BEST THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO WITH KIDS

INSIDE: Everything you need to know about the best things to do in Tokyo with Kids. Updated 2024.

Are you ready for a chockablock-full list of SUPER DOOPER FUN ideas & activities for family travel in Tokyo with kids?

If you are looking for things to do in Tokyo with kids, you have come to the right place.

Check out our list of Tokyo attractions below and click the links to add these ideas to your list of top things to do in Tokyo.

Tokyo is a juxtaposition of Old World Culture and New World Technology. Japan is our favourite country and Tokyo is our number one city in the world to visit with kids.

There’s so many fun things to do in Tokyo for kids, especially if your inner child is alive and well, you love “cute” stuff, and you have a natural curiosity for the weird and wonderful. 

Find all the details below. 

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Image credit: Photo by bantersnaps on Unsplash

BEST THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO WITH TOKYO

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in yen, unless otherwise stated

Before we begin, a quick round up of the Tokyo city suburbs you should not miss. 

Shibuya shopping 

Shop at Loft and Tokyu Hands for cool things in Japan to take home as souvenirs

Take a look at Shinjuku pedestrian crossing from inside Starbucks to get a great view of the thousands of people passing through daily.

Catch the train to Shinjuku station and spend the day.

Akihabara

For electronics and manga supplies

Asakusa

For old-world charm, history, and SUMO wrestlers, and the chance to head up Tokyo Skytree tourist attraction for a view of the entire city

Ikebukuro & Sunshine City Shopping 

It’s just off the beaten tourist track in Japan, but LOTS of things for kids to do here.

Where else in Tokyo can you find:

• A Rooftop Aquarium AND
• TWO Indoor Theme Parks AND
• A Planetarium AND
• An Observatory AND
• A Pokemon shop AND
• The chance to try EEL flavoured ice-cream at the best ice-cream shop in Tokyo with 51+ Japanese ice cream flavours?

Ikebukuro is just 4 stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote line JR Tokyo Metropolitan, in the opposite direction to Shibuya and Harajuku.

Sunshine City in Ikebukuro is located just 3 minutes walk from Higashi Ikebukuro Station on the Yurakucho Metro Line.

Kamakura

For the chance to see Japan’s largest outdoor Buddha

Odaiba

Taking the train over the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba for a day of electronic and techno fun.

The Tsukiji Fish markets are not far either – this is one for the older kids

Harajuku

For a super fun foodie experience surrounded by weird and wonderful people (and tourists)

There’s always something new happening in the crazy busy and colourful Harajuku.

Enjoy a snack at a Rabbit, Owl, Hedgehog or Reptile cafe

Meiji Shrine is on the other side of the road behind the train station too. 

Don’t miss it. 

Ueno Park

Stop by the National Museums and Ueno Zoo – great for two, three and four year old children.

The park itself is one of our favourite spots in Tokyo. 

The craft stalls and food stalls are there on weekends and sometimes during the week – it’s worth a wander. 

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySEA

Do not miss them. Do one day at each park.

Don’t miss the BEAUTY AND THE BEAST RIDE.  It is a spectacle that is well worth the two-hour wait!

(or pay for the fast pass thing, it’s worth it) 

Find all the details of these cool places and more below. 

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RELATED: MONSTER GUIDE OF BEST THINGS TO BUY IN JAPAN

BEST TOKYO FAMILY ATTRACTIONS  

Wondering what to see in Tokyo on your Tokyo itinerary for kids? Here’s a bunch of must-do family activities in Tokyo.

No.1: Kidzania Tokyo

This is TOP of our things to do in Tokyo list.

Gosh, it’s top of our things to do in the world with kids list.

Book on an English speaking day. It’s a thing. 

Details coming soon! 

No.2: Take a Ride at Japan’s Oldest Theme Park, Hanayashiki

Hanayashiki is the oldest amusement park in Japan.

It’s a stone’s throw behind the Sensoji temple, yet most visitors to Asakusa with kids don’t know it’s there.

My kids and I had a BALL at this place.

There’s a small entrance fee to enter the grounds (currently 1000 yen for adults, and 500 yen for kids 7-12. Kids under 7 are free.

You then buy tickets for the rides and attractions

• 100 yen per ticket, or
• a book of 11 tickets for 1000 yen, or
• a day pass for 2000 yen for kids, and 2300 yen for adults, or 1800 for kids 6 years and under.

The big scary rides cost 4 to 5 tickets each. The family friendly rides cost 2-3 tickets each.

Take a look at the rides on offer at Hanayashiki amusement park in Asakusa.

It’s the best value in town!

You can also eat lunch at Hanayashiki at one of their Japanese street food restaurants, or pick up some speciality souvenirs at one of the shops.

Address: Hanayashiki amusement park in Asakusa. 2-28-1, Asakusa, Taito-ku 111-0032
Access：Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Subway Asakusa Line / Tobu SkyTree Line, 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station.
Opening hours:  10: 00-18: 00 (Operation Hours vary depending on the season and weather)
URL：Click here for website

No.3: Yanaka Ginza 

This is my new favourite place in Tokyo. 

Do visit the Yanaka Ginza Stamp Shop – Shinimonogurui. This shop, located at Yanaka Ginza Shoten-gai, the outdoor shopping arcade, can be found at the start of the street just after you descend the stairs.

It sells custom-made hanko stamps (personalised seals) with pictures of cats. 

Why? Because this town is known for being home to hundreds of stray cats. 

These stamps are adorable!  

More details of this historical part of Tokyo coming soon!

No.4: Sunshine City Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro Sunshine City is the best shopping mall in Tokyo with indoor theme parks. 

Sunshine City in Ikebukuro has tonnes of stuff for kids.

The aquarium in Sunshine City has a jelly fish tunnel and an outdoor swimming pool for seals

Check out the Nippon Animation Store

Poke your head into the Pokemon center (see below for details)

Pretend you are a Japanese kid and enjoy games and rides at Namco Namja Town

And then shop and eat. 

You’ll need a day! 

PS: The Ikebukuro Earthquake Museum is nearby too. (see Museums section below for details) 

Opened in 1978, the Sunshine City Ikebukuro complex is the oldest of Tokyo’s “city within a city”.

The Sunshine City complex consists of 5 buildings:

• Sunshine 60
• Bunka Kaikan
• World Import Mart (ALTA)
• Shopping Center “Alpa”, and
• the Prince hotel. 

Image credit: Katie

WORLD IMPORT MART BUILDING

No.1: Ikebukuro Sunshine City Aquarium

Rumoured to be the world’s highest aquarium, the aquarium at Sunshine City is located on the 10th floor of the World Import Mart Building.

More than 20,000 fish and animals are housed here including:

• dolphins
• octopuses
• eels
• piranhas
• sea horses
• sea otters
• seals
• giant crabs, and
• other rare and weird species of fish 

The Sunshine aquarium in Ikebukuro features popular attractions such as:

• the “Sunshine Aqua Ring” with its view of sea lions swimming overhead, and
• the dreamlike “Jellyfish Tunnel.”

You can also enjoy performances by sea lions and underwater divers, as well as sea otter and penguin feeding shows on Sundays and holidays.

The aquarium in Sunshine City has entry from 10am to 8pm during summer and spring.

It’s open 10am to 6pm during autumn and winter months.

Image credit: Mazaria

No.2: Mazaria VR Amusement Center

Mazaria is an amusement center and Tokyo’s newest VR (Virtual Reality) hotspot in Ikebukuro Sunshine City on the 3rd Floor of World Import Mart Building.

There are four zones:

• Festival Zone
• Adventure Zone
• Panic Zone
• SF Zone

Festival Zone is the place to experience the world of anime and games using your whole body.

It includes:

• an Athletic Pacman VR challenge
• Huge balloon explosion room panic cube
• Drum Master VR
• Pacman Go Round activity
• Mario Kart Arcade Grand Prix VR

Adventure Zone is home to a whole bunch of nature experiences and challenge activities set out in the world.

It includes:

• Downhill skiing rodeo
• Extreme courage to try the Hanachari 
• Fishing VR challenge
• Armoured trouper VR simulator
• Adventure river rapids VR game

Panic Zone is where you are allowed, and encouraged, to scream, and PANIC! 

Try the Dinosaur survival experience, or the extreme heights test.

Survive the Zombie apocalypse and run from the Horror Room. 

These games are not for the timid!

SF Zone allows you to inhabit these famous anime characters as you move about. 

• Godzilla
• Gundam Robot
• Galaga Fever
• Evangelion VR 

The VR games are designed for players to transcend the normal boundaries between the 2D and 3D world.

There’s car racing, sports games, and more. 

Image credit: Mazaria Store 

No.3: Shop at the Mazaria store 

Check out the Mazaria souvenir store selling all the anime characters including:

• Super Mario
• Pacman – including Ghost glasses, Pacman charms, and Pacman souvenir food
• Drum Master
• Godzilla
• Dragon Quest

Entry to Mazaria is 4,500 yen for adults over 13. and 2,900 yen for children 7 to 13.

Mazaria admission without games is 800 yen for adults, and 500 yen for kids 4 to 13. Children under 3 enter free.

You can buy individual tickets for single games for 1,000 each once you have the admission ticket.  

Click here for details of all pass combinations. 

Open from 10am to 10pm daily.

No.4: The Sunshine Starlight Dome Planetarium

The Sunshine City Planetarium is located on the 10th floor of the World Import Mart Building.

The Konica Minolta Planetarium“ Manten is equipped with the digital image system SKYMAX, which gives the feeling of being right in the middle of stars.

More than 400,000 fixed stars are projected onto the dome, while special programs, like a footage on the Aurora Borealis, are shown on a rotating basis.

Movie Screenings last approximately 40 minutes. 

Book your seats early to have your pick of where you’ll watch. 

The Turf sheet is the place to lie down on a full-flat ‘grassy’ mat to watch the stars above.

The Cloud sheet is a special luxurious cloud-shaped seat that seats five, as though you are in a dream, like one of the Little Twin Stars! 

General seating is what’s left. 

NOTE: For primary school aged children and above only.

Image credit: Kimon Berlin via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

SUNSHINE 60 BUILDING

The Sunshine 60 Building is a 60-story building at one end of Sunshine City.  

Offices and shops are located on all the floors of this 240-meter-high building, topping with the Observation Deck on the 60th floor.

Image credit: Sky Circus

No.1: The Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory

The observatory at Sunshine 60 Tokyo reopened after a big renovation on April 21, 2016.

There’s now a 360 degree panorama of the city from the Deck, which also boasts of an open air “sky deck”.

On the days when the weather is clear, you might even spot Mt. Fuji.

The elevator that goes up to the Observation Deck is the fastest in the world and takes only thirty five seconds to complete the journey from ground level to the top. 

In addition, it is packed with playful content such as:

• the latest VR technology, and
• a 4D simulation so you get a whole new experience with views that stimulate the senses of sight and touch and bring surprises.

The revamped space consists of seven zones that offer countless “experiences,” like:

• Tokyo Cannonball Flight, where a virtual video takes you zooming through Tokyo’s future sights
• Sky Trampoline, which makes you feel like you’re floating, and
• Infinitescape, where you take a fun stroll through a giant kaleidoscope.

Put the “panoramic experience” on your Tokyo bucket list of things to do in Tokyo with kids.

 

SUNSHINE CITY PLAY AREA FOR KIDS at ALPA

Sunshine City Ikebukuro has a new Pokemon-themed children’s play area located near the family toilets facility.

It’s for children up to 4 years old, a place of respite for weary travelling mums and dads. 

Be sure to take your shoes off before you enter this soft-play area.

There’s:

• interactive walls
• puzzles to play
• screen games 
• padded blocks, and
• cushioning for a bit of tumble play to wear them out.

There’s even the cutest shoe rack, similar to this one. 

The Japanese’s attachment to the philosophy of ‘Everything has a Place, A Place for Everything’ makes life so much easier.

Find the play area on the second floor of Alpa (near the family toilets.) 

Open from 10am to 8pm daily. 

Sunshine City Facilities for Babies & Toddlers

Sunshine City Tokyo Japan has the BEST toddler seat thingamabob we’ve ever seen in a toilet.

It’s a ‘baby rest’, a chair for the baby or toddler from 5 months to 2.5 years old.

Finally, a chance to go to the toilet in peace without the toddler opening the door on you (yep, has happened to me!), or trying to scramble under the door while you wee.

We need these mother and child toilets in every toilet around the world!

Find a baby room with diaper change table and a nursing room on:

• Alpa B1 near Kokumin,
• Alpa 2F in front of the Kimura coffee shop, and
• Alpa 3F north of Hirokoji. 

There’s access to hot water to heat the milk bottles too.

You can also rent a stroller for free from rental stations 

• Behind Alpa B1 (Kua Aina) General Information Center
• Behind Alpa B1 Hirokoji Information Center
• Behind Alpa 1F Hirokoji Information Center 

No.4: Asakusa

To be honest, we are not super fans of gimmicky places filled with shiny souvenir shops, or busloads of camera-wielding tourists.

But while Asakusa is a hot destination on all coach and bus tours in Tokyo, (perhaps the number one tourist destination for coach tours in Japan?) it IS the perfect boisterous and colourful introduction to Japanese culture for the kids.

The Asakusa district has a special charm, and there’s so much more to do than just visit the Sensoji temple and the market stalls lining the route, Nakamise Shopping street. Let’s start exploring!

Schedule a full day for Asakusa sightseeing.

Senso-ji Temple IS the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, said to have been built in 628, and that alone makes bringing the family to Asakusa a worthwhile investment of your time and energy.

But it’s the zillion other things to do at ASAKUSA with kids that make a day of it!

Address：Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032, Japan
Access：Take a JR train to Asakusa Station. Walk from the station to the Kaminarimon Gate is less than 200 metres.
Opening hours: 10am to 4pm, except Sundays and holidays. Free entrance
Website：Click here

No.1: Kaminarimon Gate – the famous Giant Red Lantern icon at Asakusa Tokyo

The first thing most visitors see when walking from the Asakusa station is the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, with its’ Giant Red Lantern hanging below.

Here is where the Asakusa fun begins, at Nakamise Dori Asakusa shopping street.

(“Namamise” translated into Japanese means “inside shops”)

Both sides of Nakamise shopping street are lined with shops, eateries, and Japanese souvenir shops.

You’ll find: 

• Japanese cultural ornaments
• Japanese kokeshi dolls
• Japanese sumo wrestler ornaments
• Japanese handbags
• Japanese tote bags
• handmade Japanese crafts, or
• those super cute Japanese crafts and toys made from that Chirimen (cheery men!) crinkle crepe fabric?

You name it. It’s there. (Look at all the things you can buy in Nakamise Street in the ‘Shopping in Tokyo’ section below) 

Nakamise dori street is a busy and touristy spot BUT there is something equally compelling and breathtaking about this temple that I’ve not felt at others, even though the lead up to it feels a bit like a party street, unlike most temples in Japan where the mood is reverent and quiet!

Kids love it here.

There’s no need for shushing, prolonged quiet, or having to hold in their natural exuberance for too long.

