Tokyo 7 Best Sightseeing Places for Family Trips with Children
Updated: Sep 18
Tokyo offers many sightseeing places that both children and adults can enjoy. Below are 7 spots recommended for families. If you are planning a trip to Japan during your summer vacation, please take a look.
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Tokyo 7 Best Sightseeing Places for Family Trips with Children
Here are 7 best sightseeing spots to go in Tokyo. The following information below is current as of July 2024. These are subject to change, so please check each official website in advance.
1. Ueno Zoological Gardens
Source: Tokyo Zoological Park Society
The Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan, located in Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo.
History
The zoo was opened in 1882 as the first zoo in Japan. Since then, the zoo has been in operation for more than 140 years and is one of the most popular zoos in Japan.
Animal Exhibits
Giant Pandas: The giant pandas are the symbol of the Ueno Zoo.
Asian elephants: Asian elephants can be seen in a spacious exhibit area.
Polar Bears: Polar bears can be seen swimming in a large aquarium.
Gorilla and Tiger Forest: Western Lowland gorillas and Sumatran tigers are on display.
Other exhibits include giraffes, zebras, lions, penguins, and a wide variety of other animals.
Facilities
Children's Zoo: An exhibit area for children where they can interact with rabbits, guinea pigs, and other animals.
Five-Story Pagoda: A historical landmark is also located in the park.
Educational Programs
A variety of educational programs are offered, including guided tours, hands-on animal care, and lectures on animals. The programs are suitable for both children and adults.
Events
Seasonal events and special exhibits are held at the park, offering something new to discover each time you visit.
Access
5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, Park Exit, or a 10-minute walk from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines.
Map
Hours of Operation
9:30 to 17:00 (tickets sold until 16:00) and closes every Monday (closes Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday or Tokyo Citizen's Day [Oct 1]) and December 29 through January 1.
Admission
Adults (16-64): 600 JPY
Seniors (65+): 300 JPY
Students (13-15): 200 JPY
Children (0-12): Free
Summary
The Ueno Zoo boasts a wealth of animal exhibits and a long history, making it a popular spot for families and tourists. It is also a place where visitors can enjoy themselves while learning about animals through a variety of educational programs.
2. National Museum of Nature and Science
The National Museum of Nature and Science is located in Ueno Park, Tokyo, and is one of Japan's leading science museums.
Main Exhibits
Japan Gallery
Exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Japan and the development of science and technology. Visitors can learn about Japan's unique flora and fauna, minerals, and the history of Japanese life and technology.
Global Gallery
The Global Gallery has a variety of exhibits on the global environment, biodiversity, and space science. It covers a wide range of scientific fields, including dinosaur fossils, stuffed animals, and exhibits on the Earth's structure and climate change.
Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions are held regularly, each with an in-depth thematic focus. This provides an opportunity to learn about the latest scientific research and interesting topics.
Educational Program
Workshops and lectures are held regularly for children and adults. Workshops and lectures are held on a regular basis to stimulate interest in science.
Facilities
A state-of-the-art exhibition hall, laboratory, library, and café provide a comfortable learning environment for visitors.
Access
5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, Park Exit, or a 10-minute walk from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines.
Map
Hours of Operation
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Visitors are admitted until 30 minutes before closing time.)
Closed on every Monday (If Monday is a national holiday, the Museum is open Monday and closed the following Tuesday.) Ueno District will be closed for fumigation from June 24th-28th 2024. Year-end/New Year holiday (December 28 to January 1)
Admission
General and university students: 630 JPY
High-school students and younger: Free
Group visitors (For groups of 20 or more visitors) General and university students: 510 JPY
Summary
The National Museum of Nature and Science has high educational value and can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. Audio guides are available in English, Chinese, and Korean. It is a place that offers you a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge of science and nature.
3. Patia’s Jiro-style Ramen Making Class
Ramen is one of Japan's most popular dishes, and is also very popular among children. Participating in a ramen making class is a great way to experience ramen in a more authentic way. In this blog, we will introduce the Jiro-style Ramen Making Class that you can enjoy with your children.
Flow
The class flow is as below.
Prepare ingredients Buy ramen ingredients at a local supermarket near Akihabara Station. You can also buy snacks for the children .
Move to the kitchen studio We will move to the kitchen studio "Patia". The kitchen is spacious and clean, so you can work on your cooking in peace.
Actual cooking Boil noodles, make soup, and prepare toppings. Children are also in charge of simple tasks.
Tasting time We sample the ramen noodles we made. This is a time for the whole family to enjoy together.
Meeting place
Akiharabara Station Central Gate
Cost
16,500 JPY per person
Duration Hours
3.5 hours
Age Range
5-90
Summary
Jiro-style ramen making class is a wonderful opportunity to learn cooking skills while having fun with your children. By experiencing authentic ramen making, children will gain confidence and enjoy trying new things. We encourage parents and children to try making ramen together.
4. Tokyo Sea Life Park
Source: Tokyo Zoological Park Society
The Tokyo Sea Life Park is a large-scale aquarium located in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo.
Main Exhibits
Aqua Theater
A giant doughnut-shaped tank allows visitors to observe large fish, bluefin tuna swimming from a 360-degree angle. This exhibit is so powerful that visitors feel as if they are among the fish.
The Sea of Tokyo
This aquarium reproduces the ecosystem of Tokyo Bay, displaying a wide variety of fish and marine life. Visitors can learn about the natural environment and ecosystem of Tokyo Bay.
Penguin Habitat
Penguins are on display, and visitors can observe them swimming and behaving on land up close.
Educational Programs
Workshops, guided tours, and special exhibits for children are held regularly. This provides an opportunity to learn about marine life and environmental conservation.
