Tokyo with kids: there’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Tokyo, but if you don’t know where to start it can be a tiring and expensive experience.
But don’t fret — we’re here to help! Here are the top 25 fun, kid-friendly things to do in Tokyo.
Best Theme Parks and Attractions in Tokyo
Tokyo Disneyland
In terms of entertainment for the kids and relative value for money, number one on our list has to be Tokyo Disneyland.
First opened in 1983, it’s been kept up-to-date by cycling in new rides and attractions. In our experience, Tokyo Disneyland is more fun for smaller kids, while it’s sister theme park, Disney Sea, is more geared for older kids and adults.
Tokyo Disneyland is made up of seven themed areas:
World Bazaar: a shopping arcade area where you can buy souvenirs.
Tomorrowland: technology and space-themed rides like Space Mountain and Star Tours.
Toontown: where you can meet your favorite Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie, a favorite with young kids.
Fantasyland: the home of iconic, classic Disney characters such as Cinderella, Snow White and Peter Pan.
Critter Country: home of the popular Splash Mountain ride, this area is one of the best areas for younger kids (3-8).
Westernland: themed on the US western frontier, this is home to Big Thunder Mountain and Tom Sawyer Island.
Adventureland: popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean and a jungle cruise.
Insider Tip: Get there early and get a FASTPASS for the most popular rides to avoid the crazy long lines!
Hours:
Open: 8:00 am / 9:00 am – 10:00 pm, Monday to Sunday*
* Tokyo Disneyland varies its opening times on different days, so be sure to check out the park’s calendar for opening times on your next visit.
Admission price:
One day passport tickets are 7,400 yen for adults, 6,700 yen for over 65s, 6,400 yen for 12 – 17 year olds, and 4,800 yen for under 11’s. Kids aged 3 and under, get in for free!
There are also other ticket options depending on when or how long you want to visit the park (see the website for details)
How to get there
To get there by train from Tokyo Station, take either the Keiyo Line or Musashino Line and get off at Maihama Station.
Further Information
https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tdl/
Map link:
https://goo.gl/maps/6mAtFABJiYM2
Tokyo Disney Sea
Like its older brother Tokyo Disneyland, this newer theme park is also located within Tokyo Disney Resort near Maihama station.
Disney Sea was designed to appeal to an older audience than Tokyo Disneyland, namely teenagers and adults. That said, there’s still plenty of fun for kids to be found in some of the themed ports. For example, in Mermaid Lagoon kids can experience the undersea world of the Little Mermaid and meet Ariel, Sebastien, Flounder and other characters from the movie. In Port Discovery young visitors can learn about marine life with the help of Nemo and Dory from Finding Nemo.
Insider Tip: Disney Sea is also known for having better food options than it’s Disneyland counterpart, as well as offering alcoholic beverages for sale for its adult visitors.
Hours
Same opening times as Tokyo Disneyland (see above)
Open: 8:00 am / 9:00 am – 10:00 pm, Monday to Sunday*
* Tokyo DisneySea opens at either times on different days so be sure to check out the park’s calendar for opening times on your next visit.
Admission price
Same admission prices as Tokyo Disneyland but tickets are sold separately for either parks, and not valid for both parks on the same day. See Tokyo Disneyland (above) for pricing details.
Further information
https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tds/
How to get there
Tokyo DisneySea is accessible by bus or train.
Shuttle bus service is available at different locations.
To get there by train, from Tokyo Station take either the Keiyo Line or Musashino Line and get off at Maihama Station. Tokyo Station is connected to Shinjuku, Ikeburo, Akihabara, and Yokohama stations.
Map
https://goo.gl/maps/MRkSL6RNtds
Legoland Discovery Centre Tokyo
Legoland Tokyo is located in Decks Mall, Odaiba and is the first Lego attraction in Japan. It features a number of attractions and rides including a 4D cinema, laser shooting cars and hands on activities like the build and race test. Everything is kid-sized so the different attractions can be enjoyed by kids between 3 and 13 (and of course us older ‘kids’ who still love lego!). Kids go crazy over Legoland’s Miniland, which is a miniature city made of 1.5 million bricks!
