Visiting Japan

See Also: Moving to Japan

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  • Japan in February with 10-year-old

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    Aug 16, 2023

    We are planning a ~10-day trip to Japan in February 2024 with our 10-year-old son, and looking for recent travel tips. We have been to Japan several times, but all of our prior trips were pre-parenthood (so, a long time ago, and with different priorities!), and obviously pre-Covid. We're flying in to Osaka and flying home from Tokyo. We plan to spend several days skiing in the Nagano area, so specifically interested in tips about that. We definitely plan to visit the snow monkeys nearby, but are wondering about kid-friendly lodging and dining in the area, plus the best places to ski (we have the Epic Pass). We're also thinking of taking the bullet train from Nagano to Nagoya to visit Legoland Japan. Other than that, we're open to just about anything we can squeeze in! Apart from skiing, our kid is really interested in robotics and video games. Thank you for any and all advice! 

    Aug 16, 2023

    It's moving to a different spot in Tokyo, but I highly, highly recommend teamLabs Borderless. Should be open by then. Fully interactive, immersive digital art museum. I didn't have kids when I went, but I'm positive a 10-year-old would love it.

    Aug 16, 2023

    If you’re stopping in Nagano, I’d highly recommend the Toyota Museum of Industry and Technology. They have fascinating demonstrations and great English-speaking guides showing off the evolution of technology in textiles (Toyota’s original industry) from hand looms to spinning Jenny’s to their advanced looms today (using air and water to weave the fabric!) and, of course, automobiles. They also have a violin-playing robot play concerts! I’m not sure about a 10 year old but as an adult who’s not particularly interested in engineering or manufacturing, I nonetheless thought it was one of the best and most fascinating museums I’ve been to!

    Aug 16, 2023

    If you are flying into Osaka, I think Universal Studios Japan is worth a trip for game loving 10 year olds. I personally think it would be more fun than Legoland (unless your kid is a super fan of legos.) 

    Although I used to live in Japan and we just returned from a trip, I don’t have ski related recommendations, as we don’t ski. 

    For Tokyo, Sunshine City in Ikebukuro would be very fun. A building full of games, food, and even an aquarium.

    For Tokyo, do not take kids to Akihabara. It is not appropriate. Arcades are plenty and they are so fun. Gacha gacha machines are very common and all kids love them. I recommend discussing limits. You can easily end up with a suitcase full of plastic balls and little toys. 

    Aug 16, 2023

    There are so many wonderful things to do with kids of this age in Japan. 

    1. Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha (an amazing temple complex built on a hill -- if your kid likes to hike, it's lots of fun to make your way through the thousand-or-so torii gates, pausing to look at the many fox statues--all dressed up in red aprons-- and live cats that live there...; Toei Kyoto Studio Park (where many famous old Japanese movies were filmed) -- the Edo-esque sets are still intact, supplemented by a cool haunted house (we all got scared), and all kinds of special effects installations; Nanzenji -- another gorgeous temple site with beautiful gardens (if your kid likes to take photos, this is a special place.

    2. Koya-san: an ancient village on top of a sacred mountain, where you can stay in a temple (not recommended if your child is rambunctious, but truly magical if he is an introspective, soulful, artistic type). Getting there is half the fun (you take this very vertical cable car up the mountain, and then jump on a jitney bus that goes around the village). There's also a very famous, very ancient cemetery that is especially fun to wander through at dusk.

    3. Osaka: SpaWorld. A real contrast with Koya-san, a huge hotel-hotspring complex smack in the middle of the city. Hard to describe, but you can look it up. And it is situated right in the Naniwa district, full of restaurants that compete in their crazy-amazing-beautiful facades (think amusement parks with nice aesthetics) -- great for photos.

    4. Tokyo: Sumida Aquarium (also hard to describe, but just beautiful)--located in the Tokyo Skytree, which is worth a visit, too (fun to go up to the top and take in the immense view, and there are always exhibits in the corridors as you make your way around (Disney was the subject when we were there in June); TeamLab Planets -- an immersive art/light experience. Look it up--you'll need to get your tickets way in advance for this, but totally worth it.

    5. Hakone: a small hilltop village near Mt. Fuji (which you can see when weather permits...which it didn't for us...), some of the airbnb's have their own hotspring baths, and there's a cool hotel from the 1920s where many luminaries stayed over the years (thing: John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones). The little train that goes there is lots of fun to take, too.

    These were the highlights, for us. Our daughter is 14, but she would have loved it when she was 10, for sure.

    Aug 23, 2023

    In Tokyo, definitely check out this museum: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/ Like most places in the Tokyo area, it's easy to get to on public transit

    Since you've already been to Japan before, you probably know about the great deal that the Japan Rail pass can be, especially if you are taking the train to get around. It's also valid on some trains within Tokyo. Your 10-year-old will qualify for the child price. https://japanrailpass.net/en/

    Aug 23, 2023

  • Japan itinerary with 8 and 6 year olds

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    Aug 14, 2019

    Hi BPN community! My husband, two daughters (ages 8 and 6) and I will be going to Japan in November for 8 days. None of us have been there before and we are really excited! I'm looking for any and all input on our itinerary: Where should we go specifically, and for how long? (Thinking Tokyo, Kyoto, and maybe a smaller city/village?) Any recommendations on where to stay or eat? (My kids are great eaters and we all love Japanese food.) Any must-do activities? Advice in general? Thanks in advance!

    Aug 14, 2019

    Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea! Yes. CA has Disneyland but Tokyo Disneyland is wonderful and it's a wonderfully similar yet different expereince. 

    Harajuku: the main street isTakeshita Dori. It has fun eats - eleborate crepes. Cool animal cafes. The shinto shrine is also right next to the train station. 

    Tokyo Skytree: It's TALL. 

    If your kids like Miyazaki films, studio ghibli museum is cool. 

    A quick train ride to Hakone / Mt. Fuji is a neat trip. Not sure how much you guys are into hot springs. But, there are hot springs that have English signs for everything and kid friendly ones, too. 

    Miraikan -- it's a tech museum that is actually futuristic and cool (unlike the one in San Jose.)

    Shinjuko park and robot restaurant. Toy museum is in Shinjuko as well.

    San Rio Puroland (hello kitty land) is so fun with girls. 

    Take a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. 

    You must check out food options inside department stores (both basements and upstairs). It's nothing like food court in American malls. 

    Have fun!

    Aug 15, 2019

    I'm so jealous! I wanted to chime in with a recommendation for visiting Kyoto! It is a very culturally rich city, partly because it was not heavily bombed during the war. Unfortunately, it has been many years (too many!) since I've been there, so can't really recommend hotels, although on my last visit I stayed at the Palace Side Hotel, which was conveniently located. I actually prefer Kyoto over Tokyo, but given your time line you may not have time for both...If you do go to Kyoto, you may have more of an experience of the Fall colors as there are many temples that are located in the surrounding hills...Particular highlights for me are the Golden Pavillion, Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo grove in Arashiyama and Sanju Sangendo, but the list is very long...I also recommend watching some of the Japanology Plus videos on Youtube with your sons, they are in English and are very informative about many aspects of Japanese culture.

