Tokyo | Tagged Posts
2019
20
January
What Are the Best Accommodations for Families with Kids in Japan?
20
January
Question:
Humans say...
Matti
I just got back from Japan a little over a month ago, it was awesome and super safe!
Tokyo there's: Tokyo Disney and Tokyo Disney Sea, Studio Ghibli Museum (buy tickets well in advance if you want to go they sell out super fast), tsukiji fish market (food is really good here but pricey compared to other fish markets), Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara, Shinjuku, Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku.
Kyoto: There's tons of shrines personally I loved the Sake shrine, have a picnic/walk along the Kamo River, Here's a huge list of things to see and do in Kyoto. If you want to visit a really good old school ramen shop that looks a bit grungy but is super good I strongly suggest Karako Ramen and getting a bowl of ramen and the fried chicken you will be full for days! If you have time hop on the train and do a day trip to Nara and see the deer in Nara park they are super friendly and you can feed and pet them.
Osaka: Try Okonomyaki and Takoyaki, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, go to a baseball game ideally in Osaka to see the Hanshin Tigers. Their fans are the most lively of all the Japanese baseball teams and tickets in the outfield are the most popular instead of behind home plate.
As far as getting around be sure to buy JR Rail passes to take the bullet train. I got my tickets from https://www.japan-rail-pass.ca/ it will save you a lot of money compared to buying single trip tickets in the country. Also be sure to get a Suica Card in Tokyo to take transit and be prepared to walk a lot and take transit as cabs are crazy expensive! Be sure to get a SIM card before you leave or when you arrive. Your phone must be unlocked before you go or else the SIM card wont work to do this just call your cellphone provider and they can unlock it for free. Alternately you can rent a mobile hotspot (I think thats what its called?) so you can have data and use google maps to get around it will make life getting around infinitely easier there.
Louise
Matti - thank you!
Louise
Nina - thank you!
Sharon
We used a portable wifi from global advanced communications . Pick up and drop off at the airport. Would absolutely rent one again. Japan is our favourite place to visit . Enjoy and don't forget to visit an onsen and a traditional hotel.
Louise
Sharon - thank you.
Issaku
Make sure to get tickets in advance. https://borderless.teamlab.art
Louise
Issaku - thank you.
Darlene
Search the theme restaurants. Always the best fun! Ghost and prison ones were my favourites. Save the address to show the cab driver.
Melanie
https://lifesincrediblejourney.com/top-5-unique-cultural.../
Louise
Melanie - thank you.
Melanie
Louise I was there last March and totally do able to get around on subway and trains between and within cities.
Marlene
Harajuku street in Tokyo is a great adventure!
Katie
We did Tokyo, Osaka and kyoto with our 2 kids in March as well, but in 5 days. We decided after 1 day in Tokyo that we wanted to visit the aquarium in Osaka so we bought a JR pass the next morning and booked a hotel in Osaka while on the train. We booked Dormy Inn Namba in Osaka and loved it! It was a more modern take on an onsen, the kids slept on tatami mats and loved the paper windows. They had an amazing breakfast with traditional Japanese items as well as some westernized options. They also had separate male and female traditional natural spring Baths which was quite interesting. Everyone is naked and you sit in the bath and then you shower in these small sit down showers. And then a few blocks down the road is the amazing tsurutontan udon restaurant. They have opened some restaurants in the US but this one is by far the best and original. The udon noodle bowls are literally the size of a large pizza. Not even exaggerating. My daughter LOVED it.
Louise
Katie - thank you:
Jenna
If you're going between Kyoto & Osaka & it's not already on your radar - Nara is really cool with deer that wander around the park. You can buy crackers from vendors & feed them by hand & they "bow" at you.
Also accommodation wise - you can look into pod hotels which are an experience in themselves!
Louise
Jenna - thank you.
Robin
If you are going south to Naoshima, consider going to Hiroshima. It has a great museum and your kids are at an age to take in the bombing that happened. It was the most impactful museum I visited in my two years living in Japan. March is a great time to go!
Anthony
Erica Rizzo
Linda
*
Mimi
Definitely get a Suica card. You can use it in Osaka and Kyoto as well!
Choy
Depends how much traveling one will be doing. A day pass or a multi day pass is a better deal. I'm in Osaka right now and I have the Kansai Thru Pass which gives me unlimited travel in the metro (non-JR) railways as well as the inter-city railways. I've been to Kyoto twice from Osaka, to Kobe, and tomorrow we're off to Wakayama.
Louise
Mimi - thank you!
Louise
Mark - thank you.
Choy
In Tokyo definitely go to the Sumo Restaurant at Ryogoku. Go when they have a sumo demo. Or if you can take in an actual match, but that's a lot of work to do.
The temple in Asakusa including the shipping street outside is awesome.
If your kids are into Anime, go to Akihabara.
I'm staying right now at Hotel Oriental Express in Shinsaibashi. I recommend this hotel. Priced reasonably and it's 2 small blocks from the Shinsaibashi shopping street and you can walk the one mile to Dotonbori.
Nicky
I recently went there a few months ago! Wish i had known about
Jetzy people keep talking about before i went though haha Really helps you get local recommendations on food, transportation, and where to stay. Saves you a LOT of time on researching. Let me know if this helps!
Vivian
Hai Nguyen
Katherin
Get a portable wifi for time. Order online, they deliver to your hotel and you put back in the mail at the end. Not too expensive for the freedom it gives you.
Download Hyperion App to plan your train trip, times, tracks, transfers all there and easy to follow.
We used Odigo website to help figure out what we wanted to see and the routes to get there.
We got a JR pass before leaving home and it was really useful
Haru
http://japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp.html
Haru
All you can ride bullet train for 7 days just for $290. You can see everything there easily!! Enjoy Trip~!
