Navigating Japan’s road rules is one thing; doing it with a toddler in the back seat is another. Many parents quickly notice a gap between what the law requires and what safety experts actually recommend for car seats in Japan. From age and height rules to taxis and rental cars, this is what you need to know about car seat safety in Japan.

Car Seats In Japan 101

Under Japan’s Road Traffic Act, any child under the age of six must be secured in a child restraint system.

It’s important to note that responsibility lies entirely with the driver. This applies even if you’re just borrowing a friend’s car for a quick grocery run or catching a ride with a neighbor. If the police catch you transporting a child under six without a seat, there’s no monetary fine, but you will receive one demerit point on your license.

While a single point might feel like a “slap on the wrist,” the safety risks are anything but minor. 

When Is a Car Seat Not Legally Required?

Japan’s “Road Traffic Act Enforcement Order” does allow for a few specific exemptions:

• Space Issues: If the vehicle’s structure prevents installing a car seat, or if the car is already at full capacity and there isn’t space to secure multiple children.
• Health & Care: If a child has a medical condition or injury that prevents proper use, or if urgent daily care (such as changing a diaper) must be provided while the vehicle is moving. 
• Public Transport: Car seats are not required by law when riding in taxis or buses.
• Emergencies: During urgent transport to a hospital or medical facility.

Experts Recommend Using Car Seats For Longer

While the law lets you stop using a car seat the day your child turns six, the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) recommends using the measuring tape rather than age.

In 2025, JAF updated its guidelines, raising the recommended height for child seat use from 140 cm to 150 cm. Since the average child doesn’t hit the 150 cm mark until around age 12, this means your “big kid” should likely stay in a booster seat much longer than the law requires.

The reason comes down to fit. Adult seat belts are designed for adult bodies. If the belt crosses a child’s neck or abdomen instead of the collarbone and hips, the risk of serious internal injury increases in a crash. In other words, meeting the legal minimum and meeting the safest standard are not always the same thing.

Choosing The Right Car Seat In Japan

Manufacturers categorize seats based on a mix of age, height and weight. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for your next shopping trip:

Experts recommend keeping your child rear-facing for as long as your seat’s height and weight limits allow, and using a booster until the seat belt fits your child correctly.

Where To Buy Or Rent A Car Seat In Japan

Ready to shop? Thankfully, Japan has plenty of options for every budget, as well as a few rental options if you are just visiting.

In-Store Retailers

If you want to “test drive” a seat before buying, head to:

• Akachan Honpo: The ultimate destination for new parents. They have “Safety Advisors” who can help you understand the difference between seat belt–installed and ISOFIX models.
• Babies“R”Us / Toys“R”Us Japan: Great for seeing international brands like Joie, Cybex and Graco in person.
• Nishimatsuya: Their in-house brand, SmartAngel, offers some of the most budget-friendly seats in Japan without compromising on safety standards.

Online Options

For doorstep delivery, Amazon Japan and Rakuten are the best choices. Search for “チャイルドシート” (Child Seat) or “ジュニアシート” (Junior Seat). Make sure to check the seat for the E-mark (a tiny circle with an “E” inside). That symbol means the seat meets official safety standards in Japan.

Rentals Options

If you’re renting a car, you can usually add a child seat when you book. Most companies charge a one-time fee per rental rather than a daily rate.

Rental Services:

If a rental car add-on isn’t an option, standalone baby gear rental companies offer a wider selection of seats, from basic boosters to premium infant models. These are some of the most widely used services in Japan:

DUSKIN “Kasite Net” – A reliable option with a large catalog of models.

Price: Approximately ¥3,500 – ¥6,600 per month for popular Combi or Leaman seats.

BabyRenta -Offers a wider selection, including premium brands such as Cybex and Joie.

Price: Short-term rentals (around three days) start at roughly ¥6,000. Monthly rentals are a better value at around ¥8,000.

NiceBaby – Well-suited for medium-term rentals.

Price: Two-week rentals start at about ¥2,000 for basic boosters and range up to ¥7,000 for higher-end infant seats.

Keeping your child safe on Japan’s roads doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. The law gives you a starting point but the safest choice is always the seat that fits your child properly.

Have you found Japan’s car seat rules confusing, or surprisingly flexible? Share your experience in the comments!

With the number of babies dropping each year, the Japanese government is rolling out one of its most ambitious rounds of family support in years. Starting in 2026, Japan is introducing new family support policies that cover childbirth and childcare, education and post-divorce support. Here’s what to expect with the new key family policy changes in Japan.

Free Childbirth for Standard Deliveries

One of the key family policy changes in Japan is the plan to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for standard childbirth. Currently, normal deliveries are not covered by national health insurance. Instead, parents receive a lump-sum childbirth and childcare allowance of ¥500,000, which often does not cover the entire cost of delivery. The national average has climbed from around ¥417,000 in 2012 to more than ¥518,000 in 2024 and in Tokyo, costs are as high as ¥625,000.

From fiscal year 2026, the government aims to make standard childbirth effectively free, either by covering normal deliveries under public health insurance with no co-payment or by increasing the allowance to match typical costs. Caesarean sections and other specialized procedures, which are already partially insured, will continue to require the usual 30 percent co-payment.

While details such as epidurals and private rooms are still under review, the goal is straightforward: to remove one of the largest upfront expenses of becoming a parent in Japan.

New Child & Child-rearing Support Contribution

From April 2026, families will notice a small new addition to their health insurance premiums: the Child and Child-rearing Support Contribution (子ども 子育て支援金制度). The funds will go toward expanding child allowances, pregnancy and childbirth grants and broader childcare programs.

The fee will be collected from all health insurance subscribers, including people without children. Government estimates put the average cost at around ¥250 to ¥450 per person per month (roughly ¥3,000 to ¥5,400 per year), though the exact amount will vary based on income and insurance type. If you work for a company, the cost will be shared with your employer, much like your existing social insurance payments.

Childcare for All Children

Starting in April 2026, Japan will roll out the “Childcare for All Children” program (こども誰でも通園制度) nationwide, expanding access to childcare for more families.

Until now, getting a spot at a licensed daycare usually meant parents had to prove a “need for childcare,” often by working full-time. This left many stay-at-home parents, freelancers, part-timers and job-seeking families struggling to access childcare, especially for children under two. Under the new system, that requirement will be removed. Infants and toddlers aged six months to two years will be able to attend daycare for up to 10 hours per month, regardless of their parents’ employment status.

Families will have more flexible childcare choices, from short-term and hourly care to local, community-based support. Rates are expected to be around ¥275 to ¥300 per hour, though the exact cost and availability will depend on your area. All certified providers will also offer some form of flexible access under the new system.

Joint Parental Custody After Divorce

From April 2026, Japan will introduce joint parental custody, marking a major shift in the country’s divorce and custody laws.

Until now, Japan only recognized sole custody, meaning one parent kept full legal authority (shinken), while the other had limited say in major decisions. Under the revised Civil Code, parents will be able to choose either joint or sole custody. With joint custody, both parents must agree on big decisions like schooling, moving house or significant medical care, while day-to-day matters stay with the parent the child lives with. If there are concerns about domestic violence or abuse, the court will award sole custody instead.

At the same time, Japan will roll out a new child support system to address unpaid support.

From April 2026:

• A minimum payment of ¥20,000 per child per month can be claimed
• This applies even without a formal agreement at the time of divorce
• Courts can seize wages or assets to recover unpaid support, up to ¥80,000 per child per month

One-time ¥20,000 Support Payment

Families will also get a small financial boost: a one-time ¥20,000 Child-rearing Support Allowance per child. Unlike regular benefits, this is meant as short-term help rather than ongoing support.

If you’re already receiving the standard child allowance, you’re automatically eligible, with no income limits to worry about. The payment covers kids aged 0 to 18 and will be sent to the same bank account you use for your current child allowance. Most families can expect it to arrive between February and March 2026.

