A Comprehensive Guide On Visiting Tokyo, Japan With Kids

Tokyo Japan With Kids

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Known for its bustling streets, ultra-futuristic vibes, neon lights, and ancient culture, Tokyo is a fantastic city for kids and is by far one of the most interesting destinations to bring the family along.

With so many fun attractions perfect for the whole family, thrilling theme parks, and a vast array of entertainment, Tokyo is a city that brims with things to do that could easily keep the kids busy for weeks on end!

Air Canada

This was our second trip to Tokyo as a family. The first time we visited, we took Aiden and his cousin Ethan. Both boys were just 4 years old at the time. We saw an error fare for $240 round trip from LAX to Nagoya on Air Canada and couldn’t resist the deal. We stayed for a week.

On this trip Aiden was 10 and excited to visit Japan again since it had been 6 years since the last visit. This time our trip was fueled by his obsession with ramen, Pokemon and Nintendo. We flew into Narita airport this time and also stayed for a week.

Tokyo Japan With Kids

Things To Know About Tokyo, Japan

Currency: Japanese Yen

Language: Japanese, however a lot of people speak English as well. Ps, always have a translator on you just in case. I love the Google Translate app.

Visa: No visa is needed for Americans

Car Seats: Children under the age of 6 need to be in a car seat when riding a car according to Japanese law.

Stroller: Tokyo is a very stroller-friendly city.

Kids holding Japanese notes

Best Time To Travel To Tokyo, Japan With Kids

Any time of the year is a great time to visit Tokyo, it all depends on your interests and preferences!

Spring is the most popular time to visit Japan as this is when cherry blossoms bloom. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but do keep in mind that the rainy season happens during June (it doesn’t usually rain enough to ruin your trip, though!

Guide to Tokyo Japan With Kids

Fall may be the best time to visit if you prefer to avoid crowds and want to visit Tokyo on a budget, as this happens to be shoulder season. Temperatures might get chilly, but the weather is still mild enough to enjoy your trip.

We visited Tokyo with kids the first time in July and it was very hot. The second time we visited Tokyo with kids was February and the weather was quite nice. Pants, and light long sleeve shirt, with occasional showers here and there.

How to get to Tokyo, Japan With Kids

Tokyo is served by two major airports: Haneda and Narita.

Haneda Airport is significantly closer to the city and there are four different options to get to Tokyo: Taxi, monorail, bus, or train. The most cost-effective option is the Keikyu Railway train which takes just over 10 minutes to reach Shinagawa Station in downtown Tokyo or you can also opt to take the Tokyo Monorail which is just as fast. 

Narita is a bit further away, but it is also well-connected to the city. You can take a taxi, a bus, or a train in order to reach Tokyo from this airport.

How to Get Around Tokyo, Japan With Kids

Train – Taking the train is the fastest and most cost-effective way to get around Tokyo. Japan’s trains are known for being safe and very reliable! Plus, children under the age of 5 do not need to pay for tickets.

Taxis – Taxis are another popular way to get around Tokyo. You can safely hail them from the street and car seats are not necessary on taxis.

Uber – Uber is pretty new in Tokyo so its network isn’t great yet, but it is another way to get around when needed.

Where to Stay in Tokyo, Japan With Kids

Tokyo is humongous and where you stay can play an important role in your trip. These are some of the best places to stay in Tokyo with kids.

Best Neighborhoods In Tokyo, Japan

The best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo are Ginza and Shinjuku as they are very well connected and close to many of the main attractions. Tokyo Station, Shibuya, and Asakusa are other wonderful options.

Family Friendly Hotels In Tokyo, Japan

  • Hilton Tokyo: A waterfront hotel offering beautiful views of Tokyo Bay, the skyline, and the Rainbow Bridge. The hotel offers plenty of amenities as well as free shuttle service to Disneyland and DisneySea.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi: Set right in the heart of Tokyo and connected to Tokyo Station, making moving around an absolute treat!
  • Highland Resort Hotel & Spa: Low-key hotel with lots of themed rooms and beautiful mountain views. It’s located right next to the Fuji-W Highland amusement park.

Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan With Kids

Tokyo is a wonderland to visit with kids. The city has some of the best amusement parks, entertainment centers, and attractions in the entire world!

Aside from that, the city is a mecca for culture, providing parents with wonderful opportunities to widen their horizons. Here are some of the best things to do in Tokyo, Japan with kids.

