The Best Destinations for Families and Kids in Japan
A question I often get asked is whether Japan is a child-friendly country, and which destinations would be best suited to a family adventure. The answer is absolutely, yes, Japan is an excellent choice for family travel; offering a clean, safe, and efficient environment with top-notch facilities for babies and children. From the abundance of day trips from Tokyo to serene natural landscapes of the Japanese Alps, there's something for every family to enjoy. For more detailed insights into planning your trip, check out my Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First Timers.
Tokyo
Best for: Family Convenience
With a plethora of charming neighbourhoods, quirky cafes and family-friendly hotels, Tokyo is a playground for children and adults alike. Start your adventure at the Ghibli Museum, where the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli comes to life. Explore the historic Asakusa district and visit the iconic Sensoji Temple, where kids can enjoy traditional street foods and colourful souvenirs. For a magical experience, spend a day at Tokyo Disneyland, a place where dreams come true. For more on Tokyo’s diverse attractions, head to my 50 Things to Do in Tokyo guide.
Highlights
Ghibli Museum: Delve into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli, perfect for kids and fans of Totoro and other characters. The museum's exhibits bring the magic of Miyazaki’s films to life, offering an immersive experience for all ages.
Asakusa: Explore the historic Sensoji Temple, where kids can enjoy traditional street foods and colourful souvenirs. Asakusa also offers rickshaw rides and picturesque views of Tokyo’s oldest temple, providing a cultural and fun-filled adventure.
Tokyo Disneyland: Experience the magic of Disney with rides, parades, and attractions. From meeting Mickey Mouse to rollercoaster rides, this iconic theme park is ideal for the entire family.
Hakone
Best for: Hot spring retreats
Hakone is a picturesque escape, perfect for families. Easily accessible from Tokyo, this region boasts stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where children can explore large-scale sculptures set against a backdrop of lush greenery. The Hakone Ropeway offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area. Plan your transport in advance to make the most of the Hakone Free Pass, which covers various modes of transport including trains, buses, and boats.
Highlights
Hakone Open-Air Museum: Explore large-scale sculptures set against lush greenery, offering a blend of art and nature. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and the hot spring foot bath, while adults can appreciate the stunning landscape and artistic displays.
Hakone Ropeway: Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area, an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The ride provides the chance to see volcanic activity at Owakudani Valley, making it a thrilling adventure for kids.
Hakone Free Pass: Make the most of the region's various modes of transport, including trains, buses, and boats, for a hassle-free trip. This convenient pass allows you to explore Hakone’s sights easily and affordably, ensuring a smooth journey.
Okinawa
Best for: Tropical adventures
For the perfect summer getaway, Okinawa offers an array of family-friendly adventures combining natural beauty with cultural experiences. Ishigaki, features stunning beaches and the iconic Kabira Bay, where families can take glass-bottom boat tours to see vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Visit the Yonekoyaki Craft Center, where kids can try their hand at local pottery and bring home unique souvenirs. And the Squirrel Monkey Forest, where friendly monkeys roam freely, providing an interactive and educational experience. For more on Okinawa's unique attractions, my detailed Okinawa guide includes more highlights from this beautiful region.
Highlights
Kabira Bay: Famous for its stunning natural beauty, Kabira Bay is a must-visit for families. Take a glass-bottom boat tour to witness the vibrant coral reefs and exotic fish swimming beneath the surface.
Yonekoyaki Craft Center: The centre provides a fun and educational experience, allowing families to craft personalised souvenirs while learning about Okinawa’s traditional pottery techniques.
Squirrel Monkey Forest: Wander through the forest where friendly squirrel monkeys roam freely. It’s an engaging way for children to learn about wildlife and conservation in a natural setting.
