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Family of 5. Japan 2025.
  • Kristofor Mallegrom
Actuellement en voyage
septembre 2025

Family of 5. Japan 2025.

Our first overseas adventure as a family of 5. A first international flight for all three boys; Ryland 7.25, Axel 4.75, Zander 13months. En savoir plus
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    🇯🇵 Sumida, Japan
    Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    Return to Tokyo

    Hier, Japon ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    No rest or respite from yesterday, today was moving day. We were half packed from last night and Zander set the alarm this morning, rising and shining around 630.
    We pulled our luggage together, checked out, left our bags at reception and tried to return to a breakfast place we'd visited lately. They turned us away, presumably due to lack of space but it was a little strange. We returned for our backs and hungrily made our way to Shin Osaka station. We set up outside the Shinkansen bullet train gate and I grabbed us a Maccas breakfast around 10am.
    Geez travelling with a family is a mixed bag. It has huge upside, seeing things through kids eyes, their wonder, their comic relief, their innocence. Geez kids can make travel hard, inconvenient, expensive and wholly tedious. With 3, ones either hot, hungry, tired, bored, wants a toy, is fighting or antagonising another child, wants a toy, is sobbing, talking to themselves, is grabbing something, getting in the way, getting themselves hurt or a combination of many of these. They necessitate and excess of space, slow the pace and in our case require a pram and disability access.
    Finding lifts in Japan isn't fun. They are scarce. Its worse when they're blocked or filled by 20somethings with no bags in apparent good health who cbf using 12 stairs that have defeated our wheels. We've carried the pram up and down dozens of stairs but full cargo makes it an obstacle.
    Axel, a typical 4yo has been particularly difficult this trip. He can't sit still, is easily bored and cannot keep his hands idle. Rylands shown keen interest and resilience. He fights and tries until his battery hits 5%, then capitulates, still saying he's "fine", looking like a corpse. Axel has a huge tank, but little resilience. When his battery hits 90%, he's sobbing and whinging its not easy.
    Zander has arguably performed the best, spending huge time in the pram, irregular naps and meals, still nearly always smiling, waiting patiently and pointing.
    The trio wasn't particularly fun today, the Shinkansen were uncharacteristically delayed all over our platform 25 from Shin Osaka to Tokyo. The bullet itself was fine, we got trapped and turned around more than usual due mostly to our luggage, wheels and pram.
    Our final spot for the next 5 nights is in Ryugoku. Were on the 12th (second top) floor with a great view of the river and east Tokyo.
    Weve two queen beds with bunks atop for the boys. One of those been made/barricaded into a makeshift cot for Zander. Wed checked in by 4 and unpacked by 5. The room is pretty modern, with great lighting, though lacking storage and surprisingly dusty.
    Starving we set out for dinner 530. I checked some options near the station and we set off optimistic. It would be a disappointment evening. My tonkatsu choice was too small and crowded to accommodate a family of 5 with pram. This trend would continue all night. Its a combo off too many people, a pram, too busy, zero pricing/english on menus, nothing the kids will eat and the kids fighting, sooking or hurting themselves. We tried at least 3 places that turned us away for no space, and countless others weren't right. We had to settle for a disapointing option.
    Onwards and upwards, plenty to do between tomorrow (Friday) and when we depart on Tuesday. Thankfully appears the weather is cooling and humidity dropping. Planning nearby zoo and Akihabara Electric Town tomorrow.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    A Big Day at USJ

