Best Family-Friendly Activities in Tokyo for Your Next Family Holiday!
As the bustling capital of Japan and home to numerous wonders and attractions - it's no wonder that Tokyo is a must-visit on any Japan holiday itinerary. Parents, if you plan to take a family trip with little ones in tow, we've come up with a whole list of family-friendly things to do in Tokyo, along with a few tips and tricks to make your travels easier too!
Tokyo Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Planning a Tokyo holiday? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
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1. Tokyo Disneyland
Photo credit: Joseph Costa
Relive your childhood memories with a visit to none other than Tokyo Disneyland itself. Long reigned king in capturing the hearts of children (and children-at-heart), witness the many magical moments that come to live as you set your eyes upon Cinderella's iconic castle or meet Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse for the first time.
There are more than 35 fun attractions and rides across the 7 themed areas within the park that will guarantee fun for everyone - we highly recommend visiting the Beauty & The Beast area which is exclusive to Tokyo Disneyland!
#KlookTip: Did you know that Tokyo Disneyland has a Rider Switch Service?
This is for parents who want to experience an attraction, but your kids do not meet the height requirements for any given ride. Rider Switch allows a parent or guardian to take turns to enjoy the attraction accompany a child and then board the attraction without waiting in line again.
- Upon arriving at the selected attraction, approach the greeting Cast Member with your entire group and inform them you are interested in the Rider Switch option. Members will be divided into 2 parties: “Party 1” will board the attraction first, while “Party 2”—a maximum of 3 people from the rest of your party—waits.
- A Cast Member will scan the admission media or tickets of Guests in Party 2.
- After Party 1 completes the experience, any Guests from Party 2 who have waited to ride should return to the appropriate attraction entrance as directed by the issuing Cast Member to have their admission media/tickets re-scanned by a Cast Member for the Rider Switch entitlement. At this point, the riding Guests of Party 2 may enter the appropriate attraction return line and board without waiting in the regular queue. Meanwhile, Party 1 waits with the non-riding Guests.
Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan
BONUS: Stay at the New Toy Story Hotel
Image credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
Inspired by the iconic Disney and Pixar Toy Story films, Tokyo Disneyland’s newest Toy Story Hotel will have you spending the night in Andy’s bedroom, which comes furnished with the iconic blue sky and white cloud wallpaper. The themed room includes an Etch-a-sketch television, Pixar lamp, and of course a poster of Buzz Lightyear too!
Other hotel facilities include Slinky Dog Park, a giant game board in front of the hotel entrance, Pizza Planet-themed gift shop, Gift Planet, selling hotel-exclusive merchandise and Lotso Garden Cafe where you can grab delicious Toy Story-themed eats.
2. Tokyo DisneySea
Look forward to romantic harbours, scenic boat rides and exhilarating water rides at Tokyo DisneySea, the sister theme park to Tokyo Disneyland.
As its name suggests, the park adopts a nautical theme, with its shows and attractions based on myths and legends of the sea, and this fits perfectly with its location overlooking Tokyo Bay. The rides here also tend to be a little more thrilling than Tokyo Disneyland, and is geared more towards older kids and adults.
Fun fact: this is the only DisneySea in the world!
#KlookTip: Similarly, Tokyo DisneySea has a Rider Switch Service as well.
Address: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-8511, Japan
3. teamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu
Image credit: teamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu
Let your kids immerse themselves in a magical art experience like no other at teamLab Planets, an Instagram-worthy museum where visitors are encourages to interact and engage with the artworks and exhibits!
Image credit: teamLab Planets Tokyo
Kids will definitely love wading through a rainbow-hued lake (with the brilliant help of visual projections on water), wandering through gardens, and even becoming one with flowers in a floor-to-ceiling installation filled with dangling orchids.
This exhibition is only running till the end of 2023, so make this a priority!
Address: 6-chōme-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
4. SHIBUYA SKY
Feel like you're on top of the world and savour sensational bird's eye views of Tokyo at Shibuya Sky, a 360° open-air observation deck at the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. Enjoy sweeping cityscape views at Sky Edge, a corner that's perfect for a cool family #ootd too!
In addition to breathtaking views, there's also Sky Stage which features hammocks for daydreaming and cloud watching. Kids will definitely also be enthralled at the indoor gallery, Sky Gallery, an indoor section which incorporates dazzling digital art displays to encourage guests to see the city in a different way.
On the 46th floor, there is Paradise Lounge, a café and bar where you can sit back and enjoy a drink while admiring the view.
Address: Shibuya Scramble Square 14F, 45F, 46F & rooftop, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Tokyo
5. Art Aquarium
Besides taking the little ones to the zoo, here's an interesting space where they can admire fish and art in the same space! Introducing Art Aquarium, a one-of-a-kind museum-cum-aquarium where space, light, life, and Japanese culture blend to create an unrealistic environment that will make you forget that you are in the heart of Tokyo.
