Japan Packing List for Families: Baby & Toddler Guide
Let me start by saying: if you’ve ever packed for a family trip and thought “I need to bring everything just in case”—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. In fact, on our second trip to Japan, we brought so much stuff you’d think we were relocating. Spoiler: we weren’t. 😅 So here’s our complete Japan packing list for families…
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We visited Japan twice as a family: first in late May with a 2-month-old and a 3-year-old, and again in early spring (late March to mid-April) with a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old. Each trip taught us something new about what’s actually useful when packing for Japan with babies and toddlers—and what just ends up being extra weight.
So if you’re wondering what to pack for Japan with kids (and what to leave behind), this complete Japan family packing list is for you!
The Reality of Traveling Japan with Kids: Pack Lighter Than You Think
We thought we’d be renting a car for part of our Hokkaido trip and packed accordingly—aka, way too much. But that rental never happened ( you can see why here), and we quickly learned that navigating Japanese trains, buses, and stations with oversized suitcases and a baby strapped to your chest is… humbling.
Lesson learned: Japan is super stroller- and carrier-friendly, but less forgiving when you’re dragging around bulky bags. Most train stations are huge and multi-level, and not all have elevators in convenient places. Trust me, you’ll want to pack smart for Japan family travel.
Complete Japan Packing List for Families
You can also read my entire Japan with a baby guide blog post HERE.
Essential Japan Packing List Items (for baby)
You can see my entire shopping list for Japan HERE!
And all my recommended baby essentials for a trip to Japan with a baby HERE.
Lightweight Baby Carrier – Our go-to was the Ergobaby Omni 360. Perfect for walking through temples or busy stations where strollers might be tricky. But then we transitioned to Baby Tula and have fallen in love not just with the comfort but the beautiful prints that compliment my outfits.
Travel Stroller – My go to stroller hasn’t changed in almost 5 years. As a travel creator I have tried and tested over 10 travel strollers and I swear by Bombi. It is reliable, affordable, and meets absolutely every requirement including full shade, recline, one hand fold, and wheels that can handle all kinds of terrain. And my code BRAVE20 gets you $20 off
Diapers & Wipes – Pack enough for the first few days. You can easily buy more at Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Don Quijote (seriously, baby supplies in Japan are amazing).
Formula/Bottles – If your baby is formula-fed, bring your usual brand. Japan has great formula but different brands. Don’t forget a travel bottle brush and drying rack.
Sleep Essentials – We brought a compact white noise machine and a SlumberPod for shared hotel rooms—it was a game-changer for Japan travel with babies.
Toddler Must-Haves for Japan
Find all the flight must haves ( because you know any flight to Japan with a toddler is going to be a long one) HERE
Portable Snack Container – Japan’s convenience stores are magical, but a familiar snack stash goes a long way on bullet train rides.
Tablet with Headphones – For long flights, train travel in Japan, and downtime. We loaded ours with shows, games, and learning apps.
Foldable Step Stool – Optional, but helpful in Japanese hotels or bathrooms. We didn’t bring one but saw another family using it and instantly had regrets.
Favorite Small Toys/Books – Keep them busy with 2–3 lightweight favorites during long travel days.
Light Jacket + Layers – Even in May, mornings and evenings can be cool throughout Japan.
Our Biggest Packing Mistakes (Learn From Us!)
❌ Oversized Luggage: We thought a big suitcase would be easier since we weren’t planning to move around too much. But Japanese trains aren’t made for huge luggage—and neither are most hotel rooms. Next time: 2 medium rolling suitcases max, and we’ll ship them ahead when possible (seriously, luggage shipping in Japan is magical and affordable).
❌ Too Many Clothes (Especially Warm Ones): In May, I packed too many sweaters. In March, I packed too many layers. Truth is, layering smartly beats packing bulk for Japan weather. Go for lightweight thermals + a packable puffer instead of multiple sweatshirts.
