Tips for First-Time Travelers to Japan Pt. 2

a family of four on a beach
(Source: Upsplash)

You’ve finally booked the trip — a family adventure to Japan. The kids are excited about sushi and samurai, you’re dreaming of temples and tea houses, and everyone’s a little nervous about the unknown.

You might be wondering things like:
Will the kids eat anything besides convenience store snacks?
How do we get around without speaking Japanese?
Is it rude if my toddler gets loud on the train?

Travelling to Japan for the first time as a family can feel like a mix of wonder and worry. It’s a place full of magic — from robot cafés and ancient castles to spotless subways and polite strangers — but it also comes with cultural differences that can trip you up if you’re not prepared.

That’s why this guide exists. Whether you're visiting for a week or staying longer, you’ll find tips here that help you move through Japan confidently as a family. From practical things like SIM cards and JR Passes to family-friendly etiquette and destinations, it’s all covered — in one simple, no-fuss checklist.

Because your trip to Japan should be full of memories, not meltdowns. Let’s make that happen.

🛂 Visa Requirements: What Families Need to Know

Before you start packing those matching passports and carry-on snacks, it’s important to check whether your family needs a visa to enter Japan.

✈️ Do You Need a Visa?

Currently, citizens from around 68 countries — including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Europe — can enter Japan without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. This means that for most holidaying families, there’s no paperwork required beyond a valid passport.

But — and this is key — every family member needs their own passport, including babies and toddlers. Japan does not accept group or family passports.

📋 What If You Do Need a Visa?

If your country isn’t on the visa-exempt list, you’ll need to apply for a temporary visitor visa in advance. This typically requires:

A completed visa application form for each person
A valid passport
Proof of travel plans (like your flight itinerary and hotel reservations)
Possibly financial documents (to show you can support yourselves during your stay)

Processing times vary by country, but it's smart to apply at least a month in advance. Always check the official website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or contact your local Japanese embassy for the most up-to-date requirements.

🧒 Special Notes for Families

Children entering on a tourist visa are treated the same as adults — there are no special forms for minors.
If one parent is travelling with the kids and the other is staying behind, it’s a good idea (though not always required) to bring a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent, especially for younger children.
Japan’s entry process is smooth and orderly, but keep your documents handy at immigration — passports, arrival cards (which are now mostly digital), and any visa paperwork if applicable.

💡 Pro tip: Japan uses an automated entry system at many airports. Families with young children or strollers are usually directed to a staffed immigration desk instead — don’t worry, the process is quick and friendly.

🏥 Health & Travel Insurance: Why It Matters for Families

Japan is known for its world-class healthcare — modern hospitals, highly trained staff, and efficient services. But as a visitor, especially with kids in tow, you’ll want to be prepared in case someone gets sick, catches a bug, or takes a tumble while running through a shrine.

Here’s what you need to know before you go:

🩺 Do You Need Health Insurance in Japan?

Yes — absolutely. While Japan's healthcare system is excellent, it's also pay-upfront. That means if your child comes down with a fever or you need to visit a clinic for any reason, you’re expected to pay out-of-pocket at the time of service, and costs can add up quickly.

Even a routine doctor’s visit or medication could cost several thousand yen — and emergency care or hospitalisation? Much more.

🌍 What Kind of Insurance Should You Get?

For peace of mind, look for travel insurance with medical coverage that includes:

Emergency care and hospitalisation
Prescription medications
Medical evacuation (just in case)
Coverage for all family members, including children and infants
24/7 multilingual support (especially useful when you’re in an unfamiliar city)

Many major insurers (like World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Allianz) offer family plans or allow you to add dependents easily.

If you’re visiting from a country with a reciprocal health care agreement with Japan (such as Australia under Medicare), you may be partially covered — but travel insurance is still strongly recommended to fill in the gaps.

👶 What If Your Child Gets Sick in Japan?

If you need medical help while travelling:

Many large cities have English-speaking clinics and international hospitals.
Pharmacies (薬局 or yakkyoku) are everywhere and offer over-the-counter meds — but most pharmacists speak limited English, so a translation app helps.
If it’s not an emergency, Call Butler can help find nearby clinics or help you explain symptoms in Japanese.

💡 Family tip: Pack a small medical kit with essentials like paracetamol, band-aids, hand sanitiser, and any prescription meds your family may need. Some common Western brands aren’t widely available in Japan.

(Source: Upsplash)

💴 Currency & Payments: What Families Should Know

Japan is a safe and organised country — but when it comes to money, it’s still a cash-first society in many ways. If you’re travelling as a family, it pays (literally) to understand how money works here before you land.

