Things to do in Tokyo, Japan with little kids
We were lucky enough to spend 2 months in Tokyo with a 2 and a 4 year old!
Me and Simon have lived in Japan before we had kids for 1.5 years and Simon speaks Japanese. So we knew the best places not as tourists but as locals too!
Tokyo is clean, safe, stroller-friendly in most areas, and there are so many activities that little kids genuinely enjoy. Here are some of our favourites, including a few local experiences that many tourists miss
1. Make Your Own Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake and many restaurants let you cook it yourself on a hot plate at your table. Kids absolutely love helping to mix the ingredients and watching their creation cook in front of them.
It's one of those restaurant experiences where toddlers are actually encouraged to get involved.
Look for family-friendly okonomiyaki restaurants in areas such as Odaiba, Shinjuku and Asakusa.
2. Kura Sushi
If your children have never experienced a Japanese conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, this is a must.
The plates travel around the restaurant on a conveyor belt and you simply grab whatever catches your eye. Every five empty plates are inserted into a slot at your table which triggers a mini game on the screen and gives you a chance to win a small toy prize.
Even if your child isn't a sushi fan, there are plenty of options including fries, noodles, desserts, etc.
3. The Giant Gundam Robot in Odaiba
A very cool free attraction in Tokyo.
Outside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza you can see a life-size Gundam robot that towers above visitors. It also lights up in the evenings.
Even if your children have never seen the anime, they will be amazed by the sheer size of it.
While you're there, Odaiba is a fantastic area for families with wide walkways, shopping centres, playgrounds and waterfront views.
4. Tokyo Disneyland
It's one of the most visited theme parks in the world. And it's much cheaper than other Disneylands around the world!
There are plenty of baby and toddler-friendly attractions, character meet-and-greets, shows, parades and themed lands to explore. The attention to detail is incredible and the park is exceptionally clean and well organised.
My biggest tip is to arrive before opening and use the app to manage wait times throughout the day. If your children are still napping, bring the stroller, many families do!
5. Kid-Friendly Karaoke at Karaoke Kan
Karaoke is a huge part of Japanese culture and families do it too.
A great option is Karaoke Kan where you rent your own private room rather than singing in front of strangers. Food and drinks can be ordered directly to the room and children can dance, sing and be as loud as they like.
Our kids loved having their own little party room.
Choose songs from Disney movies, nursery rhymes or any adult song you like!
6. Ride the Yurikamome Train
This driverless train connects central Tokyo with Odaiba.
The best part is sitting right at the front and pretending you're driving. The route crosses Rainbow Bridge and offers amazing views of Tokyo Bay.
For toddlers who love trains, this can easily become a highlight of the trip.
7. Explore Asakusa Early in the Morning
Most people visit Asakusa in the middle of the day when it's packed.
But if you arrive in the morning you'll be able to stroll through the historic streets around Sensō-ji before the crowds arrive, browse local snack stalls and let the kids wander without constantly navigating crowds. There is a cute playground right next to the temple too!
8. Watch (or get on!) a Shinkansen Bullet Train
If your child loves trains, spend some time at Tokyo Station watching the bullet trains arrive and depart. Or if you're heading to a different city opt for the fast train as Shinkansen trains are so unique and an amazing experience not just for kids but adults too.
Make sure you buy an "eki-ben" before getting on the train which is a lunch box specifically for taking and eating on the train!
9. The Giant Free Slide at Sumida Park (with a Tokyo Skytree View)
This is one of those places that barely appears on tourist itineraries but local families love it.
Near the river in Sumida Park you'll find a large free slide with incredible views of Tokyo Skytree in the background. It's the perfect spot to let toddlers burn off some energy while you enjoy one of Tokyo's most iconic views.
We found that combining this with a stroll along the river and a snack stop nearby made for a lovely relaxed morning away from the crowds.
Tokyo does an amazing job of blending world-famous attractions with everyday family life. Some of our favourite memories weren't from the major sights at all, they were singing karaoke in a private room, winning prizes at Kura Sushi, mixing our own okonomiyaki batter and turning the streets of Tokyo into our own little playground.
For family travel tips follow: https://www.instagram.com/sophiefamilytravel/