    17 septembre, Japon ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Today was a big one. Up at 630. Out by 7. At Universal Studios before opening time at 830.. along with thousands of people. Even this early, the was beating down relentlessly, baking us.
    We eventually passed through the gates and finally into the park. A little initial confusing accessing the Super Nintendo World area of the park, which generally requires separate timed reservations. There didnt appear to be anyway to do this via mobile, staff waving us through "its free, free". Given everyone had the same idea and the crowds were already massive, we thought we'd come back later. The boys (Ryland and Axel) and I headed straight for Jurassic Park the ride first, to get it done before crowds. It was the main we'd all looked forward to, a splashdown water adventure. We all loved sailing around, seeing all the different dinos, escaping the raptors and trex, before the ride stopped, and seemed to malfunction, right at the top of the final drop. Not ideal but we passed unscathed.
    We noticed that return to Super Nintendo World now required a time reservation. We booked an immediate one, but its nonreturns, and wed spend the next few hours here crammed in to get the attractions done.
    Unfortunately for Zander there wasn't much 1yo-friendly adventures for him at this park. Ryland Axel and I got through the following -
    - Yoshis Adventure (60min wait) A rather underwhelming, slow, flat, 5min loop. No idea why Zander couldnt ride or it warned of fear of heights, fast movement or causing preterm labour... of boredom?
    - DK Mine Cart Madness (Around 2hour wait) A fast, mine cart adventure through a temple to find the golden banana. Probably the fastest ride either Ryland and Axel had done and they both genuinely loved it.
    - Mario Kart: Koopas Challenge (Around 80min wait), you slap on headgear and 3D goggles and spin around steering and trying to collect 100 coins. I though I got 116 but apparently we still failed the race. It was OK.
    We escaped Super Nintendo World just in time for the Waterworld show at 3pm. Hard to follow the story being all Japanese, but still a great stunt show of good guys vs bad guys, with waterski stunts, machine guns, rocket launcher fire and massive explosions. ALL the boys were intrigued and loved this, including little Zander, clapping pointing and laughing.
    Via a Jurassic Park themed snack/refreshment we continued on to Minion Land, by around 4pm where we could all get on Illuminations Villain-Con Minion Blast (30min wait). This slow shooter ride could accommodate prams, moving along a slow travelator while shooting bad guys.
    Zander had no idea what was going on but loved the colours. Nat picked up the high score on this one!
    Next it was back to me and the boys for the
    Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ride (40min wait). This wasn't bad a 3d glasses, moving vehicle adventure that seemed to rock and tilt more than say Star Tours and Disneyland. As we headed towards Elmos Kids land with Zander in mind, announcements over the park PA. "Warning in 10minutes, at 6pm zombies will be released around the park. Mind your kids or seek zombie-free zones. You may get wet". The last part was a little weird, with warnings of zombie-induced wetness, but Ryland and Axel were quite excited to see Zombies, a park Halloween themed event.
    As the clock struck 6, we were actually right at the middle of the Hollywood area where they were released. The kids enthusiasm quickly faded. Loud Japanese announcements of
    .. someone running fron zombies... screaming.. then sounds of... disembowelling, evisceration, gurgling? Loud horror music, zombies stumble out of buildings... in clown costumes? Recurring Loud sounds of roaring, footage on screen of zombies mauling people? Ryland in particular was terrified. We left the roaring behind for the pleasant childrens music and voice overs of Elmo. No zombies could reach us here. Unfortunately for Ryland many rides here have the age range of 3-6, so he was actually too old and there was still little for Zander! Nat took them on a hot air balloon ride, and Axel was unjustifiably awarded a drivers licence for causing traffic chaos on a mini car ride.
    Even indoors Elmos Bubble Bubble ride, was too 'hardcore' for Zander. Ryland lied about his age to get on a slide.
    The plan was to finish with taking Ryland and Axel on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, but read that Axel wasn't tall enough, and Ryland was too scared to go out with zombies around, so I ran off next door and did that area solo around 7pm. It was probably around an hour wait but the area, even queue were zo good it flew by. The ride itself was easily the best of the day. You're suspended in a moving upright seat that rocks, turns and tilts you around a track, passing through rooms with 3D and others with effects, escaping a dragon and death eaters?
    I returned to the family, to carry Ryland past zombies and head towards some souvenir shopping. Spontaneously the zombies went from roaring and menacing, to dancing which took the edge off.
    We finally headed out around 9pm (before 930 close) getting to the train home just before rain started to drizzle.
    We picked up a few supermarket snacks for dinner before turning in, all of us exhausted.
    It was a great Park, but just extremely overcrowded with annoying long waits (even on a Weds) and had very little for young children.
    Tonight would be our final sleep in Osaka, with tomorrow being a travel day, hauling our things back to Tokyo via bullet train for the final third of our trip.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    A Whale of a Time

