Traveling in Japan with a baby is generally quite convenient, but finding familiar brands or the correct diaper size can sometimes be confusing. Fortunately, baby supplies are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, department stores, and specialty baby shops.
Here is where to find diapers, formula, baby food, wipes, and other essentials during your trip.
Drugstores
Japanese drugstores are often the easiest place to buy everyday baby supplies.
Common items include:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Baby shampoo and soap
- Baby lotion
- Bottles and pacifiers
- Formula
- Baby food
- Children’s medicine
- Thermometers
Popular drugstore chains include:
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi
- Welcia
- Sugi Pharmacy
- Cocokarafine
- Sundrug
- Tsuruha Drug
Larger branches usually have a better selection than small stores near train stations.
Specialty Baby Stores
For the widest selection, visit a store specializing in baby and children’s products.
Akachan Honpo
Akachan Honpo is one of Japan’s largest baby supply chains.
You can find:
- Diapers and wipes
- Formula and baby food
- Bottles and feeding supplies
- Baby clothes
- Strollers
- Car seats
- Toys
- Maternity products
Large branches are often located inside shopping malls.
Babies “R” Us
Babies “R” Us stores carry both Japanese and international baby products.
They are useful if you need larger items such as:
- Strollers
- Travel cots
- Car seats
- Baby carriers
- Feeding equipment
Nishimatsuya
Nishimatsuya is known for affordable baby and children’s products.
It sells:
- Diapers
- Formula
- Baby food
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Toys
- Bedding
Branches are more common in residential and suburban areas than in central tourist districts.
Supermarkets
Large supermarkets usually have a baby section.
You can often find:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Formula
- Baby drinks
- Packaged baby food
- Baby snacks
Supermarkets are also useful for buying fresh foods such as bananas, yogurt, bread, and soft rice for older babies.
Small urban supermarkets may have a limited selection, so larger branches are usually better.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are not the best place for a full range of baby products, but they can help in an emergency.
Some larger stores may carry:
- Small packs of diapers
- Baby wipes
- Bottled water
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Bananas
- Simple snacks
Availability varies greatly, so do not rely on convenience stores for formula or a specific diaper size.
Department Stores
Many Japanese department stores have excellent baby and children’s floors.
They usually sell:
- Premium baby clothing
- Feeding products
- Toys
- Strollers
- Baby carriers
- Gifts
Department stores are more expensive than drugstores or specialty shops, but they often provide good customer service and comfortable nursing facilities.
Buying Diapers in Japan
Popular Japanese diaper brands include:
- Merries
- Moony
- GOO.N
- Genki!
- Pampers
Japanese diapers are usually labeled by size and approximate weight.
Common sizes include:
- Newborn
- S
- M
- L
- Big
You may also see two different styles:
- Tape type for younger babies
- Pants type for babies who can crawl or walk
Check the baby’s weight range on the package rather than relying only on the letter size.
Buying Baby Formula
Formula is sold at drugstores, supermarkets, and baby specialty stores.
Popular formats include:
- Powdered formula
- Individual powder sticks
- Solid formula cubes
- Ready-to-drink liquid formula
Formula brands and ingredients may differ from those available in your home country. If your baby requires a particular formula because of allergies or medical needs, it is safer to bring enough from home.
Buying Baby Food
Japanese baby food packaging usually shows the recommended age, such as:
- 5 months
- 7 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
You can find:
- Rice porridge
- Vegetable meals
- Fish and meat dishes
- Fruit purées
- Baby snacks
- Drinks
However, ingredient information may only be written in Japanese. Parents managing food allergies should check labels carefully and use a translation app when necessary.
Where to Find Nursing Rooms
Large shopping malls, department stores, and major train stations often have baby rooms.
Facilities may include:
- Nursing booths
- Diaper-changing tables
- Hot water for formula
- Sinks
- Baby chairs
- Vending machines for drinks or diapers
Look for signs saying:
- Baby Room
- Nursing Room
- 授乳室
- ベビー休憩室
Can You Find International Brands?
International brands such as Pampers are widely available, but the products may differ slightly from versions sold overseas.
Other familiar brands can be harder to find. Large baby specialty stores and international supermarkets usually offer the best chance of finding imported products.
Payment Methods
Most large stores accept:
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Suica and PASMO
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- QR code payments
Smaller shops may accept fewer payment methods.
Bring enough diapers and formula for the first day or two rather than filling your suitcase for the entire trip. Once you arrive, search Google Maps for a large drugstore, Akachan Honpo, or Babies “R” Us near your hotel.
When choosing a hotel, it is also worth checking whether there is a supermarket or shopping mall nearby. Having baby food, wipes, bottled water, and snacks within walking distance can make traveling with young children much easier.
