Here’s our list of the 10 best places to visit in Tokyo with family :
- Tokyo Disneyland – Where dreams come true!
- Ueno Zoo – Meet giant pandas and exotic animals.
- Odaiba – Futuristic playgrounds and rainbow bridges.
- Asakusa (Sensō-ji Temple) – Step into old Japan.
- TeamLab Borderless – Glow-in-the-dark digital art wonderland.
- Shibuya Crossing – “The world’s busiest intersection” (and puppy pancakes!).
- Tokyo Skytree – Sky-high views and ninja-themed floors.
- Ginza – Luxury shopping and kid-friendly sushi bars.
- Kawagoe (Little Edo) – Samurai history and sweet potato treats.
- Inokashira Park – Rent swan boats and feed hungry squirrels.
Tokyo is a magical mix of neon lights, ancient temples, and endless fun for families! We’ll dive in each place in the list. But before that, let’s answer your burning questions!
🤔 Is Tokyo Worth Visiting with Kids?
Absolutely! Tokyo is a kid-friendly wonderland. From interactive museums like Miraikan (where robots greet you!) to parks with free entry, there’s zero chance of boredom. Plus, Tokyo is super safe, trains are stroller-friendly, and you’ll find kid-sized toilets everywhere. Even picky eaters will love kawaii (cute) character-themed meals.
🏨 What Part of Tokyo to Stay in with Family?
Shiodome or Odaiba are perfect for families!
- Shiodome : Walk to Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and family-friendly malls like DiverCity Tokyo (home of the giant Gundam statue!).
- Odaiba : Beaches, museums, and the Palette Town Ferris wheel. Hotels here often have connecting rooms and free breakfast for kids
⚠️ Where to Avoid Staying in Tokyo with Family?
When traveling with family, it’s important to choose areas that are safe, convenient, and suitable for all age groups. While Tokyo is generally a very family-friendly city, some neighborhoods may not be the best fit for families, especially during certain times of the day. For instance, Roppongi and Shinjuku’s Kabukicho are two areas that are better avoided at night if you’re visiting with kids.
Roppongi has gained a reputation for being an entertainment hub aimed primarily at adults. While it does have some attractions like the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo Midtown, which can be great during the day, the area transforms into a nightlife hotspot after dark. Some reports suggest that tourists, particularly foreigners, might encounter situations where they are lured into bars by promoters or face unexpected high bills . This environment isn’t ideal for children and could feel overwhelming even for parents.
Similarly, Kabukicho in Shinjuku, often referred to as Tokyo’s “red-light district,” is known for its bustling nightlife, host and hostess clubs, and adult-oriented establishments. While it’s perfectly safe during the daytime (and worth visiting for attractions like the Golden Gai alleys or Robot Restaurant), it becomes less appropriate for younger audiences at night due to its vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere . Additionally, there’s always the risk of scams targeting unsuspecting visitors in such areas.
Instead, opting for neighborhoods that offer easy access to family-friendly attractions via public transportation will make your trip much smoother. Areas like Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno, or Asakusa provide excellent train connections while also offering plenty of activities suitable for families. For example, Shibuya is lively but still welcoming for teens and young adults, making it a good choice for families with older children . Meanwhile, Ueno and Asakusa are steeped in culture and history, with parks, museums, and temples nearby that appeal to all ages .
Ultimately, choosing a neighborhood that balances convenience, safety, and accessibility ensures everyone in the family enjoys their time in Tokyo without unnecessary stress or discomfort .
⏳ How Many Days in Tokyo with Family Is Enough?
Deciding how many days to spend in Tokyo depends on your travel style, interests, and whether you’re visiting with family or solo. However, five days is widely considered the sweet spot for most travelers, allowing you to experience the city’s highlights without feeling rushed . During this time, you can comfortably explore iconic neighborhoods like Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza, and Ueno, while still leaving room for day trips to nearby destinations such as Yokohama or Hakone .
If you’re traveling in Tokyo with family, a 5-day itinerary strikes a good balance between sightseeing and downtime, ensuring that both adults and children don’t get overwhelmed . For example, you could dedicate one day to Tokyo Disneyland, another to cultural spots like Sensō-ji Temple, and a third to futuristic attractions like Odaiba or TeamLab Borderless. The remaining two days can be used for leisurely exploration or shorter excursions .
