15 Things To Do In Japan With Kids—With Sample Itinerary
Traveling to Japan with kids is not easy. But as a family of four with two young daughters, we’re here to explain how we made our trip the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and family-friendly attractions.
There are things to do in Japan with kids, so here’s what we did and what we’d recommend for an unforgettable trip.
Content:
- What to do in Japan with kids
- Where to go in Japan with kids
- Japan itinerary with kids (10 days)
- Frequently asked questions
What to do in Japan with kids
Japan is an amazing location to travel with kids as a family. It’s a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and kid-friendly attractions.
Whether theme parks, interactive museums, or exploring nature, Japan has something for everyone.
This guide will help you discover the best places to visit, ensuring a fun and memorable trip for the whole family!
Cultural experiences
Japan is full of traditions that can be done through hands-on activities, and these experiences offer a fun and educational way for kids to connect with Japanese history and culture while creating unforgettable memories.
1) Get an interactive ninja experience
Get a family and kid-friendly ninja experience at Tokyo Samurai and Ninja Museum.
Everything is designed for all ages, allowing families to train together through hands-on experience, play, and active participation while learning about ninja history.
Kids can dress in an authentic ninja outfit and try their hand at throwing ninja stars (shuriken) and using a ninja blowgun in a safe, controlled environment. The instructors will ensure everything is accessible, even for young children.
Plus, since it takes place indoors, families can enjoy it year-round without worrying about the weather.
2) Take part in a Japanese tea ceremony and kimono
A Japanese tea ceremony is one of the best ways to teach your kids the importance of focus, turn-taking, and relating to others.
Part of a Japanese kimono tea ceremony is that you can take memorable photos of your time together in a stunning and authentic Japanese setting.
While it’s difficult to schedule a meeting with a geisha with young children, Maikoya’s geisha show allows your family to get a special geisha performance just for you.
3) Make wagashi
The Japanese Sweets-Making and Tea Ceremony in Kyoto is a wonderful, family-friendly experience that combines hands-on creativity with cultural learning.
It’s perfect for all ages to create beautifully crafted traditional Japanese sweets, wagashi. Shape and decorate your own treats using natural, colorful ingredients, making the experience both fun and educational.
After making these sweets, your family will take part in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony where you can enjoy your handmade creations with freshly prepared matcha.
For added fun, kids can dress up in a kimono, samurai kimono, or ninja outfit, making the experience even more immersive.
4) Get a fun samurai sword experience
The Samurai Sword Lesson in Kyoto is a fantastic, family-friendly experience that immerses participants of all ages in Japan’s samurai traditions.
To make this experience more immersive, children and parents can dress up in authentic samurai attire.
Under expert guidance, participants will learn the basics of samurai sword techniques using safe practice swords, ensuring a fun and risk-free environment. It also includes interactive storytelling to help kids understand the history and philosophy of the samurai in an engaging way.
From hands-on introduction to traditional Japanese swordsmanship to beginner-friendly instruction, young children can participate comfortably.
5. Do Japanese crafts together: origami, calligraphy and kendama
Families with kids can enjoy traditional Japanese crafts with origami, calligraphy, and kendama. It is the perfect experience for all ages.
The entire session is structured to be kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, and hands-on, allowing families to learn together in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.
Plus, families can rent a kimono to make the experience even more immersive and take memorable photos.
Try Japanese food
6) Eat at a conveyor belt sushi
Many families, even in Japan, eat at conveyor belt sushi restaurants. These restaurants offer a casual and interactive dining atmosphere.
Don’t worry about picky eaters. There are plenty of kid-friendly options, including cooked foods like fries, noodles, and tempura, as well as a variety of desserts and ice cream.
Places like Kura Sushi offer kids the chance to win a prize from a small gacha machine for every certain number of plates they finish eating.
Families with kids in Japan can order fresh dishes from a touch-screen English menu with pictures.
Where to go in Japan with kids
Japan has many places for kids that blends fun, learning, and adventure for long lasting memories.
Museums
Many museums in Japan are perfect for all ages, including young kids in Japan.
7) The INTERACTIVE Samurai and Ninja Museum (Kyoto)
It's the #1 ranked family-friendly museum in Kyoto, and it's amazingly INTERACTIVE!
With a visit to this famous museum, you'll get a guided tour in English and learn what makes the katana in Japan special compared to the Western blades.
The museum offers a captivating glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage, providing insights into the lives of samurai and ninja, two iconic figures in Japanese history.
You can learn about their traditions, weaponry, and the role they played in shaping Japan's past.
8) Ghibli Museum (Tokyo)
Nicknamed fittingly as the "Disney of Japan," Studio Ghibli is an established animation house known for producing hit films like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away.
And their museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, is truly magical and wondrous for children of all ages, especially those fond of Japanese anime.
9) Cup Noodles Museum (Osaka)
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The Cupnoodles Museum is an interactive, kid-friendly museum in Yokohama and Osaka.
