Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Tokyo

Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, is one of the most visited places in the world. From ancient Buddhist shrines to neon-lit futuristic neighborhoods, this city offers diverse experiences wherever you go. You can even stray away from the regular touristy activities to do quirky and unusual things here, such as visiting the iconic maid cafes.

Likewise, you will find the best family-friendly things to do in Tokyo. There are many themed parks and wonderlands to take your kids to. In addition, you can learn about Japanese culture and history with your little ones in Tokyo’s museums. Overall, your vacation will be a one-of-a-kind experience you will never forget.

Also Read:

• Best Day Trips from Tokyo
• Four Days in Tokyo Itinerary
• Top Romantic Restaurants In Tokyo

Learn About Japanese Culture at Meiji Shrine

• Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Google Map
• Opening Hours: From Sunrise to Sunset
• Entry Fee: Free Entry

Start your Tokyo family vacation with a trip to the iconic Meiji Shrine. This is one of Japan’s oldest temples, built in 1920 to commemorate the late Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine is surrounded by hundreds of thousands of trees donated from all over Japan. In addition, this manmade forest is self-regenerating.

This temple is open from early dawn till 6:30 PM in summer. You can easily access Meiji Shrine from Harajuku Station, Meiji-jingumae Station, Kita-sando Station, Sangubashi Station, and Yoyogi Station. In addition, it is best to visit in the mornings to avoid crowds and enjoy the fresh air.

You can stroll around the temple premises and garden with your kids. Look inside the Meiji Jingu Museum to learn about Tokyo’s history and arts. While the shrine doesn’t have an entrance fee, the museum charges ¥1,000 for adults and ¥900 for younger visitors.

Spot Your Favorite Animals at Ueno Zoological Gardens

• Address: 9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
• Entry Fee: ¥600 (Adults), ¥200 (Students), Free (Children 0-12)

One can never go wrong with zoos when it comes to children. It is one of the best things to do in Tokyo with kids. Did you know Ueno Zoological Gardens house giant pandas? These cute bears are rare and not easily found in the world.

This zoo’s first panda bears arrived from China in 1972. It also provides sanctuary to 3,000 animals of 300 different species. Visitors will find this diverse wildlife in the Gorilla Woods, Tiger Forest, Small Mammal House, the Vivarium, and Shinobazu Pond.

Ueno Zoological Gardens’ east area houses Asian elephants, snow owls, otters, sacred ibises, prairie dogs, harbor seals, and South American tapirs. Likewise, the west area is home to pandas, giraffes, black rhinos, hippos, green iguanas, Japanese pond turtles, and goats. After exploring the zoo, have a family picnic at Ueno Park while watching cherry blossom.

Learn a Thing or Two at the Tokyo Samurai Museum

• Address: 1 Chome-8-13, Nishi Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Social Media: Official Instagram, Official Website

A simple museum tour could be boring to kids. So, let’s amp up their mood by visiting the Tokyo Samurai Museum in Nishi Asakusa. This establishment provides more than a historical stroll; it lets you make your ninja or samurai dreams come true. You can dress in traditional samurai armor and take pictures.

The museum also offers ninja experiences where you will engage in various interactive activities. Dress in a ninja’s black uniform and learn secret moves with your master. In addition, visitors can have a ninja star-throwing competition with their family and friends. Or, you can find out who can blow darts into the target with a ninja blowgun.

The Samurai Museum has exhibited many historical samurai armor and ancient ninja tools. Each exhibition tells a unique story that is worth hearing. This museum also provides expert guides who tell visitors about the artifacts.

Feel Small Next to Tokyo Skytree

• Address: Sumida, Tokyo; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
• Entry Fee: Combo Ticket: ¥2,700

Whenever you find a Tokyo guidebook, it often has pictures of a giant tower. That is Tokyo Skytree, a 634-meter observation deck with 450 floors in Sumaida, Tokyo. Those afraid of heights can only reach the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck on floor 350 and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views.

If fearless, go to the highest Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria, on floor 450. You will see the entire Tokyo City via a glass tube and feel like walking in the sky. This floor is also perfect for taking commemorative photographs.

Visitors can also enjoy fine dining at Sky Restaurant 634 on floor 345. It is only open during dinner hours, from 5:30 to 10 PM. This establishment is perfect for couples who want to enjoy a candlelit dinner. Finally, you can visit Skytree Cafe 340 on floor 350 and enjoy shopping in Skytree shops on the first, fifth, and 345 floors.

Explore Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Odaiba

• Address: Tokyo Bay, Japan; Google Map
• Kid-Friendly Activities: Toy shopping, Drive Mini Cars, Visit Museums
• Places To Visit: Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Joypolis, Tokyo Trick Art Museum

The man-made island of Odaiba is a fascinating place in itself. Located on Tokyo Bay and across the Rainbow Bridge, this district offers shopping, sightseeing, photography, and dining experiences. In addition, it is a perfect place to take your kids on a trip.

Initially, Odaiba housed an entertainment complex, Odaiba Palette Town. It was home to Japan’s biggest Daikanransha Ferris Wheel. Moreover, the complex also housed a car theme park, Mega Web, which offered visitors a test drive on the latest car model. Kids could also ride go-carts and mini-cars.