Asakusa

Asakusa is a vibrant district in Tokyo that offers a mix of traditional charm and modern attractions, making it a must-visit destination.

Explore the Asakusa district, known for its historic charm. Visit Senso-ji Temple, ride traditional rickshaws, and browse through Nakamise Shopping Street for unique souvenirs and snacks. 

You can also take a boat cruise along the Sumida River for a scenic experience.

Asakusa with kids

Legoland Discovery Center

If your kids are into Lego, make sure to take them to Legoland Discovery Center, a humongous playground where they’ll find millions of Lego blocks, several play zones, fun rides, and much more!

Tokyo Skytree

If you want to get the best views of Tokyo as well as access to plenty of entertainment the kids will love, the Tokyo Skytree is the highest manmade structure in Japan and is visible from pretty much anywhere in the city! The tower houses an aquarium, a shopping center, and two different observation decks.

Kidzania

Adulting sounds like a whole lot of fun when you’re a kid, and I’m sure they’ll love Kidzania as much as mine did!

Kidzania is an entertainment center made to look like a mini city where kids can play with adults for the day! They’ll get the chance to take on various jobs and roles like doctors, firefighters, pilots, and plenty more careers, all while getting to “earn” money they can later exchange for items at the shop.

Visit the Pokemon Centers

If your kids love Pokemon and its characters, they’ll fall head over heels in love with the Pokemon centers in Tokyo just as much as mine did.

There are several of them all over the city, but a favorite is the Pokemon Centre Mega Tokyo, one of the biggest stores of its kind in the entire world. You will know when you’ve reached it when you see a life-sized MewTwo at the entrance!

You can buy plush stuffed animals, figurines, collectible card packs, hats, bags, cushions, plates, engagement rings, and pretty much anything else you can imagine as Pokémon merchandise.

Another great one is the Pokemon Centre Tokyo DX. Up to today, this Pokemon center is the largest in the world and comes with a café as well where you can enjoy all sorts of Pokemon-themed snacks and drinks. 

Don’t forget to check out the Pokemon Cafe also. Make sure to book much in advance because it is reservation only and it book pretty far in advance.

Guide to Pokemon Cafe

Akihabara

If you have kids who love all things tech, Akihabara is a bustling shopping district known for its electronics stores, which range in size from modest kiosks to sizable department stores. 

The Tokyo Anime Center, with exhibits and mementos, and Radio Kaikan, with its ten floors of toys, trading cards, and collectibles, are Akihabara’s specialty centers for manga, anime, and video games.

Tokyu Plaza | Tokyo Japan With Kids

Gundam Robot

Undoubtedly one of the most impressive attractions for kids in Tokyo is the 18-meter-tall Gundam Robot in Yokohama. 

The enormous robot is a modern engineering marvel and a fantasy come true for mecha fans everywhere, with flashing LED lights, moving limbs, and the ability to step out of its “area”

Mount Takao

A great option for those visiting Tokyo with kids who love nature! Mount Takao offers everything you need for an enjoyable Japanese hike, including a variety of trails, an odd shrine, and views of Mt. Fuji, monkeys, and a cable car option.

Odaiba Island

For a great day in Tokyo with kids that feels a little different, Odaiba Island is a wonderful choice.

You can cross the Rainbow Bridge from central Tokyo to the man-made island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. Visitors visit Seaside Park’s beach, ride the Daikanransha Ferris wheel to see Mt. Fuji, and engage with robots at the Miraikan Science Museum. There are sushi restaurants with waterfront views, as well as humongous malls.

Sumida Aquarium

Another great thing to do for animal-loving families is the Sumida Aquarium.

Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the Tokyo Skytree, it houses over 10,000 sea creatures. Penguins, colorful fish, seals, jellyfish, and more are just a few of the animals you can see here!

Heiwa no Mori Park

Not only is Heiwa no Mori Park a wonderful place to spend an afternoon with kids in Tokyo, but it’s also a great spot to see daily life for Tokyians. 

Heiwa no Mori Park is one of the biggest parks in Tokyo and offers a variety of amenities, including tennis courts, an archery range, a sumo arena, a pond for fishing, and plenty more.

Shinjuku

Want to visit a place where both adults and kids can get entertained for hours on end in Tokyo?