    Have a great trip!

    Aug 21, 2019

    I went to Japan 10 years ago, with my wife who speaks Japanese.  We went to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, as well as to a small city, Toyama.  And we just went with our kids, 5 and 3.  We went to Tokyo, and a small city in Niigata prefecture.  Generally speaking, the more you stay in touristy parts -- Tokyo and Kyoto -- the easier it is to get around without Japanese language skills.  But the more you get out in the country, the harder it is to communicate, read signs, etc.  

    Comparing my 2 trips, things are definitely changing in Japan.  I saw a lot more immigrants -- people who are not native Japanese, but have come to work.  And a lot more Chinese tourists than 10 years ago.  So if you go out in the country, it probably won't be the first time people there have met foreigners.  But you will probably still stick out.  I had little kids staring at me.  When we went to France, I tried to use my high-school knowledge of French, but then it turned out everybody we met spoke great English.  That doesn't happen as much in Japan.  Even though technically everybody in Japan has had years of mandatory English classes, most of them still struggle with pronunciation.  Of course, people in Japan are generally very nice and welcoming and helpful.  Unlike the French.

    Tokyo is big and bustling.  Lots of tourists, although there are less touristy parts.  Kyoto is beautiful, definitely a must-see.  I loved Osaka, which is also big but has a more fun vibe.  A little more laid back.  More friendly, maybe.  We went to a professional baseball game in Osaka, and it was awesome, to see the fans chanting and doing stuff they don't do in the USA.  That could be fun for kids, though you might have to buy tickets ahead of time.  

    If you're only there for 8 days, I would recommend sticking to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.   With 2 weeks you would have more time to check out a smaller village. But there's plenty to do in the big cities.

    Tokyo Skytree was worth it, just to say you've been to the top of the 2nd tallest building in the world.  I have friends who loved Studio Ghibli Museum, but my kids are too small for that.  I'm looking forward to going there in 5 years!

    My kids loved the hot springs bath, at the onsen.  They loved riding trains.  They loved getting cold drinks from the vending machines on every corner.  They loved the conveyer-belt sushi restaurant.

    You should get a JR rail pass.  You can buy it in advance, but you still have to go to the JR station at the Narita airport to get the actual passcard.  And you have to go to that station to reserve a spot on the Narita Express that goes from the airport to Tokyo.

    The time change is really challenging.  My advice, if you're flying into Narita airport, which is pretty far outside Tokyo, is to stay the first night at a Narita hotel airport.  There's a shuttle that takes you to the local hotels.  It's too exhausting to try to get all the way to Tokyo, after the long flight to Narita.  And we had an amazing all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at the hotel.  Then you take the shuttle back to the airport, and catch the Narita Express to Tokyo at the airport.

    Have fun and good luck!  And feel free to contact me if there's anything more I can share with you.

    Aug 21, 2019

    I recommend looking at https://www.japan-guide.com/

    There is a very active Q&A forum (that we found very helpful when we were planning our own Japan trips.

    Even with the fast trains, eight days isn't so much (does that include travel days, or actual available time there?), so select two, or at most three places, and enjoy them.

    Also check out http://www.hyperdia.com/ for good train time and pricing information.

    Aug 21, 2019

    My husband and I went to Japan in December 2017 and we loved it. In November you will still get the foliage, which is just so beautiful. We absolutely loved Kyoto. There are so many beautiful shrines, you could stay for days. You should definitely take your kids to Fushimi Inari. After Kyoto we went to Koya San/Mount Koya for a night, a big temple settlement. You take a local train from Kyoto and then a short gondola up to the mountain. Up there we stayed in one of the temples/Ryokan (just booked via booking.com). That included a 5 course meal, a meditation session, access to the onsen (hot springs) and you sleep in a traditional room on tatami mats. It was a wonderful experience and I think would also be interesting for kids. On the way back we stopped in Nara which I would also recommend for kids. Again, huge temples, but most importantly a large park where deer walk around and you can feed and pet them. :-) Fun for kids. We also really liked Osaka. Again, easy to access from Kyoto and Tokyo alike. It is modern city, like Tokyo, but smaller than Tokyo, and younger and more lively, less business like. We liked it a lot. We ended our trip with 5 days in Tokyo, which I would not do again. Its rough to be in the relaxed parts of the country and then finish in hectic Tokyo. I also found Tokyo not exactly a vacation place, its enormous, so many people, and all about business. But that might also just be my personal preference. No food recommendations - you can't really get bad food in Japan I feel, every meal was wonderful. :-) We stayed in Airbnbs, Ryokan (the traditional guest houses), and a couple of nights at Hiltons with points - the hotel experience is incomparable to Hiltons here, amazing service. HAVE FUN! I want to go back! :-)

    Aug 21, 2019

    Japan is so much fun and you'll be going just as the leaves turn color and get really pretty. I'm so excited for all of you.

    First, if you haven't already, consider joining a Facebook group such as Japan Travel Planning. A lot of people post itineraries for critiques and you can get some good ideas. 

    Second, are you flying in and out of one city or into one city (i.e., Tokyo) and out of another (i.e., Osaka)? Travel between the cities can be a half-day adventure and if you're trying to get from Kyoto back to Tokyo to get to Narita Airport, that will play into your planning too.

    Personally, for those who haven't been to Japan before, I would do just Tokyo and Kyoto. The jetlag from the Bay Area can be a little intense (and even worse coming back truthfully) and there's a lot more walking in Japan than your girls are probably used to in their daily life. Most adult tourists walk about 20k steps per day so take it slow and don't rush. Also, take a day *each* for Disneyland and DisneySea, if you're Disney fans. Both parks are great but do not go on Culture Day (a national holiday on Nov. 4) or the weekend immediately prior.

    Other than Disney, some of the sights to start google-ing and considering buying tickets ASAP for include: Ghibli Museum [though you may be too late], Team Labs and Team Borderless, Yayoi Kusama Museum, etc.

