Planning a trip to Tokyo with kids? Tokyo is a safe, family friendly city in Japan with lots of children’s activities, cool kid’s attractions, cute kawaii stores and fun family things to do.
From theme parks to huge robots, cat cafes to gachapons galore, there is something to suit all tastes when visiting Tokyo with kids (and even a poo museum).
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And visiting Tokyo with kids or big families doesn’t have to be expensive – many child friendly and kids attractions are free (like the Sanrio Forest stamp trail), plus there are lots of affordable Japanese chain restaurants with kid’s menus.
Here is our guide to the best things to do with kids in Tokyo, Japan.
This article was originally published on 10 June 2024.
Plan My Japan tip – if you are short on time, the best place to head to in central Tokyo with kids is Odaiba – a kind of ‘fantasy island’ with lots of children’s activities like Doraemon Future Department Store, a 20 metre high moving Gundam and various immersive experiences.
Tokyo with kids things to do
1. Studio Ghibli clock / Ni-Tele Really Big Clock
A fantastic free thing to do with kids in Tokyo, make sure to make ‘time’ to see the super-huge Studio Ghibli clock near Ginza.
Created by Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki and built by Kunio Shachimaru, the Ghibli clock (AKA Ni-Tele Really Big Clock) has to be seen to be believed and is located at the Shiodome Media Tower.
Recently named as one of Tokyo’s best public art sculptures, the Ghibli clock and surrounding artwork is around 18 metres long and twelve metres high and comes to life several times a day in a three minute show that runs like ‘clockwork’ (sorry not sorry).
Said to be inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle, the clock springs into life four times a day on weekdays at noon, 3pm, 6pm and 8pm, and 10am on weekends.
Although a water feature acts as a natural barrier to the clock, the walkways allow you to get up pretty close to the Ni-Tele Really Big Clock.
Read more in our guide to the Ghibli clock >
Check out our guide to the best Studio Ghibli things to do in Tokyo >
Japan checklist
We love using booking.com and agoda.com for researching and booking all our hotels, and Hostelworld for booking hostels. You can also purchase eSIMs from Airalo.
For booking tours, transfers and SIM cards we recommend Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook.
For booking rental cars visit Discover Cars.
Check out our Japan travel resources page >
2. Mega Pokémon Center Ikebukuro
Nintend-oh! Mega Pokémon Center Ikebukuro is one of Japan’s biggest Pokémon stores – because you’ve gotta catch ‘em all!
Located in Ikebukuro (inside the Sunshine City Alpa mall), the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is packed full of all your favourite Pokémon characters including exclusive Pokémon Japan merchandise, trading card games and Pokémon Go Lab.
From all the cute merchandise to the awesome Pokémon arcade machines, here is our ultimate guide to visiting the Pokémon Center Mega Ikebukuro with more photos >
P.S. There is also a huge Pokemon Tokyo Station Store near to Tokyo Character Street (link)
3. Tokyo Harry Potter Experiences and Harry Potter Plaza
There are lots of ‘magical’ Harry Potter things to do, from a free Harry Potter Plaza and photo-point in Akasaka through to the official Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour. New for 2025, Japan’s first flagship Harry Potter shop has also recently opened in Harajuku, located by Meiji-Jingumae Station.
The largest indoor Harry Potter visitor attraction in the world and Asia’s first official Warner Bros Studio Tour, immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter – board the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 ¾ and walk through the Forbidden Forest.
You can get up close to Diagon Alley and take a glimpse at the Great Hall (or even cast some spells in the Ministry of Magic). You can also see memorabilia, props and costumes from the Harry Potter movies.
A world away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, this is one of Tokyo’s top family activities and fun for all ages.
Over 200,000 visitors and families have already booked the Warner Bros Making of Harry Potter through Klook so make sure you also get your ticket here >
If you don’t want to go on the studio tour, there is also an official Harry Potter cafe and gift shop in Tokyo’s Akasaka neighbourhood AKA Harry Potter Plaza, plus you can see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child musical. Read more in our Harry Potter in Tokyo experiences guide >
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4. Namjatown
Visiting Ikebukuro with your children or are you just a big-kid at heart? Namjatown is one of Tokyo’s top indoor theme-parks with several themed zones including Fukubukuro, Mononoke, and Dokkingham Plaza.
Everyone loves the retro gyoza stadium plus there are regular anime pop-up shops and even a Kawaii cigar stall (hmmmm…)
Namjatown is manned by hosts dressed in huge cat outfits (fine furries) and there is also an onsite cat cafe (although nothing as cool as Cat Cafe Mocha).
Open from 10am to 9pm daily, Namjatown admission prices in 2025 start from 1,200 Yen admission for adults and children over 13 (younger children 800 Yen) – attraction and ride costs are extra.
