business with kids. Here are other Pokemon related options for families in Japan.
Please note that the Pokemon Cafe in Tokyo will be closed for renovations from March -late June 2026.
Pocket Wifi or an E-sim
International Roaming isn’t great in Japan (and is expensive for terrible coverage.) I speak about it here but you NEED reliable internet in Japan. You need to get a bit “lost” when you explore, you need to be able to use google translate easily, you need to be able to make online bookings etc and show email confirmations. Also, did you know there is NO free wifi in the disney parks – so, without the internet you won’t be able to access the Tokyo Disney Resort app and get in those free fast passes and sign up for the paid options too?
I have affiliate codes here (so I make a small amount when you purchase at no extra cost to you):
25% off Pocket Wifi
10% off an E-Sim
The Osaka Aquarium
I, personally, don’t believe this needs to be on a must-list for travel to Japan but I know many families that have enjoyed it – and others that feel that they missed out when trying to book the day before and it was sold out. For this reason, I recommend locking it in a few weeks in advance if it interested you. Make a reservation here.
Shibuya Sky the observation deck tickets open one month ahead of time. Many tourists obsess over the sunset times – I, honestly, think it’s overrated – especially with children. During the day – on a sunny day, is a great chance for beautiful pictures, a great chance to point out the landmarks to children and if the weather cooperates, you may also spot Mt Fuji from up there. Here is a full day (or even more than a full day!) of suggestions for things to do in Shibuya as a family.
*If you’re going to Shibuya Sky with children under 12 years old, you will need to only buy the adult tickets and then you buy the child tickets on the day. I took my two kids on my own and it was really easy to buy their child tickets on the day (and I pre-purchased my own.) I don’t recommend trying to go at sunset time – I believe it is over-rated. With kids? Go during the day – no-one knows what the weather will do anyway.
Please note that ticket prices and sessions changed April 1, 2025. From April 1st, tickets are 2,700 yen per adult for visits before 3pm. After 3pm visits are 3,400 yen. Tickets are sold from midnight two weeks before the day you wish to visit Shibuya Sky.
Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo Disneysea Shows or Restaurants (we never do these by the way but some people like to)
If you are going to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea, one month ahead of time is when to book the reservation only shows and restaurants in the parks. Now, I must say that we don’t ever really do this. There are plenty of restaurants that don’t require a reservation and the ones that do? They are mostly expensive and aimed at couples. I have a list of all of our favourite places to grab delicious and reasonably priced food on the day at Tokyo Disneyland here and the Tokyo Disneysea options here.
Only a couple of shows need reservations in advance. You can book spots or just turn up at most of the shows on the day so – unless you are hardcore disney people or you have been to the Tokyo Disney parks many many times, I recommend not booking any shows in advance at all.
Tokyo Disney shows and reservations (if I haven’t talked you out of it) can be reserved using the Tokyo Disney Resort app.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Tokyo Disneyland
For those who haven’t been to Disney before, this is a salon that dresses children up to be a Disney Princess for the day (including a special certificate and hairstyling.) Children can keep some of the accessories and make up to take home – the dress will need to be returned at the end of the day.
Reservations for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Tokyo Disneyland open at 9am exactly one month from your desired reservation date. Children participating must be between 3-11 years of age to participate – however, please note that most children who particpate in Japan are between 3-5 years old and most tend to be girls (doesn’t mean that boys can’t sign up though, of course.)
The staff all speak English well here. Please note that if you have limited time at Tokyo Disneyland- you appointment will cut into your time atTokyo Disneyland. Most appointments here cost between 30,000-40,000 yen per child. Click here to make a reservation for Tokyo Disneyland’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Tokyo Disneyland. Please note that you will still need a ticket for Tokyo Disneyland for the day of your appointment.
Personally, I think the better option is to just buy or bring a disney dress from home for your child to wear in the park – children are allowed to dress up within the park year-round (adults can only wear costumes during the Halloween season.)
Yakatabune
One month out is a good time to book a Yakatabune – a dinner or lunch cruise on the river. I speak more about yakatabune experiences here.
Legoland
Legoland (in Nagoya) is rarely ever at capacity. But it is a good idea to book a few weeks ahead of your trip so that, if they close for a private function or close early – you will know in advance which days are not an option. I have written in detail about Legoland here.
