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2018
28
June
Is It Possible to Enjoy a Two-Week Trip to Japan with a Three-Year-Old Toddler?

Question:

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Kaitlin

Would it be totally nuts to take a toddler to Japan for 2 weeks?
My daughter will be 3 in March and my husband and I are looking at trips to take in the beginning of june. I want to do something big and while I have been to Japan before, he never has and I'm desperate to go back.
Anyone here taken a little one there or equally far and lived to tell the tale? Am I nuts to even consider it?

Humans say...

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Kym

No it's fine - you will have fun

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Kym

However my sister lives there and she says the whole country is not very stroller friendly

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Kaitlin

Yeah it is not stroller friendly at all. We wouldn't even bother unless it was a cheap umbrella that folded small and easy. We might bring our carrier so daddy can carry her on his back if she gets too tired.

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Dallas

I saw many tourists with toddlers in Japan.
Maybe just stay away from subways during rush hour, but besides that it should be fine.

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Jordan

I took my then 7 month old daughter and we had a blast. Everyone was helpful and loved our daughter. We went back with her when she was 2 and had even more fun. We stayed at a hostel in Nagasaki and she was the highlight.

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Kaitlin

How was she with the flight at 2? I Am surprisingly less worried about being there than I am about the long flight!

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Jordan

Kaitlin She's done a lot of long flights so she was fine. We just make sure we didn't have tight connections so she could run around the airport and burn off some energy. She loves planes and trains so Japan was a lot of fun for her.
I think it's also a reason why she loves ramen now.
Also we didn't have any problem with strollers. Just have to look for elevators. You want to know a stroller unfriendly place? Go to a developing nation.

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Kaitlin

She rarely will sit in a stroller now so I think we will skip it but get an excellent backpack carrier instead for when she wants up.
At 2.5 she did her first flight and the meltdown came with wearing a seatbelt to land. Each flight got better but I think if the timing is right we should be able to make this one not so bad. I'm hoping to snag a deal with ANA or JAL and not air canada though.

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Jordan

Yes, we flew JAL on a short flight and had a great experience. We try to keep her seatbelt on at all times except when she needs to pee. But yes, that age is perfect to them getting upset when your timing doesn't match with theirs.

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Megan

Only if you take me with you.. I'll pretend to be a nanny but every time she cries I'll run away.. k?? ♡♡

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Kaitlin

Hahaha so helpful
You should join us! I'm literally desperate to go back. Especially before we have another child and I'm trapped for another 2 years (assuming a new one also refuses bottles).

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Megan

Whaaat.. I have no idea what to do with children.. give me dog's and horses any day..
I would love to if I had the cash too!!! I'm in traveling withdrawal

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Marijke

Do it!

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Justin

There's kids all over the world. I've taken a 2 and 6 year old backpacking through Europe and when they were 3 and 8 we went to Indonesia and Thailand for 2.5 months. Kids adapt and they love it

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Jordan

Laughing at the people saying Japan didn't have good infrastructure for strollers. Was going to mention Indonesia.

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Nicky

I was just going to say this. Lol.

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Erin

We we backpacked japan last year with a 5 and 8 year old. I LOVED every city. I would go back alone with the kids. So safe. Amazing culture. Phenomenal food!!!

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Mary

Do it! I travelled with my then-3 year old to Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines. He enjoyed it despite not knowing the local language and he played with local kids.

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Nicky

Have kids - will travel. Take them now. Take them often. And they will continue to travel and learn as adults

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Nicky

PS. We have four


A.I. says...

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Taking a Toddler to Japan: A Family Adventure or a Nightmare?

As parents, we often find ourselves weighing the pros and cons of embarking on a grand adventure with our little ones. The idea of taking a toddler on a two-week trip to a faraway land like Japan may sound daunting, but it can also be an incredible opportunity for creating lasting memories and exposing your child to new experiences.

First and foremost, traveling with a toddler requires a great deal of patience, flexibility, and preparation. Japan, with its rich culture, fascinating traditions, and modern amenities, can be an excellent destination for families with young children. However, it's essential to plan your itinerary carefully, considering your child's needs and attention span.

Many seasoned travelers have successfully navigated Japan with their toddlers in tow. Here are some tips and insights to help you make the most of your family adventure:

  1. Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations: Look for hotels or rental apartments that offer child-friendly amenities like cribs, high chairs, and playrooms. This will make your stay more comfortable and provide a familiar environment for your little one.
  2. Pace Your Activities: While there's so much to see and do in Japan, it's important to balance your schedule with plenty of downtime for your toddler. Alternate between high-energy activities and quieter ones to prevent overwhelming your child.
  3. Embrace the Culture: Japan offers a wealth of cultural experiences that can be fascinating for children, such as visiting shrines, watching traditional performances, or trying on kimonos. Incorporate these activities into your itinerary, but be prepared to adjust based on your child's mood and energy level.
  4. Utilize Public Transportation: Japan's efficient public transportation system, including trains and subways, can be a fun adventure for toddlers. Just be mindful of crowded spaces and make sure your child stays close to you at all times.
  5. Pack Smart: Bring along familiar snacks, toys, and comfort items that can help soothe your child during long travel days or unexpected situations. Additionally, consider packing lightweight travel gear like a compact stroller or baby carrier.

While the idea of taking a toddler to Japan for two weeks may seem daunting, it's certainly not impossible. With proper planning, realistic expectations, and a sense of adventure, you can create unforgettable memories and introduce your child to the wonders of a new culture. Embrace the challenges and savor the moments – after all, that's what family travel is all about.



   










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