Before-you-go checklist for Japan with kids

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1. Internet: eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi

   Maps, train transfers and translation all need data. JNTO says eSIM and pocket Wi-Fi suit short stays, and airports have free Wi-Fi.

   Pick eSIM or Wi-Fi rental and check your phone supports it
   JNTO: Wi-Fi in Japan ↗

   Source: www.japan.travel · Checked 2026-10-09

2. Japan Rail Pass: do you need one?

   A pass pays off only when you ride a lot between cities; for a short trip or one city it may not. Children aged 6–11 on the day they use the pass get the child price. If you buy online while your child is still 11, they count as a child even if they turn 12 before the trip.

   Add up your planned rail trips, then decide: buy a pass or pay per ride
   Japan Rail Pass: types and prices (buy) ↗

   Source: japanrailpass.net · Checked 2026-10-09

3. IC card for kids (Welcome Suica)

   Tap-and-go saves buying a ticket every ride with a toddler. A child Welcome Suica can be used until the March 31 after your child's 12th birthday. You need your child's passport to buy one.

   Decide where you will buy the cards and pack the children's passports
   JR East: Welcome Suica ↗

   Source: www.jreast.co.jp · Checked 2026-10-09

4. Stroller: bring it, and know the Shinkansen rule

   On the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, bags over 160 cm in total need a seat with an oversized baggage area. Strollers don't count as oversized baggage, so you can bring one on without a reservation; you only need to reserve if you want the oversized-baggage area.

   Decide: bring your stroller or not, and measure it folded
   JR Central: luggage information ↗

   Source: global.jr-central.co.jp · Checked 2026-10-09

5. Send luggage ahead

   With kids you do not want big bags on crowded trains. Narita, Haneda and Kansai airports offer luggage delivery to hotels.

   Choose which legs to send (airport → hotel, hotel → hotel) and the drop-off day
   JNTO: luggage and storage ↗Yamato: Airport TA-Q-BIN ↗

   Source: www.japan.travel · Checked 2026-10-09

6. Travel insurance

   JNTO warns medical costs for visitors can be very high. Insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended, and unpaid bills may affect future entry.

   Buy a plan that covers the children's medical care, and keep the policy number handy
   JNTO: travel insurance in Japan ↗

   Source: www.japan.travel · Checked 2026-10-09

7. Children's medicine

   For prescription medicine, up to about one month's supply generally needs no advance procedure; more than that, or narcotic-type drugs, needs a permit first. Check the rules for your drug.

   List the medicines you carry; for anything over a month, check the official page first
   MHLW: carrying medicine into Japan (Japanese) ↗JNTO: bringing medication into Japan ↗

   Source: www.mhlw.go.jp · Checked 2026-10-09

8. Car seat

   A driver may not drive with a child under 6 who is not in a car seat. Taxis are an exception, though a seat is still safer.

   If you will drive, reserve a car seat with the rental company
   National Police Agency: child seats (Japanese) ↗MLIT: child seats (Japanese) ↗

   Source: www.npa.go.jp · Checked 2026-10-09

Details change — confirm on the official page before you decide.