Tokyo with Kids: Tours and Attractions for Family
Some people may associate Tokyo with high technology and exciting nightlife and think that Tokyo is not the best destination to go with kids. However, there are actually a large number of things to do and places to visit in Tokyo with kids.
Japan is famous as one of the safest countries to travel in the world, and Tokyo is also has well-maintained public peace. I often see family tourists strolling around Tokyo with little children and even babies in a baby buggy.
Tokyo offers a variety of food options from Japanese food to western food, entertaining spots including aquariums, zoos, and amusement parks. In addition, kids will be satisfied with unique Japanese culture such as Ninja, Samurai, Anime, Manga, video games and so on.
Today, I’d like to introduce best things to do in Tokyo with kids. Of course, these family-friendly attractions are popular to not only kids but also adults. For first time visitors, it is also recommended to join a tour with a local guide who can speak English or other foreign languages. Here are also popular tour offers with the best deals.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
1. Enjoying Games and Japanese pop culture in Akihabara
Akihabara is the best city in Tokyo for kids and adults who are interested in games, anime, manga and other Japanese pop culture. There are numerous shops selling items related to anime and manga in Akihabara. Amusement arcades which are known as Game Center in Japan, are what you should visit with kids in the town. If you visit Akihabara with kids for the first time, it is recommended to join a tour with guides.
▶︎Book the popular game and pop culture tour in Akihabara!
2. Tasting freshest food in Tsukiji Fish Market
You and your kids will be satisfied with Japanese fresh seafood and other local dishes in Tsukiji Fish Market. There are still a large number of sushi restaurants and ingredient shops in Tsukiji while its inner market relocated to Toyosu. In addition to the food attractions, a hidden temple and shrine are located near Tsukiji Fish Market.
3. Playing at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
Tokyo has two Disney Resort’s theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Tokyo Disneyland, one of the ideal tourist sites for kids in Tokyo, is more kid-friendly than Tokyo DisneySea and offers Disney and Pixar’s characters’ ride attractions, delicious dishes and alluring souvenirs.
On the other hand, Tokyo DisneySea is also the place where little kids can enjoy more thrilling and exciting rides and adults can also enjoy drinking chilled beer while it is not allowed to drink at Tokyo Disneyland. Tokyo Disney Resort is not exactly located in Tokyo but Chiba Prefecture. But, it is accessible from the center of Tokyo and Narita and Haneda Airports.
▶︎Book your ticket of Tokyo Disneyland online!!
▶︎Book your ticket of Tokyo DisneySea online!!
4. Safely dining at Shinjuku in the evening
Shinjuku is one of the most popular towns in Tokyo especially for nightlife. The nightlife town is famous for the drinking spots and various food options, however, it is possible to travel there with kids in safety. You can enjoy eating from classic Japanese food such as sushi and Wagyu Beef to desserts that kids will be happy with in Shinjuku. Be guided to kid-friendly dining spots with a food tour in Shinjuku!
▶︎Book the recommended night foodie tour in Shinjuku for both kids and adults!
5. Visiting the famous Ghibli Museum
There is no other option except visiting Ghibli Museum in Tokyo for big fans of Studio Ghibli’s movies and Hayao Miyazaki. You can jump into the world of various Ghibli movies from classic and new ones. Please be noted that it is required to submit booked admission ticket for the museum and a little difficult to get ones in a normal way. However, you can get the last-minute tickets on this website below. Check the availability of your date!
▶︎Book you last-minute ticket of Ghibli Museum now!
6. Pokemon Center & Pokemon Cafe
Tokyo, home to the pop culture, has several spots related to the popular video game and anime: Pokemon. Kids and even you will get involved in shopping video game softwares and character items including limited goods sold only in Japan at Pokemon Center and Pokemon Store. At Pokemon Cafe, cute food and drinks with the theme of Pokemon characters are served. Your children will definitely have a lot of fun with Pokemon.
▶︎Check more details about Pokemon spots in Tokyo!
7. Enjoying Samurai and Ninja activities
A Japanese unique culture is Samurai as well as Ninja. SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO With Experience at Asakusa is a new attraction and is perfect for learning the history of Samurai and seeing armors and swords. Besides seeing the Samurai’s items, you can put them on yourself and cool samurai clothes and even experience a real a ninja training. Does Samurai and ninja still exist? You should see if they do or not firsthand!
▶︎Book your ticket for SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO online
8. Meeting Hello Kitty at Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio Puroland is a popular amusement park in Tokyo perfect for kids. You can enjoy various attractions and shows with Sanrio Characters such as Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll and My Melody, etc. Don’t forget to eat creative dishes and buy exclusive souvenirs related to Sanrio Characters at restaurants and shops.
▶︎50% OFF!! Book Sanrio Puroland E-Tickets with discount!!