One of the Team Lab experiences (in my opinion, one is fine for a vacation in Japan – no need to do multiple)
Read here on the differences between Team Lab Borderless and Team Lab Planets in Tokyo.
Click here to book Team Lab Planets in Tokyo. See here for things to do beforehand or after Team Lab Planets.
Click here to book Team Lab Borderless in Tokyo. See here for things to do beforehand or after Team Lab Borderless.
Click here to book Team Lab Biovortex in Kyoto. It is 8 mins walk from Kyoto Station. The third floor is especially popular with kids as it has a giant slide and you can draw a picture that is projected on to the walls.
Click here to book Team Lab Botanical Garden in Osaka.
Baseball
Baseball tickets also open approximately 1 month in advance. Baseball season in Japan is usually March – October.
The Giants play at Tokyo Dome (a more modern stadium.) The Swallows play at Meiji Jingu (open air) Stadium. If you have trouble getting tickets to see either of these team, I recommend looking into travelling to Yokohama to see the Baystars.
I also highly highly recommend going to see the Hanshin Tigers play in Osaka or Kobe.
Click here to book a Tokyo Baseball Experience Tour in English at Meiji Jingu Stadium.
Click here to book a Tokyo Dome Baseball Tour with commentary by Giants Legend “Warren Cromartie”
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea Tickets
2-3 weeks ahead is a good time to buy tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea.
Use a crowd predicition calendar to help you choose the least busy day. See here for all of my tips on buying tickets for Tokyo Disney.
Suica, Pasmo and other transport cards
With a few weeks to go, it’s a good idea to start thinking about travel cards for train and bus travel in Japan.
I have written all about these cards – what they do, how to get them etc here.
Bullet trains you can reserve on your credit card (otherwise you’re just putting a large amount of money on a card in order to take money off a card – I’ve written all about taking and booking the bullet trains in Japan here.)
Did you know you can have a box of baby-related essentials delivered to your hotel?
There is beautiful business run by Claire (from the UK but lives in Japan) who can organise for a box of diapers and anything else you may need – even sticker books or thermometers, sunscreen to be waiting for you at your hotel (!!) You can even ask for her advice on certain items. The company is called “Little Nomads Japan.” Details here.
Time to start reserving the restaurants you REALLY don’t want to miss
I find this also takes off some of the mental load later – let’s say that during your trip you really wanted to make sure you go in a high end sushi experience, you wanted to try tempura and you also wanted to make sure you at some wagyu or Kobe beef? Then you can just have those locked in and everything else can be a bonus.
I have our favourite restaurants (and all those that welcome kids in my area guides – for example: my Ginza with Kids article)
Here are a list of our favourites places to eat as a family in Shinjuku.
Here are a list of our favourite places to eat a a family in Shibuya.
Here are our favourite teppanyaki spots.
Here are our favourite wagyu and Kobe beef spots.
Here are my favourite places to eat tempura.
Here are omakase dining options who also welcome children.
Here are kaiseki dining options where children as also welcome.
Read here for my tips on dining in Japan with allergies or specific dietary requirements.
Make reservations 2 weeks ahead if you want to eat those jiggly viral Japanese pancakes
It is possible to just turn up but wait times can be up to 45 mins long AND some places only take walk-ins until they are sold out. Reservations for famous restaurant called “A Happy Pancake” (also referred to as Shiawase no Pancake in Japanese -and is sometimes spelled this way on google maps) open exactly 2 weeks ahead of your preferred dining date. Reservations open two weeks in advance at midnight Japan time! They have restaurants in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Fukuoka and Okinawa.
Click here to make A Happy Pancake reservation for you and your family. You will need to make an account and log in to do so (so this before midnight to ensure your reservation is as quick as possible.)
Time to get your luggage/ suitcase sorted
Here are the types of luggage / bags you will need to make your movement around Japan as easy as possible.
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using my link – at no additional charge to you.
DAYS BEFORE YOUR TRIP
It’s time to download all the apps you will need in Japan.
See the full list in my Japan Travel Checklist article here.
Let your bank know that you will be travelling
Just so your card doesn’t get flagged and put on hold. Also as the best way to withdraw cash from international accounts is at ATMs at Japanese 7-Eleven stores. See here why you will still need to carry a little cash on you at all times in Japan.
Time to pack!
Here is my guide on what you will need for each of the seasons.
Here is a list of things to remember to add to the suitcase when travelling to Japan with children.
