How to Have a Babymoon and Travel in Japan While Pregnant

If you’re thinking about having a babymoon in Japan, then you’ve come to the right place.

A babymoon is perhaps the last vacation you will be able to take with your partner before the baby arrives. In the second trimester, you should have your energy back to be able to travel and hopefully enjoy food and sightseeing, so why not make the trip?

There are many places within Japan where one can travel and it is a very safe and hygienic country where travelers are unlikely to end up spending their vacation holed up in the bathroom (I’m looking at you, Bali belly, although it did make for a very memorable birthday trip).

Although Japan can be a very different country in terms of language and culture (depending on where you’re coming from), planning a babymoon in Japan doesn’t have to be stressful.

I never would have thought Japan to be a contender when it comes to a babymoon (especially since I ideally wanted to be lying on a beach) but now that I’ve done extensive research and had my babymoon (which was not tropical but still an amazing experience), I’d like to share my thoughts on having a babymoon in Japan for those of you who live here and even those who are thinking of making the trip over.

In this article, I’ll share points to keep in mind when planning your babymoon, places to go as well as accommodations that are perfect for a babymoon as they cater to mamas-to-be.

How to Plan Your Babymoon and Travel in Japan While Pregnant 

 

Location, Location, Location! 

For me, it was important not to go too far and not engage in too much physical activity. Walking at this point hurt because my body wasn’t used to so much weight. This is something to keep in mind if planning your babymoon in advance. We originally wanted to go to Okinawa at the end of May, which is the southernmost island in Japan, but now I can’t imagine how exhausting that may be while almost 8 months pregnant. Not to mention the chance that I might go into labor!

Consult with your Physician 

Make sure to talk to your doctor about your babymoon ideas before booking anything. Googled whether it was okay to travel at 34 weeks pregnant and most sites gave the green light, but my doctor (who isn’t strict by any means) said no, because there is the possibility I may go into early labor (and that was the case with some of my July 2019 bumpers as well as some mom friends in Japan). Depending on your pregnancy, there may also be additional risks involved with long travel times. 

Consider Insurance and Medical Facilities 

Make sure you have medical insurance if you’re going abroad because as mentioned above, you never know what will happen. The last thing you want is to end up at a hospital without insurance. If you live in Japan and traveling within the country, make sure you have your insurance card and Mother and Child Health Handbook with you. You should also look into medical facilities near where you’re staying so that you’re not having to search last minute for a hospital or clinic if there’s an emergency. 

Get the JR Pass

Even if you’re not pregnant and visiting Japan, I highly recommend getting the JR Pass. This pass is absolutely magical as it gives you unlimited travel all over Japan using trains operated by the Japan Railways (JR) Group. This includes Shinkansen (or the bullet train)! I honestly wish I were able to use the pass because it would save me so much money.

With the JR Pass, you can also secure seat reservations for free, and this is especially recommended if you’re traveling during peak seasons like Golden Week (end of April to the beginning of May), Obon Season (mid-August) or the New Year (late December to early January). It’s also worth making a seat reservation if you wish to guarantee a seat on a specific service or are in a large group that wants to sit together.

And when you’re pregnant, you definitely want to sit and be comfy while traveling long distances.

Another tip is to try to rent a car to beat having to transfer trains/buses multiple times and potentially not being able to sit down, especially for locations that are not in a big city such as Kusatsu and Karuizawa. This will also allow you the freedom to explore some of the more rural and hidden areas of Japan. 

Get a Maternity Mark

This is a helpful badge that you attach onto your bag while you’re traveling in Japan to let others know that you’re pregnant. The Japanese text below the image translates to, “I have a baby in my belly!” By having this badge, you can sit in the priority seats on the train, or others (if kind enough) will give their seat to you.

Some restaurants and cafes have also started offering discounts to pregnant women who have maternity marks so keep an eye out for signs offering that as well. 

You can get this badge for free from JR (Japan Rail) Midori no Madoguchi offices. Just show them this page and you’re good to go. If you’re still not sure, just ask a JR staff member at any station and they will be happy to help!  

To read more about commuting while pregnant in Japan, including helpful terms in Japanese to ask for a seat, read this article.

