Tokyo itinerary with kids
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This Tokyo itinerary with kids includes the perfect mix of sightseeing, interactive experiences, fun and mayhem for the whole family to enjoy!
Japan is not the place to ‘wing it’. So many activities and attractions require advance booking, especially if you have a larger group. So come prepared and have the best time with no aimless wandering or denial of entry.
Day 1: Harajuku and Shibuya
Rainbow food, 3D coffee art, cuddle a piglet, fill up on 105 yen sushi plates
Jump into the thick of it and start your Tokyo itinerary with kids in the busiest area of Tokyo. Best to do this day during the week if possible! Also, this is a good one to split into two days if you have time or another day on the itinerary doesn’t interest you.
- Start the day at Meiji Shrine
- Refresh with 3D coffee at Cafe Reissue
- Tackle Takeshita Street and all its quirkiness
- Eat a human-sized cotton candy or a crepe filled with cheesecake
- Feed a hedgehog or cuddle a pig at a cafe
- Enjoy lunch at a sushi conveyor belt restaurant or fishing restaurant
- Survive Shibuya Scramble
- Delight over Shibuya Sky views
Meiji Shrine
Visit Meiji Shrine early to beat the crowds (especially if you are an early riser or suffering jet lag). The shrine opens with the sunrise and closes with the sunset. It’s a great addition to a Tokyo itinerary with kids as it’s full of culture but mostly outdoors for energetic kids.
Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the deity Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. Meiji-Jinju is the largest shrine in Tokyo. The Shrine was built in 1920 but was destroyed in World War II and then rebuilt.
The shrine has a beautiful meandering path through the forest, which is the relaxation you need before tackling the busy Harajuku area.
Remember to walk on the edges of the path and not in the middle. The middle is for the gods only. If you wish to read up on Shrine etiquette before a visit, a great resource is the Matcha website.
The path is quite long to Meiji so little kids may wish to be carried, or there is also a paved footpath on the edges that would facilitate a pram. Best to do this at the start of the day when the kids are full of energy!
Yoyogi park is directly next door, so if your kids need to blow off some steam, take them for a run or a bike ride in the park. Read my Tokyo article on how to rent bikes.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free (although you may want to throw a coin in to pray)
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Access: Meiji Shrine is only a one-minute walk from Harajuku Station
Cafe Reissue
By now the kids’ little legs need a break and you need some caffeine, so visit Cafe Reissue in Harajuku. It’s a 10-minute walk from Meiji.
Cafe Reissue is the place for 3D coffee art. Choose the cutest designs such as bunnies or Pikachu and then put your order in. It takes a while, but I wouldn’t expect anything less, so it’s a great opportunity to relax. You have to order some food for the table, so cakes are a good option.
You can’t make a reservation here, so it’s best to get there as close to 10 am as possible to avoid lining up. Also, it’s on the second floor, so look up when you’re trying to find it!
Hours: 10am to 7pm (closed Mondays)
Cost: Drinks with latte art such as hot chocolate, honey latte, or vanilla latte cost 1200 yen (before tax). Regular coffee costs 500 yen. A cheesecake plate costs 600 yen.
Reservation: You can’t reserve a spot, so get there early (10am) or be prepared to wait.
Address: 3 Chome-25-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Access: Cafe Reissue is around a 9-minute walk from Harajuku Station
Takeshita Street
Eat some crepes or buy some high-soled shoes on Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street is just 400 metres long but full of chaos, colour and fun. The entrance to Takeshita Street is just two minutes from Cafe Reissue, so go there straight after your 3D latte. It really opens up at 11am and that’s the quietest time so I recommend going then to avoid overwhelm and long lines.
This is really a place for eating colourful snacks and shopping. For snacking, try a crepe filled with everything! Or a huge cotton candy, rainbow corndog, or even a poop ice cream.
Don’t photograph people
You’ll likely see some interesting outfits and incredible fashion in Harajuku, but please remember not to photograph anyone other than yourselves.
For shopping, there are many accessories, clothes, cosplay and souvenir shops, all with a quirky twist. There is also a three-storey Daiso, (100 yen shop). It’s like a dollar store and has many great finds inside.
If you want some reasonably priced sneakers because your feet are sore already right? Visit Sketchers just outside Takeshita Street. They have some unique and fun designs I haven’t seen in other stores outside Tokyo.
Need a breather?
If Takeshita Street is so busy you need a quick escape, take a turn next to Marion Crepes, and you’ll see some stairs and a Tori Gate. Take a stroll under the gate (don’t forget to bow) and you will find a shrine and a koi pond. Great for a breather to escape the crowds.
Hours: 11am to 8pm
Cost: Free to wander
Address: 1-chōme Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Access: Takeshita Street is a one-minute walk from Harajuku Station
Hedgehog or micro pig cafe
If you love cuddly animals, add animal cafes to your Tokyo itinerary with kids. Both these ‘cafes’ are known for taking good care of the animals and ensuring they have adequate rest time in between cuddles.
Harry the Hedgehog Cafe is just around the corner from Takeshita Street, literally a two-minute walk. Read more about this cafe in our Tokyo article.
Mipig Cafe – you must reserve!
You must reserve a spot in advance to enter the Mipig Cafe. It’s always busy, so you’ll be disappointed if you expect to walk in. Line up out the front from your allotted time and be prepared to show your tickets.
The Mipig Cafe is just behind Takeshita Street, so it makes sense to go here next. You can book from 30 min to one-hour time slots online at their website or via Klook. The Klook options include a one-hour session with free drinks and a donut. It’s possible to reserve a private room to enjoy your piggy friends in peace.
The pigs are very cute and you cannot pick them up, but they will gladly come and take a comfy place on your lap, then refuse to leave! They are extraordinarily friendly.
It’s also shoes off, so wear your good socks. You’ll leave all your belongings in a locker and sanitise your hands before meeting the pigs. It’s best you don’t take your bags with you as the pigs like to chew on whatever they find!
Hours: 10am to 8pm
Cost: 4,500 for one hour package on Klook, 1,760 yen for half an hour on their website direct, or you can book a private room plan with different costs depending on time.
Address: Barubizon1F, 1-15-4, Jingumae, Shibuya Ku, Tokyo To, 150-0001, Japan
Access: Mipig is three minute walk from Harajuku Station
Shibuya Scramble and Shibuya Sky
Okay, get ready for it! Time to visit Shibuya Scramble and cross the busiest intersection in the world with approximately 2,500 people crossing each time the light changes.
You can also get a great view from the Starbucks looking down into the crossing, or from the above walkway of the train station.
If you’d rather watch from 299 metres above as thousands of tiny people cross the street, get a ticket for Shibuya Sky and bask in its incredible views across Tokyo. Unlike other viewing platforms in Tokyo, this one is outside, so best enjoyed on a sunny day or clear evening.
Shibuya Sky often has events and also exhibitions to explore, so check out their events listing before planning your visit.