Private High School Tuition Assistance

Education costs are also set to ease for many families, especially those considering private high schools. From April 2026, the government will scrap the income cap on private high school tuition subsidies. In the past, support depended on household earnings, which meant many middle-income families missed out or received very little. Under the new rules, all eligible households can get up to ¥457,000 per year per student.

Unfortunately, the subsidy only applies to tuition. Things like entrance fees, uniforms, tablets or laptops and school trips are still paid out of pocket.

Pension Premium Exemption for Self-employed Parents 

For self-employed parents, taking time off after having a baby can be financially tough. Unlike salaried workers, freelancers and small business owners still have to pay their full National Pension premiums. From October 2026, that changes. Type 1 insured parents will be exempt from paying National Pension premiums until their child turns one. With monthly premiums currently around ¥16,000 to ¥17,000, that could mean savings of ¥190,000 to ¥200,000 over the first year.

What do you think of the key family policy changes in Japan? Let us know in the comments!

With specials on romantic dinners and getaways for two, Valentine’s Day in Japan might appear a holiday reserved only for couples. Why should couples have all the fun? Get the family in on the love, too! When two people fall in love and start a family, babies and young kids immediately take center stage, demanding a lot of care and attention. In such a situation, it’s easy for the couple’s relationship to take a backseat. So, what’s the compromise? Want to know how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Japan for couples with kids? Here’s my humble advice.

Make Something With Love This Valentine’s

Make something thoughtful with your kids and presto, core memory encoded! Why not rustle up some homemade chocolate treats? From January until Valentine’s Day in February, hyaku-en (¥100) stores and supermarkets in Japan are awash with supplies to make your own chocolates. 

What to include on your shopping list: 

• Chocolate molds (the silicone ones are fuss-free)
• Chocolate for melting in a double boiler or microwave (regular chocolate bars, couverture chocolate (higher cocoa butter content) or chocolate chips work just fine)
• Decorations and fillings like sprinkles, dried fruit, chopped nuts, crushed candy, crushed cookies 
• Chocolate cups/wrapping paper/chocolate boxes (optional)

This might be the easiest dessert you can make with kids. Just be careful with melted chocolate straight off the stove or out of the microwave. Pour into the molds, decorate and pop in the fridge for about thirty minutes to an hour. 

If you and your partner are particularly crafty, you can also encourage every family member to make a Valentine’s Day card. Again, head to your favorite hyaku-en shop for supplies: card paper, markers, paints, ribbon, washi tape and stickers.

Let each person pick someone’s name at random. Then make a card for that special someone. The best part is what goes inside the card. Help your kids write something nice to the person they love. 

Tour a Chocolate Factory in Japan

© Photo by iStock/ mutarusan

Like any decent Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory fan, I’m all about getting to know my chocolate from the factory floor. Touring a chocolate factory in Japan is possible but you usually have to make a reservation. If you’re planning a Valentine’s Day adventure, book well in advance. Do note that some factories are not open on weekends or national holidays. Here are just a few to get you planning ahead.

Lotte Okashi School 

• Address: 3-1-1 Numakage, Minami-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture (Google Map link)
• Closest station: Musashi-Urawa Station (5-minute walk)
• Price: Free (reservation required);  persons aged 3 and over 
• Opening hours: tour times are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; closed on weekends, national holidays, Obon, New Year’s and factory maintenance days

Meiji Naruhodo Factory Sakado

• Address: 5-3-1 Chiyoda, Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture (Google Map link)
• Closest station: Wakaba Station (15-minute walk)
• Price: Free (reservation required); persons aged 4 and over
• Opening hours: closed on Saturdays and Sundays; see website for more details

Glicopia East

• Address: 9-55 Nakamaru, Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture (Google Map link)
• Closest station: Okegawa Station or Kitamoto Station 
• Price: Free (reservation required) 
• Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; closed on Obon and New Year’s holidays, Fridays and factory maintenance days (see website for more details)

Get Together After Hours 

© Photo by iStock/ Image Source

After the kids have spent all day making, looking at, and eating chocolate, read them a bedtime story, give them a hug and a kiss and rejoice! Now, it’s couples-only time. Spend the rest of Valentine’s in Japan as a couple without kids (even if they’re just sleeping in their bedrooms). 

Netflix and chill. Dine or snack by candlelight. Snuggle under the blankets. What you do with your time is totally up to you! All that matters is that you use it to genuinely reconnect as a couple. 

If, however,  you’re really knackered after a day out with the fam, why not plan a date night for another time? Here are some suggestions for inspo: 

• A Year Worth of Monthly Date Ideas in Japan for All Ages
• Best Outdoor Date Idea for Valentine’s in Tokyo

Let us know how you and your family get on this Valentine’s Day in Japan!

Japan is an incredible place to visit in winter, but if you are traveling with kids, flu season is something worth preparing for. Influenza (インフルエンザ) spreads fast in Japan and a child getting sick can shift everything in a matter of hours. The good news is that Japan’s healthcare system is extremely reliable, which makes dealing with situations like this much less overwhelming.

Recognizing Flu Symptoms

In Japan, a temperature over 37.5°C counts as a fever. If it climbs to 38°C or higher, especially if your child seems unusually tired, is struggling to breathe, or is not eating or drinking, it is best to have them checked. 

Influenza symptoms: 

• Fever above 38°C 
• Chills, headaches, muscle aches 
• Severe fatigue
• Cough, sore throat, congestion 
• Vomiting or diarrhea, especially in younger kids

Severe influenza symptoms:

If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek urgent medical care immediately. 

• Bluish lips or skin
• Labored or rapid breathing
• Confusion, hallucinations, seizures
• Persistent vomiting or dehydration
• Non-blanching rash
• Fever lasting longer than 48 hours in young children

No one knows your child better than you do. If their behavior seems unusual or your instincts are telling you something is not right, trust that feeling and seek medical advice.

Flu Care in Japan

Many children recover from influenza without hospital care, but managing symptoms while traveling can feel different from home. The good news is that Japan has plenty of options to help make your child more comfortable.

Some helpful items for flu care include:

• Netsu-zamashi (熱さましシート) – cooling gel sheets for fevers
• OS-1 – Oral rehydration electrolyte solution (Electrolyte drinks like Pocari Sweat and Aquarius also work well)
• Children’s Bufferin Range (小児用バファリン) – Liquids and Tablets for fevers, coughs and cold symptoms
• Paburon Kids (パブロンキッズ) – an acetaminophen-based medication for children aged 3 months to 6 years

You can ask the pharmacy staff for help by sharing your child’s age, weight and symptoms. They can recommend suitable products, but keep in mind that Japan typically uses lower doses of acetaminophen than many Western countries.

If you need supplies late at night, chains such as Welcia, Tsuruha Drug and Sugi Drug often operate extended hours. Above all, encourage plenty of rest and fluids and consider slowing your itinerary to allow proper time for recovery.

How to Call an Ambulance in Japan

If the situation feels urgent, do not take a taxi or go directly to a hospital without calling ahead. Japan’s emergency system works differently.

The fastest option:

If you are staying at a hotel, your first stop should be the front desk or concierge. They understand the emergency system, can explain your location accurately in Japanese and remove the stress of communication so you can focus on your child. When you are away from your accommodation, do not hesitate to ask for help from a police officer, station staff member or nearby employee.

If you must call yourself:

Do not delay. Dial 119 and say:

“Kyuu-kyuu-sha onegaishimasu. Kodomo ga byouki desu.” (I need an ambulance. My child is sick.)

Give your address slowly and clearly, add nearby landmarks and speak simply. Use simple English or Japanese and speak at a steady pace. It is always better to call for help right away than to lose time searching online or relying on translation apps.

Ambulance services in Japan are free for everyone and paramedics will choose the most appropriate hospital based on your child’s condition and location.