No.2: Sensoji Temple in Asakusa

At the other end of the street is the Hozo Mon (middle gate) and beyond that is where the Sensoji Temple stands.

The mood here is more quiet and thoughtful (but only just.)

Worshippers do come to bless, to pray, to ask for guidance and good luck.

There are a number of stalls to purchase blessing trinkets if you wish to join in.

No.3: The Five Storey Pagoda at Asakusa

To the left, you’ll see the the Five Storey Pagoda, one of Japan’s most sacred traditional monuments in Asakusa.

It is said that the top of the pagoda holds the ashes of Gautama Buddha.

Asakusa Buddha

Nearby, a Buddha statue sits in contemplation.

Many Japanese people come to pray at this spot too.

Our best finds are always off the main drag.

If you have time, take a wander and see what magic awaits you too.

You’ll find shops:

• selling traditional kimono
• artisans selling their traditional handicrafts, plus
• shops selling Japanese ceramics and homewares.

No.5:  Go Goldfish Scooping at Asakusa Kingyo

Inside the Asakusa Nishi-sandō Shopping Street, there’s a Goldfish Scooping activity for kids to do.

Japanese kids take home the goldfish they catch.

We played catch and release.

No.6: Tokyo Sky Tree 

It’s the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world at 634 metres tall.

If it’s a fine day, pop this on your itinerary too.

You can see the entire Kanto region including Mt Fuji on a fine day.

And if it’s not a fine day, like when we visited, all is not lost.

You’ll be given a cute Japanese Skytree token as a booby prize gift!

There’s also a major shopping centre below, with a bunch of limited-time restaurants featuring Japanese character food that the kids will think is just the bees’ knees.

Address：1-chōme-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tōkyō-to 131-0045, Japan
Access：It’s an easy 20-25 minute walk from Asakusa Sensoji temple, across the Kototoi bridge over the Sumida river, to Tokyo Skytree.
Opening hours: Tokyo Skytree Observation Decks are open from 8am to 10pm daily. Entry fee applies. Shops 8am to 9.45pm. Open 365 days a year.
URL：Visit the Tokyo Skytree Website for current prices.

No.7: Take a ride in a Jinrikisha, a traditional Japanese rickshaw.

Take a selfie or two!

No.8: Visit Sumida Park for a view of the Sumida River.

If it’s March or April, you might be lucky enough to see the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom.

No.9: Visit the Sumida Aquarium at the Tokyo Sky Tree

The colour-changing jellyfish exhibit is cool.

One of the highlights for kids are the labs with experimental exhibitions.

Kids can watch a scientist work with the jellyfish too.

But the real appeal at this aquarium for most kids is the garden eel tank.

Want to see a field of snake-like creatures swaying in the sand?

It’s mesmerising and a bit spooky.

They are paired with leaf-shaped shrimp who swim up vertically!

It’s otherworldly!

Address：1-chome-1-2 Japan, 5-6F, TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN Solamachi, Tokyo, Sumida-ku, Oshiage 〒131-0045
Access：Click here
Opening hours: 9am to 9pm, 365 days. Entry fees apply. (Under 3 free.)
URL：Visit the Sumida Aquarium website for details.

No.10: Visit the Konica Minolta Planetarium “Tenku” at Tokyo Sky Tree

Take a lie-down on one of their mesh seats and get set for a new kind of fun. 

This 4D experience lets you walk under the stars, with lights, sounds and smells to amaze you.

Address：1-1-2 Oshiage, Tokyo Skytree Town East Yard 7F, Sumida 131-0045, Tokyo
Opening hours: Open 10am to 9 pm. Ask at the admission desk for show times. Entry fee applies.
URL: Facebook

No.11: Inokashira Park Kichijoji

If you are heading to the Studio Ghibli Museum in Kichijoji (devoted to the work of Hayao Miyazaki’s much-loved anime films such as Spirited Away, and My Neighbour Totoro), or if you are wondering where to go in Tokyo off the beaten track, head to Inokashira 

Since 1917, this 95-acre city park has been providing a restful green space to Tokyo locals. It has a pond with boating facilities, a zoo & trails.then plan a few extra hours to take advantage of the super fun things to do in Tokyo at Inokashira Koen.

Inokashira Park is about 5 minutes walk from Inokashira Koen Train Station.

Inokashira Park is one of the best parks in Tokyo for kids, and one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo during the Tokyo cherry blossom season.

If you are looking for things to do in Kichijoji, make a stop at one of these fun Inokashira park attractions.

These are the must see attractions at Inokashira Park Tokyo

No.1: Ride the Inokashira Park Swan Boats!

Number one on your list should be a BOAT RIDE on the very cute swan boats on Inokashira pond to see the views (and the Cherry Blossoms if they are in season).

We’ve never seen such cute pedal boats in our life!

Enjoying a Inokashira Swan Boats Ride is the best thing to do in Kichijoji Tokyo. 

Do not visit the park without jumping aboard the delightful and popular Inokashira Park Swan Boats.

It’s just a 500 metre walk from the Studio through the park and past the zoo, to reach the lake where you will find the Inokashira Park Swan Boats.

Look into the distance, and you’ll spot them.

Types of Swanboats in Inokashira

There are actually three types of Inokashira Park swan boats you can hire here:

Swan Paddle Boat

¥700 for 30 minutes; 2 persons max.

You can take kids in these configurations:

• 2 adults + 1 child under 9;
• 2 adults + 2 children under 6;
• or 1 adult, 1 teen (10-12 years), 1 child under 9 and 1 child under 6.

Regular Paddle Boat  

¥600 for 30 minutes, 2 persons max.

Rowboat

¥600 for one hour; 3 persons max.

How to buy tickets for the swan boats at Inokashira park

Buy your ticket at the vending machine, then give your ticket to the boat operator and hop in.

The tickets are time-stamped so be snappy about this process with the kids and have them ready to go.

There’s a steering wheel, and pedals to work the rudder.

It takes a few minutes to get a hang of it, then off you go!

No.2: Inokashira Zoo & Aquatic Life House

Inokashira Zoo is in two parts – be sure to visit both.

There’s a gift shop, and snack kiosks.

But most importantly for the children, it has a GUINEA PIG PETTING AREA!

The main park of the zoo has:

• cranes, wild board, and Japanese deer
• leopard cats, foxes, raccoons, crested porcupines
• capybaras, goats, flying foxes, penguins and monkeys
• a wildlife encounter field
• a wild bird forest
• a Japanese bird house
• a Japanese garden
• flower gardens and two sculpture museums
• a mini Amusement park
• a Tokyo playground for kids

The Aquatic Life Park Lakeside park across the Gotenyama pedestrian bridge is home to:

• the Inokashira Aquarium, Aquatic Life House
• Ducks, goose, swans, mandarin ducks, herons
• a pretty outlook toward the Shrine, and a pergola

The Inokashira Park is small, but cute and well priced.

Address: 1-17-6, Gotenyama, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0005
Entry Fees: Adult entry costs ¥400 and kids 0-12 years enter free.
Opening hours: 9.30 to 5pm daily. Closed Monday, and from December 29 to January 1. Reopens Jan 2.
URL: Click here for visitor information and a zoo map in English

How to get to the Inokashira Zoo:

• Inokashira Park Zoo is within 10 minutes’ walk from Kichijoji Station of JR Line, Keio Inokashira Line, or Subway Tozai Line
• Kichijoji is 15 minutes’ train ride from JR Shinjuku station, or about 20 minutes’ from Keio Inokashira Shibuya station
• From Kichijoji Station’s Minami-Guchi (South Exit), go along the railroad to the right hand, then turn left at the first intersection, and walk about 5 minutes along the road

No.3: Studio Ghibli Museum Tokyo

The Ghibli museum Tokyo is one of the unique things to do in Tokyo with kids.

Hot tip: Be sure to book your tickets BEFORE your trip as early as possible. It sells out quickly! FYI – No tickets are sold at the venue.

At Studio Ghibli Museum, You’ll have the opportunity to:

• see the famous Studio Ghibli Museum building filled with stained glass windows and lamps
• gaze up the giant Totoro at the entrance
• step into The Space of Wonder ticket reception area
• discover The Central Hall, a place of delight and hidden treasures
• look through Five Exhibition rooms that take you through the process of how an animated film by Hayao Miyazaki is made, from inspiration to completion
• watch a short animated feature original from the Ghibli studio in the Saturn theater
• Wander the Reading Room to touch and see the books
• Take a look at the Giant Robot Soldier everyone knows
• Enjoy barley tea, hot and cold meals, snacks and desserts at the Straw Hat cafe

The best thing for kids is to RIDE THE CAT Bus! (Or climb and play on this fluffy sculpture to be exact!)

Do stop in at the museum shop “MAMMA AIUTO!”, (Mama, help me! in Italian) named after the sky pirates in “Porco Rosso”.

Find your favorite Studio Ghibli character products along with original museum gift items including cell art, art print cells, hand painted cells and woodblock prints of scenes taken from Studio Ghibli films

Address: 1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013
Admission Tickets:

• All admission to the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is by advance reservation only.
• No tickets are sold at the Museum.
• Click here for instructions on how to buy tickets outside of Japan.

Access：

• Within Mitaka Inokashira Park.  Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka station. The train takes approximately 20 min. from Shinjuku station.  Download the map. 
• From the Mitaka South Exit, approx. 15 min. walk along the Tamagawa Josui “Waterworks” to the museum.
• A Community Bus is in operation from Mitaka Station to the Museum. It costs 210 yen per adult one way (320 yen return) and 110 yen one way for children 12 and under. (160 round trip)

Opening hours: Wed-Mon 10am-6pm
URL：Check the website for details.

No.4: Inokashira Art Market in the Park

At weekends and during holidays, there’s an art market in the park.

You’ll meet lots of Japanese people visiting the park on these days to take advantage of the free street entertainment, food stalls and more.

Address: 1 Chome-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0005, Japan
Telephone: 0422-47-6900
Entry Fees: Free entry into the park itself.  Admission fees apply for the boats, museum and zoo.
Opening Hours: 

• Inokashira Park Tokyo is open from dusk till dawn.
• The Inokashira park boat rental hours are from 10am to 4pm, daily.
• Restrictions on opening hours may apply during the cooler months, so please check with the venue.
• They may also close one day a week. For most businesses, this holiday is usually a Monday, so plan your trip to Inokashira Park around this if you can.

How to get to Inokashira Park Kichijoji

• By Train from Shinjuku: JR Chuo Line Kichijoji Station South exit, then 5 minutes by foot
• By Train from Shibuya: Take the Keio Inokashira Line to Kichijoji Station or Inokashira koen Station, then travel 5 minutes by foot from Kichijoji station or 1 minute by foot from Inokashira-koen station
• By bus: Take the Odakyu Bus and get off at the Koen-iriguchi/Bunkaen-mae bus stop
• By car: Approx. 20 min. from Chofu IC

Facilities at Tokyo Inokashira-koen Park

Find these facilities and amenities at Inokashira koen park Kichijoji.

Toilets: Yes, Japanese-style and Western toilets in the park. Baby change facility. Toddler seat.
Disability access: Wheelchair access is available right up to boats docking zone. Accessing the boats may be possible depending on level of disability.
Closest playground: Inokashira Park has a small playground with a yellow ‘roller’ slide. Inokashira Park zoo also has a children’s mini amusement park area with rides.
Shade: Yes, lots of trees
Food options: Pick up a Bento Box for lunch on your way from the food hall at Kichijoji Station. There are also plenty of vending machines around too

No.12: Harajuku with Kids

This is the street for fun food including:

• Japanese crepes
• rainbow cotton candy, and
• the Long, Longer, Longest shop with the biggest ice creams around.

It’s very touristy BUT fun! 

Visit Daiso Harajuku on Takeshita street for cheap Japanese souvenirs too. (details in Shopping section below) 

No.13: Shibuya with Kids

The DISNEY store in Shibuya is worth a peek.

Sales items are on the top floor.

No.14: Gotokuji Cat Temple Setagaya 

The Gotokuji Cat Temple is a quirky ones kids love, plus it’s a bit off the beaten track so way less tourists than the Asakusa shrine.

20 minutes by train from Shibuya station is one of the most unusual temples in Tokyo, the Gotokuji Temple.

If you are planning to visit temples in Tokyo with the kids, we suggest putting this one on your list.

Walk through the entry gate and you’ll find:

• sizeable gardens
• a wooden pagoda
• family gravestones
• bamboo fences, and
• manicured hedgerows.

It’s a beauty, but there’s one big difference between this shrine and other temples in Tokyo.

The Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo is home to thousands of identical “Maneki-Neko” Lucky Cats.

GOTOKUJI TEMPLE of LUCKY CATS is the best temple in Tokyo for kids.

Image credit: John Gillespie via Flickr CC BY SA-2.0

Guide to Gotokuji Temple Tokyo (aka, The Gotokuji Cat Temple Tokyo) 

Gotokuji Temple is home to the popular Japanese Lucky Cat ornaments, and it’s one of our favourite Temples in Tokyo for kids.

It doesn’t take long for tourists and visitors to Japan to become familiar with the beckoning cat, waving its’ hands in a gesture of  ‘Come on in’! 

Fortune cats can be found on the front counter or entryway of most Japanese shops, businesses, restaurants and Pachinko parlours.

But you have to walk deep into the temple grounds before you see them here!

Do make sure the kids know these Lucky cats at this temple in Tokyo are not toys to play with, but rather something to look at.

The ceramic Lucky Cats do get muddy being out in the elements, but the Gotokuji temple groundskeeper is kept busy cleaning them regularly.

Introducing the Japanese Good Luck Symbol – Maneki Neko 

The Maneki Neko cat is believed to be a lucky charm by the Japanese people, to bring good fortune and happiness.

We’ve heard a rumour that if the cat’s right arm is raised, it invites and beckons money. If the cat’s left arm is raised, it invites people and community.

So, the main reason people pay a visit the Cat Temple is to:

• Make their own wish seeking good fortune, or
• Say thank you for good fortune already bestowed.

Do keep an eye out for cats in surprising places – look up towards the roof and ceilings to spy ornate timber carvings and don’t forget to let the kids ring the long red rope outside the temple.

The rope looks like the cat’s collar and is attached to a bell. Ringing a ‘suzu’ rope is the way to call in the good spirits and deter the evil spirits from gaining hold.

It’s a small but intriguing temple, and definitely a temple that children will find more interesting and tolerable than others.

Where to buy Maneki Neko in Tokyo

The first step if you are visiting for the first time is to purchase your own Lucky Cat from the souvenir shop on site.

The Maneki Neko cats come in all different sizes, big and small, which is helpful if you have kids in tow who want to buy their own Lucky Cat souvenir to make a wish, and take it home.

Legend says that you should return the cat back to the Gotokuji Shrine once your wish has been granted to acknowledge the blessing.

That’s a fabulous incentive to visit Tokyo again!

But even if you don’t buy a Maneki Neko lucky cat, it’s still custom to make a wish before you go.

Don’t miss the opportunity. Wishes come true around here.

Another reason to buy a lucky cat ornament from the temple – all proceeds from buying a cat or a wooden prayer board go back towards the upkeep of the Temple.