Hours: 10am to 10:30pm
Cost: If you plan on doing a bunch of activities, I suggest you get a Tokyo Pass as Shibuya Sky is included. You can buy it here on Klook for 4,900 for two attractions choosing from Disneyland, TeamLab Planets and more. This pass offers up to 48% discount and saves time! Or if you just want a Shibuya Sky ticket, you can buy it on Klook for 1,800 yen.
Address: Shibuya Scramble Square, 2-chōme-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-6145
Access: It’s a 23-minute walk or a one-stop train ride from Harajuku to Shibuya Station. Pay attention to your exit (East) as specified by google maps as you leave the station in Shibuya, it can get hectic.
Where to eat with kids in Harajuku and Shibuya
Peanuts Cafe – Snoopy’s Sunny Side Kitchen
Are you a Snoopy fan? Very close to the Mipig Cafe just off Takeshita Street is the Peanuts Cafe. Theme cafes are perfect to add to your Tokyo itinerary with kids for a quirky lunch or snack option.
It’s super cute with lots of souvenirs to take away. It also has a nice atmosphere a little hidden away from the craziness of Takeshita surrounded by some greenery. It’s probably better as a breakfast or afternoon tea-type place as most theme cafes in Tokyo are. And good news, is it opens at 9am for early risers!
You definitely need to book and they have an English booking system.
Hours: 9am to 9:30pm
Cost: A spicy chicken and egg clubhouse breakfast is 1,518 yen; The Snoopy and gang tea party plan (imagine snoopy theme pancakes, and a tiered tray of sweet treats) for 6,050 yen to share between two.
Address: 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−14−30 WITH HARAJUKU B2F
Access: Peanuts Cafe is a three minute walk from Harajuku Station
Uobei Sushi (Uobei Shibuya Dougenzaka)
This is the perfect place to walk in with a group. You may have to line up, but the line moves super fast as there are so many tables inside, so don’t feel disheartened!
Sushi with kid-friendly options should be on your Tokyo itinerary for kids, to ease them into Japanese food!
You will be seated facing the sushi conveyor belt with your own screen to order on. The fun part about this place is that it’s called high-speed sushi. Your plate comes out super fast! Kids will love the entertainment of it. Best of all, all dishes are 105 yen and delicious!
There is an English menu and it also offers kid-friendly items like French fries, karaage (fried chicken) and ice cream, if raw fish is not their thing.
Hours: 11am to 10:30pm (week days), 10:30am to 10:30pm (weekends)
Cost: Each dish is 105 yen!
Address: 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dōgenzaka, 2-chōme−29−11 第六セントラルビル １階
Access: Uobei Sushi is an 8-minute walk from Shibuya Station
Zauo Fishing Restaurant
The Zauo restaurant chain has branches in many regions of Japan, however in the Kanto region (greater Tokyo), you can visit Zauo in Shinjuku, Meguro, Shibuya, Kameido Eki Mae, Tokorozawa and Yokohama.
This is a great family-friendly interactive lunch option. Our kids really enjoyed catching the fish, but don’t really like eating it, so luckily there was a karaage (fried chicken) kids’ lunch set option.
There are many dining options to choose from, including making your own sushi! We didn’t go with this option but definitely will next time.
Diners receive three fishing tickets for each fishing set ordered. We had three adults so we received nine tickets in total. As the kids had a lunch set they didn’t have their own tickets, but they were able to use ours to go fishing.
Once you catch a fish, you swap the tickets for your catch. For example, a red snapper = 5 tickets, a horse mackerel = 3 tickets, and a prawn = 1 ticket. Then you decide how each item will be cooked. We got our red snapper half sashimi, half fried. It was delicious. You can also choose to have fish boiled, deep-fried, or to be made into sushi.
In addition to the fish, the meal also includes a plate of nigiri sushi, some tempura, rice and miso soup. If you are still hungry you can always buy more fishing tickets at the table.
Hours (Shibuya branch): weekdays 5pm – 11pm; weekends and holidays 11:30-3:30pm and 5pm-11pm.
Cost: A set with three fishing cards is 4,000 yen and includes 6 dishes. You can add an all-you-can-drink option for around 1,650 yen per person.
Reservation: Definitely book ahead of time to ensure you get a table. It’s easily done here.
Address: High Manten Jinnan Building B1F, 1-9-3, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041
Access: Take the train to Shibuya station and walk 5 minutes.
Day 2: Tokyo Tower and Toranomon
Climb the iconic Tokyo Tower, re-enact Wolverine at Zojoji Temple, climb 82 steps of success and become a weather reporter
- Visit Tokyo Tower early to beat the crowds
- Race a virtual reality boat as your favourite cute character
- Find your zen at Zojoji Temple
- Burn off all your steam at Shiba Park
- Self-reflect at calming Atago Shrine
- Become a weather reporter at the NHK Museum
- Eat the famous gindara fish with locals
Tokyo Tower is 332.9 metres tall making it the second tallest structure in Japan after Tokyo Skytree. This is perfect to add to your Tokyo itinerary with kids as it includes sightseeing, with a touch of virtual reality simulation for the kids!
The tower often hosts events around its exterior and usually some type of beer or cocktail garden in summer. Also, during the winter, the tower has some beautiful illuminations around the outside, and it’s usually easier to see all the way to Mount Fuji in Winter.
The tower is painted red and white like many tall structures in Japan to comply with air safety regulations. It is repainted every five years and takes a whole year to complete it!
The tower itself is a fun outing with kids. You have a choice of visiting the main deck or doing the top deck as a tour. We opted for the main deck as that seemed high enough!
The elevator has windows to see outside as you rise. The incredible view of the vastness of Tokyo is mind-blowing. The main deck actually has two floors which we didn’t realise until we were leaving. The floor below was much less crowded.
Also, check our RED eSports Park when you’re here. Levels 3 and 4 have incredible VR and digital games to play which suit all ages. This is just another example of how Japan combines adult and kids’ activities in one cool package. Level 2 has a food court and shop.
VR tip!
RED eSports gets super busy, especially on weekends, but you can get a taste of VR boating on level 1 at the Boat Race Red section without much of a wait. It’s 500 yen for three games and super, cute fun. Expect to get blown with wind and misty water on you as you drive your boat around the track.
Hours: 9am-10:30pm
Cost: Adults 1200 yen, high school 1000 yen, elementary school 700 yen, 4-6 year olds 500 yen
Reservation: You can usually buy tickets at the door, but for peace of mind, you can purchase ahead of time via Klook here. You have options for the main deck or the top deck also!
The Tokyo Tower is also included the great value Tokyo Pass which also includes options such as Disney, Tokyo Skytree and 19 other options and offers 48% in discounts.
Address: 4-chōme-2-8 Shibakōen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
Access: Get a train to Onarimon and walk 6 minutes, or Akabanebashi and walk 5 minutes.
Zojoji Temple
Zojoji Temple is right next to Tokyo Tower, just a two-minute walk away. The scene is incredible. You have the temple with the Tower in the background; the perfect Tokyo shot.
