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Planning a visit to Japan with children? There are such a lot of causes to think about a household journey to Japan! With Japan’s wealthy tradition, family-friendly actions, and ease of getting round, to not point out the truth that it’s such a protected nation to go to, it’s a super vacation spot for households.
We liked Japan! All 4 of us can’t anticipate our subsequent go to to this stunning and various nation.
There aren’t too many locations on the planet the place you may such a hanging distinction between trendy, high-tech cityscapes and conventional temples, but it surely’s additionally the tradition… and the meals… that had us loving our journey to Japan!
This detailed information for household journey in Japan will provide help to profit from your loved ones journey, with suggestions and concepts to profit from your time.
Planning A Go to To Japan With Children
Japan is a vacation spot that has all of it! It’s a protected vacation spot to journey, which is likely one of the high necessities when visiting anyplace with children.
There may be stunning surroundings, scrumptious native delicacies, wealthy historical past and loopy superior theme parks – Disneyland included! Listed here are the fundamentals that can assist you plan your Japan itinerary:
When to Go to Japan
If you go to Japan can have a big effect in your expertise. The temperatures fluctuate drastically from season to season, with very lengthy scorching Summers and really chilly Winters.
As such, there are particular instances of the yr when it’s much more fashionable to go to Japan.
Cherry Blossom Season (late March to early April)
Cherry blossom season is likely one of the hottest instances of yr to go to Japan! It affords stunning cherry blossoms blooming and perfect climate, however anticipate giant crowds, particularly in fashionable areas like Tokyo and Kyoto.
Whereas this can be a stunning time to go to Japan with youngsters, it’s additionally costlier and a lot busier so this may not be perfect if you’re involved concerning the extreme crowds at fashionable points of interest.Â
Summer time FestivalsÂ
Summer time festivals in Japan convey vitality and pleasure, although the warmth might be intense.
After experiencing prolonged Summer time proper into September, we will say first-hand that the warmth is A LOT! And we come from a scorching local weather ourselves.
Households with younger children may wish to keep away from peak summer time although as a result of whereas there may be a whole lot of enjoyable stuff taking place in Japan throughout Summer time, the warmth is excessive and really humid. This makes it uncomfortable to spend time outside and chances are you’ll end up chopping your time brief in favour of lodge air-con!Â
WinterÂ
Winter in Japan is usually a magical time, particularly with actions like visiting snow monkeys in Jigokudani or snowboarding in Hokkaido. It is a favorite time of yr to go to for a lot of of our good pals, who’re Japan regulars!
Autumn
Autumn is a superb time for a household vacation in Japan, with delicate climate and fewer crowds than Spring. Plus you get the gorgeous Autumn colors which transforms the surroundings in lots of locations.
Insider Tip: The shoulder seasons are the very best instances to go to to keep away from excessive climate and large crowds, however if you wish to go to throughout cherry blossom season, take into account visiting the much less fashionable cities as an alternative.
Prime Household-Pleasant Locations in Japan
There are lots of unbelievable locations to go to for household journey in Japan and there’s a great likelihood you received’t see all of them in a single journey. Our first go to to Japan caught principally to the vacationer route between Tokyo and Osaka and this can be a nice start line to your first go to.
1. Tokyo
A go to to the capital of Japan is a should. Filled with kid-friendly spots like Tokyo Disneyland, Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios Tour, TeamLab Borderless, and Ueno Zoo, Tokyo combines conventional and trendy points of interest for all ages.
2. Osaka
Dwelling to Common Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium, and a energetic meals scene that youngsters will love, particularly within the Dotonbori space. We had a few of our favorite meals on the entire journey throughout our Osaka keep. Take a look at the Osaka Wonderful Cross. We didn’t get it however pals have stated it’s such nice worth!
3. Kyoto
Kyoto affords a peaceable distinction with historic websites like Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Arashiyama Monkey Park, and scenic Gion streets. Whereas youthful children could not benefit from the extra conventional websites as a lot, there are many household points of interest too just like the just lately opened Nintendo Museum.