Looking for more Tokyo inspiration? Download your free Tokyo Neighbourhoods guide here
Nagano
Best for: Nature getaways
Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Nagano offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences ideal for families. Start your adventure at Kamikochi, where gentle hiking trails and alpine scenery provide a perfect backdrop. Next, head to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe wild snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. For a unique cultural experience, visit the Togakushi Kids’ Ninja Village, where children can engage in interactive ninja training and obstacle courses. Lastly, explore the Komagane Silk Museum, which features hands-on handicraft workshops, allowing families to delve into the art of silk production and create their own crafts.
Highlights
Kamikochi: Enjoy gentle hikes amidst stunning alpine scenery, ideal for families. The picturesque trails offer expansive views of mountains, rivers, and forests..
Jigokudani Monkey Park: Witness the wild snow monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs. This unique experience allows families to see these playful creatures up close in their natural habitat.
Togakushi Kids’ Ninja Village: The village offers interactive activities such as obstacle courses and stealth training, providing a fun and educational experience for kids.
Komagane Silk Museum: Explore the intricate world of silk production in hands-on handicraft workshops, learning traditional silk-making techniques and creating their own silk crafts.
Osaka
Best for: Family food-lovers
Osaka is a vibrant city filled with attractions for the whole family. Universal Studios Japan is a must-visit, featuring rides and shows based on popular movies and characters. Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, perfect for a family picnic. The city’s bustling Dotonbori district offers an array of dining options that kids will love, from takoyaki to okonomiyaki. For detailed tips on making the most of your visit to Osaka, see my latest Osaka guide here.
Highlights
Universal Studios Japan: Enjoy rides and shows based on popular movies and characters, a must-visit for families.
Osaka Castle: Explore the historic castle and its surrounding park, ideal for a family picnic and a bit of history. The impressive architecture and museum inside offer a glimpse into Japan’s past, while the spacious grounds are perfect for leisurely strolls.
Dotonbori: Savour an array of kid-friendly dining options, from takoyaki to okonomiyaki. The vibrant atmosphere, neon lights, and street performances make Dotonbori a lively and fun destination for the whole family.
Discover lesser-known destinations, bucket list experiences and unique hotel recommendations in my brand-new guidebook, Views from Japan.
Tricks & Tips for Travelling Families
Take a pram and a baby carrier – Both are essential for navigating various terrains and ensuring your child’s comfort.
Book tickets ahead of time – Pre-booking ensures you have reserved seats and avoids last-minute hassles.
Beware of steps – Not all tourist locations are stroller-friendly, so be prepared to carry your pram occasionally.
Pack light – Travel with the essentials to make moving around easier and more manageable.
Plan ahead for restaurants – Some dining spots may have long waiting times or limited seating for children.
Make use of local parks – These are great for letting kids burn off energy and take a break from sightseeing.
Bring your own sunscreen and insect repellent – These can be expensive to buy locally, especially in tourist areas.
Use lockers at train stations – Lighten your load by storing non-essential items in station lockers.
Keep snacks and entertainment handy – Essential for long journeys and to keep children entertained during downtime.
Carry a small first-aid kit – Always be prepared for minor injuries or illnesses.
Getting Around
Travelling around Japan with children is a breeze thanks to the efficient Shinkansen (bullet train) network. Be sure to reserve seats in advance to ensure a smooth journey, and check if it’s worthwhile for you to purchase a Japan Rail Pass. It’s helpful to have your luggage organised and be ready to disembark quickly, as the trains only stop for a short period at each station. For more travel tips and detailed transportation guides, visit my Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First Timers.
For more detailed guides and tips, browse through my Travel Articles and Resources sections.
Discover Japan, Minus the Crowds.
Are you tired of seeing the same over-crowded locations in Japan? I want to offer you a more meaningful experience; one that inspires you to travel to lesser-known destinations and explore Japan’s unique cultural experiences. Views from Japan is a brand new travel guidebook packed with over 260 unique experiences and timeless destinations, giving you all the tools so that you can create a once-in-a-lifetime Japan itinerary.
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