Japan
The Best Family-Friendly, Vegetarian-Safe Japan Itinerary (12 Days)
After endless hours of research, phone calls, and piecing things together from scratch, I finally built the Japan itinerary I wish had existed when I started planning. And let me be clear: This isn’t a long, drawn-out blog post where you have to scroll forever before you get to the good stuff. I’ll get you exactly what you need to know as a young family and/or someone traveling with dietary restrictions — without losing the authentic Japanese experience.
I spent hours researching food spots because, yes, even as a vegetarian traveler, I still wanted meals that felt local, real, and memorable. Every restaurant and activity in this itinerary is both kid-friendly and mindful of dietary needs, so you don’t have to stress while traveling.
Here are a few must-knows before you dive into the itinerary:
Reservations Matter. Not for every single meal (I’ll share spots you can just walk into), but if you’re a young family, it’s worth double-checking restaurants accept kids. And if you’re vegetarian, having a reservation saves you the headache of showing up somewhere with zero options.
High Chairs are Rare. Most restaurants in Japan don’t have them, so if you’re traveling with a baby, bring a portable high chair. I used one that strapped onto tables and it was a lifesaver. I’ll link the exact one I brought.
Stroller/Car Seat Strategy. You’ve got two options:
Rent a Doona (car seat + stroller in one) and add as much storage options as possible so you never have to carry a diaper bag. I will link those items out too. You can check on your Facebook marketplace and I bet there are people who rent their Doona or ask a friend if you can borrow one. Or take the plunge and purchase one for your trip. Whatever you can afford.
Or skip the car seat entirely (taxis don’t require them in Japan), bring a lightweight travel stroller, and buy add-on storage. Either way, I literally walked around Japan without ever carrying a diaper bag — game changer. I’ll link the exact storage add-ons I used.
Snacks save the day. I packed baby-friendly snacks and linked my favorite options in the packing list below. Bring snacks from home, the ones you know baby likes instead of purchasing there. Trust me.
This guide is built to make your Japan trip smoother, less stressful, and way more fun — without sacrificing food, culture, or convenience.
What This Itinerary Covers
Kyoto (Temples, Tea Ceremonies, Nishiki Market, Family-Friendly Dining)
Day trips to Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima
Kinosaki + Day trip to Takeno Beach
Tokyo (From Harajuku to Disney, Hidden Foodie Finds, and More)
Kid & Baby Packing Lists I Personally Used
This itinerary was built out of months of planning and real on-the-ground experience — and it worked beautifully. If you’re a young family or a vegetarian traveler who still wants an authentic taste of Japan, consider this your shortcut.