4. Nara
Children will love seeing the lots of of sika deer at Nara Deer Park. They’ll get a bit excited with meals, however feeding them is a whole lot of enjoyable since they bow first. Plus there are lots of vital historic websites in Nara, together with Todaiji Temple.
5. Okinawa
Karate Child followers could have heard of Okinawa, which is understood for its stunning seashores, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and kid-friendly out of doors actions, it’s good for a household seaside trip. That is someplace we didn’t get the prospect to go to but it surely’s high of the record for subsequent time!
6. Hakone
Spending a few days in Hakone is an effective way to flee town and revel in a extra slow-paced vacation spot. The Hakone loop is a enjoyable expertise for the entire household, in addition to enjoyable in scorching springs and visiting the Hakone Open-Air Museum for a singular artwork expertise.
7. Sapporo
Japan’s fifth largest metropolis and capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is right for winter enjoyable, snowboarding, snow festivals, and a well-known zoo, making it an amazing selection for households throughout the colder months.
8. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a spot greatest you probably have older children or teenagers. As such, we left it off our itinerary for our first go to however stay up for seeing it subsequent time. Hiroshima is a considerate mixture of historical past and delightful inexperienced areas. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum are academic, providing a delicate strategy to study historical past with older youngsters.
Insider Tip: Use Google Maps to plan your day, because it’s extensively correct for practice schedules and strolling instructions, together with which platform and even typically which carriage will give you the quickest exit on the station.
Arriving in Japan
Japan has a number of main worldwide airports, with Narita and Haneda in Tokyo and Kansai Airport close to Osaka as the preferred for worldwide arrivals.
Every airport in Japan affords easy, family-friendly providers, making it straightforward to transition from an extended flight to your vacation spot. We discovered they prioritised households on the airport, which is nice whenever you’re new to a rustic.
Immigration and Customs
Japan’s immigration course of is environment friendly, however be sure you permit additional time if travelling with younger children. There are designated traces for households at many airports and at all times airport employees there to assist direct you the place it’s essential to go.
Airport Transport Choices
There are a number of transport choices to and from every main airport:
Narita Airport to Tokyo: Take the Narita Specific (N’EX) for a direct practice to Tokyo Station, which is handy for these with JR passes. The limousine bus is an reasonably priced various to central Tokyo lodges and Tokyo Disney Resort, particularly with baggage, nonetheless, the final bus departs the airport round 6 pm.
Haneda Airport: Haneda Airport is nearer to central Tokyo, which is likely to be a consideration for household journey. The Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line practice join Haneda to Tokyo Station, whereas Limousine airport buses go on to many central areas.
Kansai Airport: The Kansai Airport Specific takes travellers to Osaka and Kyoto shortly, and limousine buses can be found for direct lodge drop-offs in central Osaka and Common Studios.
Getting Round Japan with Children
Japan has a incredible public transport system, making it straightforward to get round, significantly by practice.
- Japan Rail Cross (JR Cross): When you’re travelling between cities, the JR Cross is a cheap and handy strategy to entry limitless rides on the Shinkansen bullet practice. For brief journeys, native trains and subway stations are straightforward to navigate.
- Metro System: Japan has an intensive metro practice line system of native trains and buses.
- Subway Day Passes: Some cities, reminiscent of Tokyo or Osaka, provide day passes overlaying varied modes of transportation, together with trains and buses. If you’re exploring town, they could be a cost-effective choice for 1, 2 or 3-day stays in a metropolis.
- IC Playing cards: Decide up an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) on the airport for straightforward entry to public transport all through Japan. This shall be useful for subways, buses, and even some merchandising machines as it’s basically a pre-paid journey card that lets you faucet and go as you get on and off public transport, eliminating the necessity for particular person tickets.
Insider Tip: Till just lately, a JR Cross was some of the cost-effective methods to journey in Japan, nonetheless, with value will increase, this isn’t at all times the most suitable choice now. If you’re solely visiting the main cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it’s possible not value getting a JR Cross however when you do have plans to transcend these cities and do a number of day journeys, it is likely to be higher worth than particular person tickets.