    Day 1: Arrive into Tokyo
    Day 2: Harajuku/Takeshita-Doori, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing
    Day 3: Museum (optional), Asakusa, Roppongi
    Day 4: Disneyland
    Day 5: DisneySea
    Day 6: Tokyo to Kyoto; Fushimi-Inari, Kinkaku-ji; Nijo Castle and dinner near Nishiki Market
    Day 7: Kyoto: Arashiyama (bamboo but skip monkeys); Sanjyusangendo Hall (*most underrated sight in Kyoto IMO)
    *Note: Kiyomizu-dera is under construction w/scaffolding but the street leading up the hill has tons of tasty food and the view from the top of the hill is great. You can research and decide if it's worth it to you.
    Day 8: Kyoto to Tokyo; trek to the airport

    In Tokyo, I personally like staying near Shinagawa Station which is a shinkansen terminal but much less chaotic than Tokyo Station. They also have a Blue Bottle and Dean and Deluca for delicious coffee runs and pastries in the morning. You may run into hotel problems with 4 people to a room - and do not lie - as Japan is super strict about occupancy.

    If you eat pork, don't forget to try Butagumi for life-changing tonkatsu, Ichiran Ramen (go for breakfast before the lines start!) and, for what it's worth, my girls LOVE Hakuhinkan Toy Park in Ginza (much better alternative to Kiddyland) for trinkets, Japanese take on familiar crafts like fuzebeads, stickers, pens and toys like Totoro, etc. 

    Rent a mi-fi if you won't have a roaming plan through your US provider as it's a complete game changer for directions and google maps. You won't need a JR Pass if you only do Tokyo and Kyoto (just buy the shinkansen tickets you need). There's a new Suica card for foreigners with no deposit, and only your older daughter will need a child card (buy from a window with passport/proof of age) for 50% off. The younger one should be free. Have a great time!!

    Aug 21, 2019

    I highly recommend Context Tours. They are an international tour company that does docent led small group walking tours. They have tours that are tailored for families with kids. We have taken a few of their tours around the world (including one that was for kids) and found them amazing. Way above your average city tour. We did one in Tokyo that toured the temples in Asakusa and although that one in particular might be too long for a six year old, you might be able to ask them to shorten one for you. 

    I also recommend “justonecookbook.com”. It’s a Bay Area mom who has a successful Japanese food cooking blog but she also goes to Japan every year and posts incredibly useful posts about traveling to Japan, especially with kids. You would do well just to go to her website and read everything she has on travel to Japan—it covers itinerary, transportation, food, etiquette, etc. 

    Aug 28, 2019

    My advice is to not try to do too much, and give yourself space to accumulate all the "micro experiences" that make visiting a new place so special. We've been to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sendai, and all are great places to visit. I've the my kids to 14 countries, and our trips are the most successful when we don't overplan. They love to visit the convenience stores and the grocery stores and try all the different snacks. They love going into the 100 yen stores (Daiso, Can Do, and the slightly more expensive Seria) to buy presents for themselves and family members. My kids loved the science museum in Ueno Park in Tokyo and the Ido-Tokyo Museum. We've also been to Disney, and highly recommend Tokyo DisneySea over Disneyland, because it is completely unique. 

    Another bit of advice is to consider getting a T-Mobile cell phone, if you don't already have one. We step off the plane anywhere in the world and our phone works without having to switch SIM cards or buy different plans. T-Mobile says that they guarantee you 2G data, but I've always had LTE service. If you use Google Maps to plan your travel around the city, it will tell you exactly which platform to get on at the train station and exactly how much the ticket should cost---it makes it really, really easy to navigate the complicated Tokyo train system.

    Sep 4, 2019

    OP here: Thanks so much for all the helpful advice!

    Sep 4, 2019

  • Traveling to Japan with almost 3yo - dealing with time change

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    Feb 16, 2018

    We're traveling to Japan (my home country) for a short trip -- ten days door to door, losing 1 day with time change -- with our daughter who will be 2 years and 10 months at the time of the trip. Wondering if anyone has any trips on traveling with a toddler to a time zone that is 15-20 hours ahead. Mostly wondering about sleep, mealtimes, planning events, and adjusting back to PDT. Thanks in advance. 

    Feb 16, 2018

    I have flown to Europe with my daughter multiple times since she was 2 months to visit family (she's 3 now). My advice would be to stay awake as long as possible during the day, keep the naps short and make every effort to get him/her on schedule. Needless to say the first few days will be rough sleep-wise until your little one gets on schedule. I"m not sure how you feel about TV but that could be your best friend when your toddler is wide awake at 2am and you're a walking zombie.

    Feb 21, 2018

    We went from Oakland to Japan with our daughter who was exactly your daughter’s age, and we all had an amazing time. I think we went for almost two weeks, split between Kyoto and Tokyo. I think we tried to be attuned to her body and what she needed, but she adjusted pretty easily. It was coming back that was hard. I think it took her two weeks to get over return jet lag. 

    Feb 21, 2018

    This may be a moot suggestion if you already bought your plane tickets but we try and always fly the Japan Airlines SFO-HND flight due to the timing. The flight leaves at 3pm and then lands at 7pm. (The ANA and United flights leave earlier, at 11am, which just ends up being more awake time on the plane for you and your child.) Our daughter naps in the car on the way to SFO, we make sure she walks and runs like crazy through the international terminal, get on the plane and eat the kids meal, watch iPad for a few hours, then passes out around 8pm California time. She sleeps for about 6 hours and then we land at ~7pm. We usually carry her through immigration and then she perks up for a few hours to see family/friends and hang out then goes back to sleep. Our daughter usually adjusts within a couple of days with a few early morning wake-up calls at 6am. I usually take some snacks, books and iPad so that we have stuff to keep us occupied in the early mornings while everyone else is asleep. (It's a little easier in summer since you can go walking around outside while it's still cool. Not so much in winter.) As you know, nothing is open in Japan until 10am so you just need to have things easily accessible to keep your daughter busy until family wake up and want to play with her.

    Our daughter also is notorious for falling asleep at dinner around 5:30 or 6pm. We try and make sure that she gets something to eat (even if it's onigiri, fruit and a squeezee pack from the US) if dinner isn't ready. We also try to schedule dinners with friends with fellow young children the first few days because we find that our daughter is more likely to stay up and play with another kid. If it's just adults talking she'll fall asleep on one of our laps very quickly.

    Coming back is difficult. Again, I'd choose the Japan Airlines flight on the way back since it leaves at 7pm. Eat dinner quickly, sleep, and get back to the Bay Area at 1pm. Do your very best to stay up until normal CA-bedtime and be prepared for a few days of early 4-5am mornings. We usually co-sleep with our daughter the first few nights back so that we can try and pat her back to sleep and preempt any *really* early mornings. During the day, we make sure we get outside and run and play like crazy to help adjust her (and our) bodies back to CA-time. 

    Good luck! Traveling with kids is hard, but so rewarding!!