Lucky Cat Statues – The Good Fortune Cat

Lucky cat statues are most often ceramic but now you can find lucky cat statues made out of plastic too.

These lucky cats may run by battery or solar power, allowing them to move their paw up and down in a beckoning fashion.

You can also buy the Maneki Neko Japanese cat figurine souvenirs such as:

• Lucky cat keyrings
• socks
• piggy banks
• Lucky cat soft toys
• posters, and
• plant pots.

Walking along the road to the Cat Temple Shrine, you’ll also find shops selling cat-shaped confectioneries, cookies and Japanese breads too – yum!

Chinese cat? No! It’s a Japanese cat.

The Gotokuji Temple Maneki Neko cats are one of Japan’s most recognisable images, although many people falsely believe they are of Chinese origin.

They are not but they are popular in Chinese communities, known as jīnmāo or “golden cat”, and “Chinese lucky cat” for the same reasons.

Fortune Cat. Good luck cat. Lucky Cat. All the cats.

They also have many names and are called everything from:

• waving cat
• welcoming cat
• lucky cat
• money cat
• happy cat
• beckoning cat
• Japanese greeting cat
• Chinese waving cat
• lucky Chinese cat, or
• fortune cat in English.

The most common Lucky Cat ornament has a white body, but you do see them occasionally in gold, black and the odd time in red.

Image credit: Hotel Kaesong via Flickr CC BY SA-2.0

The Gotokuji Cat Temple Legend

The story of how the Gotokuji Cat Shrine came to be is found in the brochure given to you when you enter and at the gift shop.

“A long time ago when the temple was a shabby hut and the Monk could barely live on the small income he gained as practising mendicant, he had a cat and cared for it like his own child, sharing his own meal with it.

One day he said to the cat, “If you are grateful to me, bring some fortune to the temple.”

After many months, one summer afternoon, the Monk heard sounds around the gate, and there he saw five or six samurai warriors on their way home from hawk hunting, approaching him and leaving their horses behind.

They said, “We were about to pass in front of your gate, but there a cat was crouching and suddenly it lifted one arm and started waving and waving when it saw us. We were surprised and intrigued, and that brought us to come here to ask for some rest.”

So the Monk served his bitter tea and told them to relax.

Heavy rain…

Suddenly the sky darkened and heavy rain began to fall with thunder. While they waited a long time for the sky to clear, the Monk preached Sanzei-inga-no-hou (past, present, future reasoning sermons).

The samurais were delighted and began to think about converting to the temple.

Immediately, one samurai announced, “My name is Naotaka Ii. I am the king of Hikone, Koshu province. Due to your cat’s waving, we were able to hear your preaching. This has opened our eyes, and seems to be the start of something new. This must be the Buddha’s will.”

Good Fortune

Soon after they returned home, Naotaka Ii donated huge rice fields and crop lands to make the temple grand and generous as it is now. Because of the cat, fortune had been brought to the temple.

Therefore, Gotokuji is called the Cat Temple.

The monk later established the grave of the cat and blessed it.

Before long the statue of the cute waving cat was established so that people might remember the episode and worship it.

Now everybody knows the temple as the symbol of household serenity, business prosperity, and fulfilment of wishes.”

(Source: Wikipedia)

Where is Gotokuji Temple? Location, Entry Fees and Opening Hours

Address: Location of this Temples in Tokyo shrine: 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya 154-0021, Tokyo Prefecture
Telephone: +81 3-3426-1437

Entry Fees: The Gotokuji temple entrance fee is free. Donations welcome.

Gotokuji Temple opening hours: The Gotokuji Temple opening hours are from early morning 9am ish, till late afternoon. The shop is generally open till 5pm.

How to get to Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo Japan

Planning how to go to Gotokuji temple? Follow our directions to the Tokyo Cat Temple.

From Shibuya, take the Keio-Inokashira line to Shimokitazawa, then transfer to the Odakyu line for three stops to Gotokuji station.

Take a left out of the station to find a street with small local shops and restaurants.

Wander along this street for a few blocks following the map below.

It’s about a 10-12 minute walk from the station.

No.15: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySEA

There’s a myth that Tokyo Disneyland is for young kids and families, and Tokyo Disney Sea is for teenagers and 20-somethings.

We disagree!

There’s plenty of stuff at Disney Sea attractions for the Under 7’s, including the not-to-be-missed highlight of Disney Sea, the shimmery magical Mermaid Lagoon!

No.16: Sanrio Puroland

Sanrio Puroland Tokyo is in my Top 10 most beautiful ‘theme parks’ in the world.

I cried when I walked in! 

(Roam the Gnome did look at me strangely!)

Hello Kitty Fans must visit.

Read our guide here. 

No.17: Tokyo Toy Museum

Tokyo Toy Museum is one of my favourite museums i’ve ever taken the kids too.

It’s so QUAINT yet there is SO MUCH TO DO.

DO NOT MISS IT.

The Toy Museum in Tokyo is the most elegant AND wholesome museum in Tokyo, and possibly the world.

The entire place is filled with handmade and hand-carved wooden toys made by local and retired craftsmen and women.

Kids LOVE this place.

It’s three-storeys of:

• hands-on puzzles
• games
• dress ups
• imaginative play opportunities

If you are heading here, be sure to stop at the Tokyo Fire Museum too. (take a sneak peek inside in Museums section below) 

It’s a five-minute walk from here – don’t miss it. 

PS: There’s an epic toy shop at the Tokyo Toy Museum. Read all the details in the Shopping section below.

No.18: Tokyo Water Science Museum 

The water museum sounds like a random place to put on a Tokyo highlights list but gee whiz… it was a surprise!

This is one of the coolest things to do in Odaiba.

At the other end of the bridge, enter the Tokyo Water Science Museum. One of the kid’s favourites – with water, splashing and bath toys – it’s a BIG win.

There’s something else we absolutely LOVED to pieces, and it’s the main reason we’d put this place at the top of our places to visit in Odaiba list.

Trust us. Take our advice and GO!

Image credit: Mark Gunn via Flickr CC BY 2.0

No.19: More Fun things to do in Odaiba Tokyo

Odaiba is so good for kids. Plan for at least 1-2 full days! 

Where in Tokyo can you:

• ride a GIANT FERRIS WHEEL overlooking a Rainbow Bridge?
• stand next to a giant replica of the Statue of Liberty,?
• AND be immersed in a breathtaking indoor theatre spectacle following the WATER CYCLE, while lounging on super soft pod chairs?

ODAIBA is the place. (Locals also call it Daiba and Tokyo Island)

Odaiba is a giant island of reclaimed land across the Rainbow Bridge from the centre of Tokyo, built initially for defence purposes in the 1850s.

Mid century, plans were established to change it to a seaport district, and from there, it has now grown into a major commercial, business, residential and entertainment area.

It’s now home to:

• Fuji Television
• Tokyo’s Big Sight Convention Centre
• Multi-level shopping centres including Decks Tokyo Beach, AQUA City shopping mall, DiverCity, and Venus Fort.

Hot tip: Put Odaiba TOP of your Tokyo Itinerary today.

This is not a joke. Miss it at your own risk. It’s our new favourite Tokyo destination for families.

Odaiba – Location, Entry Fees and Opening Hours

Address: Daiba, Minato 135-0091, Tokyo Prefecture

Odaiba Opening Hours

• Early morning around 10am till late.
• LATE means late!  
• Most entertainment venues, shops and restaurants are open till at least 9pm but some stay open till 11pm.

How to get to Odaiba city

Although Odaiba is accessible by car, most people come to Odaiba via the Yurikamome electric transit service from Shimbashi across the Rainbow Bridge.

My kids LOVE this monorail-like train.

It’s actually NOT a monorail though.

The transit service is more like a car, with four rubber wheels, that travels along a concrete elevated private road, powered by electricity.

The trip from Shimbashi Station to Odaiba is the smoothest public transport ride we’ve ever taken, strangely quiet, and DRIVERLESS!  

Odaiba by train: 

• Getting to Odaiba Tokyo Bay from Tokyo’s Ueno station, take the Yamanote line train to Shimbashi.
• At Shimbashi, walk outside the station and head towards the Yurikamome line, Shimbashi station.
• At the first level, you’ll see two sets of stairs/escalators.
• Take either left or right escalator (you’ll end up on the same platform at the end) up to the next level
• Ticket machines are on this level
• Buy your tickets to U07 Daiba station (or your choice of station, depending on where to want to start).

Tokyo Yurikamome Line: Click here for a train station map.

Yurikamome train fares

• Admission to Odaiba Tokyo Island is free but expect to pay for the Yurikamome train line.
• 320 Yen per ticket from Shimbashi to Daiba.
• Children under 6 travel FREE!

Check current ticket prices for the Yurikamome line here

Yurikamome line

Yes, it’s fully automated which means the kids can sit right up front and stare out the king-sized windows as you spiral and gain speed up the hill to cross the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba.

Pick the closest stop to your first attraction (there’s 14 stops along the track) then explore the island by foot.

Hot tip: Bring a stroller for younger kids.

Odaiba on a sunny day is the ultimate family day out in Tokyo.

The wide walkways, open space, and places for kids to be kids is unparalleled in Tokyo.

Image credit: Tosh Chiang via Flickr CC BY 2.0

Team Lab Borderless ODAIBA

The BEST thing that has happened to Odaiba of late was the opening of the Team Lab exhibition at Aomi Station, Odaiba, Tokyo.

The official word is that Team Lab Borderless is:

“a group of artworks that form one borderless world.

Artworks move out of rooms, communicate with other works, influence, and sometimes intermingle with each other with no boundaries.”

In reality, it’s a DIGITAL IMMERSION into a world of beauty & creativity!

Do not miss it!

Now everyone has heard of Odaiba, just because of this!

Word on the street though, is that visitors come for the exhibition, then move on again their turn, before even starting to explore Odaiba.

Don’t do this.

Check the guide below so you don’t miss out on the best Odaiba activities that are there year round.

We’ve set the activities in logical order so you can follow along in an anti-clockwise route around the island.

We cannot wait to go back to Odaiba, we’ve so much more to see and three days is just not enough.

If you are travelling with kids, on a family trip to Tokyo, we know you’ll love it as much as we do. Is Odaiba for kids?

It’s that and so much more.

AQUA City, DECKS Tokyo Beach to the left, and Fuji Television behind.

What to See in Odaiba for kids?

Odaiba has a bucketload of attractions for kids.

The best way to sort them is by their location, or building. 

DECKS TOKYO BEACH

Start here for all the best Odaiba kids attractions.

No.1:  Tokyo Trick Art Museum

Bring your camera to capture hilarious 3D images with your kids.

DECKS, Seaside Mall 4th, floor.

No.2: Nicopa Indoor play centre.

A fun indoor playground for the under 8’s.

DECKS Island Mall, 4th Floor.

No.3: Odaiba Takoyaki Museum.

More like a Takoyaki eating hall than a museum, we dare you to try this popular food at this quirky tourist attraction.

DECKS, Seaside Mall, 4th floor.

No.4:  “Daiba Itchome”

Buy lollies and souvenirs and play retro Games in this ‘kawaii’ shopping arcade.

DECKS Seaside Mall, 4th floor.

No.5: Legoland Japan Odaiba

Join the LEGO fans at this interactive Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo.

If your kids like LEGO even a tiny bit, pay a visit.

There’s LEGO rides, interactive LEGO displays, a place to build LEGO cars and race them (Racers Build and Test), an indoor playground, ball games, giant LEGO models including a dragon and the City of Tokyo.

There’s also hands-on workshops they can join in.

DECKS Seaside Mall, 7th floor.

No.6:  Tokyo Joypolis

Play futuristic games at Tokyo Joyopolis, perfect for teens.

DECKS, Seaside Mall, 3rd – 5th floor.

No.7:  Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Odaiba

See all the stars in wax at Madame Tussauds Tokyo.

DECKS Seaside Mall, 6th floor.

No.8:  Decks Tokyo Beach Island and Seaside Malls

The DECKS Tokyo Beach Island and Seaside Malls are filled with fabulous shopping and restaurants.

Shops include:

• ABC mart
• Billabong
• Daiso 100 yen store, and
• Bills restaurant.

It’s our favourite Odaiba shopping mall.

AQUA CITY ODAIBA

Aqua City is full of Odaiba things to do.

Head on in. 

No.1:  Check out the Pet Shops 

For an unusual quirky Tokyo experience, check out the Pet stores (and the price of the puppies and kittens on show!) on the 1st floor of AQUA CITY.

Look out for the Pet Bakery – yes, it’s full of cakes and confectionaries for those spoiled pups.

Kids will adore it.

Just for giggles, want to know how much this puppy in the window is?

Yes, that’s $5280 yen, or close on $5500 AUD!

No.2: Hoshinoko Caricature Pictures

Have your portrait drawn in the most ‘kawaii’ caricature at the Portrait Shop Hoshinoko on the 4th floor.

No.3: Resort Aquarium at Aqua City

Check out the Resort Aquarium on the 3rd floor (right next to the cutest “kawaii” knick knack shop we’ve ever seen, Flying Tiger Copenhagen)

No.4: Tokyo Leisure Land

Visit Tokyo Leisureland on the 4th floor and try Purikura, the Japanese craze of taking sticker photos in a photo booth and decorating them with fun emojis, patterns, and text.

There’s tonnes of Japanese arcade games to play, claw machines, and giant (and child-size) Japanese drums to beat in time with music.

No.5: Sony Explora Science

Explore fun technology at the Sony Explora Science, AQUA CITY. A

science museum that explores light and sound with tonnes of hands-on activities.

5th floor.

Aqua City Odaiba Restaurants

Here’s a list of the AQUA CITY restaurants and food outlets you must try:

• Eggs n Things – 3rd floor
• KuKuRuZa popcorn – 3rd floor
• Matcha tea at Starbucks – 3rd Floor
• Gonpachi grilled skewers – 4th floor,
• Tonkatsu – 5th floor
• Eat at one of six traditional Japanese Ramen restaurants – 5th floor
• Cute kids food at the Fuji TV Kids Cafe – 6th floor
• Plenty more choices at the food hall – 6th floor

If you are wondering what to eat in Odaiba, this is a good start.

Aqua City shopping.

Popular kids and family shops include:

Third Floor Aqua City

• Disney Store
• Gap
• Birkenstock
• Adidas
• Lacoste
• Swatch
• Coach
• Gap and Gap Kids
• the Coca Cola store

Fourth Floor Aqua City

• Bic Camera
• Our favourite souvenir shop in Tokyo – Daiso 100 yen store
• Kumazawa Book store.

Allow LOTS of time to wander this Odaiba Mall.

Image credit: Kazuend via Unsplash

MORE FUN PLACES TO VISIT IN ODAIBA

No.1: Rainbow Bridge Tokyo at night

Head outside towards the Odaiba Seaside Park and catch a glimpse of the famous Rainbow Bridge.

It lights up at night in a glorious rainbow hue.

No.2: Odaiba Statue of Liberty

Take a picture with Japan’s version of the Statue of Liberty in front of AQUA CITY.