    16 septembre, Japon ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    After a huge day yesterday, and couple big ones ahead, a moderate sleep in until 830 today. The boys are holding up fairly well, Zander with mild conjunctivitis and Ryland a mild version of what Axel had, but overall OK.
    First up breakfast nearby, we found a nice spot for toast, french toast and boiled eggs.
    Feeding the kids has been a little challenging at times. We're been gathering snacks, treats and fillers from Family Marts and Lawsons. The kids are happy with regulation meats, fried chicken, sausages etc at restaurants. Theyre fairly happy to try new things sometimes but rarely enjoy it. Theres been too many pancakes and chicken nuggets consumed. Rylands really giving the chopsticks a go!
    Todays main destination would be the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, about 30minutes away by metro.
    Again, the sun was beating down at 34c. Its not really the sun that burns, it hasnt much so far, but suffocates you with humidity.
    The aquarium area was nice, with a giant ferris wheel and waterfront mall.
    We secured tickets for a 1245 entry and in we went. What a fantastic attraction for us all. A huge complex, you catch a giant escalator to level 8 then slowly wind your way down around a giant central tank (with plenty of side exhibits). Ryland and Axel picked up a stamp passport each and had a lot of fun finding stamps throughout the place. Inside the huge central tank, hundreds of fish, rays, sharks, crabs, an octopus, turtles and most impressive a few huge whale sharks.. definitely the biggest fish ive seen in a tank.
    We shared a giant 8 inch 'eel' themed hotdog to keep hunger at bay and spent around 3 hours here, also enjoying penguins, dolphins, coati and seals.
    Zander loved the aquarium as much as any of us, on the edge of his seat, laughing, pointing and screeching with excitement.
    After that, a return to the hotel to get some prepacking done (two nights in Osaka remain), and a bit of rest before dinner and tomorrow's big day to Universal Studios.
    We had dinner out at a Teppanyaki restaurant, cooking up beef, pork, corn, peppers, mushroom, sausages and sweet potato. The boys enjoyed it, but like most things, made it a little more challenging.
    Ryland is looking a little flat and tired. Lets hope he carries on as he has.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    Oh Deer

    15 septembre, Japon ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    An hour drive then, to the final stop in Nara. The attraction here was meant to be feeding and petting deer. I mean there was initially some novelty in seeing deer scattered randomly around a town (in train stations, sidewalks, flower gardens, the road..) but that soon wore thin and turned to sadness really. They looked sad, and sick, and disheveled. Some looked mentally impaired, one smashing his head against a tree. Many looked more like they longed for a merciful end then the happy cartoon images around the town. I felt they should be treated, not exploited.
    None of us were touching, nevermind feeding the hoarde of sad creatures. Especially hearing recently of tick infections carried by deer, causing human fatalities. Escaping this, meant we rushed to the ticket booth of Todaiji Temple.
    Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha. The entire complex was seriously impressive. The kids were awestruck.
    Sadly, the trip back took longer than expected going back via Kyoto to get us in Osaka by 820. That left another 25min walk back to the hotel via a quick dinner. A big but memorable day for us all.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    Land of the Rising & Roasting Sun

