[Ultimate Guide] Stress-Free Outings with Baby in Japan: 5 Ways to Find Nursing Rooms & Diaper Stations Easily

2025-12-27

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1. Introduction

“What if my baby starts crying while we’re out?” “Where can I find a place to breastfeed?”

These anxieties are universal for parents all over the world. To help you go out with peace of mind, here are some useful tips on how to find baby care rooms in Japan.

2. How to Find Baby Spaces

1. Use “Mama Papa Map” app

This is a must-have app for moms and dads in Japan. It allows you to search for facilities around your current location. Even if you don’t read Japanese, you can check the cleanliness and details of the facilities through user-submitted photos and icons.

Download Links (iOS/Android):

ママパパマップ～母乳・ミルク育児中の授乳室検索用アプリ

Kodomoto K.K.無料posted withアプリーチ

2. Look for the “Akachan no Eki” (Baby Station) Mark

“Akachan no Eki” (Baby Station) is a designation given by local governments (such as city halls) to facilities where you can breastfeed or change diapers.

The best part? You are free to use these facilities even if you are not shopping or using the paid services there.

They are located not only in Community Centers (Jidokan), nursery schools, and public facilities but also in partner shops and businesses.

The logo or mark for “Akachan no Eki” varies by municipality. Although the page is in Japanese,【Combi（コンビ）】(a famous baby goods maker) has a list of these marks. You can check the visual guide here:https://www.combi.co.jp/brand/combiwith/babystation/list

3. Know the “Safe Bets” (Major Facilities)

If you are in a pinch, head to these spots. They almost certainly have high-quality baby spaces.

Department Stores (Depato): Stores like Isetan or Takashimaya. Their baby rooms are often as luxurious and clean as high-end hotels.
Large Shopping Malls: Malls like AEON Mall or LaLaport. These places usually have fully equipped nursing rooms with hot water for formula, microwaves, and baby scales.
Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Most trains have a “Multi-purpose room” (Tamonteki-shitsu). If you ask the conductor, they will usually unlock it for you to use for breastfeeding.

4. Search on Google Maps

Google Maps is also very effective. Searching for “Nursing room” in English works well, but copy-pasting the following Japanese words will give you even more results:

Nursing Room: 授乳室
Diaper Changing Station: おむつ交換台

3. Tips for Using Baby Spaces

1. Bring Trash Bags

Many baby spaces in Japan do not have trash cans. It is common etiquette to take your dirty diapers and trash from formula packets home with you. Be sure to carry a few plastic bags (like BOS odor-proof bags).

2. Bring Water for Formula While many facilities provide hot water (70°C or higher) for making formula, they often do not provide cool water to mix it with. Carrying a bottle of “baby-safe water” allows you to prepare milk at the right temperature quickly without making your baby wait.

Here are some soft water brands available in Japan that are safe for formula. It helps to buy them in bulk: