Welcome, fellow travelers! Get ready to dive into the vibrant culture and exciting adventures of our recent family trip across Japan. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto and the vibrant energy of Osaka, our journey was a whirlwind of experiences. Let’s embark on this captivating tale together!
A Journey Filled with Wonder
Our family, Jake, Phil, and I, recently completed an incredible expedition through the Land of the Rising Sun. We traveled from the energetic capital of Tokyo, to the ancient city of Kyoto, and then to the bustling metropolis of Osaka, before looping back to Tokyo for our departure. This adventure was a dream come true, especially for Jake and me, who, as self-proclaimed otakus, have always considered Tokyo our personal Disney World. Phil, despite this being his second trip to Japan (his first visit was back in 2013 when he was still a tiny tot in my belly), couldn’t wait to experience the magic again.
Important Note: Traveling to Japan involves a time difference, with Tokyo being 13 hours ahead of New York City and 16 hours ahead of Seattle. Flying nonstop from NYC to Tokyo’s Narita Airport takes approximately 14 hours, and you’ll lose a day due to the time difference. Flights from Seattle are a bit quicker, taking around nine hours. However, the time difference remains the same. The good news is that you’ll regain your lost day when you return to the United States. We left Japan on a Tuesday evening and arrived back in Seattle on Tuesday morning, feeling rejuvenated and ready to share our adventures!
Tips for a Smooth Journey with Kids
For families traveling with little ones, we highly recommend flying with ANA or Japan Airlines. These airlines offer a truly immersive Japanese experience, even before you step foot in the country. Enjoy delicious Japanese meals, drinks, snacks, and refreshing beers. Announcements are made in both Japanese and English, ensuring a comfortable journey for everyone.
Now, let’s talk about surviving flights with toddlers. We’ve got a few tips to share from our experience:
- Don’t overpack on snacks. Save those cravings for the airport, where you’ll find an array of mouthwatering treats. While there might be a slight price increase compared to grocery stores, it’s worth it to avoid the hassle of carrying heavy snacks and potentially exceeding baggage weight limits.
- Stock up on souvenirs at the airport. After checking your bags (and don’t forget to bring a large suitcase to bring back all those amazing souvenirs!), buy additional goodies and snacks at the airport. Carry these items on board with you to enjoy during your flight.
Time to Explore!
If you’re planning a short trip, four to five days in Tokyo will suffice. However, if you’re aiming to explore the diverse regions of Japan, we recommend staying for at least a week. Your flights are long, so make the most of your time!
Navigating Japan: Getting Around
Japan is a walker’s paradise! Prepare to rack up those steps! According to our Apple Watches, we averaged 25,000 steps a day. While taxis and subways are readily available, you’ll still find yourself walking quite a bit. The subway stations themselves are sprawling underground cities with shops and stores to explore.
Here are some tips for navigating Japan with ease:
- Comfy shoes are a must! Our entire Japan trip was spent in Allbirds tree toppers, which kept my feet comfortable but unfortunately led to a slight “foot odor” issue! Phil, being five years old, happily walked everywhere with us. If you’re traveling with younger children who tire easily, consider bringing a stroller. Japan is incredibly family-friendly, so you’ll have no problem navigating with a stroller. However, some streets can be narrow, so a lighter stroller may be more practical.
- The Japan Rail Pass: Your Key to Exploration If you’re planning to utilize the Narita Express for your travel to and from Tokyo, and also intend to explore other regions of Japan using the Shinkansen (bullet train), investing in a Japan Rail Pass is highly recommended. This pass allows you to ride JR trains for free, providing incredible value if you’re traveling extensively. The Japan Rail Pass comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day options. While not cheap, it’s a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers. We even had the opportunity to admire Mount Fuji from our train window on our journey back to Tokyo.
- Kids Travel Free (Almost!) Children under six ride free on Japanese subways. However, for children under two, you’ll need to purchase tickets for the Shinkansen and Narita Express. The good news is that kids under six also get free admission to many zoos, museums, botanical gardens, and other attractions.
- Cash is King! Carry yen with you and a major credit card or two. While most places accept credit cards, some smaller businesses, market stalls, and food stands may only accept cash. Even major chains like 7/11 had trouble reading our chip cards. Carrying yen will also save you time when purchasing subway tickets, as some ticket vending machines had trouble reading our credit cards. Remember that 300 yen equates to about 2.30 USD.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavors! From the elegant kaiseki meals in Kyoto to the iconic Japanese curry, ramen, and sushi in Tokyo, Japan is a culinary haven.
- Kid-Friendly Eats: Restaurants have excellent kid’s meal options, and many will even give out toys with meals. If your little ones are jet-lagged and hungry, don’t worry! You can always find delicious breakfast options at Denny’s (mango parfaits for breakfast, anyone?) or grab a quick bite at Yoshinoya, which is open 24/7 and offers a wide selection of affordable and tasty dishes.
Shopping Spree!
Get ready to unleash your inner shopaholic!
- Takashimaya: A Shopping Paradise Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Takashimaya, one of Japan’s best department store chains. You’ll find a tempting food court at the lowest level, and a wide variety of stylish and unique shops throughout the building.
- Pokemon Paradise If your children are Pokemon enthusiasts, make sure to visit a Pokemon Center. Tokyo even boasts a Pokemon Cafe! Make a reservation for a chance to enjoy Pokemon-themed food, purchase exclusive Pokemon merchandise, take pictures, and even meet a giant Pokemon! Imagine a Disney character meet-and-greet, but with Pokemon!
- UFO Catchers and Capsule Machines If you have extra yen, test your skills at UFO catchers and indulge in the thrill of finding treasures in capsule machines. These unique toys are rarely found in the US, so they make for a truly special souvenir. Just look at this beautiful Disney Little Mermaid toy I snagged from a capsule machine for 500 yen (around $4)!
Our journey through Japan was a magical experience filled with countless memories that we will cherish forever. We hope our tips and insights inspire you to plan your own unforgettable adventure to this incredible country!