Navigating Japan with Small Youngsters
The foremost cities in Japan are very busy, however nonetheless straightforward to navigate. Attempt to keep away from public transport at peak instances if you’re in a position as it might really feel a bit overwhelming.
- Strollers and Child Carriers: Light-weight strollers are really useful, however child carriers could also be simpler in crowded locations.
- Entry to Necessities: Household-friendly restrooms with altering amenities can be found at main practice stations and malls.
- Overcoming Language Obstacles: Most main points of interest have English signage. Obtain a translation app for simpler communication.
Insider Tip: Practice attendants and employees at vacationer points of interest are usually useful and might information you in English if wanted. If unsure, have the Google Translate app in your cellphone. That is helpful for scanning indicators for interpretation too!
Baggage Supply Providers
A few instances throughout our Japan journey, we opted for taxis as an alternative of trains, simply to keep away from catching a number of trains with baggage. Taxis and personal transfers are costly in Japan!
There may be another choice that’s actually fashionable and fairly good and that’s the baggage supply providers.
Think about using baggage supply (takkyubin) providers, particularly if staying in smaller lodges or ryokans, so you may ship your baggage forward to your subsequent vacation spot and journey lighter.
If in case you have a whole lot of baggage, it is likely to be value evaluating to the price of a taxi between locations, however for longer journeys or whenever you solely have two or three suitcases, this may be cost-effective and make your transit a lot simpler!
Some providers are same-day supply whereas many one to 2 days, relying on how far they’re travelling. A number of lodges will prepare this for you or you may organise it through a konbini (comfort retailer).
Discovering Household-Pleasant Lodging
Japan has quite a lot of lodging choices to swimsuit totally different budgets. One factor that’s value understanding earlier than you e book lodging in Japan is that rooms are sometimes smaller than what you’d anticipate in a Western nation.
Many Japanese lodge rooms have little or no room for baggage, which is likely one of the causes many individuals attempt to journey gentle when visiting Japan… together with the truth that navigating trains with baggage isn’t a lot enjoyable both.
The opposite factor to know is that beds can typically be smaller too. A ‘double’ mattress by Japanese requirements shouldn’t be a lot larger than a ‘king single’ or ‘twin’ sized mattress in different nations.
We discovered studying the critiques on reserving web sites to be most useful in figuring out mattress measurement.
Mattress sharing can be widespread in Japan and you may typically e book lodge rooms primarily based on bed-sharing – a dad or mum and small youngster.
We by accident booked a bed-share for our first night time at Toy Story Lodge and it was fairly squishy with me and my 9-year-old daughter to share for an evening.
Ideally, rooms with single beds per individual can typically be a safer selection, since you understand everybody could have a mattress.
Worldwide chain lodges typically have bigger beds and barely extra roomy lodge rooms. Our favorite are the Mimaru chain of lodges with giant household rooms which have loads of house and correct queen-sized beds.
Many of the lodges do present entry to washing machines, both within the room or coin-operated, which is useful when packing gentle.
Listed here are the principle forms of lodging choices in Japan:
- Ryokan Expertise: Many conventional Japanese-style inns (ryokan) are family-friendly, providing personal rooms with tatami mats, futons, and a few even in-room onsen baths. They’ll typically be a extra reasonably priced choice and they are often nice for bigger households for the reason that rooms are fairly fundamental – principally simply futon mattresses in an open house, to allow them to typically accommodate bigger households.Â
- Accommodations: Usually situated near public transport. Bigger cities like Tokyo and Osaka have Western-style lodges with personal rooms suited to households, such because the Mimaru Flats.
- Trip Leases: Platforms like Airbnb provide condo leases that embody kitchens and washing machines, which may make an extended keep extra snug.
Insider Tip: Ebook lodging prematurely, particularly throughout busy seasons, and browse the critiques rigorously concerning mattress sizes.
