calliaz wrote:
We're in the very early stages of planning a trip to Tokyo
next May for my husband to attend a conference. I would
like to go; and, I would prefer to take our son. The
problem is, he will only be 15 months old. I don't expect
people to bend over backwards because we have a child, but
how easy is it to travel within Tokyo with a very young
child? Would he be welcome at restaurants? How do we
handle hotels (most only show pricing for 2 people)? We
need to make some decisions about who is going to go on this
trip before I delve into serious trip planning.

Thanks for any advice you can give!
Jennifer in AZ

Here are some issues you should be ready for. One, you should invest in
an 'umbrella' stroller if you don't already have one; I've even seen
some that have a carrying strap so you can put it across your shoulder,
so see if you can get that. The reason is that on a crowded train you
might have difficulty being allowed on the train. Also, Japan is
notorious for escalators that only go up (or in just one direction).
While most major stations have escalators that go both ways, that's not
always true for all exits. If you consider a backpack for your child,
I'd suggest rethinking if the purpose of getting it is for use in Japan.
In the airports their great; around the city we didn't like ours (found
it was just too much trouble, too bulky, etc.). Don't expect baby seats
in restaurants; I know a couple of families that carried around a
portable baby seat because the restaurants often simply aren't as geared
towards families as you might be used to in the US. Finally, on the plan
MAKE SURE you DO NOT buy a seat for your child (unless money isn't an
issue). You and your husband need to reserve an aisle and window seat;
unless the plane is just packed the middle seat probably won't be
booked, especially if you get to the airport early. We've never had an
issue, and while our child was under the required 'seat reservation' age
we flew a dozen or more times.

Good luck!

John W.