Tokyo

Travel, through a family lens: where neon nights, ancient shrines, and everyday rituals shape one of the world’s most captivating cities.

Family Travel Journal

Tokyo has been a magical place to visit at every stage of my life, but seeing it through my son’s eyes made it even more special. Wandering the neon lit streets together and stopping into the 24-hour vending machines, arcades, and purikura photo booths in Shinjuku and Shibuya was a great way to kick our jet lag and make an arrival to a new city into pure adventure.

Tokyo’s food and snack scene is unlike anywhere else; a wonderland of inventive, artful treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious. From umami-packed bites to jewel-like sweets, you can’t help but want to try every delight you stumble across. It’s nearly impossible to have a bad meal. My son still talks about the traditional Japanese breakfasts of grilled fish, rice, soup, and egg, and our daily noodle rituals — ramen one day, soba or udon the next. Tokyo is the kind of place where kids are eager to try something new, yet can always count on their favorites done to perfection: the crispiest tempura, savory izakaya bites, and the juiciest katsu. Every meal became a shared memory.

We left with full hearts and tummies (and a backpack stuffed with Pokémon treasures, stickers and fun trinkets)! Can’t wait to plan our next Tokyo adventure.

-Kristin, Cofounder

Quick insights before you dive into planning…

Perfect for: Travelers looking for something different but easy to experience.

Ages: 4 and up. Tokyo is very safe and easy to get around with children. That said, older kids tend to keep up better and enjoy more of the activities available.

When to Visit: Tokyo is great to visit most of the year. Spring is often ideal for catching the cherry blossoms, and winters are generally mild. Summer, however, can be hot and humid, so it is not the best time to visit.

Trip Length: At least four nights to get a good taste of what Tokyo offers before moving on to another destination. However, Tokyo has so much to do that you could easily spend a full week exploring.

Combine with: Hakone/Mount Fuji for a shorter trip, Kyoto and Osaka as part of the classic Golden Triangle route, or Hokkaido for winter skiing. There are also many lesser-known destinations nearby that offer unique experiences. Contact us to brainstorm!

Destination Fit

At a glance

Tokyo is one of the most exciting and accessible cities in the world, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers, including families. As a major international hub, it's easy to reach with many direct flights from around the world. Once you arrive, you’ll find a sprawling, cosmopolitan city that is both incredibly modern and uniquely Japanese. While it has all the comforts and conveniences you’d expect from a global capital, Tokyo stands apart in how seamlessly it blends cutting-edge technology with deep-rooted tradition. In many ways, Japan feels more advanced than what we're used to, and nowhere is that more visible than in Tokyo.

What makes Tokyo especially great for families is how safe, clean, and well-organized everything is. The public transportation system is well-connected, and staying near a train station can make getting around much easier. Tokyo can feel overwhelming at first because of its size, but it's a city where you don’t need to do everything, and it’s easy to tailor the experience to your family’s interests. There’s something here for everyone: temples and historic sights, modern museums, world-class food, fun shopping, and immersive pop culture experiences. Also, many kids are already familiar with parts of Japanese culture, whether it's Pokémon, Sanrio, or the general love of all things kawaii so there’s often an immediate sense of excitement.

Our Favorite Things

Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.

  • In a city as sprawling as Tokyo, choosing the right location is key. Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza are our favorite neighborhoods, with easy transit links and access to top sights and shopping.

    • Trunk (Hotel) Cat Street (Shibuya) - boutique hotel with a modern design, central location, thoughtful details, and suites for families of 3-4.

    • Grand MONday Ginza - a spacious, apartment-style hotel with in-unit washer and dryer, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for families.

    • Hyatt House Shibuya - a well-located international hotel just minutes from Shibuya Station, offering spacious suites ideal for families. As part of a global brand, it’s also a great option for travelers looking to use or earn points.

    • Hoshinoya Tokyo - an urban ryokan experience: serene, design-rich, and centrally located. Perfect for smaller families who want a luxurious base in Tokyo. Check room configurations as reviews mentioned the futons used as“cots”.

    • For more family-friendly options (4+ persons), or for those who prefer the comfort and convenience of a home, we recommend considering Airbnb and are happy to help find the right stay.