More of a spot rather than an attraction itself, Shinjuku is Tokyo’s hub for drinking, entertainment, eating, and shopping. Most of the best restaurants, hotels, and centers in the city can be found here!

Vending machines in Japan

Tokyo City Tour

If you want to see as much of Tokyo as possible in a short time, this Tokyo City Tour is perfect.

Visit locations like the Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and others to get a sense of both contemporary and historic Tokyo. Shopaholics will adore Asakusa and Ginza, while foodies will find lunch at the Tsukiji Fish Market to keep them satisfied.

Go shopping at Kiddy Land

You can’t visit Tokyo with kids (or without them) without doing some shopping and purchasing all sorts of quirky items!

In Omotesando, there is a four-story structure called Kiddyland that is completely filled with all kinds of branded toys and goods. Here, you’ll find all sorts of toys, ranging from Hello Kitty to Star Wars characters and just about everything in between.

Go On A Food Tour

Get off the usual tourist route and visit the area of Ueno in order to try local food alongside a local with this authentic food tour.

You will visit different restaurants, where you will sample sashimi, grilled fish and skewered meat which the family will love before ending the evening at a Ramen shop. Adults are welcome to try different Japanese alcoholic drinks as well!

Shinjuku Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is unquestionably one of the coolest things to do in Tokyo and one of the most well-known attractions in the city as it is the busiest intersection in the entire world! 

Every day, more than 25,000 people cross it, and a trip to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without joining the crowds!

Shibuya crossing | Tokyo Japan With Kids

Meiji Shrine

No trip to Tokyo would be complete without getting a dose of culture at the Meiji Shrine, one of the most well-known shrines in the city. It was dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who is recognized as the first modern Japanese emperor. 

As a fun fact, by the time of his death, Japan was considered modernized enough to rank among the world’s superpowers, so this shrine is considered a symbol of modernity!

Meiji Shrine

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is a favorite location for picnics and outdoor recreation for families in the city. It is close to the Harajuku and Shinjuku areas, making it easy to visit while you check out other locations.

Yoyogi Park is a fantastic place to have fun, especially on weekends when a variety of special events and festivals are held. 

Ueno Park and Zoo

Ueno is one of the most visited parks in the city and a perfect place to spend a few hours with kids in Tokyo. 

Ueno park

In fact, Ueno is a must-see in the city as Ueno Zoo, museums, shrines, and temples are all located within the park. Additionally, a significant Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom festival) is held there during the season, making it a must if you’re visiting Tokyo with kids during the spring.

Animal Cafes

Tokyo is known for being the capital of all things quirky, and there are numerous animal-themed cafés all over the city where you can come and enjoy a snack while you interact with animals.

Dog cafe | Tokyo Japan With Kids

We visited all 6 cafe’s in one morning. It took us all morning up until much after lunch time, but we had so much fun!

Examples of this include the Cat Cafe Mocha for cats, the Mipig Café to meet micro pigs, the Mame Shiba Café to play with Shiba dogs, the Tokyo Snake Center, the Hedgehog Cafe for adorable hedgehogs, and the Owl Village Cafe for owls.

Enoy a Sumo Wrestling Match

One of the best and most cultural-inducing things to do in Tokyo is to eat, train, and compete like you’re a real Sumo wrestler and this tour provides just that experience.

Not only will you get to enjoy watching an authentic fight, but while you do so, you will get to learn about the background, preparation, and regulations of a typical match, all before enjoying a delicious meal.

Dress up in a Kimono and Take Photos

One of the most fun activities to do in Tokyo with kids is to have the entire family try on a kimono and walk around the city like you took a trip back in time.

There are plenty of kimono rentals all over Tokyo. One of the best places to rent one is at Asakusa, a district known for having many buildings that will take you back in time to old Tokyo and act as a great background for pictures! 

Nathalie took our photos in the Kimono and they turned out so beautiful. If you’re heading to Tokyo, reach out to her. Her website is https://www.nathalieaprilphotography.com/ and her Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/nathalieaprilphotography/

Black family kimono rental

Tsukiji Market

If you want to introduce the kids to daily life and food in Tokyo, a visit to the Tsukiji Market is a must.

The freshest seafood can be found at Tsukiji Market, which is well-liked by locals looking to experience the authentic Japanese food scene.

There are lots of establishments that serve incredibly authentic food in addition to ingredients. Must-try dishes include satsuma age (deep fried fish cakes), dim sum, tamagoyaki sando, and others.