During your visit, you can also see how lego bricks are made firsthand through their factory tour. For the adventurous, Kingdom Quest is a fun thematic ride which families can enjoy. Finally, a Legoland tour would not be complete without the kids showing off their building skills in the Duplo Village.
There is a wealth of educational and fun attractions to enjoy in Legoland and a typical visit usually lasts 2-3 hours but guests are welcome to stay for as long as they like.
Insider Tip: If you buy the tickets online beforehand, you can save up to 700 yen per admission!
Admission price
Kids (3 and over) and adults are 2,400 yen. Kids 2 and under get in for free. Check the Legoland website for special online prices.
Hours
10am – 8pm, Weekdays (avoid weekends if possible, it’s very busy!)
10am – 9pm, Weekends and Public Holidays
Further Information
Website: https://tokyo.legolanddiscoverycenter.jp/en/ (English version)
Map
https://goo.gl/maps/Dfrrt35Qnip
Kidzania Tokyo
Kidzania is an educational and fun place for kids to experience what it is like to be an adult in a safe environment. Kids can “work” in various jobs and earn money to spend in the stores or on entertainment. It is aimed at kids from 3 – 15 years of age.
Hours
Open: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Shift 1) and 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Shift 2), daily
Closed: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, daily
Check the availability calendar for more information on your next visit.
Admission price
Ticket prices vary on different shifts (Shift 1 and 2) days (Weekend, weekdays, holidays, and holiday season). Shift 1 tickets and holiday season tickets are more expensive than other ticket types.
General admission prices for adults are 1950 yen, over 60s are 950 yen. Fees go up to 2,050 yen for Shift 1 for adults but general admission prices for Shift 2 and for over 60s apply during the holiday season.
Tickets for preschool children (3 and over) are between 2,950 yen and 5,100 yen, Primary School Students are between 3,250 yen and 5,700 yen, and Jr. High School Students are between 3,350 yen and 5,800 yen.
Children with disabilities get discounted tickets.
For more information:
Website: http://www.kidzania.jp/tokyo/en/
Getting there
Kidzania is located in Urban Dock LaLaport (3rd floor). Take the train to Toyosu station (Yurakucho or Yurikamome line) and from there it is approximately an 8 minute walk.
Map
https://goo.gl/maps/5ayzoPkxk1z
“Hello Kitty” AT Sanrio Puroland
At first glance, this one might seem a little bit expensive for what you get. However, your kids get to see Hello Kitty and friends performing a number of unique shows, plus you get a boat ride through the Sanrio Kingdom. Also it’s hard to argue that the experience isn’t uniquely Japanese!
There are two types of tickets: “entrance” and “passport”. The passport ticket includes entrance fee and all attractions. The entrance ticket only includes entrance and the free shows. A discount ticket is available on their website.
Insider Tip: Very small children may find some of the attractions a little frightening, but kids over the age of five should have a great time.
Hours:
Hello Kitty opens and closes at various times on different days. Generally, it opens at 9:30 am and closes at 6:00 pm. Some weekends close late until 8:00 pm.
Check out specific opening and closing times on their official calendar prior to your visit.
Admission price:
Weekend passport for Adults are 3,300 yen and children are 2,500 yen. Holiday passport costs more at 3,800 yen and 2,700 yen for adults and children, respectively.
Further Information
Sanrio Hello Kitty Website (link points to English section of the site)
How to get there
Sanrio Puroland is situated in Tama Center, a satellite city to the west of Tokyo. From Shinjuku Station take the Keio Line Express or Special Express train (bound for Hashimoto) to Tama Center Station. Once at Tama Center Station leave via the central exit (the exit closest to the Odakyu line platforms), walk up the steps and continue until you reach a crossroads. At this crossroads turn left and Sanrio Puroland is then straight ahead.
Google Maps Link to Hello Kitty at Sanrio Puroland.