Image credit: Doc Chewbacca via Flickr CC BY SA 2.0

No.3: Fuji TV Building

Go inside the Fuji Television Station, visit Japan’s only Chuggington shop and the limited-time Chibi Maruko Chan café.

There’s also a Fuji TV shop where you can buy all the famous Japanese tv stuffed toys!

No.4: Shiokaze Park

Run off steam at the Shiokaze Park to the left of AQUA CITY facing the bridge.

Image credit: Laica Ac via Wikipedia CC BY SA 2.0

DIVERCITY TOKYO

No.1: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Food

Diver City Odaiba has a Hello Kitty Cafe on the 4th floor, and a bakery selling Hello kitty breads on the 2nd floor

The largest food court in Odaiba is on the 2nd floor of Diver City Tokyo AND there’s plenty more restaurants on the 6th floor of DiverCity too

No.2: Wabi Sabi Gifts

Check out the Wabi Sabi shop at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza on the 2nd floor for beautiful gifts and homewares all displaying the Japanese art of appreciating the beauty in the naturally imperfect world.

No.3: DiverCity shopping mall

Shoppers will die for the shops at DiverCity Tokyo.

Check them out on this detailed Store Floor Map.

No.4: ROUND1 Stadium

ROUND1 stadium is on the 6th floor of DiverCity and is one of Tokyo’s largest entertainment parks. Kids can:

• play air hockey
• play table tennis
• go bowling
• step into a batting cage and strike a few baseballs
• play video games
• ride balance scooters and segways
• tackle bubble football
• rollerskate
• ride a bucking bull
• play frisbee
• AND sing Karaoke.

There’s also a zone for smaller kids with a ball pit and indoor playground. Buy a day pass – it’s the best value.

Hot tip: Snap a pic of the price list and use Google Translate to work out current prices.

No.5: HLNA Skygarden Skate Park

If your kids skateboard, check out the HLNA Skygarden Skate park on the 7th floor. It’s an open-air skate park you won’t believe.

Image credit: Ryoma35988 via Wikipedia CC BY SA 3.0

WHAT TO DO IN ODAIBA WHEN THE KIDS ARE GRUMPY

No.1: Wander the Symbol Promenade

Theleads you from DiverCity to the area of museums (if you follow it as far as you can, you’ll end up over the bridge and at the Water Science museum – see below)

It’s a lovely wander and great for kids to run off steam without trying to quieten them down too much.

Image credit: Katorisi via Wikipedia CC BY SA 3.0

BEST ODAIBA MUSEUMS

No.1: Odaiba Science Museum – Miraikan

This place pictured above is a MUST DO with kids – it’s the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).

Plan to spend at least half a day when you visit Odaiba.

At least.

It’s chockoblock full of hands on activities! 

No.2: Maritime Museum

Stop by the Museum of Maritime Science and step aboard “Soya”, an ice-combatting cargo ship built in 1965.

It has been a lighthouse supply ship, active as an Antarctic observation ship for 3 years, and a patrol ship of the Japan Coast Guard until he retired and was moored here back in 1953.

There’s also public exhibits in the main hall and seasonal activities for the kids. Check websites for dates.

No.3: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

The AISA Tokyo Waterfront National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology is free.

Kids can check out the Life Technology Studio  at the AIST Waterfront center.

This is a small area featuring hands-on activities, computers and displays including robotics related to medicine and healthcare.

No.4: Tokyo Port Museum

Learn about the Tokyo waterfront at the Tokyo Port Museum. Worth a trip for the magnificent views of the Container Ships in the harbour and to see the models and displays.

No.5: Tokyo Customs Info Plaza

We haven’t been there but the Tokyo Customs Info Plaza is open to visitors and even has a Kids character, “Custom Kimi”, a customs image character modelled on a drug detection dog so might be worth a visit.

(Let us know!)

Image credit: Dozodomo via Flickr CC BY SA 2.0

ODAIBA ONSEN

No.1:  Oedo-Onsen Odaiba Monogatari

Experience a Japanese “hot springs” onsen without travelling too far.

The Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari is just the place for a taste test.

VENUS FORT TOKYO

Venus Fort is the home of two awesome Odaiba kid attractions, Aneby Trim Park, and Mega Web.

Read on…

No.1: Venus Fort Odaiba Outlet Mall

You could spend a whole day here alone.

The Venus Fort food court has lots of family restaurant options. We chose to eat in an Italian restaurant that served spaghetti in a Shinkansen bento tray!

The Aneby Trim park play area (see entry below) is a MUST do for kids!

No.2: Aneby Trimpark Odaiba

Aneby Trimpark play area at Venus Fort was one of our favourite places to visit in Tokyo on our last trip.

This indoor playground in Tokyo was the BEST indoor play area for kids we’ve ever seen in Japan, with SO many activities for kids of all ages.

The boys loved:

• driving the pedal carts around the race track
• playing with the CAT excavator ride ons
• playing parkour on the indoor fort
• jumping on the indoor tramp
• building with blocks
• playing shop
• keeping house, and
• reading books.

But building these hot rod bikes topped the lot.

No.3: Seria 100 Yen Shop

Shop at this upmarket 100 yen store “Seria” at Venus Fort.

Visit this Tokyo Odaiba shopping spot for awesome Japanese souvenirs and gifts.

You’ll find:

• an amazing collection of budget Japanese tableware
• Japanese chopsticks
• Japanese bento boxes and bento accessories
• Japanese kitchenware
• cute household goods
• furoshiki wrapping cloths and Japanese fans
• a HUGE selection of Disney goods and Mickey goods
• hair accessories and fashion finds
• Japanese stationery

We LOVE Seria.

Hot tip: Give your kids 500 yen each to spend. They’ll be amused for hours!

No.4: Mega Web

MEGA WEB is a FREE “theme” park featuring:

• a showcase of Toyota cars in the Toyota Line Up Zone
• Ride One where you can test drive a new car
• a History Garage
• a Motorsport Simulation Zone
• a Global Discovery Zone
• AND RIDE Studio where kids can test drive their own miniature cars!

No.5: Zepp Tokyo

Hang with musos at one of Odaiba’s two live music venues. Don’t be confused.

Zepp Tokyo is a music venue next to MEGAWEB, near the ferris wheel at Palette Town, featuring cool bands and live acts. It’s one of a chain of four venues in Japan.

Zepp DiverCity live music venue is next to DiverCity shops.

PALETTE TOWN ODAIBA

Palette Town Tokyo is yet another awesome place to visit with kids on Odaiba. If you are looking for things to do in Odaiba at night, this is the spot.

No.1: Tokyo Leisureland Odaiba

Tokyo Leisure Land, Odaiba Amusement Park at Palette Town has several floors of fun including:

• arcade games
• bowling
• karaoke
• batting cages
• pool tables
• ping pong
• a Ninja Trick House
• a haunted house
• darts
• fishing games
• claw machines
• Purikura photo booths
• and Disney tsum tsum games for younger kids at mostly 100 yen per go.

If you are arcade fans, you’ll love this.

Hot tip: we’ve heard a rumour the prizes in these machines are exclusive to Leisureland and NOT for sale elsewhere in Japan! Which means you might lay your hands on some select figurines from Star Wars, Dragonball Z, and Disney. Worth a 100 yen, or two!

No.2: Odaiba Ferris Wheel

Ride the Odaiba Ferris Wheel at night for spectacular views of the Rainbow Bridge.

No.3: Odaiba Sightseeing – Cosplay

Walk across the Dream Bridge and look out for Cosplayers doing photoshoots!

No.4: Odaiba Panasonic Centre Tokyo

It was an unexpected hit for Roam the Gnome and the boys.

We stayed THREE hours!

So many hands-on technology toys and games to explore, including the chance to play Super Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch at the Nintendo Game Front zone.

RiSuPia is also on the second floor is an experience-oriented museum for visitors to experience the fun of science and mathematics.

No.5: Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park

There’s experiential learning when you do the “72 Hour” tour at the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, Sona Area Tokyo on the 1st floor.

Learn what to do if there was an Earthquake emergency and you had to survive the first 72 hours before help arrives.

More learning experiences on the 2nd floor too.

No.6: Tokyo Sewerage Museum Rainbow

Sounds gross, hey.

But surprisingly, there’s plenty of hands-on activities and heaps of water-based fun things to do at the Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”

No.7: Tokyo Big Sight Convention Center

Check out what Odaiba events are on at the Tokyo Big Sight Convention Center 

There’s plenty of public events including our favourite, the Handmade in Japan exhibition.

Seriously. Can you see what we mean about Odaiba?

SO GOOD for kids! 

No.20: Pokemon Center Tokyo

Childhood Nostalgia claims a victory!

Sunshine City Pokemon Center Ikebukuro is a treasure trove of video games, trading card games, and toys for Pokemon Trainers!

Pokemon Center Ikebukuro is firstly a shop, but for a retro look back into childhood, it’s worth a visit, even if you only spend 30 minutes there.

• Pokemon Centre Tokyo is a place to share your love of old gameboy games and characters
• Pokemon official merchandise is reasonably priced and top quality.
• The Pokemon Store Ikebukuro plays gameboy music on the stereo too!

About Pokemon 

Pokémon was created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1995. (Yes, that makes both you and me old!)

Did you know that Pokemon is short for ‘Pocket Monster‘?

It is!

Pokemon began as a pair of video games for the original Game Boy published by Nintendo but has grown into a worldwide franchise based upon the characters.

As well as video games, there are:

• Pokemon trading card games
• Pokemon animated cartoons and movies
• Pokemon comic books
• Pokemon toys
• Pokemon stationery, and
• Pokemon plush dolls.

The only gaming franchise that is bigger is Super Mario!

Sales of Pokemon stuff has exceeded ¥4.6 trillion worldwide (equivalent to 40.5 billion USD!).

The 20th anniversary of Pokemon was celebrated in 2016 with a Superbowl commercial! 

2016 marked the 20th anniversary of the release of the original games, with the company issuing re-releases of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow.

2016 also saw the launch of the next generation of games, Pokémon Sun and Moon, and the release of the new mobile augmented reality game Pokémon Go.

Shopping for Pokemon Characters at Pokemon Center Ikebukuro

Roam the Gnome’s favourite Pokemon (and arguably the most well known) is the little yellow pocket monster known as Pikachu, who is the mascot of the brand.

Dragonites, the orange dragon with two turquoise wings on his back is popular too.

Dragonites have the ability to inner focus which allows it to keep from flinching in a battle.

Check out the statue of Dragonite at the Pokemon Japan store. 

What to Buy at the Pokemon Store Tokyo 

Die-hard Pokemon-loving kids and families must not miss this place.

There’s every kind of cute Pokemon product you can imagine at Pokemon Mega Tokyo, all in one spot.

Note though that there is a huge focus on Pikachu, and not so much on the other Pocket Monsters.

You may, or may not, find your particular favourite in products at the Pokémon center, especially if your Pokemon favourite is a bit left-of-centre.

Best Pokemon Mega Store products

Find Pokemon products at this Ikebukuro Pokemon Center shop including:

• Pokemon Gashapon (ガシャポン) capsule toys
• Exclusive plush animals and Pokemon plush toys
• Exclusive t-shirts and clothing
• Pokemon cutlery, plates, bowls (dishware)
• Pokemon-themed gift-wrapped food and treats
• Pokemon candy
• Pokemon stuffed toys
• Pokemon Trading cards
• Pokemon school supplies and Pokemon stationery
• Pokemon Game cartridges
• Videos and manga comics
• Pokemon Key rings and phone charms

BEST THINGS TO DO AT SUNSHINE CITY IKEBUKURO POKEMON CENTER

No.1: Cosplay at Sunshine City Pokemon Center? 

Visit Sunshine City Pokemon Center on a weekend to see all the people milling about in Cosplay outfits.

(Google Otome Rd Anime Strip for more details.)

No.2: Pokemon Center Trading Stations

There are a few trading card stations at Pokemon Mega Center Tokyo.

This is where you can play the Pokemon trading card game against a Pokemon Center staff member, or against your kids if they know what to do too.

Check our Pokemon instructions guide below. 

How to play Pokemon

Players of the games are designated as Pokemon Trainers and in the main series Pokémon games, these trainers have two general goals.

These are to complete the “Pokedex” by collecting all of the available Pokémon species found in the fictional region where that game takes place; and to train a team of powerful Pokémon from those they have caught to compete against teams owned by other Trainers, and eventually win the fictional Pokémon League.

These themes of collecting, training, and battling are present in almost every version of the Pokémon franchise, including the video games, the anime and manga series, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

The Pokémon franchise includes 729 revealed species of the title characters.

Pokémon can be organized according to a number of different attributes. 

Pokémon may also be grouped into “families” of the Pokémon (eggs/fossils, for example) they evolve (or hatch or revive) from and into.

It is thought that the reason it is so popular with children is that children find kinship and a sense of community with particular characters and their traits, and that this sense of connection to the characters keeps them coming back for more.

(Game play time with their tribe.)

Info credit: Wikipedia

Pokemon Center Tokyo Location, Opening Hours and Entry fees 

Pokemon Center Tokyo Address: Sunshine City Alpa Building, 2nd Floor – 3-1-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-6002
Opening Hours:  10:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.
Entry Fees: Entry is free.
Phone: 03-5927-9290

How to get to Pokémon Center Tokyo

Wondering how to get to Pokemon Center Ikebukuro?

The nearest stations are:

• 3 minutes on foot from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
• 8 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Seibu Line, Tobu Line)
• 4 minutes on foot from Higashi-Ikebukuro 4-Chome Station (Toden Arakawa Line)

Directions to the Tokyo Pokemon Shop

From Ikebukuro Station

• Go to exit 35 of Ikebukuro Station. Walk down Sunshine 60 Dori, and the underground entrance (escalator) to Sunshine City will be visible on the right-hand side next to Tokyu Hands.

From Higashi-Ikebukuro Station

• Walk toward exit 6.7, and a sign should direct you to the “Underground Passage” to Sunshine City.

No.21: Namco Namja Town 

Hidden away in Ikebukuro, out of sight of most tourists, is a shopping centre called Sunshine City Tokyo.

Inside Sunshine City shopping mall, there is a fun indoor theme park called Namco Namja Town.

Japanese theme parks for kids are SUPER FUN!

There’s something endearing about the Japanese style of family entertainment with quirky mascots, and a curious take on children’s entertainment and fun character-themed food.

This place is a popular haunt for Japanese teenagers as well as Japanese families looking for a fun indoor activity in Tokyo.

What is Namja Town?

Namco Namja Town indoor theme park is the perfect family friendly place for a laugh and a giggle with the kids.

If you are looking for things to do in Tokyo, or more specifically, things to do in Ikebukuro that are NOT packed with tourists, put Namco Namja Town on  your itinerary quick smart.

Entry to Namco Namja Town Ikebukuro

There are two choices when it comes to entry to Namco Namja Town at Sunshine City Shopping Mall.

You can buy an entry pass only, OR a passport style pass where all the attractions/rides are included.

We suggest saving your money and buying the entry pass only, as this place is mostly about the food for english speaking visitors.