Take A Cooking Class 

One of the best family-friendly cooking classes in Tokyo is this Ramen and Gyoza cooking class.

You’ll get to take a hands-on cooking class where you’ll get to learn how to make gyoza and ramen soup alongside a professional cooking teacher.

This is one of the best cooking classes we’ve ever taken. Our host was so nice and so sweet, and so welcoming. We enjoyed cooking and talking to her throughout.

Tokyo Japan With Kids

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Another green space in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is a beautiful park made up of three different landscape gardens (the Japanese garden, the French garden, and the English garden). 

As a tip, if you’re visiting Tokyo during the spring, this is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms.

Tokyo Sea Life Park

Located in Kasai Rinkai Park, Tokyo Sea Life Park offers an underwater adventure with a wide range of marine life. Kids can explore different exhibits, watch feeding sessions, and learn about aquatic creatures from around the world.

Tokyo Tower

For lots of family fun and picture-perfect views of the city, head to Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower, which was constructed in 1958 and is 333 meters tall, is a representation of Tokyo’s post-World War II rebirth. It is taller than the Eiffel Tower, making it the tallest tower in the world when it was finished.

Tokyo Tower | Tokyo Japan With Kids

Tokyo Tower has a 600-step staircase that can be climbed in order to reach the top. Even though that may sound like a lot, the sights and experiences you will have along the way make the effort worthwhile.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

One of the best places in Tokyo to get a great view of the city is from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, and it’s also totally free!

Skyscrapers and highways can be seen lit up in the night from the North Tower. You might be able to see Mt. Fuji from the South Tower on a clear morning.

Senso-Ji Temple

Looking for cultural things to do in Tokyo with kids? Sensoji is a bright red Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s oldest neighborhoods where old wooden shops can still be found. 

It is one of the most classic things to do in Tokyo and even though it does get crowded, it’s a great way to see the ancient side of an extremely modern city.

Senso-Ji Temple | Tokyo Japan With Kids

Inokashira Park

Inokashira is a large park and a favorite for local families. Visitors can rent boats and explore the large pond in the center, which looks stunning in the spring when surrounded by cherry trees.

The park is home to a variety of amenities and tourist attractions such as a zoo, historic sites, and the renowned Studio Ghibli Museum, which is located in the southwest corner of the park.

Harajuku

With quirky vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops as well as upscale boutiques, bustling Harajuku is known for its vibrant street art and fashion. All along this district, you will also find plenty of museums, exhibitions, entertainment centers, bubble tea shops, and hip spots to hang out in.

Tokyo Japan With Kids

Hato Bus Tokyo Tours

Hato Bus is one of the most famous sightseeing bus tour companies in Japan and a wonderful way to see Tokyo with kids if you want to tackle the main sights in no time.

The company runs numerous tours inside and outside of Tokyo, and in addition to Japanese-language tours, it also provides guided tours in English. One-hour tours, half-day tours, and full-day tours are available.

Sunshine City Aquarium

Another great activity for kids is visiting the Sunshine Aquarium. It can be found in Sunshine City in the Ikebukuro region. There are roughly 550 species of marine animals spread across two indoor floors and an outdoor area. Being here feels like taking a break from the city and the kids will love it!

Tokyo Dome City

Another great place to take the kids is the Tokyo Dome City.

The Tokyo Dome baseball stadium, an amusement park, a spa, a variety of shops and restaurants, and the Tokyo Dome Hotel make up Tokyo Dome City, a leisure complex in the heart of Tokyo. 

Baseball Game

If your kids love baseball, you’ll love to know the sport is very popular in Japan as well!

The Yomiuri Giants and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows are two of the professional baseball teams that play in Tokyo. 

You should try to attend a baseball game if you’re in Tokyo between late March and late October. Even if you don’t happen to love baseball, the experience in and of itself is a ton of fun!

Imperial Palace & Gardens

For a breather from the city, you can take the family to the Imperial Palace & Gardens, which are located on the grounds of the former Edo Castle in central Tokyo. 