Medical Emergency Services in Japan

Fortunately, most major cities in Japan are well equipped with 24-hour emergency medical services, particularly during flu season. If possible, ask hotel staff for assistance first. If you are unsure whether your child needs emergency care, you can also dial #7119 for nurse advice (Japanese only).

Important: Always Call Ahead

In Japan, you generally cannot choose a clinic or hospital and simply show up. Many facilities do not accept walk-ins and will turn patients away if no prior arrangement has been made. While this can feel frustrating when you are worried about your child, following the correct procedure is often the fastest way to receive care.

Medical Support Lines for Foreign Visitors

Tokyo Metropolitan Health & Medical Information Centre

They offer free medical consultations and can recommend hospitals that provide support in foreign languages.

• Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Spanish (call charges apply)
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Phone: 03-5285-8181

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) – Japan Visitor Hotline

This service supports visitors with emergencies such as illness or natural disasters and provides information on medical facilities that offer care in foreign languages.

• Languages: English, Chinese and Korean
• Hours: 24/7, 365 days
• Phone: 050-3816-2787

AMDA International Medical Information Center

AMDA provides multilingual medical information and support for foreign residents and visitors in Japan. They can help you find appropriate hospitals and clinics, explain how the Japanese medical system works, and offer telephone interpretation support during medical visits when needed.

• Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese and others (varies by day and availability)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Phone: 03-6233-9266

Visiting a Hospital in Japan

Foreign families are very welcome at Japanese hospitals, although the experience may differ from what you are accustomed to at home.

Bring the following with you:

• Passports
• Travel insurance documents
• Any prescription medications your child is currently taking
• Cash (payment is often required before leaving and not all facilities accept cards)

At the reception, you will be required to complete several forms. English options are not always available, so the Google Translate camera function can be extremely helpful.

Your child will be triaged quickly before being seen by a physician. In suspected flu cases, doctors often perform a rapid influenza test using a swab.

Depending on your child’s condition, they may also receive:

• Temperature checks and rapid testing for viral infections
• Oral Rehydration Solutions or Intravenous Fluids
• X-rays or blood tests if complications are suspected
• Prescriptions for medication

If you are still feeling unsure, Savvy Tokyo offers several guides on what to know before seeing a doctor in Japan and what to expect when your child needs medical care.

Ahh, winter. Dreary days. Bone-chilling temperatures. Late sunrises. Sounds miserable, right? It may seem like the end of the world, but here are some fun family activities for winter in Japan.

Although it may be tempting, don’t stay indoors all the time. If you have young kids, getting outside is essential to get rid of the wiggles and save your sanity. Even if it’s freezing, get out. There is no such thing as bad weather. Just bad clothes, right?

If you’re too tired to schlep outdoors, don’t sweat it! There are lots of things your family can do at home to make the wintry season a memorable one. Here’s my survival kit to chase those seasonal blues away.

1. Check Out The Lights

Luckily, in Japan, the lights usually stay on well past Christmas and New Year’s. 

I don’t know any kid who isn’t a fan of twinkly fairy lights. The glow of thousands of LED lights can make for a magical evening and stunning family selfies. 

The best time to feast your eyes and avoid the crowds is on a weekday at dusk. Popular locations where the razzle-dazzle stays up past December 25 include:

• Country Farm Tokyo German Village (until Apr. 5, 2026)
• Tokyo Dome City (until Mar. 1, 2026)
• Odaiba Decks Tokyo Beach (until Feb. 27, 2026)
• Yomiuriland Jewellumination (until Apr. 5, 2026)

2. Hit the Slopes 

January in Japan is synonymous with Japow (fresh powder snow). The ski season usually runs from December to April, with January and February delivering the most snow and the biggest crowds. 

But what if your family isn’t a couple of powder hounds? Not to worry. Many popular resorts in Japan offer one-on-one and group beginner lessons to kids and adults. Some even offer them in English! 

Strapping on a snowboard requires some skill, so why not try something with less of a learning curve? Equally fun family winter activities in Japan include sledding, tubing, snow rafting, ice fishing, ice skating, even dog sledding! 

Check out these family-friendly snow resorts in Japan this winter:

• Tsugaike Mountain Resort (Nagano)
• Hoshino Resorts Tomamu (Hokkaido)
• Tambara Ski Park (Gunma)
• Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort (Niigata)

3. Warm up in a Hot Spring

Not on friendly terms with the white stuff? Onsen (hot springs) are aplenty in Japan. A visit to the hot spring doesn’t require schlepping across the country. Kusatsu, Hakone and Atami are all famous onsen towns a hop and skip away from the capital.

Or enjoy the best of both worlds! Nozawa Onsen, a famous ski resort and onsen town in Nagano, is perfect for the family that plays hard by day and enjoys downtime at dusk. 

An onsen visit is just what the doctor orders during the cold season, helping you and your loved ones warm up the body without breaking the bank. Pick a public one or keep things intimate by renting a private pool. Check out our family guide to planning a trip to the onsen.

4. Hit up a Winter Festival

Even if you’re not a hardcore ski bum, you can still enjoy the ice. These winter matsuri (festivals) celebrate the white stuff, shaping it into pretty spectacles. 

Everyone knows about the Sapporo Snow Festival but what about the Tokamachi Snow Festival? In Niigata,  locals “befriend” the snow and make equally stunning snow sculptures. 

Or check out some really cute illuminated kamakura (igloos) along a riverbank at the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival in Tochigi. Afterward, be sure to warm up in a hot pool.

Witness epic snowball fights (with participants in hilarious getups) at the Koide International Snowball Fight in Niigata. 

And for an even more glorious show, watch fire flowers explode against a Mt. Fuji backdrop during the Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks Festival.

5. Catch Those Early Blossoms 

When winter starts winding down in Japan, do you know you and your family can catch some early blossoms? 

Before the eponymous sakura (cherry blossom) in spring, there are ume (plum) blossoms. Every year, Hanegi Park hosts the Setagaya Ume Matsuri. Gaze at the flowers, get your matcha on or try your hand at haiku or mochitsuki (mochi pounding).

There are also some early sakura bloomers like Atami-zakura and Kawazu-zakura that flower as early as January and February. Every year, the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka hosts Itokawa Cherry Blossom Festival and Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. 

If you’re not up for a road trip, you can also hanami (view flowers) under kawazu zakura trees in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Rinshi no Mori Park in Tokyo.

6. Kick Back with a Flick

When your family just wants to hibernate indoors, break out the popcorn and host a feel-good movie marathon. I’m talking snowy landscapes, heartwarming stories, colorful characters. 

Some family-friendly movie recs that fit the bill:

• Ponyo (girl-fish turns into a girl and falls in love with a human boy)
• The Secret World of Arrietty/Karigurashi no Arietti (who doesn’t love a tale of tiny borrowers living in a cute little house?)
• Mirai (little boy time-travels to meet his baby sis and other relatives)
• Little Forest: Winter/Spring /Ritoru Foresuto: Fuyu/Haru (girl moves back to hometown in the wilderness and enjoys slow living)

However, I’m not including the beloved Hachiko Monogatari in this comfort movie list. 

Whoever said (spoiler alert) that watching a beautiful Akita lose his home and die a common stray in the snow in front of Shibuya Station clearly doesn’t know the meaning of heartwarming. If this plotline sounds too traumatic, feel free to skip. 

7. Take a Yuzu Bath

Japanese culture mandates yuzuyu (yuzu bath) on the winter solstice but who says your family can’t enjoy it throughout winter? 

Bath time becomes extra-special with tangy notes wafting about. Cut a couple of yuzu (Japanese citrus) in half and dunk them in the bathwater. If the fruit isn’t available, your next best bet is a yuzu-scented bath bomb. 

