What to Do in Tokyo with Children
Japan's capital is an ideal destination for a family trip. Museums, fun activities, gardens, theme parks, temples
Japan's capital city is an ideal destination for a family vacation. Museums, fun activities, gardens, theme parks, temples: the city offers experiences that are both culturally enriching and entertaining, perfect for young children, as well as for teenagers and older kids!
Visiting Senso-Ji Temple on a Family Trip to Tokyo
Located in the Asakusa district, Senso-Ji Temple is one of the oldest religious structures in the city. It is renowned for its stunning five-story red pagoda and its historic shopping street, Nakamise-dōri.
Always bustling—the site attracts over 20 million visitors annually!—this vast sanctuary promises an outing that is at once cultural, entertaining, and delicious (thanks to its numerous shops and food stalls).
Exploring the Akihabara District in Tokyo with Children
If your children are passionate about video games: head to the Akihabara district, where you'll find many locations dedicated to the theme. Among them? The Sega centers, Taito Station, and Super Potato—a reference point for retro gaming!
For a fun Akihabara visit with your children? Rent the famous Mario Kart, then slip into the skin of your manga character, thanks to a cosplay costume lent for the occasion! This district is also the hub of manga culture. You'll find numerous shops here (including the famous Mandarake Complex).
The Manga Universe for Children Manga is an integral part of Japanese culture and is visible in many shops and museums. However, note that many of these comic books are aimed at adults and address themes that are not suitable for children. During your visits, be mindful of exhibition content! Some bookstores dedicated to the genre often have two distinct sections (adult/children). Others, more specialized, offer books aimed exclusively at young readers (but are fairly rare). |
A Stop at Hanayashiki Amusement Park
Just steps away from Senso-Ji Temple stands Tokyo's oldest amusement park. Opened in 1853, Hanayashiki still welcomes visitors across its 1,860 m² grounds and features eighteen rides (for the young and young at heart).
Free for children under six, it also houses a lovely small botanical garden, in tribute to its origins (at its opening, Hanayashiki was a garden named Flower Parc). A place that is both quaint and full of charm.
Strolling Through the Ueno District
The Ueno district is ideal for a family walk. Why? Ueno is home to a vast 54-hectare garden! Perfect for a picnic (and a day in the great outdoors beneath the cherry blossoms), the site also features a zoo, Shinobazu Pond, and several shrines.
In case of inclement weather, don't worry! The Ueno Park is located near numerous museums, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science.
Discovering Odaiba Entertainment Island and the Miraikan Museum
For a day of family entertainment, discover the artificial island of Odaiba! Located in Tokyo Bay, this islet is a highly popular destination for locals on weekends.
A sort of urban beach resort, Odaiba has many attractions, including the fascinating National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, better known as Miraikan.
Inaugurated in 2001, Miraikan offers a fun and educational approach to robotics, cutting-edge technology, and space exploration. The facility regularly exhibits the latest humanoid robots, designed by Japan's leading companies—some of which look remarkably lifelike!
Taking a Break at an Animal Café
Between outings, stop by one of Tokyo's many animal cafés (owl cafés! Around a pastry or beverage, settle in next to a dog, a cat (an owl, a rabbit, a hedgehog, or a goat!) for some peaceful time amid the urban hustle and bustle… Plan on about €5 to enjoy the company of an animal.
Trying the KidZania Experience
For an unconventional experience, don't miss KidZania. The concept? Children work to discover the value of money and reward themselves with entertainment! An entertainment venue, the center also aims to be educational, with the goal of introducing young visitors to the capitalist workings of contemporary society...
Frightening, unusual, or fun—KidZania is presented as a city scaled to children's size. They can choose a profession, open a bank account, earn diplomas, do their shopping, and complete all daily life tasks, ultimately treating themselves to the leisure activities they want based on their earnings… Plan on about €40 for 4 hours of role-playing.
Legoland Discovery Center or Must-Do Activity with Children in Tokyo
To discover the Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo, head to the Minato City district for life-sized lego play! Equipped with 3 million bricks, the center offers numerous activities for children, adapted to all ages.
For example? Creative workshops (to learn how to build characters), City builders (to create their own city), as well as Duplo villages, lego Racers, or the Dino explorer course, to discover dinosaurs. For older children? Head to the movie theaters to watch a lego animated film!
Maxell Shinagawa Water Park
For a moment of calm after a fun outing, head to the Maxell Aqua Park. Located in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, this public aquarium houses over 300 marine species, in illuminated tanks shaped like tunnels! The aqua park also offers sea lion and dolphin shows—and restaurants where you can dine as a family.
A Few Practical Tips for a Trip to Tokyo with Children… Transportation Children's Fares |
Frequently asked questions
Several districts are particularly well-suited for family visits. Asakusa, with its Senso-Ji Temple and Hanayashiki Park, is ideal for young children. Akihabara will delight video game and manga fans. Ueno, with its large park and museums, is perfect for outdoor days.
Yes, Tokyo's public transportation is efficient and affordable for families. Children under 6 travel free, and ages 6-12 receive a 50% discount. It is advisable to avoid rush hours (before 10 a.m. in the morning and between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the evening) for more comfortable travel.
Yes, most gardens and museums in Tokyo are free for children under 12. This is notably the case at Ueno Park, which provides access to many museums such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science.
It is Hanayashiki, which opened in 1853 in the Asakusa district. This 1,860 m² park features 18 rides suitable for the young and the young at heart, as well as a lovely botanical garden. Admission is free for children under 6.
KidZania is an educational entertainment center designed as a miniature city scaled to children's size. Children can engage in different professions, open a bank account, earn virtual money, and spend their earnings on leisure activities. Plan on about €40 for 4 hours of activities.
Yes, animal cafés (owl cafés, cat cafés, etc.) are a very popular experience in Tokyo and well-suited for children. You can spend time there in the company of cats, dogs, owls, rabbits, or hedgehogs, around a pastry. Plan on about €5 to enjoy the company of an animal.
