Japan seems to be the go-to destination right now. If you don’t know someone who’s going soon, has recently been, or who’s looking to book the trip, you’ll know someone who knows someone.

According to Statista, 36.87 million tourists entered the country in 2024, breaking the previous record. And we can guarantee there will be a new record in 2025.

Sadly, the people you see going aren’t taking children in tow. The flight is 11 hours non-stop from the UK to Tokyo’s main airport, Haneda Airport, enough to make any mother quiver with fear. The return flight is even longer – 14 hours and 20 minutes, enough to make any mother cry in despair.

It’s true that there are only so many hours you can keep children occupied in a tin can 37,000 miles in the air. But think of what’s there when you arrive. The bright neon light, anime-crazy, cartoon-loving country is a haven for children. You won’t just keep them entertained; you’ll be exhausted trying to keep up with them.

So, can you make a family trip to Japan child-friendly? Yes, with our guide, the right hotel and all of the food. Read on to find out more.

Tackling The Travel

There are thousands of articles about travelling with children long-haul and keeping them entertained; we’ve even published some of them.

Based on our expert opinion, here are some of our best tips for travelling long-haul with children (focusing on younger children, so older children can survive).

• Pick the flight time to meet sleeping patterns as much as possible.
• Take snacks, snacks, and more snacks. Don’t trust the plane food!
• Don’t rely on plane TVs – take their portable devices so they can watch what they want with plenty of battery and a portable charger!
• Take board games, card games, toys, or anything additional to the portable electronics.
• Go with their flow. Don’t create battles. If they want to walk up and down the plane for 50 laps, you walk up and down the plane for 50 laps.
• Comfort is key. There are so many things you can buy on Amazon to make sleeping on a plane more comfortable for kids. This set is one of our favourites from Amazon, but you will need extra legroom for it.

The rest is just hoping and praying they don’t have a 37,000, 11-hour stuck on a plane, sleepless tantrum that threatens endless death stares from the other passengers.

Being in Japan With Children

The plane journey actually isn’t that bad if you prepare well. There might be a tantrum or two, but you’ll survive.

When you arrive in Japan, you step into a children’s playground. And, Japanese people make being in Japan with children easy – they’re fascinated with foreign babies! In general, they’re extremely friendly, polite, and welcoming people. The only people that face resistance are drunken groups of guys trying to get into a bar.

To make being in Japan with children easier, we’d recommend getting a Nomad eSIM from Get Nomad to stay connected. Japan has great Wi-Fi, but there are times when you won’t have access to it, and your child wants to get onto YouTube to watch the sacred Ms Rachel.

Getting around with a pushchair is surprisingly easy. The streets are clean, the trains run like clockwork, and there’s almost always a lift somewhere if you need it. You’ll even see plenty of Japanese parents out with their little ones in tow, so it’s not like you’ll be alone in the chaos.

Public toilets? Immaculate. Baby changing facilities? Better than what you get in most UK shopping centres. Highchairs in restaurants? Most of the time. Some restaurants don’t have them, but then again, you’ll also find vending machines that sell hot meals, so it all balances out.

It’s also worth noting how safe it feels. You don’t get that edge you might feel in some tourist hotspots. Your kids can run around a bit, and you’re not clutching your bag like it holds the crown jewels.

The Best Things to Do in Japan

Japan is a sensory overload in the best way. Bright lights, wacky mascots, vending machines that sing—it’s built for kids. And we haven’t even started on the actual activities.

Start in Tokyo. TeamLab Planets is a must. Think digital art that you can walk through, touch, and literally wade through in some exhibits. It’s like stepping into a dream made of light and sound, and kids are obsessed with it.

Then there’s Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. Don’t let the word ‘Disney’ fool you into thinking it’s the same as the others—it’s cleaner, calmer, and packed with local touches. Even the popcorn comes in flavours like curry and honey soy.

Hop on the Shinkansen to Kyoto and take them to the Monkey Park in Arashiyama. Wild monkeys, stunning views, and a walk that tires them out? Yes, please. And if you’re feeling brave, head to Nara to feed deer that bow at you. Yes, really.

For rainy days, there’s the Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka. Kids can design their own cup, pick the toppings, and watch it get sealed. Educational and edible. Win-win.

So, can you make a family trip to Japan child-friendly? 100%. Will it be chaos at times? Also yes. But it’s the good kind of chaos—the kind you laugh about years later when they’re teenagers who refuse to go anywhere with you.