Namja Town
*Unfortunately no English explanations inside
Namja Town is a Japanese-style theme attraction based on the adventures of a cat called Najavu. As a theme park sponsored by Namco, a highly recognised Japanese video game producer, expect a day filled playing interactive games. Most visitors who don’t speak Japanese might be left bewildered as to how the games are played but it’s also this uncertainty of the rules that makes the whole experience enjoyable for many.
Namja Town is also known for its array of authentic dumplings and ice cream. Guests can have their fill of food in the dumpling section where they can have a taste of different types of gyoza including one that is only available in Namja Town. The ice cream shop, where guests can choose from 30 flavors, is an obvious favorite of kids and adults alike. Souvenirs and other gifts can be bought from the mini-shopping mall located inside the park.
The games, dumplings, and ice cream make this attraction worthwhile (especially for those who don’t speak the language!) and the whole experience memorable.
Hours:
Open 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily (last entrance at 9:00 pm), every day
Admission price:
Passport tickets cost 3,500 yen for adults and 2,800 yen for children. Passport ticket holders get to enjoy all Nanja games and attraction.
You can also just buy an entrance ticket and pay for attractions individually – adults 500 yen and children 300 yen.
How to get there
Namja Town is situated on the second floor of the World Import Mart Building (part of the Sunshine City Complex) in Ikebukuro (JR Yamanote Train Line).
Further Information
Namja Town website: https://event.bandainamco-am.co.jp/namja/en/
For even more theme park options, see our page on amusement parks in Tokyo.
Department Store Play Centers
On the upper floors of many department stores, you’ll find small merry-go-rounds etc suitable for the under 5’s. The rides cost between 50 and 100 yen a time. Odakyu Halc department store and Isetan, which are both in Shinjuku, have play areas on their roofs.
Game Centers in Tokyo
For older kids, Sega Joypolis in Odaiba (Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station) is a fun theme park for game enthusiasts.
Hours:
Open 10:00am to 11:00pm.
Admission price:
General admission is 800 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.
They have a passport ticket which includes entrance and unlimited rides for 4,500 yen for adults and 3,500 for kids.
Further Information
Tokyo Joypolis (in English)
Zoos and Aquariums in Tokyo
Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is famous for Giant Pandas, but if you’re not keen on animals in cages it’s best avoided.
Hours:
Open: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (tickets sold until 4:00 pm) from Tuesday to Sunday
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if this is a national holiday).
Admission price:
Adults 600 yen, students 200 yen, and children (below 2 years old) enter free
How to get there
The zoo is inside Ueno Park. Take the JR Yamanote Line to JR Ueno Station.
Website / Further Information:
Sunshine Aquarium (and Planetarium)
This Aquarium features an oasis of sea and ocean animals, is located at the rooftop (tenth floor) of the World Import Mart building in Ikebukuro (part of the Sunshine City Complex). Visitors can enjoy a highly immersive experience as they are greeted by beautifully crafted marine designs and state-of-the-art aquariums. The Aquarium boasts 80 tanks that hold about 750 different species of marine creatures from jellyfish and tortoises to seals and penguins. Overall, the marine shows coupled with exhibitions of marine life appeal to both children and adults alike.
Hours:
Open: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, daily
Admission Price:
Adults: 2,200 yen
Children (elementary and junior high school): 1,200 yen
Under 4 years: 700 yen
Further Information
See our section on “Ikebukuro” or the Sunshine City web site for details.
How to get there
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro Station and then follow the signs to Sunshine City.
Google map link:
https://goo.gl/maps/D21LexoKaNP2
Sightseeing Around Tokyo
Tokyo Tower
Just like its famous Paris counterpart, Tokyo Tower stands magnificently in the middle of the metropolis. A spectacular structure in the day and even more so at night, from the observation deck you have a breathtaking view of temples, parks, and buildings all in one.
The viewing decks are spacious and well-kept, and staff are also very accommodating. Aside from the view, most visitors commend the pace for being spotlessly clean. All these plus a cafe and shops make Tokyo Tower definitely worth your while.