  • Tokyo is home to some of the best cuisine in the world, from hole-in-the-wall noodle shops to Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s hard to choose, but these are a few of our favorites that also work well for families.

    • Yashima Maruyamachoten - thick, chewy hand-cut Sanuki-style udon served in a playful, kitschy setting in Shibuya.

    • Kyorakutei - small Bib Gourmand soba shop known for its inaka soba and seasonal tomato soba. Arrive just before the 11:30 opening for a manageable wait.

    • Harajuku Gyozarou - no fuss Gyoza spot with a simple menu, but kids go crazy for the plates on plates of perfectly fried dumplings.

    • Ponipirika - fun Shimokitazawa café known for its flavorful soup curries made with sustainably sourced ingredients

    • Butagumi Shokudo - thecrispiest Tonkatsu with a friendly staff and tables to accommodate families.

  • With so much to see and do, Tokyo is a city that takes multiple visits to fully explore. What you experience will depend entirely on your interests, your family's pace, and what kind of trip you’re in the mood for. These are just a few of our families’ favorites.

    • TeamLab (Borderless and Planet) - the ultimate interactive museum experience. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity and immersive art, but just choose one; there's no need to visit both in the same trip.

    • Kidzania - interactive indoor theme park where kids role-play different professions, earn their own KidZos to spend in the gift shop, while parents can enjoy a well-deserved break.

    • Sanrio Puroland - indoor Sanrio character theme park with rides, entertainment, restaurants, and shops that is perfect for Sanrio fans of all ages.

    • Takeshita Street / Harajuku - vibrant Tokyo neighborhood known for its animal cafes, quirky gachapon (capsule toy) machines, kawaii shopping, and the iconic Harajuku Girls

    • Ueno Park - home to renowned museums and galleries, the pandas at Ueno Zoo, the tranquil Shinobazu Pond, and the historic Ueno Toshogu Shrine. In spring, this is also a great spot to catch the cherry blossoms.

    Tokyo also offers a variety of immersive experiences showcasing Japan’s timeless traditions, from tea ceremonies and silk painting to sushi-making and bamboo carving. Many can be booked online, but we’re also happy to arrange private sessions with local artisans for a more intimate and memorable experience.

  • Tokyo is the ultimate shopping city with something for everyone, from cutting-edge fashion and high-quality Japanese homeware to all the cutesy character goods that kids love. Below is just a sample of some of our favorite spots, but we have many more recommendations to share.

    • Omotesando - one of Tokyo’s largest shopping districts, home to luxury brands, boutique stores, and curated vintage shops all in one vibrant area.

    • Yanaka Ginza - old-fashioned shopping street that retains a retro atmosphere, featuring small shops selling traditional goods and offering a glimpse into Tokyo’s slower-paced side.

    • Kappabashi — district for all things kitchenware, from Japanese ceramics and specialty knives to realistic imitation display food.

    • Ginza Tsutaya Books - stunning bookstore with a wide variety of books, magazines, stationary, gifts, and souvenirs.

    • KiddieLand - five-level store offering a one-stop shop for Japanese character toys and merchandise, including popular brands like Sanrio, Pokémon, and Sumikko Gurashi.

    • Komehyo - chain of luxury vintage and second-hand designer shopping with several locations throughout Tokyo.

    • BEAMS - Japanese brand expanding globally, renowned for its 'basic yet exciting' everyday wear and influential collaborations that have significantly impacted Japan's fashion landscape.

Get Your Custom Itinerary

There's so much more to explore. For a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered), reach out for a custom itinerary.

Tips

Google Translate is your bff

Getting around Japan used to be a real challenge if you didn’t speak the language. These days, for better or worse, Google Translate, especially the camera feature, makes things a lot easier. You can just point your phone at a menu and instantly get an idea of what everything is.

Getting around

Public transportation in Tokyo is a good option as the network of trains is well-connected. We also found Uber to be pretty reliable. Wait times were reasonable, prices were fair, and there was no stress about language since everything was handled through the app. We also met some really kind drivers who shared interesting insights about the city and changes in tourism (all through Google Translate!).

