January 27, 2026

Family Travel in Tokyo | Essential Tips for Stress-Free Planning

Learn essential tips for accommodation, transport, activities, daily routines, and long-term stay planning to make your family trip stress-free.

Tokyo is full of experiences for families, but traveling with children requires careful planning. From choosing the right place to stay, navigating public transport, to planning daily activities, preparation makes a huge difference.

This guide offers essential tips for families traveling to Tokyo, including advice for long-term stays and family-friendly housing.

For a full checklist, see:
Planning Your Family Trip to Tokyo: Checklist & Tips

1. Choose the Right Accommodation

Options: hotel, serviced apartment, or fully furnished private house
Family-friendly features: multiple bedrooms, crib, kitchen, laundry
Long-term stays: fully furnished houses like Nana House save money and give more space

Explore Nana House – Family-Friendly Houses:
https://tokyotravel.jp/#houses

2. Plan Your Daily Routine

Start mornings early to avoid crowds
Schedule park or indoor playtime mid-day
Cook meals at your accommodation when possible
Keep travel distances short

3. Navigate Transportation Efficiently

Use Suica/PASMO IC cards
Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:30–7:30 PM)
Use stroller-friendly routes and stations with elevators
Consider taxis for short trips with tired kids

Related article:
How to Move Around Tokyo with Kids

4. Plan Kid-Friendly Activities

Parks: Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Nerima parks
Museums: Miraikan Science Museum, Sunshine City Aquarium
Theme Parks: Disneyland, DisneySea, Harry Potter Studio
Limit to 2–3 attractions per day + rest breaks

5. Packing Essentials

For Kids: foldable stroller, snacks, water, books/tablets, comfy shoes
For Parents: backpack with essentials, chargers, first aid kit, reusable bottles