Insider Tips for Visiting Tokyo with Kids

How to Get Around Tokyo with Kids

Tokyo has a reliable and expansive train system that makes getting around convenient and easy. To navigate the subway system like a native with the kids, keep these points in mind.

• Several separate subway systems operate within Tokyo, and they can all be accessed with the Suica or Pasmo cards. The Suica card will only get you onto the JR line of trains, while Pasmo can be used at any train station (but no longer has a tourist version).
• Trains are cash only, except when you first get in. You can get a visitor Suica card, called Welcome Suica, with your credit card at the airport. After that, you can only pay with cash.
• Your payment is calculated when you swipe OUT of the train station. If you don't have enough money on your card, you'll have to visit a fare adjustment station and pay however much you were short (yes, also in cash).
• Most train signage includes English translation, so you can get around easily in most stations.
• If you do get lost in a station, stop by any information desk. Most workers speak English and will helpfully draw your path on a map.
• Look down! Many train platforms have writing on the floor indicating exactly where to stand to ensure efficient boarding. Plus, the locations of some special restricted cars will usually be labeled on the platforms, like the women-only cars.
• There is no loud speaking or running in the train stations or inside the trains. Kids (and adults) should be prepared to be on their best behavior!

The massive Tokyo Station will likely be part of many of your travels around Tokyo. 

Understanding Family-Friendly Etiquette in Japan

In recent years, some poorly behaved visitors have given tourists a bad reputation. When we went, we had a wonderful experience, and everyone was extremely welcoming (or, at the very least, politely tolerant). To have a similarly positive experience, it's important for the whole family to understand proper etiquette in Japan.

• Use your inside voices. You won't hear any yelling on the streets of Tokyo!
• Don't walk and eat. This is frowned upon, and we didn't see anyone doing it. If you want to have a quick snack, it's pretty easy to find a quiet spot away from foot traffic to stop and rest for a bit.
• Don't litter. I mention this largely because there are no public trash cans in Tokyo. The only outdoor places that had trash cans were the big parks. It's a good idea to carry around a small bag for trash, then throw it away at your hotel or at any convenience store.
• Dispose of trash correctly. On a similar note, recycling is taken very seriously in Japan. Check all wrapping materials—even plastic wrap—for these symbols and dispose accordingly.
• Walk on the left side of the street. If you're from the US, like my family, you might automatically walk on the right side of the sidewalk. In Japan, you drive and walk on the left side of the road. We forgot a few times and nearly collided with people!
• Get used to bowing. It's polite to greet people you pass on the less crowded streets by bowing your head in a nod. If you're not sure whether you're supposed to, you can wait for them to initiate it, then reciprocate.
• Be respectful. That should be self-explanatory, but in Japan it's even more important. Respect the people and the city, and especially the culture.

What Japanese Words Do You Need to Know?

On our travels throughout Tokyo, we found that nearly everyone we encountered spoke at least a little English. Still, it's useful and nice to be able to speak the language of the place you visit. You don't need to learn the entire complicated language. But in a pinch, here are the absolute must-know essential Japanese words every traveler should know.

• Hai — Yes
• Iie — No (sounds like "Ee-yeah")
• Arigato — Thank you
• Sumimasen — Excuse me/I'm sorry
• Caado — Short for credit card (You can just say this word and it'll be understood that you want to know if a place takes credit cards.
• Toire — Toilet or restroom (Use this word to ask where the bathroom is.)

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo with Kids?

Spring is the most popular time to visit. Visiting April through June ensures a comfortable temperature, blooming flowers, green trees, and the world-famous, ephemeral cherry blossom blooms. It's also the season of Golden Week and Children's Day, and all sorts of festivals and celebrations. However, keep in mind that the popularity of this time is reflected in the price and the crowds.

If you'd rather avoid peak tourist season, fall is the second-best time to visit. There are gorgeous colors, fall festivals and light displays, and pretty mild weather (Tokyo rain isn't horrible, at least in my experience). November has the most stunning fall colors and a still-comfortable temperature, and it's just past typhoon season.

If you don't mind the colder weather, winter is a great time for comfort food, winter lights, and even day trips up to the nearby gorgeous snowy mountains of Hakone and beyond.

Summer travel to Tokyo isn't recommended for families, since the climate gets very hot and humid, with August and September at the highest risk of typhoons.

Pet adorable owls at Owl Village Cafe. 