Household-Pleasant Japanese Meals Ideas
Japanese meals is unbelievable! However let’s be actual… a whole lot of children don’t like making an attempt new issues and when you’ve acquired a rooster nuggets kinda child, you is likely to be apprehensive what they’re going to eat throughout your Japan keep.
Don’t fear, Japan caters to everybody. Even choosy eaters.
In fact, in case your children are prepared to strive the native delicacies, it’s a should. There are such a lot of Japanese dishes that a whole lot of children love. Noodles, rice dishes, and all of the comfort retailer fast eats!
However a whole lot of locations even have Western meals on the menu if wanted. Spagetti, pizza, burgers. You’ve acquired choices!
- Japanese Delicacies for Children: Japan has many kid-friendly dishes, from ramen and curry rice to miso soup and tempura.
- Konbini: Japanese comfort shops are THE BEST! Comfort shops like 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart have ready-to-eat choices and snacks. It is a nice choice for fast on the go meals, breakfasts or whenever you wish to hold your journey funds down. Our children liked making an attempt totally different meals from the supermarkets (and did seize the occasional pasta dinner too).
- Native Markets: Discover markets like Nishiki Market in Kyoto or Kuromon Ichiba in Osaka for a style of native snacks and sweets. The road meals is a few of the greatest meals we had throughout our complete Japan journey.
- Plastic Baggage: Japanese eating places and supermarkets typically use minimal packaging and cost for baggage, so convey alongside a reusable procuring bag or two to your journey.
Insider Tip: Many eating places have an English menu obtainable. If not, Google Translate is your greatest buddy!
Staying Linked In Japan
Japan has free WiFi providers in lots of public locations and most lodges too. It’s not at all times nice although.
There are 4 foremost choices for staying related throughout your loved ones vacation in Japan:
- Worldwide Roaming: Use your present cell plan with worldwide information roaming providers. That is straightforward however actually costly generally!
- Moveable WiFi System: A transportable WiFi router is usually a nice choice for households who’ve a number of gadgets they wish to hook up with the web, reminiscent of cellphones and tablets. This is likely to be the higher when you all plan to share the info. You possibly can choose up a conveyable WiFi system from the airport upon arrival or pre-book one.
- Pay as you go Sim Card: Decide up a neighborhood sim card from the airport or at a konbini. It is a low-cost choice however does require you to take away your present sim card.
- eSim: It is a digital sim card which you could activate upon arrival simply. You possibly can set it up earlier than you allow dwelling so it’s only a matter of switching in your cellphone settings for fast connectivity upon touchdown. We used Airalo for our Japan journey and it was easy and dependable all through Japan!
Insider Tip: You will see your self utilizing Google maps typically and since free WiFi shouldn’t be at all times obtainable, it’s really useful you could have some type of connectivity to your travels.
Child-Pleasant Japanese Phrases to Study
Studying a number of Japanese phrases is usually a enjoyable method for youths to interact with the tradition and present politeness throughout their travels. Children might be fairly superior at studying new languages too!
Listed here are some easy phrases to show your children earlier than your journey to Japan:
- Hi there – Konnichiwa
A pleasant strategy to greet individuals throughout the day, whether or not it’s assembly somebody new or simply saying hi there to locals. - Thanks – Arigatou or Arigatou gozaimasu
Saying thanks is an effective way to indicate appreciation, whether or not it’s at a retailer, a restaurant, or when somebody affords assist. - Excuse me / Sorry – Sumimasen
This versatile phrase is ideal for getting somebody’s consideration or apologizing in the event that they by accident stumble upon somebody. - Goodbye – Sayonara
A well mannered strategy to say goodbye, particularly when leaving a retailer or saying farewell to new pals. - Sure – Hai and No – Iie
Easy responses for widespread questions, making it simpler to reply or perceive others. - Scrumptious! – Oishii!
A enjoyable phrase to make use of when making an attempt Japanese meals and expressing how tasty it’s!