Get an eSIM For Your Mobile Phone 

If you don’t live in Japan and don’t speak Japanese, get an eSIM so that you’re able to use your mobile phone in Japan. This way you can easily use things like Google Translate, which will help you out a lot to communicate your pregnancy needs and dietary restrictions as the last thing you want to be doing is playing charades. It’ll also help when it comes to finding great restaurants and figuring out trains.

I used Airalo when I went to Canada and it was excellent, especially for such a low price. I was a little skeptical of Airalo because it was so cheap and easy to use for what they offered but I had no problems and even had data left over at the end of the trip! They offer eSIMs for Japan as well, so I highly recommend them. 

In case you’re wondering what an eSIM is, here’s an overview from Airalo:

eSIM stands for an “embedded” SIM card. This means that the SIM is pre-built into the device and all that a user needs to do is scan a QR code and download an eSIM profile for the destination she is traveling to, onto the device. Installation is done instantly and the eSIM can be activated once the user reaches the destination. This way, travelers do not need to worry about connectivity when they land at their destination.

Look Carefully Into Hotels

Book a hotel that you’re comfortable with staying in for potentially the entire time. You might feel sick/tired or the weather might not be so great, which is why having an awesome room might help your babymoon feel wonderful even if you don’t end up going out and enjoying the scenery. And if you’re not comfortable using Japanese, it is essential that you find a hotel where you can communicate with the staff.

That being said, make sure the hotel also offers food you can eat, or that there are restaurants where you can eat nearby. This is especially true for Japan where ryokan (old Japanese-style hotels) offer set meals that may not necessarily cater to the Western palate or that of a pregnant woman who just wants food that satisfies her cravings or doesn’t make her throw up.

You should also your hotel know beforehand that you’re pregnant. This way they can prepare, be it food or for any medical emergency that may occur.

I’ll share some great hotels in Japan throughout the article that advertise having babymoon (in Japanese, the English site may not so keep that in mind!).

You can also use Booking.com and Rakuten Travel.

Best Places for a Babymoon in Japan and Recommended Hotels and Ryokan

In Japan, the idea of a babymoon has caught on and is known as 妊娠旅行 (ninshin ryokou). There are a variety of packages available to pregnant women who want to take a trip before the baby arrives, which include things like all-you-can-drink decaffeinated teas and coffee, a rental maternity pillow, a souvenir photo with your spouse, and baby mittens or socks.

These packages can be found online on domestic travel websites like Jalan (じゃらん) and through travel agencies, but you can of course do something more à la carte. Also, note that the packages may not necessarily save you money, but may be worth it just to save time (which is of the essence!) and perhaps get some freebies or extra services.

That being said, here are some ideas of places to go in Japan while pregnant.

Babymoon in Tokyo

If you’re visiting Japan from another country, it’s likely that you’ll want to visit Tokyo (or you may be even flying into the city since it’s a major travel hub).

I was pregnant while living and working in Tokyo and I found the city to be overwhelming. But I think if you pace yourself and know to avoid rush hour, you should be okay.

Avoid Rush Hour

Rush hour is typically between 7:30 to 9:00 AM in the morning and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the evening.

The trains are incredibly crowded during this time and it can be hard to get a seat despite that there are priority seats for people such as pregnant women.

Visit Popular Attractions on Weekdays

Weekends are always very crowded in Japan when it comes to attractions like Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea.

If you don’t want to spend a long time waiting in lines, visit on weekdays. The earlier in the morning, the better.

If you’re wondering what to see while pregnant in Japan, my suggestion is to check out places like the Ghibli Museum,  Team Labs (I imagine you can get some pretty cool pregnancy photos there!), or SHIBUYA SKY.

Klook.com

It might also be worth it to book a tour so that you don’t have to worry about where to go. Let the tour guide know that you’re expecting and they’ll gladly accommodate your needs.

 

Visit Shrines in Tokyo for a Healthy Pregnancy and  Safe Childbirth

There are quite a number of shrines in Japan that are famous for childbirth. Women who visit these shrines pray for a safe delivery and healthy baby.

In Tokyo, the most famous shrine that is visited by pregnant women is Suitengu Shrine (水天宮), which has a statue of a mother dog and her puppy, called kodakara inu. It is believed that rubbing the head of your zodiac sign’s statue will help you have a safe delivery.

