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How to survive and thrive on a long haul flight to Tokyo

Planning a long-haul flight to Japan with your family? Whether you're flying in from Australia, the U.S., or Europe, the journey can be daunting—but with the right preparation, it can also be smooth, memorable, and even fun. At Tokyo Family Stays, we specialize in helping families settle into Tokyo life, and that starts with a successful flight. Here’s your ultimate guide to flying long distances with children, packed with practical tips, mom-tested hacks, and some fun Japanese culture to get your kids excited for the adventure ahead.

Now, keep in mind the founders of Tokyo Family Stays, Ashley and Tracey, have done their own fair share of long haul flights with their son.

Smart Packing: Essentials for a Smooth Flight

Pack a Change of Clothes (or Two)

Accidents happen—spills, motion sickness, or diaper blowouts can strike at 30,000 feet. Pack at least one full change of clothes for each child and an extra shirt for yourself. For toddlers, include spare underwear, socks, and a cozy set of pajamas or comfy clothes for sleeping.

Comfort Items

Bring along familiar comfort items like a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier. These can help soothe your child and make the unfamiliar environment of the airplane feel more like home.

Entertainment: Keep Little Hands and Minds Busy

Long flights can be challenging for children, so it's essential to have a variety of entertainment options:

Mess-Free Coloring Sets: Crayola Color Wonder sets are excellent for travel, as the markers only work on special paper, preventing unwanted marks on seats or clothing.
Tablets with Headphones: Preload a tablet with movies, games, and educational apps. Ensure you have child-friendly headphones to keep the noise level down.
Magnetic Toys and Sticker Books: These are great for keeping kids engaged without the risk of losing small pieces. We loved Magnetic puzzles and also magnetic blocks.
Surprise Toys: Pack a few small, inexpensive toys wrapped as surprises to be opened during the flight. This can provide a fun distraction and something to look forward to. You can even do the same with snacks (more on that below!)
Screen time : Have screen time rules? Hey, we get it but keep in mind that on a plane, unlimited screen time is fine. Say it with us: there is no such thing as “too much screen time” on a plane. This is not the moment to enforce screen limits. Flights are a time warp where survival trumps routine. If the iPad is keeping them still, entertained, and relatively quiet, it's doing its job. No guilt here.

Snacks and Treats and packing essentials

Your carry-on is your lifeline. Here’s what to pack:

Snacks: More than you think you'll need. Include easy-to-eat, low-mess options like crackers, fruit pouches, cheese sticks, and cereal bars.
Lollipops or chewy candy: Great for easing ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
Water bottle: Refillable and leak-proof.
Wipes: Essential for sticky hands, spills, and wiping down airplane surfaces.
Sanitiser: Because little hands touch everything.
Headphones: Kid-sized and comfy.
Tablet + charger + backup battery: Preload with movies, games, and offline shows.

Mum Tips

Firstly, Don’t forget a pen for customs forms!

One Bag to Rule Them All

Opt for a single, well-organized carry-on bag for the family. A backpack allows for hands-free movement and can be packed with essentials like snacks, entertainment, and extra clothes.

Choose Your Seats Wisely

Window seats = views and a wall to lean on.
Aisle seats = easy access to bathrooms.

If you’re traveling with two adults, try a window/aisle combo and leave the middle seat empty—it might just stay that way!

Dress the kids in bright colours

You want to be able to spot them in a crowd!

Adjust Sleep Schedules

If possible, adjust your child's sleep schedule a few days before the flight to align with the destination's time zone. During the flight, encourage sleep by bringing along a travel pillow and blanke

Stay Calm and Flexible

Despite the best planning, things may not go as expected. Maintain a calm demeanor; children often take cues from their parents. Flexibility and a sense of humor can go a long way in managing in-flight challenges

Umachan Coloring Fun

To keep your little ones entertained and get them excited about Japan, we've created a special Umachan coloring sheet. Scan the QR code below to download and print the coloring page:

Insert QR code

Encourage your children to color Umachan during the flight and bring their masterpiece to our office for a special surprise!

🇯🇵 Get Kids Excited About Japan: Fun Facts and Activities

Have some older kids, help prepare them for the trip with some fun facts and activities, check out these resources:

Kids interested in learning a little Japanese before they come? We find Duolingo to be great but can also recommend these apps:

Gus on the Go – Japanese
lingodeer.com

And our final tip - keep reminding yourself it is just XXX hours and you will likely NEVER see anyone you meet or see on the plane again in your lifetime.

After your journey, relax and unwind in one of our family-friendly accommodations in Tokyo. We offer fully furnished apartments equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Our properties are located in convenient neighborhoods, close to public transportation, parks, and attractions. We also share a welcome pack ahead of your stay with the best transport options for your family. Enjoy exploring the wonders of Japan with your family.