Tokyo offers many entertainment possibilities, most of which can be enjoyed with the whole family. Check out this list of 20 best places to go with your family in Tokyo. We guarantee that both adults and kids will love these!
1. Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is a large zoological park located in Taito-ku. The zoo has more than 2600 animals from 460 species. Visitors can see zebras, king penguins, llamas, giraffes, kangaroos, lions and much more. But the representative of the zoo is the giant panda. There are panda signs and statues everywhere in the area, as well as merchandise featuring the adorable bear.
Information
- Price: 600 yen
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Ueno Station
- Opening hour: 09:30
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Holiday: Mondays and year end holidays
- Website: http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/
2. Tokyo Sky Tree
Tokyo Sky Tree is the tallest tower in the world and the tallest structure in Japan, standing at a height of 634 meters. The tower is the main radio and television broadcast spot for the Kanto region. It also houses two observation decks: one at 350 meters and the other one at 450 meters. The observation decks offer panoramic views of Tokyo. It is especially recommended to go after sunset when the whole city is lightened.
Information
- Price: 2060 yen (first observatory), 1030 yen (second observatory)
- Access: outside Sky Tree Station
- Opening hour: 08:00
- Closing hour: 22:00
- Holiday: none
- Website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/
3. Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro is a large shopping and entertainment area in Toshima Ward. There are attractions for both kids and adults. Kids can enjoy the game centers and the toys stores while adults have a plethora of fashion and electronics stores to visit. Ikebukuro also offers activities for the whole family, like an aquarium which boasts thousands of sea creatures from around the world. The area is also packed with restaurants offering many delicious dining options.
4. National Museum of Nature and Science
Japan’s National Science Museum is located in Ueno Park, Tokyo and features several exhibitions related to nature and science. From stuffed animals and dinosaur bones to physics experiments and full-scale airplanes, this museum has it all. There is also a 360 degrees theater where visitors can experience movies about nature and space that feel real. The museum includes a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
Information
- Price: 620 yen
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Ueno Station
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Holiday: Mondays and New Year holidays
- Website: http://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/
5. Mount Mitake
Mount Mitake is a mountain near Tokyo, part of the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park. The main trails starts outside the upper cable car station. There is a 25 minute walk to Musashi-Mitake Shrine, located on the mountain’s summit. From there, various trails continue to other peaks and along the valleys. The most beautiful one is considered to be the one that goes to the “Rock Garden”. The trail passes a scenic valley with a bubbling stream and two waterfalls. The valley is covered in mossy rocks, which gave its name. The hike from the Rock Garden can be continued to the summit of Mount Otake, which lasts around 50 minutes.
Information
- Access: Mitake Station
6. Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is one of the most visited amusement parks in Japan. Located in Tokyo, the park is centered on movies produced by Walt Disney. It was the first Disney park built outside of United States. There are seven different parts of the park: World Bazaar, Tomorrowland, Toontown, Fantasyland, Critter Country, Westernland and Adventureland. Each part has its own theme and focuses on something specific. The rides are suitable for both adults and children.
Information
- Price: 6900 yen
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Maihama Station
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 22:00
- Holiday: none
- Website: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/
7. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was used as a broadcast station for the entire Kanto area until the neighborhood filled with tall buildings and its function was moved to Tokyo Sky Tree. It houses an interesting observatory located at a height of 250 meters. It offers nice views of the surrounding city and the Zozo-ji Temple that is located next to it. But it is also beautiful to look at the lightened tower from a distance at night.
Information
- Price: 1600 yen (both observation decks)
- Access: a 15 minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 23:00
- Holiday: none
- Website: http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/eng/
8. Sumida Aquarium
Sumida Aquarium is located inside the Sky Tree complex and is a good way to relax with your whole family. The aquarium houses over 10.000 sea creatures of thousands of different species. The highlight is represented by the largest indoor open tank in Japan where visitors can see penguins and fur seals. The tank’s design allows people to view the animals from any angle.
Information
- Price: 2050 yen
- Access: inside Tokyo Sky Tree
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 21:00
- Holiday: none
- Website: http://www.sumida-aquarium.com/en/
9. Koishikawa Korakuen
Koishikawa Korakuen is a traditional Japanese garden located in Bunkyo Ward. The garden features many ponds, stones, hills and is rich in vegetation. The scenery is particularly attractive in the beginning of spring when the plum trees and the cherry blossoms are flowering and in autumn when the trees turn colorful. It is one of the best autumn leaf viewing spots in Tokyo.
Information
- Price: 300 yen
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Iidabashi Station
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Holiday: December 29 to January 3
- Website: http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/
10. Odaiba
Odaiba is a large man made island in Tokyo Bay. Besides being an extensive shopping area, the island also offers many relaxing activities. Tourists can ride the Daikanransha Ferris wheel, visit the Fuji TV Museum or relax at the Odaiba Beach. The beach offers amazing views of Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline which are especially attractive at night. There are also many restaurants in the area where people can have a meal after a day of walking.
