anning to head to Japan’s bustling metropolis with the rest of the family? Make sure to plan your itinerary! Here are some great places to visit with your family in Tokyo.
1. Get a taste of Japan in cool restaurants or themed cafes!
Tsukiji Market and Toyosu Market
Locations: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City / 6 Chome-3 Toyosu, Koto City
Hours: 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Tsukiji Market used to be known for its tuna auctions and inner fish market. But on October 6, 2018, the entire inner market moved to Toyosu, where they established themselves as the Toyosu Market.
If you want to experience the tuna auctions and the sale of fresh fish, head to Toyosu Market. But if you and your family just want good food, the Tsukiji Market still has its outer market, filled Japanese restaurants. Either way, you’ll experience deliciously authentic Japanese food.
Takeshita Street
Location: 1 Chome-17 Jingumae, Shibuya City
Hours: Store hours vary per shop
For creperies, quirky cafes, and lots of fashion boutiques, Takeshita Street is the place to visit. It’s one of Tokyo’s brightest and busiest shopping streets. Go there to grab a quick bite from many of the crepe shops, then browse through the small, independently-owned shops and colorful clothing stores.
Alice in Wonderland Restaurant
Location: 1-5-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku Odakyu Halc BF3, Shinjuku City
Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for lunch, 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM for dinner
If your kids love Alice in Wonderland, why not treat them to a restaurant that’s modeled after it? Even the foods are based on the story. The servers dress up as familiar characters as well, like the Rabbit.
Ninja Akasaka
Location: 2-14-3 Nagatacho, Akasaka Tokyu Plaza 1F, Chiyoda City
Hours: 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM (closes at 11:00 PM on Sundays and holidays)
NINJA AKASAKA’s entrance is nothing but a small door next to Tokyu Plaza. Once inside, a ninja will guide you to “The Village”. After small flights of stairs and low ceilings, you’ll be shown to your table. Apart from an interesting theme, the food is fantastic.
2. Learn about Japanese culture!
Fire Museum
Location: 3 Chome-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku City
Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
To learn more about fire and firefighting, visit this museum! There are informative exhibits on the history of firefighting in Japan, interactive displays, and even a firefighting helicopter that you can enter. Plus, admission is free!
Tokyo Metro Museum and Tobu Museum
Locations: 6 Chome-3-1 Higashikasai, Edogawa City / 4 Chome-28-29 Higashimukojima, Sumida City Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Both of these museums showcase Japan’s train systems. The Tokyo Metro Museum has exhibits on Japan’s subway system, while the Tobu Museum has some on the railway system. Both museums have informative displays and interactive attractions.
Tokyo Edo Museum
Location: 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida City Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
This museum showcases architecture and artifacts that tell the story of Tokyo’s history. It’s a large recreation of what it would be like to live in Tokyo in the past centuries, with a wooden bridge, shops, and even an olden theater.
Ghibli Museum
Location: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka City
Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If you’ve watched Howl’s Moving Castle or Spirited Away, then this museum is sure to be in your itinerary. Although the place is more on showing the artistic process and less on interactivity, it’s nice to see your favorite characters from Totoro in their actual size.
The Ghibli Museum is usually swarming with people, so make sure to book tickets early!
Museum of Maritime Science
Location: 3 Chome-1 Higashiyashio, Shinagawa City
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
If you’re more interested in the marine sciences, then pay a visit to the Museum of Maritime Science. The main building comes in the shape of a big cruise liner. The exhibits are on Japanese boats, ship designs, and the marine environment. There are also attractions outside of the main building, including Soya, an icebreaker ship that’s been converted into a big exhibit.
3. Explore historical attractions, modern technology exhibits, and more!
Science Museum
Location: 2-1 Kitanomaru Koen, Chiyoda City
Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:50 PM
The Science Museum’s general theme is science throughout the ages. Unlike the other museums on this list, its scope is broader. It’s a museum that was made especially for kids. Almost all of the displays are interactive and even have in-depth English descriptions.
National Museum of Nature and Science
Location: 7-20 Uenokoen, Taito City
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
This museum is known for exhibits on natural history and interactive attractions. It features animals and their skeletal features, modern Japanese scientists, and even presentations that are projected on a 360-degree cinema. The only downside is that the English explanations for each exhibit are limited.
Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Location: 2 Chome-3-6 Aomi, Koto City Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
If you’re interested in technology and robotics, visiting this museum is a must. Your kids are sure to enjoy the interactive exhibits that showcase different kinds of machines. Don’t miss the Honda Azimo Show, where you’re given an up, close, and personal experience with a robot!
RiSuPia Panasonic Digital Network Museum
Location: 3-5-1, Ariake, Koto City
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
For exhibits on more modern technology, head to the Panasonic Digital Network Museum. It shows its visitors how technology concerning the video camera and sound recorders. There are also interactive attractions on maths, physics, and the sciences.
Sunshine Aquarium
Location: 3-1-3 Higashiikebukuro, World Import Mart Bldg. Rooftop, Toshima City Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
This place is a great aquarium filled with diverse marine creatures. There were also stalls with otters, penguins, and seals. They also offer sea lion shows and underwater performances.
Ueno Zoo
Location: 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City
Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Ueno Zoo is one of Japan’s most loved zoos. Apart from the usual animals you see in the zoo, this one features animals that are endemic to Japan! For example, there are enclosures that house Hokkaido brown beans and some that showcase Japanese macaques.
4. Have some fun in theme parks!
Tokyo Disneyland & Disney Sea
Location: 1-1, Maihama, Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture
Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
We’d be cheating for this item on the list because it isn’t actually in Tokyo. But it’s only 15 minutes away from the Tokyo train station. Plus, it’s the happiest place on earth, so we couldn’t resist!
Legoland Discovery Center
Location: 1-6-1 Daiba, Decks Tokyo Beach Island Mall, Daiba Island, Minato City Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
For kids who enjoy Legos and building, this should definitely be on the Tokyo itinerary for your Japan tour package. The place offers exhibits, rides, and even a 3D movie! For those interested in learning how to build complex things with Legos, Legoland also offers classes and workshops.
Joypolis Entertainment Center
Location: 1-6-1 Daiba, Decks Tokyo Beach 3F-5F, Minato City Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
The Joypolis Entertainment Center is an indoor amusement park with a lot of rides and attractions, like roller coasters and bumper cars. A lot of these rides involve flashing lights, so make sure to protect your eyes.
KidZania
Location: 2-4-9, Toyosu, Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu North Port 3F, Koto City
Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
In KidZania, kids are allowed to try out different “jobs”, each with different activities. They can choose to roleplay as doctors, firemen, soap makers, and much more! There are so many jobs to choose from and each presents its own unique experience.
Tokyo Dome City
Location: Koraku 1-3-61, Bunkyo City
Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Both a roofed baseball stadium and a small amusement park, Tokyo Dome City is a great place to have fun with your family. You can watch an event or ride the roller coasters. Apart from the dome and the rides, there is also a small mall and a couple of restaurants in the area. You’re sure to enjoy your Japan tour package with these 20 family-friendly places to visit in the Tokyo Metropolis. What are you waiting for? Book a tour now!
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