First family trip to Tokyo

Hi everyone,

We’re planning a family trip to Tokyo for late October 2026, and I’d love your advice on organizing this stay. Here’s some info to give you a better idea of our situation: • There’ll be two adults (one with a mild mobility impairment, which makes long walks tricky) and a child who’ll be 13 at the time. • We’d like to spend around 15 days there to explore temples, traditional Japanese culture, and, of course, the world of manga and video games.

My questions: 1. Weather in October: What’s the climate like during that period? Should we pack any specific clothing? 2. Flight bookings: When’s the best time to book? And, in your opinion, is it better to fly from Paris or Brussels? 3. Accommodation: We prefer Airbnb-style rentals or similar. Which neighborhoods do you recommend for good location without too much commuting? 4. Trip duration: Are 15 days enough for a first trip? 5. Accessibility: Any specific tips for someone who struggles with long walks (accessible transport, routes, etc.)? 6. Other recommendations: Must-visit spots in Tokyo (or nearby) for a family that loves manga, temples, and Japanese culture?

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed starting the preparations, so any advice or personal experiences would be super helpful. Thanks in advance for your help!

Looking forward to reading your replies, Sam

1. Weather in October: What's the climate like at that time? Should we pack any specific clothes?

Usually nice weather. Probably around 20°C...

2. Flight bookings: When's the best time to book? And, in your opinion, is it better to depart from Paris or Brussels?

Book when the price suits you... Paris or Brussels? Personally, living in Paris, I’ve never really considered the question.

3. Accommodation: We prefer Airbnb-style lodgings or similar. Which neighborhoods do you recommend for good location while avoiding too much travel?

There’s no real center in Tokyo like we think of it back home. Tokyo is so sprawling that basically, the center is the equivalent of Paris intramuros. So there’ll be quite a bit of travel no matter where you stay. To limit it a bit, say Shinjuku or Shibuya, but those are also the most expensive areas and require lots of walking.

4. Trip duration: Are 15 days enough for a first trip?

I go for three weeks every year, so for the duration, it’s up to you. And it really depends on your itinerary.

5. Accessibility: Any specific tips for someone with difficulty walking long distances (accessible transport, routes, etc.)?

Not much advice on that, sorry.

6. Other recommendations: Must-see places in Tokyo (or nearby) for a family that loves manga, temples, and Japanese culture?

For manga, of course, Akihabara in the east and Nakano Broadway in the west. For temples, there are plenty everywhere. Culture—I’m not sure what you mean... museums? There are 36,000 of those too.

I’m a bit lost starting the preparations

Almost two years to plan 15 days—that’s more than a month per day, so you should be fine!

Hi Samuel, I traveled to Japan solo for a month about 10 years ago. I won’t give precise details, but I was recovering from back surgery and was walking with a cane...

In Tokyo, the subway has endless corridors, and you especially have to look for the right exit marked by a number—I don’t remember which Tokyo station has around fifty exits, but it’s not impossible. You just have to keep checking the signs to avoid getting lost. So, getting around by subway can be a bit challenging with a mild disability. First, choose accommodation not too far from a subway station. Kyoto: no major issues since you get around by bus.

I picked October and early November to see the autumn foliage... but I didn’t forget my umbrella because there were rainy days. I wasn’t disappointed with the timing—seeing the maples and all the shades of red, orange, and yellow was amazing.

Happy planning! Françoise