11. Ghibli Museum
Ghibli Museum is located in Tokyo and is dedicated to all the movies made by Ghibli Studios. Fans of movies such as My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke must visit this museum. The building has several displays on the movies and the history of the company and shows visitors some animation techniques. There are also places where kids can play like the Cat Bus, as well as several souvenirs shops and restaurants.
Information
- Price: 1000 yen
- Access: a 20 minute walk from Mitaka Station
- Opening hour: 10:00
- Closing hour: 18:00
- Holiday: Tuesdays and year end holidays
- Website: http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
12. Asakusa
Asakusa is an atmospheric old neighborhood in Tokyo which abounds in interesting attractions. Tourist can visit Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, go on a rickshaw tour, shop on the Nakamise Street, stroll along the Sumida River and enjoy beautiful views of Tokyo Sky Tree. The area also has many malls with fashion shops, cafes, restaurants, and karaoke stores.
Information
- Access: Asakusa Station
13. Botanical Garden
The Koishikawa Botanical garden is the oldest such garden in Japan, dating from 1684. The garden features thousands of plant species, including many ones from East Asia. Visitors can see a lot of interesting flowers and trees, making this a perfect activity for families with kids as it is a very educational experience. The garden is very popular during spring thanks to its many cherry trees that transform the area into a pink paradise.
Information
- Price: 400 yen
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Miyogadani Station
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 16:30
- Holiday: Mondays and year end holidays
- Website: http://www.bg.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/koishikawa/eng/e.html
14. The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is the located on the place where Edo Castle was. It is the residence of the Imperial Family of Japan. Guided tours of the palace grounds are offered, which shows tourists everything besides the interior of the buildings. The tours are held in Japanese, but English pamphlets are provided. The East Gardens are open to public throughout the year. An attractive Japanese garden was created inside the area.
Information
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Tokyo Station
- Website: http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html
15. Ameyoko
Ameyoko is a long shopping street located near Ueno Park. Many products can be found on the street, from fresh fish, vegetables and fruits to clothes, shoes, toys and souvenirs. Ameyoko is also lined with a number of restaurants offering cheap and delicious food. The street can get pretty crowded, so it is recommendable to avoid visiting it on evenings and weekends.
Information
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Ueno Station
16. Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is the largest park in Tokyo and one of the most visited ones in the city. The park has many spacious lawns, quiet alleys and abounds in trees and flowers. It is also one of Tokyo’s top cherry blossom and autumn leaf viewing spots. The park is made from three separate gardens: the traditional Japanese garden, the French garden and the English garden. Each have their own specifics and are worth visiting.
Information
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station
17. The Railway Museum
The Railway Museum in Saitama is owned by the East Japan Railway Culture Foundation and is divided intro six zones: the “Entrance Zone”, featuring a large railway diorama, the“History Zone”, that is the main exhibition area, the“Collection Zone”, which contains a library, the “Learning Zone”, where visitors can see how trains are being constructed, the “Park Zone”, where people are allowed to drive a mini train and the “North Wing”, where children can play.
Information
- Price: 1000 yen
- Access: outside Tesudo Hakubutsukan Station
- Opening hour: 10:00
- Closing hour: 18:00
- Holiday: Tuesday and year and holidays
- Website: http://www.railway-museum.jp/en/
18. Mount Takao
Mount Takao is one of the closest places to Tokyo where people can go hiking. The 599 meter mountain offers amazing views from the top, including Mount Fuji on days with good weather. Other attractions include a monkey park and a temple. There are 8 trails that go to the summit. All of them are underdeveloped besides trail number 1 which is the most used by tourists, being paved until the end. But the most interesting trails are the underdeveloped ones – they are less crowded, the scenery is more beautiful and you really get to enjoy nature.
Information
- Access: Takaosanguchi Station
19. Akihabara
Akihabara is a district famous for anime and manga related attractions. You can find books, DVDs, toys, games or other items. There are always release events, conventions and other special events going on in the area. Definitely a place to go for animation fans which are traveling with their whole family. Everyone can find something to in Akihabara.
Information
- Access: Akihabara Station
20. Tokyo Dome City
Tokyo Dome City is a big complex featuring many relaxation facilities. It is the perfect destination for a family trip. There is a game center where kids can have fun, a spa for the adults and many shops which fit any kinds of interests, from fashion items to toys. There is also an amusement park where the whole family can have fun. The area’s many restaurants offer many dining options, the perfect way to end the day.
Information
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Korakuen Station
Have a good trip and travel!