As you visit this museum in Tokyo with kids, you'll learn how cup noodles are made and even create the special flavoured cup noodles you can take home.
Amusement parks
You can honestly spend a whole day at these amusement and theme parks in Japan. Consider adding these to your family trip to Japan.
10) Tokyo Disney Resort (Chiba, Tokyo)
Tokyo Disney Resort comprises two parks: Tokyo Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland.
The latter is like Anaheim's Disneyland, with familiar famous "themed land" attractions and friendly characters walking around. Tokyo Disneyland, meanwhile, was inspired by legends of ocean tales, with seven themed spots.
If you want to experience both Disney parks, consider booking a hotel room in the area. Official Disney hotels mostly have attractively themed rooms.
11) Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo)
If your family and your children are big fans of Hello Kitty, Cinnamon Roll, Kuromi, and more, then Sanrio Puroland is perfect for you.
Add more colors to your vacation in Tokyo with kids by visiting this one-of-a-kind indoor Hello Kitty theme park.
You can enjoy shows, parades, and meet-and-greets with Hello Kitty characters. For parents, there are also options for dining and shopping.
12) Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
No trip to Japan with kids is complete without a visit to Universal Studios Japan.
Known as one of Asia's best theme parks, USJ offers many mind-blowing attractions and rides for teenagers and adults, such as Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, and Jaws.
Moreover, the park brims with child-friendly attractions featuring characters from Sesame Street and Hello Kitty.
Buy tickets online and arrive early to make the most of your day.
13) Legoland Discovery Center (Tokyo)
Legoland is the first-ever LEGO attraction in Japan, nestled in Odaiba's Decks Mall.
This attraction is ideal for all visitors in Tokyo with kids since everything is child-sized. It's mainly designed for smaller kids from ages 3 to 10. There are rides and displays and a building center for 4D cinema, cafe, DUPLO, and LEGO.
Please note that every adult must accompany a kid to visit this attraction.
Hobby store
14. Shop at the Pokemon Center
The Pokémon Center is the perfect destination for families with kids in Japan.
Each Pokemon store is slightly different from the others, but the major centers in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka have augmented reality games to provide opportunities to meet life-sized Pokémon.
There are also collectibles, toys, and exclusive merchandise so parents can feel nostalgic for their favorite Pokémon characters.
The vibrant, fun atmosphere makes it an ideal place for families to shop, creating lasting memories and providing a unique experience in any city with a Pokémon Center.
15) Shop at the Nintendo Shop
The Nintendo Store is a must-visit for families with kids.
source: Nintendo Kyoto
With its modern, vibrant design and displays featuring iconic Nintendo characters, it’s a fantastic place to explore.
Kids and adults can enjoy seeing their favorite Nintendo characters come to life at these stores, from Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon.
Whether you're looking to snag limited-edition releases, pre-order upcoming games, or find a thoughtful gift for a Nintendo fan, it’s the perfect place for families to shop together.
Japan itinerary with kids (10 days)
It’s difficult to think of an itinerary with kids in Japan. So here, we created a sample itinerary for your family to consider.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Depending on what time you arrive in Tokyo, that’ll determine the rest of your first day here.
If you arrive in the morning or afternoon, it’s best to go to your hotel, drop off your bags, and explore your surroundings.
If you are arriving in the evening, then it’s best to rest early so you can get ready for the next day.
Day 2-4: Tokyo exploration
There are many things to do in Tokyo, but for a more family trip in Japan, it’s best to explore areas that are close to each other to save time and energy.
So, instead of traveling from Asakusa to Shibuya (an hour one way), we recommend focusing on nearby neighborhoods to make the most of your day.
Consider grouping these areas together for the morning, afternoon, or evening:
- Asakusa + Odaiba: In Asakusa, there’s Sensoji Temple, Samurai Ninja Experience, and Tokyo Sky Tree. Then, you can boat ride from Asakusa to Odaiba, with more family attractions such as Team Labs Plants, Odaiba Seaside Park, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
- Shibuya + Harajuku: these are very close to each other, and many people combine Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine, and Takeshita Street.
- Akihabara + Ueno: For anime, gadgets, or electronics, Akihabara is for you. Nearby is Ueno, where the Ueno Zoo, Ueno Park, and the Tokyo National Museum are located.
- Shinjuku + Roppongi: While a business center, Shinjuku is a vibrant shopping and entertainment area with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck. Roppongi also has museums like Mori Art Museum, teamLab Borderless, and Tokyo Tower.
It's best to visit one or two areas within a day so that you don’t feel overwhelmed needing to hit everything in the area.
Day 4-5: Kyoto for temples and traditional culture
There are many things to do in Kyoto with kids, so we grouped some nearby attractions together to make the most of your visit.
Consider exploring these areas together in the morning, afternoon, or evening:
- Fushimi Inari + Tofukuji: Both locations are about 20 minutes walk away from each other. Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands of red torii gates, and Tofukuji Temple has stunning Zen gardens and traditional wooden bridges to relax at.