You are welcomed by many Jizo statues wearing red knitted bonnets and bibs as you enter the grounds of the temple. Jizo are little stone statues made in the image of Jizo Bosatsu, guardian deity of children and travellers. These statues represent the souls of unborn children or those parents wish to pray for.
The temple was originally built in 1393 and then moved to its current location in 1598 to become the family temple for Tokugawa Leyasu. Unfortunately, the temple did not survive World War II and was rebuilt. However, the gate is original and still standing from 1622.
At the back of the area among the trees, you will find the family mausoleum containing the six Tokugawa Shogun.
Wolverine
Did you know scenes from Wolverine were filmed at Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple? Watch it again before you visit.
Shiba Park (koen)
Shiba park is a lovely large space to explore with playground equipment around Zojoji Temple. Include parks and playgrounds in your Tokyo itinerary with kids so energy is burnt off for the next activity! Then everyone is happy.
The park has a plum tree garden, and a shrine with a stone-stepped walkway to a viewing area. You can find some famous trees here such as the giant ginkgo believed to have been planted by Iemitsu Tokugawa and also a tree planted by United States President Ulysses S Grant.
Dogs are welcome at the park but must be leashed. You can also find a small coffee cart in one section, but there are also convenience stores nearby for a picnic lunch, or Le Pain Quotidian is close by for relaxed, western-style lunch.
Atago Shrine
From Tokyo Tower, Atago Shrine is a 12-minute walk. This gorgeous, peaceful shrine in the middle of Toranomon is a great place to reflect and relax… after you walk up the 86 stone steps! The stone steps form part of the important ritual at this shrine and are dubbed the ‘stone steps of success’.
At the top, there is a beautiful koi pond next to the shrine. You can buy some food to feed these ravenous fishies and there are also some photo stand-ins (where you put your face into a picture) to get kids involved.
Atago Shrine was built here in 1603 and rebuilt in 1958 after the war. It was originally built as a request from the Tokugawa Ieyasu to protect the new capital from fires and other disasters.
There is a story of a brave samurai who rode to the top and collected Sakura branches for the shogun. Apparently, it took one minute to go up and 45 minutes to come down again because of how steep it is.
Hours: 9am-4:00pm
Cost: Free
Address: 1-chōme-5-3 Atago, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0002
Access: Walk six minutes from Kamiyacho Station, or walk 12 minutes from Tokyo Tower
NHK Museum
NKH stands for Nippon Hoso Kyokai (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) and is Japan’s only public broadcaster. This museum is located right next to Atago Shrine so it’s worth combining the two.
This museum is a nice, quiet and free addition to your Tokyo itinerary with kids and they are sure to enjoy the interactive exhibits.
The kids were able to see what television sets looked like long ago, like when I was a kid! But also how technology has changed over time.
There was also a section where kids could make movie sound effects such as rain using rice in bamboo and horses galloping with coconuts on gravel.
They also stood in front of an interactive screen that overlaid Japanese clothes on their reflection, turning them into samurai or other Japanese nobles.
The kids’ favourite part however was being in the mock newsroom. They were able to work with a green screen, report the news (they were given a Japanese script, but did some great impromptu) and they even did the weather forecast with movable weather icons on a map.
Hours: 10am- 4:30pm (closed Mondays)
Admission: Free!
Address: 2 Chome-1-1 Atago, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0002
Access: Take a train to Kamiyacho Station and walk 3 minutes
Where to eat in the Toranomon area with kids
Echigoya Gempaku Sohonzan (traditional fish restaurant)
If you want a really tasty, affordable and quick lunch head to Echigoya Gempaku Sohonzan just around the corner from Atago Shrine. It’s best to walk in just before the lunch rush between 11 and 11:30am. Choose your fish or meat option from the board at the front and order and pay as you enter.
The food is cooked fresh and is served with delicious miso soup and generous helpings of rice and iced tea. You should probably add one traditional Japanese lunch like this to your Tokyo itinerary with kids!
Gindara Saikyozuke (sablefish) – a silver cod which is quite exclusive and delicious is only around 1200 yen at this restaurant
Gindara (black/silver cod)
The Gindara fish is a buttery, delicate fish made famous from Nobu’s ‘miso cod’. The Japanese refer to it as a silver cod though. It’s famous in Japan and once you try, you’ll understand why! Try it at Echigoya Gempaku Sohonzan in a lunch set for only around 1200 yen.
Hours: 11am- 10:00pm
Reservation: Not required but arrive early to avoid lunch and dinner rush.
Cost: The mouth-watering gindara fish set (setto) costs around 1200 yen and is the most expensive option. However other fish, chicken and pork sets are around 800 yen. Sets include rice, miso, pickles and all-you-can-drink iced tea.
Address: 〒105-0001 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon, 5 Chome−13−1 別館 虎ノ門４０ＭＴビル １階
Access: The restaurant is right above Kamyacho Station
Mi Familia (Mexican)
If your family isn’t keen on traditional Japanese, maybe try a Mexican lunch at the colourful Mi Familia restaurant just around the corner. The pork tacos are delish! And they also serve corn tortillas for gluten-avoiders.
There is a steep staircase inside so help little ones up and down. The lunch set is reasonable and filling for around 1,500 yen. There’s no need to book, but once again, arrive before the busy lunch crowd to secure a table, especially if there are more than two of you.
Hours: 11:30am – 3pm and 6pm-10pm (Monday to Friday); 12-3pm and 6pm – 9pm (Saturdays); Closed Sundays
Reservation: Not required but arrive early to avoid the lunch and dinner rush.
Address: 3 Chome-24-6 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001
Access: Walk two minutes from Kamyacho Station
Sowa (homemade ice cream)
Sowa homemade ice cream is so delicious you have to try it if you’re in the area. It’s almost directly opposite Mi Familia and around the corner from Echigoya Gempaku Sohonzan so it’s the perfect dessert option.
There’s limited seating inside and a small bench out the front to eat your ice cream on, or you can stand still nearby – remember no walking and eating in Japan.
And yes, I did try the champagne flavour and incredibly it tasted like creamy, scrumptious champagne. I don’t know how they do it, but it’s divine.
Hours: 10am – 7pm (Monday to Friday); 10am – 4pm (Saturdays); Closed Sundays
Reservation: walk in
Address: 3 Chome-19-10 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001
Access: Walk two minutes from Kamyacho Station
The Blue Room
If you want a fancier lunch with a gorgeous view and an incredible jungle-like interior, visit the Blue Room inside the Edition Hotel. The food is sumptuous and the staff are super friendly and most speak English.
Main meals start at around 3,000 yen at lunchtime, or you can opt for the lunch set which is three courses for 6,500 yen. You can choose from options such as pasta, seafood and wagyu.
The Blue room’s view
The Blue Room is inside the Edition Hotel on the 31st floor.
