Kids | A Little Japan

What’s Inside a Japanese Kindergartener’s Bag (Handmade or Store-Bought)

What’s inside a Japanese kindergartener’s bag? Lunch bags, cup bags, indoor shoes, name labels on everything, and the handmade bag question.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Why Japanese Students Clean Their Own Schools: A Look at Soji Time

Japanese students clean their own classrooms and hallways every day. A Japanese mom shares what soji time looks like, why schools do it, and what kids think.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Authentic Japanese Bento Boxes: Which Are Made in Japan & Where to Buy Online

Not every Japanese bento box is made in Japan. Here’s how to check the label, plus five made-in-Japan bento boxes for kids and adults you can order online.

2026.10.27

Home & Zakka

How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets Without a JR Pass: Smart EX vs Klook vs Station (Tokyo–Kyoto/Osaka)

Skipping the JR Pass? Here’s how to buy Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka with Smart EX, Klook or the station, plus kids and luggage tips.

2026.10.27

Travel & Sightseeing

Osaka Hotels for a Family of 4 in One Room: Namba or Umeda? Real Beds, USJ Tips & Kids’ Rules

Six Osaka hotels where a family of four gets four real beds in one room: Namba vs Umeda, bed layouts, kids’ age rules, USJ tips and the accommodation tax.

2026.10.25

Travel & Sightseeing

Where to Stay for Tokyo Disney With Kids: Official & Partner Hotels That Fit a Family of 4

Where to stay for Tokyo Disney with kids: 6 Maihama Official Hotels and 4 Shin-Urayasu Partner Hotels with free shuttles, real beds for 4, and bed-sharing ages.

2026.10.22

Travel & Sightseeing

How Long Does a Zojirushi Food Jar Keep Food Hot? Every Size Compared

How long does a Zojirushi food jar keep soup hot? A Japanese mom compares every size’s official 6-hour temperature, 10 oz to 25 oz, plus tips for a hot lunch.

2026.10.22

Home & Zakka

Kyoto Hotels for a Family of 4 in One Room: Real Beds, Room Sizes in m² & Kids’ Age Rules (2026)

Nine Kyoto hotels where a family of four gets four real beds in one room: bed layouts, room sizes in m², station exits, kids’ age rules and the 2026 tax.

2026.10.09

Travel & Sightseeing

Tokyo Hotels for a Family of 4 in One Room: Room Sizes in m², Beds & Station Access (2026)

13 Tokyo hotels where a family of 4 can sleep in one room, compared by room size, beds, kids age rules, station exits and airport buses. From a Japanese mom.

2026.09.30

Travel & Sightseeing

Zojirushi vs Thermos vs Tiger: Which Japanese Water Bottle Should You Buy? (A Japanese Mom’s Honest Take)

Zojirushi, Thermos, or Tiger? A Japanese mom compares heat ratings, where each bottle is made, gaskets, lids, kids options, and how to avoid imports on Amazon.

2026.09.28

Home & Zakka