8 Things To Do For Kids In Tokyo, Japan - Updated 2024

Juliet
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read
things to do in tokyo for kids

Tokyo is a futuristic fairytale land for your kids, as the city has many fun learning experiences that revolve around the wonders of nature, science and magic. Whether you are visiting Tokyo Disneyland for the rides or feeding animals at Ueno Zoo, the well-known high efficiency and standards of Japan will not leave you disappointed. Apart from the popular tourist attractions, the safe city and the pleasant people makes Tokyo a great place for your children to explore, either browsing around the city’s many shopping malls or having a bowl of hot ramen at the stalls. Want to know where else to go? Check out our list of things to do in Tokyo, Japan, for kids.

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1. Disneyland

things to do in tokyo for kids | disneyland

Step in the forest of Disneyland as Mickey and the gang roll out the red carpet to show you other characters of the mythical kingdom. Next, wander into the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation to find out what Asimo, the impressive robot, is up to. He will demonstrate the science evolutions that will happen in the next century. Aside from this museum, the maritime museum is a hot favorite with kids, as they climbed up and down from the ship or boat displayed. The latest craze is Kidzania, which kids dressed up as in the real-life occupations such as a doctor, fire engineer or professor.

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2. Go to Ueno Zoo


Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan. Aside from that little nugget of history, it is a world-class zoo with animals and birds from all parts of the globe, housed in replicas of their natural habitats. Your children will marvel at the elephants, gorillas, and polar bears there, amidst the larger animals. They will also delight in riding the monorail between the East Garden and West Garden or pet the animals at the children’s petting zoo. The big Shinobazu Pond in the West Garden is another lovely area to bring them to appreciate lotus plants, and the adults in the group may be curious about the small island where there is a shrine to the goddess Benten, an Indian god traditionally worshipped in Japan. The well-equipped zoo has restaurants, snack stalls, souvenir shops and toilets.

Ueno Zoo

Address: Ueno Zoo, 9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan

Prices: Adults (16-64): 600 yen | Seniors (65+):300 yen| Students (13-15): 200 yen | Children (0-12): Free

Opening hours: 9:30 to 17:00

Website: Ueno Zoo

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3. Paddle in the lake of Inokashira Park


Have active children who are raring to run around a park? Then bring them to Inokashira Park. A luscious green space with a pond located in the middle of the park. You can hire swan to peddle boats for 700 yen and row leisurely along the pond. In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom to decorate the side of the pond. There are other attractions to keep them entertained such as the Studio Ghibli Museum or bring them to the traditional Japanese garden to admire the aesthetics.

Inokashira Park

Address: 1-18-31 Gotenyama Musashino-shi Tokyo 180-0005

Price:Free

Opening hours: 9:30AM-5PM

Website: Paddle in the lake of Inokashira Park

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4. Legoland Discovery Center

Thrill the kids at Legoland Discovery Centre, a place that will surely spark their creativity and your own inner child. A huge indoor Lego playground, your children will squeal at the two rides and find themselves fully occupied with the 10 build and play zones. If all that energy is still not used up, bring them to the 4D cinema to watch cartoons. This playground might just be the highlight of their trip.

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Tokyo Tour Guide

Ayano

Ayano

Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I wi... Read more

Tours by Ayano

5. Visit the Sunshine City Aquarium

things to do in tokyo for kids | visit the sunshine city aquarium
Source: instagram

Sunshine City Aquarium is located in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City. A large shopping and office complex, it is a great mall to spend the entire day browsing and, of course, to view the aquarium. It has 750 species of fish here, and other marine life includes sea lions, otters, and penguins. Children will enjoy the view of sea lions, penguins and other animals from the Sunshine Aqua Ring. Look out for rare specimens such as giant manta rays, huge sunfish and deep-water spider crabs.

Sunshine City Aquarium

Address: Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1

Opening hours: 9 AM to 8 PM

Price: Adults (ages 16+): 2,200 yen | Youths (ages 7 to 15):1,200 yen | Children (ages 4 to 6): 700 yen

Website: Attraction Name

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6. Visit Kiddyland in Harajuku


For half a century, KIDDY LAND has provided fun times and helped make dreams come true for both children and grownups. And, by keeping abreast with changing times and lifestyles, you will find something new and exciting every time you visit. From specialty articles to character items to an immense variety of toys, there is something for everyone. For all that is new, KIDDY LAND toy store comes to mind first and can be enjoyed by every member of your family.

KIDDY LAND - Harajuku

Address: 6 Chome-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Opening hours: Monday~Friday:[Open] 11:00-21:00, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday: [Open] 10:30-21:00.

Website: KIDDY LAND - Harajuku

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7. Visit Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a famous site dedicated to the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji. One of the main religions in Japan is Shintoism, and this is a shrine dedicated to this religion. A beautifully built shrine, it is located in the middle of a shaded park and walking in from the entrance is an easy, leisurely stroll. If you prefer to visit a few more places, check out this tour that allows you to visit the Imperial Palace as well as Tokyo’s eldest Buddhist site, Asakusa Kannon Temple. It will also include shopping time in Tokyo’s Nakamise and Ginza districts, as well as a 50-minute cruise on Tokyo Bay.

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8. Go on a cruise at Tokyo Bay

Beautiful Tokyo Bay located in the southern Kantō region of Japan spans the coasts of Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Chiba Prefectures. A winding stretch of water that offers extraordinary views of the city’s skyline, if you are in Tokyo, you can hop on a cruise near Shiba Celestine Hotel. You can choose from luxurious ships to more affordable choices. If you prefer to take a short trip out of Tokyo, then perhaps a Kamakura and Tokyo Bay trip would make more sense. A day trip option from Viator brings you to the serene and peaceful cities of Kamakura and Enoshima, with options to visit the Buddhist statue in Kamakura and wander in the bamboo groves near Hokoku-Ji temple.

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Book Tours : Kamakura Walking Tour

Let your children get busy in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan at night
Source: Pexels

A destination that will allow the old and the young to have fun, Tokyo is a must-visit. Safe and clean, it is easy to navigate around the city. While most locals speak Japanese, they also understand English, and are extremely hospitable and will go out of their way to help you. Your children and the big kids at heart will definitely enjoy the sights and sounds of Tokyo, whether it is feeding the animals at the petting zone or paddling on a swan boat in the park.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Juliet, an ardent traveler, a real-life educator, and a part-time adult ballerina, embraces her status as a late bloomer, discovering beauty in the world around her and continually seeking out new...Read more

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