Yosuke and Masumi are friends from Japan who now live in Stamford, Connecticut, while Yosuke commutes to New York City for his job at an international shipping company. Since their daughter Sakura was born seven years ago, they have returned to Tokyo at least once a year, always bringing her along. For Sakura, Tokyo is a dazzling playground of bright neon lights, colorful displays, captivating aquariums, extraordinary toy stores and, of course, Tokyo Disneyland. Though her grandparents would like more of her attention, it’s Tokyo’s high-energy streets, child-focused parks, museums and amusement centers that enchant her, along with the more than 1.5 million children under 14 who fill the city’s family-oriented venues.
Tokyo’s vibrant capital appeals strongly to adults, and it’s equally engaging for children. Young visitors adapt quickly to the city’s imaginative, futuristic atmosphere. The Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Hall, a six-story facility, offers inventive play areas, hands-on art and music studios, science craft zones and an entertaining human body maze that delight kids of many ages. High-tech gaming culture is on full display at the Sega-operated Tokyo Joypolis in Shibuya-ku, where toddlers through teens can enjoy virtual reality attractions and action rides such as Spin Bullet and Half-pipe Canyon. The complex includes food options for lunch or snacks, and a seasonal rooftop playground is open in summer.
Metropolitan Tokyo covers roughly 4,300 square miles, and distances can feel intimidating, but the city’s subway and train network is extensive, punctual and safe. Station signage and directions are in both English and Japanese, and a variety of adult and child fare options make rail travel more affordable and far quicker than taxis or private cars for most trips.
Shinagawa Aquarium, located along the coast south of central Tokyo, offers a chance to see the city’s maritime edge as well as impressive marine exhibits. Opened in 1991, it features a variety of tanks, including shark and rainforest displays, a seal observation area and a memorable underwater tunnel that runs through one of the largest tanks.
About 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station, the Ghibli Museum is a must for fans of Studio Ghibli. Because it’s so popular, entry requires advance ticket reservations; check the museum’s ticketing information before you go. The museum presents short films and many whimsical spaces—the second-floor Cat Bus, the Space of Wonder and the Central Hall among them—making it a magical outing for families.
Sanrio Puroland, roughly 40 minutes from Shinjuku, is another family favorite. This indoor theme park features seven themed areas such as Fairyland Theatre, The Time Machine of Dreams, Entertainment Hall, a Character Boat Ride and Kitty’s House, plus a multi-story building with a wide selection of dining and shopping options.
For Pokémon enthusiasts, the Pokémon Center in Tokyo is an essential stop. The large store carries a wide range of games, toys, and merchandise and welcomes visitors year-round, though weekends can be especially busy. Branches of the Pokémon Center operate in several other Japanese cities as well.
The Water Science Museum in Koto Ward combines a functional water-supply station with interactive exhibits. It’s a hands-on destination for all ages, with highlights like the Aqua Planet Theater’s virtual whitewater rafting experience. Best of all, admission to the museum is free.
Tokyo Dome, home of the Yomiuri Giants, anchors Dome City, an energetic entertainment complex in central Tokyo. Attending a game is a lively experience with enthusiastic fans and in-stand musicians. The surrounding complex includes an outdoor amusement park with the hub-less Ferris wheel Bio-O, an indoor park called Geopolis, the Thunder Dolphin roller coaster, the Wonder Drop water slide and child-friendly areas such as Splash Garden and Parachute Land. Spa LaQua, a high-end hot springs facility (not admitting children under six), and the 43-story Tokyo Dome Hotel with its many rooms, restaurants and shops are also on site.
No family trip to Tokyo is complete without a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort, about 15 minutes by express train from downtown. Tokyo Disneyland, modeled after its American counterparts, remains a perennial favorite and one of the world’s most-visited theme parks. Disneyland contains seven themed lands, including Toon Town and Critter Country. Adjacent Tokyo DisneySea, opened in 2001, offers seven water-themed areas such as Mediterranean Harbor and Arabian Coast. The Disney Resort Line monorail loops around both parks.
Because many shows, parades and fireworks take place in the evening, visitors often choose to stay at one of the nearby hotels for a night or two. Combination packages that bundle train transportation, hotel nights and park tickets are often available; booking well in advance is recommended, especially during summer and other busy periods.
Make time to explore Tokyo’s large department stores, whose basement food halls are ideal for picking up souvenirs and picnic supplies. Bento boxes—convenient lunch boxes filled with a variety of items—are widely available, along with cheeses, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, bread and traditional snacks like o-senbei rice crackers. Many vendors offer samples, which makes shopping the food halls a tasty part of the sightseeing experience.
Info To Go
Narita International Airport (NRT), about 42 miles from central Tokyo, is well connected to the city by the Keisei Sky Access high-speed train, which reaches downtown in approximately 36 minutes. Haneda Airport (HND) handles many international flights as well and is only about 8.5 miles from central Tokyo, a 20–30 minute ride by train. Both airports are served by buses and taxis. Travelers should consult official tourism resources for current schedules and fare information.
Lodging
Hotel Okura Tokyo
A long-established, elegant choice that is also family-friendly. Grand Comfort rooms and junior suites provide spacious sitting areas that can accommodate roll-away beds for children. 2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, tel 81 3 3582 0111.
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
One of Japan’s largest hotels, it offers a daycare center, an 11-screen cinema, indoor and outdoor pools, an aquarium stadium, sports facilities and diverse dining options. 10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku, tel 81 3 3440 1111.
Tokyo Disneyland Hotel
Adjacent to the resort, this hotel provides Disney-themed rooms, complimentary monorail tickets for guests and on-site shops, restaurants and an outdoor pool. Tokyo Disneyland, tel 81 4 7305 3333.
Dining
Aoi-Marushin
A family-friendly spot near Sensoji Temple specializing in tempura. Offers table or floor seating and an English menu. 1-4-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, tel 81 3 3841 0110.
Darumaya
Known for some of Tokyo’s best ramen, this casual restaurant serves ramen with grilled vegetables or daruma soba with barbecued pork. 1F Murayama Building, 5-9-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, tel 81 3 3499 6295.
Homework’s
A good choice when you want an American-style burger. The menu features about 15 varieties made with natural ingredients and house-baked buns. Locations include Hiroo and Azabujuban.