Quiz! What’s the name of this awesome playground? It’s in Tokyo city can you believe it, and it is perfect for young kids! Great place to let your kids run around and enjoy playing till their heart’s content. (Hint: Niko Niko Park)

T i p ! If you are traveling in Japan with young children, it’s a good idea to bring a quiet activity that they can do while you are looking at the shrines and temples. When grandad visited a few weeks ago he thankfully gave my kids an origami kit with instruction booklet, so we sat on the steps at the base of the temple and quietly played. My kids were running around crazily 5 seconds before and I thought we would have to leave!! Then I suddenly remembered the origami so I quickly whipped it out and quickly sat them down and they calmed down and had a lovely time. I could also sit and take a rest and enjoy looking at the temple! Phew!!

T i p ! Do you know one of the major benefits of visiting Japan in summer?…..The summer festivals!! Your children will absolutely love the festival atmosphere in Japan – everyone dresses up in colourful Yukata (summer kimonos) and there are ridiculous amounts of cute games and entertainment for kids. Make sure you schedule this into your itinerary when you visit!

T i p ! You will be surprised how many great souvenirs you can find in the train stations in Japan! Here we are at the shinkansen platform shop which has a whole section full of bullet train toys and practical items for kids such as shinkansen themed hand wipes. So awesome! If you’re not running for the train and you have some time to spare, make sure you visit one of these fantastic shops with your kids! Even if you don’t buy anything it will definitely entertain them for 10min 😉

T i p ! It is super hot and humid in Japan in summer, so you may be wondering how to keep cool while also having fun with your kids? One way is to join the local kids playing in the water fountains! Japan’s parks often have fantastic water fountains and some of the new ones have the synchronised spouts of water that can keep your kids entertained for at least 30min 😉

Having fun running around the back steps of Kyoto together. My daughter is going through the phase of wanting to wear her ballet dress EVERYWHERE! Even to bed. Luckily it’s easy to wash so I’ve been quickly washing it overnight and hanging it out to dry so she can wear it again the next day. Do your kids have favourite clothes? This is a fantastic way to avoid tears while traveling – if I can get out the door with minimal tantrums, then it is definitely much better for a positive outlook on the day of sightseeing ahead!