If you are wondering what to do in Tokyo with kids, we got you covered. This comprehensive guide will walk you through some fun things to do in Tokyo with kids.
Some are cheap and some are free, so you got to save money and do not worry about breaking the bank. Keep on reading to find out about what Tokyo has to offer.
It is known for ancient temples, bright neon colors, tall skyscrapers, and delicious street food. At this amazing city, there is a taste for everyone.
The Best Things To Do In Tokyo With Kids:
These activities provide a mix of fun, education, and culture, which makes Tokyo a great destination for families. Explore the city with us and enjoy it with your kids.
Therefore, it is a fantastic city for families with kids, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. Here are our top recommendations:
1. Ueno Zoo and Ueno Park:
Ueno zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan that features variety of animals, such as giant pandas. Thus, it is the first modern zoo in Japan.
Established in 1882, the Uneo Zoological Gardens are 14.4 ha (35.6 acres) of land and contains 3,000 animals from 300 different species.
It is a good place to enjoy with kids and learn about the Japanese Zoo World. There are many animals to explore and teach your kids about, which makes it a top activity to do with kids.
You can teach let your kids interact with wildlife and practice wildlife photography with your phone or your camera if you want to be professional.
Once you are done exploring the zoo, you can head down to Ueno Park. It is a large park with open space, a playground, and museums like the National Museum of Nature and Science.
As a matter of fact, the Ueno Park is one of the oldest public parks in Japan, and one of the most fun places to visit with kids.
You can take a stroll around the park at Shinobazu Pond. It is quite relaxing and ease your mind. There is a little island in the middle of the pond, which has Bentendo temple,
The best time to visit the park is during spring to witness the cherry blossoms. Thus, you can also attend the Uneo Cherry Blossom Festival, which is the biggest and most crowded festival in Japan.
2. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea:
Both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are adjacent theme parks. They are filled with rides, shows, and attractions based on Disney characters and their stories.
They are part of Disneyland Park Resort. I am sure your kids will love them. There is no greater escape for kids than those amusement parks.
My favorite attraction in Tokyo Disneyland is the Splash Mountain. It should be your first choice. What a great way to endure the summer heat with an amazing ride that splash you with water in so many ways.
You should then take a ride at Omnibuses, which is an old-fashioned bus that take you on a journey around Tokyo Disneyland. It is a great way to get to know the places and find attractions.
You can learn more about the theme parks at Disney by reading this blog. We covered all the theme parks related to Disney in the world.
Tokyo DisneySea is filled with epic adventures for both adults and kids. You can enjoy a non-stop fun with their available attractions.
Some tourists like the Raging Spirit, which is a high-speed rollercoaster with a themed excavated ruins of an ancient ceremonial site.
The “Tower of Terror” is another amazing attraction. It is about a hotel in New York that was found in 1912. The hotel unravel a story about the disappearance of its owner. It makes you feel like growling in the stomach as the elevator descended fast. This attraction is only for the brave.
Not to forget, the Jasmine’s Flying Carpets. As you soar around Jasmine garden while riding a magical carpet, it allows you to tilt it forward or backward, or goes up and down like a flying carpet. Your kids will enjoy this one.
There are more to see and discover at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. This is only the tip of the iceberg. I can assure you will make memories with your kids that last a lifetime.
3. Odaiba:
One of those attraction is the TeamLab Borderless, which is an interactive digital art museum. It represents the human body as its relationship with thoughts is ambiguous. The artwork move freely and intermingle with each other, same as thoughts.
Another amazing destination is the Legoland Discover Center, which is an indoor attraction with Lego-themed play areas and rides. Your kids will thank you for it.
Not to mention, the Odaiba Seaside Park, which offers beach-like views, a boardwalk, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The park is free to enter, gives a beautiful view of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge.
Connects to the Pacific Ocean by the Uraga Channel, the Tokyo Bay is a waterfront area with plenty of attractions to keep your kids busy.
There are many recreational activities for kids within the area, such as visiting the BBQ BEACH in TOYOSU to enjoy barbecue at a wooden deck overlooking Rainbow Bridge.
You can also consider swimming, norkeling and surfing at Kasai Kaihin Park Beach, which located near the Tokyo Disney Resorts. You can also walk around the beach to enjoy a great view of Tokyo cityscape.
After an amazing escape at Kasai Kaihin Park Beach, you can head down to Kasai Rinkai Park for Ferris wheel, bird-watching, and aquarium. I would recommend visiting the beach in the morning, so you can visit the park in the afternoon.
4. Asakusa and Sensō-ji Temple:
Walking around the temple is so peaceful and relaxing. It is for sure can put your mind at ease, which makes it a good escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy life. The best park is that it is for free.
Right next to the temple is Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center, which offers great views of Kaminarimon, with Nakamise and Sensoji Temple.
You can have a tour in English, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese. The best part of the tour is the incredible view of Tokyo Skytree and the Asahi Flame.