Must-See Indoor Tokyo Attractions for Kids and Families

1. Animal Cafes — Various Locations

From micro pigs and capybaras to Shiba Inu, Tokyo has tons of friendly animals to interact with—often while sipping some delicious beverage. Our favorite was Owl Village Cafe in Harajuku, where you can meet everything from tiny burrowing owls to snowy owls like Hedwig. For an additional fee, you get an adorable pastry and hot drink, and we even got a full-color comic starring the cafe's residents. (Note that this cafe is not stroller-friendly.)

2. Tokyo Station — Chiyoda

To say that Tokyo Station is absolutely massive would be an understatement. You'll stop by this grand station if you're taking the Shinkansen (aka bullet train), but it's worth a visit even if you're not. The lower level has over 30 small stores that are on the more expensive side, but make for unique souvenirs. Don't forget to stop at the Tourist kiosk with your passports and receipts to get tax back.

3. Explore a Museum — Various Locations

Tokyo has many fascinating museums worth popping into to check out if you want a day in. You can find classic museum subjects like the Suntory Museum of Art and the National Museum of Modern Art. But you can also explore more cultural museums like the Japanese Sword Museum or even more outlandish options such as the Kite Museum (which is exactly what it sounds like).

Note that while the extremely popular Ghibli Museum is technically in Tokyo, it's actually located nearly an hour away and requires advance tickets. These go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month, and sell out within literal minutes, so you'll have to be quick to snap them up!  

Japan's arcades are unrivaled. 

4. Arcades — Various Locations

Arcades are thriving in Japan. Stop by one of the many arcades in Akihabara to try out the most modern machines and rhythm games, or try your luck and skill at some claw machines. Be careful not to accidentally walk into a Pachinko center—they look similar to arcades on the outside, but kids aren't allowed in because of gambling.

5. Round 1 Stadium — Odaiba

Besides having arcade machines, Round 1 also has a massive, multi-story indoor sports complex where you can try out different kinds of sports for one overall entry fee. Kids are allowed until 6pm. Don't miss the huge Gundam standing outside the shopping center where this arcade is located!

6. Daiso — Various Locations

It might seem strange to put a dollar store on a must-visit list, but you've probably never been to one like this before. You'll find everything from stickers, craft kits, and cute socks to household goods, electronics, and more—all at incredibly low prices and excellent quality. The biggest Daiso in Tokyo takes up an entire floor in the Ikebukuro Tobu department store, but we also loved the ones in Harajuku and Shibuya.

The Pokémon Center is a must-visit for any Poké fan!

7. Pokémon Center — Chuo

A visit to one of the Pokémon centers is a must if anyone in the family is a Poké fan. This specific spot, located a half-hour walk from the Tokyo Imperial Palace and even closer to Tokyo Station, is one of the biggest and most impressive. It has practically every Pokémon represented in merch and plushies. If you plan ahead, you can reserve a visit to the Pokémon Cafe as well, where you can eat adorable meals shaped like iconic characters, like a Pikachu rice curry. (It's on a bit expensive, but you're paying for the experience, not just the food!).

8. Making of Harry Potter Exhibit — Nerima

The world's largest indoor Harry Potter exhibit is located in Tokyo! Catch a glimpse behind the scenes and wander through the film sets of the beloved movies. The exhibit is located about 45 minutes from Tokyo Station, so it might be a good idea to make it more like a day trip.

9. Stamp Collecting — Various Locations

Before you head out on your Tokyo adventure, get a small notebook for each family member. Then, throughout your travels, look for special ink stamp stations for a unique keepsake! These are spots where you can stamp a special location-specific symbol into your notebook. They can be found in most major institutions and attractions like the museums, but also at many of the train stations.

Best Outdoor Things To Do in Tokyo with Kids

10. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea — Chiba

Experience the magic of Disney, Japan-style, at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. As the names imply, these Disney parks have a land component (geared more toward younger kids) and a nautical theme (better for teens and adults). Regardless of which one you opt to visit, both are full of Disney experiences and characters. Go on calm rides like Pooh's Hunny Hunt, more thrilling picks like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Tower of Terror, and everything in between.

11. Asakusa Hanayashiki — Asakusa

For a more toned-down atmosphere (and smaller price tag) than the Disney parks, give the rides at Asakusa Hanayashiki a spin. Hanayashiki is Japan's oldest amusement park—it's been around in some form since 1853! Today, the park has an old-school carnival feel, with classic rides like a haunted house, a carousel, a tame roller coaster, and the iconic panda cars that the location is known for. Keep in mind that this is best for younger kids, and you'll have to pay for the rides on top of entry.

12. Takeshita Street and Harajuku — Shibuya

Takeshita Street is one of the most famous streets in Tokyo for its vibrant and alternative shops and fashion. Be forewarned that it does get quite crowded, and many shops are extravagantly priced (especially by Japan standards). That said, this is still a one-of-a-kind experience that's worth checking out. Maybe leave the stroller at home for this one.