❌ Baby Shoes for a Non-Walker: Cute in photos. Useless in reality. They just took up space in our Japan packing.
❌ Full-Size Toiletries: Japan provides nearly everything in hotel rooms—even for babies. Shampoo, toothbrushes, lotion, you name it. Save that space for snacks or souvenirs.
What We Did Right – This Japan packing list saved us…
✅ Travel Stroller + Carrier Combo: We used both every day. In airports, on trains, at temples. Essential for Japan family travel.
✅ Amazon Packing Cubes: Helped us separate outfits for each child by day. Total time-saver for family travel organization.
✅ Compression Bags: We packed more in less space and easily sorted dirty laundry.
✅ Dedicated Trash Bag Roll: No public bins in Japan = genius mom hack.
Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage Strategy
Pack in Your Carry-On for Japan:
- Diapers + wipes for 1–2 days
- Change of clothes for each kid
- Lightweight blanket
- Entertainment (tablet, books, small toys)
- Snacks for the flight and first day
- Sleep essentials (pacifier, lovey, white noise machine)
Pack in Checked Luggage:
- Extra clothes and layers for Japan weather
- Bulk diapers and formula (for longer stays)
- Toiletries (though Japan hotels provide most)
- Backup shoes and swimwear
- Baby monitor and portable blackout cover (SlumberPod)
Seasonal Packing Tips for Japan with Kids
If you’d like to read more about our Japan trips you can read it HERE
Spring in Japan (March–May):
- Bring a packable puffer or warm fleece
- Lightweight thermals for layering
- Hat and gloves for cooler evenings
- Cherry blossom season can be crowded but beautiful!
Summer in Japan (June–August):
- UV-protective hats and breathable clothing
- Cooling towels or fans
- Sandals and swimwear
Autumn in Japan (September–November):
- Layers for changing temps
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Warm socks and cozy pajamas
Winter in Japan (December–February):
Read all about our winter in Japan trip HERE
- Warm layers and waterproof boots
- Hand warmers for outdoor activities
- Thermal underwear for the whole family
Where to Buy Baby Supplies in Japan
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the Japan prep, you can always download my FREE Japan with Kids guide which has all this info and so much more, including itineraries, Hotels that are family friendly, and even which apps are helpful for families.
Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson): Baby snacks, bottled water, wipes, and sometimes diapers. Open 24/7 and everywhere!
Drugstores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia): Diapers, formula, lotions, baby meds, sippy cups, and more. Great for stocking up.
Supermarkets/Department Stores: Perfect for food, kids’ bento gear, and even affordable baby clothing.
Baby Specialty Stores (Akachan Honpo, Nishimatsuya): Diapers, formula, feeding gear, clothes, shoes—everything. If you have time, visit one for fun!
Quick Japan Family Packing Checklist
Use this Japan packing list for your trip…
For Baby:
- Carrier
- Travel stroller
- Diapers + wipes
- Formula + bottles
- Sleep items
- Rash cream + baby meds
For Toddler:
- Snacks
- Reusable water bottle
- Toys/books
- Tablet + headphones
- Sun hat/sunglasses
- Lightweight shoes
Family Essentials:
- Travel documents
- SIM card or pocket WiFi
- Weather-appropriate clothes
- Laundry bag
- Day bag/backpack
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart for Your Japan Family Adventure
Traveling Japan with small kids is totally doable—and honestly, magical. But packing smart for Japan with babies and toddlers can make the difference between a smooth adventure and a hot mess on wheels.
If you’re planning your Japan family trip, check out my [complete Japan with a Baby travel guide](link to your Japan guide). It’s packed with hotel recommendations, family-friendly stops, tips for train travel with kids, and more. And if you’re wondering how we traveled for three weeks on a budget… spoiler: we worked with hotels!
Download my Free Hotel Collaboration Checklist + Email Template to learn how you can score free family accommodations too.
Happy travels, friend. And trust me—your toddler will survive with only 2 pairs of shoes. 😉