It wasn’t too long ago when we were just planning summer vacations. It seems time just really zooms by as we’re now in the midst of the -ber months. And if you’re like me and my family, you’re probably also planning your next getaway, especially in time for the holidays.

One thing to look forward to is the prospect of experiencing a white Christmas. Luckily one of the few countries that experiences the four seasons is just a few hours from us. Let’s look no further than the land of the rising sun, Japan!

As I haven’t been to Japan and I also haven’t experienced winter, I sought the help of my cousins, Mommy Risa and Mommy Nina, who are experts on Japan life. I also asked tips from Mommy Jenna, who has travelled to Japan during the winter season with her family. Here are their top tips!

Every great vacation starts with a lot of research. This is especially important when traveling with kids. It’s best that you find out what you can about the following:

• Tourist spots you want to visit: Check schedules and opening times, entrance fees, and guest rules. It would be best to check if these places are also stroller-friendly. According to Mommy Nina, If you’re planning on staying in cities, compact strollers can work, but for snowy areas just opt to use carriers or see if rental sleds are available.
• Temperature and weather during your visit: It’s a given that the temperature’s going to dip, especially as the -ber months cross over to the new year. As you prepare for your trip, look at what the projected temperature and weather are going to be so that planning your next steps will be a breeze (pun intended).

Once you’ve done your research and have an itinerary mapped out, it’s time to plan and set a budget. According to Mommy Risa, budget is really dependent on the place you’ll be visiting. The cost of living in Tokyo and Kyoto can be higher compared to the other prefectures. She mentions having a budget of around $2000 (around ₱113,000) would work for a family of three for a week-long stay in Japan. This could already include accommodation, meals, tickets to attractions, and even pasalubong.

Being a practical parent, Mommy Jenna also advises checking Klook to compare prices, especially for popular attractions or theme parks.

Remember that Christmas and New Year are peak seasons. Both Mommy Risa and Mommy Nina advised to make reservations early, may it be for attractions or the trains.

“Plan early, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of activities, as slots fill up fast. Japan mostly relies on reservations,” Mommy Risa says.

Packing light isn’t really an option when there are kids, so take advantage of your airline’s baggage allowance. Winter means bringing more clothes compared to a summer vacation; sometimes you’ll need 3-4 layers every time you go out.

Mommy Jenna shares a list of outfits for her then toddler and for adults, based on the temperature during their visit: “The temperature was between 0 to 10 degrees so I prepared outfits which were 3 layers.”

For extra warmth that would not affect your baggage, you can opt to buy “kairo” packs in Japan. “One of my favorite items for cold weather is ‘kairo,’ disposable heat packs to keep us warm. They are cheap and sold at convenience stores and drugstores all over Japan and come in different sizes,” Mommy Nina recommends.

Apart from the bulky winter clothes, make sure to also pack a first-aid kit. “Regardless of the weather, a medicine kit is always a must for me,” says Mommy Nina. “Ensure that the essentials are there, such as paracetamol, antihistamine, oral rehydration salts, thermometer, and saline spray. Personally I also put probiotics in my medicine kit whenever we travel,” she adds.

Make sure to also pack rich moisturizers and balms to help protect the skin against the cold weather. Sun protection shouldn’t be forgotten despite the weather. Mommy Nina shares, “The winter sun and reflective snow can burn so put sunscreen on.”

Make sure that you have a plan B in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as weather disturbances or closures. It’s also the holidays so expect an influx of tourists. Despite these, try to find fun ways you can enjoy with your family.

Mommy Jenna says, “Be flexible with your itinerary, especially when you are traveling with young kids, because there will be instances that they are too tired to go to the next destination or they won’t wake up early. And enjoy your time with your children and cherish seeing the awe in their eyes as they experience the cold.”

Mommy Nina reminds to expect transport crowds, and some closures between December 29 to January 3. Most shops also close on January 1 so do your shopping ahead or plan it for later, because big department stores often reopen by January 2 with discounted prices.

You might also want to get “lucky bags” on sale from department stores once they reopen during the new year, as advised by Mommy Risa!

FAQs: Family Winter Travel in Japan

1. What is the weather like in Japan during the winter months?
Winter in Japan typically runs from December to February, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees in many areas.

2. How should I dress my kids for winter travel in Japan?
Layering is key—3 to 4 layers per outing is recommended! Don’t forget hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal wear to keep little ones comfortable.

3. How much should I budget for a family winter trip to Japan?
A family of three can expect to spend around $2,000 (₱113,000) for a week-long stay, including accommodation, food, attractions, transport, and pasalubong. Costs may be higher in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

4. When should I book attractions and train tickets in Japan during the holidays?
Book as early as possible! Christmas and New Year are peak seasons in Japan, and many attractions and trains require reservations.

5. What essentials should I pack for kids when traveling to Japan in winter?
Bring layered clothing, a medicine kit (paracetamol, antihistamines, probiotics, etc.), rich moisturizers, balms, sunscreen, and plenty of snacks. Heat packs called kairo are widely available in Japan for extra warmth.

6. Are shops and attractions open during Christmas and New Year in Japan?
Expect closures from December 29 to January 3. Many shops close on January 1 but reopen on January 2 with big sales and “lucky bags.” Department stores are especially popular during this time.

7. How can families make the most of a winter trip to Japan with young kids?
Plan ahead but stay flexible. Kids may get tired or need more downtime, so adjust your itinerary accordingly and enjoy small moments of discovery together.