Here, you’ll find Japanese and Western-style gardens that, put together, feel more like a park than anything else and a very peaceful respite from the city.

wooden wishing plaques in Japanese temple

Museums

Tokyo Toy Museum

Located in Yotsuya, the Tokyo Toy Museum is a paradise for kids. It showcases a vast collection of traditional and modern toys from Japan and around the world. Children can play, create, and explore different play areas.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Another great place to visit in order for the family to dive deep into Japanese history is the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

This enormous museum was built in order to showcase the Edo/Tokugawa period in Japan, which took place between 1603 and 1868. Through exhibits, models, and various experiences, you’ll be able to get a look into the Japanese history and culture of that time.

Cup of Noodles Museum in Yokohama

A unique museum dedicated to all things noodles! 

The kids will love taking part in different activities at the Cup of Noodles Museum. They will learn all about how noodles are made, sample different varieties, and even get to create their own cup to bring back home!

Ramen shop | Tokyo Japan With Kids

Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation

If your kids love all things science, they’ll love spending time here.

Also known as Miraikan, the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is a humongous center that showcases and celebrates the most recent cutting-edge innovations and discoveries in the world. The Geo-Cosmos, a LED replica of Earth, and the ASIMO robot are just two of the exhibit’s many highlights.

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Colors and imagination are staples of this fabulous museum that both kids and adults will love.

TeamLab Planets is a wonderful digital art museum located in the Toyosu neighborhood. The museum is built around the idea of body immersion, which allows visitors to experience and enjoy artworks by using not only their minds but also a variety of physical senses.

Museum of Maritime Science

One of the coolest museums in Tokyo for those who love all things sea and water is The Museum of Maritime Science.

This is an ocean-themed museum that was constructed on land in the form of a ship. The Museum’s mission is to inform and amuse visitors with exhibits and information about ships.

Science Museum in Odaiba

This museum offers hands-on science exhibits and interactive displays, allowing children to learn about various scientific concepts through fun experiments and demonstrations.

RiSuPia Panasonic Digital Network Museum

One of the coolest museums for curious kids is the RiSuPia Panasonic Digital Museum. This is a hands-on museum that focuses on science and mathematics hidden in nature and is housed in the Panasonic Center. The interactive exhibits center on subjects like the physics of waves, energy, water, and colors.

The Railway Museum

If your kids love trains, they’ll love exploring this museum. The Railway Museum was built in order to provide an insight into railroading in Japan. The museum has a sizable collection of retired shinkansen, passenger, and freight cars, as well as steam and diesel locomotives, some of which you can actually enter!

Fire Museum

The Fire Museum is one of Tokyo’s most unusual museums. It displays information on Tokyo’s history of firefighting from the Edo Period to the present as well as a collection of vintage fire engines from around the world.

National Museum of Nature and Science

Located in Ueno Park, the National Museum of Nature and Science was founded in 1877 and is currently one of Japan’s oldest museums. The kids will love it here, especially if they’re into science and tech.

The museum has extensive exhibits on both the history of science and technology as well as natural history.

Ghibli Museum

If you want to get immersed in the world of Ghibli Studios but don’t necessarily want to head out of the theme park, the Ghibli Museum is a wonderful alternative.

Set inside a mansion, this museum showcases life-sized figures of Ghibli Studio characters, animated short films, and a real-life reproduction of the studio where movies like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle were produced.

Samurai Museum

The Samurai Museum is a really fun place to visit for both kids and adults alike. 

Here, you’ll get to learn about Samurai culture in Japan as well as its importance in the country’s history. There are dozens of displays, battle reenactments, and plenty more for the whole family to enjoy.

Amusement Parks

Tokyo Disneyland

If your kids love all things Disney, they’ll love spending at least a day at Tokyo Disneyland.

The biggest theme park and the third most popular, Tokyo Disneyland is a place where you’ll find exhilarating rides, shows, restaurants, bars, and more. While the park is very similar to its brothers in the US, it has unique sections like the Beauty and the Beast Area!

Tokyo DisneySea

Another great activity for Disney-loving families, Tokyo DisneySea was built as a place to showcase all of the water and ice-based stories and characters from the Disney family and is the only park of its kind in the entire world.

The park’s centerpiece is an erupting volcano, and all around it are a ton of thrilling attractions that will whisk you away to the worlds of the Little Mermaid, Moana, Peter Pan, Frozen, and more. 

Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo DisneySea | Tokyo Japan With Kids

Ghibli Park

If your kids love all things Ghibli studios, they’ll love visiting Ghibli Park as much as mine did.