💱 The Basics

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Exchange rate: As of late 2025, ¥1,000 is roughly $6.86 USD / £5.04 GBP / €5.91 EUR — but rates fluctuate, so check before your trip.
Bills and Coins: Bills come in ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 denominations. Coins go from ¥1 to ¥500. You’ll collect a lot of coins — handy for vending machines and small snacks.

🏧 Where to Get Cash

You’ll want some cash handy when you arrive — for taxis, small restaurants, public transport, or attractions that don’t accept cards.

Here’s where to safely and reliably withdraw cash:

7-Eleven ATMs: Found almost everywhere, and they accept most international cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
Japan Post ATMs: Also foreign-card friendly, located in post offices and some train stations
Airport ATMs: Reliable but may have slightly higher withdrawal fees

💡 Family tip: Set a daily cash budget for food, travel, and fun — it’s easier to manage spending with physical money, especially if your kids are eyeing capsule toys or souvenirs at every stop.

💳 Card Payments

Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted, especially in cities and larger stores — but many places still prefer cash.

Supermarkets, department stores, and chain restaurants? Usually fine.
Smaller shops, food stalls, or rural areas? Often cash-only.
IC card top-ups (like Suica or Pasmo for trains)? Typically cash-only at machines.

💡 Bring at least two cards — one as backup in case a machine rejects your primary card (it happens!).

📱 Mobile Payment Options

Japan has several digital payment systems (like PayPay, Rakuten Pay, Line Pay), but most require a Japanese phone number and bank account, so they’re not ideal for short-term visitors.

If you want a handy way to manage payments and transport, get a rechargeable IC card like:

Suica (JR East areas like Tokyo)
Pasmo (private rail in Tokyo)
Icoca (used in Osaka and Kyoto)

These cards work for trains, buses, vending machines, and even convenience stores — great for families on the go.

(Source: Upsplash)

🚅 Transportation in Japan: Getting Around with Ease

Japan’s transportation system is one of the best in the world — fast, clean, safe, and (usually) on time to the second. But for first-time travellers, especially families with kids, it can feel overwhelming at first.

Here’s what you need to know to get around Japan with confidence — without the stress of dragging suitcases through a crowded station while deciphering kanji.

🚄 Long-Distance Travel: The Japan Rail Pass

If you're planning to visit multiple cities (like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima), consider getting a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). This gives you unlimited access to most JR trains — including the famous shinkansen (bullet trains) — for a set number of days.

Cost (as of 2023): Around ¥29,650 (~$270 USD) for a 7-day adult pass; children aged 6–11 pay half, and under-6s travel free (but without a reserved seat).
Value: If you’re doing more than one long-distance trip (e.g. Tokyo to Kyoto and back), it usually pays for itself.

💡 Family tip: Always book reserved seats if travelling with kids — it guarantees space and keeps the group together.

🚇 Getting Around Cities: Subways, Buses & IC Cards

Most major cities — Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto — have excellent subway systems. They’re fast, frequent, and clean.

IC cards like Suica or Pasmo (in Tokyo) and Icoca (in Osaka/Kyoto) can be used across most transport networks — subways, buses, even some shops.
You can buy and top them up at stations (cash only), and each person in the family should ideally have their own.

💡 With small kids: Most stations have elevators, but not all. Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) if you’ve got strollers or little ones.

🚕 Taxis & Rideshare

Taxis are clean and safe — but expensive, especially over long distances. They’re a great option for short trips or late-night returns when trains stop running (usually by midnight).

No need to tip.
Doors open automatically — don’t try to open them yourself.
Not all drivers speak English, so have your destination written in Japanese (or use a navigation app).

🧭 Feeling Lost? Call Butler Can Help

If navigating Japanese transport seems daunting — especially with kids in tow — Call Butler can help simplify things.

Need help booking a shinkansen, figuring out which subway line to take, or arranging a taxi for the whole family? Just message Call Butler. We’ll help:

Recommend the best transport options for your itinerary
Find stroller-accessible stations or routes
Book seats, passes, or even private transfers
Provide real-time navigation help if you’re stuck mid-journey

With Call Butler, you don’t have to worry about missed trains, language barriers, or confusing maps — just focus on the adventure.

a building lit up at night with lights on
(Source: Upsplash)

🏨 Accommodations in Japan: Where Should Families Stay?

