Japan is a fantastic family vacation destination for its grand temples, bustling cityscapes, theme parks, and pop culture scene. But lets not forget its charming idiosyncrasies, wonderful details that can bring you and your family just as much joy as the big attractions. We invite you to discover the magic in the minutiae, the wonder in the everyday. These are some of our favorite details- the little things that really make Japan special that we know you and your kids will love as well!
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Fancy toilets
A crowd favorite- high tech toilets are everywhere in Japan. They often have seat heaters, privacy sounds, automatic seat lifts, auto-cleaning systems, and of course the bidet. Even public bathrooms are clean and enjoyable. I have to say, I never expected the bathroom to be a highlight of a vacation, but in Japan, it really is!
Riding trains
Like many people, we are not from an area where public transit is readily available. And even when we do use it, its almost never as clean, efficient, and enjoyable as the trains in Tokyo. My kids really enjoy learning the routes, scanning tickets or Suica cards, and just the whole experience of getting around the city on the train!
Vending machines everywhere!
It feels like you never walk more than a block without seeing a vending machine in Japan. And while most of them contain only drinks, there are also ice cream, coffee, snacks, even Pokemon plush vending machines. My favorite vending machine has to be the coffee vending machine that sang to me while it made a coffee in 95 seconds. My kids enjoyed the ice cream vending machines!
Convenience Store Snacks
Japan is filled with convenience stores, like Lawson, 7 Eleven, and Family mart, are stocked with fresh, tasty snacks we’d never expect! It’s such a fun family experience to pop in and pick out a few fun new snacks to try! And in Tokyo, you never have to walk more than a block or two to find a convenience store- they are EVERYWHERE!
The Quiet
In Tokyo, the largest city in the world, you’d expect endless noise, right? And it is noisy in some ways. But while walking down the street, riding the train, or eating in restaurants, people in Tokyo keep their voices low, and generally keep things quiet and peaceful. With kids, you might think this is going to be an issue (will my kids be the loudest people around?) but even the noisiest kids do seem to adjust and quickly learn to turn the volume down. Plus, Japanese people seem to be so kind and forgiving of children who might be a bit too loud at times.
Meal sets
Not sure what to order, or just wanting to try a little bit of everything? Most Japanese restaurants have meal sets, which usually consists of a smaller portion of several things. It allows you to try a few things out, and just makes the decision making process or ordering a little bit easier. We love that families with kids can try a little bit of everything without having to commit to a meal of just one thing you may not love.
Exclusive Pokemon in Pokemon Go
There are a number of regional Pokemon that can only be found in Asia, or even specific parts of Asian. And catching a few Pokemon you won’t find at home can be a super fun experience for you and your kids. My kids don’t have phones, but they can play on iPad and even do a little walking around the hotel or the room to catch more Pokemon.
Japanese Politeness
Japanese people are extremely kind, polite, and helpful. Because traveling with kids can be stressful, that extra kindness goes a long way towards making your trip extra-enjoyable and relaxing. People in Japan were patient when we couldn’t get train tickets to work, and helpful when we had questions about literally anything. My kids were often complimented on their newly-purchased clothes or toys and got a little extra attention everywhere we went.
Tiny Things
You’ve heard everything is bigger in Texas? I’d say Japan is the opposite – everything is SMALLER in Japan. And its all adorable. Trees are trimmed bonsai- style to keep them small, food is often served in lots of tiny dishes, small drink bottles are common, even restaurants are tiny- some with only space for 5 customers at a time. There are even tons of miniature versions of things for sale as toys.
Cleanliness
When traveling with kids who touch EVERYTHING, Japan is a dream. Everything, including trains and train stations, bathrooms, sidewalks, are clean. Now, of course, your child can certainly catch a cold in Japan. But it’s just a little less horrifying if your toddler puts their hands on the public bathroom floor. No need to worry about a kid stepping in something gross on the street because there is nothing gross. The overall cleanliness in Japan is amazing, and sure to be appreciated by families with kids!
Video Game/Manga/Anime Culture
All around Tokyo, there are subtle nods to Video game and Manga culture, if you are looking for them. As you visit the Unicorn Gundam, Ghibli Park, real life Sailor Moon locations, you’re sure to see murals, figurines, posters, and just tons of manga, video game, and anime characters all over Japan. There are 240 Pokemon themed manhole covers throughout Japan. Its fun for kids to see that they are in the hub for some of the characters they know and love!
Tiny Gardens and Perfect Trees
Japan is full of huge, beautiful gardens and peaceful spaces. But even outside of those spaces, we noticed tiny green spaces with perfectly manicured gardens and trees pruned to perfection. These small, green spaces make the cities even more beautiful and polished. They are a fun little thing that everyone in my family enjoyed.
Overall Aesthetics
Japanese people know that design matters. And that applies to everything from city planning, architecture, food and tablescapes, and more. Everything in Japan is thoughtfully designed, and beautiful. Even kids appreciate just how well designed and pleasing to the eye everything is- it make every day feel a little more special!
