Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids: Our Family-Friendly Guide

Tokyo isn’t just neon signs and sushi; it’s a goldmine of fun, interactive, and downright magical experiences for kids and their parents. Whether you’re chasing digital art, saying hi to Pikachu, or gazing at city views from a tower that looks suspiciously Eiffel-like, there’s something here for every family. This list blends our own family’s favourite stops with some of Tokyo’s best-known attractions.

If you’re wondering where to start, here are the best things to do in Tokyo with kids – based on what we actually loved.

Watch: Top 10 things to do in Tokyo with kids

Prefer to see it first? Watch our quick video for 10 of the best things to do in Tokyo with kids, including immersive art, themed cafés, iconic neighbourhoods and big-ticket attractions.

Our top 10 things to do in Tokyo with kids

1. Visit teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless
2. Explore Shinjuku and don’t miss the giant 3D cat near the station
3. Eat at a themed cafe (we visited the Pokémon Cafe)
4. Visit a quirky museum (like the Art Aquarium or the ‘unko’ or poop museum)
5. Explore Shibuya and watch the famous Shibuya Crossing from the nearby Starbucks
6. Go up Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree
7. Stroll down Takeshita Street
8. Visit Senso-Ji Temple
9. Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
10. Relax at Shinjuku Gyoen

Best Tokyo attractions by age

---

Immersive and interactive experiences

---

teamLab Planets

TeamLab is one of the most mind-blowing things we did in Tokyo. You’ll wade through knee-deep water while digital fish swim around your legs, get lost in glowing orbs, and lie on a mirrored floor while greenery descends from the ceiling. It’s part art, part playground and surprisingly peaceful in the right moments. This was my favourite thing to do in Tokyo with kids!

Tip: Wear shorts and easy to remove shoes as you’ll be wading through water. Dresses and skirts are not recommended due to the mirrored floor in some rooms. Bookings are essential!

teamLab Borderless

The newer reincarnation of the original Borderless museum has reopened with even more stunning rooms and experiences. Unlike Planets, you’re free to wander without a path and just because you’ve already experienced a room, doesn’t mean it will be the same the next time you find yourself in it. Strolling around teamLab Borderless is a little like a fantasy realm.

Tip: Make sure the kids are well fed beforehand as it takes a couple of hours to experience all of this one. We ended up leaving a little earlier than I would have liked when our youngest got hangry.

Read our full guide to teamLab Tokyo with Kids: A Family Guide to Planets vs Borderless here

Art Aquarium Museum Ginza

Smaller than a traditional museum but packed with imagination. This space combines vibrant lighting with artful aquariums, offering a calm and visually stunning exhibit, without the crowds of teamLab. A visit to the Art Aquarium Museum is a strangely relaxing thing to do in Tokyo with kids.

Samurai and ninja experiences

Several venues in Tokyo offer dress-up and training experiences where kids can throw ninja stars or practice sword moves. It’s educational(ish), but mostly it’s just awesome.

Animal cafés

Tokyo is the queen of quirky cafés. Visit an owl café, sip tea while watching hedgehogs, or meet a capybara up close. Some are more ethical than others so make sure to do your homework before choosing. Many need to be booked well in advance.

---

Themed and character experiences

---

Pokémon Café

If you or your kids are Pokémon fans, the Pokemon Cafe is a must-experience thing to do in Tokyo with kids. You’ll need to book well in advance, but if you manage to score a reservation, you’ll experience adorable latte art, interactive ordering tablets and if you time it right, a visit from Pikachu singing the Japanese version of “If you’re happy and you know it”.

Not just for kids, there were a surprising amount of couples doing date night here when we visited as well as many groups sans kids.

Tip: The Pokemon Cafe is quite expensive so if you’re on a budget, visit in the arvo for a cute themed latte and drink for the kids rather than fork out for a number of meals.

Sanrio Puroland

A pastel dreamland for Hello Kitty fans and younger kids, this indoor theme park is filled with live shows, character greetings, and rides that are more gentle than adrenaline-fuelled. Think live shows, character meet-and-greets, and very kawaii souvenirs. It’s an easy half-day trip on a rainy day.

---

Tokyo’s biggest family attractions

---

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

You’ve probably already pencilled this one in your list of things to do in Tokyo with kids, but in case you haven’t, these twin parks are consistently rated among the best in the world.

Disneyland has all the classic Disney magic (perfect for littlies), while DisneySea skews slightly older with more adventurous rides and jaw-dropping sets.

Tip: Book early and go mid-week if you can. And yes, there’s popcorn in every flavour under the sun.

Ghibli Park

Ghibli Park is actually a 1.5 to 2-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo in Aichi, but many anime-loving families make the trek. The park represents the world of Studio Ghibli, but even if your kids haven’t seen Totoro or Spirited Away, it’s still a lot of fun. There are interactive displays, valuable production materials, play areas and a cafe and gift shop.

The park is so popular that visitors need to pre-purchase tickets two months in advance. They go on sale on the 10th of every month at 2:00pm JST.

