Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids: Family Guide (2025)

Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by Vlad

If You Only Remember Three Things:

1. Don’t overschedule – 2-3 activities per day maximum
2. Always carry snacks – Konbini onigiri and Pocky will save you
3. Odaiba is your best friend – Space, attractions, and no stress

Tokyo with kids sounds chaotic, right? Crowded trains, late nights, and sushi they’ll refuse to eat. But here’s the secret – it’s actually one of the easiest and safest cities in the world to explore as a family. Once you know a few tricks, it becomes an absolute dream.

I’ll admit, before our first trip to Tokyo with the kid, I was worried. Would the little one cope with the crowds? Would he eat anything? Would we spend the whole trip chasing him through train stations? Turns out, Tokyo is one of the most kid-friendly cities we’ve visited. It’s clean, safe, organised, and has way more fun stuff for kids than you’d expect.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Tokyo with kids, based on actual experience – not just googling “family-friendly Tokyo” and hoping for the best. Bookmark this page, as it contains a lot of useful info!

Quick Planning Tips

Before we go into the fun stuff, here are the essentials for planning your Tokyo with kids adventure:

Best areas to stay with kids:

• Odaiba: Right near the attractions, lots of space, and less crowded
• Ueno: Near the zoo and park, more relaxed vibe, easy access to everything
• Asakusa: Historic vibes, low-rise buildings, feels much quieter than central Tokyo. Good train connections.
• Avoid Shinjuku: Yes, it’s a transport hub, but it’s overwhelming with kids – too crowded, too many high-rises, too much sensory overload

Accommodation types for families:

Serviced apartments with kitchenettes are a game-changer – simple breakfasts, storing snacks, heating up milk. Airbnbs can be great for space, but check the regulations (some local areas have restrictions). Hotels with connecting rooms or family suites work well too.

Getting around:

• Get a digital Suica card on your iPhone or a Welcome Suica/Pasmo Passport at the airport for adults (tourists can’t easily get physical cards anymore)
• Kids under 6 ride free – just walk them through the gates with you
• Prams work on most trains – some stations have lifts, some don’t
• Avoid peak hour (7-9am, 5-7pm) if you can
• Taxis are good, but you might need to be patient, and they can be exy

Timing tips:

• Start activities early (before crowds arrive)
• Plan downtime – don’t overschedule
• Kids get knackered faster in Tokyo (all the walking!)
• Early dinners work better (5-6pm)

Budget guide:

• Most attractions: ¥500-2,000 per person
• Disney: ¥7,000-9,000 per person (ouch)
• Meals: ¥500-1,500 per kid
• Transport: Digital Suica or Welcome Suica works everywhere, kids under 6 free

The Must-Do Attractions

These are the best places to visit in Tokyo with children – the ones that’ll keep everyone happy and create memories they’ll actually remember.

TeamLab Borderless or Planets

This is where your kids will absolutely lose their minds. Digital art installations that you walk through, touch, and interact with. It’s like being inside a kaleidoscope mixed with a video game.

Which one?

• TeamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills): Better for older kids (5+), more complex, bigger space
• TeamLab Planets: Better for younger kids (2+), you walk through water, it’s more sensory

Top tips:

• Book tickets online IN ADVANCE (they sell out, especially weekends)
• Go first thing in the morning or late afternoon (quieter)
• Wear comfortable clothes – you’ll be moving around heaps
• For Planets: You go barefoot, so no need for shoes that are easy to get on/off
• Give yourself 1.5-2 hours minimum
• Your kids won’t want to leave (fair warning)

Personal experience: My then 4year-old literally asked if we could live there forever.

Ueno Park & Zoo

Ueno Zoo is brilliant because it’s not trying to be the biggest or flashiest – it’s just a solid zoo with 2 pandas. And kids love pandas.

What to know:

• Pandas are the main drawcard (get there early for good views)
• The zoo’s split into two sections (connected by a bridge)
• Not massive – you can do it in 2-3 hours easily
• Entry is cheap (¥600 adults, free for primary school kids)
• Gets busy on weekends, go on a weekday if you can
• Visit their official English language website

The rest of Ueno Park:

• Massive playground near Shinobazu Pond (free!)
• Paddle boats (¥700 per 30 mins)
• Plenty of space to run around
• Clean toilets and change facilities

Nearby food: There’s a Starbucks in the park, or head to Ameyoko shopping street for cheap eats. Tons of places will have simple stuff kids will eat.

