10 Fun Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids

Tokyo blends ages old Japanese traditions with modern skyscrapers and anime to make a fun and surprisingly non-intimidating vacation destination. With drinkable tap water, a low crime rate, and polite population, Tokyo makes a fabulous choice for first-timers to East Asia. Maximize the fun factor during your family’s Japanese holiday with these 10 things to do in Tokyo with kids.

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1. Wander through Tsukiji Fish Market.

Get up early one day to visit Tsukiji Fish Market. This energetic fish market is where locals go to purchase fresh seafood and so much more. Wander through stalls selling all sorts of interesting sea creatures, fresh fruits and vegetables, meats of all kinds, candies, and interesting trinkets. It’s a wonderful place to get a taste of Tokyo life. A video is worth a thousand words, so get a glimpse of Tsukiji Fish Market by watching the video below.

2. Take a rickshaw ride.

A rickshaw ride through Tokyo is a super fun way to get a brief overview of Tokyo with kids. And there’s no need to feel guilty about taking a man-powered ride, either. My group’s rickshaw drivers were friendly young college students earning some income while pursuing their degrees. They were full of energy and enthusiasm, pointing out landmarks and giving tidbits of information about the city along the way. Book your Tokyo Asakusa Rickshaw Tour now.

3. Visit Meiji Shrine.

The most visited religious site in Japan, Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine that was built to honor Emperor Meiji in 1920. He was the first emperor of the modern era, ruling from 1867 to his death in 1912. The shrine is surrounded by the beautiful and expansive Yogoyi Park, which includes National Yogoyi Stadium where the 1964 Olympics were played. Many of the trees in the park’s forest were donated by Tokyo’s citizens to honor this beloved emperor.

If you visit on a weekend, you may get lucky and spot a wedding processional. Meiji Shrine is a popular spot for traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies. The bride typically wears a large white silk crown called a Tsunokakushi, which traditionally was said to cover the bride’s “horns.” Today, women wear these with a wink and a nod to tradition.

4. Get your photo taken in a kimono.

You will likely spot Japanese visitors dressed in their finest traditional kimonos for photos at Meiji Shrine and many other Japanese monuments. Get in on the spirit by renting kimonos for the whole family to wear one day during your visit to Tokyo with kids. Yes, there are kimonos (or yukatas, depending on the season) for all ages and genders. Make it even more memorable by hiring a Flytographer travel photographer to take portraits of your family to commemorate your Tokyo vacation.

5. Slurp some ramen.

Not all kids (or adults) are excited by sushi but almost everyone loves a good bowl of ramen. Thankfully ramen shops are plentiful and affordable throughout Tokyo and the rest of Japan. It’s considered rude not to slurp when eating ramen in Japan, so let the kids slurp away! You can get ramen with chicken, beef, seafood or even vegetarian in most shops. If you’re gluten-free (like me), you will likely find other delicious noodle-free dishes to tempt your taste buds. See a list of ramen restaurants in Tokyo.

6. Take in the view from Tokyo Skytree.

Take in expansive views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji from the top of Tokyo Skytree. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010, when it surpassed the Tokyo Tower in height. For a fee, you can visit the Tembo Deck (floor 350) or the Tembo Galleria (floor 450). Sign up for Tokyo tours that include the Skytree. Or, check out what there is to do near Tokyo Skytree, like the Sumida Aquarium.

7. Cruise Tokyo Bay.

A great way to snap some pretty nighttime pictures of the Tokyo Tower is from aboard a dinner cruise boat on the Sumida River. My group sailed with Amitatsu river boat company. We dined on a multi-course traditional Japanese meal with lots of sushi and cooked seafood plus unlimited drinks, including sake and other alcoholic beverages. Best for a family of adventurous eaters, this is a meal you will long remember. It feels very festive and very Japanese indeed. For a four-hour tour of Tokyo, including a 40-minute Tokyo Bay cruise (without hosted food or drink), you can book a Tokyo Highlights Afternoon Tour and Sumida River Cruise via Viator.