Cultural Etiquette Ideas for Children in Japan
When visiting Japan, respecting native customs makes journey extra pleasurable and leaves an amazing impression on locals. It’s additionally nice for youths to study the cultural variations in Japan in comparison with their dwelling nation.
Listed here are some easy, kid-friendly suggestions that make a giant distinction:
- Quiet Voices on Public Transport: Trains and buses in Japan are sometimes very quiet. Individuals keep away from cellphone calls and hold their voices low to respect others. Encourage children to make use of “library voices†when on public transport.
- Sneakers Off Indoors: In houses, temples, and typically eating places or lodges, it’s customary to take away sneakers on the entrance. Present children easy methods to spot locations with shoe racks or slippers, as these are clues to take off their sneakers. Many lodges will present slippers for friends to put on, though they may not have child sizes (or solely by particular request).
- Respecting Temples and Shrines: These are sacred areas the place individuals go to wish or replicate, so it’s essential to be respectful. Educate children to maintain their voices down, keep away from working, and observe any posted guidelines or pathways. Bowing barely at a temple’s entrance can be an indication of respect.
Distinctive Cultural Experiences for Households
There are such a lot of uniquely Japan experiences that may assist make your Japan household journey much more particular. You may not be capable to match all of them into your keep, however value making an attempt to do no less than one.
Experiencing traditions and customs in different nations is likely one of the greatest methods to show children concerning the world whereas travelling and it helps to make the time extra memorable too.
Listed here are a few of the cool cultural experiences you may like to think about to your Japan household journey:
Tea Ceremonies
Kyoto is the right place for a brief, kid-friendly tea ceremony. Many experiences are tailor-made for freshmen and provide sweets with the tea, making it accessible to children.
Sumo Matches and Baseball Video games
Watch a sumo match when you’re visiting throughout match season or catch a baseball recreation to expertise native tradition. Sumo occasions promote out actually shortly so you will want to e book properly prematurely for this expertise!
Onsen (Scorching Springs)
Go to family-friendly onsen amenities with areas suited to youngsters. Many scorching springs are far too scorching for youths, nonetheless there are some which are suited to households which have enjoyable options like waterslides too.
Pokemon
The Pokemon craze is worldwide today, however it began right here in Japan! There are Pokemon centres in many alternative areas round Japan. We visited 3 throughout our 2-week journey in Japan. There are additionally Pokemon cafes and different themed points of interest across the nation. In fact, when you’re a Pokemon Go participant, you should have loads of enjoyable… ‘gotta catch em all’.
Interactive Museums
Attempt Miraikan for tech reveals, the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama, or Edo Wonderland, the place children can costume up as ninjas. There are additionally some actually kooky ones just like the Poop-themed Unko Musuem.
All Issues Kawaii
Kawaii means cute and its an enormous cultural phenomenon in Japan. Suppose Hi there Kitty. You will get nearly all the pieces in kawaii aesthetic in Japan.
Kimino Rent
Renting a kimono or yukata in Japan is a well-liked vacationer expertise. You possibly can stroll across the historic cities in your attractive outfit only for enjoyable, or have knowledgeable hair and make up styling session adopted by a pictures session too. Little women will particularly love this expertise! We didn’t get the prospect because it was simply too scorching however subsequent time for positive, as our youngest actually wished to.
Gashapon & Claw Machines
It is a little much less of a cultural factor however nonetheless one thing it’s essential to do when in Japan! They’ve multi-level shops crammed with capsule toy machines (gashapon) with nearly all the pieces you may consider inside them. They usually have big claw machines with so many cool issues to win. We had a whole lot of enjoyable with these!
Insider Tip: Most public onsens don’t permit individuals to bathtub you probably have tattoos. Verify the insurance policies earlier than you go to or keep at a ryokan with a non-public onsen as an alternative. Hakone is nice for this!
Prime Points of interest and Experiences for Children
The cultural experiences above are actually particular experiences to have in Japan, however these aren’t the one enjoyable issues to do in Japan with children!