Soaking in the citrus-infused water may ward off colds. Not only is yuzu rich in vitamin C, its oil also contains immune-boosting nomilin. And of course, a nice long soak increases circulation and relaxes the body. 

If you have a lot of fruit, here are some other ways to use yuzu during winter.

8. Making Sweet Treats

Winter is the perfect time in Japan to bake your family’s way to happiness. Make desserts from seasonal ingredients like strawberries, yuzu and mikan (mandarin orange) like yuzu pavlova or mikan cake.

Get those kids measuring and mixing with this salty-sweet miso chocolate chip cookie recipe. If baking seems intimidating, check out our guide to buying baking ingredients in Japan.

Even if you don’t have an oven, all is not lost. With just a stovetop and refrigerator, you can whip up a seasonal amazake purin (amazake pudding) or chocolate treats for Valentine’s or anytime. 

9. Strawberry Picking

Did you know that even in the depths of winter, you can go strawberry picking? Thanks to numerous greenhouses in Japan, this fun activity is available from as early as January to June. 

Why did I include this as an indoor activity? Since the greenhouses protect the berries from the elements, rest assured you and your fam won’t get nippy or wet while eating all that delicious fruit.  

At Yokohama Strawberry Park, you can even chow down on those moreish berries all year round! Pick berries in the city or in a neighboring prefecture. Try any of these popular strawberry-picking locations in and around Tokyo.

10. Play Karuta

Winter activities with the family in Japan don’t always have to cost a fortune. 

For New Year’s, many Japanese families indulge in karuta (card games). This mashup of kai-awase (a traditional Japanese matching game involving shells) and a deck of European cards is so popular that there’s even a national tournament.

To play karuta, one person reads the yomifuda (reading card) from the deck while the other players rush to grab/touch/slap its matching torifuda (card to be retrieved) scattered on a surface face up. The player with the most cards wins! 

If this sounds like too much of a tussle, check out some more traditional Japanese games.

Which of these fun family activities for winter in Japan are you going to try with your loved ones?

Born in 1959 into a Chinese–Filipino family in the Philippines, Cynthia Usui, Chief Empowerment Officer of Sekaia Inc., came to Japan in 1980 as a government-sponsored international student and graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. She once imagined a traditional professional path, but life took her across countries and roles, including a long period as a full-time homemaker. Married to a Japanese diplomat, she spent nearly two decades raising her daughter while living in multiple countries before eventually becoming a Japanese national and calling Tokyo home.

At age 47—when most people believe “it’s too late to start over”—Cynthia re-entered the workforce with a part-time cafeteria job. She began what would become one of Japan’s most remarkable second-career stories. From hospitality roles at major hotels, including ANA InterContinental Tokyo and Shangri-La, she went on to lead Tokyo 2020 hospitality at Coca-Cola. She later became a country manager in the hotel industry and then a manager at a major global IT company. Today, she serves as an advisor to an NPO that supports single mothers, while being recognized as a LinkedIn influencer and published author who advocates for career breaks.

Career Breaks by Cynthia Usui

Cynthia’s beliefs are rooted in lived experience. After a 17-year career break, she learned firsthand that stepping away from work is not the end of a career. It can become the beginning of a more authentic one. She calls herself the “Cinderella of stay-at-home moms,” not because she waited for the clock to strike midnight. But because she transformed “ordinary” and “unemployed” into extraordinary and unstoppable through curiosity, humility and persistence.

Her message is simple but radical:

“A career break is not a career end.”

Career pauses also create space for growth, resilience and new perspectives—qualities that enrich professional life later. Through storytelling, writing and mentoring, she now champions women who are restarting professional journeys after motherhood, caregiving, relocation or personal transitions.

What makes Cynthia inspiring is not only that she achieved senior roles. It is the fact that she began again when most people believe the window has closed. She has proven, through her own example, that it is never too late to reinvent oneself. Opportunity doesn’t fade with age, gender or circumstance. She stands for possibility, for second chances and for the power of saying “yes” even when your confidence says “not yet.”

Today, through Career Hub, her books and her platform on LinkedIn, Cynthia empowers a new generation of women to believe that every chapter counts—and that the time spent away from work doesn’t erase your potential. It expands it.

Cynthia’s Japan Recommendations

• Take the train and get out of central Tokyo to see how regular people live.

Visit Cynthia’s website for more information about her and her work.

Her books are all available on Amazon (Japanese language):

• 人生は、もっと、自分で決めていい (Jinsei wa, motto, jibun de kimete ii; “You’re allowed to decide more of your own life.”)
• ハーバード、イェール、プリンストン大学に合格した娘は、どう育てられたか ママ・シンシアの自力のつく子育て術33 (Hābādo, Yēru, Purinsuton Daigaku ni gōkaku shita musume wa, dō sodaterareta ka: Mama Shinshia no jiriki no tsuku kosodatejutsu 33; “How was the daughter who got into Harvard, Yale and Princeton raised? Cynthia’s 33 child-raising methods for building independence.”)
• 専業主婦が就職するまでにやっておくべき8つのこと (Sengyō shufu ga shūshoku suru made ni yatte oku beki yattsu no koto; “Eight things a full-time homemaker should do before getting a job.”)

If you would like to follow Cynthia Usui personally, you can find her over on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

If you have someone in mind you would like us to interview for Savvy Spotlight, please leave a comment below with your recommendations.

As a kid, I never really liked cats. Then, one day in Japan, a black cat walked into my life and I had to reevaluate my decision. It was just a stray, but a persistent one at that. My husband and I called her Mikka-chan. She became a constant companion during our year-long sojourn in Tottori Prefecture. It was Mikka-chan who sparked my curiosity about what Japanese books have to say about cats.

Indeed, today, if you go to any bookstore, you’re bound to find more than a few titles featuring a cute kitty on the cover. These titles perform well not only in Japan but overseas. Book lovers, especially feline enthusiasts, gravitate to these quirky, sweet and sometimes heartbreaking stories.

Japan’s Love Affair With Cats

© Photo by iStock: ES3N

Japan, of course, has a special affinity for cats. Have you ever noticed that there are often stray cats but rarely stray dogs out and about? Locals allow these feral creatures to roam the streets freely. In addition, many Japanese households typically have a fluffy feline or two lounging in the window or sleeping under the kotatsu (heated table) during winter.

Japanese culture loves cats. Why? Because they’re cuddly, independent and mysterious, of course! There are cat islands, cat cafes, cat station masters, Kitty Chan/Hello Kitty, even a delivery company named after a black cat.

In Japan, authors also have a fondness for cats. From the classics to modern tales, these 10 Japanese books about cats are the perfect accompaniment to any dreary day. So pull up a chair! Let’s get the cat out of the bag and learn more about these delightful Japanese cat books!

1. A Cat, A Man And Two Women

In the title novella of this collection, Lily the cat gets embroiled in a “custody battle” between a man and his two wives (one divorced and his new bride). Through this story, Tanizaki shows the pettiness and manipulative nature of humans in spurned relationships.

• Author: Junichiro Tanizaki
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,405)

2. We’ll Prescribe You A Cat

What if you could go to a clinic in Japan where the only prescription is cat therapy? In a perfect world, this could happen, right? This collection of five short stories about the healing nature of cat/human relationships is bound to soften anyone’s heart towards felines.

• Author: Syou Ishida
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥4,264)

3. She And Her Cat

If you’re a fan of Your Name and Weathering with You, then you may enjoy She and Her Cat. Originally an anime short by Makoto Shinkai, this collection is written by screenwriter Naruki Nagakawa. The four interconnected short stories about women and their cats are a purrfect choice for the female cat lover.

• Authors: Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥3,207)

4. The Traveling Cat Chronicles

Similar to the Japanese classic I Am A Cat, the cat narrator here is Nana, a feisty stray cat who ends up in the life of Satoru. This tear-jerker follows Satoru as he travels around Japan to convince his friends and family to adopt his favorite cat.

