Tokyo is a truly enchanting city. You could visit it again and again, in different groups and seasons, and have completely different experiences almost every time. But did you know it’s especially great for families?
Its fun colors and child-like character are guaranteed to win over any little traveler – but it’s also a parent’s dream. Tokyo is incredibly clean, safe, and convenient, helping it attract over 15 million tourists in the year before the pandemic.
Sure, navigating its complex transport network and finding kid-friendly local foods might be more challenging – but there’s nothing a little planning can’t overcome. So, if you’re looking for family-friendly activities to add to a Japan tour that includes the capital, here are five sure-fire winners.
See the Unicorn Gundam robot
Credits: Alex Chen
Does your little one like playing with robots? How about robots that are 65 feet tall?!
The towering Gundam robot stands next to the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Mall in the Odaiba district. It makes for a great photo opportunity, of course – but it doesn’t just stand still. With accompanying sound and light and a battle-ready mode, you’d totally want Gundam on your side!
Explore the rest of the Odaiba district
The Gundam robot makes a great jumping off point for discovering the rest of kid-friendly Odaiba. Sights and activities to add to your itinerary include:
- A miniature Statue of Liberty
- The huge Rainbow Bridge, which lights up at night
- The Legoland Discovery Center for hours of brick-building fun
- Joypolis, a SEGA-themed indoor amusement park with games, rides, and SEGA icons such as Sonic the Hedgehog
Visit the Disneyland and DisneySea theme parks
Credits: Tokyo Disneyland Resort
Japan is awash with theme and amusement parks, and Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are two of the biggest and most popular. They sit just outside of the city but are well connected, making day trips nice and easy!
The Disneyland park is similar to California’s and caters best to younger children with its fun characters and experiences. DisneySea leans more towards older kids and adults with some higher-octane activities.
See the future at Tokyo Bay
Tokyo and indeed Japan are often thought of as being highly futuristic – and the Tokyo Bay area brings this vision to life!
The National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation promotes exploring around a game-themed app, and showcases the latest in robot tech. Nearby, teamLab Borderless features stunning digital art installations drawing inspiration from Japanese sci-fi.
Check out the Ghibli Museum for anime inspo
Credits: Lora Sutyagina
If your children are into comics, animated games or shows or drawing, the Ghibli Museum is bound to capture their imagination.
Its quirky, colorful building celebrates collector’s items from the Studio Ghibli anime empire, and even has a small in-house cinema showing the studio’s latest short films. Pack some popcorn!
With excursions like these on offer, you’re sure to have an incredible time exploring Tokyo as a family!