There are five main areas to visit within the park and Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse area has specified entry time.

---

Outdoor spaces and iconic sights

---

Tokyo Tower

Yes, it looks a bit like the Eiffel Tower’s red cousin, but it has its own charm, as well as epic city views. A family-friendly choice that even grandparents will enjoy.

You’ll also find Japan’s largest next-generation digital playground spread over three floors at the base. Here you can climb into a robot and ‘fight’, dive into a full-scale e-motor simulation area and scream in a VR ride that rotates 360-degrees.

Tokyo Skytree

Skytree is Tokyo’s tallest structure at 634-metres and offers sweeping views with optional edge-glass floor thrills. From here, you can enjoy unrivalled views of some of Japan’s iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji.

Ueno Zoo and Ueno Park

Founded in 1882, Ueno Zoo is Tokyo’s largest zoo. Spread over nearly 36-acres, it has pandas, elephants, and even a monorail. The park surrounding it is massive, with cherry blossoms in spring, pedal boats, and museums nearby.

Yoyogi Park

A big green space near Harajuku with plenty of room to run around, Yoyogi Park is a great free place to visit for a picnic. On weekends, it’s full of locals playing music, dancing, and enjoying life. There are bike rentals too if you’re looking for active things to do in Tokyo with kids that isn’t walking.

Shinjuku Gyoen

One of the most popular parks in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is perfect if you need a relaxing escape from the urban centre. Except for during cherry blossom season, and then you’re going to need to reserve your entry for a specific time due to the crowds. Pack some snacks and let the kids roam while you soak up the scenery.

---

Tokyo neighbourhoods to explore with kids

---

Shibuya

No Tokyo trip is complete without braving the famous scramble crossing (yes, it’s fun with kids). If you’re lucky, you’ll see a convoy of Mario Karts drive through.

Of course you’ll want to walk the crossing, but the best views are from the Starbucks a few levels up. It’s hard to get a window seat so if you see an opening, make sure to nab it. It’s controlled chaos, but it works.

Shinjuku

We loved this area for the 3D cat billboard, iconic neon streets and the Godzilla peeking out over the top of Hotel Gracery, which made us feel like we were in a movie set. This area is family-friendly during the day and early evening but can get a little spicier later on, so time your strolls accordingly.

Bring lots of loose change for the gachapon machine (capsule toy machines) and claw-grab arcades, where you’ll score everything from Pokemon collectibles to sushi-shaped erasers.

Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Pop culture fashion, animal cafés, rainbow fairy floss – Harajuku is wild and fun. It’s also very crowded with a less than clean public toilet (unusual for Japan). Younger kids and adults may just enjoy the snacks and people-watching, but your teens will want to move in.

---

Urban attractions and entertainment districts

---

Odaiba (DiverCity & the Gundam Statue)

Odaiba is a fun waterfront area that feels a bit like Tokyo’s playground. The highlight for kids is the giant life-size Gundam statue outside DiverCity. It literally moves and lights up at night.

Inside, you’ll find arcades, shops, and plenty of food options, making it an easy half-day outing that doesn’t require too much planning.

---

Culutural Experiences

---

Edo-Tokyo Museum

The Edo-Tokyo Museum has reopened after major renovations, making it a great option for families who want a break from the neon-and-theme-park side of Tokyo.

It’s a hands-on way to introduce kids to Tokyo’s history, from the Edo period through to the modern city, with models, displays and plenty to look at without it feeling like a dry museum visit.

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo and a great place to introduce your kids to Japan’s traditional side. It is the temple of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu), who embodies the mercy of all Buddhas.

Explore the giant lantern at the temple gate, snack on sweet rice crackers from the market stalls, or try a short rickshaw ride. It’s touristy (drawing 30-million worshippers every year) but iconic and the vibe is lively and fun.

---

Final tips for parents

• Go easy on the mornings. Most attractions open around 10–11am. Sleep-ins are Tokyo-approved.
• Use lockers. Tokyo’s public lockers are lifesavers when you’re carrying snacks, jumpers, and that extra plushie someone couldn’t leave behind.
• Download key apps. Google Maps, Navitime, Google Translate, and a currency converter will make your life so much easier.
• Snacks are everywhere. Convenience store onigiri, fruit jelly cups, and vending machines full of juice are your best mates.
• Book popular activities early. teamLab, Pokémon Café, and Ghibli Museum all sell out – use Klook or the official websites to lock it in.

---

Final thoughts

Tokyo is one of the world’s most exciting cities and when you travel with kids, it gets even more magical. Whether you’re wandering through digital dreamscapes, cuddling Pikachu, or just sharing a crepe while people-watching in Harajuku, there’s never a dull moment.

We’ve done it, we loved it, and we’ll be back.

👉 Want to know more about visiting Tokyo? Read our practical guide to visiting Tokyo with kids to get the lowdown on how to get there, where to stay, how to get around, what to eat and more. Planning on seeing more of Japan? Visit our Family Travel Guide to Japan page.

---

^{This article contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.}

---

Where to next?