Tokyo Travel with a Kid

Tokyo Travel Activities for Kids

Micro Teacup Cafe - a pet cafe where adorable poodles and a shiba inu await. Book online and bring cash for this cash-only gem

teamLAB Borderless - newly reopened TeamLabs exhibit that will enchant adults as well. Truly a worthwhile experience for the whole family.

teamLAB Planets - also another amazing experience from TeamLabs. It’s a full sensory experience that engages all of your 5 senses. Not just a shallow selfie museum. The metro ride there was super fun and futuristic, it was a nice bonus.

GiGo Akihabara - arcade and claw machines. Even if you don’t enjoy gaming, it’s a sight to behold.

Cultural Activities

Meiji Jingu- if you are only going to one shrine in Tokyo, let it be this one. The walk to the shrine through the wooded park is almost a spiritual experience in itself.

Imperial Palace- it’s a fantastic place for an early morning stroll before everything opens and it’ll help you beat the jetlag.

Sensoji Temple - you can experience a traditional Buddhist temple and try out some traditional rituals. And oh, don't forget to stroll down Nakamise shopping street nearby for some souvenirs and snacks.

Shopping Areas

Omotesando - this area is great for vintage shopping. Tokyo is known for its pristine vintage luxury goods. This is a cute neighborhood for that.

Ginza - You can find any luxury brand under the sun here, and Hakuhinkan toy park is a great way to bribe the little ones so they too can do some shopping.

Nippori Fabric Town - my son’s class was making haiku books and needed Japanese fabric. Luckily, Nippori Fabric town had all sorts of unique fabrics and patterns that I needed.

Tokyo Travel Food Guide

Shabu Shabu at Ginza Shabuki

A great way to experience wagyu beef is with Shabu Shabu which is a Japanese hotpot. This spot is great for families because there are private rooms so you won’t feel embarrassed bringing your kids' ipad or worried your child will disturb other guests. They also offer an all you can eat option, in case you are really hungry.

Manten Sushi Marunouchi

A reasonably priced omakase sushi place that even allows children. You will leave full after the 20+ courses for only ¥7,700.

Convenience Store Food

Don’t sleep on convenience store food. We loved Lawsons, 7-11, FamilyMart and Ministop. They all had cheap hot food as well as great ice cream novelties. You have to try a tamago sando (egg sandwich) or a fruit sando. This is great for a quick lunch on your way to sightseeing.

Nakiryu Ramen

This restaurant boasts a Michelin Star and it definitely lives up to the hype. Delicious tantan style ramen that is super flavorful and spicy. Just be sure to budget at least 1-2 hours wait. There is a small playground near by if you are waiting in line with a child to distract from the boredom.