Tailor your time in this world-class city with Japan essentials and your interests
Japan’s capital abounds with activities and attractions for kids and adults of all ages. However, there are so many options, it can be overwhelming. Let’s start small: Whether toddlers, tweens, or teens, here are 6 things to do in Tokyo with kids.
Plan your trip to Tokyo
Japan and our traveling family
Our US-based family of four loves Japan.
Our very first trip to Japan was with a toddler in 2013. We’ve visited multiple times since then, including three visits to Tokyo alone. Our son and daughter are now a teen and tween. As of 2026, our collective trips add up to over a year in Japan, including multiple visits to destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Beppu. We also have a home in the Osaka area.
We’ve crossed the Pacific to Yokohama on a cruise ship, learned to cook takoyaki in Osaka, visited all 10 One Piece statues in Kumamoto, and basked in the steaming waters of the Hells of Beppu.
Snap an iconic Tokyo family photo in front of the large red lanterns of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
Consider for: any age
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most iconic areas. It’s also one of the most popular and most crowded, but for good reason.
The open-air Nakamise shopping street in front of the temple is a great stop for treats and souvenirs. Plus, at the temple itself, the large red lanterns at Senso-ji Temple make an about-as-Tokyo-as-it-gets backdrop for family photos.
Make the most of it
Asakusa makes an excellent epicenter for a day throughout this area of Tokyo. If you’re into food and cooking, Kappabashi Shopping Street is a lovely stroll for everything from Japanese kitchen knives to the wax food models you see in front of many Japanese restaurants.
You can enjoy more expansive all-weather dining and shopping options under the covered arcade of the nearby Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street.
Many activities are also available right here in Asakusa. If you want to take a class, tour, or other activity, there’s a good chance you can head there after Senso-ji.
Cross the street at Shibuya Crossing
Consider for: any age
It’s one of the most iconic things you can do in Tokyo. We’ve crossed Shibuya multiple times.
Yes, you are just crossing a street.
Yes, with thousands of people crossing at once, it is typically the busiest street crossing in the entire world.
And yes, there is a buzz in the air about it.
It’s hard to explain. It’s better to experience. When you’re in Shibuya, you definitely want to do this so you can say you have.
Make the most of it
Shibuya Crossing is undeniably cool, but it’s still just crossing a street.
The Shibuya and nearby Shinjuku and Ginza areas are among Tokyo’s most iconic. Visit the crossing, then head out to these neighborhoods. When you need some downtime, not to mention a nature break, we also suggest a peaceful stroll through Meiji Temple nearby.
View a Tokyo panorama at Skytree
Consider for: any age
Since Skytree opened in 2012, it’s attracted people not only for the surrounding shopping area, but the panoramic views a visit to the top of the tower offers. Skytree can be an alternative for other, sometimes more crowded viewpoints.
Make the most of it
Plus, surrounding Skytree are many options for sightseeing and shopping. We suggest stopping by the Solamachi shopping center, which is home to an excellent family-friendly food court, along with Ghibli and Shonen Jump anime stores.
Romp at Ueno Park
Consider for: infants, toddlers, small kids, definitely; tweens and teens are more case-by-case
Ueno Park offers ample green space that’s easy to get around. There’s also a lovely playground where kids can romp. Yet that’s not all.
Make the most of it
In addition to serene paths, Ueno Park encompasses multiple cultural attractions, such as the Ueno Zoo and the National Museum of Nature and Science.
Immerse yourself at teamLab Planets in Odaiba
Consider for: kids, tweens & teens
From 180-degree projections to the famous room where you walk through water, the immersive art experience of teamLab Planets delights.
Make the most of it
Given that it can take a good chunk of time to get to Odaiba’s Tokyo Bay location, consider spending more of your day here after teamLab.
We enjoyed strolling around the waterfront, plus visiting the Divers City shopping center for selfies with the tall Unicorn Gundam, not to mention some One Piece souvenir shopping at the Mugiwara Store.
Play claw machines and arcade games in Akihabara
Consider for: teens
To be clear, the Akihabara area can be more mature in its offerings, such as maid cafes and a 7-story sex shop. Plus, offerings such as the go-karts are only an option for people who are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
While there’s nothing in your face, it might be an area to skip when you have younger children, and it’s not an area we’ve taken our kids to.
However, teens and adults might consider playing on the game arcades and claw machine boutiques here.
Make the most of it
The Akihabara area is also excellent for a shopping destination. Electronics, anime (even an anime hair salon), trading cards, tabletop gaming, and more abound in the area, such as Yodobashi Camera’s flagship store, and Animate (anime and manga), Lashinbang (second-hand for anime, games, puzzles, and more).
More iconic Tokyo sites
The tricky thing about visiting Tokyo is that it can be a little like visiting New York or Paris: Even in a lifetime, you could never visit every iconic location.
That’s okay though. We suggest mixing and matching, and only go to what you consider essential.
For example, we visited the Solamachi shopping center near Skytree, but we didn’t go up Skytree itself. We also limit the number of temples and gardens we visit. That’s our style.
For more things to do in Tokyo with kids, here’s a quick list of a few other suggestions to consider:
- Tokyo Tower (plus observation deck)
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (classic garden style and tranquil space)
- Takeshita Street in Harajuku (street food, fashion, and people-watching)
- Godzilla statue in Kabukicho (it’s so adorable and great for family photos)
- Yoyogi Park (one of the best parks in the city)
- Tokyo Metro Government Building Observation Decks (free panoramic views of the city)
One of the things we love about Tokyo? You can build a trip based not only on iconic sights, but you can go as deep as you want on your interests.
Tokyo has the things you and your family want to do
The bigger challenge isn’t picking things to do in Tokyo with kids but deciding what won’t make the cut.
And that’s good. Your trip can rock your interests and include iconic Tokyo experiences, so you get the most out of your time in Japan’s capital.
Want to plan your trip of a lifetime to Tokyo and beyond?
Next: Start turning these ideas into an itinerary you can use! Use our 4 days in Tokyo itinerary to guide your travel planning, including things to do in Tokyo with kids.
Check out more of our Japan travel guides, including:
6 Tokyo day trips under 2 hours by train
Where to stay in Tokyo with kids
7 tips to save money at Japanese convenience stores
6 Tokyo Disney hotels with free shuttles to Tokyo Disney Resort + DisneySea
6 must-try foods at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
