Why I Started Little Nomads Japan: A Mum’s Mission to Help Travelling Families

Hello! I’m Claire – founder of Little Nomads Japan, and mum to a curious little girl who’s already been on more flights than I’d ever imagined before becoming a parent.

This business started with a simple idea: family travel should feel exciting — not overwhelming. But as any parent knows, once you’re packing for a baby or toddler, even the shortest holiday starts to feel like a military operation. Nappies, wipes, snacks, baby food, extra clothes, “just in case” items… before you know it, your suitcase is full and you’re still not sure you’ve got everything.

✈️ From Globetrotter to Nappy-Packing Pro

Before becoming a mum, I loved travelling. I’d breeze through airports with just a carry-on and a book. But everything changed once Mia arrived.

One of our first proper trips as a family was to Thailand when she was six months old. It was wonderful — beaches, fresh fruit, and that longed-for warm weather — but it was also eye-opening. Even though I live in Japan and consider myself a fairly confident traveller, I found myself juggling Mia’s nap times, trying to track down nappies that suited her, figuring out what she’d eat, and still hoping to squeeze in some sightseeing. At one point, we had to get a taxi to the local supermarket and peruse the aisles — not really sure what was good or not, just hoping for the best and trying to decode packaging with Google Translate. It was far from a disaster, but it was time-consuming and definitely not the relaxing start to the day I’d imagined.

I remember thinking, Wouldn’t it be lovely if all the baby essentials were just... there waiting for us at the hotel?

Mia and I in Koh Samui

🎒 "But You Can Just Buy It There, Can’t You?"

People sometimes ask, Isn’t it easy enough to just buy nappies and wipes at a local shop once you arrive?

And honestly — yes, it’s not rocket science. You can buy these things in Japan. But when you're here for a short trip, with a baby or toddler in tow, and a list of sights you want to see — popping out to hunt for the right size nappies or non-allergenic snacks isn’t exactly top of your “holiday fun” list.

There’s also the reality of the language barrier. Yes, Google Translate is brilliant and has made travelling easier than ever — but it’s not perfect. It can help you read a label, sure, but it won’t always help you ask the shop assistant if the product is soy-free, or if there’s a gentler version for sensitive skin. And if you've ever tried wrangling a toddler while simultaneously translating packaging, you’ll know — it’s far from relaxing.

Plenty of options, but not always easy to figure out what’s what. Image Credit: Just One Cookbook

💛 Made by a Mum, with Love

That’s where Little Nomads Japan comes in.

Our travel boxes are filled with essentials that I personally use and trust with my own daughter — familiar brands of nappies, baby food, wipes, snacks, and a few thoughtful extras, too.
Things like sticker books and bath stickers — not strictly “essentials,” but they were such a hit with Mia (and a total lifesaver at times!) that I had to include them. They're the kind of things you didn’t know you needed, but once you have them, you’re so glad of them.

And if there’s something you need that isn’t included in our ready-made boxes, I’m more than happy to help. Just send me an email at littlenomadsjapan@gmail.com — I can curate a custom box for your family’s specific needs and will get back to you as soon as I can.

It’s not just the boxes either — I’m here if you need a hand while you're in Japan. Whether it’s restaurant bookings, buying tickets, or simply translating a tricky message, you’re not on your own. Think of me as your “mum friend in Japan” who’s just a message away.

Everything in our box is something I’ve used with Mia — and loved.

👶 Supporting Parents, One Box at a Time

Little Nomads Japan isn’t just about convenience — it’s about supporting families. Travelling with kids takes planning and patience, and I want to take at least one thing off your plate so you can focus on making memories, not shopping lists.

Thanks so much for stopping by and for supporting this little dream of mine. I hope we can help make your family adventure in Japan just a bit easier — and a lot more fun.

Warm wishes,

Claire
Founder of Little Nomads Japan
Mum, traveller, snack-packer-in-chief 🧃