    15 septembre, Japon ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    35 degrees. 80% humidity. It was 30 when we left the room at 7am, and its 29 now, at 10.30pm. The merciless heat continues. So do our adventures though and today was a big one.
    We were up by 620 for a 750am bus tour of Kyoto and Nara. With the train and walk times both around 25minutes, we opted to just head out on foot, giving some time to find our way and grab breakfast on the go.
    We found the tour pickup point without too much trouble, about 15 tourists here, and 25 to pick up in Kyoto. The bus was comfy and cool, we were assigned 4 seats in row 10.
    The tour itinerary consisted of four main attractions throughout the day -
    1. Kyoto Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
    2. Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest
    3. Kyoto 1000 gates Fushimi Inari Taisha
    4. Nara and 'Feeding/Petting the Deer'
    First stop the Golden Pavilion. We had brought the stroller, but turned out it was really only usable at one stop. Nat would carry the sack of potatoes Zander in a harness and I'd wrangle the other two and carry a backpack.
    We had about 45 minutes at the golden pavilion, a relatively short circuit by the main attraction, set picturesque on a lake, surrounded by forest.
    Next, twenty minutes or so to Arashiyama. We headed straight up the street to the Bamboo Forest itself. A nice shaded, peaceful spot, if you could ignore the swarms of tourists. The Bamboo trunks seem to almost envelope you snd shroud the sky.
    Whilst much of the group paid for a set lunch reservation, we went our own way to further explore the area and cross the river Katsura.
    There was a nice bridge here where we spotted heron, a turtle, and tried crab sticks, some fried chicken and croquettes from a street vendor.
    The next stop was the 1000 gates or Fushimi Inari Taisha. It was 15 minutes or so from the bus to start of the gate climb, where we had about an hour to spend. Not enough time to carry a sack of baby to the summit, but enough to pass through plenty of gates and see some temples.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    Exploring Osaka

    14 septembre, Japon ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Our first full day together in Osaka! It was a warm one. 34c and 80% humidity. We were up and out around 9, stopping into a small local cafe for breakfast. The boys shared pancakes eggs and ham, and we had crossaints with egg and a lot of mustard sauce? Not bad. Onwards to Osaka castle, about 30min or so on the metro. The train lines in Osaka vary immensely, from trams, monorails, full seated to mostly standing. Theres still a spattering of English, but it seems a fair bit less than Tokyo.
    We got our way to the castle gardens for our first fewe of the towering Osaka castle. Impressive first tske for sure. Through the outer wall, gate, square and another gate, to inner wall that leads to the castle courtyard. Its busy, hot, the air is thick and punishing. Theres a 45 minute wait to get inside, but why not, we're here. We buy tickets, check the pram in, and begin the 8 storey stair climb. No issues there, but a little underwhelmed with the interior. I mean I knew Osaka castle had been destroyed and restored but I expected SOME historical recreation within. There was none, justva museum. Some decent artefacts, scrolls, paintings, stories and armour, but expected a bit more.
    Unfortunately when we picked up the pram, we found it was now invaded by legions of ants. Not ideal.
    After an ant destruction delay we had a bit of a hike back to the trains, everyone getting hot n hungry, we found a random local cafe, and stopped in for lunch around 2pm. We navigated the trains to the kids choice, the Osaka childrens museum by around 3pm.
    Its basically a 5 storey playground/scienceworks with loads of exploring, games, ladders, tunnels, slides and activities.
    All the boys loved it but especially Ryland, relentlessly running amok like a kid in a candy store.
    We escaped here on the buzzer of closing around 5 and made our way hotel-ward, or as Axel has been saying in a weird old time southern prospector voice "ho-tay-alllll".
    After a grocery shop and half hour downtime, we geared up in collars (and bowties for some) to explore the Osaka tower (or Tsutenkaku) area just outside our hotel. A fairly impressive, vibrant, lively area at night, dozens of ads, restaurants, vending machines, lights, crowds and music to immerse in.
    We wondered awhile before picking a little place on the outskirts called 'Shogun' for Okonomiyaki dinner, with some skewers, juices and beers. Great little place.
    That'll do it for the day the boys were down by 9 and we're winding up for a big day ahead tomorrow, our sole organised tour to Kyoto and Nara.
    Weve finished a full week Monday to Sunday in Japan. I'm sure we're going to love the next one and a bit to come.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    A Bulky Family Bullet to Osaka

