In and around Tokyo, there are a lot of locations that would be appropriate for a family outing with kids.
- Tokyo Disney Resort: Disneyland and DisneySea are part of a theme park complex in Chiba Prefecture, close to Tokyo, along with a number of other lodging options and dining establishments. Kids will love playing there and getting to interact with their favorite characters.
- Ueno Zoo: Children can see a variety of animals from around the world at the Ueno Zoo and learn about them. Over 2,600 animals call the zoo home, including pandas, elephants, lions, and many other species. Children can visit the petting zoo, watch animal shows and feedings, and get up close to animals at the various exhibits. The zoo also offers a variety of kid-friendly hands-on exhibits and activities, including a playground and a virtual reality experience.
- Edo Tokyo Museum: Kids can learn a lot about the past of Tokyo and the surrounding area at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. A life-size replica of a town from the Edo era, a model of Edo Castle, interactive exhibits on communication and transportation, and miniature replicas of Tokyo at various points in its history are just a few of the interactive exhibits that children can enjoy at the museum. In addition to these exhibits, the museum offers a variety of interactive games, crafts, and workshops where children can try on costumes from the Edo era or create traditional crafts. Overall, the museum offers kids an engaging and interactive way to learn about Japanese history and culture.
- Asakusa: This traditional neighborhood in central Tokyo is home to the famous Sensoji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. It’s a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture and try local foods.
- Explore the Sensoji Temple: This Buddhist temple is the most famous in Asakusa and is a great place to learn about Japanese religion and culture. Kids can try their luck at the temple’s fortune-telling stalls and see the giant incense burner.
- Shop at Nakamise shopping street: This long street leading up to the temple is lined with stalls selling traditional Japanese souvenirs, snacks, and crafts. Kids can try different treats and look for souvenirs to take home.
- Take a boat ride on the Sumida River: From Asakusa, you can take a boat ride on the Sumida River and see the city from a different perspective. Kids will enjoy the boat ride and the views of Tokyo’s skyline.
- Visit Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center: This center has a number of interactive exhibits and activities that kids can participate in, such as trying on traditional Japanese costumes or making crafts.
- Go to the Hanayashiki Amusement Park: This small amusement park has a number of rides and games that kids will enjoy.
- Odaiba: This artificial island in Tokyo Bay is home to many attractions, including:
- Tokyo Joypolis: This amusement park features a variety of thrilling rides and games, as well as a VR Zone and a 4D theater.
- National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation: The museum features interactive exhibits on science and technology, as well as a planetarium and a robot exhibition.
- Aqua City: A shopping center with a large indoor aquarium, where kids can see a variety of marine animals up close.
- Fuji TV Building is a landmark building that features an observation deck with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
- KidZania: is an educational theme park that allows kids to role-play various jobs and activities, such as being a pilot or a firefighter.
- Yoyogi Park: This park in the heart of Tokyo is a popular spot for picnics, sports, and cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
- Play at the playground: Yoyogi Park has a large playground with swings, slides, and other equipment for kids to play on.
- Have a picnic: The park has many grassy areas and trees, making it a great spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food or buy something at one of the nearby food stalls.
- Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine: This beautiful Shinto shrine is located within the park and is a great place to learn about Japanese culture and spirituality.
- Go for a bike ride: The park has a number of bike rentals available, so you and your kids can go for a leisurely ride around the park.
- Enjoy the cherry blossoms: In the spring, Yoyogi Park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The park is home to many cherry trees, and the sight of the pink and white blossoms is a beautiful sight to behold.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a beautiful park in the heart of Tokyo that is perfect for a leisurely outing with kids.
- Take a walk: The park has many paths and trails, and it’s a great place to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the beauty of the gardens.
- Have a picnic: There are many grassy areas and benches throughout the park, making it a great spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food or buy something at one of the nearby food stalls.
- Visit the greenhouse: The park has a greenhouse where kids can see a variety of plants and flowers from around the world.
- Try the teahouse: The park has a traditional Japanese teahouse where you and your kids can try a cup of matcha (powdered green tea) and sweets or a warm bun during the cooler seasons.
- Play at the playground: The park has a small playground with swings and slides for kids to play on
- Ghibli Museum is located in the suburbs of Tokyo, in the city of Mitaka. The museum is dedicated to the work of the Ghibli animation studio and features exhibits on the history and production of Ghibli films, as well as interactive exhibits and activities. Some of the highlights of the museum include a replica of the studio’s production facilities, a theater showing short films produced exclusively for the museum, and a large outdoor garden with Ghibli-themed sculptures. The museum is a great place for fans and kids of Ghibli films to learn more about the studio and its creative process. Please note that tickets to the museum must be purchased in advance and can only be obtained through specific ticket agencies or online through the museum’s official website.
In terms of ticketing, tickets to the Ghibli Museum must be purchased in advance and can only be obtained through specific ticket agencies or online through the museum’s official website. Tickets are not available for purchase at the museum itself. Tickets can be purchased online up to one month in advance, and the museum has a limited number of tickets available each day. It is recommended to purchase tickets as soon as possible to ensure availability.
Here is a 4-day itinerary for exploring Tokyo with kids:
Day 1:
- Start the day at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, where kids can learn about the history of Tokyo and participate in hands-on activities.
- In the afternoon, head to Asakusa to explore the Sensoji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. Kids can try traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs here.
- End the day with a trip to Odaiba, where kids can enjoy the Fuji TV Building, the Tokyo Joypolis amusement park, and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Day 2:
- Spend the day at Tokyo Disney Resort, where kids can have fun at Disneyland and DisneySea. There are also many restaurants and hotels on-site if you want to make a full day of it.
- In the evening, head to the Tokyo Tower to see the city skyline at night.
Day 3:
- Start the day at Ueno Zoo, where kids can see and learn about a variety of animals from around the world.
- In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where kids can enjoy the beauty of the Japanese, English, and French-style gardens.
- End the day with dinner at a local restaurant and maybe some shopping at one of Tokyo’s many department stores or markets.
Day 4:
- Spend the day at the Ghibli Museum, located in the suburbs of Tokyo. Kids can watch short films, explore exhibits on the history and production of Ghibli films, play in the outdoor garden, and participate in hands-on activities.
- In the evening, head back to central Tokyo and enjoy a final dinner at a local restaurant.
This is just a sample itinerary and can be adjusted to fit your family’s interests and schedule.