- Arashiyama + Sagano: Arashiyama is home to the famous Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park Iwatayama, where kids can see wild monkeys up close. While the Sagano Scenic Railway offers a beautiful train ride through the countryside.
- Kiyomizudera + Higashiyama: The iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple is known for its wooden stage and breathtaking views. Then, you can explore the charming Higashiyama district, stroll along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, visit Yasaka Pagoda, and enjoy traditional sweets.
- Gion + Pontocho: Experience Kyoto’s geisha district culture in Gion, where you can walk through historic streets with tea houses. Take part in a VIP Tea Ceremony in Kyoto Gion. Then in the evening, visit Pontocho Alley, a picturesque dining area with traditional restaurants along the Kamo River. Consider joining a Gion Walking Tour for deeper insights into the area’s history.
- Nijo Castle + Kyoto Imperial Palace: A great combination for history lovers, Nijo Castle showcases samurai-era architecture with beautiful gardens. At the same time, the Kyoto Imperial Palace offers a glimpse into Japan’s imperial history.
- Philosopher’s Path + Nanzenji: A peaceful and scenic walk, the Philosopher’s Path is especially beautiful in cherry blossom season. Along the way, you can visit Nanzenji Temple, which is known for its impressive temple gate and aqueduct.
It’s best to visit one or two areas daily so that you don’t feel rushed and can fully enjoy each experience.
Day 6: Nara for deers
If time allows, try taking a day trip to Nara to visit Nara Deer Park, interact with the friendly deer there, and explore Todai-ji Temple. There are other things to do in Nara, such as visiting the Nara National Museum or going up to the Nara Prefecture Office Observatory.
Consider a private Nara Daily Tour to make the most out of your Nara day.
Then, you can return to Kyoto or head to Osaka for your next location.
Day 7-8: Osaka for fun, food, and adventure
If you’re heading to Osaka with your kids in Japan, consider exploring these areas together.
- Osaka Castle + Osaka Museum of History: Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks,. Youcan explore the castle grounds and museum. Just a short walk away is the Osaka Museum of History, which offers interactive exhibits that bring Osaka’s past to life.
- Namba + Dotonbori + Shinsaibashi: The heart of Osaka’s entertainment and shopping district. Walk through Namba, enjoy the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori, and try famous street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Then, shop along Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s main shopping street.
- Umeda + Osaka Station + Umeda Sky Building: Around Umeda, there’s tons of skyscrapers, department stores, and entertainment for anyone. Don’t miss the Umeda Sky Building, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan + Tempozan Harbor Village: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the best aquariums in Japan. It features a massive tank with whale sharks and diverse marine life. Right next to it is the Tempozan Harbor Village, which has a giant Ferris wheel and fun shopping spots for families.
- Shinsekai + Tsutenkaku + Tennoji: Step into the retro charm of Shinsekai, an old entertainment district with nostalgic vibes. Visit the Tsutenkaku Tower for great views, then explore Tennoji Park, where your families can visit Tennoji Zoo and Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest skyscraper with an observation deck.
- Universal Studios Japan (USJ) + Osaka Bay Area: Your family can easily spend a full day or two at USJ for exciting rides and attractions from Super Nintendo World to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Nearby, the Osaka Bay Area has entertainment options like shopping and dining.
Your family can extend your trip by having a full day or two at USJ. So, accommodate what you want to do in Osaka to meet your needs.
Day 9: Day trip to Hiroshima
Consider taking a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka via Shinkansen.
Start your day by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where you can learn about the city’s history through interactive and educational exhibits.
Then, you can take a ferry to Miyajima Island for the iconic "floating" torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. The island is walkable, where you can enjoy local treats like Momiji Manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely.
Then, you can return to Osaka or Tokyo via Shinkansen in the evening to prepare to leave Japan.
Day 10: Departure
You can try to visit other kid-friendly attractions in Japan before your flight. Just be aware of your departure time and how long it will take to get to the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Japan is best for kids?
The best parts of Japan for kids depend on what you are looking for. Japan provides many cultural experiences with museums, traditional activities, and historical sites that the whole family can explore. Whether looking for entertainment, culture, or nature, Japan has something perfect for families with kids.
Is Japan a good trip with kids?
Japan has a reputation for its amazing hospitality culture. There are plenty of experiences and locations for both parents and children to make your Japanese tip amazing together.
What is the best city in Japan to visit with kids?
Tokyo is the best city for families with kids in Japan. Tokyo offers interactive and endless fun to keep your kids entertained.
In closing
I hope this inspires your family trip to Japan. With so many things to do in Japan with kids, there are many experiences and locations to consider. Japan is an amazing destination that blends adventure, culture, and fun for all ages.
With thoughtful planning and a flexible itinerary, your family can create unforgettable memories in Japan.