Little Nomads Japan

16/04/2026

16/04/2026

At Little Nomads Japan I can source most baby essentials locally ready for you when you arrive in Japan, but these are the ones that are difficult to find, so worth packing if you’ve got space.

Teething gel
Genuinely not really available in Japan in the familiar medicated form (especially soothing gels like you’d find in the UK/US). Japan relies on teethers (like the banana one my son has!)

Gas drops
Also not commonly found in Japan in the simethicone “gas relief drops” format you might be used to. It’s one of those things you assume will exist everywhere until you’re here looking for it.

Baby paracetamol (Calpol / Tylenol)
Japan has alternatives, but they’re often prescription-based or come in different dosing and formats. If you’re used to Calpol/Tylenol, it’s easier to bring what you know.

Sudocrem
Classic thick barrier cream for nappy rash. Japan has alternatives, but I find it’s not quite the same heavy-duty, no-nonsense texture.

Vitamin D drops (especially for winter trips)
Useful when sunlight is limited in winter or for babies spending most of their time indoors. I have occasionally seen them here but they’re not routinely used in Japan, so many parents bring their own.

Japan has excellent baby products overall—just not always the exact things you’d reach for at 2am with a baby who has opinions.

02/04/2026

Traveling to Japan with a baby and wondering about formula?

The good news: yes, you can buy formula in Japan—and it’s safe, high quality, and widely available. But the formats might be a little different from what you’re used to.

From powdered tins to sachets, cubes, and ready-to-drink options, there are actually some really convenient choices here (especially for traveling).

🔗 https://littlenomadsjapan.com/blogs/little-nomads-japan-blog/can-you-buy-formula-in-japan-a-guide-for-traveling-parents

As a combo-feeding mum, I personally love sachets—no mess, no measuring, and so much easier when you’re out and about.

I’ve put together a full guide on what to expect, the main brands, and what works best when traveling.

If you’re planning a trip, this will save you a lot of stress.

01/03/2026

“Raw milk” in Japan isn’t raw.
It just means 100% cow’s milk 🐮
Check the cut on the carton to be sure

I’m definitely not the first person to share this info on instagram but I see worried parents asking about this all the time on Facebook. So thought it’s worth another share 🥛

03/12/2025

I realised yesterday that I was missing one of Mia’s shoes. They’re well worn, not worth anything, but both she and I love them and they match everything so I was a bit sad.

I thought about it, and decided there was only one place I could have dropped it by accident - in the road at the drop off point outside the station. Seemed like a bit of a long shot but I asked inside the station, and they had it!

Even for something so small and lacking value, the confirmation process was relatively stringent. She asked me to describe it, and then which foot it was for (which I couldn’t remember!) and then what size it was (which could remember!). Then I signed a form and showed my identification, and finally the shoe was released to me 🎉

So, don’t give up straight away if you lose something important to you, even if it has no monetary worth. Chances are someone will hand it in to the closest lost property authority, or even that it will just be left where you dropped it but placed out of harms way. So as long as you have a rough idea where you lost it, you have quite a good chance of getting it back (if you can be bothered to collect it!)

(I actually have another item I left on the train that I need to collect from Tokyo Metro lost property. Very happy that it’s been handed in, but less happy that I have to get on a train to go and collect it in person 😭 All my own fault though)

24/10/2025

Thank you, , for the wonderful review. ♥️

We’re so glad to hear that packing for your baby was easy this time with our Little Nomads Japan essentials box.

For this trip, we prepared a custom selection of baby food, snacks, and essentials—all vegetarian and fish-free—delivered directly to their hotel. Another box is already on the way for the second half of their trip!

Our goal is to make traveling with little ones in Japan simpler and more comfortable for every family.

24/09/2025

A spontaneous family hot spring getaway at Izu Marriott Shuzenji

Nestled in the Izu mountains, part of the Laforet Resort complex. Not the easiest to reach from Tokyo (best by car), but doable and worth the trip.

Western/Japanese fusion buffet rather than the usual Japanese Kaiseki. Dinner was excellent (even if I only managed breakfast and dessert photos). The kids’ buffet corner, high chairs everywhere, and the playroom with books and a ball pit made it very family-friendly.

The hotel has been recently renovated and feels sleek and comfortable, though some of the wider Laforet facilities are a little run down. Still, there’s a zip line, sports hall, shuttle bus, car park, welcome snacks and infused water.

There is also a public bath—nothing special but perfectly fine—but the real highlight is having your own open-air bath in the room.

Excellent value: 30,000 yen per adult per night including half board. Mia was free since she shared my bed and she’s only 2.

A perfect mix of comfort, food, and kid-friendly touches—even if access takes a little extra effort.

07/08/2025

Pregnant and travelling in Japan? This mini guide covers everything from how to get a free pregnancy badgeto tips for staying comfortable on public transport. A must-read if you’re expecting while exploring Japan.

Read here: https://littlenomadsjapan.com/blogs/little-nomads-japan-blog/pregnant-and-visiting-japan-here-s-what-to-expect-on-public-transport

24/07/2025

3 Summer Travel Tips for Japan You Won’t See on the Usual Lists

Especially if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler — these are the little things that might not occur to you, but they can make all the difference.

All based on real experience (and mistakes made!) as a mum living here in Japan:

1️⃣ Bring an extra layer
Yes, even in 35°C heat! Trains and restaurants blast the air con, and if you or your baby are already damp from sweat or rain, it can feel freezing.

2️⃣ Use a condensation-resistant ice pack
These clever “no-sweat” ice packs keep milk or juice cold without leaking into your bag — total game-changer.

Bonus: Pair it with a compact cooler bag (also available at Daiso) to keep everything chill on long days out. I can include both in your baby travel essentials box too.

3️⃣ Carry a few ¥100 coins
IC cards like Suica are brilliant — but relying on them everywhere can trip you up.
While most touristy spots are fine, vending machines in quieter, more local areas still often only take cash.
Just a few ¥100 coins will do — and they’re also great for shrine prayers!

✨ Save this post if you’re planning summer travel in Japan with little ones — or tag a friend who is!

22/07/2025

Little Nomads Japan began with her.
Born on my birthday — the greatest gift.

From newborn snuggles to cake-covered smiles at one and two — it’s all gone by in a flash.
Celebrating our shared birthday today 💛

Helping other families travel with ease started with my own.

Swipe to see the cakes (with our names!) and just how quickly two years can fly.

20/07/2025

Based in Yokohama, but we deliver baby travel essentials anywhere in Japan — straight to your hotel 🧳💜

We can send to your Airbnb or family’s home too, just make sure to select a time when someone can be available to receive it.

Ross and his family arrived in Osaka to find a custom box of goodies waiting — no packing stress, just a smooth start to their Japan adventure!

📦 Little Nomads Japan — baby travel made easy, wherever you’re staying