The Japanese capital makes life easier for parents, from baby seats to infant areas. Come find out why Tokyo is a convenient city for families with children.
Living in Tokyo for several years, and for more than a year with a baby, I have seen to what extent this metropolis has adapted to the needs of families. Modern family infrastructures facilitate daily life and also tourist stays.
After a trip to France to reunite with my family when my son was about 6 months old, I realized how much I missed these little touches and amenities, especially when I had to travel alone with a baby, such as during train trips. In this article, I explain to you why Tokyo is a particularly convenient city for families and how it can make your daily life or your trip more pleasant.
Baby seat in public toilet
Let’s start with one of my favourite infrastructures and which I missed a lot during our stay in France: baby seats in public toilets, for children from 5 to 36 months.
These seats are already ready to use or exist in a folding version that simply opens to place baby in complete safety. They are so practical to allow parents to go to the toilet in peace in public places.
Ready to use!
There are also foldable versions, which simply open to place baby inside.
These seats are mainly found in metro stations, shopping centers and parks. Where there are several toilets available at least one should be equipped with a baby seat. No more stress of having to juggle with pressing desires and your little one’s hygiene.
Changing tables in public places
Speaking of toilets, I would like to mention that it is also possible to find foldable changing tables to change babies. These tables are usually found in handicapped accessible toilets, family areas and men’s or women’s toilets.
These installations are present in many public places in Tokyo, such as shopping malls, train stations and parks. They offer parents a practical and hygienic solution for changing their child while traveling.
They are often equipped with a strap to secure baby during changing.
Babies & kids area in shopping center
Let’s continue with the shopping centers which have also been designed to best accommodate families. There are areas for babies, clean and very practical, with various equipment to make outings with little ones easier:
- Private breastfeeding areas, equipped with comfortable chairs and a small table.
- A space for feeding babies with high chairs.
- Bottle warmer and a drinking water point.
- Changing tables and nappy trash bin.
- Toilets adapted to children’s size.
In addition, the signage to access these spaces are clearly visible, which facilitates navigation in large shopping centers.
Accessibility in transport
Let’s now talk about the accessibility in train, metro and bus stations. It must be recognized that the complexity of the transport network can sometimes be confusing, with numerous train lines crossing in all directions.
A notable advantage: each line is color coded, which help to orient yourself.
It happens that, to go from point A to point B, it is necessary to change lines. In these cases, elevators are usually available, although you may have to wait or walk a little further to reach them. This can however, avoid having to carry the stroller and the baby.
On buses, you will unfortunately have to carry your stroller to board. However, it is good to know that all city buses accept strollers without the need to fold them.
Just remember to position the stroller correctly, as indicated by illustrations, with your baby facing toward the bak of the bus. Straps can be provided to attach the stroller securely to a seat.
Safety in the city
In terms of safety in the very touristy places of Tokyo, the city offers wide sidewalks which make it easy to move around with a stroller.
In addition, drivers are generally attentive and respectful, so even when visiting an old neighborhood which does not have large sidewalks, sharing the road between pedestrians and cars takes place in a serene atmosphere.
Park and green spaces
Another great advantage of Tokyo is the presence of numerous parks, a real breath of fresh air in the heart of this urban jungle.
Spread across the city, many of them are equipped with child-friendly play structures, like slides, swings, and even water play areas for those hot days.
Others offer vast green spaces where children can run freely, exercise and play in complete safety, while enjoying the refreshing shade of cherry trees.
One of the most unique aspects of some Tokyo parks is the presence of “mud park” areas, where children can play in direct contact with the earth and nature.
These spaces allow them to discover the joy of handling different natural materials, building, digging and giving free rein to their imagination in a safe environment open to all.
In addition, some parks offer free hands-on workshops, where children can learn to cut wood, carry out small craft projects or create objects with materials provided.
Conclusion
In short, the Japanese capital turns out to be a surprisingly family-friendly city, offering suitable infrastructure and spaces that make daily life much easier. Resident or simply passing through, Tokyo does everything possible to create a harmonious living environment where every family outing becomes a real pleasure.
We can observe a combination of modernity and respect for nature, which makes Tokyo a unique destination, where family memories are created naturally and the city experience is lived to the fullest, regardless of age. Whether in parks, transportation or shopping malls, Tokyo can make every family adventure smoother and more peaceful, allowing parents to enjoy every moment alongside their children.
Ready for a serene urban adventure with your family?
Have you ever visited Tokyo with family, or are you considering doing so? Or even moving here?
I would love to hear about your experiences!
Every opinion counts and helps other families to better prepare their stay. Share your tips or ask your questions in the comments below.
