Family Fun in Tokyo: Top Attractions and Tips for Visiting with Kids
Tokyo is an incredible destination for any type of traveller, but I especially recommend it to families travelling with young kids. Those travelling to Tokyo with toddlers will rejoice – this huge city is full of kid-friendly activities from beautiful gardens and parks to sensory wonders and everything in between. There’s a great mesh of outdoor and indoor attractions, so no matter what the weather, there’s something to enjoy.
It is also incredibly safe in Tokyo – I’ve never felt stressed, unsafe or worried while travelling in Japan. Getting around is easy, even with a lightweight travel stroller and toddler in tow, as the public transport system is fast, convenient and you’re rarely too far away from a railway station.
Things to know before you travel to Tokyo with toddlers
What to pack
Clothes
Tokyo definitely has four distinct seasons so in terms of clothes, you’ll need to make sure you know what season you will be visiting in. In winter months (November – January) warm coats, beanies and woolly socks are a must have. In summer (June – August) be prepared for tropical humidity and heat and pack light.
Toddler essentials
Travel Pram: Because Tokyo is a huge city, you’ll definitely want to bring a lightweight travel stroller for your little one. Ideally, you’ll be able to use this for naps on the go as well as for when their little legs tire. We love our Baby Jogger City Tour 2 travel pram because it has a full recline and can fit in the overhead locker of an aeroplane.
Baby Carrier (optional): If your kiddo is still small enough, then a baby carrier is a great way to explore Tokyo without the hassle of a pram. We used the Ergobaby Omni 360 for travel when our daughter was smaller. Our busy toddler sadly has outgrown this stage so we didn’t bother to bring one, however there are fancy backpack-style toddler carriers that you can buy to keep baby wearing well into the toddler years.
Stroller Clips and a lightweight muslin: When naps on the go aren’t easy, I recommend stroller clips and a muslin to put over the stroller to try and limit stimulation for your little one. We usually wait until our daughter starts to nod off and then recline her seat gently, affixing the muslin over her pram with the clips. We like using a muslin because it’s very light and breathable but also protects her from the sun.
Portable booster seat (optional): If the thought of dining at restaurants is stressing you out, then you may want to bring a portable booster seat to take the hassle out of locating an eatery with a high chair. We wanted to travel light, so we didn’t bother with this one, but even in our apartment it would have come in handy as our daughter wasn’t tall enough to reach the table on her own.
Portacot (optional): If you’re anxious about your kiddo’s sleeping arrangements then you might want to consider bringing a portacot with you. We didn’t bring our beloved Bugaboo Stardust portacot on this trip because we called hotels in advance to ensure we had the right sleeping equipment for our kiddo, but if you prefer to save yourself the anxiety then this is a great option. You could even purchase a portacot in Japan to save having to travel with it!
Eating out
Now one of the great joys of visiting Tokyo with kids is to introduce them to the incredible food the city has to offer. However, we found eating out to be one of the most challenging parts of our trip from a planning perspective. We spent countless hours in our daughter’s nap time trying to find kid-friendly restaurants (ideally with high chairs) where we could eat dinner. The good news is, there are definitely some gems out there. Some of our food highlights were:
- Kushiyaki Bistro Fukumimi Shinjuku – great yakitori and kid-friendly Izakaya
- Chao Chao Gyoza Ginza – budget-friendly gyoza chain with multiple locations
- Katsukichi – delicious katsu curry in a kid-friendly environment
- Frijoles Otemachi – fresh and vibrant mexican, perfect for a quick bite
- Katsukura Shinjuku Takashimaya – katsu restaurant that has high chairs and kids meals
Sleeping arrangements at hotels
Japanese families often have different sleeping arrangements to western cultures. We found when we were booking accommodation that some hotels didn’t have suitable cots for our toddler daughter as it is custom in Japan to bedshare. I would recommend always calling in advance to clarify the age of your child and whether the hotel has a suitable cot for them to use. That way, you can decide in advance whether to bring your own portacot or to make alternate arrangements. Most Japanese hotels we stayed in in both Osaka and Tokyo used traditional wooden drop side cots, so if that makes you nervous then consider bringing your own.
Using hotel pools
One thing that 100% took me aback travelling in Japan with a toddler was the restrictions on hotel pool usage. We were travelling in the peak of summer, so wanted the option to have a relaxing afternoon cooling off in the pool with our little one. However, it is incredibly rare to find a hotel that allows toddlers to swim in their pool!
The ANA Intercontinental is one hotel that has a specific toddler pool, however we were less than impressed with the state of the hotel itself when we arrived (though I believe it is currently being refreshed) so we moved to the luxurious Ascott Maranouchi near Tokyo Station which had a beautiful indoor pool with great views of the city. The Hilton in Shinjuku is another hotel that does have a pool, however they don’t permit kids under 4 to use it. I definitely recommend calling the hotel to double check if you’re hoping to use the pool when travelling to Tokyo with toddlers!