Hours: 7am – 10:30pm
Reservation: You can make a reservation here via Tablecheck
Address: Japan, 〒105-0001 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon, 4 Chome−1−1 神谷町トラストタワー 31階 東京エディション
Access: Walk four minutes from Kamyacho Station
Day 3: Odaiba
Visit a poo museum, see a huge robot statue, discover Lego and eat Ramen from Sapporo
- Build a flying Lego car at the Lego Discovery Centre
- Cuddle a cute furry poo(!) at the Unko Museum
- Eat the famous miso ramen from Sapporo
- Gaze up at the huge Gundam Statue
- Take your pick from more activities like the Fuji TV building observatory, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation and Joypolis, an indoor amusement park
Odaiba is on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge to Tokyo City so it’s a quick 15 -20 minute taxi usually, or otherwise, it’s around a 40-minute train journey over two lines.
I do quite like the train journey as the Yurikamome Line is quite beautiful. The train sits up high with an incredible view over the harbour. It’s also driverless, so kids can stand at the front pretending they are driving the train as they watch it weave over the high line through the city and over the water.
Train one way, taxi back?
My suggestion is to get the 40-minute train out to Odaiba, then once you’re full of shopping and tired, get a quick taxi home.
Odaiba has so many attractions, so take your pick from the list here, or even do them all over more than one day!
Unko (poo) Museum
This ‘musuem’ is more like a fun colourful, kawaii (cute), poo emoji experience, but it’s a unique experience for sure! It’s a must for a Tokyo itinerary with kids because it’s just so weird!
The weirdest part is sitting on a colourful toilet upon entry next to your friends and then looking down to see a colourful plastic poo appear in the bowl! Of course, you can then put it on a stick and carry it around and take it home. Ooooh that sounds so weird as I write that.
The museum is actually not very big, so it’s good to combine it with other activities in the area such as the Gundam Statue (very close) or the Lego Discovery Centre.
The ‘museum’ is also inside a shopping mall with a Hello Kitty shop as well as many other cute stores to wander around and look at.
It’s a pretty funny experience and caters to most kids’ sense of humour, so it’s worth it if you’re nearby just for the sheer weirdness.
Plan for an hour or less at the Unko Museum
The ‘museum’ is quite small so plan to spend around an hour there. It’s inside a mall near a food court and cute shops also.
Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon-Fri); 10am – 9pm (Sat & Sun)
Cost: 1,600 yen for adult (junior high school and older); 900 yen for child (elementary school); free younger than elementary school.
How to book: You can buy tickets at the entrance to the museum, but it can get busy and you could miss out, it’s also 200 yen more expensive at the door. To ensure you have a ticket, you can buy online at Klook beforehand. It’s also included in Klook’s Tokyo Pass, which is great value for many attractions.
Address: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, 〒135-0064 Tokyo, Koto City, Aomi, 1 Chome−1−10 ダイバーシティ東京プラザ 2階
Access: Take a train to Daiba Station then walk 8 minutes.
Gundam Statue
The Gundam Statue is a huge robot statue located outside Diver City mall, Tokyo. You don’t need to book tickets or line up, just turn up and see it!
Combine this with another activity such as visiting the Unko Museum. The Unko Museum is located in the mall directly behind this statue.
The Lego Discovery Centre is also in close proximity.
Hours: The statue is outside so can be visited any time
Cost: Free
Address: 1-chōme-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
Access: Take a train to Daiba Station and walk 5 minutes
Lego Discovery Centre
The Lego Discovery Centre in Odaiba is great for smaller kids up to around the tween age.
There were many incredible displays including one of greater Tokyo with all its detail including Godzilla!
There are also some rides inside suitable for small children such as Kingdom’s Quest. This is a ride in a little cart on a track where you zap trolls and skeletons as they appear animated on the walls. There is also Merlin’s apprentice ride suitable for small children as it’s very gentle and goes around like a carousel but in the air.
There is also a ninja climbing frame, Duplo play area, and 4D cinema. You can also build and race lego cars down a slope and see if you can make them fly into a box. It’s harder than it looks!
Also, when we were there, they had staff playing games (like Lego fishing) with the kids to win prizes.
Hours: 10am – 6pm every day
Admission: 2,250 yen online or 2,800 yen at the door
How to book: On the Lego Discovery Centre website or as part of Klook’s Tokyo Pass which is great value and offers big discounts for many attractions.
Address: 〒135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 1 Chome−6−1 デックス東京ビーチアイランドモール 3階 (located inside Decks Odaiba)
Access: Take the train to Odaiba Kaihin Koen, then walk for 2 minutes.
Other ideas in Odaiba
There are many more places to see in Odaba like the Fuji TV building, Joypolis indoor amusement park and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Take your pick! (Joypolis is also on the Klook Tokyo Pass)
Where to eat in Odaiba
Odaiba is typically not as busy as places like Shinjuku or Shibuya so you’re more likely to walk into a restaurant with ease. There are many food courts inside the big malls, and also a bunch of western-type restaurants like Sizzler, Red Lobster and bills (Australian restaurant) for example.
King of the Pirates
Visit King of the Pirates for a wonderfully themed pirate restaurant with ocean views and items like roast chicken and baby back ribs.
Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai
This famous ramen strip is on the 5th floor of Aqua City Odaiba and showcases ramen from all over Japan.
There are six different ramen restaurants here each themed from a different region of Japan. For example, you can try Sapporo’s famous miso ramen or Hakata’s tonkatsu ramen.
Hours: 11am – 9pm every day
Admission: Ramen starts at 300 yen all the way up to around 1500 yen per bowl
Address: Japan, 〒135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 1 Chome−7−1 Aqua City Odaiba 5/F
Access: Take the train to Daiba station then walk for 6 minutes.
Day 4: Asakusa and Sumida
Dress in kimono and bathe in healing smoke, throw ninja stars, ride a rollercoaster at Tokyo’s oldest theme park, buy koi candy and marvel at the view from Tokyo Skytree
- start your day Tokyo Skytree to avoid crowds
- try some octopus balls at the Skytree foodcourt
- wander over to Sensoji Temple and dress in kimono
- enjoy the rides at Hanayashiki, Tokyo’s oldest theme park
- learn to throw ninja stars at the Ninja Cafe
- Try some cheap but tasty Edo-era dining on Hoppy Street
Tokyo Skytree
Start your day at Tokyo Skytree to avoid crowds. Then wander the shops underneath and enjoy an early lunch in the food court below. This is fantastic for a Tokyo itinerary with kids as the view is exhilarating and the shops are super fun.
Tokyo Skytree is magnificent and at 634 metres, it’s the highest tower in the world. It replaced Tokyo Tower as the Kanto region’s main broadcast tower when completed in 2010.
From here, it’s a six-minute train ride or a 17-minute walk to Sensoji Temple over the Sumida River. The river bank is lined with beautiful cherry blossoms in Spring.
It’s obviously extremely popular and gets super busy. I’d aim to get there on opening on a clear, blue sky day to avoid crowds.
Make sure you leave time to wander the interesting shops below including the most exquisitely made candy fish shop Ameshin and the Harry Potter store of course! There is also a wonderful food court at the bottom of the building serving takoyaki (octopus balls), salmon bowls and more.