On the 8th floor, there is a cafe where you can relax with your kids and get some delicious Japanese coffee, light meal, beer, snacks, and other refreshments.
5. Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park:
Located in Mitaka, Ghibli Museum celebrates the works of Studio Ghibli, featuring exhibits and short films that enchant children and adults alike.
The entrance fee is less than $7 for adults, but cheaper for kids. It is totally worth the price. You can explore it at your own pace. It usually takes around 2 hours to finish.
It features a children’s museum, fine arts museum, and technology museum. Furthermore, it is the kind of place to learn about the work of Studio Ghibli.
There is also a rooftop garden, café, bookstore, and a theater that display short films by the studio. Do not forget to go to the rooftop to wintess the robot from the film “Laputa: Castle in the Sky.“
Each section of Ghibli Park is carefully designed to reflect the unique aesthetic and atmosphere of Studio Ghibli’s films, providing a magical experience for visitors.
If you’re planning a visit, make sure to check the park’s official website for the latest information on tickets, opening hours, and any special events or exhibits.
Opened in November 2022, Ghibli Park is divided into several distinct areas, each inspired by different Studio Ghibli films. These include:
Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse – This indoor area showcases various exhibits and displays based on the studio’s films, including life-size replicas and interactive experiences.
Dondoko Forest – Inspired by “My Neighbor Totoro,” this area features a recreation of the countryside and the famous Catbus, among other elements from the film.
Howl’s Moving Castle Area – This section brings to life the iconic castle from the film “Howl’s Moving Castle,” complete with a detailed exterior and various themed exhibits.
Laputa: Castle in the Sky Area – Here, you can explore elements from the film “Castle in the Sky,” including an atmospheric recreation of the floating island.
The Witch’s Valley – Based on “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” this area includes charming recreations of the settings and scenes from the film.
6. Shibuya and Harajuku:
Shibuya Crossing is the most famous intersection and busiest pedestrian crossing in Japan. In its busiest time, it estimates of 1000 to 2500 people cross every 2 minutes, which can easily fill a football stadium, making it the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.
This famous intersection can be a fun spectacle for kids. If you are wondering what to do in Tokyo with kids, than the Shibuya Crossing should be in your list.
The tower contains a 10-floor tower of 109 shops that got everything you need, from a Sanrio Hello Kitty store to Lolita fashion and punk rock accessories. There is a taste for everyone at the tower, so it is a must-visit destination in Tokyo with kids.
If you ever get hungry, you can head down to Genki Sushi, which is a great place to try out conveyor-belt sushi. I am sure your kids will enjoy the ambience and the delicious food.
Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is known for its quirky shops and street food, which kids might find fun and interesting. It is known for having wacky, youth-driven shops that sell colorful and comfortable clothes and accessories.
It is also known for having the best sweets selling shops in Tokyo, which makes it a great place for sweat lovers. I would recommend trying the fluffy, sugary crêpes and the giant-sized rainbow cotton candy.
7. Tokyo Skytree:
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan offers incredible views of Tokyo Skyline from its observation decks. The reason why it is so tall is that it is a radio tower, which makes it the tallest tower in the world.
The best time to visit Tokyo Skytree is somewhere between the early morning or early evening, so you can see a beautiful view of the city during the day or at night. Both times offer a breathtaking view.
You should avoid visiting during the weekdays because it can get crowded during the weekend and holidays. Therefore, you can avoid the tourist crowd and enjoy a mesmerizing view of the city skyline with your kids.
You can either purchase a ticket of Tembo Galleria or Tembo Deck. Some people like to visit the Telmbo Galleria to enjoy a view of 450m in height, which cost ¥3100 (about $20 USD). It includes the lower section of the tower: Tembo Deck.
If you wish to purchase the tour of Tembo Deck only at height of 350m, it would cost you ¥2300-¥2100, about $15 USD.
There’s also a large shopping complex and an aquarium. The Sumida Aquarium is the second aquarium in Japan, right after Kyoto Aquarium. It occupies the 5th and 6th floors of the tower, allowing visitors to enjoy aquatic life in two levels.
There are many aquatic lives that call the aquarium home, such as penguins and fur seals. It features abundant of fish that you can see how they care for them and feed them.
With no competition, it is one of the best things to do in Tokyo with kids that both entertaining and educational. The ticket cost around ¥2,500 ($17).
8. Sunshine City:
Some people know about Florida as the Sunshine State, but have you ever heard of the Sunshine City in Tokyo. It is an entertainment complex that features Sky Circus Observatory, Namco Namja Town (indoor theme park, aquarium, and planetarium.
Located in Ikebukuro, the Sunshine city offers a great escape for kids and adults alike. My favorite part is the observation deck at 60th floor that offers an incredible view of the city.
Above the sky of Ikebukuro, there is a lovely park that suites everyone. It is in the observatory deck, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Tokyo’s skyline and a beautiful garden surrounded you.