5. Tokyo 3D billboards
Fun for all the family (and free), huge crowds gather to watch several huge immersive 3D billboards across Tokyo, featuring cartoon characters like a 3D cat or playful panda.
As of 2025, there are five popular 3D billboards in Tokyo:
- the calico cat in Shinjuku
- the adorable akita inu puppy in Shibuya
- a playful panda near Shibuya Crossing
- another 3D Panda in Ueno by the Hirokoji Entrance of Ueno Station
- a 3D billboard in Harajuku / end of Takeshita Street with musical animals
Check out our full guide to Tokyo’s 3D billboards including locations and videos here >
6. Hakuhinkan Toy Park Ginza
Tokyo’s largest toy store, Ginza’s Hakuhinkan toy park is a treasure trove of toys across 6 floors – we also rate it as one of Tokyo’s top toy stores.
From cute character kawaii gifts to gachapons, Tomica and TOMY, Hakuhinkan Toy Park has something for children of all ages – including big kids like us.
We were blown away by the huge Scaletrix set you can pay to play with on level 4 (the Hakuhinkan Racing Park).
Each floor is themed so for instance, level 1 is dedicated to part goods whilst level 2 is full of plushies and soft toys.
On one of our visits to Hakuhinkan toy park, there was even someone in a cute panda costume welcoming shoppers in so you never know what you’ll encounter.
Love cute and ‘kawaii’ stores in Japan?
Check out our shopping guides!
• Tokyo Character Street stores
• Studio Ghibli stores
• Don Quijote stores
• Doraemon Future Department store
• B-Side Label stores
• Mandarake stores
• Best Gachapon Capsule toys
• Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
Plus our guide to the best kawaii things to do in Tokyo >
7. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea
No trip to Tokyo is complete with a trip to the house of mouse – Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea.
All your family favourites are here from Dumbo the Flying Elephant to the Little Mermaid with special shows, parades and marvellous musicals.
Brand new Tokyo DisneySea activities and attractions in 2024 and 2025 include a new ‘Fantasy Springs’ area plus Dreams Take Flight: a lavish 25-minute stage show. The new themed zones include ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Frozen’ and ‘Tangled’ along with many other attractions and rides.
Book your Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket >
Book your Tokyo DisneySea 1-Day ticket & private transfer >
Themed Cafes in Tokyo with kids
8. PEANUTS Cafe SUNNY SIDE kitchen Harajuku
Peanuts fans, rejoice! There is a super Snoopy themed cafe in Harajuku, a short walk away from Takeshita Street.
At PEANUTS Cafe SUNNY SIDE kitchen, families can enjoy themed food and drink (the 3D latte art is ace) plus there is loads of Snoopy merchandise.
Kids will love all the cuddly Snoopy toys and it is a nice way to eat some fun food. If you are too full to finish, be sure to ask for a ‘doggy-bag’ afterwards (sorry not sorry).
9. Pokémon Cafe & Pikachu Sweets
Eat like a Pokémon – the Pokémon Cafe is one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo with kids.
From the Cafe Poltchageist’s Tea Party Sweet Set to a special curry plate from Pikachu (served on a Pikachu shaped plate), there is so much themed Pokémon food to enjoy (and take pictures of).
We also really like the Pokémon Latte Art Cafe Poltchageist drinks, where your favourites characters are sprinkled on top of your drink in chocolate powder.
Finish off with a Pokémon Cafe Pikachu Souffle Pancake or a Poké Ball Dessert Bowl – look out for Pokémon plushies exclusive to the cafe including Pokémon dressed as a patisserie chef.
Pokémon Cafe is extremely popular and can be booked out months in advance.
10. Kirby Cafe Tokyo
One of Japan’s hottest tickets, Kirby Cafe Japan usually books up within minutes of going on sale.
With only three permanent Kirby Cafes in Japan including this branch by Tokyo Skytree, getting a Kirby Cafe reservation can be harder than completing a Kirby game blindfolded!
On our most recent trip to Japan, we managed to get Kirby Cafe Tokyo tickets and sat down for a Kirby themed meal in a forest setting plus bought some cool souvenirs in the gift-shop as we left.
This is a fun family restaurant in Tokyo but as you might expect, the food isn’t that amazing (it’s all about the theming).
From prices to ticket reservations, food to the restaurant interior, here is our guide to the Kirby Cafes in Japan plus how to secure a Kirby Cafe reservation / ticket >
You might like – Our guide to over 40 Japanese Kit Kat flavours or Mister Donut Japan (including Pokemon donuts)
11. Gashapon Ikebukuro Main Store – the world’s biggest gachapon store
Tokyo is home to the world’s largest gachapon store!
The Gashapon Department Main Store has hundreds of gachapon capsule toy machines and is located in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City complex.