There is also an ice rink under Skytree during winter, but it gets crowded so I recommend skating at the Mitsui Futsudon rink in Tokyo Midtown Roppongi instead if it’s convenient for your location.
Hours: 10am – 9pm
Cost: Tembo (350m) deck 1,800 (adult), 1,480 yen (youth 12-17), 850 yen (child 6-11); Galleria (450m) 2,700 (adult), 2,150 (youth), 1,300 (child)
How to book: You can book a ticket at Klook which offers the exact same pricing as the venue and also offers options such as a plan including the Sumida Aquarium downstairs. If you are using the Klook Tokyo Pass, Tokyo Skytree is also included.
Address: 1-chōme-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Access: Take a train to Oshiage Station underneath Skytree, or it’s a 17 minute walk from Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple (Tokyo’s oldest temple)
This is the place to dress up in Kimono and enjoy the day strolling through this magnificent area. You won’t be the only one in kimono, many locals also dress in traditional dress to visit the temple, especially around New Year’s. It’s a beautiful sight!
You can’t visit Tokyo without Sensoji, it’s an absolute must for your Tokyo itinerary with kids. It’s even better if everyone is dressed in kimono.
A great place to rent kimonos is Yae, who are professional, have English speakers and have a huge range of kimonos to choose from. They also cater to the whole family, including small children.
Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, completed in 645 but reconstructed after World War II.
It’s best to enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and then walk the Namikase Dori, a shop-lined street selling souvenirs, fans and sweets. A highlight is a five-storied pagoda on the left and the koi pond next to the temple.
Healing smoke at Sensoji
In front of the temple, you will find people wafting smoke onto their faces from the incense burner. The smoke is believed to be healing and will make you smarter. Give it a try!
Hours: The grounds are always open, but the main hall is open from 6am to 5pm. The temple is also illuminated from sundown until 11pm.
Admission: free
Reservation: There are many places to book kimono rental in the area, but I suggest planning ahead and booking with Yae Kimono Rental who have a fantastic reputation and many choices. If you are using a Tokyo Pass from Klook, they also offer kimono rental with Miyabi, another respected shop.
Address: 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Access: Take the train to Asakusa station then walk for 2 minutes.
Asakusa Hanayashiki – Tokyo’s oldest theme park
Hanayashiki was built in 1853 originally as a flower park (Hanayashiki = flowery mansion). Now it’s a cute theme park with old-world nostalgia and as it’s located right next to Sensoji Temple, so it’s perfect for your next stop.
Hanayashiki should automatically be included on your Tokyo itinerary with kids, especially if you are visiting Sensoji. Combine sightseeing with fun!
The park entry is cheap at around 1,000 yen per adult and 500 yen per child. You then buy coupons inside for rides. A booklet of 11 coupons costs 1000 yen.
Definitely take the stairs to the top platform for an incredible view over Sensoji Temple and its surroundings.
Hours: 10am – 6pm, closed Tuesdays
Cost: Adults 1,000 yen; children 500 yen
How to book: Buy tickets at the door
Address: 2-chōme-28-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Access: Take a train to Asakusa Station and walk for four minutes, it’s right next to Sensoji Temple.
Ninja Cafe and training
Who doesn’t want to be a ninja? Everyone wants to be a ninja! At the Ninja Cafe in Asakusa, you can become a ninja and practice slicing with a sword, throwing ninja stars and for the adults, drinking ninja beer!
Ninja activities are a must for a Tokyo itinerary with kids. Kids associate Japan with ninjas, so give them the ‘real’ experience!
This ninja cafe is just five minutes walk from Hanayashiki theme park, so it’s perfect to combine with a Sensoji temple, Hanayashiki day out.
It’s best not to expect much from the food, but there are options for the kids like sausages and ninja rice! For the adults, try a ninja beer or order sake to have it overpoured into the square cup as a show of the cafe’s hospitality.
They have dress-up costumes unlike the Ninja Trick House in Shinjuku and you are able to throw metal ninja stars, learn sword techniques and try blow darts! It’s a lot of fun.
Bookings for kids only?
Please note, you can book ninja training for children only if you wish. You can sit, watch and order a drink for around 660 yen while catching those cute photo moments. Adults are also welcome to participate though if you wish!
Hours: 10am – 9pm
Cost: 3500 yen for ninja training and a drink, or up to 8,500 for a complete package including dress-up, food, drink and training.
How to book: You can book an all-inclusive experience ticket at Klook or you can book directly with the cafe which gives more options such as a dress-up experience and ninja training without food.
Address: 3 Chome-27-14 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan
Access: Take a train to Asakusa Station and walk for 10 minutes.
Do you love pottery and homewares?
If you want to buy anything for the kitchen, visit Kappabashi Dougu Street. It’s just an 8 minute walk from Sensoji. You can find the plastic fake food here also!
Where to eat in Asakusa and Sumida
Food court Tokyo Skytree
The food court here offers many tasty Japanese dishes such as takoyaki (octopus balls), salmon donburi bowls, karaage chicken and chocolate-coated bananas! Get there around 11am or earlier (opens at 10am) to avoid crowds.
Hoppy Street, Asakusa
Hoppy Street is a lively alfresco dining and drinking area on the street near Sensoji Temple. It’s best to visit at night or early evening to indulge in the scene.
Hoppy was apparently the name of a drink created in the post-war period with little alcohol and often mixed with shochu. You can still order it here for nostalgia’s sake.
The street is lined with izakayas (Japanese pubs) that serve mainly beef stew, but also other options. Take a wander along and relax in the outdoors with a hoppy!
Day 5 Tsukiji and Toyosu
Watch the tuna sales, walk in water through digital art, try a new career, eat your heart out with the best street food, then relax near tidal pools.
- Watch the hectic tuna auctions at Toyosu
- Immerse in digital art at teamLab Planets
- Try a job as a baker or flight attendant at Kidzania
- Try 10,000 yen wagyu or some cheap croquettes at Tsukiji Outer Market
- Shake off the hectic day with a stroll in Hamrikyu Garden
Tuna auction at Toyosu
You may have heard of the famous Tsukiji fish market and maybe you wanted to witness the incredible tuna auctions, but now you need to separate the two. The auctions now happen at the new fish market in Toyosu (19 minutes by train from Tsukiji) while the outer market at Tsukiji (where all the yummy street food can be found) is still in the original location.
You can visit both. If you are interested in a very early start and heading to watch the tuna auctions through glass via viewing platform, read this article on Tokyo Cheapo, they have a comprehensive explanation of how to go about this.
More on Tsukiji below, first let’s focus on Toyosu, assuming you want to visit the tuna auctions first.
teamLab Planets (Toyosu)
This digital art museum is located in Toyosu and it’s worth a visit! Definitely add this to your Tokyo itinerary with kids, they will love it and so will you.
It’s an interactive digital art museum where you can immerse yourself in the art, literally, your feet will be immersed in water. It’s so incredibly special and great for the whole family to enjoy.