• Author: Hiro Arikawa
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,426)

5. The Cat Who Saved Books

Hikikomori (social recluse) Rintaro takes over his grandfather’s rare bookstore when a magical talking cat, Tiger, enters his life. Tiger encourages Rintaro to go on labyrinthine “quests” to rescue books that are not being appreciated by their owners. These quests also help him cope with his grandfather’s death.

• Author: Sosuke Natsukawa
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,390)

6. If Cats Disappeared From The World

In this story, the protagonist discovers he has a terminal illness. Soon afterward, he meets the devil, who offers a bargain: give up something from his life to extend it. What challenges him the most is whether to give up his beloved pet cat, Cabbage.

• Author: Genki Kawamura
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,556)

7. The Blanket Cats

One pet shop. Seven cats. Seven stories. In each story, the pet shop allows one customer to rent one of its seven special cats for a period of three days. Similar to the premise in We’ll Prescribe You a Cat, this collection celebrates the healing properties of owning a cat (for a while).

• Author: Kiyoshi Shigematsu
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,784)

8. Mornings With My Cat Mii

One evening, author and poet Mayumi Inaba rescues a pitiful kitten along the Tamagawa riverbank in Tokyo. Mii becomes her constant companion over the next two decades. This memoir documents the author’s fond relationship with Mii.

• Author: Mayumi Inaba
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,751)

9. The Guest Cat

A couple in their 30s living in Tokyo gradually drifts apart until a cat literally walks into their lives. Chibi gives the husband and wife a new lease on their crumbling relationship, drawing them out of their humdrum lives.

• Author: Takahashi Hiraide
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,428)

10. I Am A Cat

An alley cat is rescued from starvation by a middle-class family. Soon, he finds himself critiquing the host of strange humans he meets and the foolish social expectations of the Meiji era in which he now lives. The cat’s sassy narrative voice makes this a timeless Japanese classic.

• Author: Natsume Soseki
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,371)

Bonus: Japanese Books For Kids That Love Cats

11ぴきのねこ (Juichipiki No Neko)

My kindergarten-aged sons absolutely love this classic series. The stories revolve around a band of cats who are always hungry. You’ll often find them scheming to eat any new creature they meet. Sometimes, they succeed. Sometimes, they don’t. The illustrations are simple yet hilarious.

• Author: Noboru Baba
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,320)

こねこねねこの ねこピッツァ (Kone Kone Neko No Neko Pizza)

Talk about a title tongue twister! This children’s book is apparently very popular with the younger generation because of its seven quirky cat characters, wordplay and songs available by QR code embedded in the text.

• Author: Minako Kusaka
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,650)

100万回生きたねこ (Hyaku Mankai Ikita Neko)

This 1977 classic is not your ordinary children’s book. Here, we meet a seemingly immortal cat. He lives and dies several times, meeting several people along the way. What follows is a deeply profound story about loss and love. If you like the movie A Dog’s Purpose, then this kitty tale is probably right up your alley, too.

• Author: Yoko Sano
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,650)

Bookmark this article for your TBR (To Be Read) list. Do you have any Japanese books about cats that you recommend?

As the year winds down, many people in Japan are busy with bonenkai (end-of-the-year parties); sending out nengajo (Japanese New Year postcards); preparing for the big clean (osouji) and snatching up leftover fukubukuro (lucky bags). While the New Year holidays may seem like an adult affair, there are plenty of traditional New Year games in Japan that families can enjoy together.

Karuta

© Photo by iStock: gyro

As one of the most iconic traditional New Year games, karuta traces its long history to kai-awase, a poetry-matching game played by Heian-period nobility using shells, as well as to European-style playing cards introduced to Japan in the 16th century. The primary goal of karuta is to correctly recognize and grab the appropriate matching card before your opponent does.

The most popular game is Hyakunin Isshu Karuta, which showcases 100 classic Japanese poems. For more details on how to play karuta, check out this beginner’s primer. A game for all ages, karuta is an excellent game to hone reflexes, reading and listening skills all in one!

Kendama

© Photo by iStock: grinvalds

One game that has experienced a resurgence in popularity in Japan and worldwide is kendama. Typically made of wood, this ball-and-cup type toy consists of a ken (meaning sword or the handle), dama (ball) and a length of string. Kendama’s appeal lies in its simple construction and immense versatility. Thousands of tricks can be performed with experts mastering around 30,000 different combinations!

You simply swing the ball and catch it between the three different “cups” along the handle. You can also spike it on the end. It’s a great game for improving hand-eye coordination and getting some exercise for energetic little ones.

Fukuwarai

© Photo by iStock: kohei_hara

Similar to the American game, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, fukuwarai dates back to the Edo period. It is equally fun and simple. First, players put on blindfolds. Then they try to place facial feature cutouts—eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows and more—onto a blank face laid out on a table. Traditional face templates include okame, a woman with enormous cheeks believed to bring good luck, and hyottoko, a man with a comically spout-shaped mouth.

This traditional New Year game is typically played in teams. Teammates help by shouting out directions, but they can also mislead their teammates to create hilarious faces. Fukuwarai translates to “lucky laugh” since laughter is supposed to bring you good fortune. Secure some good luck during the holidays as you laugh yourselves into next year!

Hanetsuki

© Photo by iStock: Yoshisako Tsubasa

Resembling badminton without a net, hanetsuki is played with one or two players. You’ll need a wooden paddle called a hagoita and a shuttlecock-like object known as a hane. Hanetsuki has its origins in a Shinto ritual that dates back to the Nara period. It was once believed to be an activity that blessed girls with good health.

In one version of the game, a player tries to keep the hane in the air as long as possible. Another feature is a match between two players, with rules similar to those of badminton. Although the game has declined in popularity, hagoita are still sold around the New Year as collectibles. Grab a pair and go head-to-head this holiday season.

Ohajiki

© Photo by iStock: hanapon1002

Similar to marbles, ohajiki are typically colorful pieces of china, glass or plastic that have been flattened into round discs. Games using ohajiki were traditionally popular among girls during the Edo period as a means of passing the time.

Two players place their ohajiki on the floor in front of them and take turns flipping their pieces. If a player lands their piece on their opponent’s, they get to keep it and win a point. The game continues until all the pieces are collected and the player with the most pieces wins.

Takoage

© Photo by iStock: TAGSTOCK1

As with many traditional New Year games covered in this article, takoage (kite flying) was initially done by elite classes. As well as for religious purposes. However, its popularity grew among ordinary people around the 1600s. As a result, the shogunate issued a ban on kite flying. He feared they would hit the upper class, making trips to the capital. The activity was permitted only on New Year’s Day. As there would be little travel to and from Edo (Tokyo) during the holidays.

Takoage was believed to promote good health through physical activity. It also had the perceived benefit of catching sunlight on your face while looking up at the sky. Parents with newborn boys often flew kites during the holiday as a ritual for ensuring their good health too. These days, kites are readily available in all shapes, sizes and designs. Find your own and take to the skies this New Year!

Origami

© Photo by iStock: recep-bg

The Japanese art of paper folding is not typically associated with the Japanese New Year. However, its thematic versatility means that there are plenty of holiday-related projects for the family to embark on. Try making these New Year items with origami:

• Kadomatsu: One of the most visible examples of New Year decor.
• The fifth creature of the Chinese zodiac: For the upcoming year of the Dragon
• Ema (thick pine cards for writing wishes at shrines): decorate the home with hopes for the coming year.

Are there any traditional New Year games or activities that you enjoy doing with your little ones? Please leave us some suggestions in the comments below!

Another year has flown by, and if you live in Japan, you’ll probably encounter the two largest annual events overlapping—Christmas and New Year—each celebrated very differently depending on the family. As you navigate these unique customs, you’ll quickly notice how central Japanese New Year’s traditions are to the season. Below is the step-by-step process of how and why the Japanese celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of a new one.

