Tokyo for
Families
While Tokyo seems more like an adult’s playground, kids have lots to get excited about, including fascinating museums, vibrant theme parks, and fun festivals. For a breath of fresh air, head out of the metropolis to try outdoor activities in the lakes and mountains of inland Japan.
t Glowing paper lanterns at a summer festival at Yasukuni Shrine
Games Galore
For some raucous fun that’s also a quintessential Tokyo experience, explore one of the city’s many arcades. Video games, prize machines, photo booths – these entertainment centers will provide hours of fun for kids of any age. For the best of the best, nothing beats SEGA Joypolis in Odaiba (tokyo-joypolis.com), a cross between an arcade and a theme park which has everything from the typical rhythm games and crane machines to anime-themed attractions and virtual reality rollercoasters. Make a day of it in Odaiba by visiting the giant Gundam robot statue and enjoying the view from the Giant Sky Wheel ferris wheel.
Museums They’ll Love
Among Tokyo’s many and varied museums, there are plenty which encourage kids to get involved with hands-on exhibits. At the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku you can wander through reconstructed streets from Tokyo’s past, while the Miraikan takes you into the city’s future with robot demonstrations and a focus on science and technology. For some cartoon magic come to life, the Ghibli Museum immerses visitors in the worlds of classic anime films including My Neighbor Totoro and Castle in the Sky.
Culture for Kids
Japanese summer matsuri (festivals) tend to be bright, high-energy events, with traditional customs such as dances and parades in addition to street food and fireworks displays. Dress in yukata (cotton kimono) for the full matsuri experience. Whatever time of year you visit, a soak in an onsen (hot springs) is a delight after a long day. In Tokyo, Oedo Onsen Monogatari (daiba.ooedoonsen.jp) makes a good introduction, but there are more authentic options in Hakone.
Grand Days Out
While there are other Disney resorts in the world, the one in Tokyo is a real must see, with rides, parades, and characters exclusive to Japan. If you’d rather avoid the entry fees, head to Yokohama for the day instead. The relaxed, international feel of this city makes an interesting contrast to Tokyo, and kids will love riding the ferris wheel and trying panda-shaped steamed buns in Chinatown. The Fuji Five Lakes are another great option, with enchanting spots to explore like the Kawaguchiko Music Forest, and lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
DISCOVER Tokyo Your Way
PARKS TO TAKE A BREAK
Inokashira Park
Go boating on the lake then visit the nearby Ghibli Museum.
Ueno Park
Wide green spaces perfect for picnics and letting off steam.
Yoyogi Park
After joining the crowds at Harajuku and Meiji Shrine, take a break in this wooded park in Shibuya.