Lustrous goldfish are illuminated by specially made aquariums and lightings, and the displays using cultural assets of historical value from around Japan stimulate all five senses. The best part? You get to see something new with each visit because the museum changes its displays each season to show the beauty of Japan.
Address: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8212
6. Yomiuriland
Photo credit: @onumaaan
Yomiuri Land is the largest amusement park in the city that is a literal wonderland all-year round! From rides amidst cherry blossom blooms and summertime pool activities, to dazzling light shows in the colder months, you know you're in for a treat as you experience something new every season here.
Photo credit: @onumaaan
There's also over 40 different attractions here to enjoy no matter the time of the year - there's truly a ride for every one in the fam! Our personal favourites are the Bandit, a high-speed rollercoaster, as well as the iconic Ferris Wheel.
Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8566, Japan
7. Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
Potterhead families, this one's for you! Hop on a plane – or flying car – this June 2023 because the much-awaited Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter is finally opening in Tokyo!
Set to be the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo invites magical folk and muggles alike to step into the world of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Come embark on a magical journey and discover wizarding secrets from behind the scenes!
Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, 1-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima Ward, 179-0074 Tokyo
8. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Perfect for parents with youngsters who have an active imagination and love to work with their hands, LEGOLAND is the perfect showcase of the iconic, colourful bricks that can be built into anything the mind can make up.
There are also cute lego-themed rides and even a 4D Cinema as well as a Lego NinjaGo City obstacle course! Bring your kids in for these and more plus skip the line with Klook!
Address: Decks Tokyo Beach Island Mall 3F, Odaiba 1-6-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 135-0091
9. Sanrio Puroland
Meet the beloved Hello Kitty and her cute friends (Gudetama, My Melody and many more!) at Tokyo's Sanrio Puroland, an indoor theme park that screams cuteness (we mean ~kawaii~).
Photo credit: @purolandjp
Spread across four floors, the park is filled with themed rides, parades and film screenings that can definitely be enjoyed by both kids and adults. If you're a huge fan of Sanrio, a must-do here is hopping onto the Sanrio Character Boat Ride, a fun cruise where you'll see the world of Sanrio and its characters from inside your boat. Don't forget to grab a family picture with Sanrio’s queen Hello Kitty in her own mansion too!
Address: 1 Chome-31 Ochiai, Tama, Tokyo 206-8588, Japan
10. Pokemon Center
Image credit: Pokemon Center Tokyo
If your kids are fans of the lovable pocket monsters, then a visit to the Pokemon Center is a must. There are five pokemon centers in Tokyo. If you only have time to visit just one, we recommend heading to Pokémon Center DX Tokyo which is located near Tokyo Station.
What's special about this Pokemon Center, you ask? Besides being one of the bigger outlets in Japan, it also has its very own Pokémon Café! SO besides getting your hands on cute merch, you can also enjoy a Pokemon-themed lunch, with delectable dishes like Pokémon Café Fruit Pancakes and Pikachu Curry Rice!
Address: Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. East Building (5F) 2-11-2 Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0027
11. Cup Noodles Museum
Image credit: Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum
Dedicated to the iconic supper treat and instant meal, the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama is where you can learn more about how your favourite noodles are made and also have fun making your very own instant noodle creations!
At My CUPNOODLES Factory you can create your own completely original CUPNOODLES package, and select your favourite soup and toppings, while at CUPNOODLES Park and Chicken Ramen Factory, kids can try making noodles and enjoy and indoor playground that "simulates" the noodle's manfucturing process!
Address: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
12. Eat at cute cafes
How can you come to Japan and not have at least one themed dining experience? Tokyo brims with many adorable themed cafes, from the Pokemon Cafe, to Cinnamoroll Cafe, Alice in Fantasyland Café, Moomin Cafe and so many more!
If the kids aren't into the themed eateries mentioned above, there are also unique dining establishments to check out like Curry Station Niagara, which is a train-themed Japanese curry restaurant - food is served to you via "train" (kinda like Genki Sushi but curry rice instead of sushi).
Another interesting place to check out is Kura Sushi, which is really like Genki Sushi, except that at the end of your meal, you can slot your plates into a machine and win chances to play at the restaurant's gachapon machines!
#KlookTip: Not all dining establishments are kid-friendly. If you do have a place that you want to check out (eg. omakase etc), do call ahead and ask the restaurant if they accept children! Better to be safe than disappointed :")
13. Tokyo Joypolis
Photo credit: @tokyojoypolis
Tokyo Joypolis is the largest indoor theme park in Japan operated by SEGA, a name that may be familiar to many Millennial parents ;)
Photo credit: @tokyojoypolis
Step into Joypolis and you will be greeted with over 20 different thrilling rides, VR attractions, realistic simulators and arcade games, claw machines and more! But we can probably all agree that the best games and attractions are definitely those that come with a rush of nostalgia, like Sonic the Hedgehog, Resident Evil, and Initial D - a great place to introduce your kids to your favourite childhood games!