Amusement Parks
Along with Tokyo Disney Resort, Common Studios Japan affords themed areas like Tremendous Nintendo World and Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are a great deal of different unbelievable theme parks in Japan additionally, reminiscent of Sanrio Puroland (Hi there Kitty Land) and Fuji-Q Highland.
If you would like thrill rides or kid-centric actions, visiting no less than one is nice for households! We did a Tokyo Disney Trip Bundle which is a little bit of a splurge, but it surely was a lot enjoyable!
Animal Encounters
When you love animals, there are a whole lot of distinctive wildlife experiences in Japan.
Nara Park’s deer are enjoyable to feed, the Snow Monkey Park in Nagano are fashionable to go to and we liked visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park too.
There are additionally varied animal cafes (like owl and capybara cafes) in Tokyo which are fashionable with households. We selected to not go to any of those as the thought of those wild animals in small areas didn’t actually really feel proper, but when that’s your factor, there are a whole lot of totally different choices.
Iconic Landmarks
If you would like metropolis views from above, you’ve acquired a whole lot of choices for statement decks in Japan. Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo, or Umeda Sky Constructing in Osaka are all extremely popular vacationer points of interest.
There are additionally fairly a number of ferris wheels across the nation, significantly in Osaka, such because the Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Tempozan Village or Osaka Wheel, which is round tenth largest on the planet.
Insider Tip: Arrive at fashionable points of interest like Fushimi Inari Shrine or Kiyomizu-dera Temple early to keep away from lengthy traces, particularly throughout peak instances.
Day Journeys from Main Cities
There are some stunning day journeys from the massive cities which are value contemplating when visiting Japan together with your children. Listed here are some fashionable decisions:
- From Tokyo: Take a day journey to Hakone. If it’s a transparent day, you may get Mount Fuji views (it may be very shy). Hakone can be an amazing place to spend a few nights, which is what we did.
- From Osaka: Go to Nara for the deer park, or take a practice to Kobe for scenic harbour views and native beef tasting.
- From Kyoto: Journey to Himeji to discover the biggest citadel in Japan, or go to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island for picturesque views and extra deer. It’s additionally potential to do a Nara day journey from Kyoto too.
Insider Tip: For ease, take into account buying tickets prematurely or choosing a day tour, which permits for extra comfort with babies with transport and a information.
Price range Ideas for Households Touring in Japan
Japan is usually a little dear, particularly when you splurge on experiences reminiscent of Tokyo Disneyland and Common Studios – each of this stuff are what actually blew our Japan funds!
However with some strategic decisions, households can take pleasure in a memorable Japan journey with out breaking the financial institution.
Listed here are a number of methods to economize in Japan:
- Go to 100-Yen Shops for Souvenirs: These outlets, like Daiso are filled with reasonably priced, high-quality souvenirs, from distinctive Japanese snacks to stationery and small toys—good for youths and members of the family again dwelling!
- Dine at Konbini (Comfort Shops): Japanese comfort shops, or konbini like FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven, provide surprisingly scrumptious and reasonably priced meals. There are wholesome decisions and treats, plus you could find budget-friendly, kid-approved meals.
- Select Reasonably priced Household Points of interest: Some points of interest, like Ueno Zoo or exploring historic districts, are low-cost and even free. Parks, temples, and conventional neighborhoods present cultural experiences with out excessive entrance charges. Decide one or two large funds points of interest when you’re making an attempt to maintain your spending down, and in any other case profit from what you may see and do free of charge.
- Keep away from Cherry Blossom Season: As talked about above, whereas it’s a gorgeous time to go to Japan, it’s additionally far costlier throughout March and April with the blooms.
If you’re in search of a family-friendly vacation spot to go to, Japan is completely one to think about! All of us liked our time in Japan and have already been planning our subsequent go to as a household. The youngsters liked the kawaii vibes and it’s onerous to not fall in love with the gorgeous surroundings and historic landmarks!
You possibly can learn our 2-week Japan itinerary and take a look at our suggestions for issues to know earlier than you go to Japan too!
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