Traveling Tokyo with Kids: 12 Family-Friendly Activities
Tokyo is a top family-friendly destination for its range of amazing activities, forward-looking transportation and technology, and delicious food!
My kid and I, along with my brother and cousin, visited Tokyo on a family trip during the winter season, as part of our first-ever trip to Japan (trip recap coming soon!). It was of course cold, but a beautiful time of year to experience this bustling city. From Tokyo Station to Akihabara, we had stellar meals and enjoyed traversing the city mostly via the subway and on-foot.
As it will become abundantly clear, most of our trip was spent nostalgically pilgrimaging the iconic brands and images of our childhood: Nintendo, Sanrio, Pokemon, and Disney. We know this style of travel might not be every family’s thing, and that it barely scratches the surface of what Tokyo has to offer. What’s great about Tokyo is that there is something for everyone—we hope you find the best fit for your family!
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Jump To...
- Why Visit Tokyo City with Kids
- Getting there
- Quick Tips (When to visit, before you go, what to pack)
- Base Cost
- Where to Stay in Tokyo
- Top Recommended Family-Friendly Tokyo Activities
- Where to Eat in Tokyo with Kids
- If You Have Time...
- Sample Itineraries: 3, 5, and 7 Days in Tokyo
- Travel Mishaps
- Wishlist for our Next Visit
Why Visit Tokyo with Kids
Tokyo is a wonderful family-friendly destination to:
Our Experience
- Destination: Tokyo, Japan
- age of our kid: 5 years
- Length of stay: 12 hours
- time of year: February
Welcome To Japan
The Next Somewhere is the travel, food, and lifestyle blog of Millette Stambaugh. Browse through my wanderlists for the top five things to do in cities around the world, cool digs for a good night’s sleep, and the best food finds for those who travel to eat.
Getting There
Tokyo is a little more than 11 hours away from the Bay Area on a nonstop flight. There are direct flights from both SFO and SJC, with our personal budget-friendly pick being Zipair.
Tokyo has two main airports: Narita and Haneda. Haneda (HND) is much closer to the city center than Narita (NRT); you can be in Tokyo Station within about 30 minutes via public transportation from Haneda, whereas from Narita it would take you about an hour to 90 minutes. We flew SJC to NRT and had no complaints!
travel
Quick Tips
When To Visit
You’ll likely have heard visits to Japan associated with cherry blossom season in April and May, which I’m certain is a pleasant time to visit, if it weren’t for the crowds.
In our opinion, any time of year is a wonderful time to visit Tokyo!
Before You go
- Possess valid passports
- Check the State Department’s travel advisories
- Book your tickets to the YAYOI KUSAMA Museum
- Order currency from your bank—cash is used widely, and we had a tough time using Apple Pay at almost every establishment save for convenience stores like 7-11.
- Bookmark sites in Google Maps or Wanderlog and download offline maps
- Buy an e-sim to save on cellphone roaming costs
Costs
It can be hard to know how much an influencer actually paid for a trip–the table gives readers a look into our budget and how fancy (or not) we went.
| Item | base cost |
|---|---|
| Accomodations | $70-$120/ person/ night/room |
| Transportation (Uber, bus fare) | $7/ person/day |
| Meals | $10/ person/day |
| Admission fees for museums | $45/ person/day |
| Admission to DisneySea | $30-$60/ person/day |
| Add-Ons | |
| Checked bags | $30/ bag/flight |
| Shopping and souvenirs | $50 |
Family-Friendly Hotels in Tokyo
Hotel rooms in Tokyo on the smaller side unless you’re willing to shell out extra money or stay on the outskirts of the city. In our case, three adults and one child shared each room described below.
Great for clean accommodations near Tokyo Station | $$
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We spent only one night at Hotel Yae no Midori Tokyo but we would definitely consider staying again on a future trip. The hotel is about a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station, as well as near convenience stores and a Pokémon Center.
Our room for four was slightly more spacious than the other hotel we booked in Tokyo, and we appreciated the comfy beds and extras like slippers and cozy in-room robes.
Hotel Gracery Ginza
Somewhat dated but decent accommodations | $$$
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We spent our last few days in Tokyo at the Hotel Gracery, and while Ginza was a convenient central location between our slated activities in Shibuya and DisneySea, its luxury shops and sports cars weren’t our scene.
Overall, this was an OK-hotel.
History Corner
The Athabascans and Iñupiaq Eskimos have stewarded the land around Fairbanks, Alaska for 30,000 years. Alaska became the 49th state, part of the U.S. in 1959. Native Alaskans have been fighting for their rights for decades.