Address: DECKS Tokyo Beach, 1 Chome-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan
14. Snoopy Museum Tokyo
Peanuts fan or not, the Snoopy Museum Tokyo will definitely win you over with its adorable comic strip-plastered walls, life-sized installations and sculptures that make great photo ops, as well as a Snoopy-themed cafe and limited-edition merch stall where you can actually craft your own personalised souvenir!
Address: 3-1-1 Tsuruma, Machida-shiTokyo
15. Day trip to Hakone
Hakone is a resort town that offers amazing views of almost any of Japan’s four seasons as well as sensational views of Mt. Fuji. Aside from these scenic sights, Hakone is great for kids because of a pirate ship cruise on Hakone’s Lake Ashi.
Other fun things to do with kids in Hakone include:
- Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Onsen: Fun hot springs theme park with red wine, coffee or green tea onsen pools. There are also fun kid-friendly zones with waterslides!
- Hakone Open Air Museum: Kids explore freely in this museum with sculptures and art out in nature.
- Hop on the Hakone Ropeway for sweeping birds-eye views!
#KlookTip: Book a private car charter for your day trips - we understand how tiring it can be to travel with kids, that sometimes even driving can seem like a chore. So why not let our driver take you to where you want to go?
16. Day trip to Mt. Fuji
Japan’s famous volcano Mt. Fuji is another natural wonder to introduce your kids to. While the thought of climbing to the peak itself is pretty ambitious, you can take the easy way out and embark on a day tour, where your guide will take you different places to enjoy Mount Fuji views!
Some of the best places to see Mount Fuji include:
- Oishi Park
- Chureito Pagoda
- Lake Kawaguchiko
- Oshino Hakkai
- Fuji Q Highland
17. Fuji-Q Highland and Thomas Land
Photo credit: @ta_photo824
Photo credit: @fujikyuhighland
For the thrill-seeking family (with older kids), this amusement park is all about the heart-pounding adrenaline rush you all crave. Fuji-Q Highland’s main attractions are four rollercoasters (two with Guinness World Record distinctions) along with a terrifying Haunted Hotel and anime-themed attractions.
Address: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan
18. Sunshine Aquarium
Animal-loving families will definitely love their time at the Sunshine Aquarium. Home to over 370,000 species of animals from colourful marine creatures to penguins and sea otters, this is a place where your kids can not only meet new animal friends, but learn more about them too!
One highlight is the colourful Jellyfish Tunnel, where you can marvel at the dazzling sea jellies float by.
Address: Jepang, 170-8630 Tokyo, Kota Toshima, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1 Sunshine City World Import Mart Building rooftop
19. Hitachi National Seaside Park
Image credit: Hitachi Seaside Park
This national park found in Ibaraki is home to an annual music festival as well as a seasonal highlight of colourful flowers that bloom in differing hues.
Image credit: Hitachi Seaside Park
There's also a section with bites and snacks, and mini carnival games like a carousel and ferris wheel to check out!
Nearby, orchards in Ibaraki bear fresh pears and chestnuts that you can pick with your family as part of Klook’s tour of the park.
20. Family photoshoot with traditional costumes
We can't think of a cuter way to remember your trip by than with a family photoshoot. Because it's not just any photoshoot - it's one where everybody is all decked in traditional Japanese costumes! Ladies all graceful in pretty flowing kimonos, while the gentlemen stand dashing in their yukatas.
Rent your costumes at Kimono Yae Rental Experience in Asakusa, which offers yukata and kimono costumes for adults as well as kids costumes. You can also opt to choose a photoshoot package or just rent the costumes and go for your own photoshoot adventure!
Address: 6th Floor, 16-2 Quatre Chic, Asakusa 1-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo
More Tips for Travelling with Kids in Japan
It's #KlookTips galore:
- Download Mamapapamap nursing room map - this app helps you to find nursing rooms and baby changing rooms quickly anywhere in Japan.
- If you can't download the app, head to any departmental store in Japan. These are almost always equipped with fantastic baby facilities and nursing/diaper-changing rooms.
- Avoid travelling during rush hour, strollers may not fit especially on crowded trains or buses. Even in crowded places with narrow lanes like Tsukiji market can be quite tough to navigate with a stroller. If possible, do consider baby wearing or even renting a stroller so you don't have to bring yours out for the whole day.
- Do note that not all train stations have elevators, this might be an issue especially if you have prams and luggage in tow. Try to check for wheelchair accessibility on Google Maps to see if there are lifts.
- If you are riding the shinkansen to explore other parts of Japan, you can reserve seats at the ticket machine and choose seats near the open space where you can put stroller (no reservation required).