Nenmatsu-nenshi, Toshikoshi & Shinnen

© Photo by iStock: gyro

What term refers to what? We get you. It can get confusing. Before we delve into the actual traditions, let’s first define the terminology.

• 年末年始 (nenmatsu-nenshi; “year-end, year-beginning”): Describes the time of year when we are busy and stressed, yet looking forward to spending time with our loved ones. In terms of dates, it actually covers the very last days of the current year and the first days of the new one.
• 年越し (toshikoshi; “passing the year”): Refers to the events and customs that take place at the end of year.
• 新年 (shinnen; “new year”): Refers to all festivities taking place before heading back to work on Jan. 4.

The official nenmatsu-nenshi break in Japan for most people is between Dec. 29 and Jan. 3. Yes, that’s the most blessed time of the year!

Japanese New Year’s Eve Traditions

Below are some of the most unique and traditionally celebrated New Year’s events in Japan. Whether in Akita or Shimane prefectures, celebrating the holidays here will make you go through at least half of these traditions in one way or another.

1. Nengajo (年賀状)

© Photo by iStock: tukinoto

Starting as early as the beginning of December, Japanese people receive their New Year’s seasonal greeting postcards even before the Christmas trees are up. The nengajo is a special postcard used only for New Year’s greetings. As long as you drop them off at your local post office by December 25 (or sometimes even a few days later is fine), they will arrive on January 1, or at the latest, by January 3.

Nengajo are somewhat equivalent to Christmas cards in the West. They’re a way to keep connected to friends, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances at least once a year. The cards also have a set of numbers at the bottom of the card called nengajo tosen that may win you a prize or some cash. The winning numbers are announced on the Japanese Postal website in mid-January, so keep an eye out!

As physical nengajo continue to decline—Japan Post reported a 34% drop in New Year’s Day deliveries in 2025—more people now send digital versions instead. Younger generations especially prefer quick greetings through messaging apps or social media, and Japan Post has responded by launching Smart Nenga, a fully digital service that lets users create and send animated or personalized New Year cards directly through LINE.

2. Hagoita Decorations (羽子板)

© Photo by iStock: yukihipo

Hagoita is a rectangular wooden paddle originally used to play hanetsuki, a traditional Japanese game similar to badminton. Today, people display them as New Year’s decorations to drive away evil spirits—just as you’d hit a badminton feather, you symbolically hit the bad luck away.

The paddles are stunningly beautiful, decorated with 3D models made of silk, wood and washi (Japanese paper). They often represent faces from traditional theater plays, geisha, kabuki actors or sumo wrestlers. You can purchase a set for yourself at most temples around mid-December. If you’re not sure where to go, the famous Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa sells them annually from December 17 to 19.

3. Oosoji (大掃除)

© Photo by iStock: Milatas

Oosoji is Japan’s equivalent of “Spring Cleaning.” On the last weekend of the year, the whole family pitches in to clean the house (especially the windows) so they can start the new year fresh and clean.

Check out this article if you want to oosoji like a pro, and for those looking, here are some Japanese cleaning product recommendations. For lazy cleaners, we also have a list of low-effort Japanese products to keep your home clean. And for those on a budget, there are 100 yen shop must-haves for cleaning that make tidying up before the New Year quick, easy and affordable.

4. Oshogatsu-kazari (お正月飾り)

© Photo by iStock: PresidentKUMA

After the oosoji is completed, families set about decorating the house with oshogatsu-kazari, or New Year’s decorations. The decorations commonly consist of:

• Kadomatsu: Three bits of bamboo and some pine leaves
• Kagamimochi: Two tiers of mochi, or rice cakes with a tangerine on top
• Shimekazari: A New Year’s wreath

The timing of the decoration is also very important. It is commonly believed that if you rush to decorate your house on the last day of the year, an act referred to as 一夜飾り (ichiya-kazari; “one-night decoration”), it will anger the gods and therefore bring bad luck. So, it’s better to put up those decorations before New Year’s Eve!

5. Toshikoshi Soba (年越し蕎麦)

© Photo by iStock: yasuhiroamano

Once all the cleaning and decorating are done and New Year’s Eve is upon us, families prepare a traditional meal called toshikoshi soba. The long soba noodles symbolize a general wish for a long life filled with precision and attention to detail.

The topping of the soba depends on which region of Japan you are in. For example, in Tokyo, we often have ebi (shrimp). The ebi’s curved back symbolizes a “long life” and is often used in osechi ryori as well (see below).

Soba also has the symbolism of nagasu or “letting it go” as you slip it down your throat and forget about it—in other words, let everything you’ve been through this year go and move on.

6. Joya no kane (除夜の鐘)

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Joya no kane refers to the large bell at a temple or shrine, rung at midnight on New Year’s Eve to symbolize the beginning of the New Year. It is performed by a temple or shrine priest in front of thousands of shrine or temple visitors who are there for hatsumode (read further to learn more about it).

Japanese New Year’s Traditions

Now that we’ve welcomed the New Year, there’s another round of things to do—starting from 12 a.m. on January 1.

7. Hatsumode (初詣)

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This is the first visit to a shrine or temple in the year, and it’s done to pray for good fortune. It is often associated with queuing up in long lines as people wait to pray for the year ahead, buy some omikuji (Japanese paper fortunes) and omamori (Japanese lucky charms), and write their wishes on wooden plates, called ema.

8. Osechi ryori (おせち料理)

© Photo by iStock: hichako

Osechi ryori is a special dinner/breakfast/lunch (depending on the family and district) traditionally consumed only during the first three days of the year. The women of the house slave over the stove for the last couple of days to complete the meal(s) in order for the first three days of the year to be cooking-free.

Every item in the osechi ryori symbolizes a wish for the New Year: for example, shrimps are for longevity, kuri-kinton (sweet chestnuts) for wealth and the kazunoko (herring roe) is for fertility. Please read this article for the full list of all osechi ryori dishes and their hidden meanings.

9. Ozoni (お雑煮)

© Photo by iStock: hanapon1002

A traditional New Year’s breakfast in Japan typically consists of a broth or soup with grilled mochi added, called ozoni. The broth will vary according to region and to the particular family. Unfortunately, this dish is also behind a number of casualties in Japan every year, as some elderly people pass away due to choking on the mochi—if you eat it, chew it slowly.

10. Buying hamaya (破魔矢)

© Photo by iStock: atosan

Hamaya (literally, “an arrow to break the evil”) is a little wooden arrow purchased at a temple or shrine during hatsumode in order to bring good luck for the coming year. Keep it displayed in your home with the tip facing down throughout the year, and then return it to the shrine the following year for the saito (yearly burn) ceremony, which purifies it for disposal. Buy a new one every New Year and repeat!

11. Omikuji (おみくじ)

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Omikuji are fortunes written on strips of paper, which can be bought at shrines or temples for a small fee (usually ¥100). The best you can get is 大吉 (daikichi) and the worst is 凶 (kyou). The fortunes are often scrolled up or folded as part of the suspense, and if you happen to receive a bad fortune, you should try to use your less-dominant hand to tie it to a special fence reserved on the lot, thus leaving the bad luck behind you.

12. Nanakusa-gayu (七草粥)

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After all the culturing is done and you’ve stuffed your face full of osechi and drunk to your heart’s content (New Year’s celebrations often include plenty of drinking), your stomach may understandably not be too pleased by the full-on food attack, and the Japanese have a clever way to remedy it.

On the seventh day of January, the Japanese make rice porridge called nanakusa-gayu to settle your stomach and soothe the heaviness. Nanakusa-gayu consists of seven types of Japanese herbs and a light broth. Lately, supermarkets have been selling premade kits, so head down to your local one and get it simmering.

