Japan seamlessly blends ancient traditions with state-of-the-art modernity, offering travelers everything from serene temples and historic castles to neon-lit cities and world-class cuisine. From the snow-capped peaks of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa, this island nation captivates visitors with its rich culture, impeccable hospitality, and stunning natural beauty.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea
Tokyo Disneyland offers the classic Disney experience while DisneySea is uniquely designed around nautical adventure themes and is found nowhere else in the world. Both parks operate at world-class standards with shorter queues than US parks in off-peak periods.
Duration: Full day (park opens 8AM)
Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
Home to Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Minion Park, USJ Osaka is one of Asia's premier theme parks. Super Nintendo World's interactive wristband features make it especially engaging for gaming-age children.
Duration: Full day
teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum
Immersive digital art environments where projections change based on movement allow children to interact directly with the artwork. The latest venue is in Tokyo's Azabudai Hills with entirely new installations from the original Odaiba location.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Nara Deer Feeding in Nara Park
Over 1,000 sacred deer roam freely through Nara Park, learning to bow politely when they spot the deer crackers tourists buy from vendors. Children love the interactive feeding experience near Todai-ji Temple.
Duration: 2-3 hours
KidZania Tokyo or Osaka
An entire child-sized city where kids try 100+ adult professions from pilot to firefighter to chef, earning KidZo currency they spend at the mini city's shops and attractions. Educational entertainment concept uniquely engaging for children 3-12.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
One of the world's largest aquariums with a 34-meter tank housing whale sharks and manta rays that children can observe from multiple floor levels as they descend through different ocean zones from Arctic to Antarctic.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hilton Tokyo Odaiba
Family rooms with harbor views and easy access to Odaiba's family attractions including teamLab, Legoland Discovery Centre, and waterfront parks. The hotel's location on the man-made island keeps families away from busy city traffic.
Family features: Family rooms sleeping 4, children's pool, kids' amenity kit on arrival, proximity to child attractions
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Large family rooms in a well-managed Shinjuku hotel with indoor pool for children, family Sunday brunch, and free stay for children under 12 in parents' room. Central location with excellent transport connections to all Tokyo attractions.
Family features: Kids stay free policy, indoor pool, family Sunday brunch, central location, connecting rooms available
Hotel Universal Port Osaka
Adjacent to Universal Studios Japan with themed family rooms and early entry arrangements for the park. The hotel lobby reflects USJ themes with character decorations that excite children immediately on arrival.
Family features: Steps from USJ, character breakfast events, themed family rooms, luggage storage for park days
APA Hotel (Multiple Cities)
Reliable budget-midrange chain with family rooms across Japan's major cities. Rooms are compact but efficiently designed with Japanese-style bathing facilities and free WiFi. The most consistent and affordable family option.
Family features: Family rooms with extra beds, Japanese-style bath, coin laundry, vending machines, nationwide locations
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Conveyor belt sushi restaurants (kaiten-sushi chains like Sushiro and Kura Sushi) are excellent for families — children love watching plates pass and ordering via touchscreen tablet, with prices from ¥100-300 per plate
Family restaurant chains (Gusto, Jonathan's, Saizeriya) serve Western-style food alongside Japanese dishes with English picture menus, kids meals from ¥400, and high chairs at every table
CoCo Ichibanya curry chain allows precise spice level adjustment from zero heat — perfect for children who like familiar rice-based meals with adjustable flavors
Most Japanese department store restaurants on upper floors offer high chairs and children's menus (okosama lunch) — better quality than fast food at modest prices
Children under 6 can share meals at most restaurants without additional charge — useful for toddlers who only want small portions
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
IC card apps (Suica/Pasmo) on smartphones allow paying for children's train fares automatically at the correct child rate without separate cards
Baby changing facilities and nursing rooms (junyushitsu) are available at all major train stations, shopping malls, and tourist attractions
Theme parks are most enjoyable from age 3+ and most engaging from age 5+ when children appreciate character interactions and gentler rides