Walk through the orange Torii gates to a stunning shrine in Ueno Park. 

13. Ueno Park — Ueno

Tokyo has some incredible parks, and Ueno Park is a definite must-see. There are four shrines within the park grounds, including one that has a series of impressively bright orange Torii gates leading up to it. If you visit in the summer, don't miss the stunning lily pad blooms on the pond, and if you're there in the spring, stop by for some cherry blossom viewing. There's also a large zoo and many museums nearby.

14. Yoyogi Park — Shibuya

Yoyogi Park is another one of Tokyo's large parks. Located right next to Harajuku and adjoining the huge Meiji Jingu Shrine, this is the perfect spot to take a break in nature. This park is especially magical in the fall (around November and December), when its many ginkgo trees turn golden.

15. Shrines and Temples — Various Locations

Tokyo has many famous shrines and temples, and many are free to enter and look around. Some of the most popular spots are Senso-Ji Temple in Asakusa and Meiji Jingu Shrine adjacent to Yoyogi Park, but there are many more of all sizes scattered around Tokyo. If you do go inside a temple or shrine, please remember that they're active places of culture and religion. Please read up on the rules and etiquette before you go so you can be respectful when visiting. And consider showing your thanks by leaving a donation!

16. The Imperial Palace — Chiyoda

Take in the history at the Tokyo Imperial Palace grounds, which stand on the former site of the Edo Castle. The grounds are quite large, and there's a lot more to read than see, so this one is best for older kids and history buffs.

17. Jimbocho Book Town — Chiyoda

Jimbocho is a must-visit for book lovers! This quaint area northeast of the Imperial Palace is packed full of quirky bookstores. There are over 150 bookstores spread out across just a few blocks. Some of these are general, vintage, or used book stores, while others are hyper-focused on a particular topic, like cats, martial arts, and Ukiyo-e art. You can download an official map and directory of the stores on the website.

18. The Statue of Liberty — Odaiba

Yes, really! Standing at just one seventh of the real deal's size, this replica hangs out with the famous Rainbow Bridge in the background in Odaiba Marine Park. There are plenty of other things to do here, like visiting the malls, checking out the huge Gundam sculpture, or even visiting the Poop Museum. Yes, really!

Best Day Trips from Tokyo with Kids

19. Yokohama and the Cup Noodles Museum

Time from Tokyo Station: 1hr

Ever wonder how Cup Noodles are made? At Yokohama's Cup Noodles Museum, you can see the process from start to finish! While you're in Yokohama, you can also take in the waterfront, visit the zoo, or just explore a city with a very different vibe from Tokyo.

20. Kamakura and the Great Buddha — Kamakura

Time from Tokyo Station: 1hr 15min

Visit Kamakura to see the famous Great Buddha, a statue that sits nearly 40 feet tall. Kamakura is also home to several beautiful shrines and temples. Stop by Itsuki Garden Cafe for a break with stunning views.

21. Little Edo — Kawagoe

Time from Tokyo Station: 1hr 20m

This historic neighborhood is lined with classic-style buildings, so you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Kids will love Penny Candy Alley, where candy stores have their wares displayed outside.

The Teddy Bear Museum in Ito​ is simply charming. 

22. Ito and the Izu Shaboten Zoo

Time from Tokyo Station: 1hr 30min

The Shaboten Zoo is a combination of zoo and cactus garden where you can pet capybaras! I highly recommend exploring Ito while you're there. Check out the Teddy Bear Museum, have a sweet treat at the Rose Terrace Cafe (that's the one shaped like a mushroom!), and take in the Ghibli-esque vibes. If you decide to stay, the traditional-style OPA Resort has the nicest hosts, delicious included breakfast (and dinner for a fee), and a private onsen-like bath.

Note that you'll have to take a bus from the station. Check before you go that the busses are running (ask at a station). It's technically walkable—we made it there—but it's uphill toward Mt. Omuro the entire way.

23. Hakone and the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Time from Tokyo Station: 1hr 40min

Walk among colorful, vibrant sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Then pop over to Chisuji Falls, which has gorgeous scenic hiking trails. Or, if you're more adventurous, Forest Adventure Hakone has rope courses and zip lines through the beautiful scenery.

24. Nikko National Park

Time from Tokyo Station: 2h 20m

Though it's a bit further from Tokyo, this incredible national park is worth the travel time. Wander along scenic trails past trees, lakes, huge waterfalls, and a wilderness unlike any you've ever seen before. This one requires a lot of walking, so be sure the little ones can handle it.

25. Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Q Highland – Fujiyoshida

Time from Tokyo Station: 2hr 40m

Visit the national symbol of Japan, Mt. Fuji! This is the longest trip on this list, but the kids can have something to look forward to: the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, located at the base of the mountain. With huge roller coasters and thrilling rides, this one is recommended more for older kids.

Best Tokyo Family Resorts and Hotels

Finding accommodations in Japan with a large group can be tough. Many hotels have rooms specifically for one or two people, and others don't allow young kids. On top of that, hotels in Japan are often priced per person, not per room, making traveling with a larger group more challenging.

When rooms can accommodate larger groups, they often use futons and not Western-style beds. Futons are pretty comfortable, but they might not be a good option for young kids and older adults who aren't used to sleeping on the floor.

That said, there are still many fantastic hotels and resorts that make for a very comfortable stay for the whole family. I'll organize these by budget, starting from the more expensive options and ending with the best budget stays.

26. Mimaru — Various Locations

Price: $$ - $$$

Mimaru is meant for tourists and longer stays. This means spacious rooms with kitchens, as well as proximity to tourist attractions. There are over a dozen Mimaru hotels in Tokyo, and some even have Pokémon-themed rooms. This is one of the most popular upscale choices for families.

27. Disneyland and Sea Hotels And Resorts — Chiba

Price: $$ - $$$

There are six hotels associated with Disneyland and DisneySea, each with a different theme. Prices vary widely, from the relatively affordable Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel to the luxury Hotel MiraCosta in DisneySea.

28. Hyatt — Various Locations

Price: $$ - $$$

There are eight Hyatt hotels in Tokyo, and they offer the same quality as the ones in the United States. The Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya is in a great location and particularly kid-friendly. If you're visiting in the summer, check out the Grand Hyatt Tokyo in Minato, where there are special Pokémon-themed rooms set up every summer.

29. &Here TOKYO UENO — Ueno

Price: $$

Want to feel like you're staying at a traditional Ryokan (hot springs inn) while being in the middle of Tokyo? &Here is a trendy stop with a rooftop onsen (hot springs bath). This might be the best way to introduce your kids to the joys of onsens—but it might bear reminding before you head up that this is like a hot tub for relaxing, not a pool.

30. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku — Shinjuku

Price: $$

The rooms at the Hotel Gracery are on the smaller side, but its location in central Shinjuku makes it a great choice for anyone who plans to hang out in that popular shopping and entertainment area. More impressively, this hotel has a massive Godzilla peering over its roof! (There's even a Godzilla-themed room, covered floor to ceiling in Godzilla-themed decor, but it's limited to two adults and costs an eye-watering price per night.)

31. Tokyu Stay — Various Locations

Price: $ - $$

Tokyu is a chain of hotels that specializes in mid- to long-term stays. There are many options to choose from across all of Tokyo, the staff is multilingual, and the rooms are designed with families in mind. Tokyu is a solid mid-tier hotel choice for families on the go!

32. Henn na Hotel — Various Locations

Price: $

Literally meaning "Strange Hotel," this chain of hotels is truly… something. You'll be greeted at the reception desk not by a live person, but by animatronic humanoids or dinosaurs. It's certainly a spectacle, and sure to be a hit with kids. We stayed one night at the Ota location because we needed a quick stop before the airport. The rooms were Tokyo-sized, so we needed two rooms for four people, but they were under $100, about 10 minutes from the airport, included a free breakfast buffet, and had dinosaur receptionists. That's pretty hard to beat.

33. AirBnBs — Various Locations

Price: $ - $$

When in doubt, book an AirBnB. We needed Western beds and room for four, so we stayed at Asakusa Sakurabashi House, which had an entire dining room and kitchen, three rooms with Western beds, and the sweetest hosts who also let us use their laundry. AirBnBs tend to be lived-in and homey, and are often cheaper than traditional hotels.

Be sure to try a bowl of ramen during your visit!

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes in Tokyo

It's hard to narrow down Tokyo's food options to just a handful. There are so many delicious restaurants in the city that you'll want to try everything! Instead of specific restaurants, here are some types of foods and restaurants you should definitely check out when you're visiting.