    13 septembre, Japon ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Whew that was rough. One thing to make the journey for two with packs in the heat, but with back and front packs, a pram, a wheelie bag and 3 little ones, it was a real challenge. We pulled it off though, which was super satisfying.
    A big challenge we've always tried to avoid was too many wheels. People say theres stairs everywhere and lifts can be hard to find. Both are mostly true. The biggest issue was not so much finding them, but getting on them. The lifts were often tiny, and often there were huge queues to use them. Hard to avoid with a baby in a pram.
    We checked out from Hilton Tokyo Bay and piled on a free shuttle to Miahama JR station.
    Then I managed to arrange a child Suica (like Myki) for Ryland which requires his passport to acquire. This makes it easier to to get around without buying him paper tickets. Itll work in Osaka too.
    We caught the red line from Miahama to Tokyo Central. From there we navigated huge crowds and giant queues for scarce lifts to find our bullet train to Shin-Osaka.
    We got there and 5 of us piled into 3 seats ahead of the well needed extra luggage space. Occupied with lunch, a bento box and activities we all made the 2.5 hour trip relatively well. From there, it was a matter of finding the way to our new hotel. About 30mins south by local rail, and a very sweaty 15min walk and we were finally there at Eslead Namba South III by about 430pm. We have a nice simple apartment-ish room on level 10. Great views of the Osaka tower and neigbourhood with a line of beds, cots, small kitchenette, laundry and bathroom.
    I spontaneously decided to set the tired family up with supplies and venture out about an hour solo to watch a J League Game; Gamba Osaka vs the Urawa Redwings. Getting on the metro and monorail to get "close-ish" wasnt the issue, but the path to actually get there was something else... what a labyrinth to get to the Panasonic Stadium Suica.
    What an atmosphere getting there. You could hear the crowd from miles away. I arrived a few minutes late for the 7pm kickoff, at the wrong side of the ground so my seat was occupied by the time I got there but I made do nearby. The stadium was packed and bouncing. The game wasnt too much of a thrill, but there was a cracking late winner for the home side 1-0.
    I managed to get negotiate the hour+ trip back with a flat phone battery by about 1015.
    Tomorrow, we'll explore Osaka.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    Rest & Recovery

    12 septembre, Japon ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    We were relieved to have our rest, recover and recharge day today. Its been an experience so far. Tremendously full on, exhausting but so rewarding with the adventures and memories we're creating.
    Today, in the end we didn't leave the hotel complex. We slept in (well, til 8), rolled down to breakfast and browsed the shops and supermarkets downstairs, grabbing some takeaway sandwiches and fruit for lunch later.
    Then we decided today was the (probably only) day to try get a swim in. I knew now, after the difficulties Id had with this booking, it was going to come at some (exorbitant) cost.
    We booked the hotel in January. In April the hotel finalised a fee system for the pool. Despite protests by email and in person they imposed this on us. 5000¥ (approx $50aud) per adult, thankfully they did not charge Ryland. On top of that, use of pool floatables was extra..
    Sometimes, you've gotta just reluctantly pay (overs) for experiences and/or convenience, even if it feels a wrought or unfair.
    Sonon this occasion we did, and had a great time at a really nice pool. Given storms and rain about, and a temporary closure before we registered, we had it all to ourselves most of the time. The kids loved sailing a jumbo inflatable duck and riding a little inflatable police car around the place. The onsen spa was extra again, separate, separate gendered and looked simple so we skipped it.
    We spent the remainder of the afternoon rearranging our luggage for tomorrow and then booked uber eats for dinner with Crispy Chicken Tomato. I grabbed some craft local beers from downstairs and organised an online pass to watch the AFL semi between the Hawks and Crows.
    That went well all round.
    What didn't, is discovering Zander has conjunctivitis. Lucky we cane prepared for that. Hes still powering on OK.
    Tomorrow, we're moving to Osaka by bullet with a caravan of luggage. Its going to be a challenge.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    The Magic of Disneyland

