Exploring Tokyo with two little ones can be an adventure, but it comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to strollers. The city's compact layout and dense population create obstacles for parents with double strollers. Let's dive into the main issues and how to overcome them.

Public Transportation Hurdles:

Narrow Spaces

Many metro and train stations have narrow fair gates that may not accommodate wider strollers. Strollers over 55 cm in width often require the use of accessibility gates. These accessibility gates can be inconvenient during rush hour and the line is long. Keep in mind that sometimes the fair gate won’t even have an accessibility gate!

Elevator Accessibility

Most stations are equipped with elevators but not necessarily all of them! Parents may find themselves having to carry their kids and strollers up the escalators and having a large stroller may make that more challenging. Also during rush hour the elevator lines will be long, so having a large stroller will only slow down the process. Also keep in mind that elevators in metro stations can be a tight fit with larger strollers.

Crowded Trains

The metro in Tokyo is the primary mode of transportation throughout the city. These trains can become extremely crowded during rush hour. When it's crowded like this, maneuvering a large stroller on and off the metro car is not only challenging but stress inducing as well. Parents may feel uncomfortable or unwelcome while trying to fit a large stroller on the crowded train.

Space Constraints in Public Areas

Many restaurants, shops, and even streets in Tokyo have limited space. Having a bulky stroller will make navigating around the city difficult. You may be limited on where you can shop or eat depending on the accessibility of the store you’re looking to checkout. Sidewalks themselves can be extremely narrow, which may cause you to unwillingly use the street.

The Ideal Stroller Solution

Your best bet is to find something narrow and lightweight. This way you can be confident that you can fit through narrow pathways and if you need to fold and carry it, then it won’t be so challenging. As an experienced Tokyo mom, we suggest the Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight Graphite Stand-On Double Stroller. This is an excellent choice for navigating Tokyo with two babies because it boasts these features:

• Lightweight at just 23.5 pounds
• Versatile seating options
• Quick and easy folding mechanism
• 5-point harness for safety
• Affordable at under $300

Here are some pictures of the girls in the Joovy riding about Tokyo:

Going through the metro gate

Tips for Stroller Success in Tokyo

1. Use Google Maps' wheelchair accessible route option to find elevator-equipped paths.
2. Plan for one or two major activities per day to avoid overtiring your children.
3. Be prepared to carry your children and fold the stroller when necessary.
4. Research stations with elevators in advance.

Remember, while challenging, exploring Tokyo with two babies is entirely possible with the right preparation and equipment. Embrace the adventure and enjoy the unique experiences the city has to offer!

Check it out

On our last trip to Tokyo we used the Joovy with great success! The compact size and lightweight saved us a lot of trouble when getting around Tokyo.

Narrow spaces:

The Joovy slides effortlessly through narrow gates

Elevator access:

Even in the tightest of elevators the Joovy easily fit with 2 adults

Crowded trains:

We got caught coming home during rush hour on a few occasions (sometimes it can't be helped!). The slim size of the Joovy really helped navigating through the crowd.

Space constraints in public spaces:

Really it's the sidewalks in neighborhoods that limit your passage, and the Joovy is a perfect size.

At CocoTora, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, Japanese-made baby accessories that embody superior craftsmanship and timeless artistry. We prioritize sustainability with eco-friendly materials, ensuring our products are both exceptional and environmentally friendly. Our commitment to authenticity and customer satisfaction drives us to personally vet each brand and inspect every product,