Tokyo With Kids: Best Kid-friendly Places And Experiences
Tokyo is a fascinating, family-friendly destination with endless possibilities. Not only is it safe and spotless, but it's also packed with activities and attractions to keep kids of all ages entertained and upbeat. And, to help you craft the best itinerary in Tokyo with kids, we've rounded up some suggestions and tips for your upcoming family adventure.
source: Disneyland 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.
2- Crafting Delicate Delights: The Art of Wagashi Making
source: Miraikan Tokyo
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, also known as Miraikan, is an exceptional destination where you can satisfy your children's curiosity. With various interactive displays and workshops, the museum can broaden its imagination and understand the world of science.
A Japanese tea ceremony with kids in Tokyo might not seem appealing and exciting, especially for the little ones. It is, however, one of the best ways to teach your kids the importance of focus, turn-taking, and relating to others. What's more, it lets them dive into the fascinating culture of Japan.
To make things even better, the experience is a chance for you and the kids to wear elaborate, comfortable, and AUTHENTIC kimonos.
Source: TeamLab Borderless
A magical blend of sound, light, and vivid colors, TeamLab Borderless is a kaleidoscopic permanent digital art exhibit in Odaiba. Perfect for anyone traveling to Tokyo with kids, the museum wows visitors with its enchanting lantern-filled room, gushing digital waterfalls, amazing crystal world, and many other displays.
Mame Shiba Inu is a smaller and arguably cuter version of Japan's famous Shiba Inu dogs. And you can find a handful of them at this pet cafe in Tokyo. The cafe's traditional and homely ambiance, with low dining tables and tatami flooring, makes this extraordinary experience even more unique since it feels like playing with these cuties in a typical Japanese home rather than a cafe on Tokyo's bustling streets.
Source : KIdZania Tokyo
Kidzania is a unique Tokyo attraction where kids can role-play as adults in more than 100 occupations in fields like manufacturing, news, and communication. It's an excellent place for the little ones to explore interests and build social skills while having fun.
Learning a Japanese game and craft should be on your list of things to do in Tokyo with kids. And you and your little ones can learn a few fantastic skills and cultural games at Maikoya in Tokyo, Japan. The session starts with a lesson in Origami, taught at schools in Japan, to help kids learn the importance of time management.
Furthermore, this Japanese art will teach them how to use resources skillfully and turn simple things into priceless treasures. Afterward, a shodo expert takes over to teach you Japanese calligraphy.
The session will then culminate with Ken-dama, a Japanese toy and game. To top it all off, you'll receive a lovely souvenir once the session ends with this insightful experience in Tokyo with kids.
BOOK HERE WITH DISCOUNT
Source : Sumida Aquarium
You'll discover a host of aquariums in Tokyo with kids, but Sumida Aquarium is by far the best one. Here, you'll see over 9,000 marine creatures in wondrous displays, including the 92,000-gallon tank centerpiece and the enticing jellyfish habitats.
Shinjuku looks stunning every season and is one of the most popular parks in Tokyo for kids. There are, however, tons of restrictions at this park. Games, pets, and alcohol are a no-no at this park. On the bright side, it's always quiet and clean, meaning it's the perfect spot for picnics in Tokyo with kids.
Yoyogi Koen is one of the largest parks in Tokyo, featuring forested areas, ponds, and expansive lawns. It's an excellent place for the kids to play and for the adults to picnic, jog, or do outdoor activities.
Source : Nikoniko Park
This park is an absolute paradise for active kids. Not only is it spacious, but it also has a variety of exciting facilities where they can play, including the Spider trampoline and Jungle Tower with a slide. Parents, meanwhile, can relax and have a chat at the resting areas of the park.
Located at the heart of Tokyo, these gardens are a spacious and sprawling haven where parents can unwind, and kids can play outdoors. It's one of the areas of the Imperial Palace that's open to the public.
