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Traveling in Japan with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide

Sep 26, 2025
Traveling in Japan with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide

Japan is one of the best countries in the world for family travel. It’s safe, clean, and full of adventures that excite both children and parents — from riding bullet trains and meeting ninjas to seeing Mount Fuji and exploring magical theme parks. Here’s a detailed guide to traveling Japan with kids, including top attractions, directions, and family-friendly tips.


Why Japan is Great for Families

  • Safe & Clean: One of the safest countries in the world, with spotless public spaces.

  • Easy Transport: Bullet trains, subways, and buses are punctual and stroller-friendly.

  • Kid-Oriented Culture: Theme cafés, children’s meals, and attractions for every age group.

  • Unique Mix: Culture, history, anime, and amusement parks all in one trip.


Tokyo: Theme Parks, Science, and Magic

1. Tokyo Disneyland & Disney Sea (Chiba)

  • Disney Sea is exclusive to Japan, themed around oceans and adventure.

  • Directions: From Tokyo Station, take JR Keiyo Line → Maihama Station (20 min).

  • Cost: Adults ¥7,900–¥9,400 / Kids ¥4,700–¥5,600.
    💡 Tip: Buy tickets online in advance — weekends are crowded.

2. Odaiba (Tokyo Bay Area)

  • Attractions: Team Lab Planets (immersive art), Legoland Discovery Center, Giant Gundam Statue.

  • Directions: Take Yurikamome Line → Daiba Station.

3. Ueno Zoo & Park

  • See pandas, monkeys, elephants + museums nearby.

  • Directions: JR Yamanote Line → Ueno Station (8 min from Tokyo Station).

  • Cost: Adults ¥600 / Kids under 12 free.

4. Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo (Nerima)

  • A brand-new attraction (opened 2023). Walk through movie sets like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and ride a broomstick on a green screen.

  • Directions: From Ikebukuro Station, take Seibu Ikebukuro Line → Toshimaen Station (20 min). The studio is a short walk.

  • Cost: Adults ¥6,300 / Kids ¥3,800.

5. Sunshine Aquarium (Ikebukuro)

  • Rooftop aquarium with penguins, seals, and jellyfish. Great indoor stop on rainy days.

  • Directions: JR Yamanote Line → Ikebukuro Station (10 min from Shinjuku), then 10 min walk to Sunshine City.

  • Cost: Adults ¥2,600 / Kids ¥1,300.


Mount Fuji & Family Adventures

1. Fuji-Q Highland

  • Famous roller coasters + Thomas Land for small children.

  • Directions: JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku → Otsuki (1 hr) → Fujikyu Line → Fujikyu-Highland Station (50 min).

  • Cost: Entry ¥1,500 (rides extra), Free for kids under 3.

2. Lake Kawaguchi (Fuji Five Lakes)

  • Swan boats, ropeway to Mt. Tenjo, stunning Fuji views.

  • Directions: Direct highway bus from Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko Station (2 hrs).

  • Cost: Ropeway ¥900 adults / ¥450 kids.

3. Fuji Safari Park (Gotemba)

  • Drive-through safari with lions, giraffes, elephants.

  • Directions: Train to Gotemba Station (90 min from Tokyo) → local bus.

  • Cost: Adults ¥3,200 / Kids ¥2,000.


Kyoto & Nara: Culture & Play

1. Kyoto Railway Museum

  • Kids drive simulators, climb trains, ride mini shinkansen.

  • Directions: Bus or 20 min walk from Kyoto Station.

  • Cost: Adults ¥1,200 / Kids ¥200–¥500.

2. Nara Deer Park

  • Feed tame deer crackers (¥200).

  • Directions: JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station (50 min) → 15 min walk.

  • Cost: Free entry.

3. Temples & Kimono Fun

  • Try kimono rentals for kids — many shops near Kiyomizu-dera Temple.


Osaka: Action & Food

1. Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

  • Highlights: Super Nintendo World, Minion Park, Harry Potter World.

  • Directions: JR Osaka Station → Nishikujo → JR Yumesaki Line → Universal City Station (~15 min).

  • Cost: Adults ¥8,600–¥9,800 / Kids ¥5,600–¥6,500.

2. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

  • Huge tanks with whale sharks, jellyfish tunnels, penguins.

  • Directions: Osaka Metro Chuo Line → Osakako Station → 5 min walk.

  • Cost: Adults ¥2,700 / Kids ¥600–¥1,400.

3. Dotonbori (Food Street)

  • Colorful lights, giant crab signs, and local street food like takoyaki (octopus balls). Fun for kids and adults alike.


Practical Family Tips

  • Transport: Use Japan Rail Pass for long trips, IC cards (Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA) for local travel.

  • Food: Convenience stores have fresh, affordable meals kids love. Look for okosama setto (kids’ meal).

  • Strollers: Great in cities but tricky in crowded trains; bring a baby carrier.

  • Accommodation: Tatami mat rooms (ryokan) are great — kids can roll around safely on futons.


Sample Family Itinerary

  • Day 1–3: Tokyo (Disney, Harry Potter Studio, Sunshine Aquarium, Odaiba).

  • Day 4–5: Mount Fuji area (Lake Kawaguchi, Fuji-Q, Safari Park).

  • Day 6–7: Kyoto & Nara (Railway Museum, temples, Deer Park).

  • Day 8–9: Osaka (USJ, Aquarium, Dotonbori).


Why Families Love Japan

From feeding deer in Nara and meeting Harry Potter in Tokyo to riding roller coasters with Fuji in the background, Japan is a magical playground for kids and parents alike. Every train ride, park, and temple visit becomes a memory — making Japan one of the best family travel destinations in the world.


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