How to Get Around Tokyo with a Toddler: Real Mom Tips for Strollers & More
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How to Get Around Tokyo with a Toddler: Real Mom Tips for Strollers & More 🚼🗼
As a Tokyo-born mom who’s traveled the city with a toddler, I’ll be honest—I don’t love bringing a stroller in Tokyo. While the city is safe and public transportation is amazing, navigating narrow sidewalks, stairs, and crowded trains with a stroller can be exhausting.
But don’t worry—there are ways to make exploring Tokyo with your little one much easier. Here are my real-mom tips on how to get around with a toddler in tow, plus what I personally do instead of always bringing a stroller!
1. Tokyo Trains Are Great—But Not Always Stroller-Friendly
Tokyo’s train system is clean, safe, and punctual—but not all stations are stroller accessible. Some stations don’t have elevators, and even when they do, you might face long waits, especially on weekends or at busy hubs like Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Mom tip: I avoid bringing a stroller if I have to transfer trains often. Instead, I check routes in advance and stick to stations with good elevator access. Apps like Google Maps, Tokyo Subway Navigation, and Navitime are super helpful for finding stroller-friendly routes.
2. Check if You Can Rent a Stroller (It’s a Game-Changer!)
Before heading out, I research whether stroller rentals are available. Many large shopping malls and popular attractions offer free or coin-operated stroller rentals.
One of my favorite finds? Character strollers at malls like AEON or Lalaport—you insert a 100-yen coin to use them and get your money back when you return the stroller. Toddlers love riding in these, and it’s so convenient!
3. Big Department Stores = Toddler-Friendly Zones
Need a break? Large department stores like Takashimaya, Isetan, or Lumine are lifesavers when you’re out with a toddler. They often have:
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Clean nursing rooms and baby changing tables
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Spacious elevators (sometimes multiple!)
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Baby lounges
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Coin strollers for rent
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Kid-friendly cafés and food courts
Perfect places to relax, recharge, and let your toddler unwind.
4. Use a Compact or Foldable Stroller If You Must Bring One
If you really need a stroller (and sometimes you do!), I recommend a lightweight, compact model. Something easy to fold with one hand while holding your child. Tokyo’s sidewalks and shops can be narrow, so being able to quickly collapse your stroller is a total lifesaver.
I also bring a baby carrier for places with stairs or where strollers aren’t allowed—like shrines or some museums.
5. Plan Around Kid-Friendly Spots
Planning ahead is key when traveling with a toddler. Some of our favorite stroller-friendly and toddler-approved places in Tokyo include:
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Ueno Zoo & Ueno Park – lots of space and animal fun; bonus: Ueno Zoo offers stroller rentals at the entrance for a small fee if you don’t bring your own.
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Odaiba – wide pedestrian paths, character stores, and indoor play areas
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Yoyogi Park – peaceful, stroller-friendly open space
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Tokyo Toy Museum – an indoor wonderland perfect for little ones
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TeamLab Planets – interactive, sensory play with lights and colors (note: stroller parking required in some areas)
Always check the official websites before you go—some places offer free or coin-operated strollers that can save your day!
Final Thoughts from a Tokyo Mama 💕
Tokyo is a magical city to explore with your child—but I always say, less stress = more fun. That’s why I usually skip bringing my own stroller and instead plan ahead with stroller rentals, baby carriers, and stroller-friendly routes.
With a little research, you can fully enjoy Tokyo’s charm while keeping it simple and sweet for you and your toddler.
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