There are also theater, museum, shopping center, restaurants, and an event hall. This place is enough to keep you and your kids busy. At the Sunshine City, there is a taste for everyone.
You can either visit the Sunshine Aquarium, the Animate flagship store, or Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO. Since you are visiting with kids, I would recommend the Pokémon center.
The nearest train station is the Higashi-Ikebukuro Station, which takes around 3 minutes of foot. Therefore, you can take a train to get to the city. However, make sure to get there early in the morning because there are so much to see and explore.
9. KidZania Tokyo:
KidZania Tokyo is an interactive city where children can try out various professions in a miniature world designed just for them.
In the theater section, there are fashion shows, space shows, live comedy, magic shows, parade and wedding ceremonies. Your kids can experience it all. It is suitable for kids between the age of 3 to 15th.
At the Pizza Shop, kids can learn how to prepare pizza with a professional chief. They can learn how to roll the dough, add sauce and toppings, bake it in the oven, and they taste their creation.
They can also learn to make sausage at the sausage factory. It is a good teaching moment as they learn how to cook and boost their confident.
There is also a Watercolors Shop that allows kids to learn about colors as they select 5 colors from 25 colors. They choose their favorite and fill it on the tube, add sticker, and then take them home.
There is also the Ponzu Factory that allows your kids to learn about fermentation and hygiene. After learning all that, they can learn to make ponzu with specail season and then add it in a specail bottle.
Your kids can also attend the Printing Company, where they can choose a background pose for a picture and then take it home in a special frame.
Whatever you choose, it can be a fun, interactive and learning moment for your kids. Those tours are aim to educate your children about the outer world, so make sure to give them a try.
10. Tokyo Dome City:
Tokyo Dome City is a major entertainment complex located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, near the Tokyo Dome. It offers a variety of attractions and facilities, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here’s a rundown of what you can find there:
You can find the Tokyo Dome, which is a large multipurpose stadium and the centerpiece of Tokyo Dome City. It hosts a range of events, including baseball games, concerts, and other performances.
It’s home to the Yomiuri Giants, one of Japan’s most famous professional baseball teams. You can watch their game with your kids if you love basketball.
You can also visit the Tokyo Dome City Attractions that features several amusement park rides and attractions that you and your kids can enjoy. It includes:
- Thunder Dolphin: A high-speed roller coaster that offers thrilling rides and great views of the city.
- Big O: A large Ferris wheel that provides panoramic views of Tokyo.
- Wonder Amuse Zone: This includes a variety of smaller rides and attractions, catering to families and children.
You can also visit Tokyo Dome City LaQua with your kids. This complex includes a shopping mall, restaurants, and a spa.
The LaQua Spa offers a relaxing experience with its onsen baths, while the shopping area features a range of stores from fashion to electronics.
It is also the home of Tokyo Dome City Gallery AaMo. This space often hosts art exhibitions, special events, and various cultural activities. This should be in your top things to do in Tokyo with kids.
Finally, you can also enjoy the Tokyo Dome City Entertainment. There are various entertainment options, including theaters and performance venues that host plays, concerts, and other live shows.
Tokyo Dome City is well-connected by public transportation, with the Suidobashi Station (JR Chuo Line) and Kasuga Station (Tokyo Metro) being the nearest stations. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a mix of sports, entertainment, and leisure activities.
11. Roppongi Hills:
The Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is a 54-story skyscraper in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo. Established in 2003, the tower is 238 meters (781 ft) high.
It occupies a space of 379,408 square meters (4,083,910 sq ft), making it one of the largest buildings in the world. Therefore, it has plenty of space and places to visit for you and your kids.
For starter, you can visit the Mori Art Museum. It features rotating exhibitions and offers an observation deck with great views. The area also has some family-friendly eateries and shops.
Not to forget the Mori Arts Center that located in the observation deck on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. It features art work of world’s top manga, museums, anime and film, fashion and design from Japan and other places.
You can also enjoy dinning at The Museum Cafe & Restaurant THE SUN & THE MOON. This spot offers stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline, including landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji on clear days.
The menu at THE SUN & THE MOON offers a range of dishes, including both Western and Japanese options. You can expect high-quality cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors. There are also options for afternoon tea and light meals.
You can also watch some latest movies release at the Roppongi Hills Cinemas in both Japanese and English. You should also catch some events and festivals at the Roppongi Hills Arena. Check their schedule before visiting.
Conclusion:
Tokyo is filled with tall buildings that offer an amazing view of the city. Usually to view all that their observation deck is for free except for a few.
Therefore, you can enjoy delicious Japanese food with a view of Tokyo’s skyline. There is so much to do and see in Tokyo, which makes it a great family escape.
I hope you enjoy the list of the best things to do in Tokyo with kids. Please, share your experience. We would love to hear your thoughts about those places.
Happy exploring and have an amazing day in Tokyo, Japan. We also have a guide about what is the best time to visit Tokyo, where to stay in Tokyo and the restaurants in Tokyo.
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