According to a children’s book by Inuit storyteller Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak, the many Native Alaskans interpret the Northern Lights as the spirits of their ancestors. Also, dog sledding is an Indigenous tradition as well as a popular Native Alaskan sport.
our experience
The staff at Chena Hot Springs Resort were a mix of white and BIPOC people, as were the guests. During our one-night stay we were the only family there with little kids. Staff and other guests were kind to us, and greeted us with smiles. We felt welcomed and safe.
Learn More
1. Watch this video about the dog sledding way of life for Alaskan Native communities. Read about Ryan Redington, the sixth Native Alaskan to win the annual Iditarod dog race.
2. Read Northern Lights: Soccer Trails by Inuit storyteller Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak.
3. Check out the Native Youth Olympics in the summer. Watch this video to learn more.
Antiracist Travel Considerations
Top Family-Friendly Activities in Tokyo
Traveling together creates shared experiences, deepens connections, and strengthens family bonds in a way nothing else can.
Popular Activities
- Walk through Shibuya Crossing >>
- Venture Up Tokyo Skytree, Sumida City >>
- Kiss the Clouds at Shibuya Sky >>
- Spend a Day at DisneySea, Urayasu >>
Hidden Gems
- Ride the Shinkansen >>
- Visit Sensō-ji, Asakusa
- Visit the YAYOI KUSAMA Museum, Shinjuku
- Enjoy the Outdoors at Ueno Park
Can't Miss
- Visit the Nintendo Store, Shibuya
- Cuddle with Critters at a Cafe, various locations
- Visit a Pokémon Center, various locations >>
Must Visit
- Visit a Sanrio Store or cute cafe, various locations >>
- Visit the Sailor Moon Store, Shibuya
Walk through Shibuya Crossing
One of Tokyo’s most iconic (and free!) sites
Shibuya is as wild as the videos portray, but to be honest I thought the crossing would be much larger! This multi-directional crosswalk fills with hundreds of pedestrians every few minutes and is one Tokyo’s most iconic sites. Hold on tight to your little one as you descend the crossing with the masses.
While at Shibuya, I’d recommend also visiting the Starbucks above the crossing (though don’t expect to find a seat—it can get crowded). Enjoy their delicious chocolate donut (we had no less than three on our trip) while people-watching the constant waves of pedestrians.
Venture Up Tokyo Skytree, Sumida City
Great for city views
- $20+/ages 18+ | $10/ages 6-11 | free for ages 5 and under
- 3+ Hours
Shibuya is as wild as the videos portray, but to be honest I thought the crossing would be much larger! This multi-directional crosswalk fills with hundreds of pedestrians every few minutes and is one Tokyo’s most iconic sites. Hold on tight to your little one as you descend the crossing with the masses.
While at Shibuya, I’d recommend also visiting the Starbucks above the crossing (though don’t expect to find a seat—it can get crowded). Enjoy their delicious chocolate donut (we had no less than three on our trip) while people-watching the constant waves of pedestrians.
Kiss the Clouds at Shibuya Sky
Great for city views
- $15 /ages 18+ | $5-12 ages 4-17 | free for ages 3 and under
- 3+ Hours
Shibuya Sky is another great alternative to Tokyo Skytree, with the added bonus of having an outdoor deck and a great view of Shibuya Crossing.
My middle school-aged cousin went on a recent trip and reported back: “I really liked Shibuya Sky!! It was really crowded, but worth the wait. It is very pretty at nighttime!”
Spend a Day at DisneySea, Urayasu
Great for Disney fans and folks of all ages
- $55+/adult | $32 USD/child ages 4-11
- 3+ Hours
Whether or not you’re a Disney fan, the Tokyo Disney Resort, which house both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, is quite a sight to behold and definitely worth a visit. The architecture and “worlds” are impressively detailed, nostalgic, and awe-inspiring, and we had fun seeing how groups of friends and family dressed up in matching Disney-themed outfits.
We decided to visit DisneySea for its unique offerings (there’s no Disney park quite like it!), and because Tokyo Disneyland is too similar to Disneyland in Anaheim, which we’ve visited a number of times already. DisneySea is an aquatic-themed park with a huge lagoon at its center. Definitely try all the yummy food and snacks (worth their own follow-up post) like cult-favorite gourmet popcorn flavors and their collectible Disney-themed canisters. To top it off, tickets are ~$55 USD—one-third the price of Disneyland Anaheim!—and their evening show “Believe! Sea of Dreams” now tops the list of my favorite live Disney shows; yes, rising above even Fantasmic. It’s SO GOOD. Read more about our DisneySea on the blog (coming soon)!