Get lost in the world of Chihiro, see Howl’s Moving Castle, confront the Balley of the Witches, and meet Totoro.

Ghibli’s Big Warehouse, Monokoke’s Village, Valley of the Witches, Dondoko Forest, and the Hill of Youth are the five distinct sections of the park. This park is a 2-hour train ride away from Tokyo, but very much worth the detour!

Hanayashiki

If you want to visit a theme park in Japan away from the usual route, the entire family is guaranteed to love Hanayashiki.

The oldest steel-track roller coaster in the nation, numerous haunted houses, arcade games, and capsule toy machines can all be found at this park. Although this park is undoubtedly not as exciting as newer ones, it does have some nostalgic appeal and offers stunning views of Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple.

Sanrio Puroland

This is one of the best things to do in Tokyo if you have kids who love Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters! 

Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park with a few rides, live entertainment, and other activities where the stars are characters like Hello Kitty, Gudetama, My Melodie, and others.

Fuji Q Highland

Have kids who aren’t afraid of heights and love anime characters? Fuji Q Highland is a theme park that offers thrilling rides that break Guinness World Records as well as several other record-breaking roller coasters inspired by anime from Japan.

If you want height, go to Fujiyama; if you want speed, try Dodonpa; if you want intensity, try Eejanaika; and if you want vertigo, Takabisha is the steepest roller coaster in the world, with an angle of 121 degrees!

If your kids are huge fans of Thomas the Tank Engine, then they’ll definitely enjoy visiting Thomas Land which is in the back of the park.

Tokyo Joypolis

One of the coolest things to do in Tokyo with kids is visiting Tokyo Joypolis. This indoor amusement park features thrilling rides, virtual reality adventures, and a plethora of creative activities both kids and adults can enjoy for hours on end.

Take A Day Trip From Tokyo

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka

One of the coolest and newest theme parks in Japan that both kids and adults love is  Super Nintendo World.

A part of Universal Studios in Osaka, Super Nintendo World offers interactive attractions that will take you into the world of Nintendo. Activities include opportunities to meet Mario, defeat Bowser, compete in a real-world Mario Kart race, and much more.

Do note that going to Osaka requires you to take the bullet train from Tokyo, so make sure to plan for this accordingly. We opted to stay one night at the Hilton Osaka instead of taking a 6hr train ride in one day.

Super Nintendo World USJ With Kids

Nagoya

If your kids love Thomas the Tank Engine, then a day trip to Nagoya is so worth it to go to Thomas Land. The boys loved this and we enjoyed the views on the train ride.

Black kids Japan travel

Another fun theme park in Nagoya is Legoland Japan. If your kids love legos, then this is the place to be. We’ve been to almost every Legoland in the world and Aiden is now 10 and still loves going there.

Legoland Japan

I suggest spending at keast 2 nights in Nagoya so that you can see the city and tackle the theme parks.

Mount Fuji

Most people heading to Japan hope to be able to see Mount Fuji. This blog post on visiting Mount Fuji shares really great detail on how to get there and what to do there.

Where to Eat in Tokyo, Japan With Kids

Tokyo is known for being a foodie’s paradise, but those traveling with kids might want to know exactly where to eat! 

Here is a list of authentic yet kid-friendly restaurants for families to try in Tokyo.

Tokyo Japan With Kids
  • Omusubi Cafe
  • Shunkoutei
  • Kiwi Kitchen 
  • Jonathan’s
  • Saizeriya
  • Kawaii Monster Cafe
  • 8-bit Cafe, Shinjuku
  • Kikanbu in Ikebukuro
  • Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café
  • Kawaii Monster Cafe
  • Le Shiner in Harajuku
  • Ninja Restaurant

First-Time Traveller Tips For Visiting Japan

We have been to Japan twice, and have loved it every single time. Japan is one of those bucket list destinations for most people. It can also be hard to plan for as well, that’s why I put together a list of tips that can help you as you plan your trip.

1. Book everything in advance

I’m going to say it again, book everything you want to see and or do in advance. Things fill up very quickly in Japan and we learned this the hard way.

2. Get yourself a Klook Pass for Tokyo

Especially if you plan on visiting the main attractions in the city. This pass includes entry to plenty of them, saving you lots of money in the process.

3. Get to places as early as possible

Japanese people wake up early and will line up for anything and everything. Everywhere we went, we saw long lines even when we got there early. On our first morning, we got to breakfast at about 6.30 am and there was a long line already.

