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Small Steps JapanJapan with kids

Packing & practical

Packing lists, cash, toilets, laundry and useful phrases.

6 min read

Japan family packing list: what to bring (and what to buy there)

A practical Japan family packing list for Australian parents — the essentials that are genuinely worth the suitcase space, and the things you can happily buy once you arrive.

6 min read

Packing for Japan with a baby: the calm, minimal list

What to actually pack for Japan with a baby or infant — feeding, sleep, nappies and getting around — plus the many things you can buy easily once you land.

5 min read

Useful Japanese phrases for families (with easy pronunciation)

A short, practical set of Japanese phrases for travelling families — polite basics, phrases for kids, ordering food, and what to say in an emergency.

5 min read

Toilets in Japan with kids: what to expect and how to cope

A quick, reassuring guide to Japanese toilets for families — high-tech washlets, occasional squat toilets, finding facilities, and tips for toddlers and potty training.

5 min read

What to wear in Japan by season with kids

A season-by-season guide to dressing children for Japan — spring, summer, autumn and winter — with layering tips and what to buy locally.

5 min read

Cash vs card in Japan: what families need to know

How to handle money in Japan as a family — where cards and IC cards work, where cash is still king, and how much cash to carry.

4 min read

Coin lockers and luggage storage in Japan with kids

How to use Japan’s coin lockers and luggage storage as a family — where to find them, what fits, paying, and when forwarding your bags is the smarter move.

4 min read

Doing laundry on a Japan family trip

How to keep on top of laundry with kids in Japan — hotel coin laundries, laundromats, what to bring, and how it lets you pack far lighter.

4 min read

Power, plugs and chargers in Japan: staying connected as a family

What Australian families need to know about Japanese power — plug type and voltage, what needs an adapter, and keeping everyone’s devices charged on the go.

Guides planned in this topic

Researched and published in stages — no thin or unverified pages.

  • Packing for a Japan ski trip with kids
  • Managing jet lag with kids from Australia

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