Previous visitors to Tokyo may have been to the teamLab Borderless exhibition, previously in Odaiba which is of a similar theme, however, this is now closed and teamLab Planets is the current experience.
As it’s so interactive, kids love it. They can touch and experience the art with their hands and feet throughout the space.
Hours: 10am – 8pm (weekdays) 9am-9pm (holidays) Closed: 6 & 25 October and 10 November
Cost: Adults (18 Years and above) 3,200 yen; junior high school/high school 2,000 yen; children (Ages 4-12) 1,000 yen; under 3 years of age free; Disability discount 1,600 yen
How to book: You can buy tickets up to two months in advance here.
Address: teamLab Planets TOKYO, Toyosu 6-1-16, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Access: Take a train to Toyosu Station and walk 1 minute from there
Kidzania
Kidzania is such a fun place for kids, and it’s also located in Toyosu inside the LaLaport mall. It does take a bit of time to get through the place and you can choose from a 9am-3pm timeslot or a 4pm-9pm timeslot.
This one is a different addition to the usual sightseeing for a Tokyo itinerary with kids, but it’s such a fun experience, I can imagine absolutely loving this as a kid.
The great thing about Tokyo Kidzania is the lack of age restrictions on activities. In other Kidzanias in Asia, they are strict on which ages can participate in which activities, but not here in Tokyo. This is helpful for siblings of different ages that want to participate together.
Kidzania is also a great winter or summer activity for kids in Tokyo as it’s completely indoors.
Kids can try different professions of their choice throughout the day earning Kidzoos. They can later spend these at the shop, spend them on some special activities or save them for another time.
Kids can try out being firefighters, bakers, pilots, car designers, singers, and maintenance workers (who abseil) just to name a fraction of the opportunities! And they get to dress up! It’s really the cutest.
Parents aren’t really very involved, so be prepared for a lot of waiting around, watching, and coffee drinking but it is cute!
English Wednesdays
Kidzania Tokyo offers English Wednesdays where some activities are conducted in English. However, even if that doesn’t suit your schedule, the staff are able to communicate with children and get the message across of what they should be doing on a different day.
Hours: You have two options to book: Morning from 9am until 3pm or afternoon from 4pm until 9pm. You can arrive up to 30 minutes before your allocated time.
Cost: It’s best to check the website as there are so many different options, but a basic morning weekday pass for an elementary school student is 4,500 yen and an adult pass is 2,160 yen.
How to book: You can reserve tickets on the Kidzania Tokyo website. The website is in Japanese, so use google translate on the page if necessary. Please note, you will need to sign up as a member before you can reserve. This is the usual practice throughout online booking sites in Japan.
Address: 2-4-9 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu 1 North Port 3F (It’s inside the shopping mall)
Access: Take a train to Toyosu Station and then walk 8 minutes
Tsukiji outer market
If you decide to do Kidzania on this day, you won’t fit in Tsukiji as well, but if you do the tuna auctions then teamLabs, you could take a train across to Tsukij (19 mins) for lunch. Or save Tsukiji for another day.
Tsukiji is a fantastic place to stop and have lunch and try some incredible Japanese street food. Street food is great to add to a Tokyo itinerary with kids as there’s no need to sit and be formal inside a ‘boring’ restaurant!
Tsukiji outer market does get busy and full of tourists but I have the perfect option for respite afterward; Hamarikyu Garden.
As usual, my advice is to arrive early to avoid crowds, I would even do brunch at Tsukiji as they open as early as 5am and you can avoid the lunchtime crowd.
Tsukiji outer market is closed Wed and Sun
Ensure you plan to go on alternate dates!
Hours: 5am – 3pm (closed Wednesday and Sunday)
Cost: Croquettes are cheap, wagyu is always expensive, take your pick!
Address: 4 Chome-16-2 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045
Access: Take a train to Tsukiji Station and then walk 8 minutes
Hamarikyu Garden
This garden is magnificent and quite unique as it’s located next to Tokyo Bay, hence the ponds are all seawater tidal ponds, rising and falling with the ocean.
This garden isn’t usually on a Tokyo itinerary with kids, but it should be, especially if you’re already at Tsukiji close by.
From Tsukiji, walk for 11 minutes until you find the beautiful stone bridge with arches named Otemon which will lead you to the entrance of Hamarikyu Garden.
Hamarikyu was originally a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence and duck hunting ground in the Edo period from 1603-1867. After this, it became a detached garden for the Imperial Palace. Then in 1946, it became a public garden.
In the middle of the garden, you will find the Nakajima Tea House which seems to float effortlessly on the main pond. Enjoy a cup of matcha and take in the scenery from the balcony over the water.
Where to eat in Toyosu and Tsukiji
Tsukiji Outer Market
You go to Tsukiji outer market to eat. Try fresh seafood like scallops, sashimi or lobster. Try some wagyu on a stick, or gives croquettes a try. There are some restaurants at Tsukiji also inside the small alleyways if you want to sit and eat. Take your time and explore!
Toyosu market
The Toyosu market has a buzzing restaurant scene. It’s not as gruff and grimy as the Tsukiji outer market, but there are many great places to try. I suggest this comprehensive article for suggestions.
Day 6: Ginza
Marvel at incredible architecture, find peace with goldfish, learn police forensics and have lunch prepared by Pikachu
- start your day with breakfast at Bills restaurant for a flat white
- gaze at the incredible architecture of Ginza
- visit the Art Aquarium and see more goldfish than you could ever imagine
- enjoy a truly Spanish lunch
- Watch Pikachu dance while you visit the Pokemon Cafe
- Enjoy a Greek/Australian dinner overlooking Ginza at night
Ginza is a wonderful place to visit on a weekend when the main street Chuo Dori is closed to through traffic and open to pedestrians from noon until 6pm or until 5pm from October to March.
Gina is underrated as a tourist destination and should be added to your Tokyo itinerary with kids for a day of luxury, especially if you like to see fancy cars!
Ginza is an architectural delight. The stunning buildings here are designed by famous architects such as Renzo Piano (Mason Hermes building), Hiroshi Naito (Mikimoto store) and Yoshio Tanaguchi (Ginza Six).
As one of the most expensive areas in Tokyo, with one square metre valued at over 10 million yen, this is the place to indulge or observe the indulgers!
But ‘what is there to do with kids?’ I hear you say. Here are my top picks:
Art Aquarium
The Art Aquarium is inside the Ginza Mitsukoshi Department store and just like most things in Japan, it exceeds expectations. Please add this to your Tokyo itinerary with kids, it’s delightful.
After this visit, your appreciation of the humble goldfish will certainly increase! Never before have I seen so many goldfish, but also so many different types.
The goldfish are displayed in such an artistic way, the title ‘Art Aquarium’ is the best description. I found this place relaxing and serene without the usual hoards of people found in most places in Tokyo.
The lighting is interesting and impactful and the fish seem healthy and well-maintained.