Palette Town also had the Mori Building Digital Art Museum, which provided a three-dimensional art world. However, the Palette Town was closed in 2022 for redevelopment. On the other hand, the Mori Building Digital Art Museum has reopened as teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza.

While you can’t visit Palette Town, you can explore other family-friendly options, such as Madame Tussauds Tokyo, Tokyo Joypolis, Tokyo Trick Art Museum, and Odaiba Kaihin Koen. Also, don’t forget to take pictures in front of the giant Gundam robot.

Hop On Thrilling Rides at Tokyo Disneyland

• Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
• Entry Fee: ¥7,900 – ¥10,900

Looking for fun things to do with family in Tokyo? Then, Tokyo Disneyland must be your destination. Most of you must already be familiar with this theme park, which has branches in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and the USA. The Tokyo branch strives to provide visitors with unique experiences with its new additions.

Kids will have their hands full in Disneyland. There are many kid-friendly rides in Fantasyland, such as Alice’s Tea Party, Castle Carrousel, Snow White’s Adventures, Dumbo The Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey. Furthermore, Toontown is another kid’s favorite, along with Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Donald’s Boat, and Toon Park.

Visitors can hop on an omnibus and tour the World Bazaar with their families. They can also board the Western River Railroad to explore Adventureland. Other activities include jungle cruising across the Adventureland, sailing with Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, exploring Swiss Family Treehouse, and watching shows at Country Bear Theater.

See What the Fuss is All About Disney Sea

• Address: 1-13 Maihama Urayasu, Chiba 279-8511, Japan; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
• Entry Fee: ¥9,900

Let’s be honest: a day at Tokyo Disneyland is never enough. If you want to explore more, head to Tokyo Disney Sea at the Tokyo Disney Resort. Although this sea-themed park is more for adult visitors, it has many kid-friendly activities.

You will start your journey at the Mediterranean Harbor, which features water fountains and Venice-style canals. From there, you will reach the science fiction-themed Mysterious Island, where tourists can board one of Captain Nemo’s submarines and explore the waters.

Next is the kids’ favorite Mermaid Lagoon, the house of Ariel and her fish friends. This port of call has many rides and family-friendly shows. Moreover, tourists will explore the 1001 Arabian Nights-themed Arabian Coast and Lost River Delta. Finally, they can check out from Port Discovery, ending this fantastic DisneySea journey.

Cosplay as Ninjas at Edo Wonderland

• Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2524, Japan; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Entry Fee: ¥5,800

Japanese Samurai culture dates back to the 12th century when samurai rose as warriors and powerful military nobility. They led their lives following seven Bushido principles. Although no samurai exist today, you will find their lifestyle traces in many Japanese cities, including Tokyo.

EDO Wonderland pays homage to the ancient samurai and ninja culture and the Edo period. This theme park will take visitors back several decades when ninjas and samurai ruled. Tourists will come across many actors cosplaying as ancient townspeople. They can even rent a dress and explore the town like them.

This park also offers children Edo occupation experience, Special ninja joint training, Ninja shikake mechanical maze, and Shuriken dojo training. These activities cost between ¥600 and ¥700 and are worth the money. Overall, EDO Wonderland will be a fruitful expedition for visitors.

Enter the World of Lego at Legoland Discovery Center

• Address: Japan, 〒135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 1 Chome−6−1, Google Map
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Entry Fee: ¥2,250

Did you grow up playing Legos? They were a favorite toy among kids some generations ago and even today. To bring that childhood nostalgia back, visit Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo. This place has eleven family attractions for kids and adults.

First, you must visit Legoland’s Miniland, built from 1.5 million bricks. Then, move forward to save the captured princess on the Kingdom Quest. Our next stop will be the Lego Factory, where you will help Professor Brick-a-Brack build some bricks. Afterward, it’s a 4D cinema experience at the Lego Cinema Hall.

Nearby family-friendly attractions include Lego Ninjago City Adventure, Merlin’s Apprentice, Duplo Village, and Lego Racers. After a day-long expedition, you can fill your belly at Legoland Discovery Center Cafe and buy souvenirs from the Lego Shop.

Take a Break From the City to Mt. Fuji

• Address: Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0112; Google Map
• Climbing Season: From Early July To Mid-September
• Things To Do: Mountain Climbing, Hiking, Sightseeing, Safari

Family-friendly activities are not only about playing and exploring theme parks; they should also contain healthy things, such as a hiking expedition to Mt. Fuji. It is only 100 km from Tokyo and will be a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustling scene.

Mount Fuji is a perfect mountain for hiking with kids. It’s a little challenging, but it’s a safe route. Children won’t even feel much tired looking at the gorgeous panoramic views. Furthermore, you can go camping and fishing in Fuji Five Lakes.

Other family-friendly things include visiting the Mount Fuji Museum, Imamiya Tea Plantation, Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, and Iwamotayama Park. For thrill lovers, Mt. Fuji has Fuji-Q Highland and Fuji Speedway. Also, don’t forget to stop for photos at Fujikawa Parking Downline.

Tokyo is a family-friendly destination that offers many fun things to do with kids. After a day of activities, you can stay with your family at one of our recommended places here. In our blog, you will find everything from budget-friendly to luxurious hotels with pools and playgrounds.

It is best to have a family vacation during the warm spring season in March and April or cool autumn from September to November. Avoid the summer months (June to August), when the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter (December to February), when the temperature falls to 6 degrees Celsius.