    Feb 22, 2018

    I have traveled with my now 6 year old to Asia seven times now, from when he was 20 months till now. The time change is really easy for younger kids, and going there will be easier than coming back. The hard part is traveling with a 2 year old--that's hard even without the time change! When you go there, hit the ground running and go go go. Go outside and get as much sunlight as possible, and eat meals at the local time, when everyone else is eating. Carry lots of snacks for the in between times if she's hungry, but her clock will reset faster if breakfast lunch and dinner is set to Japan time. Try to keep her awake as close to her regular nap, and if she does nap, wake her up after her usual length of napping. Don't let her sleep all day! She will be very tired in the evening, so try to keep her awake at least till she's had dinner. If she wakes up early the next morning, no problem! Just get up and go. The goal is to keep her awake and only let her sleep during normal hours, set at Japan time. Expect her to fall asleep on car rides and while you are walking around, cat naps are ok, but don't let her sleep all day. The same thing applies when you come back. Immediately set meal times and sleep/wake times to the local time, don't allow long midday naps (wake her after her usual time), and as much as possible, shoot for regular bedtime/wake up time. Coming back this means you might have to shake her awake in the morning. I find jet lag going to Asia to be quick and easy (2-3 days?), but coming back is much harder (5-7 days). Good luck!

    ps. one thing i notice with people in Asia is that they like to have dinner late. Your toddler will be super tired the minute the sun goes down. Try to talk to the relatives and ask them to move dinner a little earlier just for the first few days. That way your baby can eat with everyone and then go down for an early bedtime.

    Feb 22, 2018

    We did this 14 years ago with a 23-month old. The hardest part was that I was newly pregnant and feeling tired and nauseated much of the time. But we just went with the flow, took naps if needed, and honestly, I don't remember it being all that difficult. I do remember coming home, arriving at SFO in the early morning and being so exhausted I could barely talk (probably due to pregnancy). We slept all that day and pretty easily adjusted back to our own time zone. It was a great trip and I would love to go back!

    Feb 23, 2018

    We travel to Asia frequently (at least once a year if not twice) with our kids (3 under 6) and have found that flying back to CA is tougher than going.  What has worked for us is the following:

    - when flying to Tokyo, let your little one sleep their normal schedule on the airplane (if your flight is overnight).  They may be up and not fall asleep right away because of the excitement especially if they haven't flown before.  Be prepared to not get much sleep (I say this because our youngest at 1 was an awesome sleeper at home and decided not to sleep at all on a 14 hr flight to Asia).  Even after 3 I've found out you never know what's going to happen.  We try to fly to Asia overnight so our kids can sleep and when we get to our destination, it's usually early in the morning.  Then we have our kids stay up that day with an afternoon nap no longer than 3 hours.  Then we try to keep them up past dinner (sometimes they don't make it).  That way, they can get on schedule as quickly as possible.  

    - when traveling back, when flying overnight, you usually land just after dinner.  So our strategy is to keep our kids up past midnight.  We usually go have a late dinner say around 10 PM (In and Out!) and then let the kids play (they're usually excited to be home) until they look really tired then I stick to our usual evening routine - bath, story, bed.  That helps them get on track more quickly.  

    With events, we try to plan things early in the morning and nothing too late in the evening.  With meals, we try to stick to regular mealtimes in the country we are at.  They'll be hungry earlier in the morning so make sure you pack some snacks for those first few days when they wake up early and are hungry (because it's lunchtime in the US).  

    Feb 23, 2018

  • Immersive environment for kids in Japan during summer

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    Sep 25, 2017

    We're planning to go to Japan over the summer and would love our elementary-aged kids to spend time with local kids. We can get by with the language and enjoy smaller towns. Any leads would be great, thanks! 

    Sep 25, 2017

    Depending on where you'll be in Japan, you might check with the Oakland-Fukuoaka Sister City Association (https://sites.google.com/site/ofsca1/home) - or maybe Berkeley also has a sister city arrangement? The Oakland group organizes annual trips for youth where they do home stays, visit school, etc., so they might have some leads on people willing to spend time with you outside the official program as well.

    Sep 27, 2017

  • Travel in Taiwan/Japan--bring suitcase of pull-up diapers for 5yo?

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    May 6, 2017

    I'm travelling for 5 weeks with a 5yr old who still needs overnight pull-up diapers.  Do they sell big kid pull-ups at a store there, or should I bring 5 wks worth of pull-ups? I will be in Taipei and Sapporo. 

    May 6, 2017

    Taipei should be ok - there are diapers at Family Marts/convenience shops and department stores. Definitely bring some for Japan as there's lack of diapers in the city/downtown area. We ran out of them during our visit  for our 2 year old and could not find any department store/pharmarcy/drug store within Shinjuku/Shibuya that had diapers. After 5 hours of challenge hunting and communicating, we eventually found a very tiny pharmacy that sold diapers but in travel packs of 2 pieces only. I am sure there are department stores that carry children's stuff and in larger quantities but not in the city center.

    May 10, 2017

    You can find them locally, but I would just bring them if you have space.  It can be a pain to find the right size and type, especially the larger sizes.   When we travel with our little ones around Asia, we stuff extra items in the stroller bag and check it at the ticket counter.  If you have friends in Taiwan or Japan, they can help you order them online.  There are definitely stores that sell kids diapers, just not as easily found as in the US.  It will depend on what part of Taiwan and Japan you are traveling to, too.  Or at the very least, you can pack some in case and begin looking when you get there.  

    May 17, 2017

    There are diapers in Japan, but they are very hard to find. We were there for a month with our big kid who still needed overnight diapers, and I think that we ended up having to buy small-sized adult diapers for her (it's a fact that due to the low childbirth rate in Japan, they now sell more adult diapers than children's diapers). You need to go to a real grocery store to find them, not a convenience store, market, department store, or pharmacy. I would suggest bringing 5 weeks worth, which has the added advantage of freeing up room in your suitcases for souvenirs.  We ended up having to buy new suitcases in Japan for all the stuff we bought, so I think that you will welcome some extra space in your suitcase at the end of your trip! Have a great time!

    May 24, 2017

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Questions

Visiting Osaka with a teen

Nov 2013

We have the opportunity to visit Osaka next Summer for a business trip, and are trying to decide where else to visit. Especially interested in experiences related to history and art/handicraft. Not sure yet if this is a family (parents and a teen) or just a parents-only trip. Also wondering about a one or two-week home exchange. Your thoughts and opinions would be most welcome. Darla

Lucky you! Japan is not the cheapest place to visit and combining it on a business trip should surely make things a little more reasonable.

You will get many recommendations, I'm sure, to visit Kyoto which is one of my favorite cities in all of Japan and a short 1-hour ride by express train from Osaka. But if you are interested in art, I think that the very best reason to visit Kyoto is to spend a day at the Miho Museum - http://www.miho.or.jp/english/. It's a family-owned museum high in the mountains of Kyoto (only a few buses a day up the mountain), designed by IM Pei and the architecture - as expected - is absolutely breathtaking. The museum itself is on the small side, but it's incredibly well curated. It is a favorite of my uncle, who is a docent at the SF Asian Art museum, and was subsequently recommended to me when I was living in Japan. I've since recommended it to all visiting Kyoto and I have never received any negative feedback. Just be sure to check the calendar as it is not open all the time.