Taking public transport
Tokyo is incredibly easy to get around using the city’s marvellous transport system. You’re never far from a train station! Children under 6 can ride the trains for free and kids 6-11 years of age get a 50% discount on their fares. Most stations have elevators, but sometimes they are a little out of the way – this is why it is a great idea to have a foldable travel stroller that you can just fold up and head down the stairs or escalator holding. To travel, you can either get an IC card that you can continue to top up or you can purchase tickets individually for each trip.
Where to buy baby and toddler supplies in Tokyo
Baby and toddler supplies such as diapers or nappies can be bought from pharmacies, Toys/Babies R Us stores and supermarkets. We also found the Don Quijote near us stocked nappies and bought enough to last us for the trip. Nappies were harder to find than we anticipated, so i definitely recommend bringing a few days’ worth to tide you over – the downside is that they take up a lot of room in your suitcase, but it is better than stressing out on arrival that you don’t have enough. We also found that for our toddler’s size we could only find pull up style nappies rather than the stick on ones – not a big deal, but just so you’re prepared!
Where to stay in Tokyo with a toddler
Honestly, I love staying in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo with toddlers. It can be a bit of a sensory overload, but it is full of bright lights, close to attractions and great restaurants. With that said, I’ve also really enjoyed staying in Shibuya, Ebisu, Ginza and Asakusa at different times. There are so many fabulous Tokyo neighborhoods to visit and all have their own unique charms.
Most recently I stayed near Tokyo Station at the Ascott Maranouchi which was probably a bit too ‘business district’ for us – but it was easy enough to get everywhere and the hotel was lovely.
Booking.comThe best things to do in Tokyo with toddlers
Museums and Galleries
Gosh I love visiting Tokyo’s museums. Whilst it is always nice to be outdoors, when you visit in the heat of Japanese summer or the chilly winter, sometimes you just need to escape inside for a reprieve. I love that Tokyo has many museums and art experiences that offer really hands on experiences for young kids and there’s so many to choose from!
teamLab Planets
Toyosu
teamLab has a reputation for delivering fabulous, immersive and very Instagram-worthy exhibits that are great fun for the whole family. We took our toddler to teamLab Planets on our most recent visit to Tokyo and it was a great decision – each room is carefully thought out, engaging and hands on for little ones and we created some really beautiful memories. Some highlights are the incredible Crystal Universe, a room that requires you to wade through water featuring projections on the surface and the stunning floating flower garden. Remember to book your tickets online in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.
teamLab Borderless
Azabudai Hills
teamLab have another installation in Tokyo, the original Borderless exhibition. Where Planets has more of a sensory and physical immersive element to the artwork, Borderless feels more digital and free – you don’t need to follow an IKEA-style path through the museum at Borderless. Both exhibitions are brilliant, however I found when travelling with young kids that Planets was more interactive and fun for them. Borderless is located in the MORI Building in the Azabudai Hills of Tokyo. A word of warning – book your teamLabs tickets well in advance as both these exhibits sell out most days.
Tokyo Toy Museum
Shinjuku
The Tokyo Toy Museum is a charming and sweet multi-level museum set in a former Shinjuku elementary school that features many different toys and play areas. For those travelling to Tokyo with toddlers, you’ll love the infants room that is reserved for little ones two years old and under to explore and play. This gorgeous museum is full of beautiful wooden toys including a large playground called the Toy Forest which has ball pits, little houses and all sorts of other simple sensory toys to explore. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, however you will save 200 JPY buying in advance online.
Ghibli Museum
Mitaka-shi
The Ghibli Museum is a perfect way to explore Japan’s famous house of animation, though the museum is relatively small and gets very crowded. You must purchase tickets in advance for this one as it will sell out. The kids will love visiting the various rooms and enjoying the magic of Studio Ghibli’s fantasy animations come to life. Strollers are not permitted in the museum, so you will need to either baby wear, carry your toddler or they will need to walk through the museum. There is designated stroller parking. The museum also features animated films that can be watched on the premises – a great way to sit down and relax with the kids.
Tokyo Fire Museum
Shinjuku
The Tokyo Fire Museum is a great place to spend a couple of hours in Tokyo with kids. This cute museum contains many different fire engines, uniforms for the kids to dress up in and even a helicopter that the kids can sit in and simulate putting out a fire. The Fire Museum is located in Shinjuku and is part of the still operational Yotsuya Fire Station. Entry is totally free, making it a great budget friendly half day out.
Tokyo Police Museum
Ginza
Another great, albeit small, museum in Tokyo is the Police Museum in Ginza. Like the Fire Museum, this one is also completely free to enter and explore. Kids will learn how Tokyo police fight crime through history and there are ample opportunities for hands on learning here. There are also costumes that the kids can dress up in – which is great for a photo opportunity.
