Planning a family trip to Japan? In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton welcomes back Jo McGregor from The Tokyo Chapter to share her best advice for parents traveling with kids.

From booking hotels and navigating public transport to cultural experiences and must-have travel apps, Jo covers everything you need to know before taking your family to Japan. You’ll learn how to plan your trip, avoid common mistakes, and make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, or exploring beyond, this episode is packed with practical insights to help parents create unforgettable memories with their kids in Japan.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to plan and organise your family trip to Japan


• The best times of year to visit Japan with kids


• Why booking hotels in Japan often starts six months ahead


• Tips for navigating public transport with children


• How to handle cash, budgeting, and local customs


• Family-friendly activities, from Disneyland to cultural spots


• The role of apps and pocket Wi-Fi in stress-free travel


• Luggage forwarding services and how they make travel easier


• Answers to real listener questions about Japan family travel

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Japan is safe and family-friendly, but planning makes all the difference


• Public holidays can lead to crowds—plan around them


• Research airport transport before arrival


• Technology like Google Maps and Mama Papa Map are game-changers for parents


• Cultural experiences can be enjoyable for kids with the right pacing

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 2

00:56 Traveling to Japan with Kids

09:55 Planning Your Trip to Japan

16:24 Booking Essentials for Japan

20:00 Disneyland and Family-Friendly Activities

24:01 Cultural Experiences and Local Insights

30:03 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks

37:44 Pre-Travel Preparations

46:03 Cash and Budgeting in Japan

49:33 Technology and Apps for Travelers

55:02 Listener Questions and Answers

Things we mentioned

Ecbo Luggage Storage App

https://cloak.ecbo.io/en

Mama Papa Map App

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/mamapapamap-nursing-room-map/id1117756080

Pokemon Hotel

https://mimaruhotels.com/en/news/stay-pokemonroom/

Strange Robot Dinosaur Hotels

https://group.hennnahotel.com/

What to Pack for Japan with Kids

https://www.thetokyochapter.com/packing-for-tokyo-with-kids/

Contact Jo: @thetokyochapter

thetokyochapter.com

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of Japan!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!