The attractions and rides are all in Japanese, so without an interpreter or a guide, getting a grip on what you’re supposed to be doing can be a little bit hit and miss.

You can try copying the adults or kids in front of you, or asking an attendant for help.

Otherwise, make it up!

Our hot tip for Namco Namja Town in Ikebukuro is, if you or the kids wish to jump on a ride, buy individual tickets to attractions.

They have coin vending machines throughout Namco Namja Town theme park.

Japan’s Largest Indoor Theme Park – Namja Town Tokyo

Namja Town, owned by Namco, the creator of Pacman and many other arcade games and leisure products, is Japan’s largest indoor theme park.

It’s housed in the best shopping mall in Tokyo for kids and families, a place called Sunshine City Ikebukuro.

We love Sunshine City Tokyo as it’s just a few stops off the tourist track so it’s filled with locals and caters for locals.

Namco Namja Town indoor theme park in Sunshine City is divided into ‘lands’ you can stroll through, with attractions dispersed throughout, including:

• two ‘lands’ based on food, and
• recreations of Tokyo alleys and streets of the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Namco Namja Town is completely indoors so if you want to take any kind of decent photos, you’ll need a flash.

Note: no photos allowed in the games area evidently. (Oops!)

Arcade Games at Namja Town Japan

There are LOTS of games and arcade attractions, but as they are in Japanese, we couldn’t play most of them as we couldn’t understand the instructions. 

But your kids will hound you to play the claw games! 

All kids know how to work those things.

My boys loved the big drums, but there are loads of arcade games to try.

All in Japanese, so sometimes it’s just a situation of ‘put your money in, and guess what you have to do’. 

Fun nevertheless.

There’s even a Magical College where Japanese kids, and their parents, can learn the art of wizarding, complete with cloaks and wands, just like Harry Potter.

(Very much like Harry Potter actually.)

Rides at Tokyo Namco Namja Town Ikebukuro

There’s a ride where you can ride in a pig-shaped “Mosquito Coil” carriage and accompany “Bakuretsu Joe” on his mission to shoot down the Amazon mosquitos that have evolved into giant ferocious creatures.

It’s 800 yen per person to ride, so we skipped it this time, as I wasn’t sure there was any real value in it for us without being fluent in Japanese. 

If any of the rides capture your attention and the kids want to have  a go, just find a coin-operated ticket machine and buy ONE attraction ticket.

Even when you can’t read the instructions, you can watch what the Japanese kids (and adults) are doing and simply copy them!

The kids will find joy and laughter in the FREE devices and objects that react by touching, tapping or pushing them.

(There’s more than 50 of these kinds of things throughout so keep your eyes open.)

Namja Town Haunted House

Be warned that Namco Namja Town has a Haunted House area that is dark and mysterious and this pocket can feel a little spooky to little kids.

In keeping with this Haunted House part of ‘town’, there were plenty of creepy Navaju lanterns around the place.

Fukubukuro Dessert Street at Namja Town Tokyo Sunshine City Mall

The best thing about Namco Namja Town is the Fukubukuro Dessert Street, and the Namja Town Gyoza Stadium. (see below)

But, as sweet-treat food lovers, we ate exclusively in the Fukubukuro Dessert Yokocho Area!

They have a DESSERT LANEWAY!

Yes, you read that right.

A whole indoor ‘laneway’ of dessert shops including the BEST Ice Cream shop in Tokyo.

Yum.

Ice Cream City Japan is tucked away in the corner of Namco Namja Town (position 5 in the blue love heart on the English map) and is only small so doesn’t call much attention.

When Ice Cream City was scaled back (what a sad day), this little ice cream shop was all that was left.

Saying that, it’s still heaps of fun to try out a whole plateful of strange-sounding ice cream if you dare, and for about 300 yen, it’s a totally affordable SUPER FUN experience and a BIG winner with the kids in Tokyo. 

(see Eat, Drink and be Merry section below for pictures and more details)

There’s so many other cute food options to try too, including:

• Japanese pancakes
• Japanese crepes
• Japanese cakes
• ice-cream and gelati

So try them we did! 

Rainbow Gelato anyone?  

If not that, make sure to eat the Green Tea one.

(There’s a reason the tub is the only one that is half-empty.)

Or a rabbit-topped gelati cone!

How will we ever eat a normal cone again?

No.1: Patisserie Cute

If you are a cake fan, then this is your stop of choice.

Cute Japanese food

There’s:

• fruit filled parfaits
• cat-shaped chocolate mousse
• fruit flans
• sponge cakes
• chocolate tarts

All made extra yummy with cute presentation.

The kids will think this place is a hoot!

An expensive one at that, but hey, you only eat Namco Namja Town mascot cat-themed cake once!

Fancy a crepe?

Then you’ve two choices.

No.2: Santa Chubo

The first one is a more traditional crepe place called Santa Chubo.

No.3: Crepe Paw

The second one, Crepe Paw, has character-topped crepes including cat, bear and panda-inspired sweet crepes, plus all your regular favourites.

Namco Namja Town Gyoza Stadium

It’s really just a food court that specialises in delicious Japanese-style dumplings.

If you’ve never had Gyoza before, this Namco restaurant is as good a place as any, although slightly more expensive than what you’ll find elsewhere.

Most gyoza have pork or chicken mince, chinese cabbage, cabbage, onion, and chives fillings with a dipping sauce accompaniment, but sometimes you can find cheese gyoza at a gyoza shop.

They are cooked fresh, they are healthy, they taste great and the kids will LOVE them!

Namco Namja Town Souvenir Shop

There’s a gift shop featuring Namja Town mascots, the main one being a cat named Najavu.

You might also find limited edition goodies such as themed boxed sweets including Sailor Moon ‘Sweet Moon’ macarons and candies.

Namja Town is one place that’s more fun when it’s filled with families and lots of children to create atmosphere so we’d suggest a weekend visit.

We wouldn’t go out of our way for Namco Namja Town alone.

BUT, combined with a visit to Sunshine City Shopping Mall (and all the things to do at Sunshine City mall with kids there) plus other Ikebukuro attractions nearby, such as the Tokyo Earthquake Museum, it’s worth a look. 

Namco Namja Town Opening Hours, Location, and Entry Fees 

Address:  3−1−3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo 170-0013. Sunshine City World Import Mart Building on 2nd Floor.
Telephone: 03 5950 0765
Website: Click here (Japanese only) 

Namco Namja Town Opening Hours: Open 10am to 10pm daily

Namco Namja Town Entry Fees

Namco Namja Town costs:

• 500 yen for adults (13+) and
• 300 yen for kids 4 -12 years.

Entry fee includes access to the Fukubukuro Dessert Yokocho, Ice Cream City Tokyo, AND Namja Gyoza station.

There is a all inclusive entry passport for 3300 yen adults and 2600 yen kids 4-12

BUT as all the attractions inside are in Japanese, it’s probably better to buy the cheap entry ticket and purchase single entry/ride tickets for anything the kids might like.

We’ve heard that if you show your passport at the entrance and you’ll get a discount.

(This might be a good tip at all the theme parks where tourists and english-speaking visitors are not so common- worth a try!)

You can buy individual tickets for rides and attractions at coin-operated vending machines throughout.

Nearest stations to Sunshine City Ikebukuro

• 3 minutes on foot from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
• 8 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Seibu Line, Tobu Line)
• 4 minutes on foot from Higashi-Ikebukuro 4-Chome Station (Toden Arakawa Line)

Directions from Ikebukuro Station: Go to exit 35 of Ikebukuro Station. Walk down Sunshine 60 Dori, and the underground entrance (escalator) to Sunshine City will be visible on the right-hand side next to Tokyu Hands.

Directions from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station: Walk toward exit 6.7, and a sign should direct you to the “Underground Passage” to Sunshine City.

No.22: Keep your eyes peeled for Sumo Wrestlers in Asakusa

Hail the Gods of Sumo. We were lucky enough to spy a group of three Sumo men walking their way through the crowds on Nakamise Shopping Street, so we asked for a quick pic.

This fellow wasn’t all too happy about it, mind you.

The other two were much more generous, smiling to the crowd, chatting to the kids, and up for a photo opportunity, but this guy was prickly, and disagreeable and not at all interested.

I’m surprised he didn’t walk the other way!

If you spot a Sumo too, I guarantee this will be the highlight of your kid’s day. (It was our highlight too!)

These blokes are GIGANTIC!

No.23: Things to do at Tokyo Station 

Tokyo Station is worth a day of your time on it’s own.

There’s Character Street shopping, Ramen Street, the Tokyo food hall, desserts galore… 

You’ll find all the details in the sections below. 

I just wanted to flag it here so you put a visit on your itinerary. 

Where is Tokyo Station? Location, Entry fees and Opening hours 

Tokyo Station Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, 100-0005
Telephone: 03-3210-0077
Opening Hours 

• 10am to 8.00/8.30pm (restaurants open later.)
• Open 7 days a week

It’s the closest Tokyo train station to the Imperial Palace, it’s between Nihombashi to the north, and Yurakucho to the south, on the east side of the city.

How to get to Tokyo Station

• A couple of minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and the JR Tokyo Station.
• Exit using the Yaesu Underground Central Exit.

Entry Fees: Entry to First Avenue Tokyo Station is free
Facilities:

• Check the map above for locations of Information Centers, Telephones, Coin Lockers, Bathrooms and Toilets,  Chemists, Convenience Stores, ATM’s and Lost and Found.
• There are baby change rooms in Tokyo Station also.

Tokyo Station Luggage Storage

See the floor map above to find luggage storage around the station.

The lockers come in three different sizes, small, medium and large.

• The medium will fit carry on bags.
• The large will fit most big suitcases.

We recommend seeking your baggage storage early, as the large lockers go fast, especially during holidays and public holidays.

No.24: Fun things to do near Tokyo Station

• Visit the Imperial Palace to see the scenic gardens and grounds of the main residence of the emperor of Japan.
• Visit Tokyo International Forum to see the dramatic glass foyer entrance, and visit the Gallery shop for unique Japanese souvenirs
• See a show at the National Theatre of Japan
• Visit the Science & Technology Museum to try hands on exhibits and games
• See Martial Arts live at the Nippon Budokan arena
• Walk across the iconic Seimon stonebridge
• Visit the Mitsubishi Ichigokan museum to see the collections of European art, gorgeous gardens, and drink tea in the cafe
• Stop by the Pola Museum annex art gallery

SHOPPING IN TOKYO FOR SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND MORE 

No.1: Best Japan Souvenir Guide for Tokyo Souvenir Shopping

Take a look at our MONSTER Guide of THINGS TO BUY IN JAPAN, and make a list of people you want to buy souvenirs or gifts for.

This will help.

We guarantee it! 

Seriously. It’s the complete guide to buying unique and wonderful Japanese souvenirs.

(Hot tip: Bookmark the page as you’ll want to refer to it again, and again.)

No.2:  Buy Japanese Toys at Nakamise Dori Asakusa 

Quite unexpectedly, Asakusa was one of our favourite places in Tokyo.

It’s the perfect place to pick up traditional Japanese toy souvenirs for kids

• Otedama soft juggling ball sets made from traditional Japanese cloth chirimen
• Sumo magnets and bobbing head dolls
• Welcoming Maneki Neko ‘waving’ cats (like those in restaurants) – The maneki-neko cat is a common Japanese figurine believed to bring good luck & prosperity to the owner. In Nakamise dori, you’ll find maneki-neko cats in ceramic or plastic.
• Miniature lanterns
• Souvenir tins, magnets, phone charms, keychains
• Traditional japanese toys – paper balloons, spinning tops
• Kendama “sword & ball” is a traditional Japanese skill toy

If you are looking for a gorgeous traditional Japanese souvenirs shop, head to Asakusa shrine and walk the shopping street that leads up to the temple. 

You’ll find packaged gift boxes of regional foods and more. 

Hot tip: The other place for traditional souvenirs is the souvenir shop at Meiji Shrine. 

You’ll find cup and ball games, traditional Japanese sweets, indigo dyed fabric, Japanese fans, Japanese dolls,. and so much more!

No.3:  Buy a Traditional Kokeshi Doll at Nakamise Street

Who could resist a SUMO doll?

Or a Ninja doll?

Or a Kokeshi doll who beams at you with a smile?

There’s Kokeshi Dolls at Nakamise shopping street that we haven’t seen anywhere else.

•  traditional Kokeshi dolls
• modern Kokeshi dolls
• Sumo Kokeshi dolls
• Ninja Kokeshi dolls
• Geisha Kokeshi dolls

Hot tip: See a Kokeshi doll you love? Buy it.

Odds are, you won’t find the same one again, or for a better price.

(We learned the hard way.)

No.4:  Shop for Japanese Sweets & Japanese Snacks Souvenirs

These beautifully boxed and aesthetically-presented sweets, biscuits, crackers, snacks, and cakes are just what Grandma and Grandpa ordered.

But we say buy at least two or three boxed Japanese gifts, if you want at least one to make it home.

I have a feeling you might break one (or two…) boxes open for a midnight snack, just like I did!

They are SO yummy, especially the Mochi rice cakes with Sweet Red Bean filling inside.

READ MORE:  Best Japanese Candy Guide 

No.5: Where to buy Japanese stationery

If you love cute kawaii Japanese stationery as much as we do, then you must visit Loft. We think it’s the best Japanese stationery shop around.

We’ve gathered the best of the rest in this guide to Japanese stationery shops in Tokyo too.

No.6: Where to buy Tokyo Art Supplies

Check out our complete guide to art supplies shops in Tokyo. 

No.7: The Best Kitchenware Shops in Japan

Read our guide to the best Japanese kitchenware shops in Tokyo for Japanese tableware, Japanese utensils, chopsticks, Japanese bowls, Japanese cups and more.

No.8: Epic Japanese Home Decor Stores in Tokyo

Japan, more than any other country we’ve been to, has been embracing the ethos of handmade goods forever. It’s the land of handmade goodness. 

As a culture, Japanese people are known to revere quality and durability, presentation and aesthetics, and the abilities of the human hand to create beautiful things.

Spending time in Japan with a family as a 15 year old, and again as a 19 year old, I observed the care and time taken with every little task done by hand.

Three things caught my attention:

• How a Japanese mother presented the food in her children’s bento lunch box
• How a Japanese sister sewed a tiny felt character doll
• How a Japanese friend decorated a linen sunglasses case with perfectly symmetrical Sashiko embroidery

In recent years, handcrafts have boomed in popularity across the world, and in Japan, just like elsewhere, women (and men) are returning to the simple crafts and hobbies that their grandmothers (and grandfathers) held dear.

Everything you need to know about Japanese home decor stores in Tokyo, including where to buy kawaii homewares and zakka products.

No.9: Best Japanese furniture stores in Japan

Plus, the best Japanese furniture shops for Japanese homewares too.

No.10: Fabric Shopping in Tokyo

Wondering where to buy fabric in Tokyo? Click the link to find out.

MUST VISIT SHOPS IN TOKYO

No.1: MUJI Shibuya Tokyo

Right next to Loft in Shibuya, you’ll find our FAVOURITE shop in the world, MUJI JAPAN

This place is an ode to stylish minimalism and organisation, aka Marie Kondo.