Ride the Shinkansen
Great for getting around Japan and appreciating trains, in general
- 1+ Hour
Riding the train is a MUST in Tokyo and Japan, overall. Whether you stay in Tokyo or venture off to nearby cities like Kyoto and Osaka, these are arguably some of the best trains and train systems in the world, and riding them will make clear why.
Trains run on time and are fast (the Shinkansen bullet train can reach speeds of 200 mph!), orderly, and simple to navigate. One of my family’s favorite aspects of the Tokyo subway are the signs that point you to the nearest entrances and exits.
Getting a Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective way for tourists to ride the Japan Railway between popular cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc. Simply purchase the pass, then follow the instructions to acquire train tickets for your specific rides.
Visit Sensō-ji, Asakusa
Great for a temple visit
- Free
- 1 Hour
Sensō-ji is known as Tokyo’s oldest and most ancient Buddhist temple. Not only are the buildings beautiful and iconic, but the campus itself is bustling with locals and tourists, some of whom are dressed in traditional Japanese attire. From here we caught our first glimpses of cherry blossom buds, as well as of nearby SkyTree tower!
Visit The yayoi kusama museum, shinjuku
Great for art lovers and a few hours of whimsy
- $15 /ages 18+ | $5-12 ages 4-17 | free for ages 3 and under
- 3+ Hours
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is known for her whimsical dot art, pumpkins, and octopus tentacles, sometimes combining them in sculptures and paintings.
Immerse yourself in Kusama’s art at a multi-story museum dedicated to her work in Shinjuku City. It was fun and engaging for the whole family. Timed-entry tickets cost less than $10 USD, but be sure to book well in advance as tickets often sell out and cannot be bought at the door.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Ueno Park
Great for walking, playgrounds, and community activities
- 2+ Hours
Our family loves visiting local playgrounds on our travels. Playgrounds give a chance for my kid to play outdoors, while also giving us a glimpse into the everyday lives of local families. Ueno Park is a great place to kick back, walk around, or visit other sites like the zoo and numerous museums.
During our weekend visit we had a chance to see so many families milling about; a painter doing a live art show; and a food festival featuring young dancers and entertainers, which we loved!
Visit the Nintendo Store, Shibuya
Great shopping opportunity for Nintendo fans
- 30 Minutes
Yes, it’s a store. And if you have no interest in Nintendo, feel free to skip it. All I can say is, for the right crowd, it’s a great place to go souvenir shopping and be surrounded by random schwag and the biggest fans of the world’s most iconic video games. Zelda luggage tags? Check. Super Mario flatware? Check. An Animal Crossing coffee grinder? Check.
My kid has most recently developed a love of the Nintendo game, Animal Crossing, much like many-a-gamer during the COVID-19 pandemic. So it was hard to pull her away from the shelves of Animal Crossing pencil cases, mugs, and house slippers. We couldn’t resist getting her a Tom Nook t-shirt, and her dad an Animal Crossing-themed aloha shirt—after all, he was the one who got her into the game in the first place (for better or for worse, lol).
Cuddle with Critters at a Cafe, various locations
Great for animal-lovers
- $10+ /person
- 1 Hour
My whole family was looking forward to visiting a cute critter cafe, one that allowed patrons to sit among cats, hedgehogs, baby pigs, you name it. After debating our options, as well as whether it was actually an inhumane practice, we decided to visit an otter cafe.
In my mind we would get to cuddle with little California sea otter-look-alikes, while sitting on a couch and sipping tea. And I don’t doubt there are probably places in Tokyo that you could do just that. But in my experience, my blood pressure and stress levels were through the roof as the weasel-like river otters yipped in the tiny cell we occupied, while I attempted to get them to stop chewing on the provided skirt and slippers I was wearing. Overall, this wasn’t my favorite activity on our trip (nor my daughter’s), but my cousin and brother enjoyed it, and we overheard another patron say, “This is the best day of my life!” as otters sat atop her head and shoulders. To each their own!
Visit a Pokémon Center, various locations
Great for Pokémon fans who want to be the very best, like no one ever was
- Free+
- 20 Minutes
Again, a store, but again, very well done. There are Pokémon Centers all over Tokyo, but we visited the Center across the way rom the Nintendo Store in Shibuya. My kid isn’t quite into Pokemon (yet) but she recognizes Pikachu and Jigglypuff! My brother came away with a cute Snorlax headband/eye mask.
Visit the Sailor Moon Store, Shibuya
Great for fighting evil by moonlight
- Free+
- 20 Minutes
Sailor Moon was one of my favorite shows growing up, so I couldn’t resist paying a visit to the Sailor Moon Store in Shibuya. Compared to the other shops on this list, this is more of a booth in a large mall, but it still had plenty of cute, Sailor Moon-themed swag. Our favorite thing was trying for the Sailor Moon x Sanrio character key chains in a gachapon outside the shop.
