Japan with a 7 year old

Weatherwise, Easter/May and October would probably be the best. Those seasons can be busy: later on in May (after the first week) and earlier on in October would be best to avoid the worst of the crowds. Summers are very hot and humid in Japan. February's a bit chilly, but if you don't mind the cold, it's a nice time to be in Japan, with plum blossoms in bloom.

Can't help with entertaining a 7 year old I'm afraid...

Well, you know your daughter best, and what she likes and what not so much. We dont know you and your daughter at all, so giving advice is not really possible. Also, how much time will you have in Japan ?

So just a couple of ideas from my point of view:
- the aquarium in Osaka is great, and for kids who like fish and animals, certainly worth a visit. If you go there, consider going on a boat trip (the boats leave from the aquarium) as well
- in the Government Metropolitan Building in Tokyo you can get up to the 45th floor and enjoy great views over the city for free
- Hakuru is a fun district to walk around, with quirky boutiques and crepe shops
- if your daughter likes Sushi, I would eat at a conveyor belt Sushi restaurant
- I know, extremely touristy, but still.... in Tokyo and Kyoto, you can dress up as a Geisha (rent the kimono for the day)

Every western parent I ever met was being driven mad by their child adopting the behavior of Japanese children they met along the way, some of the most indulged/spoiled, wild, and unchecked brats you'll ever encounter. Behavior that would not be tolerated in most western countries is considered OK while a child is young and before the child is considered responsible for acting in the very reserved and controlled manner expected of Japanese adults. Most parents couldn't wait to get their kids out of Japan! LOL

OP, I would ignore #3 if I was you, one of the more bizarre posts that I've ever read on here...

Thanks so much, I appreciate the help. Late May might work out well for us. I'd expect we'll have approximately two weeks, three at the very most.

As for the indulged children thing, I guess having an only child who's going to Japan at the age of 7 might be some peoples idea of indulged anyway, so I'd imagine we'd be fine! I haven't been to Japan, but I have been to China (not that I am equating them) and I have to say one of the most pleasant things I noticed about my time was the positivity and devotion that people demonstrate towards their children - I attributed this possibly to most families only having one child.

Dear katie_may,

Japan has a huge range of activities to offer. With my children, we've done a lot of outdoor activities, taking advantage of Japan's natural beauty - hiking to the top of volcanoes, seeing the island that inspired Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke, snorkeling, watching snow monkeys, etc. In Tokyo, we've also participated in kendo and judo classes, seen a baseball game, and even just enjoyed afternoons in the park.

I've tried to plan our trips around a combination of what we're interested in, and what is particularly special about Japan.

Thus, if you were comfortable giving us a better sense of your interests, that would probably help us come up with specific suggestions.

Best,

Colin

Hi Colin - I don't wish to hijack someone else's post :) but I am also going to Japan with my 7 yr old daughter (in Jan) and I was interested that you said that you'd participated in kendo and judo classes. Was that just for one class? is there somewhere that does that in Tokyo? I think my daughter would love that as she is currently learning martial arts in Australia. Any details?

I was also wondering about visiting Temples and Ryokan - did you find it problematic with children who may not be the greatest at being quiet and still? (if you have any such children like that ....)

thanks - Julia

Hi jc_pyjamas:

I apologise for a brief reply: I'm squeezed right now, but:

1. judo: the Kodokan was very welcoming to my children when we visited, helping them feel welcome in spite of never having practiced judo before. It was also nice to watch the elderly black belts file in afterwards, and see what centuries of experience look like. http://kodokanjudoinstitute.org/en/

2. kendo: the Budokan is both a striking building to see, and - again - a friendly place for a first lesson in kendo. http://www.nipponbudokan.or.jp/english. Kendo can be booked via http://smilesports.jp/item/88/5.html; I used the automatic translation features to read the page.

In both cases, yes, a single class.

1. temples and ryokan. We've never attended a service in a temple. We've tended to see them when hiking, and are typically among the only people there. Thus, fidgeting, etc. hasn't been an issue. I've not found the ryokan any different than a hotel, although some may feel more fun (thus, conducive to a desire to run) as they're usually less sterile. So, yes, I find myself uttering that parental mantra, "no running..." but no major incidents.

Thanks so much Colin, I think my little one isn't super keen on walking or hiking, but perhaps I can train her up a little. I also think it might be useful to introduce her to some Studio Ghibli before we go too as she's not seen any as yet. I'm interested in temples, but neither my daughter or husband are likely to be very keen, so I'll probably try to select a few 'must see' places.
We're all enthusiastic about meeting people and getting to know more about other cultures, maybe a judo or kendo lesson could be one really fun way to do this.
jc_pyjamas, please don't worry at all about hijacking my thread. I'd be really interested to hear how you get on and what sorts of things your daughter enjoys on your travels.