Places for Children in Tokyo: 10 Best Things to Do with Kids
Tokyo, Japan's capital city, is a metropolis home to over 14 million people. As one of the premier Tokyo places for kids, the city offers an incredible array of dining and tourist attractions where visitors can experience both traditional Japanese culture and the latest modern trends.
While Tokyo may be known for its high-end establishments, families need not worry about entertaining their children. The city is packed with family-friendly spots that cater to young visitors. Additionally, there are numerous indoor facilities perfect for rainy days, ensuring weather won't interfere with your sightseeing plans.
In this article, we'll introduce family-friendly destinations including theme parks, concept shops, and observation decks that both children and adults can enjoy together.
Tokyo: A Clean and Safe City Perfect for Family Travel
Tokyo's clean and safe streets, coupled with excellent public transportation, make it an ideal destination for families with young children. While the city does have many luxury establishments, these are limited to certain areas. The metropolis offers numerous affordable facilities like theme parks and observation decks that provide entertainment without breaking the bank.
All streets are well-paved, making it easy to navigate with strollers during your sightseeing adventures.
Must-Visit for Families! 5 Theme Parks in Tokyo That Children Will Love
Tokyo Disney Resort
Source: Official website
Located just 15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station, Tokyo Disney Resort is a massive entertainment complex that delights visitors of all ages. The resort features diverse attractions and shows across two parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. The complex also includes six Disney hotels, the Ikspiari shopping mall, and a convenient monorail system for internal transportation.
The resort offers extensive facilities including hotels and shopping centers, ensuring easy access to dining and shopping options. The parks are equipped with kid-friendly attractions and baby care rooms, making it comfortable for families with small children.
<Facility Information (Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea)>
• Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture
• Operating Hours: 9:00-21:00 (Hours vary by day. Please check the official website's calendar for details.)
• Closed: Varies by facility
• Phone: 050-3090-2613 (10:00-15:00, Open daily)
• Official Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/
• Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyodisneyresort_official/?hl=ja
Stay at Disney's Connected Concept Hotels - Highly Recommended!
Source: Official website
Tokyo Disney Resort features six concept hotels surrounding its theme parks. I particularly recommend the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel and Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta, which are seamlessly integrated with Tokyo DisneySea theme park. Hotel MiraCosta is especially popular as guests can enjoy park views directly from their windows.
Each hotel showcases adorable Disney designs, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Disney atmosphere throughout their stay. Transportation between hotels and theme parks is convenient via connected shuttle buses and monorail services. If you're planning a full day at the theme parks, I highly recommend staying at one of these hotels.
Sanrio Puroland
Source: LINE
Located in Tama City, Tokyo, Sanrio Puroland is a theme park where you can meet world-famous Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody. The park offers various attractions decorated with Sanrio character designs and interactive experiences where visitors can embark on adventures with characters through large screens.
I highly recommend the character greeting events and shows. The performances on the grand stage are spectacular and entertaining for visitors of all ages, from children to adults. The park also features numerous cute merchandise items, making it perfect for souvenir shopping.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-31 Ochiai, Tama City, Tokyo
- Hours: 8:30-18:00 (Hours may vary; please check the official website schedule)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 042-339-1111 (Reception hours: 9:30-17:00)
- Official Website: https://www.puroland.jp/
- Official Social Media: https://www.puroland.jp/sns-app/
The Making of Harry Potter
Source: Official X
"The Making of Harry Potter" Studio Tour Tokyo, opened in 2023, is a theme park where visitors can experience the magical world of Harry Potter. The facility displays various exhibits including movie sets, costumes, and props that seem to have stepped right out of the films.
My top recommendation is the Great Hall set, which played a crucial role in the movies, featuring the sorting ceremony and the magnificent Christmas Ball. When you open the massive doors, you're immediately captivated by the grand spectacle before you.
With its faithful recreation of the movie world, every corner of this attraction is filled with excitement.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 8:30-22:00 (Hours may vary; please check the official website schedule)
- Closed: Irregular (Please check the official website schedule)
- Phone: 050-6862-3676 (Reception hours: 8:30-17:00)
- Official Website: https://www.wbstudiotour.jp/en/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wbtourtokyo/
- Official X: https://x.com/wbtourtokyo
- Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wbtourtokyo/
Asakusa Hanayashiki
Source: Asakusa Sightseeing Federation
"Asakusa Hanayashiki" is Japan's oldest amusement park, established in 1853. Located just a one-minute walk from Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, it offers numerous attractions enjoyable for both children and adults.