Hours:
Open: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm for main deck (150 meters)
9:00 am – 10:45 pm for top deck (250 meters).
Admission Price:
Main deck: Adults 900 yen, Junior and High School Students 500 yen, Children (4’s and older) 400 yen.
Top deck: Adults 2,800 yen, Junior and High School Students 1,800 yen, Children (4’s and older) 1,200 yen.
Further Information:
Website: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en.html]
How to get there
The nearest station is Kamiyacho which is on the Hibiya Subway Line.
See our section on the Tokyo Tower for more information.
Map link:
https://goo.gl/maps/nZajqCihcYN2
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
For a fantastic view of Tokyo and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji, go up to the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku.
Admission:
Entrance is free.
Hours:
Open: 09:30am – 05:30pm (07:30 pm on weekends); Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday was a public holiday), also December 29th -31st, and January 2nd to 3rd inclusive.
How to get there
Leave Shinjuku Station via the West Exit.
Bullet Trains (“Shinkansen”)
For a close-up look at the bulllet train, from the Shinkansen Ticket Office in Tokyo Station you can buy a special “niujyoken” platform ticket (pronounced: “new-joe-ken”). The ticket costs 130 yen and allows you onto the platform for up to 2 hours.
Tsukiji Market (*Moved: now Toyosu Market)
For Japanese food lovers, perhaps one interesting way to enjoy sushi and sashimi is through its source. Tsukiji Fish market is in every travel book in Japan and thus, a must-see. It was dubbed the “inner market” and was best known for its tuna auctions until October 2018 when it closed down. Now renamed to Toyosu Market and located in a different site, it still hosts many of the original shops and restaurants.
The market is free to enjoy by tourists, however there are paid guided tours if you want to know more about the market and its history. To learn about art of sushi-making, you can take short workshops on this in one of the restaurants in the market.
Best Museums for Kids in Tokyo
The Science Museum
The Science Museum in Kitano Maru Park has all kinds of interactive activities and is fun for the whole family. Although it’s been sold as ‘Japanese language only’, pamphlets are available in English, as well as some displays. This is a favorite among kids interested in science.
Hours:
Open: 9:30 am to 4:50 pm
Closed: There are specific days when the museum is closed and these are plotted in advance until 2020 and is available at http://www.jsf.or.jp/guide/guide/
Admission Price:
Adults 720 yen, Junior high school and high school students 410 yen, Children (4 and over) 260 yen, 3’s and below as well as 65s enter for free.
Group discount is available.
Further Information:
Website: www.jsf.or.jp/eng/
How to get there:
The nearest station is Kudanshita (Hanzomon Line, Shinjuku Line and the Tozai subway line).
Railway Museum
At the Railway Museum, you can climb in and out of various engines and carriages and have a go at driving your own train through simulated Tokyo.
The museum is located outside of Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture. Take the train to Omiya station, then the Shuttle from JR Omiya Station and get off at “Tetsudo-Hakubutsukan Station”. The museum is a one-minute walk from “Tetsudo-Hakubutsukan Station”.
Admission is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for elementary, junior high and high school students.
Further information is available on their website: www.railway-museum.jp or you can download their English museum guide here: http://www.railway-museum.jp/pdf/flmap_eng.pdf
Related: Check out our list of Tokyo Museums
Best Places in Tokyo to Shop with Kids
Toy shops
Kiddyland in Harajuku (http://www.kiddyland.co.jp/en/stores.html) and Hakuhinkan Toy Park (http://www.hakuhinkan.co.jp/guide_en.html) in Ginza are two of the best toy shops in Tokyo.
Insider Tip: If you miss the toy shops in Tokyo, Hakuhinkan have smaller shop locations at the major airports in Tokyo.
Fashion and Clothes Shops
Older kids who are into Japanese fashion will likely want to visit takeshita dori in Harajuku. It gets crowded on the weekends here, but there’s also more interesting fashions to photograph!
Electronics, Games and Collectables
Akihabara, Tokyo’s nexus for Otaku goods and electronics, should rank high on any must-visit list for kids who are into video games, collectables, anime or manga.