For a list of other shrines and temples to visit in Tokyo for childbirth as well as an overview of childbirth amulets in Japan, check out this article.

Recommended Hotels for a Babymoon in Tokyo

My main suggestion is to think about what you want to do in Tokyo and try to stay at a hotel in that area. (Booking.com is great for this because they have a map function.)

Tokyo is a huge city so a lot of popular tourist spots are spread out. My recommendation is to look for hotels in places with excellent train access (especially along the Yamanote line), such as:

Tokyo Station

Shinjuku

Shibuya

Ginza

I’ve written an article about family-friendly ryokan in Tokyo so I suggest reading that if you want to stay at a traditional Japanese inn.

If you’re looking for specific hotels, here are my recommendations:

Babymoon in Kyoto

Similar to Tokyo, Kyoto can be very busy and crowded. In particular, it can be hard to get a seat on buses due to congestion. 

But if Kyoto is on your must-visit list, I recommend reading this article to find hotels that are within walking distance of popular temples and shrines and this article for ryokan.

Klook.com

If you’re wondering whether you can rent kimonos while pregnant, it is possible but it depends on the kimono studio. So don’t be afraid to ask! 

Babymoon in Okinawa

Okinawa is a little piece of tropical paradise south of the main island. A direct plane ride from Narita Airport in Tokyo to Naha Airport in Okinawa will get you there in about 3 hours and in a hop, skip, and a jump (okay, maybe you won’t be jumping while pregnant), you will be relaxing at one of the many hotels near the beach while listening to the sound of the ocean.

There are also other things to do if you want to be more active, like visiting Shuri Castle, which is very different from typical Japanese castles, looking at whale sharks at Churaumi Aquarium, going shopping at American Village, or checking out teamLab Future Park.

Klook.com

If you’re feeling up for it and want to completely escape from the city, you can travel a bit further down south to one of Okinawa’s other islands, such as Miyakojima or Ishigaki. 

I’ve been to Okinawa five times in total and most recently stayed at a resort hotel on the main island with my family. It was a fantastic experience and would be a great option for those looking for somewhere to go for a babymoon, so check out my article all about the trip if you’re interested!

Recommended Hotels for a Babymoon in Okinawa:

ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort

• Beachfront hotel
• Has 6 restaurants inside 
• Offers various activities
• Offers rental maternity swimsuits for free (make sure to check with the hotel before booking!), maternity body pillows, and maternity massages at their spa!
• Couples rated it 8.9 on Booking.com

Izu Peninsula

With various hot spring resorts, stunning ocean views, fresh seafood, and cherry blossoms in February, Izu is a great place to relax before the baby comes. As a bonus, it’s not too far from Tokyo.

Recommended Ryokan for a Babymoon in Izu:

Hamanoyu

This is the ryokan I stayed at for my babymoon in Izu. It was beautiful and they prepared food that I could eat, which was a huge help.

Read about my experience staying at Hamanoyu!

Babymoon in Hakone, Kanagawa

Hakone is a famous onsen resort town in the Kanto region of Japan. It’s a common place for Tokyoites to escape from the city to relax, making it a wonderful destination for a babymoon. You can also see stunning views of the ocean as well as Mount Fuji! 

(Make sure to read my article about going to onsen in Japan because it includes information about visiting while pregnant!)

Recommended Ryokan for a Babymoon in Hakone:

• Beautiful onsen baths 
• Breakfast and dinner included in the price
• Ask about their maternity plan to see if you can get caffeine-free tea and other goodies

Hakone Nica

• Breakfast and dinner included
• Rooms have semi-open-air baths
• Ask about their maternity plan to have non-alcohol drinks ready for you when you check-in

Babymoon in Hakata, Fukuoka

This city is considered one of the most livable places in Japan, and for good reason. It’s not too crowded or expensive yet has all the creature comforts of a city. It’s also right next to the ocean, which is always a plus for me.

Fukuoka is famous for food, such as ramen, motsunabe and mentaiko, making it perfect for a hungry mama-to-be.

Recommended Hotels for a Babymoon in Fukuoka:

Hotel Parens Onoya

• Offers a maternity plan where you can use the private onsen bath with your spouse when available
• Kaiseki dinner and breakfast are made taking into consideration what you can eat
• Late check-out (make sure to ask about this and let them know you’re expecting!)
• Rated 8.5 on Booking.com

Babymoon in Chiba

I know what you’re thinking — really? Chiba?

