Tokyo With Kids: Essential Tips for Traveling Japan With Babies and Toddlers

Tokyo is an exciting, safe, and surprisingly family-friendly destination, even with babies and toddlers. While the city can feel overwhelming at first, traveling Tokyo with small children is very doable with a bit of preparation. From food and transportation to social etiquette and playgrounds, here are practical tips to help families enjoy Tokyo stress-free.

Food for Babies and Toddlers in Tokyo

If you are traveling with a baby on formula or limited solids, it is highly recommended to bring everything you need from home. While baby products do exist in Japan, formulas and baby foods differ significantly in taste, ingredients, and labeling, which can be challenging if your child is sensitive or picky.

For children aged two and up, convenience stores known as kombinis will quickly become your best friend. Stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are everywhere and stock a wide variety of child-friendly foods. You will easily find plain pasta, rice, onigiri, yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, and simple snacks. Kombinis are reliable, affordable, and often the easiest option when sightseeing with kids.

Baby Essentials to Bring to Japan

Diapers are available in Japan, but it is best to bring enough for your entire trip plus some extra. Large supermarkets are not common in central Tokyo, and smaller neighborhood shops usually do not carry diapers. Sizes and brands may also differ from what your child is used to.

Pharmacies are easy to find, but language barriers can make it difficult to explain symptoms or find specific medications. Bring essential medicines with you, including fever reducers, teething relief, allergy medication, and anything your child regularly uses.

Most hotels in Tokyo are extremely accommodating to families. Many offer baby amenities such as baby bathtubs, toilet seats, bed guards, and even food processors for preparing baby meals. Always check with your hotel in advance, as these items are usually available upon request rather than automatically placed in the room.

Playgrounds and Kid-Friendly Spaces in Tokyo

Almost every neighborhood in Tokyo has a small playground, but most are simple and not heavily equipped. They are still great for short breaks and letting kids burn off some energy.

Tokyo also has excellent indoor playgrounds, which are perfect for rainy days or hot summers. Popular options include Asobono, KidZania, and Culaful, all designed with young children in mind.

Another underrated option is the rooftop spaces of major shopping malls such as Tokyu or Tokyo Midtown. Many of these rooftops feature green areas where small children can walk, crawl, or play safely. These spaces are a lifesaver when the city becomes overwhelming and kids need a break.

Social Etiquette When Traveling Tokyo With Kids

Japanese people are generally very friendly and welcoming toward children, but there are a few cultural norms to keep in mind.

Shoes should always be removed when children sit or play on any surface. This applies to trains, restaurants, public benches, and indoor spaces where seating is low or floor-based.

Keeping noise to a minimum in public spaces is highly appreciated. Avoid playing music or cartoons with sound, and try to keep voices low. That said, a crying baby is completely acceptable and will not be met with disapproval.

Eating in public transportation areas such as the subway is generally discouraged. Plan snack breaks before or after train rides whenever possible.

Getting Around Tokyo With Small Children

Tokyo is very stroller-friendly, including sidewalks and public transportation. Most subway stations have elevators, and trains often include designated seating areas for families and pregnant passengers.

Make sure to turn on the "Wheelchair Accessible" toggle in your Google Maps settings. This way you will always get the right exits and directions with elevators.

An easily foldable stroller is essential. Hotel rooms and restaurants are often small, and there may be situations where stairs are unavoidable.

For smaller children, a baby carrier is extremely useful. It is especially helpful on rainy days, in museums, and in crowded areas where navigating with a stroller can be difficult.

Eating Out in Tokyo With Kids

Most restaurants in Tokyo are kid-friendly, but some are not suitable for small children. Avoid places with very limited seating such as omakase restaurants and traditional izakayas. Some restaurants have a no-children policy, which can usually be checked in advance on platforms like TableCheck or Tabelog.

Not all restaurants provide baby chairs. When traveling with a baby or young toddler, carrying a portable booster seat can be very helpful, especially under one year of age.

Many restaurants focus on one specific type of food and have very narrow menus. It is a good idea to check menus online beforehand to make sure there is something suitable for your child.

Restaurants that welcome children usually provide baby cutlery and are generally very accommodating toward families, often going out of their way to help.

Read about my favourite toddler friendly cafes in Tokyo here.

Nursing in Public and Baby Care Facilities in Tokyo

Nursing in public in Tokyo is discreet and generally expected to happen in designated spaces rather than openly. While breastfeeding is not frowned upon, it is uncommon to nurse uncovered in public areas such as cafes, parks, or trains. Most mothers use nursing rooms, which are widely available and very well maintained.

Baby changing and nursing rooms, often called baby care rooms, are easy to find throughout the city. They are commonly located in shopping malls, department stores, major train stations, museums, and larger public buildings. These rooms are clean, quiet, and thoughtfully designed for parents with small children.

Inside baby care rooms, you will usually find private nursing cubicles, changing tables, sinks, hot water dispensers for formula preparation, and sometimes even small seating areas for toddlers. Many facilities also provide child-sized toilets and vending machines with baby products.

Department stores and malls such as Ginza Six, Tokyo Midtown, Tokyu Plaza, and large station complexes have some of the best-equipped baby care rooms and are ideal places to plan breaks during sightseeing. Even most big stores like Muji have some amazing facilities. These spaces make traveling Tokyo with a baby or toddler significantly easier and more comfortable.

Where to Buy Toys in Tokyo?

Tokyo is a paradise for children who love toys, with stores ranging from high-end specialty shops to fun budget-friendly options.

Some of the most popular toy stores include Kiddy Land, which has multiple locations including the famous Harajuku store, and Toyland in Ginza, known for its wide selection of Japanese and international toys. For budget-friendly and unique finds, stores like Daiso and 3Coins always have a variety of cute and practical toys suitable for toddlers and preschoolers.

Many large department stores also have dedicated toy sections. Additionally, electronics stores such as BIC Camera often carry toys alongside gadgets, making them a convenient stop while shopping.

For a truly local experience, keep an eye out for Gachapon (capsule toy) machines scattered across the city, as well as Pachinko arcades, which can be a fun visual experience for older kids. These small toys make for unique souvenirs and are a fun way to explore Tokyo’s playful side.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Tokyo With Kids

Tokyo may seem intimidating for families at first, but it is one of the safest and most organized cities to visit with small children. With the right preparation and realistic expectations, traveling Tokyo with kids can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

FAQ Section

Is Tokyo stroller-friendly?Yes, most sidewalks and subway stations have elevators. Lightweight, foldable strollers are recommended.

Is it easy to find baby food in Tokyo? For toddlers, yes. For babies on formula or limited solids, bringing supplies from home is recommended.

Is it acceptable to breastfeed in public in Tokyo?

Breastfeeding is accepted, but most parents use dedicated nursing rooms rather than breastfeeding openly in public spaces.

Are nursing rooms available in Tokyo?Yes, baby care rooms are widely available in malls, train stations, and public buildings. They provide nursing cubicles, changing tables, sinks, and sometimes seating for toddlers.

Where can I buy toys in Tokyo? Specialty stores like Kiddy Land and Toyland, budget-friendly shops like Daiso and 3Coins, department store toy sections, BIC Camera, and Gachapon machines all offer toys for children.

Are restaurants in Tokyo suitable for children? Most are, but omakase and small izakayas may not accept children. Many restaurants provide baby chairs, baby cutlery, and are accommodating to families.