Best Family Day Trips from Tokyo
Monkey Park at Mount Takao
Inside the Monkey Park the monkeys are roaming round free! (Very small children may be terrified). Open 10am to 4:00 pm. Adults: 400 yen. Children (4 years and under): 200 yen.
How to get there
Mount Takao is situated approximately 50 minutes to the west of Tokyo. From Shinjuku Station take the Keio Line Express Train to Takao San Guchi Station and then take either the cable car or the chair lift.
More details can be found on their website: https://www.takaotozan.co.jp/ (in English)
Hours:
The park is open all-year-round but opening times vary:
December to February: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
March and April: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
May to November: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Admission Price:
Entry to the park is 420 yen for adults.
Further Information
You may follow this link https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3029.html for further information
Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/vtDsJQ6HNvB2
Related: 8 Best Places to Hike Near Tokyo
Odaiba
Odaiba can be a fun day trip – first a ride on the Yurikamome Monorail then the world’s largest Ferris wheel (Daikanransha in Japanese). It is open from 10:00am to 10:00pm and until 11:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Japanese public holidays. The price is 900 yen per person (over 4 years of age). The Yurikamome monorail starts at Shimbashi Station (JR Yamanote Line).
Best Multi-Day Excursions from Tokyo with Kids
Hakone
About 100 kms away from the busy capitol stands Hakone, a beautiful countryside popular among local and international visitors. Mesmerizing views of nature along with contemporary museums would surely capture you and your kids’ hearts when you visit this truly unique Japanese destination.
When you go to Hakone, a dose of hiking should be a must in your itinerary. Marvel at the sight of greenery as you hike the trails of Japanese mountains. Don’t worry about where you’re heading. You can simply hop on and off train stations and you’d find yourself following a trail that could lead you to a surprising view of the mountains or picturesque trees. This activity is especially fun to do in autumn since the blend of fall colors is a spectacular view to behold.
Moto Hakone
Moto Hakone is the place to see if you are craving for a view of Mt. Fuji. Along with this famous mountain, the town also has access to another famous Japanese landmark, Lake Asinoko. For starters, the giant tori gate that leads to a picture-perfect view of Lake Ashinoko is instagram-worthy. From here, you and your kids can enjoy a boat cruise and marvel at the sight of Mt. Fuji for 1000 yen. Children-friendly themed boats (swan boats and pirate ships) can be perfect for a bit of pretend game with your little ones.
Hakone Onsens (Hot Spring)
You wouldn’t want to miss out on Hakone onsens or hot spring baths if you want some rest and relaxation time for the mind and body. However, don’t just walk in into one without check out if they are child-friendly as spring baths can become crowded with too many people (the Japanese go to Hakone specifically for their traditional onsens which are best enjoyed nude). Hakone Kowakien Yunessun has a bathing suit only area and has slides for children.
Hakone Open Air Museum
If you and your children are feeling a bit artsy, you can visit the Hakone Open Air Museum where many of the world’s highly renowned artists’ masterpieces are on display. It features over-sized, outdoor exhibits that everyone of all ages can enjoy. Your children would love the fascinating interactive sculptures, too, that allow them to “play” inside massive works of art. Every single one of the outdoor installation can be a great subject of photography. It also has a fish spa (can be child-friendly, too!) and a cafe so you can relax after. Hakone Open Air Museum is accessible via train (the station is just a short walk away from the museum).
Hakone Ropeway
A fun way to tour Hakone is through the Hakone Free Pass which is composed of 5 different forms of transport (rail, bus, boat, cable car, and ropeway). Get a glimpse of the mountainside by taking a cable car ride in Hakone Ropeway which is probably the best if you want to get a birds-eye-view of the region. Starting at 840 yen for adults and 420 yen for children, passengers can enjoy the view of mountains. This is not always available, though, depending on the current geothermal activity and visibility of the area. Remember, safety first!
Kyoto
No trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to the cultural capital of Kyoto. Although the city is mostly known for its shrines and temple, recently there are more parks and museums popping up with a family focus.
