🐾 Traveling to Japan with Pets
Pet-Friendly Japan
Japan is increasingly pet-friendly, particularly for small dogs and cats in urban areas like Tokyo and Kyoto. While not as widespread as in Europe, many parks, hotels, and trains accommodate pets, with a focus on cleanliness and respect for public spaces.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Microchip Identification
All pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Submit microchip details via Japan's Animal Quarantine Service online system at least 40 days before arrival.
Rabies Vaccination
Two rabies vaccinations required: first after microchip, second at least 30 days later but within one year of first.
Vaccinations must be recorded in official documents; booster if more than a year since last dose.
Rabies Antibody Test
Mandatory blood test for rabies antibodies (FAVN test) at least 180 days after second vaccination.
Test results must be ≥0.5 IU/ml; submit certificate to quarantine service for approval.
Non-Rabies Free Countries
Pets from countries like the US or Europe need full documentation including advance notification and health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
Compliant pets avoid quarantine; non-compliant may face up to 180 days isolation at owner's expense.
Restricted Breeds
No nationwide breed bans, but some prefectures restrict fighting breeds like Tosa Inu; check local rules.
All dogs must be leashed in public; muzzles required on trains for larger breeds.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and small mammals require separate import permits and health checks from Ministry of Agriculture.
Exotic species need CITES certification; contact Japanese embassy for specific guidelines.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Japan on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Tokyo & Osaka): Urban hotels like APA Hotel and Dormy Inn allow small pets for 1,000-3,000 JPY/night, with nearby parks. Chains often provide pet amenities.
- Ryokans & Onsen (Kyoto & Hakone): Traditional inns vary; some pet-friendly options offer outdoor baths for dogs. Fees around 2,000 JPY; confirm in advance.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Rakuten Travel listings frequently allow pets, especially in suburban areas. Entire homes give pets space to relax.
- Pet Resorts & Stays (Countryside): Facilities in Nagano and Hokkaido welcome pets with play areas and resident animals. Ideal for families seeking rural experiences.
- Campsites & Glamping: Many national park sites like Fuji-Hakone-Izu are pet-friendly, with dog walking trails. Sites in Yamanashi popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo offer pet packages including grooming, walking services, and special menus.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Mountain Hiking Trails
Japan's national parks like Nikko and Yoshino-Kumano offer pet-friendly trails for leashed dogs.
Keep pets controlled near wildlife; check park rules at entrances for seasonal restrictions.
Beaches & Onsen
Beaches in Okinawa and Shizuoka have dog-friendly areas; some onsen resorts allow pets in outdoor baths.
Enoshima and Atami offer pet sections; follow local signage for designated zones.
Cities & Parks
Tokyo's Yoyogi Park and Ueno Park welcome leashed dogs; outdoor izakayas often allow pets.
Kyoto's Philosopher's Path permits dogs on leash; most temple gardens are pet-friendly outdoors.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Japan's pet café culture includes dog and cat cafés in Tokyo; water stations common in parks.
Many urban coffee shops allow small pets inside; always ask staff first.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Tokyo and Kyoto welcome leashed small dogs at no extra charge.
Historic districts are accessible; avoid indoor temples and shrines with pets.
Cable Cars & Ropeways
Many ropeways in Hakone and Nikko allow small pets in carriers; fees typically 500-1,000 JPY.
Check operators; some require reservations for pets during cherry blossom season.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (JR Lines): Small pets (under 10kg in carriers) travel free; larger dogs need tickets (half adult fare) and muzzle. Allowed in non-reserved seats except Shinkansen green cars.
- Subways & Buses (Urban): Tokyo and Osaka metros allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs 200-500 JPY with leash/muzzle. Avoid rush hours.
- Taxis: Most taxis accept pets with notice; pet-friendly options via apps like JapanTaxi. Cleaning fee may apply (1,000 JPY).