Popular with otaku (オタク – Japanese pop culture) and visiting families, Gachapon machines in Japan are vending machines that dispense capsule toys in a small round plastic case.
Most gachapon machines have four to six types in each machine meaning you often don’t know which one you are going to get (so it can get costly if your kids want the whole series). Parents – be prepared to bring lots of 100 Yen coins.
The Ikebukuro store has between 3,000 and 4,000 gachapon machines at any one time. If you can’t get to Ikebukuro, don’t worry as there are hundreds of gachapon shops all over Tokyo, particularly in Akihabara and Harajuku.
Check out Plan My Japan’s ultimate guide to gachapons and the coolest capsule toys here >
12. Art Aquarium museum
Kids in Tokyo may not want to go to a traditional museum but this is much more fun!
An immersive and sensory Tokyo experience, the Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is located on the 9th floor of the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store and brings to life constantly changing art installations in exotic aquariums with real life-goldfish.
Each goldfish tank has a different theme with sublime soundscapes to create an overall epic effect – relaxing and reflective, this is also a great rainy day thing to do in Ginza.
Book your Art Aquarium Museum GINZA ticket with Klook >
13. B-Side Label
B-Side Label is a Japanese sticker and stationery company with nationwide stores, selling sublime high quality stickers with thousands of different designs (they in fact have over 5,000 different stickers to choose from).
B-Side Label has shops in various Tokyo neighbourhoods like Shimokitazawa and Harajuku.
Working with established and up and coming Japanese designers and artists, the B-Side Label range is huge. They license hugely popular anime and comic characters like Pokémon or One Piece.
From merchandise to locations, here is our ultimate guide to B-Side Label Japan with photos >
14. Tokyo Gaming Arcades / Taito & SEGA
There are plenty of games arcades and retro gaming machines in Tokyo – the biggest and best arcades are typically Taito Station and SEGA GIGO (try Akihabara, Ikebukuro or Shinjuku).
They all have the usual UFO / claw machines, dance machines, photo booths and cool games like Taiko no Tatsujin Japanese Drumming Game. If you only have time to visit one, our recommendation would be SEGA Ikebukuro GIGO.
15. Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory – Tokyo’s Totoro Cream Puffs
Heard about the official Studio Ghibli bakery in Shimokitazawa? Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is a must visit for any true My Neighbour Totoro, chock full of cute choux pastries and super cool cookies all themed like Totoro.
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory Daita consists of a ground floor bakery (where you can grab takeaway treats) and also an upstairs seating area and Studio Ghibli / Totoro themed cafe (also known as TOLO). It can get very busy though so be prepared to queue or go early.
This totally unique Tokyo cafe is allowed to produce Totoro themed cream puffs and Cat Bus shaped cookies as it was founded in 2007 by the sister in law of Studio Ghibli’s visionary founder, Hayao Miyazaki.
Check out our guide to visiting Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory here >
16. Tokyo Character Street
Tokyo Character Street (AKA First Avenue) at Tokyo Station is a colourful, cartoon world packed full of anime stores, gachapon galore and awesome animated characters.
Otaku heaven and a cute Kawaii thing to do in Tokyo, Character Street (“東京キャラクターストリート”) is located in the First Avenue section of Tokyo Station (close to Ramen Street too – how cool!).
All your favourite Japanese animated characters are here from Studio Ghibli to Sumikko Gurashi.
Featuring the finest First Avenue Tokyo toy shops like Tomica to Snoopy Town, TV character stores like NHK to TV Asahi, here is our ultimate guide to visiting Tokyo Character Street >
17. Tokyo Ghibli Museum
We at ‘Plan My Japan’ are big Studio Ghibli fans, although we were disappointed with Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse at Ghibli Park in Nagoya (read our review here).
So if you and the kids are Studio Ghibli fanatics, be sure to immerse yourself and be ‘Spirited Away’ at Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum. It allows guests from around the world to get up close to the magical world of Ghibli through interactive exhibits, behind the scenes displays and animation plus gorgeous gardens and themed rooms.
Whilst on the lower end of what we’d class a truly immersive experience, this is great for any die-hard Ghibli fans. Please note no photos are allowed inside the exhibition spaces.
Tickets to the Ghibli Museum in 2025 cost 1,000 Yen per adult and must be booked in advance (they often sell out in minutes).
Online sales for Ghibli Museum are through LAWSON TICKET and go on sale at 10am (JST) on the 10th of each month for the following month.
You might like our guide to the top Tokyo Studio Ghibli things to do >
18. Unko Museum / Poop Museum Tokyo
‘Poop culture’ at its finest and one of the ‘cr@ppiest’ immersive things to do in Tokyo – but in a good way!