Source: CupNoodles Museum in Yokohama
The Cupnoodles Museum is an interactive, kid-friendly museum in Yokohama, Tokyo. As you visit this museum in Tokyo with kids, you'll learn how cup noodles are made and even create the special flavored cup noodles you can take home.
Origami is possibly the most well-known of all of Japan's cultural activities. This is practiced as an art where Japanese Rice Paper is folded to create various shapes, including animals, flowers, or people. Japanese children learn Origami at elementary school to improve their focus and understand the importance of following instructions to reach an ultimate goal.
Source: Super Jankara, Japan
Need a little break after days of nonstop activities and sightseeing in Tokyo with kids? Then, head to a Jankara chain and sign your heart out while enjoying unlimited drinks. With thousands of English songs available, you'll spot your favorite song here, whether classic or modern.
Source: Round 1, Japan
Are you looking for indoor attractions in Tokyo with kids? Then, spend a few hours engaging in various fun indoor activities in Round 1 - Japan's most popular amusement center. Bowling is a must-try here, especially since the quality of their bowling facility is second to none.
Source: Tokyo Fire Museum
There are so many fun things to do with kids at this attraction in Tokyo. Here, you and your kids can explore modern and traditional exhibits, learn through media, and engage in hands-on activities. Afterward, you may let them wear a Japanese firefighter's uniform, gawk at trucks, and ride in helicopters.
source: Edo Tokyo Museum
Expertly designed and educational, this museum showcases the history of Tokyo with small and large-scale models that chronicle the city's architectural transformation. Plus, it beautifully recreates Japanese life through the centuries with remarkable exhibits like statues playing the norms and cultural practices of the time.
Source : Legoland, 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.
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.
source: Sanrio Puroland
Add more colors to your vacation in Tokyo with kids by visiting this one-of-a-kind indoor Hello Kitty theme park. Enjoy shows, parades, and meet and greets with Hello Kitty characters. For parents, there are also options for dining and shopping.
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.
Furthermore, there are swordsmanship and ninja-throwing lessons inside the museum. Of course, a visit here won't be complete without trying on some Samurai and ninja clothes.
This park near the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is home to 120 friendly Japanese macaques. These monkeys are native to the country and are the kinds of monkeys you often see in well-known photos wherein they bathe blissfully in a hot spring in winter.
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 has many mind-blowing attractions and rides for teenagers and adults, like Jurassic ParkSpider-Manan and Jaws. Moreover, the park brims with child-friendly attractions featuring characters from Sesame Street and Hello Kitty.
Nara Deer Park is next to the world's oldest pagoda and several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here, you can explore beautiful grounds and, more importantly, get up-close encounters with talented and friendly guests around the park.
1- Tokyo Disney Resort
source: Disneyland 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.
- Opening hours: Times vary. Check their calendar for more information.
2- Crafting Delicate Delights: The Art of Wagashi Making
Wagashi cooking is a traditional Japanese culinary art that focuses on creating exquisite and visually appealing sweets. These confections are often made from natural, seasonal ingredients and are designed to evoke a sense of harmony with nature and the changing seasons, making them both a treat for the palate and the eyes.
Tip
If you like cute and Instagramable food, experience making the lovely traditional Wagashi sweets at MAIKOYA for a memorable experience
3- Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science
source: Miraikan Tokyo
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, also known as Miraikan, is an exceptional destination where you can satisfy your children's curiosity. With various interactive displays and workshops, the museum can broaden its imagination and understand the world of science.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
4- Japanese Tea Ceremony and Kimono Dress up
A Japanese tea ceremony with kids in Tokyo might not seem appealing and exciting, especially for the little ones. It is, however, one of the best ways to teach your kids the importance of focus, turn-taking, and relating to others. What's more, it lets them dive into the fascinating culture of Japan.
