Traveling to Tokyo with kids? There are many places in Tokyo where you can have fun with your kids! I’ll introduce you to everything from the standard popular spots to the super-holey places!
For a classic learning trip, this is the place to go.
There are numerous museums in Ueno Park, just outside of Ueno Station. Among them, there are two that you should visit. Both are places that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Of course, they are also perfect for learning trips.
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum was built in 1872, and is the oldest and largest museum of its kind in Japan. The museum’s grounds are vast, so you can see only what you are interested in. Aim for what you want to see among samurai armor, kimonos, Japanese art, Buddhist statues, and more.
National Museum of Nature and Science
A life-size statue of a blue whale welcomes visitors to this museum. The museum consists of the Japan Pavilion and the Earth Pavilion, and if you take your time to visit the exhibits, you will spend a whole day there in no time. The taxidermy exhibit on the third floor of the Earth Pavilion is a highlight, and is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Shopping
Want to get your child’s favorite character merchandise? Then there are places I recommend.
Shinjuku
The Japanese flagship Disney Store is located three minutes outside the east exit of Shinjuku Station. In addition, there is a large Sanrio store just behind it. There are some limited edition items only available here, so be sure to pick them up.
Tokyo Station
As you exit the Yaesu underground exit of Tokyo Station, a shopping street stretches from north to south there. On the south side of the street is Character Street. Here, numerous character stores line the street. Pokemon, Ghibli, Shonen Jump, Harry Potter, and more. Each store is small, but here you can get a variety of character goods at once.
Theme Parks
There are several theme parks in Tokyo. The classic is Disneyland, but it is not the only one.
Sanrio Puroland
This place is a little far from the city center, but only about 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station. This theme park is a place where visitors can meet popular characters, including the Japanese-born Hello Kitty. The main feature of Puroland is that it is an indoor park, so you can play no matter what the weather is like.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo The Making of Harry Potter
In 2023, the second location opened in Tokyo after London. The site area is larger than that of London. There are no attractions like theme parks. Visitors can walk around and see the process of movie production, sets, props and costumes. If you like the world of Harry Potter, you should definitely visit this facility. It is easily accessible, about 15 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station.
Other Very Popular Spots
Sky Tree
If you’re torn between the Tokyo Tower and the Sky Tree, I definitely recommend the Sky Tree if you’re taking children. For a detailed comparison, please read this article.
Character Cafe
Pokémon Center
Holey spots
If you are looking for hole-in-the-wall places that are not so well known to foreign tourists, these are good places to visit. Both are popular with the locals.
Arakawa amusement park
This amusement park is located along the Toden Arakawa Line, the only remaining tramway in Tokyo. Visitors will enjoy the tram ride as well as the attractions. The historic amusement park, which opened in 1922, has a wide range of rides for children aged 10 and under. As a publicly-run amusement park, it is also an inexpensive place to enjoy.
The Railway museum
If you are interested in trains, this is the place to go. As well as exhibiting rolling stock, there are spaces for all ages from toddlers to 12-year-olds. There are also driving simulators for adults, making it a facility that can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Omiya Station, you can also enjoy the journey.
I’ve introduced you to some family-friendly places, but there is much more to see in Tokyo. By visiting historical streets, shrines and temples, you may find something to stimulate your child’s senses. I hope you enjoy Tokyo to the fullest.