Each section of the gallery/aquarium is shrouded in meaning. For example, a room with square-shaped aquariums allows us to see the ‘faces’ of the fish from above, while the stand is decorated in kimono obi (belt). The plaque is translated to read ‘An eternal world is expanding where you can feel the infinite possibilities of goldfish’.
Hours: 10am – 7pm
Address: Level 9, Mitsukoshi Department store, 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8212
How to book: You can buy tickets for the Art Aquarium on the vending machine on the first floor of Mitsukoshi Department Store. It’s 2,400 yen on the day. Or the Art Aquarium is included in Klook’s Tokyo Pass. This pass offers great discounts if you plan on combining a few activities, and saves hassles on the day.
Access: Take a train to Ginza Station and walk for a few minutes.
Police Museum
The Police Museum is a modest-sized but jam-packed museum dedicated to the history of the Japanese police, from its inception until today.
Admission is free, and it’s a great place for history buffs and children alike – there is something for everyone to do!
It’s great to add some free attractions to your Tokyo itinerary with kids so costs don’t go through the roof!
You can learn about the founder of the modern Japanese police force, Superintendent General Toshiyoshi Kawaji.
Interestingly, he travelled extensively on the Iwakura Mission at the start of the Meiji era in 1872 and studied the police forces in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Kawaji was tasked with creating a modern police force in Japan to replace the Samurai who had provided security during the Edo Period. By 1874 he had created Japan’s first police first.
The museum has six floors but levels 2 and 3 offer the most kid-friendly activities such as fingerprint lifting and forensics.
The museum is really accessible to non-Japanese speakers, with explanations in Japanese and English. And it’s great for kids!
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays (or the next day if falling on a national holiday) and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 28 – Jan. 4)
Access: Take a train to Ginza station, then walk for 5 minutes. If you are coming from the Art Aquarium, it’s a 7-minute walk.
Address: 3-chōme-5-1 Kyōbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0031
Admission: Free!
Itoya Stationery Store
In 1904 the history of this incredible multi-storied stationery store began. Katsutaro Itoya decided to create a stationery store in Ginza, then an up-and-coming neighborhood. At the time, this type of stationery was new in Japan.
Now the Itoya store in Ginza has 18 levels, and 14 are dedicated to selling all types of stationery, especially beautiful pens and wrapping paper.
Visit the ground floor of the store at the back entrance to see the cutest (most kawaii) eraser buffet! You can choose seven different erasers and have them packaged in an Itoya container for around 600 yen each. Plus it’s so much fun for the kids, and these would make great gifts to bring home.
Pokemon Cafe
Even though the Pokemon Cafe is not quite in Ginza, it’s close by in Nihombashi so it makes sense to combine it with activities on this day. It’s a 20-minute walk, or a 9-minute train from the Art Aquarium.
If you’re a Pokemon fan, definitely add this experience to your Tokyo itinerary with kids, or at least the Pokemon Centre opposite if you can’t get a booking at the cafe, which is not easy.
It’s all worth it just for the dancing Pikachu in a chef outfit who wobbles about as he wanders through the restaurant. It’s the cutest thing you’ll ever see.
You can also order Pokemon-shaped food, or just get cakes and drinks. There is a cute Pikachu display of stuffies and you can buy unique chef-themed Pikachu toys here.
Booking tips
Please note, when you make a reservation online at the cafe website, it’s necessary to purchase something to accompany your reservation such as a Pokemon keyring. This will be given to you when you arrive at the cafe. I suppose it’s their way of getting a deposit for the booking.
It’s tough to get a booking, so if you really want a reservation, don’t give up, keep checking the reservations page each day until one becomes available and jump on it! Remember to use google translate on Japanese pages!
Also, next door to the Pokemon Cafe is the Pokemon Centre, so don’t feel as though you have to buy your merchandise at the cafe, the store next door has EVERYTHING (except Pokemon as chefs), that’s unique to the cafe!
Hours: 10:30am until 10:00pm (reservation essential)
How to book: Book online at the Pokemon Cafe website
Address in Tokyo: 〒103-0027 2-11-2
Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C. East Building 5F
Access: Take the train to Nihonbashi Station and walk 2 minutes
Where to eat in Ginza
Department stores
On the ground floor of most department stores, you will find an incredible selection of food takeaway counters. Have a look, take your pick and enjoy!
The only problem with these stores is that seating is hard to find and you cannot walk and eat in Japan. But the top floor of Ginza Six Department Store has a lovely green rooftop you can sit and enjoy some food you’ve brought with you.
Department stores also usually have a restaurant floor near the top, so it’s a good place to wander and find something you fancy.
bills
bill’s restaurant in Ginza is famous for its breakfasts but it also serves a fantastic high tea experience. It’s one of a chain of restaurants owned by the Australian restauranteur Bill Granger, who has restaurants world-wide.
The decor is suave but also relaxed, and the food is delicious. In Ginza, they also offer a high tea and fine dining dinner menu.
You must make a reservation as it’s very popular, especially on weekends. The great thing is that it’s one place that opens early for breakfast in Tokyo, which can sometimes be hard to find.
Hours: 8:30am – 11pm
How to book: Make a reservation via TableCheck here
Address: Okura House 12F,
2-6-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku,
Tokyo 104-0061
Access: Take a train to Ginza Station and walk for 2 minutes.
Apollo
Apollo is an Australian Greek restaurant from Sydney located in the Tokyu Plaza Ginza. The decor is smart, the view is stunning and the food is delicious.
On a weekday they have set lunch options for 2,400 making it a very affordable high-end option. The menu includes items like lamb shoulder, Greek chicken and Greek pasta.
When you’ve finished your meal, take the elevator up for a great view over Ginza.
Hours: 11am – 11pm
Address: Tokyu Plaza Gina, 11th floor, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5-chōme−2−1 東急プラザ銀座 11F
How to book: Book via Tablecheck here
Access: From Ginza Station, walk 3 minutes.
Spain Gourmeteria y Bodega (Spain Club Ginza)
This restaurant doubles as a gourmet store. I wouldn’t recommend this one with very small kids, as you may be seated right next to wine bottles that could easily be knocked over.
The food however is delicious and the sangria is delightful! Try their lunch set menu which is a feast for 3,000 yen and consists of salad, soup, the day’s ajillo, main (meat), paella, dessert and coffee. You can also order single items for around 1,100 yen.
Hours: Lunch 11:30-3pm, dinner 5:30pm – 11pm
Address: Daiei Hall 1F, 7-12-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
How to book: You can reserve with Hotpepper here or we just walked in on a weekend and were lucky to get a table.
Access: Walk 6 minutes from Ginza Station
Day 7: Akihabara (Electronics District)
Relive the 80s with games like Pacman, visit a Maid Cafe, pat a cat, play the latest, loudest arcade games and try your luck with Gonpachon!
Tokyo’s electronics mecca, the Akihabara District is a labyrinth of laneways with shops both large and small containing just about every imaginable bit of tech you could imagine. It’s loud, busy and fun! It’s a perfect addition to a Tokyo itinerary with kids.
