Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Vlad
Look, I get it. When you’re planning a family trip to Japan, Tokyo’s the obvious choice. It’s got the name recognition, the Instagram spots, and probably features in every “Japan with Kids” blog post you’ve read.
But here’s the thing – after spending time in both cities with my family, I’m convinced Yokohama is actually the better choice for families. And no, this isn’t some hipster “I liked it before it was cool” take. It’s just better, and I’ve got the receipts to prove it.
The Space to Actually Breathe
Tokyo’s incredible, but let’s be honest – it’s also completely overwhelming. The crowds at Shibuya Crossing make great photos, but trying to navigate them with kids in tow? Not so much fun.
Yokohama gives you that proper Japanese city experience without feeling like you’re constantly swimming against a tide of humanity. The stations aren’t packed to the point where you’re worried about losing your kid in the crowd. The footpaths actually have room for a pram.
Real talk: I watched a mum spend 20 minutes just trying to get through Shibuya Station with a toddler and a pram. In Yokohama, we could actually walk at normal speed and have conversations while moving..
Your Money Goes Further (And You’ll Actually Notice)
Here’s where Yokohama really shines – your budget stretches like you wouldn’t believe compared to Tokyo.
The numbers don’t lie:
• Tokyo hotel room: ¥25,000+ per night for anything decent
• Yokohama hotel room: About ¥15,000 for the same quality
• Tokyo family restaurant meal: ¥4,000-6,000
• Yokohama family restaurant meal: ¥2,500-3,500
We’re talking about saving potentially hundreds of dollars over a week-long trip. That’s real money that can go toward more experiences, better food, or just not feeling stressed about every purchase.
Kid-Friendly Attractions That Don’t Break the Bank
Tokyo’s got some amazing family attractions, but they come with Tokyo prices and Tokyo crowds. Yokohama’s attractions are designed with families in mind and won’t require taking out a second mortgage.
Cosmo World is right there on the waterfront – massive Ferris wheel, rides for all ages, and free entry (you just pay per ride). Try finding something similar in central Tokyo for that price.
Zoorasia is hands down one of the best zoos I’ve visited anywhere. ¥800 for adults, ¥200 for kids, and it’s designed so well you could spend an entire day there without the kids getting bored.
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is where Yokohama really shows off. It’s an entire island dedicated to family fun – aquarium, amusement park, and beach all in one spot. At ¥3,000-5,000 for a full day pass, you’re getting incredible value for what’s essentially three attractions combined.
Kodomo no Kuni (Children’s Land) is exactly what it sounds like – 100 hectares of pure kid paradise. At ¥600 for adults and ¥200 for children entry fees, it’s basically pocket change for a full day of farms, playgrounds, and open space where kids can actually run around and be kids. There are plenty of free activities, although many will cost you back anywhere from ¥100 to ¥800 per ride/attraction.
Compare all of this to Tokyo Disneyland at ¥8,400 per adult and ¥4,900 per child just to get through the gate, before you’ve bought a single overpriced snack.
Want the full rundown on all these attractions and more? Check out my complete guide to family-friendly activities in Yokohama – it’s got everything you need to plan the perfect family itinerary.
The Waterfront Advantage
This is where Yokohama really shows off. The entire Minato Mirai area is like someone designed a city specifically for family photos and easy navigation.
What you get:
• Wide, pram-friendly walkways along the water
• Parks everywhere (Yamashita Park is massive and completely free)
• Views that make Tokyo look cramped
• Easy access between attractions without the underground maze navigation
The Tokyo reality: Try getting from Tokyo Disneyland to Tokyo Tower with kids and luggage. You’ll spend half your day on trains and the other half lost in underground station mazes.
Food That Kids Will Actually Eat
Don’t get me wrong – Tokyo’s food scene is incredible. But when you’re travelling with kids, “incredible” often takes a backseat to “will my child eat this without a meltdown?”
Yokohama’s got the perfect balance. You still get amazing Japanese food, but there’s also more variety and more kid-friendly options without feeling like you’re settling for tourist traps.
The Chinatown factor: Yokohama’s Chinatown is massive and gives you a completely different food experience. Kids love the energy, and there’s always something they’ll eat.
Transport That Actually Works for Families
Real talk: I watched a mum struggle for 20 minutes just trying to navigate Shibuya Station with a toddler and a pram. In Yokohama, we could actually walk at normal speed and have conversations while moving.
Tokyo’s train system is famously efficient, but it’s also famously crowded and complicated. With kids, luggage, and limited patience, complicated isn’t your friend.
Yokohama’s transport is simpler, cleaner, and you can actually get seats. The stations are designed better for families – less underground maze, more straightforward navigation.
Game changer: Many Yokohama stations have family-friendly facilities that Tokyo stations just don’t prioritise. Baby changing rooms, family bathrooms, and actual space to manoeuvre with a pram.
The Cultural Experience You Actually Came For
Here’s something that might surprise you – Yokohama often feels more authentically Japanese than tourist-heavy parts of Tokyo.
In Tokyo’s main tourist areas, you’re constantly surrounded by other tourists. In Yokohama, you’re more likely to be the only Western family in a restaurant or attraction. Your kids get to see how Japanese families actually spend their time, not just the tourist version.
The local factor: Japanese families choose Yokohama for day trips and holidays. That should tell you something.
Better Weather (Sort Of)
Okay, this one’s a stretch, but the waterfront location does make Yokohama feel less stuffy in summer and the sea breeze is genuinely refreshing. Every little bit helps when you’re managing cranky kids in 35-degree heat.
The Sweet Spot of Convenience
Yokohama gives you the best of both worlds – proper Japanese city experience without the overwhelming intensity of Tokyo, but you’re still only 30 minutes away if you want that Tokyo hit.
Day trip strategy: Stay in Yokohama, do day trips to specific Tokyo attractions, then retreat back to your more relaxed base. Your stress levels (and your budget) will thank you.
But What About the Famous Tokyo Stuff?
Look, I’m not saying skip Tokyo entirely. Tokyo Disneyland, Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing – they’re all worth experiencing.
But for your base? For where you sleep, eat most meals, and spend downtime? Yokohama wins hands down for families.
The honest truth: Most of Tokyo’s “must-see” attractions can be done as day trips from Yokohama. But Yokohama’s family-friendly infrastructure can’t be replicated with a day trip to Tokyo.
The Bottom Line
Choosing Yokohama over Tokyo for families isn’t about being different for the sake of it. It’s about having a better holiday.
More space, better value, easier navigation, and attractions designed with families in mind. You still get the full Japanese experience, but without the constant stress of managing kids in one of the world’s busiest cities.
Your kids will be happier, you’ll be less stressed, and your budget will survive the trip.
Sometimes the “obvious” choice isn’t actually the best choice. Yokohama is proof of that.
Have you been to Yokohama with kids? Or are you team Tokyo all the way? Let me know in the comments – I’m prepared to defend this hill!