    11 septembre, Japon ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Disneyland Day! Since first becoming a father, and even with every prior Disneyland visit, I imagined how beautiful it would be to see it through my childs eyes. Today Id experience that.
    The major concern today was the weather forecast. The heat and humidity is one thing, but this afternoon, from noon we were looking at 90% chance of 3mm per hour of rain.
    After another buffet breakfast, we were off on the Disney monorail circuit to our destination by about 915am.
    Slightly bigger line than DisneySea, but not too bad. I decided to make a beeline straight for the Star Wars ride for Rylands sake. No wait, Ryland, Axel and I walked straight to the front for our first ride of the day, a seated 3D virtual moving shuttle through the Star Wars Universe.
    I focused on the outdoor rides to beat the forecasted storm and showers. I took Ryland on the two most adult/adventurous rides, Big Thunder Mountain (train roller coaster) and Splash Mountain (log ride), though the latter was a real squeeze for me to fit, having to fold my legs at unnatural angles. I managed to negotiate a swap for Splash Mountain so Nat and Axel could get on.
    The queues today seemed way less prohibitive than DisneySea. We avoided hour queues and pretty much got on everything. Over the day we got on the following rides -
    - Star Tours (Ryland and Axel 4x ea, Kris 3x, Nat 1x)
    - Pirates of the Caribbean (Ryland 2x, Nat, Kris, Axel once each)
    - BigThunder Mountain (Ryland and Kris)
    - Splash Mountain (Ryland Kris Axel & Nat)
    - Roger Rabbit Ride (Everyone incl. Zander)
    - Pinnochios Adventure (Everyone incl. Zander)
    - Its a Small World (Kris Ryland Axel)
    - Monsters Inc. (Everyone incl. Zander)
    - Beauty & the Beast (Everyone incl. Zander).
    Zander joined us on a huge amount today! Though many gave him a sense of paralysing stimulus overload, he was never bothered, always inquistive and excited at the props, lights and sounds around him. Little Zander has been incredible thus far, with his routine, food supply, naps and environment totally different and in disarray. For the most part, he never complaints and maintains his happy, energetic, charming persona. The locals have loved our kids, especially Zander with his big eyes, chunkyboy rolls and thic thunder thighs.
    Im fairly sure 9 months from now, Japan is going to have a population boom, all thanks to Zander.
    Today, thankfully, the storm held off until 3pm. When it hit, it hit hard. Thunder and lighting forewarned of the inevitable downpour that seemed to soak the surface in 5minutes, leaving ankle deep puddles aplenty. We ponchoed-up and sheltered beside the Pinnochio ride. I decided to whisk Ryland and Axel across the way 100m to simultaneously shelter and torture them with the 'its a Small World' ride. Geez that ride is just as dated as annoying as my first encounter with it decades ago.
    By the time the ride was over the storm had subsided and barely an hour after its onset, it had disappeared entirely.
    The afternoon and evening played out well, and we were actually finished up in earnest really by around 7, leaving us time for repeat rides and to squeeze in the Monsters Inc ride.
    Overall we all found Disneyland a much better experience than DisneySea. Id initially scheduled yesterday as the rest day but I think we're all pleased to have tomorrow to recover. It looks like Axel MAY have had 'Hand Foot and Mouth" illness since the eve before our flight, causing him to sob 80% of the trip so far. He finally seems on the mend.
    Tomorrow, we can rest, recover, repack, maybe get a swim in, and prepare to catch a bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    Beyond Tokyo Bay