9. Making and eating Tokyo local food Okonomiyaki and Monjayaki
Asakusa, which is famous for Sensoji Temple and the large red gate Kaminarimon, is the historical town that you should visit once at least. Nakamise Shopping Street has no shortage of shopping and eating options. But, kids may not get interested in the historical temple and traditional culture. In that case, they can travel Asakusa on a Rickshaw ride and cook Japanese soul food Okonomiyaki by themselves, which will not bore your kids. With the tour below, the guide will let you ride a Rickshaw and introduce nice restaurants where you can enjoy cooking Japanese Okonomiyaki or Monjayaki.
▶︎Book Asakusa Cultural & Street-food Walking Tour!
10. Experiencing the tech art at MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM
If you want to experience high technology in Tokyo with kids, the digital art museum MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: EPSON teamLab Borderless is what you should choose. Touch the digital art at the cutting-edge art museum and it offers the chance for children to try workshops.
The teamLab Borderless is currently closed, but you can enjoy the teamLab Planets in Toyosu, which is much more interactive and child-friendly!
▶︎Book your E-Tickets for teamLab Planets Now!!
11. Simulating the creative mind of your kids at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo
The worldwide famous Legoland has the entertainment facility named LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo in Odaiba, Tokyo. There are Lego build and play zones, ride attractions, 4D films and a shop providing over 400 Lego products incluidng the very latest items.
▶︎Book the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo Instant E-tickets!
12. Watching the powerful performance show at Samurai Restaurant
Samurai Restaurant, located at the red-light district Kabukicho in Shinjuku, is one of the most popular things to do among foreign visitors, and children can enjoy the performance shows with Samurai swordplay, dynamic dances, dazzling neon light, laser beams, and more.It is produced by the same company that created the highly popular “Robot Restaurant“.
How about visiting Samurai Restaurant to see the exciting performance in the daytime for kids.
▶︎<<11% OFF vs Door Price! Samurai Restaurant Show Reservation in Shinjuku Tokyo>>
14. Working with role-play activities at KidZania
KidZania, which is visited by both domestic and international kids, is a unique theme park in Tokyo featuring kids. In a little town, children can experience about 100 jobs and activities as adults including dentist, firefighter, bank officer, chef and so on using real items and equipment.
▶︎Check more info about KidZania!
15. Visiting Tokyo’s largest Ueno Zoo
It is true worldwide that a zoo is also what makes kids excited. Ueno Zoo, located in Ueno Park, is one of the largest and most popular zoos in Tokyo where you can see over 500 species of animal including rare panda and polar bear.
15. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
For creatures in the sea, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is recommended to visit in Tokyo. The popular aquarium holds 25,000 fish with 350 species, and interactive attractions an seasonal events like dolphin performances with LED fireworks are offered.
▶︎Book 10% Off Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa e-tickets Now!
▽For more tours perfect for kids in Tokyo, check more various options below▽
Tips for Family with Kids in Tokyo
Best Time to Visit Tokyo with Kids
Tokyo is famous for the all seasons entertaining visitors with Japanese food, traditional and pop modern culture, nature spots and seasonal events. For more comfortable climate, spring and autumn are recommended for kids to travel around the city since summer may be a bit too hot and winter may be chilled for some days.
Be Connected to the Internet Anytime
You don’t want to get lost on your way with children, do you? There are less Free WiFi spots in Tokyo or Japan than other developed touristy countries. It is highly recommended to rent a pocket WiFi to search your route on online maps, book a restaurant, communicate distantly with your family, watch YouTube to amuse your kids and so on. For looking for the best quality and cheapest pocket WiFi rental,
▶︎check out the pocket WiFi comparison chart in this article!
Get to Know How Useful Japanese Convenience Stores are
There are countless convenience stores all around the city such as 7 Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart and so on. If kids feel hungry or thirsty, you can get delicious snacks and drinks quickly. Many convenience stores have a restroom just in case.
Transportation and Admission Fee may be Discounted for Kids
Speaking of babies and kids like less than 12 years old, it costs only half (perhaps for free) to get on trains and admit many tourist sites and facilities.
Less Trash Cans Located in Tokyo
There are not many trash cans in the town of Tokyo and you may need to keep the trash after eating portable food or drinking a bottle of water. Especially, kids may have you hold more things, so it is recommended to carry a backpack or a bigger bag.
▶︎If you travel to Kyoto from Tokyo, check out things to do in Kyoto with Kids!
Plan your perfect itinerary in Tokyo which pleases both you and your kids. Have a safe and wonderful trip to Tokyo! For more useful info about Tokyo, you might also like these articles below.
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Written by
I'm writing by my motto: helping travelers spend their limited time experiencing something priceless in Japan. My articles won't let you down! Living in Tokyo and traveling many popular and hidden sites all over Japan, I deliver well-selected and latest tourist information to you from the perspective of “100% Japanese local”. My specific interests are island hopping, eating countless bowls of ramen, watching anime and reading manga. Enjoy Japan Web Magazine for recommended food spots, hidden gems Japanese Otaku (geek) culture, and everything about Japan :)