Japan for family with young kids

Hi
I am contemplating a trip to japan during Feb 2009. I have 2 kids (5yr old and 1.5yr old).
I cannot decide between Hokkaido and Osaka+Tokyo.

My preference is for hokkaido, however it is extremely cold during this period so I am concern whether the kids can take it. Also we are taking public transport so I am concern about the high transportation cost and inconvenience as many attractions do not have direct access to JR. Is an osaka/Kyoto/Shirakawa Go/Mt Fuji/Tokyo route more family friendly?

How do i keep cost low and yet travel comfortably with the kids?

Vicky

yes, it might be too cold for the kids.. but also remember that yuki matsuri(snow festival) is on February 5-11 in Hokkaido but you and your kids might enjoy Hokkaido more on the Summer ( starting from July ).

U can get the JR Rail Pass , might be cheaper, but it also depends on where you intend to go :D

I have a 2years old son. I thhink it is hard to go around in Tokyo by public transport.
You had better take hire, taxi, sightseeing bus even if it cost much.
Please refer to web site.


http://www.hello-tokyo.co.jp/english.pdf

http://jtp.zashiki.com/simpleVC_20081217141931.html

I disagree w/ Tomo! lots of people in Tokyo and other big towns around the world take subways and trains w/ kids. just try not to travel at peak times. As for the original poster, 5 year and 1 year kids are much too young to enjoy Japan or any other place. You should wait until they are older. When I was that age
(from birth to 6 years old) whenever my parents wanted to go away I stayed with older relatives (that's what I was told. I don't remember much about these years)