    10 septembre, Japon ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Much to my relief, everyone pulled up pretty well from the busy schedule and punishing heat since arrival in Japan.
    Today was (pretty much) the only day Id set as free to recover/adjust from arrival. It was a float day to allow some flexibility or recovery if needed.
    After breakfast and a wander about the hotel shopping promenade we had to decide whether to stick or twist - stay relax and recover, or head out and save recovery for Friday. Ultimately, with todays weather good, Disneyland booked for tomorrow and rain forecast ahead we decided to carry momentum, press on and save rest for later.
    Todays primary destination would be TeamLabs. I booked tickets online and we head off to embrace the broader Japanese metro.
    Our destination via Odaiba Bay/ Rainbow Park and Aqua City Odaiba Shopping district set us scrambling over many JR Rail lines; Disney Resort (black), Keiyo Line (red), Rinkai Line (blue) and Yurakucho Line (brown).
    The Odaiba Bay/beach front area was nice enough. A sandy bay with a boardwalk and loads of jumping/flying fish! We stopped here for dumplings and kids meals for lunch. TeamLabs, booked for 4pm was incredible. What a place. I had high hopes and wasn't at all disapointed. From light art displays, winding corridors, illusions, wading through water, jumping or having your drawings come to life, it was a memorable place Im sure we all enjoyed. With the kids wearing thin, we just went simple with a Japanese Maccas experience on the way home.
    Tomorrow, Disneyland. On we go. The boys have been mostly good so far.. moreso Ryland and Zander. Axel has been constantly difficult, sooking, being rude, not listening, acting foolishly getting himself hurt or in trouble time, and time again.
    So far I feel the trip is 70% difficult, hot, sweaty, Axel misbehaving, packing, repacking, toilet stops for kids, being slow, etc... but that 30%.. seeing the sparkle in the kids eyes, is so special. Id still like to improve those ratios.
    Rain is forecast throught tomorrow so lets see how we go!    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    A Sea of Sweat

    9 septembre, Japon ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Last time Nat and I visited DisneySea in 2017 to start a Japan trip. Eight years later, its been very different. Then, we were two and it was a typhoon downpour, and deserted. Today, as a family of five, in sweltering humidity, with mass crowds, it was a very different experience.
    We were up around 7am, ready to ride the wave of enthusiasm from arriving in Japan with a Disney experience for the kids.
    I managed to convince our Hilton hotel to allow my 7 year old to have an included breakfast we paid for. The hotel has an interesting policy (among others) of counting 6 year old as adults..
    Breakfast wasn't bad, a lush fancy buffet with a variety of Japanese, Western and kids options. Even a guy to make you omelettes.
    Off we went, on the Disney loop train to DisneySea and a relatively seamless entry to DisneySea by 930ish.
    Our first nemesis, the heat. Geez it was NOT part of the plan.. its punishing. 30-35C, ALL the time, even at night and 80% humidity. Its rare the weather report says its 32 but 'feels like' 41. It took a couple hours to begin to acclimatise.
    It was quite quickly apparent the crowds here were going to be a problem.. after an hour in the park, (so 90min after opening) many major rides were already showing 2-3 hour waits. Anything in that time bracket was quite simple just not going to be feasible.
    Axel has not had a flying start to this trip, constantly wailing, sulking, being naughty, not listening. Much worse than usual. He, the heat, fatigue and crowds blocking the Toystory snd Terror Tower rides had me losing morale, so we headed straight for the next option, Aquatopia. 20min wait wasn't too bad and the boys loved it. We followed up with the Nemo & Friends Searider next door. Unfortunately no luck for Zander (and Nat) on these first two.
    Ryland and I were gutted to discover the Indiana Jones ride we'd been looking forward to was down. Many others were too, or had unreasonable queues but we got on the following throughout the day -
    - DisneySea Transit Streamer (everyone as a family)
    - Jasmine's Flying Carpets (Nat Ryland Axel)
    - Sinbads Storybook Voyage (everyone as a family)
    - the Magic Lamp Theatre (everyone as a family)
    - Flounders Flying Fish Coaster (Nat and Ryland, Kris and Axel)
    - Jumpin Jellyfish (everyone as a family)
    - Ariels Playground (everyone as a family)
    - 20000 Leagues Under the Sea (Kris Ryland Axel)
    - Toy Story Mania (last, longest wait 90min, everyone as a family)
    I wanted to do Tower of Terror and Journey to Centre of Earth with Ryland but time, circumstances and queues didn't allow.
    By the time we scrambled dinner at 8.15 during the final show at one of last option restaurants (food options were scarce, separated, limited in options, overpriced and closed early), everyone was pretty exhausted! Wed been at park almost opening to right upto 9pm closing.
    A good day, but at times challenging.
    Tomorrow is scheduled as our free day, but we may go to Team Labs depending on a variety of things.    En savoir plus