While parental supervision is required, there are rides suitable for children from 0 years old. It's an ideal facility for families touring with small children. My recommendation is the "Sky Ship," where you can circle the park in a flying pirate ship. You can enjoy the unique scenery of an amusement park situated in the heart of the city.
Why not spend quality time with your family at this historic amusement park while experiencing the Japanese atmosphere?
<Facility Information>
- Address: 2-28-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed: Irregular (Please check the official website's calendar for details)
- Phone: 03-3842-8780
- Official Website: https://www.hanayashiki.net/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanayashiki1853/
- Official X: https://x.com/hanayashiki1853
- Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hanayashiki1853
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER Tokyo
Source: Official website
"LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER Tokyo" is an indoor attraction located within the shopping facility "DECKS Tokyo Beach" in Odaiba.
Inside the facility, you can enjoy various LEGO® experiences, including dioramas of Tokyo landmarks such as Tokyo Sky Tree and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office made with over 1.6 million LEGO® blocks, and attractions where you can defeat monsters with laser guns.
My recommendation is the "LEGO® Racers: Build & Test" zone, where you can build cars using your favorite parts. You can test your assembled car on the test track. It's exciting to compete for the best time with the whole family!
<Facility Information>
- Address: DECKS Tokyo Beach Island Mall 3F, 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:30-19:00 (Hours may vary by day. Please check the official website's schedule for details)
- Closed: Open year-round (except when DECKS Tokyo Beach is closed)
- Phone: 0800-100-5346 (Reception hours: 10:00-16:00 <Weekdays only>)
- Official Website: https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/tokyo/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldctokyo/
- Official X: https://x.com/legolandtokyo
- Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LEGOLANDTokyo
Fun for Adults! 3 recommended sightseeing spots for fun with kids that you must visit when you come to Tokyo.
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is a massive broadcasting tower standing 634m tall in Tokyo's Sumida Ward. From the observation deck at 350m above ground, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Tokyo's cityscape.
The densely packed buildings, houses, and vehicles on roads and trains appear like a miniature diorama, offering a different perspective of Tokyo compared to walking at street level.
My recommendation is the high-speed elevator that takes you from the first floor to the observation deck in about 50 seconds. The elevators, designed using traditional Japanese techniques representing the four seasons, make the journey to the observation deck exciting.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:00-22:00 (Hours may vary by day. Please check the official website's calendar for details)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 0570-55-0634 (Reception hours: 10:00-18:00)
- Official Website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyoskytree_official/
- Official X: https://x.com/skytreeofficial
- Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOKYOSKYTREE.official/
SHIBUYA SKY
Source: Official website
SHIBUYA SKY is an observation deck located in Shibuya Scramble Square, a towering landmark at the heart of Shibuya Station. From the rooftop observation space "SKY STAGE," situated approximately 230 meters above ground, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Shibuya's vibrant cityscape and a 360-degree panorama of Tokyo.
The most spectacular feature of the facility is "SKY EDGE," an observation area enclosed by a single glass wall, which has become a popular spot for photography. Here, you can capture memorable shots of the iconic Scramble Crossing below and the endless Tokyo skyline stretching to the horizon.
The city's appearance changes dramatically between day and night, so scenery enthusiasts are encouraged to visit at different times of the day.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 14F, 45F, 46F & Rooftop, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00-22:30 (Last entry 21:20)
- Closed: January 1st
- Phone: 03-4221-0229 (Reception hours: 10:00-20:00)
- Official Website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibuya_sky/
- Official X: https://x.com/shibuya_sky
- Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHIBUYA.SKY
Don't Miss the "World's Busiest Crossing" - The Scramble Crossing
The Scramble Crossing, with its estimated daily foot traffic of 500,000 people, is one of Shibuya's most iconic landmarks. It's a fascinating sight to witness approximately 3,000 people crossing in all directions during a single green light.
This crossing has gained worldwide recognition and is considered one of Tokyo's must-visit tourist attractions. If you're visiting Shibuya, make sure to experience crossing it yourself.
There are several cafes and restaurants around the area offering views of the crossing from above. Observing the scramble crossing from these elevated positions is truly spectacular and highly recommended.
