By HTE Founder, Erin Hughes.
Japan has long been on many families’ travel wish lists, but for The Memo co-founder Phoebe Simmonds, her recent trip with her children became so much more than just a holiday.
“Some tips for travelling to Japan with kids,” she shared on Instagram.
“The locals were so considerate and we felt really welcome everywhere. The kids came back changed.”
From bullet trains and sumo wrestling to hidden sushi spots and vintage shopping, Phoebe’s approach was simple. Embrace the culture, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to do the touristy things if your kids are going to love them.
If Japan is on your family’s radar, here are Phoebe’s must-know tips.
Talk About Japan Before You Get There
One of the things Phoebe says helped make the trip so special was getting the kids excited before they even arrived.
“We spoke a lottttt about bullet trains and performed a ton of sumo wrestling,” she joked.
Building anticipation around Japanese culture meant the kids arrived engaged, curious and ready to soak it all in, turning everyday moments into memorable experiences.
Choose Neighbourhoods That Feel Like Home
In Tokyo, the family stayed at Mustard Hotel in Shimokitazawa, a neighbourhood Phoebe absolutely loved.
“We ate dinner here most nights and loved the shops, plus epic bagels and coffee every morning.”
Known for its independent stores, vintage culture and relaxed atmosphere, Shimokitazawa offered the perfect base for family travel without the overwhelming pace of central Tokyo.
Bring The Right Pram And Prepare To Walk
One thing Phoebe didn’t underestimate was the sheer number of steps.
“We caught the train every day and walked thousands of steps.”
Travelling with younger children meant a good pram was essential, allowing the family to explore freely without constantly worrying about tired little legs.
Cat Street Is A Must
Cat Street in Harajuku quickly became one of Phoebe’s favourite discoveries.
“So cool, so chic, so unique,” she shared, adding that it reminded her of Abbott Kinney in Venice Beach.
It’s the kind of place that rewards wandering. Independent boutiques sit alongside cool cafés and unique stores, creating an effortlessly stylish atmosphere that feels both distinctly Japanese and surprisingly familiar.
The Hidden Gems Are Worth Finding
While Tsukiji has changed dramatically over the years, Phoebe says one of their best meals came from stepping away from the crowds.
“We found this gem down an alleyway and it was THE BEST.”
Sometimes the magic of travelling as a family comes from slowing down enough to discover the places that aren’t necessarily on every tourist list.
teamLab Is Worth The Hype
For families travelling with children, TeamLab was a clear highlight.
Phoebe described the immersive art experience as “super special”, saying the kids were completely captivated and spent hours simply playing and exploring.
Her biggest piece of advice?
Buy the express entrance pass.
When travelling with children, anything that reduces waiting time is worth considering.
Disneyland Tips Every Parent Needs
Disneyland delivered exactly what the family hoped for, but Phoebe also offered one very important lesson.
“Just because your four-year-old passes the height test doesn’t mean they’re ready for Splash Mountain.”
It’s the kind of advice only another parent can give. Sometimes knowing your child matters more than following what the signs say.
They also upgraded to express passes wherever possible, making the experience far more enjoyable for everyone.
Don’t Skip The Touristy Experiences
Not everything needs to be a hidden local secret.
Phoebe admitted that the sumo and ninja experiences were incredibly touristy, but the kids absolutely loved them, and so did the adults.
The same applied to Kura Sushi, which she visited purely “for the novelty”.
Sometimes the most memorable family moments come from leaning into the fun rather than avoiding it.
Kyoto Was Pure Magic
The family’s time in Kyoto offered a completely different pace.
They stayed at Ace Hotel, which Phoebe described as absolutely perfect, praising its authentic feel and central location.
One of the biggest highlights was a bike tour through the city, which also included feeding monkeys, an experience the children won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
The family also visited Fushimi Inari Shrine, stopping at a café called Vermillion at the base of the mountain.
Phoebe described finding it as “like finding a pot at the bottom of a rainbow.”
Meanwhile, her husband Shaun made a pilgrimage of his own to Aritsugu for Japanese knives, while the family’s best meal of the entire trip came at Apollo Plus, recommended by the team at Ace.
Vintage lovers should also add Big Time and Kinji in Nishiki to their lists.
The Practical Tips You’ll Actually Use
Beyond the sightseeing, Phoebe shared a handful of practical observations that every family traveller will appreciate:
Hotels provide pyjamas, which means less packing.
Comfortable shoes are absolutely non-negotiable.
Cash is still preferred over cards in many places.
And if you’re particular about your hair, prepare yourself.
“No, I wasn’t able to get a decent blow dry.”
The Biggest Takeaway
More than anything, Phoebe’s trip was about giving her children experiences that stretched beyond their everyday lives.
From riding bullet trains and eating sushi at 9am to learning about Japanese culture and feeling welcomed by locals, the adventure left a lasting impact.
“The kids came back changed.”
And perhaps that’s the greatest gift family travel can offer. Not perfection, not relaxation, but the opportunity to see the world differently, together.
Phoebe's Japan Edit
Mustard Hotel, Shimokitazawa
Cat Street, Tokyo
teamLab, Tokyo
Ace Hotel
Fushimi Inari Shrine