That said, if you’re short on time, three days is enough to cover the must-see highlights—but it will require some careful planning. You can prioritize key areas like Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa, and perhaps squeeze in a half-day at Ueno Zoo or a quick visit to Tokyo Skytree . Keep in mind, though, that three days might leave you wishing you had more time to truly soak in the city’s unique blend of traditional and modern culture .
For those who prefer a slower pace or want to dive deeper into specific interests (like anime in Akihabara or sumo wrestling history), extending your stay to 7 days allows for richer experiences, including multiple day trips outside the city . Ultimately, five days offers the perfect mix of depth and variety, making it an ideal choice for families and first-time visitors alike .
🚄 Is Shinkansen Free for Kids?
Traveling with kids on Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet trains) is both convenient and family-friendly, thanks to flexible policies for children. Kids under 6 years old can ride for free , provided they don’t occupy a separate seat. This makes it an excellent option for families with toddlers or infants who can sit comfortably on a parent’s lap during the journey. However, if you’re traveling with more than two children under 6 or need extra space, you might want to reserve a seat for them at the discounted child fare.
For children aged 6 to 11 , tickets are available at half the price of adult fares . These child tickets also include discounts on limited express fees and reserved seating on JR trains, making it affordable to explore Japan as a family. Keep in mind that while these fares apply to standard cars, there are no special child rates for Green Cars —children in this age group would need to purchase an adult Green Car ticket if you decide to upgrade .
A pro tip for families embarking on longer journeys? Consider booking a Green Car for added comfort. Green Cars offer wider seats, more legroom, and a quieter environment, which can be especially helpful when traveling with young kids who may need extra space to stretch out or nap during the ride. While Green Cars come at a premium cost, the investment could make your trip far more enjoyable, particularly on extended routes like Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka.
Lastly, remember to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like Golden Week (late April to early May) or summer vacations, to secure seats and avoid last-minute stress.
With careful planning and these child-friendly policies, riding the Shinkansen becomes not just a mode of transport but an exciting part of your family adventure!
🛏️ What Is the Hotel Policy for Children in Japan?
Most hotels let kids stay free if sharing your bed (up to age 12). Some even offer free breakfast for children! Always check the hotel’s “Kids Stay Free” policy when booking.
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🌟 Now, Let’s Dive into the 10 Best Places to Visit in Tokyo with Family
1. Tokyo Disneyland
Why go? Meet Mickey, ride Space Mountain, and watch parades with princesses. It’s a magical experience for kids and adults alike!
Pro tip : Use FastPasses strategically to skip long lines—grab them as soon as you enter the park
Cost : Full single-day park tickets cost approximately ¥9,400–¥12,000 (about 75 USD) for adults; children ages 4-11 pay about ¥6,400
Best time : Weekdays during off-peak seasons like January or September to avoid crowds.
Nearby snacks : Don’t miss the Mickey-shaped pastries , melon shaved ice with soft serve at Sultan’s Oasis, or the mango Mickey waffle from Great American Waffle Co.
For dinner, try Cowboy Cook House for hearty Western meals or Pan Galactic Pizza Port for themed pizzas
2. Ueno Zoo
Why go? Spot giant pandas, giraffes, and red pandas. The zoo is Japan’s oldest and offers both fun and education for young explorers.
Pro tip : Rent a stroller if you have toddlers—it’s a large zoo, and little legs might get tired!
Cost : Adults pay ¥600 , but kids under 12 enter free.
Best time : Spring (March–April) when cherry blossoms bloom around the zoo grounds.
Nearby snacks : Grab ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste) from vendors near Sensō-ji Temple, just a short train ride away in Asakusa. Or head to Restaurant Hokusai , close to the zoo, which serves kid-friendly Japanese dishes.
3. Odaiba
Why go? A futuristic island with TeamLab Planets (glowing water installations!), the Gundam Statue , and Palette Town’s Ferris wheel. Play volleyball on the beach or explore the Miraikan Museum with its humanoid robot, ASIMO .
Kid-friendly perk : Free entry to parks; stroller-friendly paths.
Pro tip : Ride the Yurikamome train for skyline views (kids under 6 ride free!)
Cost : TeamLab Planets: ¥3,200/adult, ¥1,000/kids 4-14.
Best time : Summer evenings for fireworks or winter for Christmas lights.
Nearby snacks : Try monjayaki (savory pancake) at Tsukishima Monja Street near Odaiba.