Tokyo’s neighbor, Chiba is actually a great place to visit if you’re pregnant and want to relax and escape the city. There are many resort hotels that are right on the beach, in particular Onjuku, Katsuura, and Shirahama, so you can go in for a swim and then take a nap in the comfort of your own hotel room.

As it’s right near the ocean, Chiba also has a lot of fresh sushi. (And yes, sushi gets the green light from doctors in Japan for pregnant women, as long as it’s not tuna!).

Recommended Hotels for a Babymoon in Chiba:

Yumemisaki

• Beautiful hotel is located along the coast of Chiba 
• Has both Japanese and Western rooms
• Some rooms have open-air baths
• Let them know in advance that you’re expecting and you’ll get a caffeine-free welcome drink
• Ask about the maternity massage 

Babymoon in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is a great place in winter for those who love the snow and a welcome reprieve from the heat in summer. If you go in winter, although you can’t necessarily partake in winter sports, you can still see the many ice and snow sculptures in Sapporo during Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) in February or enjoy the many delicious winter dishes, such as soup curry or crab shabu shabu.

In the summer, you can rent a car and cruise the spacious roads around the island, which has some of the most lovely scenery in Japan, in particular Furano.

Recommended Hotels for a Babymoon in Hokkaido:

Hotel Naturwald Furano

• Great location
• Ask about their maternity plan to get a body pillow to use in your room and caffeine-free tea 

Babymoon in Kusatsu, Gunma

Kusatsu is famous for onsen (hot springs) and is a popular spot for couples to visit during winter, especially for those who want an easy weekend trip from Tokyo. 

Most ryokan have private hot spring baths either in the room or ones that guests can rent, where you can soak and stay toasty while gazing at the wintery wonderland around you. It’s nothing short of romantic.

Kusatsu also has an onsen field known as Yubatake, which is in the heart of the city. It is quite a sight to see and there are also lots of souvenir shops and restaurants surrounding it.  

Recommended Hotels for a Babymoon in Kusatsu:

Kusatsu Onsen Ventvert

• Let them know ahead of time that you’re expecting and they’ll prepare a rental body pillow, alcohol-free sparkling wine, and decaf drinks for you

Babymoon in Karuizawa, Nagano

For those who want to escape the muggy heat of summer in Tokyo but don’t want to go as far as Hokkaido, Karuizawa is a great option.

Located at a high altitude in the mountains, it is a refreshing and cool place to visit with plenty of sights like waterfalls, an old Edo-style town, and even a volcano. It’s also known for having some beautiful fall foliage, so autumn is a great time to visit as well.

There’s an outlet mall as well for those who like shopping.

Recommended Hotels for a Babymoon in Karuizawa:

 

Pregnancy Souvenirs in Japan — Omamori and Baby Clothes

There are also plenty of cute, unique baby-related souvenirs that you can buy in any of these places. In particular, keep your eye out for temples and shrines where you can grab an omamori, or an amulet, for your baby. These are meant to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Each temple/shrine has its own unique omamori and at a cost of about 500 yen (or about $4 USD), you can collect a few as a reminder of your trip during this special time.

While you’re in Japan on your babymoon, make sure you check out all the amazing stores that offer the cutest baby clothes and other essential items. These won’t only be amazing souvenirs, but they’re also things you won’t be able to get back home, and you will get a ton of compliments (judging from my experience when I visited Canada with my toddler!).

Wondering what exactly to get? Here are some ideas.

 

❀Read: Baby Registry in Japan and Free Baby Product Samples❀

If you’re interested in finding a photographer for your babymoon photos, I highly recommend using the site fotowa. This site is very easy to use and allows you to search for photographers in Japan for various occasions.

You can filter according to where you live and the time and date that works best for you. All photographers have ratings and best of all, they all charge the same rate:21,780 yen for weekdays and 26,180 yen for weekends and holidays. It’s something I wish I had known about much earlier so now I’m sharing it with all of you. 

My husband and I used fotowa to take family photos when our daughter was two so if you want to read about our experience using the service, as well as other family photography services in Japan, check out this article.