Odaiba

Odaiba is basically Tokyo’s gift to families. It’s a waterfront area with space (!!), attractions, shopping, and even a beach. It’s less crowded than central Tokyo and kids can actually run around without you having a heart attack. When people ask me for family-friendly Tokyo attractions, Odaiba is always top of my list.

Legoland Discovery Centre

• Indoor Lego wonderland
• Good for 3-10 year olds
• 2-3 hours is plenty
• Book online to skip queues
• ¥2,800 per person (not cheap, but they’ll love it)

The Giant (Unicorn) Gundam

• 18-metre tall robot statue
• Free to look at (and they will want to look for ages)
• The show: Performs with music and moving parts every few hours – check times online or ask at the visitor centre
• Good photo op
• Gundam Base next door if they’re into it

Odaiba Seaside Park

• Actual beach! (in Tokyo!)
• Open in summer for swimming
• Year-round for playing in sand
• View of Rainbow Bridge
• Good spot for a breather

Shopping & Facilities

• Palette Town has food courts with everything
• Clean toilets everywhere (game changer)
• Places to sit down and regroup
• Venus Fort outlet mall if you need to shop

Getting there: Take the Yurikamome line – it’s an automated train that runs above ground. Kids love sitting at the front pretending to drive.

Tokyo Disneyland vs DisneySea

Look, Disney is Disney. It’s magical, it’s exhausting, and it’s expensive. But if your kids are into it, Tokyo Disney is actually brilliant.

Quick comparison:

• Disneyland: Classic Disney, better for younger kids (under 8)
• DisneySea: More unique, better for older kids (8+) and adults

Is it worth it? Honestly? If your kids love Disney, yes. If they don’t care, save your money and spend it elsewhere. Tickets are ¥7,000-9,000 per person and you’ll easily drop another ¥5,000-10,000 on food and souvenirs.

Top tips:

• Go on a weekday if humanly possible
• Download the app and use Disney Premier Access (paid) or Standby Pass (free) for popular rides
• Bring snacks from outside (allowed!)
• Leave early afternoon when kids crash
• Accept you won’t do everything

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

This is hands down one of the best value family attractions in Tokyo, and criminally underrated. It’s not just an aquarium – it’s a proper entertainment experience that works for all ages.

Why it’s brilliant:

• The dolphin show: Absolutely worth the entry price alone. High-energy, well-choreographed, and genuinely fun for everyone. The dolphins perform tricks with music and lights – kids go mental for it. And guess what, you can watch it more than once on one ticket!
• The aquarium exhibits: Really well presented with cool lighting and interactive displays
• Surprise rides: Small rides scattered throughout that we didn’t expect – they were a huge hit with the kids
• The penguins: Adorable, and you can get quite close to watch them
• Perfect mix: Entertainment and education without feeling like a school excursion

Practical details:

• Location: Shinagawa Station (super easy to reach)
• Entry: Around ¥2,500 adults, ¥1,300 for kids (brilliant value)
• Time needed: Half day (2-3 hours)
• Best for: All ages, honestly
• Check dolphin show times when you arrive (usually every couple of hours)

Personal experience: We almost skipped this because we’d already been to aquariums, but I’m so glad we didn’t. The dolphin show was spectacular – way better than we expected. The kid loved the interactive jellyfish displays and the unexpected rides were a bonus. For the price, it’s one of the best things we did in Tokyo.

Pro tip: Go early afternoon on a weekday if you can. The dolphin show gets packed on weekends.

Sumida Aquarium

Perfect rainy day option or afternoon activity. It’s near Tokyo Skytree, but honestly, skip Skytree with little kids – observation decks are boring for them.

What’s good:

• The penguin zone is the highlight (huge tank, you can see them swimming)
• Jellyfish area is weirdly calming
• Not massive, so won’t take all day (1-1.5 hours)
• ¥2,300 adults, ¥1,100 for primary school kids
• Indoor, air-conditioned, clean toilets

The “Surprisingly Good for Kids” Section

Not everything on the typical Tokyo itinerary sounds kid-friendly, but these places actually work brilliantly with children. They’re some of the best things to do in Tokyo for families because they combine culture with fun.

Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)

I know, I know – temples with kids sounds like a nightmare. But Senso-ji actually works.