Best described as a poop inspired Tokyo theme park, the Odaiba Unko Museum might not be for everyone (don’t poo-poo the idea) but kids will surely love it.
From big pink poos to colourful ‘cr@ps’, delightful dung to super sh!t attractions, Unko Museum in Odaiba is quite the weird and wonderful Tokyo attraction.
One of the immersive activities is to sit down on a toilet, yell “UNKOOOO!” and generate your own poop friend that will accompany you inside (we are not making this up) – or take a dive in a ‘poop-filled’ ball pit (!!!).
Unko Museum / Poop Museum Tokyo in 2025 tickets start from 2,000 Yen per adult (up to 2,400 Yen during peak periods) and from 1,100 Yen for children aged 4 to 12 years.
Book your discounted Unko / Poop Museum Tokyo tickets here >
19. Take the family to a Tokyo baseball game
Baseball in Japan is one of the country’s most popular sports (along with sumo wrestling).
So if you happen to be visiting Tokyo during the Japanese baseball season (usually March to October), you must purchase family tickets and make a home-run to see the Yomiuri Giants play at the Tokyo Dome.
Tokyo Baseball tickets can easily be bought by foreigners or visitors, either online or in person at the Tokyo Dome Box Office. You can sometimes purchase tickets using the kiosks in Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson.
Baseball games in Tokyo are very family friendly and there is half-time entertainment to enjoy plus furry baseball mascots.
From ticket prices to food and drink plus live entertainment, here is our guide to getting Tokyo baseball tickets / Yomiuri Giants Tokyo Dome tickets, plus what to expect at the ground >
20. Kiddyland in Harajuku
A top Tokyo toy shop, Harajuku Kiddyland has four floors of fun and is a carnival of cute kawaii goods and comic book characters like Doraemon, Studio Ghibli and Sanrio.
With a dedicated Snoopy Town in the basement and fourth floor Hello Kitty shop and Rilakkuma, this toy shop really is a ‘Marvel’ (plus LEGO, Tomica and more).
21. Family Kimono Rental
Given all of the historic temples and ancient alleyways in Tokyo (particularly Asakusa) traditional kimono rental is a popular activity to explore the streets and sights. There are even special family kimono rental plans.
You can either hire costumes for the whole family some kimono rental agencies can also organise professional photographers to accompany you.
There are several places to hire kimonos including:
- Family Kimono Plan by Aiwafuku in Tokyo >
- Kimono Yae Rental Experience in Asakusa >
- Kimono Rental Experience at Kimono Komachi Ruri Asakusa >
- Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO Asakusa >
22. Puri-kura a plenty – Japanese photo booths
Looking to take a cute Kawaii selfie or pop into a Japanese photo booth? There are plenty of ‘puri-kara’ photo booth stores in Harajuku especially along Takeshita Street (great if you’ve hired kimonos as a family).
Purikura Noa is one of the most popular Puri-kara / photo booth stalls here. You can choose character backgrounds or cosplay outfits, plus there are even make-up stations and tables full of props and plushies – so get snap happy!
23. Sanrio stores
Well, Hello Kitty! All of your favourite Sanrio characters and Kawaii cuteness can be found in Tokyo’s Sanrio stores.
You may well have already seen Asakusa’s famous Sanrio Gift Gate shop already as there are so many TikTok and Instagram videos about it – it is easy to spot as there is a huge Hello Kitty welcoming you outside.
With several floors of Sanrio souvenirs, here you’ll find all your favourite cute and Kawaii characters from Kuromi to Keroppi, Pompompurin to Pocaccho. It is also one of the best places in Tokyo for Gudetama gifts – eggs-cellent stuff!
Make sure you save space in your children’s luggage otherwise you’ll have a Sanrio surplus.
Other Sanrio store branches are located in Shibuya, Ginza and Shinjuku.
24. ANAKUMA CAFE
If your family are on social media, you’ll have likely seen videos about the viral Harajuku hole and hand-in-the wall cafe. It is one of the most fun things to do in Tokyo with kids.
Harajuku’s ANAKUMA CAFE is famous for its mysterious bear paw that serves you drinks from its bear cave.
Place your order on a tablet and a few minutes later, a bear paw pops through the hole in the wall to hand you your drink – be sure to order the special bear bottle.
The ultimate Kawaii coffee, ANAKUMA CAFE is a short walk from Takeshita Street and hard to miss as it has a bright green interior.
Get your ANAKUMA CAFE coupons (drinks, food sets, etc.) in Tokyo here >
Read more in our ANAKUMA CAFE guide >
25. Asakusa Hanayashiki
Dating back to the 1850s, Asakusa Hanayashiki is Japan’s oldest amusement park.
Starting life as a flower park before then becoming a zoo, Asakusa Hanayashiki is now home to various theme park rides and amusements.
