Top 5 Places to Explore in Tokyo with Kids
As daunting a prospect as it may initially seem, exploring Tokyo with younger travelers in tow is an excellent opportunity for some serious adventure. Regarded as one of the safest and most child-friendly cities in the world, Tokyo offers a vibrant array of action-packed activities for all the family to enjoy. Here is a selection of some top spots which are sure to be a huge hit!
KidZania
Our first stop is KidZania, located near Toyosu station on the stunning Yurikamome Line. The bayside mono-rail offers an exciting adventure in itself, as it glides you over city streets, glittering waterways, and a fantastic view of the Odaiba Rainbow Bridge.
Designed as a kid-sized mini-city, KidZania is a unique journey into the world of work through fun and learning. Here, kids are given the chance to try out exciting jobs and Activities, such as Firefighter, Sweets Factory Worker, Bus guide, and Doctor and nearly one hundred other jobs and Activities! . Open a bank account to deposit your hard-earned kidZos (the official KidZania currency), accumulated after each job, which usually last between 15 to 30 minutes. Tickets are available for two shifts daily: 9am- 3pm or 4pm - 9pm. A large number of the jobs are conducted in English every Wednesday.
There are also the EAP and EAP eKspress options which offer a special course all in English, no waiting times per job, interaction with fluent English speakers from various countries, plus exclusive souvenirs and certificates.
TOKYO JOYPOLIS
Found in the Decks mall at Odaiba Kaihin Kouen station, Tokyo-Joypolis is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in Japan. Offering three floors of games, visual attractions, rides and VR simulators, there's no shortage of fun to be had!
Take a Jeep journey through the jungle with the 'Wild Jungle Brothers' attraction, or visit Skull Island and battle spooky skeleton Pirates with 'Pirate’s Plunder'. Enjoy a virtual halfpipe skateboarding experience and a high-speed indoor rollercoaster — Joypolis is a treat for kids and adults alike. Once you've discovered all that Joypolis has to offer, take a stroll along Odaiba beach to stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful views.
Tokyo Dome City
There is something for all members of the family at Tokyo Dome City, with its numerous attractions suitable for all ages and tastes. A top pick for children age 3–6 is Asobono, an indoor paradise of play for active kids. Boasting an enormous pirate jungle gym, complete with climbing walls, ropes, slides and a big blue ball pit, kids can climb, slide and tumble for hours on end. Be sure not to miss out on the music corner, train room, puzzles or the wonderful collection of toys!
For thrill-seeking families, there are a variety of rides which are sure to keep everyone entertained, including Tokyo Dome's signature roller-coaster, 'Thunder Dolphin'. For those who prefer a more relaxing pace, try out Karaoke on the 'Big O' Ferris wheel as you enjoy the city sights from the clouds.
Miraikan
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, or Miraikan, offers science-loving kids (and adults) a plethora of state of the art exhibits to tickle your curiosity. In addition to special exhibitions, there are numerous permanent exhibitions and activities to explore. Peek into the fascinating world of elementary particles and learn about the building blocks of our universe. Explore innovations in science and robotics, as you meet ASIMO, the humanoid robot, or take the time to marvel at the Geo-Cosmos, the giant LED “Globe –like display” which projects real-time global data. The Dome Theatre GAIA offers a unique 3D experience which will capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike. There is even a play area, 'Curiosity Field, which is specifically aimed at encouraging the experiential learning process between parents and children.
Kasai Rinkai Koen Park and Tokyo Sea Life Park
Glass Dome of Tokyo Sea Life Park
Central Tokyo's largest park, Kasai Rinkai Koen has a lot to offer, with its beautiful natural scenery, Ferris wheel, bird sanctuary, and aquarium. A twenty-minute train ride from Tokyo station on the JR Keiyo line will bring you directly to the park's entrance. On any given weekend, weather permitting, families can be spotted enjoying picnics, BBQs, ocean air and the cheerful, relaxed atmosphere of the grounds. The aquarium, which is free for children under the age of twelve, recreates aquatic environments from all over the globe and more than 600 species of sea creatures. Be sure not to miss out on the very special penguin exhibition or the opportunity to mingle with some of the animals at the touch pool.