Traveling to Asia with a Toddler

Top Toddler-Friendly Activities

In terms of sightseeing, there are a plethora of culturally immersive sites across Japan and South Korea. (Check out my other travel guides for tips on the top sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Seoul). Bring the kids along to these main sites, either by exploring on your own or taking a tour. I love taking a private tour with my family to be able to stop and take breaks, and there are even some tours that include child-centric stops along the way.

Outside of the main sites, it can be great to break up the sightseeing and enjoy some child-friendly activities. Here were some of our favorite spots across Japan and South Korea:

• Tokyo Toy Museum: Located in a residential neighborhood of Tokyo, this "museum" is more of a playspace, incorporating toys from around the world. My son loved playing with the toys, and the staff was so welcoming.

• Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: These Disney theme parks are located just outside of Tokyo’s city center, and can be accessed by train or car. Both parks offer a ton for young kids. We went to DisneySea for one day. There were many things for toddlers to do, like the Mermaid Lagoon play area and rides in Arabian Coast and Fantasy Springs.

• Kiddyland Shinjuku: The flagship Kiddyland store is in the heart of Tokyo (in the Shinjuku neighborhood). It’s a multi-story shop that sells all sorts of toys.

• Universal Studios Japan: Located in Osaka, this is such a fun park. There are not a ton of toddler-friendly attractions because of the height restrictions on many rides, but my son loved meeting the characters throughout the park and playing in the Sesame Street Fun World. And for the adults, we took advantage of the rider swap to enjoy the thrill rides.

• Osaka Aquarium: One of the world’s largest aquariums is located in the Osaka Bay area, and is a great spot for kids to explore.

• The Children’s Museum of the National Folk Museum of Korea: Located near the Gyeongbokgung Palace, this is connected to the Folk Museum but has its own admission. It offers child-centric exhibits and tells the story of Korean folk tales.

• Children’s Museum, the War Memorial of Korea: On the grounds of the War Memorial of Korea but in a separate building, this museum offers a child-friendly lens to the history of the war. It is all in Korean, but my son still enjoyed playing with the interactive exhibits.

• Kid Cafes in Seoul: You may have heard of a “cat cafe,” but have you heard of a “kid cafe”? These are playspaces in the heart of Seoul, and some offer different themes.

• Hotel Pool: Don’t underestimate the advantages of staying in a hotel with a pool. This can be the perfect place for a midday break from sightseeing.

Asia Travel Tips (Toddler-Focused)

• In many public spaces, like airports, there are priority lines for families with young children. This was such a welcomed feature when we arrived after a long flight with a tired toddler. Be sure to look for signs with the image of a child or stroller to indicate a priority line, or ask an employee.

• Public restrooms have several child-friendly features. Many stalls include a secure child seat. There are accessible family restrooms, and changing tables are available.

• In Tokyo, strollers are allowed on the subway, and there are elevators to help get to the platform.

• At many cultural sites or shrines, strollers are not allowed throughout the site. In those cases, you’re asked to leave your stroller in “stroller parking” near the entrance. Also, at some shrines where strollers are allowed, it is very difficult to push the stroller because the terrain is all small pebbles. Be prepared to carry your child, and if they still fit in a baby carrier, it’s worth bringing along to sites like this.

• Some children’s museums require advance reservations, so be sure to plan ahead. As your travel advisor, I can help you navigate those reservations and details.

• In Japan in particular, not all restaurants allow children. Advanced research is needed to help navigate dining plans, which is also something I can help you navigate.

A selection of toddler-friendly restaurants from Japan and South Korea:

Tokyo

• Roppongi Inakaya: Fireside cooking experience, different from hibachi. This is a lively environment that welcomes children. Note, it can be expensive.

• Kaitenzushi Nemuro Hanamaru Ginza: Conveyer belt sushi, where you pay by the plate. Welcomes children.

Kyoto

• Kiraku Kiyomizu Gojozaka: Okonomiyaki restaurant that welcomes children. Be careful of the hot plate in the center of the table.

• Kyoto Bistro: Affiliated with the Park Hyatt Kyoto, this restaurant serves various Japanese cuisine and has a plethora of child-friendly features (high chairs, plastic dishware, and a kids menu).

Seoul

• Samjung Hanu: Korean BBQ with excellent cuisine and child-friendly features (high-chairs, plastic dishware).