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Toyota Rent a Car allow pets with advance booking and fee (2,000-5,000 JPY). Minivans suitable for families and pets.
- Flights to Japan: Check airline policies; ANA and JAL allow cabin pets under 10kg. Book early and review quarantine requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: ANA, JAL, and United accept pets in cabin (under 10kg) for 5,000-15,000 JPY each way. Larger pets in cargo with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics like Tokyo Veterinary Emergency in Tokyo and Osaka Animal Medical Center provide care.
Travel insurance recommended; consultations cost 5,000-20,000 JPY.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Chains like Pet Plus and Kojima stock food, meds, and accessories nationwide.
Drugstores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi) carry basic pet items; bring prescriptions for imports.
Grooming & Day Care
Urban areas offer salons and daycare for 2,000-5,000 JPY per session.
Book ahead in tourist spots; hotels often partner with local pet services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Apps like PetSitters Japan and local services handle sitting during outings.
Concierge at major hotels can arrange trusted sitters.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, parks, and trails. Off-leash only in designated dog parks like those in Tokyo's Minato Ward.
- Muzzle Requirements: Larger dogs need muzzles on public transport; carry one for compliance in urban areas.
- Waste Disposal: Bins and bags provided in parks; fines up to 10,000 JPY for not cleaning up. Always carry bags.
- Beach & Water Rules: Designated dog beaches in Chiba; some areas restrict pets during summer (June-August).
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets at outdoor seating only; keep quiet and off furniture. Cafés may have indoor pet areas.
- National Parks: Leash required; avoid during sakura season crowds. Stay on paths to protect nature.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Japan
Japan for Families
Japan is a family dream with safe streets, theme parks, cultural experiences, and efficient transport. From Tokyo's neon lights to Kyoto's temples, kids enjoy interactive museums, animal parks, and festivals. Facilities include family restrooms, stroller rentals, and kid menus everywhere.
Top Family Attractions
Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea
Magical theme parks with rides, parades, and character meets for all ages.
Tickets 7,900-9,400 JPY adults, 4,700-5,600 JPY kids; open year-round with seasonal events.
Ueno Zoo (Tokyo)
Historic zoo with pandas, tigers, and children's petting area in a central park.
Tickets 600 JPY adults, free for kids under 12; combine with museum visits for full day.
Osaka Castle (Osaka)
Iconic castle with museum, gardens, and ninja shows kids adore.
Entry 600 JPY adults, free for children; surrounding park perfect for picnics.
Miraikan (Tokyo)
Interactive science museum with robots, space exhibits, and hands-on experiments.
Tickets 630 JPY adults, 210 JPY kids; ideal for rainy days with English guides.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Monkey Park (Kyoto)
Mystical bamboo paths and monkey feeding with cable car views.
Park entry 700 JPY adults, 300 JPY kids; family adventure in scenic hills.
Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
Thrilling rides, Harry Potter world, and Minion fun for families.
Tickets 8,600-10,900 JPY adults, 5,800-6,200 JPY kids; book express passes.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Japan on Viator. From tea ceremonies to theme park tickets, find skip-the-line options and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Tokyo & Kyoto): Chains like Hotel Gracery and Keio Plaza offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for 15,000-30,000 JPY/night. Include cribs, kids' areas, and pools.
- Resort Hotels (Hokkaido & Okinawa): All-inclusive beach resorts with kids' clubs and family suites. Properties like Hilton Okinawa focus on family entertainment.
- Ryokan Stays (Countryside): Traditional inns with family rooms, onsen, and kaiseki meals. Prices 20,000-40,000 JPY/night including dinner.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering via Airbnb with kitchens for family meals. Space for kids and laundry facilities.
- Youth Hostels & Minshuku: Budget family rooms in hostels like K's House for 8,000-15,000 JPY/night. Clean with shared kitchens.
- Theme Park Hotels: Disney hotels near parks for immersive family stays. Kids love character breakfasts and proximity.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Tokyo with Kids
Disneyland, teamLab Borderless digital art, Asakusa temples, and Odaiba science museums.
