Tokyo with Kids
A bay full of rides, a projected light show, and a museum built by Miyazaki himself, the version of Tokyo that actually works with children in tow.
Tokyo is genuinely one of the most kid-friendly megacities in the world, spotless streets, impeccably safe transport, and a whole culture built around kawaii charm. Here’s how to spend the time on what actually works with kids.
Odaiba
An entertainment island in Tokyo Bay, genuinely built for exactly this, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, teamLab digital art, an indoor amusement park, and a giant Ferris wheel all within walking distance of each other. Even the journey counts as an attraction, the fully automated Yurikamome train crosses the Rainbow Bridge on the way in.
Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo
Japan’s oldest zoo, over 3,000 animals and a real bargain at a fraction of Western zoo prices, kids under a certain age go free. The wider park adds temples, a lake and plenty of space to run, particularly striking during cherry blossom season.
teamLab Planets or Borderless
Colourful, immersive digital installations that work well for every age, kids run through projected light and water without any real risk of getting bored. A proper rainy-day activity too, entirely indoors and unaffected by weather.
Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science
Hands-on exhibits covering robotics, space and technology, one of Tokyo’s best science museums for kids who’d rather touch things than read labels. Pair it with a walk along Odaiba Seaside Park for sunset views over the water afterward.
The Ghibli Museum
Designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, drawing on beloved Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro, part gallery, part funhouse, and properly magical for fans of the films. Tickets are notoriously hard to secure and sell out well in advance, book the moment your dates are confirmed.
If a full theme park day is on the cards
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea sit a short train ride from central Tokyo, DisneySea in particular is unique to Japan and genuinely ranks as a highlight for many families. Book tickets well ahead, and don’t plan more than two major attractions per day given how large and detailed both parks are.
Eating with kids
Most Japanese restaurants offer child-sized portions without much fuss, and department store basements, depachika food halls, are worth a browse for easy, varied food tastings. Family-friendly chain restaurants scattered throughout the city offer kids’ menus and highchairs without needing advance booking.
A few practical notes
Children under 6 ride free on all Tokyo trains, subways and buses, and the public transport system, while intimidating on the map at first glance, is genuinely straightforward once you’ve got a Pasmo or Suica card. Tokyo is remarkably safe and clean, worth remembering if a first visit with kids feels daunting.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