I suggest a half day here, as a whole day may send you wacky. Definitely have a plan and stick to it, wandering aimlessly can be stressful, well for me anyway!
Super Potato, vintage store and games
This is the place to visit if you want to take a trip back in time to a vintage 80s arcade and play some Street Fighter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or Super Mario Brothers.
The store also sells old-school games and systems no longer available anywhere else. If you collect vintage electronic gaming machines, this is the place for you!
Hours: 11am – 8pm
Address: 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1 Chome−11−2 ３階～５階 北林ビル
Access: Take the train to Akihabara Station and walk for 7 minutes
Taito Station, Akihabara
Taito Station is one of the biggest arcades in Akihabara and it’s super loud! The bottom floor and most of the second floor are all claw machines, then as you go further up, the louder it gets with dancing games, drum and guitar games and more!
There are so many fun games to play it’s a great interactive option for a Tokyo itinerary with kids.
Hours: 10am – 11:30pm
Address: 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4-chōme−2−2 貴三ビル
Access: Take the train to Akihabara Station and walk five minutes
Yodobashi Akiba Department Store
If you want to add toy or electronics shopping to your Tokyo itinerary with kids, visit Yodabashi Akiba.
This mothership electronics store is located just near Akihabara Station. In this giant store, you will find every imaginable electronics product, as well as fashion and cosmetics, watches, toys, and games. You can find a great deal, and shop duty-free if you have a foreign passport.
Yodabashi Store has everything you could ever want
Hours: 9:30am – 10pm
Address: 1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0028
Access: Take a train to Akihabara Station and walk for 3 minutes. Enter Yodobashi electronics store via the A2 exit of Akihabara Station.
Moff Cat Cafe
Cafe Moff is a cat cafe right at the entrance to the Yodabashi store. Here you can buy little jelly squares to feed the cats. They get pretty excited when they see the jelly, so be prepared! There’s no need to book ahead, just turn up when you’re ready for a cuddle.
For animal lovers, break up the electronics activities with a fluffy, relaxing cat experience in your Tokyo itinerary with kids.
Hours: open every day from 10am – 8pm.
Address: Floor 1 Yodobashi Camera Multimedia, Akihabara.
Access: From Akihabara Station, walk 3 minutes.
Admission: One hour is 1500 yen, with the option to extend. This includes a drink.
Akihabara Gachapon Hall
You might just prefer to wander the laneways and try your luck by going into one of the numerous eclectic little stores. Almost all of them have Gachapon, which are vending machines with little Japanese collectibles inside them. These are inexpensive and fun for the kids: you pay a few hundred yen to get a little plastic ball containing your gatcha, with the plastic balls then recycled.
If you don’t want to take your chances upon finding some, head straight for Akihabara Gachapon Hall for a huge selection. How will you choose?
What is Gachapon?
Gachapon gets its name from a combination of onomatopoeia. ‘Gatcha-Gatcha’ is the sound of the machine handle being cracked and ‘Pon’ is the sound made as the toy comes out of the machine. This is super fun for people of all ages! Just make sure to leave the plastic balls at the store after you remove your toy.
Hours: 11am – 8pm (except Sundays when it closes at 7pm)
Address: 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3 Chome−15−5 Mnビル 1F
Access: From Suehirochō Station, walk 5 minutes
Where to eat in Akihabara
Maidreamin Cafe
The Maidreamin Cafe is an interesting experience! If it’s on your bucket list, the best place to do this is in Akihabara. It’s all about kawaii (cute) culture and something to add to your Tokyo itinerary with kids. It’s not sleazy at all, just quirky and fun.
The maids do energetic dances, serve kawaii food and drink, and request you speak to them while making cat paw movements. It’s quite a funny experience and the kids enjoyed it. They probably enjoyed their kawaii ice cream sundaes the most!
I don’t recommend coming to the maid cafe for an actual meal, rather just ordering drinks and sweets. We tried to order actual lunch meals and they were all sold out!
There are a few locations in Akihabara, so take your pick or find the maids on the street looking for customers.
Hours: 11:30am – 11pm (Mon-Fri), 10:30am – 10pm (Sat & Sun)
Address: Maidreamin Akihabara Honten: 3 Chome-16-17 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
How to book: Book direct at Maidreamin
Access: From Akihabara Station, walk a few minutes
Sega no Akihabara Taiyaki
Taiyaki is the cute, fish-shaped Japanese treat usually cooked fresh on the street. Akihabara is a great place to have Taikyaki, especially shaped as anime characters! Eating taiyaki is essential for a Tokyo itinerary with kids.
Inside GiGo Akihabara 5, you can find the cutest taiyaki store. They have SEGA taiyaki, anime face taikyaki and traditional fish taiyaki. You can choose delicious fillings like red bean, chocolate, cream, sausage or custard and they cost around 150 to 500 yen.
Hours: 11am – 8pm
Address: 1 Chome-10-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
Access: From Akihabara Station, walk 5 minutes
Tokyo Disney & DisneySea
We adore Disney, so of course I suggest you add these two to your Tokyo itinerary with kids if you are a Disney Fan. I’ve written about all the details in my Chiba article.
I also suggest you stay close by if you want to do both as it’s a bit of a trek from downtown Tokyo. We do recommend Hilton Tokyo Bay for its great, kid-themed rooms, affordability and proximity to the parks.
Sports fans
You may have some budding sports fans in your family and you want to watch some sumo or baseball while in Tokyo. If so, definitely add these sports to your Tokyo itinerary with kids.
Sumo
Grand Sumo Tournaments are held in Tokyo in January, May and September. For a complete run-down on how and where to get actual sumo tickets read Japan Wonder Blog.
Otherwise, there are opportunities to do sumo lunch tours where you can meet some retired sumo wrestlers, watch them train and ask them questions. They also serve up their delicious lunch soup chanko with other yummy options also.
If you decide to go with this option, the location is closest to Sumida, so add it to your Asakusa and Sumida day trip, or divide that busy day into two.
Baseball
Are you a baseball fan and dream of seeing the Yomiuri Giants play? If you’re in Tokyo from late March to late October, you’re in luck!
The Giants’ home ground is the Tokyo Dome which is a fun outing in itself and if you like rollercoasters, add this to your Tokyo itinerary with kids. Read our things to do in Tokyo article for more info about the Tokyo Dome amusement park.
For a detailed description on how and where to buy baseball tickets, check out Truly Tokyo.
Round up of this 7-day Tokyo Itinerary with kids
Tokyo has so many cool and interesting places to visit. You could easily spend 7 days on your Tokyo itinerary with kids, or even more days if you have them to spare! It’s best to group activities by area to keep travel to a minimum between activities.
There are so many fun and interactive things for kids to do in Tokyo and parents will have just as much fun joining in or watching their little ones in dress up.
If you don’t have seven or more days to spare in Tokyo, take your pick from the itinerary above. Mix and match and make your dream holiday depending on your interests.