Aimed at smaller kids, rides include a merry-go-round, swan boat rides, a small pirate ship plus their famous panda cars – this place really puts the kitsch into Asakusa.
2025 Asakusa Hanayashiki admission fees for the amusement park are 1,600 Yen per adult, 800 Yen for children between 5 and 12, plus free admission for children 4 years and younger. Rides tickets also need to be purchased.
Book your Asakusa Hanayashiki tickets >
26. Shinjuku Godzilla Head
A ‘roarsome’ family thing to do in Tokyo, Godzilla’s head sits atop Hotel Gracery Shinjuku and the Shinjuku Toho Building, looking out across Tokyo’s sublime cityscape. It even roars every hour and breathes smoke.
If you are lucky enough to stay at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (they have family rooms), there are even some rooms you can pay a premium for to look out across the city with Shinjuku Godzilla’s head in shot – plus there is a small viewing deck next to it and lots of Godzilla theming across the hotel.
Don’t worry, if you aren’t staying in the hotel, you can still get a great view of Shinjuku Godzilla from Shinjuku Central road, next to Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho.
Check out Hotel Gracery Shinjuku rates and availability here >
27. Asakusa Rickshaw ride with kids
The best way to see Asakusa has to be with a traditional rickshaw ride – let your licensed guide take the strain and carry your family across Asakusa (seriously, their legs are so muscly).
Rickshaw rides typically last anything from 30 to 70 mins and are also a great place to access old buildings and temples like Senso-ji where cars are not allowed.
See old world Toyo and epic Edo period experiences from the comfort of your own carriage – please note adult rates are usually charged for children over 6 years old.
Try these rickshaw experiences:
- Tokyo Rickshaw Experience Tour with Licensed Guide >
- Sushi making experience + rickshaw tour >
- Rickshaw Ride in Asakusa with GetYourGuide >
28. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory and Lightshow
OK, this might sound like a boring place to visit in Tokyo with kids (most Government buildings usually are) but on top lies a free viewing area and deck where you can see the Tokyo cityscape unfurl before you. Plus every night, the world’s largest projection mapping light show takes place on the building exterior.
Plus if you are lucky (like we were), you can even see Mount Fuji on a clear day.
We’d rate the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory as one of the best free things to do in Tokyo with families plus one of Tokyo’s top observation decks.
Afterwards, see the amazing light show outside which takes place every 30 minutes including a special Godzilla light show on the weekends. Read our Tokyo Night and Light Show guide >
29. Sanrio Puroland
‘Feline’ like a fun thing to do in Tokyo? Located in Tama and and an easy day trip from Tokyo, visiting Sanrio Puroland (the home of Hello Kitty) is a fun outing and the bright colours start from the moment you arrive at the train station – the lit up glass ceiling featuring Hello Kitty and Friends is incredible!
We visited Sanrio Puroland just before one Christmas in Tokyo and it was so cute (although definitely one for younger kids – or ‘big kid ‘ Hello Kitty fans like us).
A great Tokyo kids activity for wet weather, Puroland is fully indoors and has lots of rides, a themed food court plus regular shows and parades which are all included as part of the admission fee.
Buy your Sanrio Puroland tickets >
30. Tokyo Joypolis
A joyful Japanese gaming experience, Tokyo Joypolis in Odaiba is billed as Japan’s largest indoor theme-park filled with over 20 SEGA arcade games and interactive VR experiences.
This flagship Japan Joypolis store has a series of sensational rides and games like the Gekion Live Roller Coaster, the first coaster attraction in the world that allows you to control the ride through music and rhythm.
You can also enjoy the group shoot-em-up Pirate’s Plunder Game or scream and spin battle on the hedonistic Halfpipe Tokyo experience.
Get your Tokyo Joypolis passport with Klook or Viator – which gives you unlimited readmission to the indoor theme park all day meaning you can combine it with other things to do in Odaiba.
Check out our things to do in Odaiba, Tokyo >
31. Hello Kitty & Sanrio Fukoku Friendly Forest Stamp Trail
Looking for a super cute Sanrio stamp trail for kids? Welcome to the Sanrio Fukoku Friendly Forest in Tokyo, a free to visit attraction with all your favourite characters including Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Poccacho and Keroppi.
As well as a cute Kawaii forest to visit, you can also see dozens of different Hello Kitty plushies dressed differently to represent all the different regions including a takoyaki Hello Kitty, skiing kitty plus ramen noodle Hello Kitty.
This Tokyo Sanrio stamp trail at Fukoku Tower trail is located across several floors and it is a short walk from Shimbashi and Ginza.