Visit a Sanrio Store or cute cafe, various locations
Great for lovers of Hello Kitty and other characters of the iconic brand
- 20 Minutes
Growing up, I used any and all of my birthday money on trips to the Sanrio store at our local mall. Over the years I bought a Keroppi camera, all the Sanrio stationary ever, and a Badtz Maru jewelry case, which I still have. Almost as much as buying the gifts themselves, I loved watching the staff wrap up my purchase in cute Sanrio-themed paper, and taping a random trinket in the top corner of the package. 10/10 for cutest purchase process ever.
I cannot tell you how much I squealed with delight at all the Sanrio character sightings during our trip to Tokyo: Badtz Maru (my childhood fave), Cinnamaroll (my kid’s fave), and the iconic Hello Kitty. There was so much cute gear, aghhhhh! On one hand I wanted to buy everything, and on the other hand the minimalist in me knew that I had no business purchasing anything in the stores we visited. But that doesn’t mean I (nor my daughter) didn’t try!
The one purchase I was willing to make was a meal at a Sanrio-themed cafe, and we ended up going to the Rakkikuma-themed one in Arashiyama, near Kyoto, which I’d highly recommend (post coming soon)! We could’ve easily gone to any of the Sanrio-themed cafes in Tokyo to enjoy the cutest meals of our livesssss.
Where to Eat in
Tokyo with Kids
Kanda Matsuya
Kanda Matsuya 神田まつや 本店 for housemade soba noodles from a restaurant founded 130 years ago!
Ishiusubiki Teuchi Kyōrakutei
Ishiusubiki Teuchi Kyōrakutei 蕎楽亭 for housemade soba noodles and a carefully crafted meal. Try sitting at the bar to watch the chefs in action!
Convenience Stores
As with every big city in Japan, we highly recommend getting delicious and affordable convenience store food from 7-11, Lawson’s, and Family Mart!
If You Have Time...
Akihabara
I wasn’t as impressed by Akihabara Electric Town as I thought I would be.
There were tons of electronic stores but I honestly imagined there would be more neon lights and billboards, almost like Osaka’s Dōtonbori.
My favorite thing about Akihabara was getting to eat at Kanda Matsuya (see above).
Extras
Travel Mishaps
My, oh my. Many a travel mishap was had on the Tokyo leg of our trip. Where to begin?
First, during our day at DisneySea, I believe my daughter and I were the only ones whooping and clapping during the evening show—no one else in the crowd clapped, so I was left to feel like I must’ve missed a cultural memo, probably fulfilling the typical trope of “that loud American.”
Then, my brother came down with COVID, and had to spend his last couple days isolating in our hotel room in Tokyo.
Finally, my daughter and I spent our last day in Tokyo at the U.S. Embassy, applying for emergency passports because I had lost ours at Tokyo Skytree the night before. Not only that, but I ran out of cash to pay for said emergency passports, so I incurred some yucky fees pulling some cash out of a nearby ATM.
Despite these wild mishaps, we had a lovely time in Tokyo!
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Read on
Our partners at Storybook Lists provide children’s book recommendations that feature native and local voices to deepen our understanding of the places we visit.
Looking for more?
Browse Storybook Lists’ full catalog of recommended children’s books on Japan.
Family-Friendly Tokyo Itineraries Check out our post on how to spend 3, 5, or 7 days in and around Tokyo.
If Tokyo is only one stop on your multi-city tour, we’d recommend spending at least 3-4 days here with your family, but more if you can! Mix and match our recs as they suit your family’s needs and interests.
Wishlist for our Next Visit
- There were a number of restaurants we had bookmarked but didn’t have the chance to visit. Definitely looking forward to a round two!
- As a sushi lover, I would love participate in a cooking class or to see a fish market like the ones seen in the iconic documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi
- The Ghibli Museum looks amazing, but its location in the suburbs of Tokyo is unfortunately too much of a trek if you’re tight on time, as we were.
- We love watching shows and performances, so if my child were older I would’ve considered going to Kabuki-za to watch a traditional performance.
- Participate in a traditional geisha tea ceremony
- Sumo wrestling!
- I love looking at old palaces and would’ve visited the Imperial Palace, if only we had a little extra time.
Final Thoughts
While this was our first trip to Tokyo, it won’t be our last!
We will certainly be back to experience more of its vibrant culture, feast on all the delicious Japanese eats, and learn more about its rich history.
Let us know your family’s fave Tokyo activities in the comments below!
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