Finding a cot or crib for a baby older than just a few months in Japan can not always be an easy task.
I will be updating this information as I go in order to make the list as detailed and up to date as possible.
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you book a hotel using my link – at no additional charge to you.
Language tip: Cots or cribs are called “baby beds” in Japanese. The words “Pack’n’Play” or “Travel Cot” also won’t mean anything in Japanese. So it’s always best to ask for a “baby bed.”
Why is it so hard to find a hotel with a cot or crib in Japan?
The main reason is cultural. In Japan, co-sleeping is the most common way for young families to sleep. This is sometimes to do with limited space but it is also just the assumed way to care for children during the night in Japan.
Does this mean that I HAVE to co-sleep with my baby or toddler while on vacation in Japan?
If you don’t want to – of course not. It sure is easier if you do -but for safety reasons I also completely get it if this is not for you. There are some ways around the issue of limited cot/ crib options.
Why are cots and cribs in hotels in Japan only available for children up to 12 months ?
It is mostly assumed that children 1 and older will be co-sleeping or will be in their own bed/futon. Many hotels are also scared that bigger babies will stand and then climb out of the cot and injury themselves. It can be very frustrating if a crib is the way that your baby gets the best sleep at night.
Hotels in TOKYO with baby cots for children older than 12 months old
All Mimaru Apartment Hotels offer cribs for children younger than 24 months. I have written about my favourite Mimaru options in Tokyo here.
And Here Ueno have complimentary cots for babies of guests for up to 24 months as long as the child weighs less than 13 kgs.
The Hilton Tokyo Bay cots for children who are less than 24 months. See an image on their website here for the cribs at the Hilton Tokyo Bay. This hotel is out near Tokyo Disneyland. I have written more about the facilities at the Hilton Tokyo Bay here in my Hotels near Tokyo Disney blog post.
The Tokyo Disneyland Hotel can provide in room cots for children 18 months and younger.
The Disney Ambassador Hotel can organise for cribs / cots in the rooms – but only for children younger than 18 months of age.
Hotels in OSAKA with baby cots for children older than 12 months old
Mimaru Apartment Hotels – if you’re looking at Mimaru apartments in Osaka with two rooms, check out Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West, Mimaru Osaka Namba Station and Osaka Shinsaibashi North (here is my write up on what to expect when staying at a beautiful Mimaru apartment in Japan.)
Did you know that Mimaru Osaka Namba Station is know as the board game hotel? It has more than 130 games and puzzles for families to rent. It’s such a nice touch.Mimaru Namba Station not only has those board games for guests to use, but they also offer free coffee between 7am-11am and free coffee and soft drinks from 3pm -9pm.). Ask mentioned above, all Mimaru Apartment Hotels in Japan offer cribs for children 24 months and younger.
The Westin Osaka Hotel offers baby beds for children younger than 24 months. I have written in more detail about this hotel in my Where to Stay in Osaka with Kids blog post here.
Hotels in KYOTO with baby cots for children older than 12 months old
Ask mentioned above, all Mimaru Apartment Hotels in Japan offer cribs for children 24 months and younger.
Mimaru Kyoto ( There are actually 5 properties)
This hotel caters to large groups and has connecting rooms too. All rooms have little kitchenettes which is fantastic for families.
Even the newer Mimaru in Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo has this cute little play area for babies and toddlers.
The Mimaru Website is here.
I wrote about the Mimaru chain here ( specifically about the one in Tokyo but it is the same chain.)
The Mimaru near Nijo Castle is a little bit out of the way compared to some other Mimaru options so requires a train or bus change or two but the rooms here do have a washing machine inside each room and lots of space. They rent out games here and a rooftop space for guests to use.
Ace Hotel, Kyoto also had cots for babies who are younger than 2 years of age.
What can I do if I can’t find a hotel with a cot for my child in Japan?
If the above options don’t work with your itinerary – here are some other things you can do.
1) You can book a ryokan or a modern version of a ryokan and all sleep on tatami floors with futons – there is no way a baby can “fall off” a bed that’s already on the floor right?
See some pool noodle make shift instructions here. S9me families have also brought the “secure sleeper” style beds for babies.
3. Bring a portacot or inflatable travel cot from home. You will need to check if a cot will fit in your hotel room though – many business hotels in central tokyo have room for a bed and not much else.
One additional point that I mention in my “what to pack for Japan with kids” blog post – many hotel rooms in Japan are quite light and bright as they use the rice paper style window shades. For this reason, I recommend packing travel window covers if you baby only sleeps in a dark dark room.
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you book a hotel using my link – at no additional charge to you.
See here for my tips on buying baby food in Japan.