If you spend time in Kyoto proper, don't miss my favorite (and most underrated site), Sanjusangendo Hall, which is Japan's longest structure and filled with Buddhist Kannon. Another favorite, Fushimi-inari is a short train hop outside of Kyoto proper is incredibly picturesque and is famous for the thousands of red torii gates (for better or for worse, it was in the movie 'Memoirs of a Geisha').

I recommend that you allow enough time to wander the small back alleys of Kyoto and not just fill your schedule with tourist sites. In my many trips to Kyoto I've gotten lost in these back alleys, but usually always ended up in a small, charming shop that has been in the same family for hundreds of years where the traditional craft has been passed down. If you don't want to do the wandering yourself and want and more pointed experience, there are many tours that you can go on as well.

One of my favorite places which is popular among Japanese tourists but not with many US visitors is Hida Takayama, http://www.hida.jp/english/. Hida Takayama is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is made up of little towns that feature the traditional gassho (thatched roof) homes. It's about 4 hours by train from Osaka. I'd at least spend the night there. It's such a charming place surrounded by mountains and hot springs and you'll find it much, much cooler than Osaka for sure. In the little towns, I found that there were art galleries and traditional artisans showing off their wares and you can wander at leisure in the cool evenings.

The weather will be hot (high 80s) and very humid (90%) in the middle of summer in Osaka so I would try not to over plan or over-do it. Coming from the Bay Area, you will be prone to heat stroke as our weather is the complete opposite of what you should expect.

If you do plan on doing substantial travel by train, you should look into the train pass for foreigners, http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html. This is an all-you-can-ride pass on the nationally operated JR lines. Note: It is worth while if you will be doing travel on the shinkansen (bullet trains). You'll pay off the pass in one round trip shink ticket, but because it is expensive, I wouldn't buy it to cover the weeks that you will be working for example, only the weeks that you will be doing substantial traveling. It does not cover the Osaka or Kyoto subway lines which are privately operated.

Miho Museum fan

I don't know whether the decision to make the trip parents-only or family is up to you, but in case it is I just had to chime in. It's been a long time, but I was able to travel to Japan as an early teen and it is something that really changed how I look at the world. I dearly hope to take my own children when they are old enough to understand it. If you have control over who gets to go, I would advise bringing your teen along. The culture is amazing! anon

I visited Osaka for a couple of days last year, and it felt like the average big city, but with excellent and affordable food (okonomiyaki and takoyaki are especially delicious there!). Kyoto is a must-see and you could spend a significant amount of time/days there (and nearby Nara if you have the time). In the other direction from Osaka, the Himeji Castle is spectacular (a World Heritage site), but I think it still may be under significant renovation next year. Other personal favorite towns nearby are Okayama and Kurashiki. You'd love Kurashiki especially if you're interested in local handicrafts and art. All these places I mentioned would easily fill your one- or two-week stay in Osaka. Have fun! Kathleen

Of course Kyoto is the number one visited spot in classical Japan because of all the beautiful temples, gardens and handicrafts. Even the most aloof teenager can find some beauty there, I think. Also, as a foreigner if you want you can request entry into the Imperial Gardens (the wait list for Japanese citizens is over a year). Don't be late for your appointment, though! It's a short train ride from Osaka. Kurashiki is a smaller town famous for its art and handicrafts. Would highly recommend purchasing a 1 or 2 week Rail Pass because then you can jump on a bullet train or any other JR train and go anywhere, even Tokyo. Also recommend air fare thru Japanese-oriented travel agent, eg Sankei Travel in SF. They were able to get a much better fare, even in this age of internet price wars. Finally, Osaka in summer is HOT and muggy. All the shops and taxis are air-conditioned, but it is humid and there are lots of mosquitoes - beware. Even so, you can have lots of fun and enjoy delicious food and amazing sights. Spent lots of summers in Japan

If you haven't already, I highly recommend you visit the web site japan-guide.com. Lots of good info, and a great, well-organized on-line Q&A forum. Kyoto is very convenient to Osaka, and has a lot to offer visitors, but there are lots of great places to visit in Japan. Depending on how long you have to spend, consider getting a Japan Rail pass (info can be found on the above web site). Note that in summer, much of Japan can be very hot and humid, but we've loved our trips there (both as a couple and with a teen). We stayed at a variety of accommodations including small apartments we found through VRBO, and traditional ryokan. RK

Kyoto weekend trip from tokyo?

June 2013

We will be in Tokyo for a work trip this summer (July) and were hoping to take a 2 day trip to Kyoto on a weekend, as we hear it is extremely beautiful and amazing. I am having trouble finding out online what sort of things would make sense to visit, where it might make sense to stay, etc. We've heard for example that there are some really nice places one can stay that are very traditional, but ok for (American) kids, that itself would be a really cool adventure. We'd love recommendations of a place to stay and/or to visit (somehow gardens and quiet beautiful places sound best to us, we aren't much into restaurants and shopping). We are two adults and one 12 year old, not very sophisticated travelers and don't speak Japanese (though we are trying to learn some). We don't care if a place is for tourists, we are tourists.... Thanks a lot! joanne

If you haven't already, please take a look at japan-guide.com. It's been our go-to when planning several trips to Japan over the past five years. In addition to providing lots of basic information for the tourist, you can join the forum and ask any specific question and get good, reliable answers (even as detailed as, 'what time does the bus go from x to y, and where do we get it?'!).

We've been to Kyoto (as part of longer trips) twice now, and would say to check out:

-Kiyomizu Temple
-The Imperial Palace (note that although it is free, you do have to reserve entry in advance)
-Fushimi-inari Shrine (a short train ride away, but really worthwhile)

If you have more than just a weekend, also consider a side-trip to Nara.

Be sure to check in advance for closures, as the temples are sometimes closed for repairs, etc. Japan-guide is pretty good at keeping that info up-to-date.

Both times we were in Kyoto, we stayed at apartments (in very old, traditional buildings, with short doors!) through VRBO, though I don't know how easy it would be to find for just the weekend.

For precise train-travel planning, go to hyperdia.com (it's in English)

And although you didn't specifically ask for Tokyo suggestions, I will make one: Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science. For some reason, it's not usually mentioned in must-do lists for Tokyo, but our whole family thoroughly enjoyed it, and I think it would be a hit with a 12-year-old (as well as adults!). R.K.

I spent part of my childhood in Kyoto. It's a beautiful city, you'll love it!