Why kids will actually love it:

• The shopping street leading up (Nakamise-dori) has tons of snacks and toys
• They can buy random trinkets with their pocket money
• Fortune telling (older kids love this) – ¥100 for a fortune
• Giant lantern at the entrance is impressive
• It’s actually quite colourful and interesting (not just a boring old building)

How to do it:

• Go early morning (before 9am) – way less crowded
• Give them a budget for the shopping street if old enough (keeps them motivated)
• Don’t spend ages at the actual temple (15-20 mins max)
• There’s a great playground nearby that most tourists miss but local families go to (Sumida Park Playground – by the river. You might end up spending heaps of time here!)

Personal experience: My kid was obsessed with the giant sandals hanging up (size 45cm apparently!). We spent 10 minutes talking about what giant person would wear them. Sometimes it’s the random stuff that gets them.

Shibuya Crossing

Kids absolutely love this. Watching thousands of people cross the street from the Starbucks above is weirdly entertaining.

How to do it:

• Go to Starbucks in Tsutaya building (2nd floor)
• Buy a drink, grab a window seat
• Watch the chaos below
• Pokemon Center is nearby (5 min walk)
• 15-30 minutes is plenty

Don’t overthink this one – it’s literally just watching people cross a street, but kids think it’s the coolest thing ever.

Harajuku

The organised chaos of Takeshita Street is actually fun with kids. They love the weird fashion, the bright colours, and most importantly – the crepes.

What to do:

• Walk down Takeshita Street (keep them close, it’s packed)
• Get a crepe (they all look insane, just pick one)
• Look at the crazy fashion and shops
• Yoyogi Park is right there if they need to burn energy
• Don’t stay too long (30-45 mins on the street, then park time)

Warning: Weekends are incredibly crowded (think shoulder-to-shoulder packed). If you can go on a weekday, do it.

Rainy Day Backup Plans

Because it will rain, and you’ll need options:

Indoor play centres:

• ASOBono (Tokyo Dome City): Massive indoor playground, ball pits, climbing stuff. ¥1,200 per kid for 30 mins (you’ll stay longer)
• Little Planet: Digital play areas in various locations, iPad games come to life

Pokemon Centers:

• Multiple locations (Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station)
• Even non-Pokemon kids find it interesting
• Free to browse
• They will want something (budget accordingly)

Sunshine City (Ikebukuro):

• Aquarium on top floor
• Indoor theme park (Namja Town)
• Pokemon Center
• Shopping and food
• Can easily spend a full day here

Tokyo Dome City:

• ASOBono play centre
• Small amusement park
• Indoors and outdoors
• Good food options

Cultural Experience – Public Baths: For families with older kids (and if everyone’s comfortable with communal bathing), a visit to an onsen or sento can be memorable. Note: Many don’t allow tattoos, and bathing etiquette is strict (wash thoroughly before entering the bath). Some hotels have family-friendly onsen facilities, or you can look for local sento (public bathhouses) in residential areas – just be aware this is more for cultural immersion than entertainment.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants & Food

Restaurants That Won’t Stress You Out

Sushi Train (Conveyor Belt Sushi):

• Genki Sushi or Kura Sushi – Multiple locations throughout Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and most major stations)
• Kids love watching the plates go by
• Order on tablets (has pictures!)
• ¥100-300 per plate
• They can pick what they want
• Low commitment – leave when you’re done

Coco Ichibanya (Curry chain):

• Kids menu available
• You pick spice level (mild for kids)
• Fast service
• ¥500-800 per person
• Multiple locations everywhere

Yoshinoya or Sukiya:

• Beef bowl chains
• Quick, cheap, filling
• ¥400-600 per person
• Kids can handle the food
• In and out in 20 minutes

Department Store Food Courts:

• Takashimaya, Isetan, any big department store
• Basement level (depachika)
• Tons of options
• Can buy bentos to go or eat there
• Something for everyone

Snacks & Treats Kids Actually Like

• Crepes (Harajuku): Insane looking, actually delicious, ¥500-800
• Taiyaki: Fish-shaped cake with filling (red bean or custard), ¥200-300
• Onigiri from konbini: Rice balls, simple, ¥120-200
• Pocky and treats from Don Quijote: Let them pick something weird
• Purikura (photo booths): Older kids and tweens love these, ¥400-600

Pro tip: Always have snacks in your bag. Konbini onigiri and Pocky have saved me multiple times when someone’s hangry.