• Street food: Though Tokyo doesn't have as much of a "street food" culture as some other places in Japan, some of the best food can still be found in little half-outdoor stalls and dives. Grab some yakitori (chicken skewers), okonomiyaki (grilled cabbage pancakes), takoyaki (octopus balls), and more at places like Shinjuku's Memory Lane and Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
• Local chain restaurants: Tokyo's fast food is very different from the US's, and you can get an extremely affordable meal for a family at franchise locations like Sukiya and Matsuya.
• Family restaurants: A step above the fast food chains, locations like Gusto and Bikkuri Donkey offer great food for great prices, and a cozy place to eat them.
• McDonald's: if you have picky eaters, get a taste of home—Japan-style—at McDonald's. You can still get the usual staples like fries and cheeseburgers, but you can also get a Japanese twist on the classics with teriyaki burgers and edamame with corn instead of apple slices. Don't miss out on the epic drinks!
• Character cafes: There are several character cafes in Tokyo that serve up themed meals from beloved franchises like Pokémon and Kirby. These are pricier, but they're fun experiences for fans and kids. Be on the lookout for pop-up themed experiences during the time you're visiting!
• Restaurants with shows: Some meals in Tokyo come paired with a show, like Samurai Restaurant Time. These restaurants are even more expensive because you're paying for the show in addition to the meal. They're definitely gimmicky, but they're also a whole lot of fun.
• OIff-the-beaten-path spots: The way to find the best restaurants is to follow the office workers on their lunch breaks, and don't be afraid to go off the beaten path! We wanted to check out Mom's Touch in Shibuya, but it needed a reservation. So instead, we went around the corner and had an absolutely delicious meal for under $10 per person in a hole-in-the-wall eatery.

Sample 2-Day Tokyo Itinerary with Kids

Here's our actual itinerary over two days from our two-week trip, which gives a general idea of just how much you can experience in a typical day!

Day 1: Palace Grounds, Parks, and Pokémon

We started our day with a walk around the grounds of the Imperial Castle. My 10-year-old and mother-in-law got tired fairly quickly because it's a vast space with a lot of historical info. So we wandered over to Japan Station for some shopping—specifically to see Ghibli Donguri Republic and to grab a treat at one of the bakeries. We swung around to the Pokémon Center next, then walked back to Tokyo Station to catch a ride to Ueno. 

The Ueno Station left us right next to Ueno Park. We walked through the torii gates and the shrine and checked out the zoo. Finally, we headed back to Asakusa, where we were staying. Asakusa in the evening was the perfect time to see both the gorgeous Senso-Ji shrine and the glowing Tokyo Skytree across the river.

Day 2: Harajuku & Shibuya

On the second day, we had an appointment at the Owl Cafe, so we started the day in Harajuku. We grabbed delectable crepes from Sweet Box on the corner of Takeshita Street, then walked around the street for a bit. Eventually, it got too crowded, so we took a break in the nearby Yoyogi Park.

When we were ready to move on, we took a half-hour walk from Harajuku to Shibuya proper, passing by the chic Kitaya Park on the way. In Shibuya, we took in the sights, visited the famous scramble and statue of Hachiko (both were smaller than we expected), and did a little shopping in Daiso.

We dropped my daughter and mom-in-law at the hotel and headed back out to Akihabara to eat at a fun pop-up cafe, then hung out at one of the arcades for a bit in the evening.

FAQ – Planning Your Tokyo Family Trip

Q: What’s the best area to stay in Tokyo with kids?
A: Personally, I love Asakusa. It's a quiet, welcoming neighborhood with some really nice riverside parks and easy access to a major train line. But other excellent locations for families that are away from the busy central neighborhoods include Akasaka for a mix of traditional and modern, Ginza for a more slick and high-end option, and Odaiba for its proximity to major children's entertainment areas like Disneyland.

Q: Is Tokyo stroller-friendly?
A: While some areas of Tokyo are stroller-friendly, like the main streets and the parks, transportation is definitely not stroller-friendly. Train stations have many stairs and a lot of foot traffic, and the trains can get very crowded, too. If you must bring a stroller, you'll want it to be one of the light, foldable ones.

Q: How many days do you need in Tokyo with children?
A: The flight from the US to Tokyo is such a long one that you'll want to make the most of your visit. I recommend at least a seven-day trip.

Q: What’s the best age for kids to visit Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea?
A: Disneyland is best for young kids ages 2-10, while DisneySea is better for older kids ages 10 and up (and adults!). Both make special accommodations for very young babies with several Baby Centers located throughout the parks, and strollers are available for rent in both.

Q: How much should I budget for a family trip to Tokyo?
A: Getting to Tokyo can be very expensive, but staying there is surprisingly affordable. Food prices in particular are really cheap, and we saved even more by buying a lot at the local grocery store. With all that in mind, our budget for a family of three adults and one child was roughly $3,000 excluding flights. With more expensive hotels and more meals out, you can expect to budget anywhere between $2,500 and $7,000.

All photos by the author

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