If you’re planning a family trip to Tokyo, Japan, get ready for an unforgettable experience. Tokyo is a city that effortlessly blends high-tech fun with deep-rooted tradition. And the best part? It’s absolutely packed with things to do for families. In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about travelling to Tokyo with kids—from where to stay and what to eat, to family-friendly attractions, how to get around, what the weather’s like, and helpful tips for travelling with children in Japan. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, school-aged kids, or tweens, Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities to explore as a family.
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Where to Stay in Tokyo with Kids
Tokyo is huge, and choosing the right base can make your trip so much easier. Here are the best areas to stay when visiting Tokyo with kids, with a focus on convenience, atmosphere, and access to attractions.
Shinjuku
A bustling, central area that’s ideal if you want to be close to public transport, shops, and restaurants. Shinjuku Station connects to just about everywhere, and you’ll find both high-end and budget-friendly hotels in the area. There’s also a lovely park—Shinjuku Gyoen—for a peaceful escape with the kids.
Ueno
A more relaxed area that’s brilliant for families, especially if you’re planning to visit Ueno Zoo, Ueno Park, or the National Museum of Nature and Science. The vibe here is less hectic, and you’ll find affordable accommodation close to green spaces.
Odaiba
This man-made island in Tokyo Bay is practically made for families. Think futuristic shopping centres, interactive museums, and entertainment zones all within walking distance. It’s home to attractions like TeamLab Planets, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and Miraikan (the National Museum of Emerging Science).
Asakusa
A more traditional area that offers a taste of “old Tokyo,” with the famous Senso-ji Temple right in the heart. It’s a lovely, walkable neighbourhood with rickshaw rides and river cruises that kids will love.
Tokyo Bay (Maihama)
If you’re planning to visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, staying near Maihama Station is incredibly convenient. There are several Disney-affiliated and family-friendly hotels nearby.
Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids
There is so much to do in Tokyo with children that you’ll wish you had more time. From high-energy theme parks to peaceful gardens and quirky neighbourhoods, here’s a roundup of top attractions and hidden gems.
1. Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea
Let’s start with the big one. Tokyo Disneyland is a dream for families, and DisneySea—a unique park you won’t find anywhere else—is perfect for older kids. I recommend spending a full day in each park if you have the time.
2. Ueno Zoo & Ueno Park
Located in a massive green space, Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo and home to giant pandas. The park also has playgrounds, swan boats, and seasonal cherry blossoms in spring. Bonus: museums are scattered throughout for an easy add-on.
3. TeamLab Planets (Toyosu)
An immersive digital art experience where you literally walk through glowing water, mirrored rooms, and floating flower gardens. Great for all ages, though it’s especially magical for older kids and tweens.
4. Pokémon Center & Nintendo Tokyo
If your little ones are obsessed with Pokémon or Mario, don’t skip a visit to the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Ikebukuro or Nintendo Tokyo in Shibuya. There’s merchandise, themed games, and fun photo ops.
5. Tokyo Skytree & Solamachi Mall
Head up to the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city. The Solamachi shopping complex underneath has restaurants, an aquarium, a planetarium, and toy stores, making it a fantastic all-in-one stop.
6. Miraikan – National Museum of Emerging Science
One of Tokyo’s best indoor attractions for curious kids. It’s packed with interactive exhibits about space, robotics, and science. ASIMO, the humanoid robot, is a highlight.
7. Sumida Aquarium
Inside the Skytree complex, this modern aquarium features beautifully designed tanks, jellyfish displays, and a cute penguin area. Great for a calm couple of hours.
8. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo
A colourful indoor playground filled with LEGO builds, rides, and hands-on stations. It’s tailored for kids aged 3–10 and is located in Odaiba, making it easy to combine with other attractions in the area.
9. Showa Kinen Park
Located in Tachikawa, about 40 minutes from central Tokyo, this sprawling park has enormous playgrounds, bike rentals, splash zones, and seasonal flower gardens. It’s perfect for a sunny day out.
10. Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa
A fun way to mix cultural learning with a sensory adventure. Kids love drawing fortunes, wandering the Nakamise shopping street, and spotting people in traditional kimono.
Klook.comIndoor Activities for Rainy Days in Tokyo with Kids
Tokyo weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always good to have a few indoor options up your sleeve. Thankfully, there are loads of kid-friendly places that are both fun and educational.
TeamLab Planets Tokyo
While not exclusively for kids, this immersive digital art museum is sensory magic for children. Think glowing water rooms, giant floating orbs, and interactive lights—all in a barefoot experience. Keep hold of little ones as it can get dark in some installations.
Asobono (Bunkyo)
A giant indoor play centre perfect for toddlers and young children. There are different zones tailored to various age groups, including ball pits, climbing areas, and imaginative play zones. It’s a fab way to burn energy if the weather isn’t on your side.
Toyosu’s KidZania Tokyo
This interactive mini-city is where kids can “work” in real jobs like pilots, firefighters, chefs, and doctors. It’s fully immersive (mainly in Japanese, but still fun for non-speakers), and great for school-aged kids.
Tokyo Toy Museum
Housed in a former school building, this museum offers hands-on play with wooden toys and crafts from around the world. It’s calm, creative, and low-tech—a lovely contrast to Tokyo’s fast pace.
Festivals and Seasonal Events in Tokyo
Japan is big on festivals, and Tokyo always has something going on throughout the year—many of which are family-friendly and perfect for adding a cultural twist to your itinerary.
Cherry Blossom Season (Late March–Early April)
If you’re visiting Tokyo with kids during this magical time, don’t miss hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics in parks like Ueno, Chidorigafuchi, or Yoyogi. Local families will be out with food, drinks, and games—it’s a joyful time.
Tanabata Festival (July)
Kids can write wishes on colourful paper strips and hang them on bamboo trees—something they’ll love doing themselves. Head to Asagaya or Shitamachi Tanabata Festival in early July for family-friendly celebrations.
Tokyo Summer Fireworks (July–August)
If your kids can stay up late, Tokyo’s fireworks festivals are incredible. Bring snacks, picnic mats, and earplugs if they’re noise-sensitive. Sumida River and Edogawa Fireworks Festivals are two of the biggest.
Autumn Leaf Viewing (November)
Much like cherry blossom season, autumn in Tokyo is beautiful. Parks turn into a sea of golds and reds, and it’s a wonderful time for outdoor exploration.
Where to Eat in Tokyo with Kids
Worried your kids won’t eat in Japan? Don’t be. Tokyo with kids is a foodie’s dream—even for picky eaters. Here are some of our favourite spots and tips:
Family-Friendly Restaurants
- Ippudo Ramen – Many branches offer kid-friendly versions of their popular ramen.
- Matsuya / Sukiya – Quick-service chains offering rice bowls, miso soup, and grilled meats in a casual setting.
- Kura Sushi – A fun, conveyor belt sushi spot with a “prize” machine that activates after every five plates.
- Ootoya – A great sit-down option with bento sets and healthy choices.
Snacks to Try
- Taiyaki – Fish-shaped waffles filled with custard or chocolate.
- Melonpan – Sweet bread with a cookie crust, often found at bakeries or convenience stores.
- Konbini (Convenience Stores) – 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are brilliant for quick meals, snacks, and desserts.
Local Experiences for Families
Exploring Tokyo with kids doesn’t have to be all big-name attractions—sometimes the most meaningful moments are the simple, local ones.
Visit a Local Onsen (Hot Spring)
There are family-friendly onsens that allow children and don’t require tattoos to be covered. Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba was one of the most famous, but if closed during your visit, smaller sentos (local bathhouses) still offer a cultural experience—just double-check age and tattoo policies first.
Park Picnics with Bento Boxes
Grab bento lunches from a convenience store or supermarket and have a picnic in Yoyogi Park, Ueno Park, or Shinjuku Gyoen. It’s affordable, relaxed, and the kids can run around freely while you chill under the trees.