Shibuya crossing adventures and Tokyo Tower views thrill young explorers.
Kyoto with Kids
Bamboo grove, Fushimi Inari shrine hikes, ninja villages, and Arashiyama monkey park.
Kimono dressing and tea ceremonies engage families in cultural fun.
Osaka with Kids
Universal Studios, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, castle explorations, and Dotonbori street food.
Boat cruises and comedy shows keep kids laughing in vibrant neighborhoods.
Hokkaido (Sapporo Region)
Snow festivals, lavender fields, otaru canal walks, and wildlife parks.
Easy trails and farm visits suitable for children with scenic hot springs.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Kids under 6 free; 6-11 half fare with IC cards. Family seats on Shinkansen with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Tokyo and Osaka family passes (2 adults + kids) for 1,000-2,000 JPY/day. Subways stroller-friendly with elevators.
- Car Rentals: Child seats (1,000-2,000 JPY/day) mandatory under 6; book ahead. Family vans for comfort.
- Stroller-Friendly: Cities have ramps and wide sidewalks; attractions offer rentals (500 JPY/day).
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Family restaurants like Saizeriya offer sets with rice, noodles for 500-1,000 JPY. High chairs standard.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Izakayas and conveyor-belt sushi welcome kids with play areas. Depachika food halls diverse.
- Self-Catering: Konbini (7-Eleven) and supermarkets stock baby food, diapers. Fresh markets for home cooking.
- Snacks & Treats: Mochi, taiyaki, and KitKats energize kids; vending machines everywhere.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In stations, malls, and parks with nursing areas and facilities.
- Pharmacies (Kusuri-ya): Carry formula, diapers, meds; English labels common in cities.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters (2,000-3,000 JPY/hour); apps like Babysits available.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in cities; hospitals like Tokyo Medical Center. Travel insurance essential.
♿ Accessibility in Japan
Accessible Travel
Japan excels in accessibility with high-tech aids, wheelchair-friendly trains, and inclusive sites. Urban areas prioritize universal design, and tourist info centers offer accessibility maps for smooth planning.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: JR lines have wheelchair spaces, ramps, and priority seating. Book assistance via apps; staff assist at platforms.
- City Transport: Tokyo Metro and buses feature low floors, elevators, and braille. Voice announcements for visually impaired.
- Taxis: Wheelchair taxis via apps; standard ones fit folding chairs. Universal design taxis widespread.
- Airports: Narita and Haneda offer full services, ramps, and priority for disabled passengers.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Temples: Tokyo National Museum and Kyoto temples have ramps, elevators, and audio guides. Tactile maps available.
- Historic Sites: Osaka Castle accessible via elevators; some shrines have steps but alternative paths.
- Nature & Parks: Yoyogi Park fully accessible; Hakone ropeways wheelchair-friendly.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers and wide doors.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (Sept-Nov) for foliage. Summer festivals, winter onsen.
Avoid Golden Week (late April-early May) crowds; shoulder seasons milder and cheaper.
Budget Tips
JR Pass for trains; combo tickets for attractions. Family discounts common at theme parks.
Picnics from konbini and apartment stays save while suiting family schedules.
Language
Japanese official; English in tourist spots and via apps. Polite gestures appreciated.
Google Translate helps; locals patient with families and international visitors.
Packing Essentials
Light layers for humid summers, warm clothes for winters, comfortable shoes for walking.
Pet owners: familiar food, leash, muzzle, waste bags, and all import documents.
Useful Apps
Hyperdia for trains, Google Maps, and Pet Travel Japan for services.
Jorudan and NAVITIME for real-time transport and family navigation.
Health & Safety
Japan very safe; tap water safe. Clinics (Byoin) for care; pharmacies advise.
Emergency: dial 119 for ambulance/fire, 110 police. Insurance covers most needs.