- make sure to get Japan Rail Pass - discount pass only available for foreign tourists. Depends on where you stay (in Tokyo and Kyoto) you'll save lots of money. You can also use that for Shinkansen (bullet train connects to Tokyo-Kyoto). The pass can't be used for Nozomi line, but you can take Hikari line. The official JR site: http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html# The site with simpler explanation: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html

- For place to stay - I don't have specific recommendation, but definitely try traditional Japanese style inns called ryokan. Usually the room comes with tatami mats and you put futon on the floor to sleep. Some also have large communal bath area, and serve really nice traditional Kyoto style food. (example:http://www.hiiragiya.co.jp/en/, http://www.hoshinoyakyoto.jp/). Another option is renting Machiya townhouse - it's getting popular to rent out those renovated traditional townhouses and you can find tons via vacation rental sites such as vrbo, or just search for 'machiya rentals Kyoto'.

As of locations, for first timers it's recommended to stay central Kyoto - a square area between Oike dori/Shijo dori, Karasuma dori/Kawabata dori for better public transportation and food choices.

- If you're going there in July - it's time of Gion festival, one of the largest festivals in Japan! The highlight of the festival is the 'yamaboko junko' on July 17th, which all the traditional floats parade the central Kyoto, but there should be lots of other small events. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3942.html

- If you love Japanese style gardens try Tenryuji temple; Ryoanji Temple; Kinkakuji Temple; Nanzenji Temple and Nijo Castle.

- Followings are UNESCO world heritage sites worth visiting: Nishi-Honganji temple; Nijo Castle, Ryoanji temple, Kinkakuji Temple, SHimogamo shrine, Ginkakuji temple, Kiyomizu temple, Tenryuji temple, Ninnaji Temple, Daigoji temple

Enjoy! Mariko

I'm a Japanese married to an American husband and living in the bayarea now but used to live in Osaka area. Kyoto was my favorite place to go. Great food, so many things to see. It had so much layers and it is a great place to go back again, again, and again since most Japanese school students go as a school field trip.

As a major international tourist destination, Kyoto has tons of accommodation. If you want to stay in a Japanese style inn, it is called Ryokan and usually serves breakfast and dinner. It looks expensive (mostly $300 and up per person) but when you consider the meals served, I don't think it is that expensive, compared to major American cities and their hotels.

Couple courses I recommend for first time Kyoto travelers is;

Kiyomizu temple--walk-Sannen zaka/ninnen zaka (--walk-kodaiji--walk-ishi bei komichi (the path of stone fence)-walk-Yasaka jinnja-walk-gion

Nannzenji---tetsugaku no michi (path of philosophy) ---ginkaku ji--(taxi)--sanju sangen do--national museum see http://www.kyotokanko.co.jp/en/tetsugaku/map.html

Oku sagano (Rakushi sha--nison in--jo jyako ji) see http://www.kyotokanko.co.jp/en/sagano/map.html

Last one is far out of city so you can feel more of old Kyoto, rather than metropolitan, modern Kyoto.

These are all starter information. If you want any other detailed information or have a question, I will be happy to give you an advice. Japanese mom

Kyoto is amazing! It is the old capital of Japan and has the best temples and many historical sites. Kiyomizu, also called 'the Floating Temple' is one of the most popular. Be sure to walk the entire grounds to see the bells and gardens. Lots of people also like Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Temple) but there is less to see than just the temple itself. Sanju-Sagen-Don (Temple of a Thousand Gods) has a hall where a thousand buddhas stand guarding one giant one, and lots of other interesting things on the grounds. Nanzenji Temple has beautiful views from its Sanmon (gate) and amazing paintings in the halls. The grounds are beautiful and since it is a working temple you may find monks walking around. All these places have brochures in English.

Nishiki Market is an old-style street market (narrow and crowded) with the most amazing foods and stores. They have a famous traditional knife store in there and if you are a foodie and appreciate great (expensive) knives you can get them made to order and with your name carved in them. If you like a more modern vibe go to the Shoji Dori district which is busier and has huge department stores. Have a colorful parfait with fruit and ice cream in one of the fun parfait restaurants.

Kyoto Station (Shinkansen and local trains) is a HUGE shopping mall (15 stories?) with all kinds of fun stores and arcades if you like that. If the 12-year old is a boy who likes arcades, this is a must. Be sure to go to the market below and if you are there late in the afternoon, many of the prepared foods will be on sale. We ate fresh sushi every day this way and it was a steal! And even if stuff is not on sale, it is much cheaper than eating in restaurants and you can get fabulous prepared foods and just eat somewhere in the station.

Try to stay in Ryokan for a traditional experience if you don't mind sleeping on a futon. Many of the ryokans have their own on-sens (hot baths) and you can ask or look online. Most give you tea and traditional snacks and some will give you a Japanese breakfast.

Ten years ago I took a tour with a guy called Johnny Hillwalker (Hajime Hirooka) who gave a walking tour of some of Kyoto's local artisans and hidden temples. His brochures were at Kyoto Station and it was really interesting if you are into the local flavor. We went to tea factories, pastry shops, saw fans and pottery being hand-painted, tofu being made, and also visited some smaller temples and gardens.

Kyoto is super tourist-friendly and you can get around easily by train. Have a fabulous time!

--Wishing I could go back

Hi there. The easiest and most economical way to do a weekend trip to Kyoto would be to use a gaijin-friendly travel agency to book a package 'tour'. Sunrise Tours has a few different options and is part of JTB, one of the largest nationwide travel agencies. http://www.japanican.com/tours/list.aspx?aff=GMT&destcd=18 [or google Sunrise Tours Japan]

Their Kyoto tours include the RT shinkansen ticket and hotel room, but once you get there, transportation and meals are up to you. There are three or four different speeds of bullet train available in Japan and while this package isn't on the fastest, it's certainly faster than anything we've got here!

The hotels you can choose from are very nice. I usually stayed at the Karasuma Kyoto Hotel with friends, which is a nice, clean, no-frills business hotel (i.e., frequented by business men on overnight trips) and once at the New Miyako Hotel with family, which is slightly nicer and right next to Kyoto station (so it's farther from most temples/shrines). They've got a couple Japanese-style hotels to choose from, but I think they're more expensive.

Kyoto doesn't have quite the network of trains/subways that Tokyo has, so the best way to get around the city is by bus. While at Kyoto station get a daily unlimited bus pass [Adult:Â¥500/Child:￥250]:

http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html

The buses are super easy and will drop you within walking distance of anything you want to see.

Also be sure to pick up an English map (which will have cute cartoonish pictures of the temples/shrines) at the Kyoto train station.

Depending on your motivation and how much time you want to spend at each place, you can easily see 3-4 temples a day. [if you're super quick & have a plan, you can see twice that!]

A few places that I would say are MUST sees:

1. Sanjusangeno (三十三間堂) http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3900.html This is number one with a bullet! This place is awe-inspiring. Hands down my most favorite temple in all of Japan. They say that you will see the face of everyone you've ever known somewhere in the faces of those 1000+ statues. Simply amazing.