Finding the right place to stay can make or break your family trip — especially when you’re travelling with young kids, strollers, or multiple suitcases. Luckily, Japan offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations that suit every style and budget.

Here’s how to choose the right one for your crew:

🏯 Ryokans: A Cultural Experience

If you want a deep dive into Japanese culture, consider staying in a ryokan — a traditional Japanese inn. Think tatami mats, futon beds, sliding paper doors, and the calming ritual of a shared bath (onsen). Ryokans with Private Hot springs in Tokyo

✅ Best for: Older kids or teens who can appreciate the experience and follow quiet-time rules
🚫 Skip if: You’ve got a toddler who loves running and jumping — ryokans are usually quiet and not childproofed

💡 Family tip: Some ryokans offer rooms with private bathrooms and meals served in-room — perfect if you’re nervous about communal dining with little ones.

🛏️ Hotels: Reliable & Comfortable

Major cities have a wide selection of Western-style hotels — from budget chains like Toyoko Inn to higher-end options like Hotel Gracery or the Keio Plaza. Many offer family rooms or adjoining rooms, and kids under a certain age often stay free if they share a bed.

✅ Best for: Convenience, comfort, and predictable amenities (like elevators, bathtubs, and breakfast buffets)
🚫 Watch for: Small room sizes — what’s called a “double” in Japan may feel more like a large single

💡 Family tip: Look for hotels near major train stations — less walking with kids and easier luggage transfers.

🏠 Vacation Rentals: Space to Spread Out

For longer stays or bigger families, vacation rentals (like Airbnb or Vrbo) can be a game-changer. You’ll get space, a kitchen, laundry facilities, and often multiple sleeping areas — ideal for parents who need some downtime after bedtime.

✅ Best for: Families who like flexibility and need more space
🚫 Watch for: Some buildings have strict noise rules or no elevators

💡 Check the listing carefully — Japan has specific rules for legal rentals. Look for a property that lists its license number or says it's “registered.”

🧳 Capsule Hotels: Cool But Cramped

Capsule hotels are iconic — tiny sleeping pods stacked side-by-side — but they’re more of a novelty than a practical option for families.

✅ Best for: Solo travellers or teens who want to try something unique for a night
🚫 Not suitable for: Young kids, families, or anyone needing space

🧡 Family-Friendly Features to Look For

No matter where you stay, these extras can make life easier:

Luggage forwarding service (often available through hotels) so you don’t have to haul bags on trains
On-site laundry for mid-trip washes (coin-operated machines are common)
Convenience stores nearby for snacks, milk, or quick meals
Free kids’ amenities like slippers, toothbrushes, or even pyjamas (some hotels offer these as a fun touch)

📶 Staying Online

Japan is super connected — but unless you want to rack up roaming charges, you’ll need a plan. Most families either:

Buy a SIM card at the airport or online before travel
Rent a portable Wi-Fi device (a pocket Wi-Fi) to share data across multiple devices

💡 Need help choosing? We’ve got a full blog that walks you through your options — including the best places to rent pocket Wi-Fi and how to avoid SIM card headaches. Stay Connected With Pocket WiFi in Japan!

🔤 Breaking the Language Barrier

English is spoken in touristy areas, but day-to-day? Expect some blank stares — especially in small towns, taxis, or local restaurants.

That said, you’re not stuck. Here’s what helps:

Download a good translation app — Google Translate is handy, especially with its camera scan for menus and signs
Learn a few basics — “Sumimasen” (excuse me), “Arigatou” (thank you), and “Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?” (Do you speak English?) go a long way

💡 Want app suggestions? We’ve put together a list of the best apps to use in Japan, from translators to train tools to food finders. Must Have Apps When Traveling Japan!

Your Family Adventure Awaits and Let Call Butler Help!

Travelling to Japan for the first time as a family doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it can be smooth, joyful, and full of unforgettable moments (yes, even with jet-lagged kids and unexpected language hiccups).

From riding bullet trains to trying new foods, your trip will be filled with stories you’ll talk about for years. And with the right prep — plus a few tools in your back pocket — you can focus less on logistics and more on the magic.

That’s where Call Butler comes in. Whether you need real-time translation help, directions to a family-friendly ramen shop, or guidance navigating public transport with a stroller, Call Butler connects you with local experts who make things simple. No stress. No confusion. Just support when (and how) you need it. Call Butler is your secret weapon.

Because your trip should be filled with memories — not meltdowns.

Ready to make your first family trip to Japan as smooth as possible?
Start by bookmarking Call Butler — and let us help you turn your travel dreams into a drama-free reality.

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