5 Top Tips for Travelling to Japan with Kids

Safe, clean and culturally-rich, we consider Japan to be one of the most child-friendly countries in the world. Despite being one of the furthest destinations to travel to from the UK, Japan is very well geared up for tourists and is not as culturally different as you might think, compared with other Asian destinations. To inspire your next luxury family holiday to Japan, we’ve put together a few tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this one-of-a-kind destination.

Engage with Local Culture

From exploring the ancient temples and gardens of Kyoto to bathing in the natural hot springs (onsens) in the Japanese Alps, Japan offers many cultural attractions that will provide educational and memorable experiences for the whole family. Encourage your children to engage with Japan's cultural heritage through hands-on experiences such as dressing up as a traditional geisha, taking part in a sushi-making class or learning Japanese calligraphy and origami.

Embrace Japanese Cuisine

Introduce your children to the delights of Japanese cuisine, which offers a diverse range of flavours and textures based around fresh, seasonal products. Whilst sushi and ramen are popular choices, don't hesitate to explore other kid-friendly Japanese food options such as yakitori (charcoal-grilled chicken skewers), okonomiyaki (savoury-filled pancakes, usually cabbage and pork), and tempura (battered seafood and vegetables). You’ll be surprised how most children will love to experiment with food completely different to that which they are used to at home.

Include Child-friendly Activities in your Itinerary

Japan offers a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and entertainment options suitable for children of all ages that cater to varying interests and energy levels. There’s a host of great theme parks to choose from, with Hello Kitty Land and Kidzania for younger children and Fujikyu Highlands Rollercoaster Park and Harry Potter World at Universal Studios for older ones. And of course, no family trip to Japan would be complete without trying out karaoke!

Family-Friendly Accommodation Options

Choose accommodation that is family-friendly and conveniently located, with public transport, convenience stores and restaurants close by. Many hotels in Japan have flexible room set-ups, as well as welcome packs and special child-friendly experiences available. Alternatively, consider staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn, where your family can experience the best of Japanese hospitality. These are our recommendations for the best (and most fun) places to stay with children in Tokyo:

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi

From the buzzing neon-lit cities to the stunning, tranquil countryside, Japan offers a host of opportunities for families to create lasting memories together, and by following these top tips, you can ensure a rewarding and stress-free experience.

If you’re interested to know more about booking a family holiday to Japan, read our Family Adventure in Japan itinerary or speak to one of our destination experts: info@ampersandtravel.com or 020 7819 9770.