From huge Hello Kittys to all the Sanrio stamp locations, here is our guide to the Sanrio Fukoku Friendly Forest Stamp Trail in Tokyo >
32. Unicorn Gundam Statue
Odaiba is known for its crazy attractions and theme-park style attractions – it should come as now surprise then that Odaiba is also home to a giant Gundam robot / mecha statue.
20 metres high and a towering presence, this massive mecha model is a lifesize RX-0 Unicorn Gundam replica that springs into life every hour, gathering a huge crowd.
The model moves and changes between its Unicorn and Destroyer modes (to be honest, the Unicorn Gundam statue ‘transformation’ isn’t that great). The only change is the Unicorn mode has a huge spike / horn on its head whilst the Destroyer mode has extra lights.
That said, we saw the performance in the daytime but it is meant to be better in the evenings when lit up.
The Odaiba DiverCity Unicorn Gundam statue ‘show’ / performance happens daily at Unicorn Gundam Statue at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. At night, the Unicorn Gundam statue transforms every 30 minutes from 7pm to 9.30pm.
Read more in our guide to the Unicorn Gundam statue >
33. Round One Gaming Arcades (for teenagers)
Round One is a large entertainment complex chain that has 100+ branches across Japan.
Our favourite Round One is in Ikebukuro, located on the busy Animate Street and offers a variety of activities over several floors such as arcades, bowling, gachapon machines, billiards, karaoke, darts, table tennis, plus food and drink.
Many reviewers also mention the claw machines are difficult to win so bear that in mind if you plan to visit or give your kids money to play.
34. Doraemon Future Department Store / Doraemon Time Square
The ultimate destination for Doraemon devotees, the Doraemon Future Department Store in Odaiba Divercity Tokyo Plaza is one of the cutest kawaii stores you’ll ever visit.
It is the very first official Doraemon shop in the world and is one of Odaiba’s most popular shops with huge Doraemon figures you can pose with outside too at Doraemon Times Square.
A Doraemon department store packed with thousands of Doraemon gifts from Dorami drapes to Nobi Nobita notepads, this is fun for all ages (we are big kids and loved it).
Other facilities at the Doraemon Future Department Store include gift engraving plus a special postbox.
Be sure to also check out the Doraemon Time Square clock outside the DiverCity mall which plays the Doraemon theme tune every hour from 10am to 11pm.
Read more in our guide to the Doraemon Future Department Store >
35. Small Worlds Tokyo
The world’s largest indoor miniature theme-park (apparently), you can get up close to some marvellous microscopic models at Small Worlds Tokyo including a tiny Kansai International Airport (completed with pint-sized planes).
Fans of Sailormoon and Evangelion will also love the miniature recreations of their favourite sets and scenes.
Travel the world too without leaving Tokyo by visiting the Global Village, filled with five fantastic tiny worlds that recreate Asia and Europe cityscapes.
Book your discounted Small Worlds Tokyo ticket >
36. Tokyo’s best toy stores
Japan is known for its cool collectibles and perfect playthings, so as you’d expect, there are some top Tokyo toy shops from iconic independents like Yamashiroya in Ueno to famous chain toy stores like Kiddyland and Sanrio.
Whether you are in Studio Ghibli or Sumikko Gurashi, Be@rbricks to Bishoujo, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best Tokyo toy shops and collectibles stores >
37. UWS AQUARIUM GA☆KYO!
Immerse yourself in the ultimate underwater experience which combines moving modern art with traditional Japanese patterns and paintings.
The aquarium comprises several zones – Oiran, Wabisabi, Ryugu, Yuraku and Mangekyo, and is chock full of captivating castles and seascapes, lit up lanterns and sublime sea creatures in magical kingdoms.
UWS Aquarium GA☆KYO ticket prices in 2025 cost 1,600 Yen per adult, 800 Yen for older children and free admission for younger children.
38. teamlab Planet Tokyo
The digital art museum teamLab Planets is one of Tokyo’s most famous immersive experiences and due to popular demand, has been extended until 2027!
teamLab Planets four large multimedia exhibition spaces and two gardens allow you to become one with the flowers and explore expanding three-dimensional existences – this is where art extends beyond traditional boundaries.
Tip – make sure you wear clothes that are above / can be rolled up over your knees, as part of the exhibition requires walking through water.
Teamlab Planet Tokyo prices in 2025 start from 4,000 Yen per adult, 2,800 for older children and 1,500 Yen for small children.
This is a unique immersive experience in Tokyo and due to its popularity we would highly recommend booking your skip-the-line tickets in advance with Klook here >
39. Meet ARISA the Tokyo Tourist Information Robot
Yes, that is right – located next to the Toei Oedo Line entrance at Shinjuku-nishiguchi station, the underground Tourist Information center has an AI robot out front called Arisa, unveiled in 2020.