2. Ryoan-ji (龍安寺) http://www.ryoanji.jp/smph/eng/ This is a famous zen temple. Unfortunately, the cherry tree that hangs over the wall won't be blooming when you're there, but this temple is not one to miss. It's down the road a bit from Kinkakuji, which is the iconic Golden Temple, but they are worlds apart. You can easily see both of these in the same day.

3. Nijo-jo (二条城) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nij%C5%8D_Castle This is the castle with the nightingale floors. It also has beautiful gardens.

4. Suzumushidera http://en.japantourist.jp/view/suzumushi-dera If you get the cartoonish map from the station, this is the bug temple that's off to the side. It's kind of out of the way, but it's beautiful and so peaceful. Admission includes tea & sweets, plus you'll get a lecture from the monk. [During ours, the monk was reprimanding us for acting like we were at Disney World instead of holy places -- something that's easy to forget while you're there.] This temple is famous not just for its crickets, but for the shoe-wearing Buddha. If you pray to him, make sure you give him your address so he can come grant your prayers! [hence the shoes]

5. Ginkakuji (銀閣寺) http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3907.html This is the Silver Temple. It's far less flamboyant than its Golden cousin and the street leading to it has a lot of traditional-type tourist shops. [at least it did years ago]

Word of warning: You're going to Japan at possibly the worst time, weather- wise. It's going to be hellishly hot. Muggy. Oppressive. Disgusting. It's also the rainy season. Make sure you bring a few small towels/washcloths/handkerchiefs that you can put in your bag. You'll need them to wipe the sweat off your face and neck. Trust me. You might want to also get a folding fan to carry around with you. It will help -- especially since the AC they use is basically just a fan.

That said, hellish weather or not, I wish I could go back to Sanjusangendo...

FYI, I lived in Tokyo for 6 years & I've been to Kyoto... 8 times? All but once was through Sunshine Tours because it's so much cheaper than getting train tickets & hotel rooms separately. Feel free to contact me if you'd like.

Enjoy! Jen

Japan hotels for family of 4

July 2010

We are planning a trip to Japan in November and I am having a hard time finding hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto that can accommodate all of us. In addition to sleeping arrangements for all of us, we could ideally have a little kitchen. I have googled over and over again and am coming up with nothing. We will be in Kyoto for 6 nights and Tokyo for 4 nights. We'd like to be in central locations in each city. challenged

We are a family of 6 and have traveled to Japan many times(Tokyo and Kyoto) We usually stayed at Oakwood Residence(full service apartments w/kitchen and washer/dryer) Recently, many of their locations are now only taking 1 month stay reservations. It is worth a try to contact them to see if they are willing to take a reservation for a shorter stay. Google 'Oakwood Residence TOkyo,Japan'. Also, try for Kyoto as well. If Oakwood does not work out - our son recently traveled to Tokyo and Kyoto with 3 of his friends and they stayed at KEIO PLaza Hotel in Shinjuku (Tokyo). They have a quad room with 4 beds, very small sitting area, and 2 bathrooms. THey also have a pool (no extra charge to use), but the room does not have a kitchen. In Kyoto, they stayed at SANOYA RYOKAN located right near the main JR train station. Our son and his friends stayed in a traditional tatami room - which accommodated the 4 of them. Good Luck with your search yy

Hi, Have you tried the Palace Side Hotel in Kyoto? http://www.palacesidehotel.co.jp/english/fr-top-en.html The location can't be beat...it's right across the street from the Imperial Palace garden, which is a great place to stroll about/ play if you have young people with you. They also have a small community kitchen (ala a youth hostel), but with regular hotel rooms

In my experience, hotel rooms in Japan are very, very small and very expensive by American Standards.

Have you also looked into the Japanese Inn group or Welcome Inns?

In Tokyo, try the Hotel Gimmond or Sawanoya Ryokan?

Have fun! Kyoto is one of my most favorite places... Andrea

Since you are staying several nights in each place, I HIGHLY recommend you check out vrbo.com. Owners of apartments (and some houses) rent their places out to vacationers when they aren't there. Some of the places are only used as vacation rentals, others are sometimes occupied by the owner (but not while you are there). They list a number of properties in both Kyoto and Tokyo. Even if they list the minimum nights at 7, you might be able to negotiate, or you might be willing to pay seven nights even if you are staying only 6 nights, if the price is right. We have rented two places in Kyoto in the past few years and been very happy with both. One had two full bedrooms, a big living room with TV and computer/internet, and fully equipped kitchen (including a rice cooker, and even rice!) and washer-dryer, plus a nice full bath and roof patio - all in an old-style 'townhouse' from the Edo era (updated with smoke detectors, modern electricity and shower, etc., but still with the character and short doorways of the old style). The other was a bit smaller (mini-kitchen, one large bedroom and an extra room), but was also less expensive. We haven't tried any of the Tokyo properties, but many are listed.

I also recommend japan-guide.com for its wealth of information and discussion boards about visiting Japan. R.K.

I would recommend checking out some 'weekly mansions,' which are furnished apartments for short-term stays. (They call apartments/condos mansions in Japan.) Here's a website you can check out: http://www.wmt.co.jp/en/location/higashiueno/index.html Another rental is called 'tsukigime club,' which you can google or search on youtube. My parents, who are from Japan, and asked our relatives for recommendations for places to stay because we are traveling to Japan this fall with our baby and wanted a little more space than just a hotel room + amenities like a washer/kitchen. Our baby is only 9 months old though, so you might need more space if your children are older. Sandra

It will be difficult to find a room with a kitchenette in Japan. If you're looking to self-cater, your best bet would be to find a youth hostel with a private room. The kitchen and bath facilities would be shared. There are a few in Kyoto, and many in Tokyo.

Let me also add that youth hostels in Japan are not like youth hostels anywhere else in the world. They are CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN. http://www.jyh or jp/english/index.html

As for Tokyo, I would recommend a place that my family stays every visit. It is similar to a youth hostel in that they have shared bath facilities and kitchen, but all rooms are private and they are Japanese-style with tatami mats and futons. The futons are very comfortable. It is an easy 5 walk from the train station. The staff also speak English. http://www.kimi-ryokan.jp/

Good luck and have a great trip! anon

In Tokyo, you might consider citadines shinjuku http://http://www.citadines.com/en/japan/tokyo/shinjuku.html

National Children's Castle Hotel - no kitchen, but may be considered a hipper area - near Shibuya http://http://www.kodomono-shiro.or.jp/english/hotel/index2.html

We stayed at the Villa Fontaine Shiodome since it was relatively close to Tokyo Station and Ginza. A business hotel, so no kitchen, but a fridge in the room, lots of food places near by and breakfast buffet included. The best rate was by calling them directly. http://www.hvf.jp/eng/shiodome.php

Try vrbo.com for Kyoto.