Theme Parks
Have you even been to a theme park if you haven’t experienced one in Japan? The Japanese go absolutely crazy for an amusement park – particularly one featuring their favourite characters. I’ve never seen so many grown adults in costume or buying up merchandise as I have in the theme parks in Tokyo!
Tokyo Disney
Urayasu
Honestly, Tokyo Disney is the ultimate in Japanese theme parks. If you’re travelling to Tokyo with kids, then you will definitely want to visit the ‘happiest place on earth’ with a unique Japanese twist. Tokyo Disney with toddlers is just so much fun. From people watching all the fans dressed up to meeting our favourite characters, there was enough to keep us busy for the whole day.
There’s also plenty of small kid-friendly rides like the carousel, spinning tea cups and dumbo ride and a whole lot of play areas in Toontown.
Tokyo Disney Sea
Urayasu
Tokyo Disney Sea is the sister park to Tokyo Disney and it is the only one in the world. Tokyo Disney Sea is unsurprisingly themed around water and the sea. Your kiddos will love coming up close and personal with Ariel in the Mermaid Lagoon and the Frozen characters in the newly opened Fantasy Springs. Fantasy Springs is currently incredibly popular and can only be entered with a reservation – this is because it was only opened in June 2024.
There’s also an Arabian Coast section which features Aladdin and the Arabian Nights and there’s a large carousel in there that toddlers will love. The best part of the theme park for young kids is the Mermaid Lagoon which has the most kid-friendly rides.
Temples, Parks and Gardens
Yoyogi Park
Shibuya
The gorgeous Yoyogi Park in Shibuya is a lush green haven in the midst of the busy city. There’s plenty of lawn space for the kiddos to have a run and there are beautiful ponds and walking trails. I found it a great space to escape the madness of the city and relax for a little while. A great tip is to prepare a picnic and enjoy a cheap and easy lunch whilst the kids can stretch their legs.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Chiyoda
Tokyo’s Imperial Palace offers another very kid-friendly patch of parkland in the city. Right near Tokyo Station, the palace itself is off-limits but the grounds are full of ponds, bridges and seasonal flowers. The pathways are mostly stroller friendly so offer a great opportunity for a leisurely walk as a family – perhaps as your toddler has a nap in the pram. Visitors can also visit the East Gardens to see historic gates and rock gardens – an insight into historic Japan’s unique aesthetic.
Meiji Jingu
Shibuya
Meiji Jingu is a truly beautiful shinto shrine situated in park land nestled next to Yoyogi Park and right near the craziness of Harajuku. It is hard to believe that this peaceful wooden spiritual site is in the centre of the city – a beautiful change of pace from the bustle of nearby Takeshita Dori. One definite highlight for travellers to Tokyo with toddlers is that often Japanese weddings are held at Meiji Jingu which can be a real treat to bear witness to.
Senso-Ji
Asakusa
Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple located in the more traditional Asakusa region of Tokyo. The kids will marvel at the vibrant colours of the temple and when it isn’t busy there’s ample space to wander around at your leisure. Older kids will enjoy watching visitors worshipping, burning incense and sampling snacks from the local stores around the outskirts of the temple. Senso-ji is free to visit year round. I’d recommend avoiding visiting around national holidays such as the new year as the temple is very crowded at these times and there won’t be space for your kids to explore at their leisure.
Other Tokyo attractions that kids will love
Tokyo Skytree
Sumida
The best views in Tokyo are found at the top of the 634 metre high Tokyo Skytree. On a clear day, you can see all the way to My Fuji from the Observation Deck. The whole Skytree experience is exciting for the kids – they do a great job in really making it memorable and thrilling to be so high up. Children under 5 get free admission, which also helps make the budget go further. The Tokyo Skytree is usually quite busy, so I do recommend booking tickets in advance to skip the queue – especially if you have antsy toddlers in tow.
KidZania Tokyo
KidZania is an amazing experience in Tokyo for kids 3+ years old. It is a playcentre where children get to play by doing adult jobs like firefighting, flying planes, chef or medical related jobs. The kids do their ‘job’ and collect KidZania dollars which can be banked until you have enough for a reward. Every Wednesday KidZania does English sessions, which I definitely recommend if you don’t speak Japanese in order for your kids to get the most out of it. Otherwise they’ll be trying to follow instructions and keep up in a foreign language which might get stressful. This activity is guaranteed to tire out energetic kiddos (and the parents too).
In summary: Tokyo with toddlers
Tokyo with toddlers or young kids is always a good idea. Whether your idea of a fun holiday is a relaxing picnic in the park or a crazy day at Disney, there’s something for everyone in this city. For those travelling with young kids, I recommend spending 4-5 days here to make sure you can see things at your own pace including times for the kids to stretch their legs and have a play.
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