Can I use a stroller on trains?

Yes, but fold it during rush hours and on crowded cars. Most stations have elevators, and train cars have space near doors for strollers. Shinkansen has luggage areas behind the last row of seats.

Do children pay for transport?

Children 6-11 pay half fare on most transport. Under 6 ride free but need their own seat on reserved trains. Each adult can bring 2 children under 6 for free, additional children pay child fares.

What if we miss our reserved shinkansen?

Reserved seat tickets are only valid for that specific train. You can board any later non-reserved car on the same route that day, but may have to stand. JR Pass holders can make new reservations at no extra cost.

Are car seats required in taxis?

Japan requires car seats for children under 6, but taxis are exempt from this law. However, bring a portable car seat for longer taxi rides or rental cars. Most families use taxis without car seats for short urban trips.

How to get around Japan with kids

Japan's trains are your best friend for family travel. Buy a JR Pass for intercity travel, use IC cards for local transport, and book reserved seats on shinkansen to guarantee space for luggage and restless children. Most stations have elevators and family facilities.

Get the right rail passes before you arrive. Buy JR Passes online before departure - they cost significantly more in Japan. Adults pay $435 for 14 days, children 6-11 pay half price, under 6 ride free. Order at least 1 week before travel to receive vouchers by mail.
Pick up IC cards at the airport. Buy Suica or Pasmo cards at Narita or Haneda for local trains and subways. Load ¥2,000-3,000 per person initially. Children get half-price fares automatically when you tap their card after yours at station gates.
Reserve seats on long-distance trains. Book reserved seats (shitei-seki) on shinkansen at ticket offices or machines. Green cars have more space but cost 30% extra. Regular reserved seats work fine for families and guarantee you sit together with space for bags.
Learn the elevator locations. Download Google Translate's camera feature for elevator signs. Look for エレベーター (elevator) signs at stations. Most major stations have them, but some rural stations require stairs. Check Hyperdia app for accessibility info.
Time your travel around rush hours. Avoid 7-9 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM on weekdays. Trains get impossibly crowded and strollers become problematic. Travel between 10 AM-4 PM for comfortable journeys with space to move around.
Use taxis for short distances with gear. Taxis cost ¥500-700 base fare plus ¥90 per 280 meters. They're worth it for airport transfers with luggage or when traveling with sleeping children. Most accept IC cards now, but carry cash as backup.

Can I use a stroller on trains?: Yes, but fold it during rush hours and on crowded cars. Most stations have elevators, and train cars have space near doors for strollers. Shinkansen has luggage areas behind the last row of seats.
Do children pay for transport?: Children 6-11 pay half fare on most transport. Under 6 ride free but need their own seat on reserved trains. Each adult can bring 2 children under 6 for free, additional children pay child fares.
What if we miss our reserved shinkansen?: Reserved seat tickets are only valid for that specific train. You can board any later non-reserved car on the same route that day, but may have to stand. JR Pass holders can make new reservations at no extra cost.
Are car seats required in taxis?: Japan requires car seats for children under 6, but taxis are exempt from this law. However, bring a portable car seat for longer taxi rides or rental cars. Most families use taxis without car seats for short urban trips.