Tokyo is a great place to travel with children: It's safe, clean and there are lots of kid-friendly attractions. This itinerary is the perfect 1-day itinerary for those traveling with children.
National Museum of Nature and Science: cowardlion / Shutterstock.com
Itinerary Summary and Important Notes
- This itinerary includes Asakusa, Ueno, Shinjuku and Shibuya.
- Base yourself somewhere central to save time (see the Notes section below).
- Don't try to do too much with kids in Tokyo. Just moving around the city is tiring for them (and parents, too).
Full Tokyo 1 Day Itinerary With Children Itinerary
See the district pages linked below for full details on the attractions mentioned here.
- 9:00am: Asakusa – Senso-ji Temple
In the morning, head up to Asakusa and visit Senso-ji Temple. This is your chance to check out something of interest to adults as well, before the children get too tired and need kid-friendly entertainment. This bustling temple is stimulating enough to keep most children occupied for a little while. The Ginza subway line is a good way to get to Asakusa from many parts of Tokyo. - 10:30: Ueno – Ueno-koen Park and Museums
Ueno is just three stops west of Asakusa on the Ginza subway line. Walk into Ueno-koen Park. Consider visiting Ueno Zoo. Another great spot is the National Museum of Nature and Science. And, if your kids are a bit older, they just might be convinced to enter the Tokyo National Museum – the swords here are sure to interest boys. - Noon: Shinjuku – Lunch
Take the Toei Oedo subway line from Ueno Okachimachi Station west to Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station (eight stops). Once you arrive in Shinjuku, walk south to the Takashimaya Times Square Complex, which is just south of Shinjuku Station (connected by a pedestrian walkway). The restaurant floors on the 12th, 13th and 14th floors here have a big selection of easy-to-enter restaurants that should please finicky eaters. When you're done, consider a quick look in Tokyu Hands, a great DIY and hobby shop that might interest older kids. - 1:30pm: East Shinjuku – Fire Museum and/or Toy Museum (play area)
There are two excellent child-friendly attractions in East Shinjuku. After lunch at Takashimaya Times Square, take the Marunouchi subway line three stops east from Shinjuku Station to Yotsuya Sanchome Station. Within easy walking distance of this station you'll find the Tokyo Fire Museum, which is guaranteed to be a hit with kids who love fire engines etc. Within walking distance from this is the Tokyo Toy Museum, which is really more of a big play space than a museum – it's great for younger kids. The Toy Museum is closed on Thursday. The Fire Museum is closed Monday. - 4:00pm: Shibuya – A Walk and Early Dinner
If you and your kids still have energy, return to Shinjuku Station and take the JR Yamanote Line three stops south to Shibuya. Here, you can do some strolling and shopping amid some of Tokyo's biggest department stores. The bright lights and presence of other kids is enough to keep older children entertained (but be warned: they'll be pestering you to buy them all the little toys and sweets they see everywhere!). Shibuya has tons of restaurants, including kid-friendly places in the food floors of the big department stores, so you can grab an early dinner here before heading back to the hotel.
Recommended Mid Range Tokyo Hotels
Other Great Places for Kids in Tokyo
- Odaiba: Odaiba, located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay is an all-day destination that has several kid-friendly attractions including Miraikan: National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Sony Explora Science and Decks Tokyo Beach (restaurants).
- teamLab Borderless: previously located in Obaida and now re-opened in Azabudai Hills, teamLab Borderless is an interactive, immersive digital art exhibition which is perfect for kids to explore. See our teamLab Borderless in-depth review. It's very popular so you'll need to book ahead.
- Ghibli Museum: Located in Mitaka, a short train ride west of Tokyo, this is a must for fans of Japanese anime. Visit the Ghibli Museum English site for details. and see our page on how to get Ghibli Museum tickets. Again, Ghibli's popularity means you need to plan ahead.
- Tokyo Disneyland: A short train trip east of the city, this is Japan's biggest child-friendly attraction. See our guide to Tokyo Disneyland for more details.
- Legoland Japan: Located in Nagoya, Legoland Japan is a 1 hour and 40 minute trip on the shinkansen (bullet train). If you're heading to Kyoto or Osaka, Nagoya might be great stop-off along the way for kids.
Recommend Family-Friendly Hotels in Tokyo
For some great places to stay in Tokyo while traveling with your family, see our Tokyo’s Best Hotels for Families page.
Notes
- If you're only going to be in the city for one day, you should try to base yourself in a central location so you don't waste time moving around. I'd suggest Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza or the Tokyo Station area. For more on where to say, check out my Where to Stay in Tokyo page.
- Don't try to do any more than this in one day in Tokyo – you'll tire yourself and your kids out. If you want to relax, subtract one or two places from this itinerary. As usual, it's better to enjoy a few places properly than to sprint through many places.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
