Do I need to buy tickets for children under 6?

No, children under 6 ride completely free but must pass through gates holding an adult's hand. They cannot go through gates alone even with a free ticket.

Can I use a stroller on Tokyo trains?

Yes, but fold it during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm). Use elevators when available. The last car of each train is usually less crowded for strollers.

What if my IC card runs out of money?

Top up at any station machine or convenience store. Machines have English options. You can add money even with negative balance from exit fare adjustments.

Are there bathrooms on trains?

No bathrooms on city trains or subways. Major stations have clean public bathrooms, often with baby changing facilities. Plan bathroom stops at stations.

What if my child gets motion sick?

Sit facing forward when possible and near doors for fresh air when they open. Green cars (first class) have more space but cost extra. Consider motion sickness patches before long journeys.

How to Navigate Tokyo Public Transport with Children

Tokyo's trains and subways are child-friendly with priority seating, elevators at most stations, and kids under 6 ride free. Plan routes using Google Maps, travel during off-peak hours (10am-4pm), and always carry cash for tickets since IC cards require deposits.

Download essential apps before you go. Install Google Maps (works offline) and Tokyo Metro app. Google Maps shows elevator locations and platform numbers. Tokyo Metro app has real-time delays and route planning in English.
Buy IC cards at the airport. Get Suica or Pasmo cards at Haneda or Narita. Adult cards need 500 yen deposit plus credit. Children 6-11 get half-price child cards (also 500 yen deposit). Kids under 6 ride free but need to pass through gates with an adult.
Plan your route timing. Travel between 10am-4pm and after 7pm to avoid rush hour crowds. Morning rush (7-9am) and evening rush (5-7pm) are genuinely overwhelming with children. Weekend mornings are usually calm.
Find elevators and accessible routes. Most major stations have elevators, but they're not always obvious. Look for the elevator symbol on station maps or ask station staff. Smaller stations may only have stairs.
Board strategically. Look for priority seating areas (silver seats) near train doors. Let passengers exit first, then board. If traveling with a stroller, fold it during rush hours and use the last car which is often less crowded.
Handle tickets and gates. IC cards work at all gates - just tap and go. For paper tickets, insert at the gate and collect on the other side. Child IC cards automatically deduct half price. Free children must pass through with an adult holding their hand.

Do I need to buy tickets for children under 6?: No, children under 6 ride completely free but must pass through gates holding an adult's hand. They cannot go through gates alone even with a free ticket.
Can I use a stroller on Tokyo trains?: Yes, but fold it during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm). Use elevators when available. The last car of each train is usually less crowded for strollers.
What if my IC card runs out of money?: Top up at any station machine or convenience store. Machines have English options. You can add money even with negative balance from exit fare adjustments.
Are there bathrooms on trains?: No bathrooms on city trains or subways. Major stations have clean public bathrooms, often with baby changing facilities. Plan bathroom stops at stations.
What if my child gets motion sick?: Sit facing forward when possible and near doors for fresh air when they open. Green cars (first class) have more space but cost extra. Consider motion sickness patches before long journeys.