Try a Japanese Cooking Class
Some Tokyo cooking schools offer family-friendly classes where kids can help make sushi, mochi, or Japanese sweets. It’s a great way to engage with the culture hands-on—and you get to eat your creations!
Getting Around Tokyo with Kids
Tokyo’s public transport is efficient and surprisingly manageable even with young children. Here’s how to get around:
- Subway and JR Lines – Tokyo has multiple train systems, but they’re well-marked. The JR Yamanote Line is especially useful for tourists, connecting major areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno, and Tokyo Station.
- Buses – Less commonly used by tourists, but some routes are convenient. Children under six typically ride free on public transport.
- Walking & Strollers – Many areas are stroller-friendly, though some stations lack lifts. A lightweight buggy is helpful.
- Suica / Pasmo Cards – Prepaid travel cards work on nearly all trains and buses. You can also download the Mobile Suica app to your Apple Wallet.
Getting from the Airport to Tokyo
You’ll likely arrive at Haneda Airport or Narita Airport.
From Narita Airport:
- Narita Express (N’EX) to major stations like Tokyo or Shinjuku (around 1 hour)
- Airport Limousine Bus – Great for those with lots of luggage or younger kids
From Haneda Airport:
- Keikyu Line connects to central Tokyo in about 20–30 minutes
- Taxis and private transfers are available but more expensive
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Best Time to Visit Tokyo with Kids
Tokyo is a year-round destination, but here’s a breakdown by season:
- Spring (March–May) Cherry blossom season with stunning parks and mild weather. Perfect for outdoor attractions and picnics.
- Summer (June–August) Hot and humid, but great for splash parks and water-based activities. Expect fun festivals and fireworks.
- Autumn (September–November) Crisp, cooler air and beautiful autumn leaves. One of the best times to explore Tokyo parks.
- Winter (December–February) Cold but manageable, and Tokyo rarely gets snow. Look out for illuminations, New Year festivals, and fewer crowds at attractions.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Tokyo with Kids
- Cash vs Card – Many places still prefer cash. 7-Eleven ATMs work well for foreign cards.
- Family Facilities – Public toilets, changing tables, and nursing rooms are common in malls and stations.
- Language – While English isn’t widely spoken, signage is good and Google Translate is useful.
- Trash bins – Rare in public. Bring a small rubbish bag for the day.
- Safety – Tokyo is incredibly safe, but always keep an eye on the little ones in busy areas.
Cultural Tips for Visiting Tokyo with Kids
Tokyo is an incredibly polite and orderly city, and while travelling with kids is very welcome, there are a few unspoken rules worth knowing.
- Quiet on public transport: Teach kids to speak quietly, especially on trains. It’s considered respectful.
- Keep to the left on escalators (except in some areas like Osaka!): In Tokyo, people generally stand on the left, walk on the right.
- No eating while walking: Eating is usually done while seated—even a convenience store snack is best enjoyed on a nearby bench.
- Dispose of rubbish properly: Public bins are rare, so be prepared to carry your rubbish for a while.
- Practice basic Japanese phrases: Even a little “arigatou” (thank you) or “konnichiwa” (hello) goes a long way.
Day Trips from Tokyo with Kids
If you have extra time, here are a few easy day trips:
- Yokohama – About 30 minutes away; visit the Cup Noodles Museum or the giant Ferris wheel at Cosmo World.
- Kamakura – For temples, giant Buddhas, and beaches.
- Hakone – A fun train ride, cable cars, pirate ships, and outdoor museums.
Is Tokyo Good for Kids?
Absolutely. Visiting Tokyo with kids is an experience like no other. It’s clean, safe, exciting, and filled with adventures both big and small. Whether you’re in a theme park, a sushi shop, or a temple garden, your family is sure to make memories that last a lifetime.
Have questions about planning your Tokyo family trip? Leave a comment below or message me on Instagram—I’d love to help.
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