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  • Kristofor MallegromFamily of 5. Japan 2025.Voyageur

    Take Off

    8 septembre, Australie ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    The day finally arrived. It feels like we've been waiting forever forever for this adventure. Our first international flight with children, our first as a family of five.
    My two favourite things in life, travel, and children set to be combined for the first time.
    A new challenge, a new chapter.
    Noones expecting it to be easy. Thats part of the reason for doing it.
    The last time Nat and I travelled together, internationally by plane was to Japan in 2017, soon after we lost Hendrik. When we returned from that trip, we discovered Ryland was on the way. It seemed fitting to return there for our first trip as our complete family group, 8 years later.
    Alarm set for 420am. Shuttle transfer set for 5am for a 9.30am flight, Melbourne direct to Narita Airport, Tokyo.
    Bags mostly packed, a toastie and cereal and we're off, under the light of a lunar eclipse. The first half hour, this is what I hoped for from the boys. Pure excitement. Thrown out of routine and their comfort zone.
    An hour later, we're at Terminal 2, Tullamarine. One thing that family travel has increased a little, is the luggage haul. Well, a lot more than a little. Nat and I have opted to pull our giant backpacks out of retirement for more hands free, with one jumbo wheelie bag. All of us have a daybag/hand luggage, including a baby bag for Zander. Oh, and a pram.
    We just about dragged that all through bag drop, the pram at oversized luggage, customs and to our gate. We managed to score a loan-pram that looked designed more for dolls than humans, but no complaints from little Zander who loved holding on for dear life as he was ushered around.
    After spending almost a small fortune ($48) on a couple coffees a crossaint and fruit cup, the long wait for that first family expedition by air overseas was finally over.
    We've booked bassinet aisle seats in the bulkhead in row 23 (A+B at the window and D and E across the aisle, in front of the basinet). Now the test, will Zander the Hutt (a baby that was >1%ile weight a month after birth, and as of his check this week is now 99%ile weight at 11.4kg) fit in the bassinet..? The limit is listed as 11.3kg and 71cm (he's 74).
    After a little squirm and some early resistance, an hour in.. and he's out, asleep and has been down 3 hours so far. Long may it continue.
    Ryland has been good as gold, watching movies and drawing. He's carries the most excitement and positivity of us all. Axel, since last night has been struggling with a tongue surface infection/irritation, and what seems an interrelated case of anxiety. We've been applying some meds and nurofen for it, but its making him a little edgy and difficult thus far already.
    Zander has just woke from about 3.25 hours sleep in the bassinet looking VERY refreshed. We're about 4.25 out of Tokyo, let's hope the rest of the journey goes smoothly.
    On arrival, 7pm, we have a 50min private transfer direct to Hilton Tokyo for our first night in Japan. I've a load of issues to sort with our hotel booking so hopefully that goes well..
    Tomorrow, we're gonna start off with a big experience at Disney Sea!    En savoir plus

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    Début du voyage
    8 septembre 2025