To make things even better, the experience is a chance for you and the kids to wear elaborate, comfortable, and AUTHENTIC kimonos.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM daily
5- MORI Building Digital Art Museum (TeamLab Borderless)
Source: TeamLab Borderless
A magical blend of sound, light, and vivid colors, TeamLab Borderless is a kaleidoscopic permanent digital art exhibit in Odaiba. Perfect for anyone traveling to Tokyo with kids, the museum wows visitors with its enchanting lantern-filled room, gushing digital waterfalls, amazing crystal world, and many other displays.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
6- Harajuku Mame-Shiba Cafe
Mame Shiba Inu is a smaller and arguably cuter version of Japan's famous Shiba Inu dogs. And you can find a handful of them at this pet cafe in Tokyo. The cafe's traditional and homely ambiance, with low dining tables and tatami flooring, makes this extraordinary experience even more unique since it feels like playing with these cuties in a typical Japanese home rather than a cafe on Tokyo's bustling streets.
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. 10:30 AM to 07:30 PM on weekdays
7- Kidzania Tokyo
Source : KIdZania Tokyo
Kidzania is a unique Tokyo attraction where kids can role-play as adults in more than 100 occupations in fields like manufacturing, news, and communication. It's an excellent place for the little ones to explore interests and build social skills while having fun.
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM for the first shift and 04:00 to 09:00 PM for the second shift
8- Learn Japanese crafts in Tokyo with kids
Learning a Japanese game and craft should be on your list of things to do in Tokyo with kids. And you and your little ones can learn a few fantastic skills and cultural games at Maikoya in Tokyo, Japan. The session starts with a lesson in Origami, taught at schools in Japan, to help kids learn the importance of time management.
Furthermore, this Japanese art will teach them how to use resources skillfully and turn simple things into priceless treasures. Afterward, a shodo expert takes over to teach you Japanese calligraphy.
The session will then culminate with Ken-dama, a Japanese toy and game. To top it all off, you'll receive a lovely souvenir once the session ends with this insightful experience in Tokyo with kids.
BOOK HERE WITH DISCOUNT
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM daily
9- Sumida Aquarium
Source : Sumida Aquarium
You'll discover a host of aquariums in Tokyo with kids, but Sumida Aquarium is by far the best one. Here, you'll see over 9,000 marine creatures in wondrous displays, including the 92,000-gallon tank centerpiece and the enticing jellyfish habitats.
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM daily
10- Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Shinjuku looks stunning every season and is one of the most popular parks in Tokyo for kids. There are, however, tons of restrictions at this park. Games, pets, and alcohol are a no-no at this park. On the bright side, it's always quiet and clean, meaning it's the perfect spot for picnics in Tokyo with kids.
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
11- Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Koen is one of the largest parks in Tokyo, featuring forested areas, ponds, and expansive lawns. It's an excellent place for the kids to play and for the adults to picnic, jog, or do outdoor activities.
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
12- Samurai Sword Experience for Kids and Families
You can have other exciting experiences beyond Tokyo with your kids. There are swordsmanship and ninja throwing lessons inside the Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto. Wear a traditional samurai outfit and wield a katana like a real samurai! This is the only samurai sword experience in Kyoto where you get hands-on experience, unlike costume play.
13- Meiji Jingu Gaien Nikoniko Park
Source : Nikoniko Park
This park is an absolute paradise for active kids. Not only is it spacious, but it also has a variety of exciting facilities where they can play, including the Spider trampoline and Jungle Tower with a slide. Parents, meanwhile, can relax and have a chat at the resting areas of the park.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM daily
14- The Imperial Palace Gardens
Source: Located at the heart of Tokyo, these gardens are a spacious and sprawling haven where parents can unwind, and kids can play outdoors. It's one of the areas of the Imperial Palace that's open to the public.
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (closed on Fridays and Mondays)
15- Cup Noodles Museum
Source: CupNoodles Museum in Yokohama
The Cupnoodles Museum is an interactive, kid-friendly museum in Yokohama, Tokyo. As you visit this museum in Tokyo with kids, you'll learn how cup noodles are made and even create the special flavored cup noodles you can take home.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
16- Learn Origami Art Class using Colorful Japanese Rice Papers
Origami is possibly the most well-known of all of Japan's cultural activities. This is practiced as an art where Japanese Rice Paper is folded to create various shapes, including animals, flowers, or people. Japanese children learn Origami at elementary school to improve their focus and understand the importance of following instructions to reach an ultimate goal.