Our two favourite spots in Muji, other than gazing longingly at the oak dining tables on the basement floor or dreaming of buying up the entire rack of their simple dresses, is the food hall selection downstairs, or taking the tribe to the dedicated kids playroom space.

We NEVER visit Tokyo without stopping in here for a browse.

No.2: DAISO Harajuku Tokyo

DAISO Harajuku Tokyo is our favourite 100 yen store in Japan for Japanese souvenirs, and cheap Japanese snacks to take home in the suitcase.

Give the kids free-rein when buying souvenirs for friends and family.

Everything is only 100 yen each!

No.3: The Best Tokyo Toy Shop!

Stop by the Tokyo Toy Museum for the best toy shop in Tokyo for Japanese toys & gifts for children from Japan.

It’s full of wholesome wooden Japanese toys and cute games.

The best toy shop in Japan is on the ground floor as you leave.

Stock up on toys, gifts and souvenirs to take home.

This shop is seriously the best toy shop in Tokyo. 

No.4: Visit Asakusa Nishi-sandō Shopping Street

This is a quaint Japanese shopping street that we stumbled upon by accident.

It’s a covered walkway, lined with lanterns for mood and ambience.

This bustling shopping area is worth a look.

No.5: Tokyu Hands Department Store

This store is my favourite IN THE WORLD. You can buy everything here. From hardware to stationery to dog collars to bikes.

Tokyu Hands holds a special place in my heart as I first visited as a 15 year old.

I bought super cute salt and pepper shakers for my mum and dad that spoke the words ‘salt’ and ‘pepper’ in Japanese when you shook them upside down!

28 years later, and nothing has changed except the goods on display.

Tokyu Hands is equally as good, if not better.

What to buy at Tokyu Hands

There’s something for everyone at Tokyu Hands, including a giant range of stamps and stamping equipment. 

Plus: 

• Funky and fabulous ornaments
• The cutest Japanese Stationery supplies including watercolour pens, bullet journals, diaries, paper, and cards
• Design Tools
• Health & Beauty supplies
• Kitchenware
• Bathing & Toiletry products
• Cleaning & Laundry gadgets
• Home Décor items
• Bags, Wallets, and Travel Goods
• Rain Gear
• Bikes and Cycling equipment

• Variety Goods
• Mobile Phone Accessories
• Tools & Materials
• Handmade Crafts
• AND best of all, a whole floor or two of Craft Supplies! (PLUS, beautiful examples of completed crafts on display for inspiration too!)

You may even see an artistic exhibition as you walk in.

The Tokyu Hands Tokyo Shibuya Shopping Store Guide

Take a peek inside Tokyu Hands here: A Comprehensive Guide to Tokyu Hands department store

 Japanese pens & Japanese stationery

Japanese Food and Japanese Candy

Japanese Drinks

Random Japanese Kitchenware

Indoor Plants & Garden

Japanese Bikes

Japanese posters and signs

Japanese craft supplies

An endless supply of MT WASHI TAPE!

Keyrings and notebooks

Japanese stickers

Japanese dress up costumes – cosplay outfits

Yes, everything! 

Image credit: Muza Chan – Otome Road

No.6: Otome Road, Anime Strip for Cos Players

Visit the streets around Sunshine City on a weekend to spy all the young (and not-so-young) CosPlayers who turn up in their favourite dress-up outfits.

If you want to dig a little deeper into this world of manga and anime, walk to Otome Street (translation Maiden road) for a female approach to Manga comics.

Otome road (a nickname) is home to:

• Animate (an eight story giant of cosplay and related goods)
• K-Books with it’s the Swallowtail butler café
• Lashinban, and
• a Mandarake store.

No.7: Best Shops in Ikebukuro for Kids

Head to the Alpa Shopping Mall building to find the best kids shops in Tokyo. 

These are our go-to’s. 

• Disney Store – B1, Shop 52
• Toys R Us – B1, Shop 57
• Sanrio Vivitix – Alpa B1, shop 49  – For lovers of Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars, and all the Sanrio gang.
• Loft – 2nd Floor, Shop 6 – For bento and bento accessories (Take a sneak peek here)
• Gapkids – 2nd Floor, Shop 10
• Kakao Friends – Alpa B1
• Kiddyland, Snoopy Town & Rilakkuma store – Alpa 2F
• Nippon Animation Official Shop “Ani-cute” – 2nd Floor, Shop 15 near entrance to Namco Namja Town.  

Shopping at Sunshine City Map: 

Download the Shopping and Attractions map of Sunshine City Tokyo Japan here.

Image credit: Chinnian via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.8: Best Household Goods stores

• Daiso
• 3 Coins
• Funlife Store
• Loft
• Nipopo

BEST TOKYO STATION SHOPPING

First Avenue Tokyo Station is the shopping heart of this travel gateway.

It’s always hectic, with trains travelling to 46 out of the 47 prefectures in Japan.

Plus, it’s the heart of the city so with all those people and families coming and going, you need:

• Food and Restaurants to recharge
• Coffee and Drinks for weary travellers
• Places to Shop for Japanese Souvenirs and Gifts
• Regional Food gifts, beautifully wrapped in gift boxes
• Japanese Convenience Stores for emergency phone chargers, batteries, newspapers, and paraphernalia for travel

It’s a city within a city! 

We suggest a day trip to go shopping at Tokyo station, even if your train doesn’t depart from here.

Make a stop on your Tokyo itinerary to enjoy all that this place has to offer.

Tokyo Station Shopping Guide and Map

Here is your Golden Ticket.

Floor Map & Shopping Guide

You’re welcome!

No.1: Daimaru Tokyo

One of the best Japanese Department Stores in Tokyo, Daimaru is a place of elegance.

Find unique gifts including:

• clothing
• Japanese umbrellas
• Japanese aprons
• Japanese childrens toys, and more.

No.2: Tokyo Me + Cakes and Desserts Food Hall

For the prettiest cakes and desserts in the most elegant of packaging, stop here at Tokyo Me+ Food Hall at Tokyo station

This stylish dessert food hall is a treat for the eyes!  

Don’t just buy gifts – buy something to eat for afternoon tea too.

You must! 

Hot tip: find the store selling the Flower Bavarois Cakes and try a petal bite-sized piece for yourselves!

No.3: Where to buy Tokyo Banana? 

Look out for the kiosks selling Tokyo Banana throughout the station.

Buying Tokyo Banana gifts here is a good idea, as they can be hard to find elsewhere.

No.4: Tokyo Character Street 

Tokyo Station is not just a hub of transport.

It’s a shopping destination in its’ own right, perfect for kids and families.

Take the kids to Tokyo Character Street for the best of Japanese anime and well-known brands such as Hello Kitty, Miffy, Snoopy, Pokemon and Studio Ghibli characters.

If you’ve a favourite animated character from your childhood, or your kids are fans of Japanese anime/manga, then you MUST visit.

Character Street Tokyo Station is a shopping arcade filled with 26 individual character stores, and all their licenced/branded “paraphernalia” (in the nicest possible way.)

There’s Hello Kitty, Snoopy and Moomin of course, but also Japanese favourites such as Rilakkuma and Pokemon.

Find cheap Rilakkuma souvenirs such as keyrings and stickers here.

Be sure to visit the Pokemon Store Tokyo Station for all the latest Pikachu merchandise from the movie.

No.5: First Avenue Tokyo Station

Hot tip: Omiyage Gifts

“OMIYAGE” is the Japanese word for presents, and no respectable Japanese person would ever arrive empty handed to visit friends or family.

In Japan, it is a cultural norm to give gifts:

• to your hosts
• to your friends and family when visiting, and,
• when you return home from a trip, bringing a special something for those you care about

This central train station in Tokyo helps visitors to find the best food gifts – biscuits, cakes, traditional Tokyo food, sweets, desserts, and more.

Everyone can pick up the perfect present as it has become a dream shopping destination for souvenirs in Tokyo.

Visit the Tokyo Station Food Hall, TokyoMe+ to collect all your wrapped desserts gift boxes to take home!

No.6: Tokyo Okashiland

If you are asking, what are the unique things to do in Tokyo, this is one.

You can try all the famous Japanese snacks at Tokyo Okashi Land.

A collaboration of the three biggest Snack and Confectionary manufacturers in Japan, Tokyo Okashi Land and Calbee snacks store is the perfect spot to pick up a few boxes of your favourite Japanese treats and Tokyo things to take home or give as gifts.

You can also meet Kyorochan bird – the mascot for the famous Chocoball candy.

But the main purpose of a visit should be to eat a strange but delicious Japanese concoction, Potato Crisps with Chocolate Sauce AND soft serve ice cream.

This fresh Calbee snack is odd but weirdly, it’s SOOO good!

WHERE TO EAT IN TOKYO WITH KIDS

No.1: What to eat in Tokyo with kids? 

When visiting Japan, be sure to eat or try:

• Japanese curry
• chicken karaage
• eki bento (takeaway food bento box for the train) 
• mochi rice with sweet red beans filling
• matcha icecream
• tempura, and
• ramen noodles

Read this – The Ultimate Japanese Street Food Guide 

There’s also HEAPS of budget-friendly family restaurants in Tokyo.

• curry houses like Yoshinoya 
• family restaurants 
• rice bowl restaurants like Sukiya
• tempura restaurants
• udon restaurants
• ramen restaurants – Tokyo Station is home to Tokyo RAMEN STREET! (see below)

Walk everywhere…

You never know what you’ll spy around the corner.

Eat Japanese street food at the food stalls

Hot tip: If you are visiting the Asakusa shrine, wander the back way out along the pathway that runs between the Five Storey Pagoda and the Main Sensoji temple, towards Hanayashiki theme park.

You’ll find a row of awesome Japanese street food stalls.

Try all the delicious Japanese street food on a budget here.

No.2: Tokyo Ice Cream City at Namja Town

If you are looking for the BEST ice cream shop in Tokyo, then visiting here is a MUST.

Feel up for a challenge? There’s 50+ Japanese Ice Cream flavors to try at Ice Cream City Tokyo at Sunshine City. 

Vanilla sherbet icecream? Tick.

Butternut pumpkin ice cream? Tick

WASABI ice cream? Tick. 

There’s these three, PLUS 48 more wonderful Japanese ice cream flavours to choose from at Ice Cream City Ikebukuro in Sunshine City.

INCLUDING EEL ICE CREAM!

Parents Beware! The kids will love this fun ice cream shop in Tokyo.

There’s LOTS of crazy ice cream flavours and if the kids have their way, you’ll be the guinea pig.

Here’s an English Guide to Namco Namja Town.

The Best Ice Cream Shop in Tokyo is at position 5 on the map on page 2.

To find Ice Cream City in Tokyo, you’ll need to meander through the “olde-world streets” of Namco Namja Town until you find the Fukubukuro Dessert Yokocho or “Sweet Street”.

(Sweet street has two crepe shops, cakes, gelati, and pancakes too.)

In one corner, you’ll see a tiny shop with a menu board of ice-cream tub lids outside.

THIS is your destination for the best ice cream shop in Tokyo.

Never before have I seen so many ice-cream flavours in one spot!

If you and your kids are adventurous eaters, there’s something new and exciting for you to try here, and probably a few ice cream flavours you couldn’t stomach.

Hot tip: There are a few traditional Japanese ice creams for the fussy eaters.

Best Japanese Ice Cream Flavors list

Get ready to encounter weird Japanese ice cream flavors, and different types of ice cream flavors than the ones you are used to.

You may just find fish flavored ice cream, but sadly, no squid ink ice cream or soy sauce ice cream yet.

Where to buy Wasabi ice cream?

When you arrive at the Namja Town ice cream shop, ask at the counter for a Japanese ice cream flavors order form. (They have them in English.)

Each flavour is numbered 1 to 51.

You pay per scoop. Simple flavours start at 60 yen per scoop, right up to 210 yen per scoop for the two choices that have an alcoholic component.

While there is no minimum requirement, six scoops is standard.

Circle the corresponding numbers on the order form and pass it to the ice cream shop assistant.

She (or he) will scoop them out in order and show you how they are set out in the tray so you can keep track of the flavours you are eating.

Weird Japanese ice cream flavors

Check out some of these weird Japanese ice cream flavours you can try

All these Japanese ice cream flavours should be served with a side dish of humour, because you are going to need your sense of humour (and a dash of patience) when the kids are loudly cajoling you to taste it. Take a look at these weird Japanese flavors.

• Potato ice cream
• Apple sherbet
• Miso noodle ice cream
• Shark Fin noodle ice cream
• Double cheese ice cream
• Beef tongue ice cream (no!)
• Gold tomatoes with soybean
• Japanese sweet potato ice cream
• Wasabi ice cream (get ready for a hot tongue!)
• Coal ice cream
• Eel ice cream!!!

UGGHHHH!

What is the most unique flavor of ice cream you have tried?

We ate Indian Curry ice cream!

Roam the Gnome and I were travelling in Tokyo with my mum – a mother, daughter, Gnome trip. We chose:

• Potato ice cream (pleasant)
• Apple sherbet (tangy)
• Strawberry Mille-Feuille (delicious)
• Indian Curry (curry spice lingers…)
• Japanese berry and chocolate (yum!)
• Roasted green tea ice cream (my favourite.)

Indian Curry was as adventurous as we could manage that day.

 I’m steeling myself for another visit and promise to try the EEL ice cream and the BEEF TONGUE.

Roam the Gnome, Grandma Angie and I say a visit to Ice Cream City in Namja Town at Sunshine City is a must-do experience for the whole family.

We laughed and laughed!

No.3: Where to eat in Ikebukuro Sunshine City Mall

No.1: Bakers Diner

Bakers Diner has ‘Omelet’ desserts like the ones pictured above.

Kids will LOVE these!  

Alpa building, B1- Shop 2 at Sunshine City Ikebukuro

No.2: Moomin Restaurant

The Moomin Stand can be found in the Alpa building, B1 at Stand 55.

Lunch from 500 yen, Dinner from 1000 yen. 

Open 10 to 8pm. 

Eat in or takeaway. 

No.3: Pokemon Cafe

Pikachu and Pokemon Music Cafe, Alpa Building, 1st Floor, Shop 26 (Limited time shop)

No.4: Curry House CoCo Ichibanya

You can’t go wrong at this cheap and cheerful fast food stop. 

No.5: Sunshine City Food Court

The 3rd Floor is a foodie’s delight.

Visit the 3rd Floor of the Alpa building for an entire floor of Cafe’s and Restaurants.

Try your luck!

Image credit: Mazaria Cafe 

No.6: Special Flag Cafe 

Try all the fun foods at the Special Flag Cafe including:

• Drum Master pancakes
• Donchan meat bun 
• Pacman Ghost omurice dish (as pictured)
• 14 different styles of soda cream floats
• Godzilla sample (Smoked chicken) 
• Slime drinks 
• Pacman curry
• Pacman Ghost ice cream, or Ghost drinks

Or one of these items from the limited time menu. 

• Avocado burger
• Cheeseburgers and Teriyaki burgers
• Hot spicy chicken
• Chilli beans potato fries

No.4: Tokyo Station Ramen Street

If your kids are big noodle fans, Ramen Alley Tokyo Station for lunch or dinner is a good spot to try.