Kyoto is safe to travel with children but when planning your multi-day excursion in Kyoto, it is important that you consider your child’s (or children’s) age. If you have younger children, it’s best to visit parks and museums with less crowd, which is plenty in Kyoto. For families with older children, you may opt to go for long walks or even places with more people.
Kyoto Railway Museum
Kyoto Railway Museum is definitely a hit for all little train fans. It is one of the best museums to see as it is loaded with different kinds of trains on display from early steam to local bullet trains. The whole place is massive so this is a delight for lovers of all things train. Make sure to allot half a day touring this place and put on comfortable shoes on for you will be doing a lot of walking.
Kyoto Imperial Palace and Park
The Kyoto Imperial Palace and Park has a lot of room for your kids to run around and play. The palace itself is a great subject of your family photos but it’s the park that might grab your children’s attention. As it is a popular tourist spot, make sure to be there before peak hours (10 am) so that you can take advantage of the extra space.
Kamo-gawa Riverside
Head on over to Kamo-gawa riverside if you want to enjoy a bit of a walk. There are so many places to stop by as as you walk. There are temples and shrines on your path so a great excursion for older kids. The river itself is spectacular to see. It can also be the perfect spot for a picnic after a tiring day of sight seeing.
Kyoto Botanical Garden
Aside from being huge with lots of space to walk around, Kyoto Botanical Garden will steal your hearts. The gardens are beautifully manicured. For kids, learning about each plant can be very academic, too! Different trees bloom in different months so if you want to see the Sakura’s or cherry blossoms, remember that they’re perfect in April. It is no wonder this place is popular
Top 5 Tips for Visiting Tokyo with Kids
If it’s your first trip to Japan, these 5 tips will save you a lot of headache!
1. Get a Tourist SIM.
You can purchase a tourist SIM card at the airport or at one of the big electronics shops (Yamada Denki, BIC Camera). Data-only SIMs sell for around 4000-7000 yen ($40-$70) for 3 to 10 GB.
2. Download a Trains App.
We recommend downloading the Hyperdia app to search train routes, directions, and times on your phone in English.
3. Download the Tokyo Subway Map.
Save this Tokyo Subway Map to your phone — you’ll need it! https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwaymap/
4. Purchase a Suica / PASMO.
Buy a PASMO or Suica payment card at the train station. You can use it to pay for trains (just beep in and out at the entry stalls) and even to pay for things at the convenience store. One idea is to load one up with 500 yen and give to your kid to buy (healthy!) snacks at the 7/11.
5. Visit Popular Attractions on Weekdays!
Most amusement parks and family-friendly attractions tend to be extremely crowded on weekends and holidays, and aren’t recommended. Visit during the day on weekdays instead to avoid the crowds.
More places to go with kids in Tokyo
- Best Things To Do In Tokyo With Kids: The Complete 2019 Guide
- Ueno Zoo
- Parks and Gardens in Tokyo
- Tokyo Sea Life Park
- Tokyo Fire Museum
- Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Hall (Closed)
- Tokyo Toy Museum
- Kite Museum
- Amusement Parks in Tokyo
- Harajuku Area Guide
5 comments
Hi! If you can help me decide which area to book our hotel. Shinjuku or odaiba? Our 4 day trip will be the end of June with a 5 and 10 yr old girls. A full day to tokyo disney and Sanrio puroland is a must for us. Which area is better for us?
Odaiba is less busy than Shinjuku and a little more “kid friendly” with the large shopping areas. Shinjuku is probably more convenient though. Shinjuku station can be a little intimidating at first. You just need to check the exact exit you need to use to get to your destination. Shinjuku Park is worth visiting also. Enjoy!
the monkey park is terrifying for adults!
It’s very run down, but memorable. I’ll never forget my experience there, that’s for sure.
Hey can can you email me with the new hours that the shopping store is open and Pokemon store and kids activity to do in 2016
The monkey park is a good place to have a memorable experience with your kids the moneys are very cute