If you want to attempt making it yourself, you’ll need to get these seven herbs:

• 芹 (seri; “Japanese parsley”)
• 薺 (nazuna; “shepherd’s purse”)
• 御形 (gogyo; “cudweed”)
• 繁縷 (hakobera; “chickweed”)
• 仏の座 (hotokenoza; “henbit”)
• 菘 (suzuna; “turnip”)
• 蘿蔔 (suzushiro; “daikon radish”)

Once you have your herbs, simply simmer rice and water—often with a bit of salt—to create a soft, plain porridge. Then, add the seven finely chopped herbs, and voilà, your nanakusa-gayu is ready. You can optionally add some dashi stock for a light umami base too, but the traditional version is simply rice, water, salt and the seven herbs.

Bonus New Year’s Terms

© Photo by iStock: gong hangxu

Though the following are not traditions per se, these are terms you will commonly hear during the New Year’s holidays in Japan.

• 仕事納め (shigoto-osame; “last working day of the year”): Also known as goyo-osame, it refers to the last working day of the year (usually Dec. 28 or Dec. 29). As you can imagine, most offices are extremely hectic on this day.
• 元旦・元日 (gantan/ganjitsu; “New Year’s morning/New Year’s Day”): People often say them together or think that they mean the same thing. However, they are separate words, and naturally, have different definitions. Gantan refers to the morning of New Year’s Day, while ganjitsu means the whole day of January 1.
• 初夢 (hatsu-yume; “first dream of the year”): There is a long-standing superstition that at the beginning of the year, if you dream of either Mt. Fuji, a hawk or an eggplant, you will have a year to remember.
• 初日の出 (hatsu-hinode; “first sunrise of the year”): Watching the first sunrise—preferably from a beach, mountain, or rooftop—is believed to bring good luck and a fresh start.

I hope you find this compiled list helpful. Many Japanese families have their own New Year’s traditions and long-established customs that have been passed down from generation to generation, so when in doubt, ask!

Happy New Year’s, everyone!

This article has been republished with the latest information for 2025.

Daiso is one of the best places in Japan to stock up on Christmas essentials without blowing your budget in December. From festive decor to DIY craft kits and adorable pet outfits, their seasonal range is huge, affordable and honestly way better than you’d expect from a 100-yen store. Here are some of the standout items worth grabbing this year.

Chocolate Icing Decorative Pens

© Photo by Kerri King

These chocolate icing pens are an absolute must-have if you are planning to decorate gingerbread houses or Christmas cookies this year. They set quickly, taste delicious and Daiso has a huge selection of colours to choose from. Pro tip: Warm the tube in a mug of hot water before opening. It allows the chocolate to flow smoothly, resulting in cleaner designs.

• Price: ¥108
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at supermarkets and other 100 yen shops)

Christmas Nail Decorations

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso is a go-to spot for DIY nails in Japan and its Christmas lineup this year is genuinely adorable. Tiny nail art parts made from polyresin and zinc alloy (perfect for adding dimension to festive designs) and Christmas-themed gel nail stickers in tartan prints or sparkly white are available this year. It’s an easy, affordable way to add a festive touch without booking a salon appointment.

• Price: ¥110
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

LED Decoration Lights

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso’s LED light range is one of the best budget-friendly options for festive lighting. There are many options, including warm white strands, multicoloured sets and fun seasonal shapes like stars and snowflakes. All are battery-operated (batteries not included), which makes them easy to place anywhere without worrying about outlets or extension cords.

• Price: ¥110-¥330
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

Pet Christmas Costumes & Toys

© Photo by Kerri King

If you love dressing up your pets for the holidays, Daiso has some super adorable options this year. The Christmas tree ponchos and red knit-style outfits come in S, M, L and XL, making them suitable for everything from small cats to bigger pups. They also sell festive collars and small toys for both cats and dogs. They’re very cute and perfect for holiday photos.

• Price: ¥110-¥550
• Store: Daiso

Christmas Gift Bags

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso’s gift bag section might actually be unmatched. There are so many options for any gift type, including simple plastic bags, gorgeous fabric styles, foil bags, gusseted options and large paper bags. Designs range from classic Christmas patterns to kid-friendly Disney and Sanrio styles. Our family reuses the fabric gusset bags every year.

• Price: ¥110-¥330
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

Santa Costumes & Accessories

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

What’s Christmas without a classic Santa outfit? Daiso has a decent range of Christmas outfits this year, including adult-size Santa costumes and Santa dresses, as well as kids’ versions that come as full outfits, dresses or Santa skirts. There’s even a classic Santa beard to complete the look. They’re fun, inexpensive and ideal for holiday photos or at-home festive fun.

• Price: ¥110-¥550
• Store: Daiso

Wreath-Making Supplies

© Photo by Kerri King

If you love crafting, Daiso has everything you need to create your own Christmas wreath. You can choose from polystyrene or wooden wreath bases, then customise them with berries, ribbons, mini ornaments and whatever festive touches you like. Most basic supplies are available year-round, with seasonal variations such as pumpkins in autumn or snow-dusted pinecones in winter. With a few affordable pieces, you can put together a wreath that looks completely personalised.

• Price: ¥110-¥220
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

Christmas Felt Baskets

© Photo by Kerri King

These small felt baskets are an adorable must-have for festive gift giving. Designs include a gingerbread house, snowman and Santa, each sturdy enough to hold a few small treats or stocking fillers. They also double as cute desk or shelf storage for pens or craft supplies. This year, I filled one with Daiso winter warmers and a few festive goodies to make the perfect holiday gift.

• Price: ¥220
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

Hata Chanmery (Kids’ Sparkling Drink)

© Photo by Kerri King

No Japanese Christmas feels complete without chanmery, the kid-friendly sparkling “wine” that appears on shelves every holiday season. Daiso stocks the Hata Chanmery brand, which is not only delicious but far more affordable at ¥108, compared to the ¥400 price tag you’ll often see for other brands in supermarkets. It comes in both white and red varieties (regular and berry), and at 300ml per bottle, it’s the perfect size for Christmas celebrations with kids.

• Price: ¥108
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at supermarkets and convenience stores)

Christmas Cushions

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso’s cute Christmas cushions are perfect for adding holiday cheer to any room. They’re very soft and affordable, making them perfect for mixing and matching throughout your home. Designs include Santa, gingerbread, Christmas tree and reindeer cushions, along with Daiso’s range of festive cushion covers if you prefer to dress up your existing pillows.

• Price: ¥220-¥550
• Store: Daiso

Christmas Felt Craft Kits

© Photo by Kerri King

These small felt craft kits make a great hands-on activity for the holidays, adding a sweet, handmade touch to your Christmas decorations. Designs include polar bears, snowmen, reindeer and Santa. Each set takes around two hours to complete, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon at home.

• Price: ¥110
• Store: Daiso

Christmas Cards

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso’s Christmas card selection is very impressive this year. They have stocked up on everything from simple flat cards to pop-up designs, 3D scenes and glittered or embossed styles. They come individually wrapped with envelopes and many of the pop-up cards look far more expensive than their price tag.

• Price: ¥110-¥220
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops, supermarkets, variety stores and stationery stores)

New Year Essentials

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

After Christmas, preparations for Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) begin almost immediately and Daiso is one of the easiest places to pick up everything you need. Their seasonal section is packed with shogatsu kazari (traditional New Year decorations) such as wreaths, small decorative arrangements and zodiac ornaments for the Year of the Horse (2026). You’ll also find festive tableware, party supplies and plenty of small items to refresh your home for the holiday. Families can also prepare for otoshidama, the New Year tradition of gifting children money in decorative envelopes. Daiso carries a vast range, from zodiac-themed designs to kid-friendly options. Envelopes are available individually or in multi-packs, making it easy to stock up before the new year.