Tokyo Ramen street has ramen noodles from a whole bunch of different regional areas too, so plenty of flavour choices to choose from include pork broth, beef broth, chicken broth and seafood.

It makes my mouth water just typing that!

Stop for a slurpy noodle lunch break at Tokyo Ramen Street at Tokyo Station. 

No.5: Tokyo Dessert Restaurants

There’s also heaps of yummy Japanese desserts and sweet treats to try at Tokyo Station First Avenue.

Try an Angelique New York Chou Chou Baked Donut (yum!).

Or, visit Mihashi Desserts shop.

No.1: Traditional Japanese desserts at Mihashi

Mihashi is a must-do if you want to try traditional Japanese sweets. (Look out for this display at the front of the store).

I worked in a number of Japanese restaurants as a teenager and there’s nothing better than a delicious “Anmitsu”, which is cubes of sweet agar jelly with sweet red beans (anko), syrup and fruit or soft ice-cream.

Other winning Japanese desserts to try include:

• the popular Matcha Anmistu (Anmistu with green tea ice-cream)
• Kakigori shaved ice
• or a Matcha Float (Green Tea Milkshake.)

If the family is feeling in need of a rest and a refreshment, make this your sweet stop. Takeaway available too.

No.6: Japanese Convenience Stores Family Mart, Lawson and 7-Eleven 

EVERYONE tells me Tokyo is so expensive and that’s why they don’t go.

But strangely, we find Tokyo to be one of the best places to go on a budget.

It’s SO cheap to travel in Japan with kids.

The reason?

Japanese convenience stores, or Conbini (alt: Konbini), as they are called in Japan.

Unlike in Australia, where a 7-11, Star Mart, or any shop attached to a petrol station charges exorbitant prices for everyday products (did they confuse exorbitant with extortion?), a convenience store in Japan is a mini version of a supermarket, BUT BETTER.

We love them for quick but healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.

What you can buy at Family Mart Convenience Stores Japan?

You can buy onigiri rice balls with all kinds of fillings for about $1 AUD.

One or two of these, and you are full for hours.

There’s curry rice, udon or ramen noodles, ready to eat bento boxes, and they’ll even heat it up for you right then and there, for FREE!

They have ATMs, phone cards, and every flavour of Pocky you can imagine.

And HOT SWEET MILKY TEA in a bottle for 130 yen ($1.40 AUD).

(I’m addicted to this stuff.)

You’ll find a Japanese convenience shop like Lawson or Family Mart on every street corner, in every town, in every region. 

There’s even one at the airport so you can stock up on last minute souvenirs and snacks with your last remaining handful of yen.

No.7: Japanese Grocery Stores

Visit a Tokyo Supermarket to pick up ready-to-eat meals in Tokyo on a budget, and try all the delicious Japanese drinks.

(Hot tip: Here’s a guide on what to buy at a Japanese grocery store so you can cook your favourite Japanese food at home after your trip.)

It’s also the best place to buy Japanese snacks, and Japanese chocolate souvenirs for friends and family.

Oh, and ALL the best Japanese candy!

No.8: Eat senbei crackers, a traditional Japanese snack souvenir at Asakusa

There’s plenty of freshly cooked Japanese senbei crackers to try, but be sure to be seated.

Walking while eating is prohibited here at Asakusa Nakamise dori, and highly frowned upon.

No.9: Visit Asakusa Kibi Dango shop

Find the Asakusa Kibi-Dango Azuma shop and do not pass until you have tried this sweet treat!

I’m not joking when I say I DREAM of this place.

I love it that much and never ever go to Japan without stopping by.

During the Edo period, “Kibi-dango” was popular on Sensoji’s “Nakamise” street.

At this shop, they make it in front of your eyes.

“Kibi-dango” is made with Kibi (Millet) Powder and sweet rice and coated with Kinako (soybean flour).

Cold matcha tea

Buy the drink too – the cold Matcha green tea on offer in warmer months is so good.

Address：1-18-1 Asakusa.
Opening hours: 9:30-19:00 daily. (or until Kibi Dango runs out.) Cash only.

BEST PLAYGROUNDS IN TOKYO

No.1: Tire Playground in Tokyo

The Tyre Playground in Tokyo is about 45 minutes from Ueno on the way to Haneda airport.

It’s worth a look if you are heading that way.

But our favourite playground and park in Tokyo is Kodomo No Kuniya. 

No.2: Kodomo No Kuniya 

THIS PLACE.

Do not miss it. 

I wont’ give anything away but please go.

Do check the map at the entrance and do visit the mini theme park as well as the playground. 

BEST TOKYO ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES

No.1: Tokyo Fire Museum

Things for the Kids to Do at the Fire Museum in Tokyo

If you are travelling in Tokyo with toddlers & kids who LOVE trucks, ambulances, helicopters, motorbikes, and cars too, this is a fun spot for a few hours interactivity.

Kids adore this family friendly museum in Tokyo, and you’ll meet lots of local Japanese people too. (There’s not many tourists.)

There’s opportunity throughout most of the floors.

The Tokyo Fire Museum is  just three stops from Shinjuku station on the Marunouchi Red Line (or 6 stops the other direction from Tokyo station) at the Yotsuya-Sanchome station in Tokyo. It’s a great Tokyo day trip for your Tokyo travel with kids.

The Fire Museum (Tokyo) is a hands-on spot with lots of hands-on activities and opportunities for kids to climb in, climb on, and press buttons for kids aged one year old to 12 years old, teens and adults too.

If you are looking for things to do in Tokyo for kids, the Fire Museum Tokyo is one of the best fun kid places to go.  

Basement BF1

BF1 showcases the history of Fire Engines.

1st Floor

1F is where the entrance is (and kids can spot the France-made fire helicopter which was in use until 1982)

3rd Floor

3F is all about the Fire Service today and shows fire men and women in action as they work to protect people and property from disasters of the natural and man-made kind

4th  Floor & 5th Floor

4F and 5F is all about history – these not such fun floors for kids but do stop by the 5th floor. 

This is where you can access and test out the Outdoor Helicopter model.

Sit inside and imagine what it is like to fly one of these things!

6th Floor

6F has videos to watch, a cartoon theatre, a play space for toddlers, and a few coin slot rides.

7th Floor

7th floor is a library.

I’d suggest taking the lift to the top, and descending by stairs to each floor.

A quick scoot around each floor is all you need to find the kid-stuff.

Tokyo Attractions for Kids at the Yotsuya Fire Museum

Try out an amusement car.

Pretend to drive the Japanese ambulance.

Drive a fire truck.

Take a peek inside the indoor helicopter.

Take a trip on a Fire Truck excavator or motorbike carnival ride

Japan for Kids? More Hands On fun at Fire Museum Tokyo!

There’s lots of other hands-on experiences throughout the Tokyo Fire Museum too.

Kids can:

• press buttons to drive fire trucks around a city-scape track
• play with fire-truck toys
• read fire-truck books and manga comics
• watch fire-truck cartoons
• try on some fire-fighting uniforms too.

Take a look at these kids attractions and things to do in Japan with kids at the Fire Museum.

The Shinjuku Fire Museum will keep your kids busy for a couple of hours!

Tokyo Fire Museum Shinjuku for Adults and Older Kids

The Tokyo Fire Museum is not just for the kids.

Older children, teens, and adults will find lots to see and do too.

There’s history with de-commissioned engines and helicopters on display and fun facts.

Did you know that motor fire engines were only introduced to Tokyo in 1917? Before that, it was horse and buggies!

You can learn about fire prevention, and what to do if you are caught in a natural disaster such as a serious earthquake.

On the 4th and 5th floors, there’s a pictorial and model display of the rapid progress of Japan’s fire service since the mid-century.

There’s also wooden block prints of the early days of fire fighting by ‘kikeshi’ (firefighters) in the 17th and 18th century.

You can also visit the 10th floor Observation Room to take a look across the Tokyo skyline. On a fine day, you’ll see the Tokyo Skytree and maybe even Mt Fuji!

Shop for Unique Tokyo Souvenirs

There’s also a shop where you can buy a whole bunch of fire-related souvenirs, including the Kyuta mascot for Tokyo metropolitan fire department, the fireman from the future.

Kyuta Mascot for Tokyo metropolitan fire department 

Kyuta wears a blue helmet, which represents water, and a red suit, which represents his fearlessness; his yellow antenna lights up when he detects danger, and his chest is imprinted with the emergency telephone number.

Kyuta’s name comes from the 9 in 119, which in Japanese is pronounced kyu.

Also the two kanji 急 and 救, which mean “rapid” and “rescue” are both pronounced kyu.

This shop is a fun place in Tokyo for kids to shop.

Address: Yotsuya 3-10, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Opening Hours: Opening time from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.  Closed Mondays, and New Year Holiday (Dec 28th – Jan 4th)
Entry Fees: FREE entry. Main entrance at Exit 2 Yotsuya-Sanchome station.
Phone: 03 3353 9925
Website: Click here

How to get to the Tokyo Fire Museum

Catch the Marunouchi Red Line from Tokyo, or Shinjuku to Yotsuya-Sanchome station.

Take Exit 2 for the Tokyo Fire Museum. (The main entry is on Level 1, street level.) – see photos above, and below.

Hot tip: buy a pre-paid card, such as a Suica or Pasmo.

They require a refundable 500 yen initial charge, but make subway use infinitely easier than having to buy a paper ticket at a station whenever you ride a train. You only need to touch your card for a second on the sensor at the ticket wicket as you pass through.

No.2: Tokyo Earthquake Museum

This museum is great fun!

Hidden away in the backstreets of Ikebukuro in Tokyo, you can ride a REAL LIFE Earthquake Simulator Machine raging up to 7.0 magnitude earthquake! This bone-shattering Earthquake Simulation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

If you are visiting Tokyo with kids, a trip to the Tokyo Earthquake Museum (a free Life Safety Training Centre in Ikebukuro) is a must-do for this unique and one-off experience alone.

Tokyo Fire Department Life Safety Training Center

Heads up: this place is called lots of things – Tokyo Life Safety Center & Earthquake Museum; Ikebukuro Life Safety Training Center; the Tokyo Earthquake Training Center; Earthquake Museum Tokyo

I’ve been to Japan nine times, and have experienced a mild earthquake encounter on every visit.

In Japan, minor earthquakes and tremors are a fairly common occurrence, so this life safety training center in Ikebukuro where you can practice drills for earthquakes is not just for show.

The Tokyo Earthquake Museum also runs CPR and earthquake rescue courses (rescuing people from collapsed buildings) for public safety.

• Companies book training sessions for their office workers and employees.
• Japanese people attend voluntarily to update their skills.
• Schools send their kids on excursions to learn what to do in the event of an Earthquake emergency.
• Students of all ages learn how to avoid smoke, fight fires, and escape from buildings safely.

On the fourth floor of the Tokyo Fire Department building, this museum offers something a bit different to your normal tourist itinerary.

It’s super interactive with hands-on activities for the kids.

Visiting tourists and families can join a basic training tour.

The tour includes:

• a short movie about the history of Japanese earthquakes (subtitled in English)
• followed by the earthquake simulation (the main event)
• smoke maze training, and
• fire fighting training.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Ikebukuro, put this top of your list.

Watch our video of the Earthquake Simulator in Tokyo!

When you arrive for this part of the tour, you are given a pair of shoes to put on, and given instruction about what to expect when riding the simulator.

The earthquake simulator is a raised platform with horizontal movement created by hydraulic rams.

A dining table and six chairs are on the platform and a large video screen on the surrounding walls depicted a home setting and also buildings.

Real footage is screened during your ride.

Six people at a time are invited to take a turn.

My mum and I took our places.

Roam the Gnome sat on my lap!

You sit in a chair to begin, then when the platform operator gives you the go-ahead, you grab your chair cushion in both hands, climb under the table, hang on to a table leg, and somehow juggle everything to put that chair cushion over your head.

The shaking and moving starts to intensify almost immediately.

What to expect on the Earthquake Simulator ride in Japan? 

We were taken through two different earthquake scenarios.

The first was bearable, but the second one, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, was much more unpredictable!  

There was little hope of holding that chair cushion above my head – it was hard enough to stay upright.

We couldn’t help but laugh hysterically, because there’s little you can do to stop falling over! 

Anyone 3 years old and above can ride.

BUT, my 3 year old would not like this.

Fortunately, younger kids can stay seated in the small auditorium in front of the simulator where you can see them and they can watch you.

It’s a good idea to let others go first, so that your little kids can see that it’s not real, that it’s just a pretend ‘ride’, a bit like a rogue Disneyland!

MORE things to do at the Tokyo Earthquake Museum for kids

There are a number of things for kids to do here.

Check out this PDF before you go: Kid friendly Training Notes for Keeping Safe in Japan” .

It’s in English.

No.1: Tackle the smoke-filled maze and learn how to evacuate properly.

Stay low to the ground, and cover your mouth from the dangers of smoke inhalation.

From time to time, the smoke machine conks out, so you’ll be invited to become an actor and pretend!

No.2: Try fire-fighting training.

Kids need to be 10 years and older to have a go at spraying the water at the make-believe kitchen fire on screen (what a silly lady to answer her phone when cooking with oil) but it’s fun to watch mum or dad have a turn too!

No.3: Dress up in fire-fighter clothes and helmets from the Tokyo Fire Department.

Try on a hat or cap or helmet, a jacket, and goggles too.

No.4: Snap a picture in the Photo Spot

Go on.

It’s the done thing.

No.5: Collect all the “Eki” type stamps from the five stations around the centre.

Stamp yourself a souvenir of your visit and add them to your collection.

Learn more about Eki “Station” Stamp collecting here – update coming soon.

No.6: Uniform display & computer game

Check out the display of uniforms from Japanese fire fighting and emergency services

Try a ‘rescue’ game on the computers while you are there.

Guide to the Earthquake Simulator Ride

• To experience the Earthquake Simulator as a foreigner there are two choices.
• You can either A: take the short tour at 11.10am until 12pm, with the simulator experience and short movie (25 minutes each) with English instruction OR, B: experience the simulator only at 12.00pm – 12.30pm. Option B is in Japanese only but this is not a major problem if you are running late and won’t make the earlier short course session.
• For safety and comfort, you should be in good health and free from lumbago, or neck problems, motion sickness, hypertension, expectant mothers, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this simulation.

Helpful tips: 

• Most of the staff do not speak English but one of the ladies had enough English to be able to direct us to the right room when we arrived.
• The Japanese staff at this place are so helpful and generous with their time, the kids will love them and they’ll feel pretty special too. Not many foreign travellers with kids make the trek or even know about this place so they feel honoured by your interest.
• Preparing your little kids for an earthquake experience in Japan is really helpful. The first time you feel a tremor happen in real life is pretty terrifying and seems to last forever. Preparing kids for that will help them stay calm during the minute or so of movement before the earth settles again.

Questions to ask: 

You can find the answers to these questions about earthquakes in Tokyo, and more. 

