10 Things to Do in Tokyo Before Your Baby Arrives

Tokyo is full of fabulous experiences for women enjoying all stages of life, but once your little bundle of joy arrives you will find yourself wishing you had checked off more of the things on your to-do list. Here are my recommended treats for the mama-to-be to enjoy before the baby comes along.

1. Go for a leisurely and serene lunch at Kanetanaka in Oak Omotesando. This restaurant is peaceful and stylish, with a zen-like atmosphere. No babies are allowed in the restaurant, so it’s best to make the most of it while you can! The restaurant serves a delicious set lunch menu and diners sit on long tables overlooking the veranda, where you can daydream about your journey into motherhood.

2. Visit one of Tokyo’s many shrines to pray for the safe labor and delivery of your baby. You can buy an ema, which is a small wooden plaque that you write your prayers or wishes on. You then hang it up and leave it at the shrine for the gods to work their magic on your birthing experience.

3. Arrange a maternity photo shoot with a service such as Romp Photography. Pregnancy is a special time in your life and worth capturing on camera. The results will make fabulous gifts for the family, as well as a tender keepsake for your child.

4. You will soon be experiencing sleepless nights as a new mom, so schedule in some skincare before the dark circles arrive. The Jurlique Salon in Aoyama offers a specialized maternity facial that is perfect for expecting mothers.

5. You might not be able to enjoy the alcoholic cocktails that you sipped on pre-pregnancy, but there are many options for a delicious mocktail in Tokyo. Make the most of being able to go out in the evenings with your friends while you can, and try the non-alcoholic cocktail range at Rigoletto Bar & Grill in Roppongi Hills.

6. Enjoy a prenatal yoga class at a studio such as Furla Yoga. Not only will you refresh and relax both your body and mind, but you’ll be able to meet other moms-to-be as well.  

7. If you do not feel up to flying during your first or third trimester, don’t let that stop you from exploring Japan. The Shinkansen is a comfortable way to travel whilst pregnant and allows you to take a babymoon with your partner before embarking on parenthood. Kanamean Nishitomiya ryokan in Kyoto will modify your meals to exclude items such as raw fish upon request.

8. Enjoy a peaceful green tea latte at the Nezu Museum café with a view over the gorgeous Japanese garden. If you have the energy, there are wonderful seasonal exhibitions in the museum with plenty of benches to sit on and take a break while you browse the exquisite collection.

9. Go for a mid-week lunch with your partner. Be sure to schedule in some time with your honey before you begin the challenge of parenthood. One of our favorite business lunch spots is Tempura Suzukou in the Nihonbashi district, where you can sit at the horseshoe shaped counter and watch the tempura being prepared.

10. Indulge in a chocolate éclair from Maison du Chocolate. Three flavors are available: milk chocolate, dark chocolate and caramel. Why not tuck in before the post-natal diet starts? Go on, you know you want to!