Is it worth paying for Premium Economy with kids?

Yes, if the budget allows. The extra space makes managing meals and sleep infinitely easier, and the priority boarding helps you get settled before the main cabin crowd arrives.

Can I bring my own car seat?

Yes, Japan Airlines and ANA allow you to check car seats for free. However, note that Japanese taxis rarely have LATCH systems, so ensure your seat is easy to install using a standard seatbelt.

How do I deal with the time difference?

Stay awake until at least 7:00 PM local time on your first day. Get sunlight immediately upon arrival and avoid long daytime naps, regardless of how tired you feel.

Booking Flights to Japan for Families

Book multi-city tickets arriving in Tokyo and departing from Osaka to save a full day of travel. Prioritize overnight flights for the long-haul leg to maximize your kids' sleep and minimize jet lag.

Choose your airports. Fly into Tokyo (NRT or HND) and out of Osaka (KIX). This 'open-jaw' route prevents the need to backtrack across the country, which saves you 3 hours of Shinkansen travel time with tired children.
Filter for direct flights only. On Google Flights, toggle the 'Non-stop only' filter. With kids, a 13-hour direct flight is almost always easier than a 17-hour flight with a layover, as it avoids the stress of terminal transfers and missed connections.
Select the right flight times. Look for departures from the US/Europe that leave in the morning or early afternoon. This ensures arrival in Japan in the late afternoon, allowing you to get the kids to a local hotel by dinner time and bed shortly after, which helps synchronize their body clocks.
Confirm seat assignments immediately. Do not book 'Basic Economy' fares. They often prevent you from choosing seats until check-in. Choose 'Standard Economy' or higher to ensure your family is seated together—never assume the airline will fix split seating at the gate.
Check the seat map. Use SeatGuru or AeroLOPA to verify that your selected seats are not in a row without a window or near the lavatories, which are high-traffic areas that will disrupt your children's sleep.

Is it worth paying for Premium Economy with kids?: Yes, if the budget allows. The extra space makes managing meals and sleep infinitely easier, and the priority boarding helps you get settled before the main cabin crowd arrives.
Can I bring my own car seat?: Yes, Japan Airlines and ANA allow you to check car seats for free. However, note that Japanese taxis rarely have LATCH systems, so ensure your seat is easy to install using a standard seatbelt.
How do I deal with the time difference?: Stay awake until at least 7:00 PM local time on your first day. Get sunlight immediately upon arrival and avoid long daytime naps, regardless of how tired you feel.