Facilities
In addition to the exhibition hall, the aquarium has a store, café, and rest area, providing a relaxing environment for the whole family.
Access
The aquarium is a 5-minute walk from Kasai Rinkai Koen Station on the JR Keiyo Line. Parking is also available, making it convenient to visit the aquarium by car.
Map
Hours of Operation
9:30. to 17:00 (tickets sold until 16:00) and closes every Wednesday (closes Thursday if Wednesday is a public holiday). The aquarium closes from December 29 through January 1
Admission
Adults (16-64): 700 JPY
Seniors (65+): 350 JPY
Students (13-15): 250 JPY
Children (0-12): Free
Summary
The Tokyo Sea Life Park is a facility that educates visitors about the wonders and importance of the ocean through exhibits of diverse marine life and a full range of educational programs. It is especially popular with families and children.
5. Sanrio Puroland
Source: SANRIO CO., LTD.
Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park where visitors can meet Sanrio characters and is located in Tama City, Tokyo. Sanrio characters: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and many other popular Sanrio characters make appearances. Visitors can enjoy meet-and-greets and photo opportunities with the characters.
Attractions
Märchen Theater
A musical show featuring the characters will be performed.
Lady Kitty House
This attraction allows visitors to explore Hello Kitty's luxurious home. There is also a photo spot with Kitty, making this place a must-see for fans.
My Melody & Kuromi Mymeroad Drive
A ride-access attraction that takes visitors on an "Eco My Melody Car" invented by Kuromi, My Melody's rival character, to "Marie Land" where My Melody and her friends live, including "My Melody's House," "Strawberry Field" and "Hide and Seek Forest”.
Parade
A spectacular parade featuring the characters is held regularly at the museum. The parade, decorated with lights and music, is fun for children and adults alike.
Stores and Restaurants
Character store
A variety of limited-edition goods only available here are for sale.
Restaurants
Restaurants and cafes with character-themed menus offer a variety of adorably designed dishes and sweets.
Events
A variety of special events are held at the park, such as seasonal events and character birthday events. Visitors can enjoy different things to do depending on the time of year.
Facilities
The main feature of Puroland is that it is an indoor theme park and can be enjoyed regardless of weather conditions. The museum is barrier-free, and strollers and wheelchairs are allowed.
Access
5-minute walk from Tama Center Station on the Keio Line or Odakyu Line.
Map
Hours of Operation
Please check the schedule page on the official website for details. There may be holidays, so please check in advance before visiting.
Admission
Prices vary depending on the day. Please see the official website for details on how to purchase a passport.
Summary
Sanrio Puroland is an ideal spot for fans and families who love Sanrio characters, and is especially popular with young children. Visitors can interact with the characters and enjoy the fantasy world to the fullest.
6. teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM
Source: teamLab
Mori Building Digital Art Museum is an innovative art museum located in Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo. The museum specializes in digital art and is especially known for its collaboration with teamLab.
Features and Attractions
Interactive Art
Many of the artworks in the museum are interactive, changing as visitors move and interact with them. This provides a constantly new experience.
Spacious
The museum's 10,000-square-meter exhibition space is a labyrinth, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the art at their leisure.
Diverse exhibits
Based on the theme of "Borderless," many exhibits work together to form one large art space.
Futuristic Experience
Futuristic art experiences using digital technology provide visitors with new perspectives and set the museum apart from conventional art museums.
Access
Located within walking distance of Roppongi and Azabu-juban stations.
Map
Admission
Advance Reservations Required: Due to the museum's popularity, it is recommended that visitors purchase tickets online and make reservations in advance.
Hours of Operation
Generally from 10:00 to 19:00 (last admission at 18:00)
Closed on a non-scheduled basis, so it is important to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Summary
Mori Building Digital Art Museum is a unique experience combining the latest digital technology and art. Featuring interactive exhibits that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, the museum offers new discoveries and excitement with every visit.
Click here for more details about "teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM - official website”
7. Asakusa Hanayashiki
Source: HANAYASHIKI Co., Ltd.
Asakusa Hanayashiki is the oldest amusement park in Japan, is located in Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo.
History
Asakusa Hanayashiki opened in 1853 and originally started as a flower garden.
After the Meiji era (1868-1912), it developed as an amusement park, and the oldest roller coaster in Japan (installed in 1953) was introduced.
Attractions
Roller Coaster
Japan's oldest wooden coaster, a popular attraction for families.
Space Shot
A thrilling attraction that rises and falls at high speed.
Marbles Haunted House
A haunted house with a retro atmosphere.
Merry-go-round
A classic attraction for children and adults alike.
Other attractions include a Ferris wheel, go-karts, and a game corner.
Events
Various events are held seasonally, including fireworks displays, character shows, and Halloween events.
Access
3-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express. 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Tobu Skytree Line.
Map
Hours of Operation
Please check the schedule page on the official website for details. There may be holidays, so please check in advance before visiting.
Admission
Adult (13-64): 1,200 JPY
Child (5-12): 600 JPY
Senior (65+): 600 JPY
Little children (0-4): Free
Summary
Asakusa Hanayashiki is a well-known amusement park with a long history and is popular among families and tourists. The retro atmosphere and variety of attractions are attractive and can be enjoyed in combination with sightseeing in Asakusa.
Patia's Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo
We are operating a clean and spacious kitchen studio in Tokyo. We offer classes here for foreign tourists to learn how to make Japanese food with English-speaking instructors. We hope you will participate in Patia's Japanese Cooking Class when you come to Tokyo.
We also post useful information for sightseeing in Japan on Instagram. Please follow our account if you are interested!
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