Practical Tips for Surviving Tokyo with Kids

Visiting Tokyo with kids is way easier when you know these insider tips. Here’s what’ll actually make your life easier on the ground.

Transport

Trains with prams:

• Most lines are pram-friendly, some stations have lifts, some don’t
• Google Maps shows elevator routes (turn on accessibility)
• Foldable prams are way easier than full-size ones
• Last carriage often has more space
• People will help if you’re struggling with stairs (seriously, they will)

Priority seating:

• Available on all trains
• Use it if you need it (with young kids)
• Japanese are generally polite about giving up seats

Women-only carriages:

• During peak hours (mornings usually)
• Handy if you’re with kids and it’s packed
• Marked with pink signs

Facilities You’ll Actually Need

Change tables:

• Every department store has them (usually top floor or basement)
• Most train stations (look for the family toilet)
• Shopping centres
• Clean, some might even have free nappies and wipes

Nursing rooms:

• Common in shopping centres (malls) and department stores
• Private, clean, some have hot water for bottles
• Look for the “baby room” signs

Toilets:

• Clean public toilets EVERYWHERE
• Many have kids’ toilets (tiny toilets for toddlers – so cute)
• Always stocked with paper
• Some play music to cover sounds (yes, really)

Timing & Pacing

Don’t overschedule:

• 2-3 activities per day MAX
• Kids walk heaps in Tokyo (20,000+ steps is normal)
• They’ll hit a wall around 2-3pm
• Build in rest time at hotel or park

Playground breaks:

• Almost every park has a playground (decent, but don’t expect Aussie style playgrounds)
• Use them to burn energy between activities
• Free, and kids actually need this time

Meal timing:

• Early dinners work better (5-6pm)
• Restaurants are less crowded
• Kids aren’t overtired
• You can actually enjoy the meal

What to Pack

• Portable/foldable stroller if you have one: Much, much easier on trains
• Snacks from home for fussy eaters: Japanese snacks might not cut it
• Hand wipes: You’ll use them constantly (especially on trains)
• Change of clothes in day bag: Trust me on this
• Small toys for train rides: Keeps them quiet during longer journeys
• Reusable water bottles: Drink machines everywhere but bottles add up

The Konbini Lifesaver

Convenience stores (konbini) are absolutely brilliant with kids and deserve a special mention:

What you can get:

• Cheap, decent meals (pre-packaged sandwiches, pasta, rice balls)
• Fruit cups and healthier snacks
• Baby supplies (nappies, wipes, formula)
• ATM withdrawals (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart accept international cards)
• Hot food (fried chicken, steamed buns)
• Ice cream (obvious winner with kids)

Pro tip: Don’t feel guilty about konbini dinners. Sometimes after a big day, grabbing food from FamilyMart and eating in your hotel room is exactly what everyone needs.

Best Age-by-Activity Summary

Quick reference to help you plan based on your kids’ ages:

Activity	Toddlers (1-4)	Primary (5-10)	Tweens/Teens (11+)
TeamLab Planets	✅	✅	✅
Disneyland	✅	✅	✅
Ueno Zoo	✅	✅	—
Harajuku	—	✅	✅
Odaiba	✅	✅	✅
Temples (Senso-ji)	—	✅	✅

Age-Specific Recommendations

Toddlers (1-4 years)

Best activities:

• Parks and playgrounds (Ueno, Yoyogi, local parks)
• Odaiba beach area
• Aquariums (Maxell Aqua Park, Sumida, Sunshine City)
• TeamLab Planets (sensory experience)

Skip these:

• Long temple visits (they won’t appreciate it)
• Shopping districts (boring for them)
• Tokyo Skytree (waste of money with toddlers)
• DisneySea (too advanced, go to Disneyland if you must)

Primary Age (5-10 years)

Best activities:

• TeamLab (either one)
• Disney (they’ll love it)
• Maxell Aqua Park (dolphin show is a winner)
• Pokemon Center
• Arcades (quick visits)
• Shibuya Crossing
• Making their own food choices

Can handle:

• Short temple visits (30 mins max)
• Kid-friendly museums
• Some cultural stuff if you make it interactive
• Longer train rides

Tweens/Teens (11+)

Best activities:

• TeamLab (they’ll actually appreciate the art)
• Harajuku (fashion, culture, people watching)
• Manga shops and anime stores (Akihabara)
• Arcades (can spend hours)
• Purikura photo booths

They might actually enjoy:

• Some cultural experiences (temples, shrines)
• Food adventures (trying new things)
• Independence (give them a budget, meet back later)
• DisneySea over Disneyland

Day Trip Options

If you’ve got time, these are brilliant with kids:

Yokohama (30 mins from Tokyo)

• Cup Noodles Museum
• Cosmo World (small theme park)
• Chinatown (food adventures)
• Red Brick Warehouse
• Less crowded than Tokyo, more space for kids

Kodomonokuni (40 mins from Tokyo)

• Massive park designed specifically for kids
• Farm animals, roller slides, pedal boats
• Pools in summer
• Perfect for a full day
• One of the best-kept secrets for families near Tokyo

Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea

• Technically in Chiba (about 30 mins from Tokyo Station)
• Full day commitment
• See Disney section above

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t do these:

• Overplanning your days: Kids can’t handle temple-shopping-museum-dinner marathons
• Only doing “kid” stuff: Mix in some cultural experiences, they might surprise you
• Assuming they won’t like Japanese food: Many kids love sushi, ramen, and onigiri (rice balls)
• Forgetting snacks: Hangry kids in Tokyo = nightmare
• Visiting during peak hours: Packed trains with kids is hell, avoid 7-9am and 5-7pm

Do this instead:

• Plan 2-3 things per day, maximum
• Include at least one cultural/educational thing
• Let them try new foods (have backups)
• Always carry snacks and water
• Time activities for off-peak

Navigating & Language Tips

Google Maps: Essential, but sometimes the pin is slightly off. Look at the building photos in Google Maps or use the Japan Travel app by Navitime for better accuracy on specific locations (available on the Apple Store and Google Play).

Are there English signs everywhere? Yes – Tokyo’s public transport, attractions, and major restaurants have excellent English signage. Even when staff don’t speak English, you’ll get by easily with gestures and translation apps. Train stations announce stops in English, and most tourist areas have bilingual signs.

The Point & Smile Method: Don’t stress about the language barrier. A smile, a point, and “kore, onegaishimasu” (this, please) will get you everything you need. Many places have plastic food models or picture menus – just point at what looks good.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary with Kids

Day 1: Culture & Fun Mix

• Morning: Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise shopping street (8:30-10:30am)
• Lunch: Sushi train (conveyor belt sushi) in Asakusa
• Afternoon: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (dolphin show + exploring) OR Sumida Aquarium OR rest at hotel
• Evening: Early dinner in area, rest

Day 2: Full Day Adventure

• All day: Tokyo Disneyland OR DisneySea
• Take it easy, leave by 3-4pm before complete meltdown
• Early dinner, early bed

Day 3: Modern Tokyo

• Morning: TeamLab (first session, 9am if possible)
• Lunch: Food court at Odaiba
• Afternoon: Odaiba exploring (beach, Gundam, Legoland if time/budget)
• Evening: Relax at accommodation, maybe konbini dinner (they’ll love picking stuff)

Day 4 (Optional): Day Trip to Yokohama

• Morning: Train to Yokohama (30 mins from Tokyo)
• Late morning: Cup Noodles Museum (kids make their own cup noodles)
• Lunch: Yokohama Chinatown (easy food options kids will eat)
• Afternoon: Cosmo World (small theme park with Ferris wheel) or Red Brick Warehouse area
• Evening: Return to Tokyo for dinner

This gives you the best of both cities without feeling rushed. See our full Yokohama with kids guide for more details.

Bottom Line

Tokyo with kids is way easier than you think. The city’s clean, safe, organised, and has more family-friendly stuff than you can possibly fit in one trip. Whether you’re looking for the best places to visit in Tokyo with children or just want to survive without losing your mind, the key is simple: don’t try to do everything.

The key is pacing yourself. Don’t try to see everything. Pick a few highlights, throw in some playground time, let them eat crepes, and accept that they’ll probably remember the giant Pikachu at the Pokemon Center more than any temple.

And honestly? That’s completely fine. You’re making memories, not ticking boxes.

Looking for more family-friendly content in Japan? Check out these guides:

• Best Family-Friendly Activities in Yokohama
• Kodomonokuni: The Best Family Day Out Near Tokyo
• What is Taiyaki? (That fish-shaped cake the kids will love)
• Japanese Convenience Stores Guide (Your survival tool)

---

Got questions about visiting Tokyo with kids? What worked for you? Drop a comment below!