17- Karaoke at a Jankara chain
Source: Super Jankara, Japan
Need a little break after days of nonstop activities and sightseeing in Tokyo with kids? Then, head to a Jankara chain and sign your heart out while enjoying unlimited drinks. With thousands of English songs available, you'll spot your favorite song here, whether classic or modern.
18- Bowling at a Round 1 chain
Source: Round 1, Japan
Are you looking for indoor attractions in Tokyo with kids? Then, spend a few hours engaging in various fun indoor activities in Round 1 - Japan's most popular amusement center. Bowling is a must-try here, especially since the quality of their bowling facility is second to none.
19- Tokyo Fire Museum
Source: Tokyo Fire Museum
There are so many fun things to do with kids at this attraction in Tokyo. Here, you and your kids can explore modern and traditional exhibits, learn through media, and engage in hands-on activities. Afterward, you may let them wear a Japanese firefighter's uniform, gawk at trucks, and ride in helicopters.
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 05:00 (closed on Mondays)
20- Ninja Experience (Family and Kid Friendly)
You can also do other exciting experiences outside of Tokyo with your kids. Your family and kids can join a Japanese ninja class at the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum. This unique and enriching experience allows everyone to immerse themselves in the country's rich cultural heritage. It provides an exciting opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of ninja warriors, their skills, and the historical context that surrounds them. Moreover, family participation will encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and physical fitness, creating unforgettable memories while enhancing your understanding of Japanese history and traditions.
- Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 08:00 PM daily
- FREE for kids under the age of 3
21- Edo-Tokyo Museum
source: Edo Tokyo Museum
Expertly designed and educational, this museum showcases the history of Tokyo with small and large-scale models that chronicle the city's architectural transformation. Plus, it beautifully recreates Japanese life through the centuries with remarkable exhibits like statues playing the norms and cultural practices of the time.
- Opening hours: 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday (until 07:30 PM on Saturday)
22- Legoland Discovery Center
Source : Legoland, 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.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM on weekends
23- Ghibli Museum
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.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
24- Sanrio Puroland
source: Sanrio Puroland
Add more colors to your vacation in Tokyo with kids by visiting this one-of-a-kind indoor Hello Kitty theme park. Enjoy shows, parades, and meet and greets with Hello Kitty characters. For parents, there are also options for dining and shopping.
- Opening hours: Operation times vary. Check the website for more information.
Things to do beyond Tokyo with kids
25- 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.
Furthermore, there are swordsmanship and ninja-throwing lessons inside the museum. Of course, a visit here won't be complete without trying on some Samurai and ninja clothes.
- FREE for children below three years old
- Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 08:00 PM
26- Kyoto Aquarium
Source: Kyoto Aquarium
Opened in 2012, the Kyoto Aquarium wows visitors with its charming marine residents who are endemic to Kyoto's waterway and other saltwater creatures. Perfect for kids and adults, the aquatic museum aims to entertain and educate guests about marine ecosystems. Main exhibits include fur seals, Asian giant salamanders, penguins, coral reefs, and dolphin shows.- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM daily
27- Iwatayama Monkey Park
This park near the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is home to 120 friendly Japanese macaques. These monkeys are native to the country and are the kinds of monkeys you often see in well-known photos wherein they bathe blissfully in a hot spring in winter.
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM daily
28- Universal Studios Japan
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 has many mind-blowing attractions and rides for teenagers and adults, like Jurassic ParkSpider-Manan and Jaws. Moreover, the park brims with child-friendly attractions featuring characters from Sesame Street and Hello Kitty.
- Opening hours: Time varies. Check their official website for more info
29- Nara Deer Park
Nara Deer Park is next to the world's oldest pagoda and several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here, you can explore beautiful grounds and, more importantly, get up-close encounters with talented and friendly guests around the park.
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
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