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is located just steps away from Harajuku Station. Despite its central location, the shrine is surrounded by lush nature and sprawling grounds that make you forget you're in the middle of a metropolis.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the torii gate to the main shrine building. The peaceful stroll through the abundant greenery creates a serene and calming atmosphere.
The shrine grounds include several attractions: the Meiji Jingu Museum displaying precious artifacts, the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden featuring seasonal flowers, and MORI no TERRACE, a cafe that blends harmoniously with nature. This is the perfect escape when you want to take a break from the city's hustle and bustle.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 5:00-18:30 (Hours vary by season. Please check the official website for detailed opening and closing times.)
- Phone: 03-3379-5511
- Official Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/
When You Visit Meiji Shrine, Don't Miss Adjacent Yoyogi Park!
Adjacent to Meiji Shrine lies the expansive Yoyogi Park. Famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, it becomes lively in spring with many hanami visitors (a Japanese spring tradition where people enjoy food and drinks while viewing cherry blossoms).
Just one step into the park from the bustling Harajuku area, you'll be embraced by a verdant space where you can spend peaceful moments, completely forgetting the urban chaos. Various events are held on weekends.
Visit it together with Harajuku and Omotesando to experience the charm of both city and nature.
Three Interactive Museums Perfect for Family Fun!
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)
Source: Official website
Located in Koto Ward, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation showcases a wide range of scientific and technological exhibitions. The museum spans from the 1st to 7th floor, offering interactive learning experiences about space, robotics, artificial intelligence, and more.
My recommendation is the massive "Geo-Cosmos" globe visible right at the entrance. Its surface displays real Earth imagery captured by meteorological satellites. The ever-changing cloud movements are breathtaking and will surely impress visitors. This spot offers numerous interactive exhibits enjoyable for both adults and children.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
- Closed: Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a holiday), December 28-January 1
- Phone: 03-3570-9151 (Reception hours: 10:00-17:00 on open days)
- Official Website: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miraikan/?hl=ja
- Official X: https://x.com/miraikan
- Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miraikan.jp
Odaiba Has Many Other Family-Friendly Facilities
Odaiba offers numerous family-friendly facilities, with DiverCity and the Gundam statue being prime examples.
In front of the large shopping center "DiverCity Tokyo Plaza," stands an approximately 18-meter-tall Gundam model. The Gundam transforms four times daily (11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00), so plan your visit accordingly if you want to see this spectacle.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza also features excellent indoor facilities for children. "Little Planet" on the 5th floor offers various play experiences including interactive digital imagery, ball pits, sandboxes, and coloring activities.
As an indoor venue, it's perfect for rainy days when outdoor activities aren't possible.
National Museum of Nature and Science
Source: TAITO City Official website
The National Museum of Nature and Science, established in 1877, is Japan's premier science museum located within Ueno Onshi Park. The museum consists of two buildings - the Japan Pavilion and the Earth Museum - which house diverse exhibits covering natural history, space, biology, and more.
In the Japan Pavilion, visitors can explore impressive displays including taxidermied animals that once inhabited the Japanese archipelago and awe-inspiring dinosaur fossils.
The Earth Museum showcases valuable exhibits and materials about human history and Earth's living creatures. The facility offers an extensive collection that's well worth exploring. Since it takes considerable time to see everything thoroughly, it's recommended to carefully select the highlights you want to visit.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, closed on Tuesday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28-January 1)
- Phone: 050-5541-8600
- Official Website: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kahaku_nmns/
- Official X: https://x.com/museum_kahaku
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Source: Tokyo Shimbun
The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is a unique museum where visitors can experience the world of Studio Ghibli and the joy of animation. The building features architectural designs reminiscent of Ghibli films, including spiral staircases and elevated walkways.
The museum showcases numerous conceptual ideas that went into creating each film, recreated work desks showing the animation process, and short films projected from special viewing equipment, all conveying the magic of animation through its exhibits.
My recommendation is the "Robot Soldier" statue on the rooftop garden. Surrounded by nature and blue skies, it makes visitors feel as if they've stepped into the world of "Castle in the Sky."
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry time slot: 16:00)
- Entry Times: ①10:00, ②11:00, ③12:00, ④13:00, ⑤14:00, ⑥15:00, ⑦16:00
- Closed: Irregular (Please check the official website's calendar for details)
- Phone: 0570-055777 (Reception hours: 10:00-18:00, closed on museum holidays)
- Official Website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/
- Official X: https://x.com/ghibliml