Booking family rooms

Finding a hotel room that fits more than three people can be tricky in Tokyo, especially if you’re trying to stay in a specific part of the city. It’s a good idea to book early or look into Airbnb if you want a bit more space and flexibility.

To Disney or not to Disney?

There’s no doubt the Tokyo Disney parks are well designed, more affordable than those in the U.S., and it’s definitely a unique experience seeing Disney with a Japanese twist. However, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are very popular, yet things don’t always run as smoothly as at Disneyland or Disney World (think 2+ hour waits for food and rides, no fast passes after 10am if you go on the wrong day). The best way to decide is to ask yourself two things: Are you really into Disney? And are Japanese kids in school on the day you want to go? If the answer to both is no, then skip it.

Visiting over holiday periods

Western holidays like Christmas are not widely observed in Japan. However, Japanese New Year (Shogatsu, January 1–3) and Golden Week (late April to early May) are major holidays when many businesses close for several days. If visiting during these times, plan activities accordingly and make sure you're staying long enough to visit places on the days they’re open.

Finding a restaurant

Google Maps reviews can often be misleading, especially since many are written by travelers rather than locals. For more reliable recommendations on authentic cuisine, try using Tabelog. The interface isn’t the easiest to navigate, but the reviews are trustworthy. Friends who frequently visit suggest that anything rated above 3.5 stars is very good, and anything over 4 stars is coming up on Michelin-level quality.

Dining with kids

Japan isn’t the easiest place to dine out with kids. We rarely saw children in restaurants, and some places wouldn’t allow kids under 10 or 12. On top of that, many popular casual spots had complicated queuing systems that didn’t work well with little ones. If you have specific places you want to try, it’s definitely worth planning ahead. That said, Tokyo has no shortage of great food, especially if you’re flexible and open to going with the flow.

Expect to spend

Right now, the exchange rate is favorable, making Tokyo a very affordable destination. Hotel prices are similar to what you’d find in major U.S. cities, but dining and activities like skiing, theme parks, and museums cost a lot less. And if you’re lucky enough to be based near an airport that ZIPAIR services, you can get to Tokyo at a fraction of the price you’d expect.

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Trusted Family Voices…

  • Penny, age 10

    “Tokyo was the best!!! There was lots of cute stationery and Sanrio stuff everywhere. I also really liked TeamLab Borderless!”

  • Liv deer

    Liv, at age 2.5

    From her memory, Mimi’s daughter:

    “I remember lots of deer!”

  • Watch on Instagram

    @millionmilermom

    "✈️ We flew in Tokyo-Haneda Airport, spent 3 days in Tokyo, 3 days in Kyoto, 1 night in Tokyo before"

  • Watch on Instagram

    @navyasdiaries

    “We spent 8days in Japan with our 18month old and we had a blast. This country is super baby friendly and a great pick for traveling with little ones.”

  • Watch on Tik Tok

    SarahXMiracle

    “10 days in Tokyo was too short. Everyone’s been asking about itinerary so here are highlights to consider if you’re heading to Tokyo with kids…”

Family Travel Journal 2

Tokyo is the first place I recommend to all my friends with kids. It’s easy, affordable, fun, and different. We recently visited during spring break and were lucky enough to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Tokyo in the spring really is as beautiful as people say, with streets lined with blooming trees. One of the best parts of the trip was walking along the Meguro River, trying street food and taking in the cherry blossoms. The girls were most excited about all things kawaii leading up to the trip, but by the time we left, they were fully into Sanrio and Pokémon. Shopping became its own activity, and they loved picking out souvenirs for each and every one of their friends. The biggest standout of the trip however was TeamLabs, an immersive digital art experience that completely blew us away. Nothing else we’ve seen since has come close.

Aside from the big attractions, what really stuck with us was showing the girls a place that’s just as developed and modern as what we’re used to, but built on totally different ways of doing things. It wasn’t like traveling in Europe or North America, which often feels more familiar, or in developing countries, which are still evolving in their own way and catching up on certain things. And no place we’ve ever visited has felt safer than Japan. We even felt comfortable letting the girls go into shops on their own or have a bit more freedom at DisneySea, something we’d probably be more cautious about back in the U.S. What we loved most was that this experience wasn’t just a vacation but a glimpse into another way of life.

-Annie, Cofounder

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