Japan with an 18 month old

[exceladdict]

Hi All

Brother/Sister-in-law are hoping to plan a trip to Japan with their almost-toddler-daughter and I was wondering if anyone had any stories / advice they could share if they have done the same or similar. They're thinking of flying in to Toyko and out of Kyoto, and in particular are looking for advice regarding:

- What airlines are the kindest / easiest to travel given the destination and their baby (departing PER, flying Y), and in particular if any airlines do not require tickets for the infant
- Good areas to stay in the above two citites
- Any other general advice for travelling with a young child

As always, thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[kamchatsky]

I cannot provide suggestion in Japan, but I would say this on travelling on planes (just on top of my head now):

- ALL airlines requires tickets for the infant. Some are free and some are 10% fare. But still needs to be ticketed.
- Introduce new toys for infant on plane to keep them interested. Some uses the iPad/tablet with movies/cartoons.
- Make sure infant is well fed just prior to getting on to the plane. We normally fed our baby at the lounge.
- Bring layers of clothes or blanket/wraps so keep them warm/cool as required.
- Take turns looking after the baby when you can.
- If infant is sleeping, but also poo poo in nappies, don't wake them up to get change. The baby will get very cranky at you and cry all the time.
- If they have really expensive pram/stroller, consider buy one just for travelling only that you can throw away after trip etc.
- Most airlines let you take stroller all the way to the gate before checking in the stroller.
- If you can get a free Y seat, take it so that the baby can sleep horizontally if required.

 

[LadyC]

The gentleman and I have travelled recently to Japan with our little man - when he was about 8 months and 14 months. We visited Osaka and Tokyo. We also travelled with him to Bali and Singapore when he was 20 months. I assume your niece will be relatively active considering her age.

In Tokyo, somewhere near Tokyo Station is a good option. The imperial gardens are close, meaning there is space to run around and burn energy. There are also plenty of restaurants to get meals from, including a big food section at Daimaru. This is great for when you are stuck in your room because it is nap time or toddler bedtime. Tokyo Station is also good as if they land in Narita, they can catch the N'ex directly. Staying quite close to any major train station will provide more food options and easier to get around.

General travel tips:
- i second a cheaper travel stroller. We bought a second hand maclaren off ebay for $100. It reclines so the little one can snooze in it. Folds up and not too heavy so easy to get around but quite sturdy.
- take snacks on plane as toddlers don't get meals
- lots of things to play with. Books, blocks, lego, whatever they are into. We took favorites as it takes a while for my son to get interested in stuff.
- take comforter/blanket, something familiar they feel safe with
- lots of running around the terminal before they get on the plane

Japan is really safe and a great place to travel. Public transport is very efficient and there are usually signs in english to help you work out your journey. We love it and are hoping to go back later this year.

 

[exceladdict]

Thank you both for your feedback - I will pass it on. LadyC, I appreciate you have more options from East Coast but who did you fly and would you recommend them?

 

[drron]

Not much chance flying out of Kyoto.They would fly out from Kansai International outside Osaka.But there is an express train from Kyoto to KIX.We will be flying into KIX in 2 months and getting the train to Kyoto where we will be staying.We will be flying CX.
SQ also fly to both NRT and KIX so either should be a good start and both tend to treat children well.Both fly out of PER.
As Lady C says Japan is good to take kids around.Should be no problem.We have been there with grandkids.

 

[LadyC]

I have flown with both SQ and CX, both at the pointy end of the plane so I'm not sure my experience will assist in decision making. I think the service is slightly better with SQ. As long as it is not significantly more expensive, i would suggest that whatever the fastest route is, fly that. Long layovers are tough for everyone! SIN is a pretty good airport with lots of space for a toddler to run around outside the gate to burn energy!

 

[exceladdict]

I have flown with both SQ and CX, both at the pointy end of the plane so I'm not sure my experience will assist in decision making. I think the service is slightly better with SQ. As long as it is not significantly more expensive, i would suggest that whatever the fastest route is, fly that. Long layovers are tough for everyone! SIN is a pretty good airport with lots of space for a toddler to run around outside the gate to burn energy!

Thanks, SIN is the most logical stopover ex-per, will have a look at the timetables.

 

[Himeno]

Thanks, SIN is the most logical stopover ex-per, will have a look at the timetables.

CX flies to Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya, Sappro and Tokyo (both NRT and HND). Some flights go via TPE.

 

[drron]

Thanks, SIN is the most logical stopover ex-per, will have a look at the timetables.

So on SQ214 it is a total elapsed time of 13.50 hours PER-NRT.This is the shortest time of the SQ flights.

CX170 is 13.10 hours elapsed time PER-NRT.

No great difference.