Japanese people lining up

4. Get a SIM Card

You can get one directly at Klook or even better download Ubigi which is an app and pay for it there and it’ll connect automatically to your phone. So much easier and faster. We used Ubigi on this trip and will only use it from now on when we travel.

5. Pack comfortable shoes for the whole family

You will likely do a lot of walking so this is very important. The city is very stroller-friendly as well, including public transportation.

6. Get a virtual ​IC card

If you plan on riding the trains to get around Tokyo. You can easily refill it at the train station and you won’t have to buy tickets every single time you use the train.

IC card machine | Tokyo Japan With Kids

7. Check out Tokyo Greeters

This is a branch of a global organization that connects travelers with knowledgeable local guides. This invaluable service comes at no cost, with Tokyo Greeters carefully selecting only a limited number of applicants.

8. Set up your Suica card seamlessly within your Apple Wallet

Eliminating the need for anything other than your phone to access Google Maps, Google Translate, public transit, and make payments.

9. Research and plan ahead

Familiarize yourself with Japan’s culture, customs, and attractions before your trip. Research popular destinations, transportation options, local etiquette, and try to create an itinerary that suits your interests.

10. Use public transportation

Japan has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trains and buses. Invest in a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel between cities, and make use of IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient travel within cities.

Tokyo Japan With Kids

11. Learn basic Japanese phrases

While many people in tourist areas speak English, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can go a long way. Phrases like “hello” (konnichiwa), “thank you” (arigatou gozaimasu), and “excuse me” (sumimasen) can help you navigate and communicate more effectively.

13. Respect local customs

Japan has a rich cultural heritage, so it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or certain establishments, be mindful of noise levels in public places, and follow proper etiquette when visiting temples and shrines.

14. Pack appropriately

Check the weather forecast for your travel dates and pack accordingly. Keep in mind that Japan can have varying climates, so it’s best to bring layers and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget essentials like power adapters and any necessary travel documents.

15. Try local cuisine

Japan is renowned for its delicious food. Don’t miss the opportunity to try authentic sushi, ramen, tempura, and other local dishes. Be open to exploring smaller local eateries (izakayas and street food stalls) for a truly immersive culinary experience.

PAOPAO in Japan

16. Explore beyond Tokyo

While Tokyo is a must-visit city, don’t limit yourself to just one location. Japan has many other incredible cities and regions worth exploring, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, and Hokkaido. Each offers unique attractions and experiences.

17. Be mindful of etiquette

Politeness and consideration for others are highly valued in Japanese society. Practice good manners, such as speaking softly in public, not littering, and refraining from eating or drinking while walking. Also, be mindful of designated smoking areas and follow local rules.

18. Cash is king

While credit cards are accepted in many places, it’s advisable to carry some cash with you, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. Familiarize yourself with the locations of ATMs that accept foreign cards, such as those found at post offices and convenience stores.

19. Save space in your bag for shopping

We bought so many things in Japan to take home. From snacks, toys, to clothes, to shoes, to souvenirs etc. Make sure that you have enough space so that you can buy all the things you want guilt free. Also make sure to take your passport with you because certain stores are tax free for tourists, but you must have your passport to prove this.

Convenience store in Japan | Tokyo Japan With Kids

20. Enjoy the seasonal attractions

Japan experiences beautiful seasonal changes, each offering unique experiences. Cherry blossoms in spring, festivals in summer, autumn foliage, and snow festivals in winter are some of the highlights. Check the seasonal attractions and plan accordingly.

Overall Thoughts On Tokyo With Kids

We had a great time in Tokyo and wilkl definitely be visiting again soon. There are so many things to do in Tokyo with kids of all ages, from young children to much older chioldren.

Japan is also one of the safest countries we’er ever been to, so I am looking forward to visiting again soon!

If you have any questions about our Tokyo trip, reach out to me on https://Facebook.com/themomtrotter or https://instagram.com/themomtrotter and I’ll be happy to help!

Tokyo at night | Tokyo Japan With Kids
Kay, The Mom Trotter

Hey Fam, I’m so glad you’re here!
I am an entrepreneur and travel enthusiast who is passionate about sharing an alternate way of living surrounding travel, homeschooling, parenting and financial independence, with a mission to inspire other families.

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