Travelling in Japan with Kids: Tips and Japanese Phrases for Families
Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel with children: it’s safe, clean, punctual, and full of baby rooms, family restaurants and kid-friendly food. The challenges are mostly practical, such as busy trains, stairs in older stations and menus only in Japanese. A handful of phrases helps a lot, especially for asking for a high chair, finding a baby room, and getting help if your child is lost or unwell.
Practical tips for families
- Trains. Avoid rush hour (roughly 7:30–9:30 and 17:30–19:30). On JR trains, children aged 6–11 usually pay a child fare, and younger children often ride free with a paying adult; check the rules for reserved seats.
- Strollers. Lifts exist in most big stations but can be far from the platform you need. A light, folding stroller is easiest. See Japanese for trains and getting around.
- Baby rooms. Department stores, malls and big stations have 授乳室 (nursing rooms) with changing tables and hot water.
- Food. Family restaurants and department-store food floors are relaxed and have kids’ menus (お子様ランチ). If your child has allergies, see food allergies in Japan.
- Hotels and ryokan. Ask about bedding for children and whether the bath is shared. See ryokan and onsen etiquette.
Phrases parents need
| Japanese | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 子ども用の椅子はありますか？ | kodomo-yō no isu wa arimasu ka? | Do you have a high chair? |
| お子様メニューはありますか？ | okosama menyū wa arimasu ka? | Do you have a children’s menu? |
| 授乳室はどこですか？ | junyū-shitsu wa doko desu ka? | Where is the nursing room? |
| おむつを替える場所はありますか？ | omutsu o kaeru basho wa arimasu ka? | Is there somewhere to change a nappy? |
| エレベーターはどこですか？ | erebētā wa doko desu ka? | Where is the lift? |
| ベビーカーのまま入れますか？ | bebīkā no mama hairemasu ka? | Can we come in with the stroller? |
| 子どもが迷子になりました。 | kodomo ga maigo ni narimashita. | My child is lost. |
| 子どもが熱を出しました。 | kodomo ga netsu o dashimashita. | My child has a fever. |
If something goes wrong
If your child is lost, tell the nearest staff member or go to a 交番 (police box); shops and stations make announcements quickly. In a medical emergency, call 119. For non-emergencies, see Japanese at the doctor and Japanese for emergencies. Give older children a card with your hotel name and your phone number in Japanese.
Getting the kids involved
Children often love learning a few words before the trip: こんにちは, ありがとう, おいしい. Japanese staff are usually delighted to hear them. See learning Japanese before a trip and Japanese lessons for kids and teens.
How Hanabuddies can help
Our native tutors can teach a short, playful family course online before you travel, focused on the phrases you’ll use. If you’d like support on the ground, we can also provide an English–Japanese interpreter in person for days out or appointments, with travel costs covered by you. See an interpreter for your trip to Japan. We don’t book travel or provide childcare.