You can interact with ARISA in several languages (including English) and even have conversations with the robot – well, more so if it is transport related. It didn’t answer any of our stupid questions like whether it had heard of our Plan My Japan website etc.
A very weird and wonderful Tokyo ‘underground’ activity, this is a fun way to get transport information. There is also a second ARISA robot at Shimbashi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line.
40. King Kong / Gorilla above FamilyMart in Sangenjaya
Now this is one King Kong Konbini and a great photo spot for kids! We recently made a pilgrimage to the famous gorilla located above a FamilyMart convenience store in Sangenjaya in Tokyo.
As big fans of all things FamilyMart and Japanese convenience stores, we knew we just had to visit the gorilla FamilyMart in Tokyo – I mean, there are lots of weird, wonderful and unusual sites in Tokyo but nothing quite so gr-’ape’ as this.
From the history to the map location, here is our guide to visiting Tokyo’s Gorilla FamilyMart, Japan’s most (monkey) nuts convenience store >
40. Shibuya Parco
Shibuya’s sparkling and shiny shopping mall, Shibuya Parco has so many good family-friendly stores to browse, from e-sports cafes to Kawaii stores plus a basement with multiple restaurants and bars.
For instance, head to level 6 of Shibuya Parco for some of the best otaku shops and cool character stores in Tokyo.
These include Jump, Godzilla store, Sega Store, Crayon Shin-chan, Capcom, Tokyo Parade and JoJo. They also have the Tokyo Nintendo store (more on this in a moment) and a Pokémon store.
41. Nintendo Tokyo
We love Nintendo and whilst we were a little disappointed with the new Nintendo Museum near Kyoto, the free Nintendo Tokyo store in Shinbuya Parco is well worth a visit.
The Nintendo store is Tokyo’s only permanent Nintendo shop and located on the 6th floor.
Featuring games galore, character models plus trading cards and more, be prepared to queue to get into Nintendo Tokyo at the weekends and during school holidays.
On some visits, we’ve seen a ticket system in place – our last visit was on a weekday and no queuing ticket was needed.
The only thing we had to queue for last time was a go on the ‘viral’ Nintendo gachapon machines, when they launched a series of miniature controllers from Nintendo consoles past and present.
42. Tokyo Trick Art Museum
Another Tokyo immersive experience straight outta Odaiba, Tokyo’s Trick Art Museum looks great on the ‘gram, full of 3D optical illusions and mind boggling immersive images.
From ghostly ghouls to Japanese ninjas or a close-encounter with a shark, there are lots of awesome photo opportunities and top snaps to take at Tokyo Trick Art Museum.
Tokyo Trick Art Museum prices in 2025 are 1,200 Yen per adult and 800 Yen for children.
Book your Tokyo Trick Art Museum admission ticket >
43. Sushiro Shinjuku Nishiguchi
OK, so many travellers to Japan will already know about the famous Japanese chain restaurant Sushiro but the Shinjuku branch is special…
This big sushi conveyor belt restaurant chain in Japan has over 600 branches across the country, ahead of their nearest sushi rival, Kura Sushi.
We particularly like the special Sushiro store in Shinjuku Nishiguchi where the booths come complete with a huge TV screen which you can play games on to win prizes – it makes eating much more fun, when in Tokyo with kids.
Check out our guide to the best 25+ family and chain restaurants across Japan >
44. Gotokuji Cat Temple
Also known as the neko or lucky cat temple in Tokyo, we were ‘cat-atonic’ to visit the Gotokuji Cat TempleTemple one fine afternoon sunlight when the red autumn leaves were out.
A beautiful Buddhist temple that is popular with tourists (especially cat lovers), Gotokuji Cat Temple is home to tens of thousands of waving good luck cats in various shapes and sizes, all of which have been left there by worshippers.
It really is a surreal but ultimately sublime experience which kids will enjoy. It is one of the more unusual, weird and wonderful things to do in Tokyo.
Legend has it that Gotokuji Cat Temple came about after a temple cat invited in a lord who was passing by to shelter from the rain – in gratitude, the Lord donated land and wealth to the temple and the cat became a lucky charm.
45. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo
Fantastic Plastic! Take a voyage of discovery at LEGOLAND Tokyo in Odaiba, a modest but fun indoor version of one of the world’s most famous theme-parks.
Attractions at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo include Miniland (recreating miniature brick versions of famous landmarks like Roppongi Tower), the Kingdom Quest interactive ride or see what you can build in the LEGO factory. A cute cafe is also available onsite.
A good thing to do in Odaiba / Tokyo with kids, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo starts from 2,500 Yen if you book online in advance.
Book your LEGOLAND Tokyo tickets with Klook >
46. Madame Tussauds Tokyo
We’re waxing lyrical about Madame Tussauds Tokyo.
