Japan rewards families who arrive prepared. Not because it is difficult — it is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel in — but because knowing a few specific things in advance removes the small frictions that accumulate over a family trip and make days harder than they need to be.
This guide covers the practical details: transport cards, cash, food logistics, pharmacies, packing, and the day-to-day realities of traveling in Japan with children.
← Back to Japan with Kids Guide
Money and Payments
Cash
Japan remains significantly more cash-dependent than most developed countries. Many restaurants, smaller shops, temples, and markets accept cash only. Carry sufficient yen at all times — a family of four should have at least ¥30,000–50,000 (approximately USD $200–330) accessible at any given point during the trip.
ATMs
7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign debit and credit cards. Most other ATMs in Japan — including those at Japanese banks — do not. Japan Post ATMs are the other reliable option. In small towns or rural areas, locating a 7-Eleven ATM before running low on cash is advisable.
Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, and chain shops. American Express has lower acceptance. Do not assume card acceptance — always carry cash.
IC Transport Cards
Suica and Pasmo cards are rechargeable IC cards that work on virtually all trains, subways, and buses in Japan. They can also be used for purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants. Load them at station machines using cash or a foreign credit card. Children’s IC cards are available at station windows for ages 6–11 (half-fare). Under 6 travel free without a card.
Getting Around
The Japan Rail Pass
Purchased before arriving in Japan, the Japan Rail Pass provides unlimited travel on most JR trains including the Shinkansen. For a family covering Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone, a 14-day adult pass (approximately USD $430) is typically good value. Children aged 6–11 pay half price. Under 6 travel free.
Calculate your expected journeys before purchasing — for families staying primarily in one or two cities, individual tickets may be more economical.
Luggage Forwarding (Takuhaibin)
One of the most practical — and underused by first-time visitors — services in Japan. Luggage forwarding allows you to send bags between hotels overnight for approximately USD $10–20 per bag. You travel light on the train; your bags arrive at your next hotel by the following morning.
For families traveling with children, strollers, and significant luggage, this service is transformative. Hotels and convenience stores can arrange it. Give yourself 24 hours lead time.
Strollers on Public Transport
Strollers are accepted on Japanese trains and subways with designated spaces available. Use elevators rather than escalators — Google Maps set to “accessible route” will route you correctly. Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:00am and 5:30–7:30pm on weekdays) when trains are too crowded for strollers.
Taxis
Japan taxis are clean, metered, and reliable. Doors open and close automatically — do not touch them. Child seat requirements are not legally mandated for taxis. Japan Taxi app allows booking in English. For airport transfers and longer journeys, private car services can arrange child seats in advance.
Convenience Stores: Your Most Useful Resource
Japan’s convenience stores — 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson — are unlike convenience stores anywhere else in the world. They are genuinely useful for families in ways that take first-time visitors by surprise.
What you can find:
- Warm meals (rice dishes, sandwiches, hot noodles) prepared fresh throughout the day
- Baby food, formula, nappies, and wipes
- Children’s snacks and drinks
- Over-the-counter medications including children’s versions
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, cooling products
- Phone chargers, travel adapters, and basic toiletries
- Printing, photocopying, and ticketing services
- ATM (7-Eleven)
A convenience store breakfast costs approximately USD $4–7 per adult and is entirely acceptable in quality. Many families use them for breakfast and casual lunches, saving budget and effort for dinner at a proper restaurant.
Pharmacies
Matsumoto Kiyoshi and other Japanese pharmacy chains are large, well-stocked, and found in most shopping areas and near major train stations.
Bring from home: Children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen in brands your child tolerates. Japanese equivalents exist but brand names differ, and working out correct dosing for an unfamiliar product in a foreign pharmacy is an unnecessary stress. A doctor’s note for any prescription medication is advisable.
Available in Japan: Sunscreen, insect repellent, plasters, antiseptic, eye drops, cold and flu remedies, antidiarrheal medication, rehydration sachets. If you run out of something at home, Japan’s pharmacies are well-equipped to help — bring a translation app for the more complex conversations.