8. Shop Takeshita Street.

If your kids like anime, they’ll adore Takeshita Street. This funky pedestrian street is where Tokyo’s youth go to see and be seen dressed up as their favorite anime characters. Takeshita Street is located in the Harajuku district, which inspired Gwen Stefani’s song, “Harajuku Girls.” This area is known for its fashionable boutiques and restaurants. Go here to people watch and peruse shops peddling all sorts of wacky wear from goth to cartoon-inspired to punk and beyond. If your brood is tired of Japanese cuisine, Takeshita Street is flush with creperies, for some reason. You’ll also find video game arcades, candy stores aplenty, and vendors selling giant clouds of cotton candy.

9. Make your own meal in Tokyo with kids.

Picky eaters are more likely to try new foods if they help cook the meal. Thankfully, Tokyo has a penchant for meals cooked fresh by diners right at the table.

Go out for Shabu-shabu one night during your visit to Tokyo with kids. The whole family (well, not babies or toddlers) can get involved in preparing this savory dish. You’ll dip thinly sliced pieces of beef in boiling broth filled with all sorts of veggies.

Another fun option is Okonomiyaki (also called Monjayaki in Tokyo). Diners make pancakes filled with a variety of goodies from meats and seafood to noodles and vegetables on a hot griddle. Try this type of Japanese cuisine at Sakura-tei in Harajuku. This restaurant is filled with colorful art to keep kids occupied. If you’re feeling lazy, waitstaff is happy to prepare the food at your table for you.

10. Discover Tokyo’s history in Little Edo.

Tokyo officially became the capital of Japan when Emperor Meiji moved from Kyoto to Edo, which has been renamed Tokyo. Today, Tokyo is the most populous metropolitan area in the world. Believe me, it just stretches on and on and on and…you get my point.

Much of Tokyo was destroyed during World War II and then rebuilt in more modern styles. Thankfully you can get a glimpse into what Tokyo looked like at the turn of the 20th century during a day trip to Kawagoe, also known as Little Edo. Kawagoe was destroyed in a fire in 1893 and subsequently rebuilt in the Tokyo style. Since Kawagoe was not bombed in the wars, the buildings remain. Famous for three things, be sure to visit Kawagoe’s famous temple (Kitain), castle (Kawagoejyo Honmaru Palace), and shopping street (Ichibangai).

Kawagoe is also renowned for its sweet potatoes. Pop into a bakery for a taste of a sweet potato and bean dumpling, called Imokoi (which means, “sweet potato love”).

To get your little Star Wars fans interested in Tokyo and Kawagoe’s history, tell them Edo has also been called Jedo. This may be the inspiration for the term “jedi,” since George Lucas was enamored with Japanese culture and samurai. Hence, the samurai-like Darth Vader helmet and fascination with sword fights in the series.

Where to stay in Tokyo with kids

The rooms at the massive Shinagawa Prince Hotel in the Minato area are large for Tokyo’s standards. The hotel offers all sorts of Western conveniences for those who don’t mind a little hustle and bustle. Breakfast is included and you get a choice of several dining options from traditional Japanese or Chinese to Western buffet. The view from the top floor (Western breakfast level) is impressive, especially on a clear day when you can see Mount Fuji in the distance. If you want to explore Japan’s more exotic offerings but come back to a comfortable and familiar setting each night, this is the place for your family.

Learn more about Japan

Want to learn more about Japan? I loved reading National Geographic Traveler Japan before my trip. It’s full of interesting information about Japan’s history, advice on exploring the country, and gorgeous photos. For more of my tips on traveling to Japan, check out 5 Incredible Things to Do in Narita ~ Gateway to the Land of the Rising Sun or 10 Intriguing Things to Do Near Tokyo.

Think you can’t afford a trip to Japan? Think again! Flights to Asia have been crazy affordable lately. Check out airfares to Tokyo via Travelocity now!

Would you like to visit Tokyo with kids? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: My visit to Tokyo was hosted by visitors bureaus in Japan but I did not receive any monetary compensation related to this story. 

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