• How often does Tokyo get hit by earthquakes?
• How is Tokyo prepared for an earthquake?
• What was the largest earthquake in Japan?
• Why does Tokyo have so many earthquakes?
• What magnitude earthquake can buildings in Tokyo withstand?

Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center “Ikebukuro Bosaikan” – Location, Tickets and Opening hours

Address: 2-37-8 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo 171-0021
Telephone: 03 3590 6565
Website: Click here

Entry Fees : Admission is FREE!

Opening Hours 

• 9am to 5pm on Monday, and Wednesday to Friday. Every Friday until 9 pm.
• Closed on Tuesdays and the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Closed form December 28th to January 4th.

Toilets: Yes, including baby change table
Disability access: Yes
Food and Drink: No food for sale on site. Eat and drink before you arrive. Bring snacks for afterwards. Then head to Sunshine City shopping mall for lunch or dinner.

How to get to the Tokyo Earthquake Training Center

By train: Catch the train to Ikebukuro Station and follow the map above. (It’s a bit off the beaten track.)

Allow 10 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro station South Exit, West entrance, & Metropolitan mouth.

If you have access to Google Maps, set your target as the Ikebukuro Police Station.

The Ikebukuro Earthquake Museum is on the adjacent corner.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO WITH KIDS

Where to stay in Tokyo first time?

This totally depends on what is on your itinerary of course, but we’d definitely peg Odaiba as one of the most central, yet under-rated places to stay in Tokyo with kids.

There’s LOTS OF SPACE for kids to roam and run around, and it’s way less hectic than other popular places to stay in Tokyo with kids, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, or Ueno.

We also highly recommend staying on Odaiba Island if you have the budget – it’s close to Disneyland and the action! 

Best Tokyo Family Hotels?

No.1: Richmond Hotel Tokyo Musashino

The family-friendly Richmond Hotel Tokyo Musashino is right near Studio Ghibli AND the swan boat lake.

It also has very cute amenities for kids.

Check latest prices. 

No.2: Hello Kitty Hotel Tokyo

Stay the night in a Hello Kitty room in Tokyo. It’s Japan.

You must!

Check latest prices.

No.3: Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho

The budget-friendly Super Hotel in Shinjuku Kabukicho is in the middle of the action. Great for single parents travelling with kids, but if there’s two parents, you’ll have to split up.

Take a sneak peek inside.

Awesome breakfast AND an onsen onsite too.

Check latest prices. 

No.4: MyStays Tokyo

For more budget hotels in Tokyo, try MyStays.

The three of us squeezed into one room at the Hotel Mystays Asakusa, near Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street, and Tokyo Skytree Tower.

It was the perfect location for walking day trips.

Best Hotel Near Tokyo Station?

If you are looking for hotels in this area, a nice central location for sightseeing, check our suggestions below.

Booking a Hotel in the area is a clever idea for anyone as it’s one of the most central, easily accessible suburbs of Tokyo, with quick direct access to most of the Tokyo tourist spots including:

• Shop exclusive brands and luxury goods at Ginza
• Harajuku and Yoyogi Park
• Meiji Shrine
• Shibuya shopping
• Shinjuku shopping
• Akihabara electronics
• Asakusa Shrine and Tokyo Sky Tree, and
• Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea.

This area is central, so although it’s busy, basing yourself here saves you time and effort.  Take a look at these hotel choices in the area.

• Courtyard by Marriott
• Super Hotel
• Hotel Metropolitan
• Marunouchi Hotel
• Imperial Hotel Tokyo
• The Tokyo Station Hotel
• Super Hotel Lohas
• Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo

Image credit: View from the window of Sunshine City Prince Hotel by Kata U via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

Where to stay in Ikebukuro with kids

Ikebukuro is an alternative place to stay in Tokyo with kids. It’s WAY less touristy and overcrowded in comparison to Shibuya or Shinjuku, but in a great central location. The Sunshine Prince Hotel Tokyo is the popular hotel in Ikebukuro for most visitors.

We’ve stayed in both the Super Hotel and the Centurion Hotel chains, and both are good, clean and central for families.

Moderate: Sunshine City Prince Hotel Tokyo

Value: Centurion Hotel Ikebukuro Station (Cabin room or deluxe twin)

Budget: Super Hotel Lohas Ikebukuro-Eki Kitaguchi (Adjoining rooms)

FAQ – TRAVELLING IN TOKYO WITH KIDS 

No.1: Getting Around Tokyo

Click here for the Japan Guide Website and all the details of getting around Tokyo on foot, by JR rail, by subway, and by taxi.

Plan your Travel in Tokyo Itinerary with these FREE Tokyo Maps here.

No.2: Weather in Tokyo

What is the weather in Tokyo today?

Click here to find up-to-date TOKYO Weather reports.

No.3: Where to get Discount Tickets for Tokyo attractions

Looking to visit Tokyo on a Budget?

Be sure to pick up a “Welcome Card”

In Tokyo, the Welcome Card is a book called the Tokyo Handy Guide, available at all Tourist Information Offices.

It’s filled with discount vouchers for travellers to Japan.

No.4: Should I buy Japan Rail Pass in advance? 

Buy your Japan Rail Pass for your long distance trips.

No.5: Is there a playground at Narita Airport?

Tuck this one into the bra strap.

Narita Airport has a kids play area to keep the little ones busy while you wait for your plane to depart. See you there!

MORE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN JAPAN 

Although this is a blog post about travelling in Tokyo, there are a few places we highly recommend should go onto your Japan travel itinerary. 

Here they are.

1: Miyajima Island

2: Mt Mitake Tokyo 

3: Nikko

4: Mt Takao day trip and Onsen 

No.1: Best Things to Do on Miyajima Island 

If someone asked me to list my top ten favourite places to visit in the world, Miyajima Island near Hiroshima would be close to the top.

I don’t know what it is about this place, but it captured my heart the first time I visited at 15 years old on a school trip, and I loved it just as much when I returned 25 years later.

It really is the ultimate Hiroshima day trip, and as it’s just 30 minutes by tram from the centre of town, and a short boat trip over, you can spend the whole day immersed in the beauty of this place.

Take a look at our comprehensive guide to a day trip to Miyajima Island!  

Miyajima Island is the perfect antidote following a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park, and the Atomic Bomb dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, especially after listening to  the horrific stories of survivors, and seeing the harrowing footage.

The best way to regain your equilibrium after something so distressing is to get out in nature.

Deer Island Miyajima (as it’s often nicknamed) is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the green, despite the crowds here to see the Floating Torii, collequially called the “Red Gates” or the “Japan Gate in Water”.

What is the Miyajima Torii Gate?

The Torii Gate meaning is to mark the entrance to a sacred space. 

The great Torii is “the boundary between the spirit and the human worlds.” (Source)

The first Otorii of Itsukushima Shrine (the distinctive red Torii gates at Miyajima Island) was constructed in 1168, and was built about 200 meters offshore.

The torii  remain to this day. 

Gauge the Miyajima Tide

Miyajima High Tide

During high tide of more than 250cm, the giant red Torii gate looks like it is floating on the sea. 

For a once in a lifetime experience, you can go Sea Kayaking with Paddle Park underneath the giant Torii gates at high tide!

Miyajima Low Tide

When low tide with a tide level of under 100cm, you can walk to the foot of the great Torii.

Check Miyajima tide times here.

Simply find these stairs, and follow the crowd. 

When is the best time to visit Miyajima Island?

We suggest visiting Hiroshima and Miyajima during Spring, sometime from mid March to end May, or again in Fall/Autumn, during October/November. 

The weather is mild, with blue skies, but cool enough to wander in jeans and a tshirt and not overheat.

Bring a sweater/jumper for when the sun starts to go down as it cools down considerably. 

Book now: Enjoy a tea ceremony or calligraphy lesson in Tokujuji temple on Miyajima Island while dressed in a traditional kimono! 

Do not miss these iconic experiences when visiting Miyajima Island for the first time. Put these on your next Japan travel itinerary.

No. 1: Say hi to the (Over) Friendly Miyajima Deer.

The Miyajima island deer love a pat.

They equally love eating. Anything. 

Do not think for one moment you can eat anything, or keep any food whatsoever, around these guys.

YOU WILL BE FOLLOWED.

It’s kind of fun (funny too) at first, but then you realise their power and persistence.

My bladder almost burst laughing at the antics of my mum desperately trying to eat her ice-cream, fending off the deer who wanted a bite too!

Hot tip for those with kids:  Keep them close.

The first deers you see as you exit the ferry are friendly, but many of them stand taller than your average 5-year-old kid, and the deer’s spacial awareness is equal to that of a toddler, ie: They have none. 

Eat lunch or a snack just before you arrive so you are not hungry, and enjoy a sweet holiday treat in the main Miyajima shopping street, where there are less deer around.

No.2: Eat a Deer Sundae

Yes, Japan is the land of cute food, and the desserts & treats available on Miyajima Island join the club. 

Who can resist a Deer Poop sundae? 

It just sounds so appealing, doesn’t it?

But seriously, do buy a Deer Sundae! 

This vanilla ice cream and chocolate snack treat is delicious. 

No.3: Stroll the World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima Shrine)

Itsukushima Shrine has been around for 1400 years.

Built by the Shogun clan of Taira no Kiyomori to invoke prosperity for the dynasty, both the Shrine and the Torii gates are now recognised as a World Cultural Heritage property by UNESCO. 

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Book Now: Take a Private Tour Rickshaw Ride to the Itsukushima Shrine 

My mum purifying herself to enter the Shrine at the chozuya.

Use the water to wash your hands (and purify yourself) before you enter. 

That you can walk around the UNESCO world heritage recognised shrine to this day is amazing.

No.4: Spy the Giant Rice Paddle Scoop

Check out the largest wooden rice scoop in the world at the Omotesando shopping street in Miyajima.

Made over a period of three years, it’s 7.7 meters long, 2.7 metres thick and weighs 2.5 tonnes and has been in place since 1996.

Read the history of the Giant Rice Paddle on Miyajima Island at Atlas Obscura

(Don’t know this website yet? You should. Pop it on your Favourites bar.)

No.5: Choose your fortune

Pay 100 yen at the self-serve desk and choose your fortune.

It’s a bit of guess work as it’s written in Japanese, but if you have a friend, or can ask a local, you can find out what it says. 

Tie the Omikuji papers on the poles or branches of the shrine after reading, or take them with you.

You can read more about this tradition here.

Image credit: Redlegsfan21 via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.6: Miyajima Ropeway

You can also plan a visit to the Miyajima Ropeway to see the beauty of Miyajima and the holy mountain known as Mt. Misen from the sky.

Mt Misan is the highest peak on Miyajima at 535 meters above sea level.

Click the blue link for details on how to get to Miyajima Ropeway from Itsukushima Shrine

No.7: Try a Traditional Onsen Miyajima Island style.

Head to Miyajima Island at high tide and you’ll be battling horrendous crowds, but plan your visit for low tide (or hang around long enough), and Miyajima Island becomes a somewhat sleepy little place.

Add this plan to your Miyajima itinerary. 

Where to stay at Miyajima Island with Onsen

It’s even better if  you can arrange an overnight stay at one of their quaint “ryokans” – traditional style Japanese accommodation with futon beds on the floor.

Some ryokans on Miyajima Island have onsen spas for guests.

At Iwaso Ryokan, it’s possible you’ll even see a deer or two from your vantage point in their elegant timber-surrounds open air spa!   

Kurayado Iroha Traditional Japanese hotel has an ion-infused bath on the 5th floor where you can soak in silky waters, AND an open-air roof top spa too! (This is the best ryokan in Miyajima for this reason)

Staying for longer means you can wander by and take a close up look at the five-storied pagoda, an important national and cultural asset of Japan.

Miyajima Island Accommodation is limited obviously, as it’s a small place, but you can check out the other Miyajima Island hotels here.

Take the Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima Japan & the Floating Torii Gate

Take note.

There are two competing ferry companies operating from the Miyajima ferry port: JR and Matsudai.

Japan Rail Pass is valid on JR Miyajima ferry boats only.

Do not make the mistake we did, and catch the wrong one, as then you’ll have to pay again.

When you exit the train/tram from Hiroshima City, head to the RIGHT and find the building (pictured above). 

JR Ferry Terminal to Miyajima Island

Look for this counter. 

You’ll see the JAPAN RAIL PASS sign in the window.

If it’s not there, you’ve gone to the wrong boat. 

Matsudai ferry terminal

If you walk to the left, you’ll end up at the Matsudai ferry terminal, pictured above.

They don’t honor the Japan rail pass, and you’ll need to buy a ferry ticket for the journey. 

Fast Miyajima Ferry Rides

Both Miyajima ferry rides take 10 minutes.

Regardless of which ferry you catch, both cost 180 yen per person one way.

7 Fun Facts you probably didn’t know about the “Red Gates Japan”

With thanks to Visit Miyajima 

1. The base of the great Torii is not buried deep in the seabed, but stands by its own weight. It stands on 6 pillars, and both the main pillars and the small pillars make it secure.
2. The box-shaped upper part of the great Torii is filled with about 7 tons of stones, each as big as a human fist.
3. Custom made wedges are driven into the intersections where the pillars and roof meet, absorbing slight movements and helping to balance the pillars and the roof.
4. The sea level section is strengthened by pine stakes, and an alternative foundation is made of stones.
5. The vermillion color of the shrine and of the O-torii is considered to keep evil spirits away. As for Itsukushima Shrine, the shrine buildings are coated with vermilion lacquer, which is also efficient as protection from corrosion.
6. The Shrine was designated as a Specially Preserved Building on April 5, 1899.
7. Miyajimi Torii Gates were designated as a National Important Cultural Property on December 26, 1963.

Miyajima Island with Kids – Location, Entry fees and Opening hours 

Miyajima Ferry Prices

It’s a short stroll from Miyajimaguchi Station to the ferry pier.

If you do have to buy ferry tickets, the cost is 180 yen for adults and 90 yen for children, one way.

Find a machine like this at the ferry terminal building, add your coins and wait for the ticket to drop.

Get up to date info on Miyajima Ferry prices here.

Miyajima Ferry Timetable

Ferries depart frequently, as you can see by the board above. There’s no need to prebook.

Get up to date info on the JR Miyajima ferry timetable here.

How to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima on your Miyajima Day Trip

Hiroshima to Miyajima is an easy trip taking less than an hour total. 

By JR train(Sanyo Trunk Line).

• Catch the train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima Station (Miyajimaguchi station is the name).
• Route takes 23 minutes by rapid train; 27 minutes by local train.  Walk 5 minutes to the Miyajima-guchi pier. Catch the ferry to Miyajima Island – approximately ten minutes. 
• This is covered by your Japan Rail Pass if you have one. If not, it’s currently 410 yen one way.

By Tram Line 2

You can also catch Tram Line number 2 from central Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi station.

This electric railway service runs every 9 minutes. 69 minutes from Hiroshima Station (280 yen) 52 minutes from the A-Bomb Dome (280 yen). 

Click this link for day passes and discount fares combining tram/ferry.

Miyajima Map

Miyajima Events

Keep an eye on the Miyajima Facebook page for upcoming events.

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