Food Logistics for Families
Reliable Child-Friendly Foods
- Udon: Thick wheat noodles in mild broth. Near-universally accepted by children.
- Onigiri: Rice balls in various fillings, available at every convenience store. Plain rice or mild salmon are safe starting points.
- Ramen: Choose mild broth varieties (shio or shoyu rather than spicy miso). Most children enjoy ramen enthusiastically.
- Conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi): The format makes it an event. Plates arrive on a conveyor; you take what you want. Tamago (egg) and California-style rolls are reliable children’s options.
- Tempura: Lightly battered and fried vegetables and seafood. Mild and accessible.
- Yakitori: Skewered grilled chicken. Simple and widely available.
Family Restaurants (Famiresu)
Gusto, Saizeriya, and Denny’s Japan are family restaurant chains found throughout the country. They offer children’s menus, high chairs, long opening hours, and a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere. These are where Japanese families with young children eat regularly — not tourist-facing restaurants. Prices are low and quality is reliable.
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian and vegan travelers face some challenges in Japan — fish stock (dashi) is used widely in seemingly vegetarian dishes. Halal options are increasingly available in major cities, with dedicated halal restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka. Bring a dietary requirements card translated into Japanese for more complex situations; free versions are available online.
Communication
SIM Card or Pocket WiFi
Mobile data is essential for navigation, translation, and restaurant research. Options:
- Data SIM card: Available at airport vending machines and convenience stores. Insert into your unlocked phone and use your existing apps.
- eSIM: Purchase before departure from services like Airalo or Ubigi. Instant activation on arrival.
- Pocket WiFi rental: A dedicated device that connects multiple devices simultaneously. Available at airports and through advance booking. Useful for families with multiple devices.
Translation Apps
Google Translate with Japanese downloaded for offline use. The camera feature — point your phone at Japanese text to see a translation — is particularly useful for menus and signage. DeepL is an alternative for more nuanced text translation.
A Note on Planning
These practical details matter — but they are the details, not the substance. The substance is the trip itself: the experiences your family has together, the things your children remember, the moments that come without warning and stay for years.
At Jatravi, we handle the practical details — transport, accommodation, transfers, reservations — so that families can focus entirely on the experience.
Not sure what kind of Japan trip suits your family? Take our free 2-minute quiz →
Ready to plan? WhatsApp us directly — we typically respond within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ATMs work in Japan for foreign cards?
7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro debit and credit cards. Japan Post ATMs are the other reliable option. Most Japanese bank ATMs do not accept foreign cards. In unfamiliar areas, locating a 7-Eleven before running low on cash is advisable.
What is luggage forwarding in Japan and how does it work?
Luggage forwarding (takuhaibin) allows you to send bags between hotels overnight for approximately USD $10–20 per bag. Drop bags at your hotel front desk (or a convenience store) before 12pm; they arrive at your next hotel the following morning. For families with children, strollers, and significant luggage, this service is transformative — you travel light on the train.
What medicine should I bring to Japan for children?
Bring children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen in brands your child tolerates — finding specific brands in Japan can be time-consuming. Japanese pharmacies stock equivalent products but brand names differ and dosing instructions are in Japanese. Any prescription medication should be accompanied by a doctor’s letter with generic names and dosages.
Do Japanese convenience stores have baby food?
Yes. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson convenience stores stock baby food, formula, nappies, wipes, and children’s snacks. They are open 24 hours and found on almost every block in major cities. For families with young children, they are one of Japan’s most practical resources.
Do I need a pocket WiFi or SIM card in Japan?
Mobile data is essential for navigation, translation apps, and restaurant research in Japan. Options include a data SIM card (available at airports), an eSIM purchased before departure, or pocket WiFi rental. For families with multiple devices, pocket WiFi allows all devices to share a single connection. An eSIM is the most convenient option if your phone supports it.
Continue Reading
- ← Japan with Kids Guide
- Japan Family Travel Guide (Hub)
- Japan with Toddlers
- Best Japan Attractions for Kids
- 10-Day Japan Family Itinerary
- Japan Family Trip Cost Guide
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