Based in the Odaiba Decks Tokyo Beach mall, this Tokyo branch of Madame Tussauds has around 80 lifesize models and mannequins including Johnny Depp, Arnold ‘I’ll Be Back’ Schwarzenegger, Benedict Cumberbatch plus local legends like Masaki Suda.
Learn about how the waxworks are made or just strike a pose with Lady Gaga or Beyonce – kids under 3 go free.
Book your discounted tickets with Klook >
47. Harajuku Ninja Experience Cafe
A great Tokyo activity for kids and families, don a ninja costume and become a warrior with ‘weapon training.
Spend an hour learning tricks and ninja moves before trying food (which is thankfully suitable for all, not just ninjas).
Located along Takeshita Street, this is an indoor activity (‘cos ninjas don’t like getting wet) and a top Tokyo rainy day activity.
Book the Harajuku Ninja Experience Cafe or check out our guide to Asakusa’s Ninja Bar.
48. Tokyo’s Onigiri Shrine
A very ‘rice’ thing to do in Tokyo, Hikifune Takagi Shrine is perhaps better known as Japan’s joyful onigiri shrine.
Located in the shadow of Tokyo Skytree and hidden away in a very quiet side-street, this onigiri shrine site is hundreds of years old and attracts dozens of visitors and families every day.
It even has a small gift shop onsite where you can buy onigiri shaped charms (‘ema’) and trinkets to write on and leave behind.
We visited Hikifune Takagi Shrine / onigiri temple and loved it (it is quite close to Tokyo Skytree too) – here is our guide to visiting >
49. Bandai Namco Museum
A fun free thing to do in Asakusa, Tokyo’s Bandai Namco Museum is dedicated to all things cute and Kawaii plus gachapons and gaming.
Split across two floors and with several large cartoon character models outside including Doraemon and Ultraman, the Bandai Namco museum is a must visit for any gaming geek.
It takes a detailed look at Bandai Namco’s rich history plus has cabinets and display cases full of retro games and modern merchandise – it even has a rather weird and wonderful temporary Thomas Edison museum display on the upper floor.
From what to expect in the museum and all the characters inside, here is our guide to Tokyo’s Bandai Namco Museum in Asakusa >
50. Rainbow candy floss at Totti Candy Factory
A viral hit and massive on social media, Totti Candy Factory whips up candy floss / candy that is huge – their five flavour unicorn rainbow cotton candy is a best-seller.
Since it opened in 2015, this super sweet candy factory in Harajuku often has lines out the door – it is likely too sweet / sugary for adults but great for teens or kids as a one-off treat. Be warned the candy floss is bigger than your head so you might want to share amongst the fam.
51. NHK Museum of Broadcasting
A good one to combine with the beautiful Atago Shrine next door (truly an oasis of calm in a busy part of the city), the NHK Museum of Broadcasting is a free museum where kids can try their hand at reading the news or weather forecasting on camera. They can also pose with some of Japan’s most famous cartoon characters.
Over several levels, you can see thousands of items including old cameras and broadcasting technology – whilst not on the scale of a theme-park, this is an interesting and free place to learn about Japanese television and what local families have enjoyed over the years.
52. Daily Chiko
A n-’ice’ thing to do in Tokyo with kids! Tokyo’s most famous ice-cream shop Daily Chiko in Nakano produces HUGE ice-creams. We are talking colossal cones with soft serve that is bigger than your head; just remember to eat it quickly in the summer months.
With some ice-creams over 20 cm in height and almost ten layers of luscious dessert, you may recognise Daily Chiko’s offerings from Instagram.
Better still, you can combine flavours. There are around 10 varieties to choose from but the most popular combo at Daily Chiko appears to be matcha and vanilla; tasty AND traditional.
If you would rather have an ice-cream as dessert and start with something savory, Daily Chiko also operates a noodle stall next door – handy for when you are super hungry eh and fancy a two course meal.
Head to the basement of Nakano Broadway to find Daily Chiko – you will not be disappointed and kids will love it.
You might like our guide things to do in Nakano, Tokyo >
You might like – Our guide to 100 Yen shops including Daiso
Tokyo with kids – our final thing to do
53. Cat Cafe MOCHA
Tokyo’s Cat Cafe Mocha are some of the most ‘purr-fect’ things to do in Tokyo – ‘fur’ real.
With around 10 Mocha Cat Cafe locations in central Tokyo including Harajuku, Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, you might have been to cat cafes in the past but the Tokyo Mocha Cat Cafes take it to the next kitty level.
We think cat feeding time at Mocha Cat Cafe might be the cutest thing we ever did in Japan (feeding time is at 10.30am and 7.30pm daily).
From prices to cute kitty pictures, here is our full guide to Tokyo’s Cat Cafe Mocha >
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