• Price: ¥110-¥330
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops and department stores)

Other 100 Yen Shop Recommendations

• Daiso Winter Must-Haves For Keeping Warm
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Families
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Traveling
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Cleaning
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Emergency Disasters
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for School and the Office
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for the Kitchen
• 100 Yen Shop Summer Must-Haves for Cooling Down
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Home Decor
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves For DIY Nails
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves For Cherry Blossom Viewing

Do you have any Daiso or 100 yen shop must-haves for Christmas? Let us know about them in the comments!

Finding a part-time job in Japan as a parent—or really in any country—can be a challenging and time-consuming undertaking. Throw in different cultural norms and a foreign language, and it can feel nearly impossible.

In America, I might show up and ask one of the staff members if they were hiring, but I wasn’t sure if it would come across as too aggressive in Japan. Thankfully, after hours of scouring the internet, painstakingly filling out resumes by hand and on the computer and making plenty of mistakes, I can share my knowledge to help others be better prepared than I was.

Why Choose A Part-Time Job?

© Photo by iStock: maroke

Many housewives and househusbands turn to アルバイト (arubaito; “part-time jobs“) for the flexible schedule and the well-known practice of maintaining spousal social insurance dependency. Not only that, but working a part-time job helps you connect more with your community and offers you a chance to improve your Japanese language skills. You might find that part-time work is more rewarding than you expected, gaining more knowledge and confidence to live in Japan.

Daycare & School Hours

It’s no surprise that being a parent comes with the unfortunate task of juggling different schedules, events, activities and finances. The moment I became a mom, I was overwhelmed with keeping up with my son’s ever-changing schedule and needs. Now that my son is starting daycare, I find myself trying to squeeze in as much work as possible during the day while also keeping our shared family calendar up to date to know who is picking up and dropping off our son.

Daycare hours in Japan vary by area and individual schools. Standard hours are usually between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Depending on the certification given to you by your local municipality, you might only be permitted to use shortened hours, which are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anything outside of the standard or shortened hours is considered extended hours, which come with an extra fee.

On paper, the schedule sounds manageable. Realistically, however, depending on your work, your commute and the location of your daycare, you might find yourself sprinting from one place to the next. If daycare ends at 6 p.m. and the typical Japanese workday also ends at 6 p.m., it becomes clear how impossible it can feel.

Applying to daycares near your home doesn’t always guarantee you will get in.

All the daycares near us were filled, from public to private to unlicensed. We were then forced to apply to ones outside of our city and prefecture. When we finally got accepted, it was a 50-minute commute from door to door. A commute like that is manageable for an adult, but for a squirmy toddler, it can be a nightmare.

What can be even more taxing are the shorter elementary school hours, with children returning home around 3 p.m. School also starts later in the morning, meaning parents might leave the house before their children do. Thankfully, most children in Japan attend elementary schools located in their neighborhoods and are easily accessible on foot. Designated volunteers in the community are stationed at some crosswalks to ensure children reach school safely, but this can make it difficult for parents to maintain a work-life balance.

Taxes & Dependency Status

Japan offers maternity leave and childcare leave to those who have ‌full-time jobs in Japan. As a foreigner who worked on English teaching contract jobs, I wasn’t one of those lucky people to get such benefits. Thankfully, while freelancing during my pregnancy and raising our son while out of work, my husband was able to claim me as a dependent. His company provided both of us with social insurance and handled our taxes every year.

In fact, many mothers in Japan are in similar situations. They often feel pressure from their managers or societal demands to be the perfect mom, which can lead them to leave their full-time jobs. On top of it all, the price of daycare can be even higher if both parents are working. To make matters worse, the daycare application process requires an overwhelming amount of paperwork that must be resubmitted, which can put a strain on an already busy work schedule.

However, working a part-time job that earns less than ¥1.3 million a year, which is approximately 20 hours of work a week at the typical Tokyo minimum wage, allows a spouse to remain a dependent. This reduces the amount a household is taxed and allows the spouse to remain on the other’s social insurance plan.

After December 1, 2025, these numbers will change slightly, but realistically, the amount‌ isn’t enough. With ever-increasing prices of goods and stagnant salaries, families are struggling and need more assistance and leniency from the government.

Applying For Part-Time Jobs

© Photo by iStock: Prostock-Studio

The easiest and most straightforward way to start applying is to look online. If you don’t have any Japanese language skills or lack the confidence to interview in Japanese, there are plenty of part-time jobs that don’t require it.

GaijinPot Jobs can not only help you find places that welcome foreign staff. You can also refine your search using advanced options, such as filtering by industry and remote work availability. They also offer jobs that provide full-time or contract work, should you decide to change your work style.

If you have basic Japanese conversation skills or don’t mind navigating Japanese websites for part-time work, I recommend using these sites to get you started:

• Baitoru (バイトル)
• Townwork (タウンワーク)
• Shufu Job (しゅふJOB)

Here are some phrases you can use while searching for a job in Japanese:

After submitting your application, some jobs will contact you by phone or email to invite you in for an interview. From personal experience, a rare few will ask you to bring in a resume. Most of them had an original form they wanted me to fill out at their shop on the day of the interview.

Japanese Resumes

© Photo by iStock: Takatoshi

For me, this was the hardest part. Resumes in Japan differ significantly from those in my home country, with far more rules and requirements. I found myself rushing to my local train station to sit in a photo booth to take a proper resume picture, which is meant to be 40mm x 30mm.

When listing your work history and education, keep in mind that Japan might have a different order than you’re used to. List your educational background first, including details about your junior high school and high school experiences. Your work history should be listed in order from your first job to the last job or the one you’re currently working.

If you are confident in your writing abilities, you can purchase resumes at the convenience store. There are two different kinds. The blue one, 履歴書用紙 (rirekisho yoshi), is typically used for changing companies or by recent graduates entering a company. The red one, パート・アルバイト用履歴書用紙(paato/arubaito you rirekisho yoshi), is more for part-time or casual work.

As a housewife or parent, you don’t need to handwrite your resume. Finding a free online template or using a free service like Canva is a great way to fill it out on your computer and save yourself the sanity of squeezing kanji into small boxes. Sites like GaijinPot Jobs allow you to upload your resume in English and Japanese, lessening the hassle of having to print one out every time you go in for an interview.

Interviewing For Part-Time Jobs

© Photo by iStock: mapo

After applying for jobs online or by phone, you should have a date set up for an interview. Since this is a part-time job, it isn’t quite as serious as applying for a corporate job. However, you should go to your interview dressed well and looking professional. Arrive 10 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and start the interview on a positive note.

Many of the websites and videos I watched in preparation for my interview mentioned the importance of giving a self-introduction. However, none of my interviewers asked me to introduce myself. They seemed much more interested in my reasons for choosing the job, the hours I was willing to work, whether I could work during holidays and if I wanted to remain dependent on my husband’s social insurance.

When you arrive at the store, find an employee who isn’t busy or wait patiently until you can talk to an employee. Let them know you’re there for your interview (try the Japanese below). They will likely escort you to the manager or lead you to a designated area to conduct the interview.

Here are some example questions or information you might be asked to answer during your interview, and some possible examples of how to respond.

Please give a self-introduction.

Please tell us why you chose our store.

Why did you want to start working again?

What days and times can you work?

Do you want to work within the dependent’s allowance?

When can you start working?

How long will you be working for us?

Can you work overtime?

How long is your commute and how will you get to the store?

What will you do if you’re working and your child gets sick?

Closing Thoughts

© Photo by iStock: pixelfit

In the end, whether you choose part-time work or full-time work, job hunting can be stressful. Do what’s best for you and your family’s situation and, of course, find a store that will be enjoyable to work at. Be honest and don’t be afraid to tell them your limits. I found that many store managers understood my situation as a mom, listened to my limits and called me in for the job.

Are you thinking about finding a part-time job or already have one? Let me know in the comments how it went or what your favorite thing about working part-time in Japan is!