Yoko DeGolier is a footwear designer and mom, originally from Japan and now living in the UK. She gives us her tips for things to do in Japan, what to do in Japan, and visiting Japan with kids.
When to Visit Japan
- Visit at Easter – it’s the end of the cherry blossom season and the weather is great! I would avoid it in Summer as it reaches up to 40 degrees, which isn’t fun for sightseeing.
- If you want to try winter sports, visit the north of Japan in winter for the best snow.
- Christmas is more like a New Years party or celebration; not a traditional family get-together. Conversely, New Years in Japan is more of a traditional family meal, so the two celebrations are a reversal of what you’d normally see in the West.
Things to do in Japan with Kids
- Visit Tokyo: of course it’s the capital and most famous. There are now great attractions for kids here too, including Harry Potter Studios, Tokyo Disney Resort, and heaps of Pokémon sights and tours for kids who love graphic novels. Book a pop culture tour to see the city’s best amuseuments for kids, anime spots and arcades for gamers.
- Take a trip to Kamakura: a train ride from Tokyo, with beautiful beaches, known for its famous Kotoku-in temple with a sitting Buddha statue.
- Stay in Osaka: a 1-hour flight from Tokyo, it’s known for being more fun and vibrant than Tokyo, with lots going on culturally. Here you can also visit Legoland, and take a ninja samurai experience at Odawara Castle.
- Kyoto: a train ride away from Osaka, with traditional temples, shrines and historical sights for an authentic Japanese experience.
Where to Eat in Japan with Kids
Don’t worry about looking for ‘the best place to eat in Japan’. Because EVERYTHING is great.
Try any street food, or even the most simple sushi on a conveyor belt restaurant. You don’t need recommendations and there’s very few bad places to eat. It’s super easy with kids as you can stroll around in the city to find any place to eat and you won’t be disappointed.
Things to Know About Visiting Japan with Kids
- The cities are usually ok for speaking English, but less so in the countryside. If you’re visiting rural areas you’ll need your translation tool! Usually in cities, the road signs are in English too, to help you navigate around.
- Get the tube or overground trains in cities – nobody drives. The map for trains in Tokyo is crazy when you first try to figure it out, but you can travel with one easy travel card (order your Suica card here) and jump on and off different routes to get around.
Where to stay in Japan with Kids
- Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo – for access to the city center attractions
- Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo – with rooms for up to 6 and a pool!
- SOWAKA Hotel, Kyoto – modern ryokan-style luxury
- Six Senses Kyoto – an urban sanctuary downtown
More about Traveling Internationally with Kids
- Read our tips for traveling internationally with kids.
- If you’re traveling with toddlers, read out guide to taking trips with little ones.
- Plan what to pack for a trip to Japan with our ultimate family vacation packing list.
- Discover more Travel Tips from fellow parents and Kid & Coe experts.
- Browse more family-friendly vacation destinations in Asia.