How safe is a trip to Beijing or Tokyo?

June 2007

I really want to visit Beijing and Tokyo but I feel hesitant about traveling there (especially to Beijing) because I have an 18 month old and I also hope to be in early pregnancy during the time of travel (Jan. 2008). I am concerned about us becoming sick from the water and/or food. Does anyone have advice about what the danger level is for a toddler and/or someone who is pregnant to visit these parts of the world? Do you recommend such a trip? What precautions should I take, etc.? Thanks!

Tokyo is much safer for water and hygeine. The water in China still has to be boiled even to brush your teeth. Even the 4 star hotels in China will give you a thermos of boiled water to brush your teeth. The hospitals and medical clinics are not at all what you would be used to seeing in the US. Tokyo on the other hand has no such problems. Nor does Hong Kong. These have been modernized for ages. Medical clinics and hospitals are just like thoses here. Water is safe to drink. Everything hygenic. Juliet

No experience with Beijing, but my husband visited Tokyo and thought it was the cleanest place he'd ever been. R.K.

[Editor]: also see Visiting China

 

Visiting Tokyo with two young children

Dec 2005

We are going to be traveling in Japan for about 10 days - 2 weeks this March to visit my sister (near Nagoya.) We've got a couple places to stay there thanks to her very hospitable Japanese friends, but we'd like to get some advice about where to stay after we leave her and go to Tokyo for a few days on our own (specific hotels, apartments rentals, etc.) It would be nice to have access to a kitchen (or at least a small fridge.) I'm also interested in any fun/interesting places to go with kids (ours will be 18 months and 3 years.) Additionally, any info that you think may be helpful from those who have traveled w/ young kids there would be appreciated. There's nothing at all in the archives. Thanks in advance. paula

We took our 23-month-old son to Tokyo two years ago and had a really great time. We stayed at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel which was great for two reasons: 1)the convenience of the Shinagawa train station, a major transporation hub; and 2)our window overlooked the train station and at any time, day or night, there were at least 5 trains coming into or leaving the station. This was pure heaven for a toddler boy (and even his parents enjoyed it!).

As far as things to do: ride trains, go to the Children's Castle (this is not the exact name, but it's similar)--it's like Habitot and Kindergym and Music Together classes all rolled into one. Don't worry if you don't speak the language--kids speak a universal language. We also spent a day in Hakone. There's a loop you can do, a train ride, a tram ride, then a boat ride across the lake. Very fun for all ages. Go to the children's play areas on the roofs of the department stores. You will have a great time! I'm so envious! anon

Short trip with multigenerational family

March 2005

Our family is planning a trip to Japan for a short visit (8 days) in early April. It's really hard to narrow down what will be worthwhile and good for the five of us - mom, dad, grandma (80's), a 14 yr old and 10 yr old (both girls). We're excited about this trip but know we'll only be able to manage the highlights. Are there any must-do's out there, for a family as diverse (agewise) as ours? Susan

Japan is a fantastic place to visit! Three years ago, my husband, infant daughter and I spent 6 months living in Kyoto. We are also planning an intergenerational return visit in May. Our approach is to plop ourselves down in Kyoto and then make day trips from there.

On our last trip we spent about 2 weeks in Tokyo all together, but we found it a bit modern and hectic for our taste. Kyoto is a much smaller city (think SF versus New York City). Kyoto is also very modern looking on first glance, but it is a treasure trove of exquisite gardens, temples and shrines. Because it wasn't bombed in the war, there is much more ''old Japan'' around than in Tokyo. Can you tell I'm a bit biased towards Kyoto...:))

In Tokyo, do check out the Edo-Tokyo Museum. There is also a large children's palace/ entertainment center in Shibuya, I think, although I haven't been there. We also went to an open air museum of old houses, just outside of Tokyo, called the Folkhouse museum which was fun, you can walk through the buildings. If you get to Kyoto, don't miss the Golden Pavilion and Sanjusangendo. Also the Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama or the Hozugawa River Trip are fun for kids. We found the Lonely Planet guide to both Kyoto and Japan quite useful as well as info gathered at the Japan National Tourist Office in San Francisco and the tourist information centers in Japan. If you can, I'd also recommmend a splurge and going to see either a Kabuki or a Bunraku performance. In Tokyo they have simultaneous translation during the Kabuki performances. Bunraku is Kabuki plays performed with large puppets, it's not performed as often, the main theater is in Osaka...

There is also a website called something like Tokyo Kids, i think which you might find useful, if you're going to spend most of your time in Tokyo.

You can email me directly if you have specific questions. Although my experience is more in depth in a few places rather than about lots of different places.

Japan is a great place to visit as it's both western/ like home, but completely exotic at the same time...

Have a great trip!!! andrea

Taking kids to Japan

January 2005

We are planning a trip to Japan with our 5 year old and 18 month old. We are wondering what we need to bring for our children, in terms of carseats, strollers or a backpack for the youngest. While the carseats would be ideal for the plane, once we arrive we'll be mainly taking the train and other public transportation and are not sure if it will be too difficult to carry the carseats everywhere we go? What are the regulations in Japan regarding carseats, etc?

Our family spent 2 weeks in Japan this summer. We travelled mostly by train and 2 times in a car (without a car seat). Buying a car seat in Japan is expensive and they are required for kids under 6. See http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+11426 for an opinion -- I would consider it an absolute pain to carry the car seat around, but your youngest is still a baby.

Japan is a very child-friendly place and it is almost easier to travel ANYWHERE by train than by car. If you need to bring a car seat, I'd consider storing it and not dragging it around on the train. There is a luggage delivery service at the airport that most Japanese use (ie. the reason you do not see Japanese on the trains with tons of luggage). Aiko

Tokyo with a 2-year-old

August 2003

I am thinking of surprising my husband with a long wanted trip to Tokyo this summer. We'd be bringing our 21/2 year old. Any advice from you world travlers? Where to stay? Where to eat? How to deal with not speaking Japenese? Must go to trips outside of the city- take a tour bus or drive ourselves?? Tips and tricks appreciated. Thanks Juliette

My husband, I and 3-year old son have been living in Tokyo for two years after 10 years in Bay Area. The best English online resources is: http://metropolis.japantoday.com/default.asp It'll give you probably most-up-to-date info. re: what's happening in Tokyo and outside, better than travel guides. If you are traveling on budget, you may even want to check out for classified for ST rentals.

I don't recommend driving -- traffic jam and quite complicated highway systems, not to mention that we drive the ''wrong'' side. Trains run almost everywhere - the challenge for a family with a toddler is that most stations do not have elevators. When traveling, you can get around this by sending your luggages ahead by ''takkyubin'' service, which is very efficient. Good luck!