Sylvia
Trains are the best way to travel in Japan. If I recall though, the tickets have to be paid in cash, no credit cards. Amazing country, people and culture.
Nina
For a day trip from Kyoto, Uji is a nice little place to explore if you like all things matcha. You can also go a little further into Wazuka and find a tea farm tour.
Maki
I am happy to be your tour coordinator!!. Call me, text me or visit me any time
Louise
Maki-Chan, we should chat!
Yvonne
If you go to Kobe and ard looking for a great not expensive place to stay try Maya Guesthouse.
Mikhaila
Check out the New York Times “36 Hours in (...)” Japan editions. We were there last month and used the Kobe one and it didn’t let us down once. I know they have Osaka and Tokyo and maybe even Kyoto, among other cities. Have a great trip! Kobe is wonderful.
Mikhaila
Also, when you first take the train, I would recommend getting a transit card, similar to compass cards, as you will likely be taking the train A LOT. The attendants at the train gate are very helpful and are happy to assist as it is pretty confusing at first. These cards will get you on any local trains and are re-loadable. In japan, you pay when you get off the train (confusingly, also on busses) and if you don’t have enough credit on your card, the gate won’t open and there is a pay station to add more. It’s a really great system.
Mikhaila
Just read through the comments and I see that others have recommended the suica cards —I even kept mine for future visits, but you can return them at the airport at the end of your trip to get your deposit back. You can also use them at some vending machines and train station convenience stores.
Another thing that you should keep in mind is that Japan is a cash culture and very few places accept credit cards.
Also, go to the cup noodle museum in Osaka. It’s free and you can make your own custom cup noodles or take a cooking class and make them from scratch (for a fee). But make sure to take advantage of the English audio guide. We didn’t realize that there was one available and there is literally zero English throughout the museum. The kids will like it.
I’m sure you’ve heard this already, but the convenience stores are outback of this world. If you’re on a budget or just looking for a quick meal, they’re definitely the place to go. 7-11, Lawson’s and Family Mart are the most popular ones. One can easily say a balanced, delicious meal from here. We were there for three weeks and had at least one meal (usually breakfast
) from a convenience store a day. These stores will also usually carry the local specialty or what the particular region is known for, dessert or otherwise.
Linda
following
Elaine
Following
Richard
Go visit Arishiyama when you are in Kyoto... beautiful bamboo forest with some tranquility and you can there by public transit.
Isabel
*
A.I. says...
The Ultimate Guide to Family Travel in Japan
Japan is a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern wonders, making it an excellent choice for a family vacation. With its efficient transportation system, diverse cuisine, and countless cultural attractions, Japan promises an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.
Accommodations
When traveling with kids, finding the right accommodations can make or break your trip. Here are some recommendations for your stay in Japan:
Tokyo
- Airbnb Apartments: Renting an apartment through Airbnb can offer more space and a homely atmosphere, perfect for families. Look for apartments in central areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya for easy access to major attractions.
- Family-Friendly Hotels: Hotels like the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku or the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel offer family-friendly amenities, including kids' clubs, pools, and interconnecting rooms.
Kyoto
- Ryokans (Traditional Japanese Inns): For an authentic cultural experience, consider staying in a ryokan like Hiiragiya or Tarawara. Many offer tatami mat rooms and delicious kaiseki cuisine.
- Apartment Rentals: Rent an apartment in the heart of Kyoto, like in the Gion or Kawaramachi districts, for easy access to shrines, temples, and traditional streets.
Osaka
- Family-Friendly Hotels: The SwissĂ´tel Nankai Osaka or the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel offer comfortable accommodations and convenient locations near attractions like Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium.
Naoshima
- Benesse House: This unique museum-hotel, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, offers contemporary art installations and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Transportation Tips
Getting around Japan is a breeze thanks to its efficient transportation system. Here are some tips to make your travels smoother:
- Japan Rail Pass: If you plan to travel between multiple cities, the Japan Rail Pass can save you money on train travel. Purchase it before your trip and activate it upon arrival.
- Subway and Train Systems: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have extensive subway and train networks. Purchase reloadable IC cards like Suica or ICOCA for easy access to public transportation.
- Rental Cars or Taxis: While public transportation is excellent, renting a car or taking taxis can be convenient for shorter trips or when traveling with lots of luggage.
- Walking Tours: Many Japanese cities are best explored on foot. Consider booking a guided walking tour to experience the local culture and hidden gems.
With careful planning and an open mind, your family trip to Japan promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with cultural discoveries, delicious cuisine, and lasting memories.
2019
15
January
How to Plan the Perfect Asia Trip: Nha Trang and Japan in December-January?
15
January
Read more
2019
12
January
Where can I find the best sights in Kyoto for a day trip from Osaka?
12
January
Read more
2019
2
January
Looking for Tokyo travel tips? Check out our 2-week itinerary!
2
January
Read more
2019
1
January
Which Destinations Pair Well with a Winter Getaway to Bali?
1
January
Read more
2018
31
December
What are the must-visit places in Japan for a solo traveler in September?
31
December
Read more
2018
22
December
Looking for a Romantic Fall Getaway? Where Should You Go for a Week?
22
December
Read more
2018
22
December
Where should we stay in Hakuba for our ski trip in Japan?
22
December
Read more
2018
14
December
Which amusement parks in Seoul and Tokyo are best for kids under 52 inches?
14
December
Read more
2018
3
December
Seeking non-touristy recommendations for our Japan trip in March!
3
December
Read more
Louise
Hello, everyone. Our family of four is traveling to Japan for 16 days in March 2020. Kids will be 12 and 15. We plan on visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Naoshima. Looking for recommendations for accommodations and transportation tips. Thank you!