Heading to Japan’s bustling and incredible capital? With a population of more than 13 million, Tokyo is known as a fast-paced city with plenty to do and see. If you are considering Tokyo with kids for your next family holiday destination, here are some great spots to take your smaller touring companions.
#1. Meet a robot
No one does a better robot than Japan! At the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), kids have the chance to meet AISMO, the famous “humanoid robot”, while learning loads about the latest technology and innovations through hands-on activities and exhibitions. There’s a fab museum shop for some fun items to bring home, too. miraikan.jst.go.jp
#2. Go rollercoasting
The oldest amusement park in Japan (opened originally as a flower park in 1853), Hanayashiki has a good mix of rides and entertainment. From thriller rollercoasters and a creepy haunted house to carnival games and a festive merry-go round, there’s something for everyone. It’s a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station. hanayashiki.net
#3. Picnic in a park
Inokashira Park in Toyko’s western suburbs (take a train from Shibuya or Shinjuku) is a lovely place to head to for a day out. Pack a picnic lunch and settle down by the lake for a leisurely meal, enjoy the scenery, or rent a swan-shaped paddleboat for some extra fun. The park also has an aquarium and a shrine.
#4. Craft a toy
Featuring items from all around the world, the relatively new Tokyo Toy Museum in Shinjuku houses over 10,000 toys that little ones can touch and play with – or, they can create their own toys in one of the workshops. There’s even a wooden baby room with a slide, crawl tunnel and toys that’ll keep the very young ones entertained for ages
#5. Say Hello to Kitty
Sanrio Puroland is home to famous Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty and My Melody. This indoor theme park includes a boat ride through Sanrio’s world, the chance to explore Lady Kitty’s House and cute themed dishes at the food court. Also, don’t miss meet-and-greets with your favourite characters. en.puroland.jp
#6. Make some sushi
If your kids aren’t too young, there are plenty of cooking schools in Toyko, including Chagohan in Asakusa, which offers a range of culinary lessons, with themes such as wagyu, bento and vegetarian. The basic sushi class can be booked as a family group and covers everything from making sushi rice to miso soup and nigiri. chagohan.tokyo
#7. Fight the flames
Learn about the history of firefighting and check out the impressive collection of vintage fire engines at the Tokyo Fire Museum, which also offers the chance for you to snap photos of the kids riding the helicopters and fire engines in firefighter outfits.
#8. Shop for snacks
Who would go to Tokyo to shop for sweets in a supermarket? Well, when you’re shopping for a packet of Kit Kat (“Kitto Katsu” in Japanese), it makes sense. Over five million of these chocolate bars are consumed each day in Japan, and the 300 unique flavours produced to date include pumpkin pudding, wasabi, melon and cheese, and lime soda.
#9. Become a farmhand
Located about an hour outside Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture, Mother Farm has a sightseeing bus that allows you to explore the sprawling grounds that is home to sheep, alpacas, pigs, ducks and more. Besides petting animals and feeding them, you can also enjoy fruit picking. motherfarm.co.jp
#10. Tackle obstacles
Enjoy the great outdoors at Heiwa No Mori, a popular and family-friendly park in the city’s south. If you have active little ones, they’ll enjoy navigating the obstacle course featuring rope walks, zip-lines, log rafts and more. Entry to the athletic course is just a couple of Singapore dollars.
Check out these websites for bookings and itineraries:
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This article first appeared in the May 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