4. Asakusa (Sensō-ji Temple)
Why go? Tokyo’s oldest temple! Walk through the Thunder Gate with its giant lantern, then shop for ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes) on Nakamise Street .
Kid-friendly perk : Paper craft workshops at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center .
Pro tip : Rent a kimono for the day (kids’ sizes available!).
Cost : Free temple entry; kimono rental starts at ¥3,000.
Best time : March for cherry blossoms or May for the Sanja Festival .
Nearby snacks : Melon soda at Asakusa Namiki Yabusoba or kaminari-okoshi (sweet rice snacks).
5. TeamLab Borderless
Why go? A digital art museum where you can walk through waterfalls, chase glowing butterflies, and jump into a “forest of lamps.”
Kid-friendly perk : No “quiet please!” rules—kids can run, touch, and interact!
Pro tip : Book tickets online (weekends sell out fast).
Cost : Adults ¥3,200, kids 4-14 ¥1,000.
Best time : Weekdays for shorter lines.
Nearby snacks : Rainbow cotton candy at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (near the Gundam statue).
6. Shibuya Crossing
Why go? The “Times Square of Tokyo”! Pose with Hachiko the dog statue , then hunt for Pokémon toys at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo .
Kid-friendly perk : Shibuya Sky observation deck has a glass slide for brave kids.
Pro tip : Visit at 8 PM when the crosswalk closes to cars—it’s like a dance party!
Cost : Free; Pokémon Center souvenirs start at ¥500.
Best time : Late afternoon for sunset photos.
Nearby snacks : Pancakes at Flipper’s (fluffy and Instagram-famous!).
7. Tokyo Skytree
Why go? The tallest tower in Japan (634 meters!) with glass floors that make you feel like you’re floating. Spot Mount Fuji on clear days!
Kid-friendly perk : Ninja-themed floors with interactive games.
Pro tip : Combine with a visit to Sumida Aquarium at the base (touch pools with stingrays!).
Cost : Observation deck: ¥2,100/adult, ¥1,050/kids 4-12.
Best time : Sunset for golden-hour city views.
Nearby snacks : Tempura at Tenmo (watch chefs fry shrimp in front of you!).
8. Ginza
Why go? Tokyo’s luxury district—but don’t worry! There’s Sony ExploraScience (virtual reality games) and Kabuki-za Theatre (short performances for kids).
Kid-friendly perk : Ginza Six mall has a rooftop garden and LEGO store.
Pro tip : Visit on Sunday mornings when the main street becomes pedestrian-only.
Cost : Free to explore; kabuki tickets start at ¥3,000.
Best time : December for holiday window displays.
Nearby snacks : Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake) at Naniwaya Sohonten (founded in 1909!).
9. Kawagoe (Little Edo)
Why go? A samurai-era town 30 minutes from Tokyo! Stroll past wooden shops, eat sweet potato soft serve , and ring the Kashiya Clock Tower .
Kid-friendly perk : Kawagoe Festival Museum has mini-floats kids can “pull.”
Pro tip : Buy candy at Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane).
Cost : Free; rickshaw rides start at ¥5,000.
Best time : October for the Kawagoe Festival (floats with lanterns!).
Nearby snacks : Daifuku mochi (sweet rice cakes) at Hinata .
10. Inokashira Park
Why go? Rent swan-shaped boats , picnic under cherry trees, and visit the Ghibli Museum nearby (book tickets early!).
Kid-friendly perk : Squirrel feeding (buy nuts at the kiosk!).
Pro tip : Bring bread to toss to the ducks (but watch out—turtles steal it!).
Cost : Boat rental: ¥1,500/hour. Ghibli Museum: ¥1,000/kids.
Best time : April for cherry blossoms; October for autumn leaves.
Nearby snacks : Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at Matsunozushi .
🎉 Final Tips for Your Tokyo Family Trip!
- Pack light —Tokyo’s trains are crowded, and you’ll walk a lot .
- Get a Suica card for easy train payments (kids under 6 ride free!).
- Try konbini (convenience stores) : 7-Eleven sells cute onigiri (rice balls) and melon soda!
Tokyo is a city where old meets new , and every corner has a surprise. Whether you’re chasing Pikachu or feeding squirrels, your family will leave with stories (and photos!) to last a lifetime. 🗼✨
