If you’re planning on jetsetting with your kids, Tokyo may be one of the best destination options. Japan takes a lot of stress out of traveling with kids because it’s such an honest society. To reserve seating at quick-service restaurant while using the restroom, I might use a beverage and some napkins. The Japanese use their wallets. It’s very unlikely someone will knowingly rob you or take advantage of you because you are a tourist. So you can travel with great peace of mind.
Another reason why Japan is such a safe country to visit is because it’s a culture where the grownups watch out for kids. Children as young as kindergarteners ride the subway alone to school in Tokyo. As a result, Japanese children are incredibly independent, another great aspect of Japan’s culture any child could benefit from being exposed to. You can read about one mom’s month-long stay in Tokyo with her son here.
The reasons why Tokyo is a kid-friendly travel destination range from cleanliness, to safety to the easy-to-navigate subway systems. But there’s also a heck of a lot of fun things for you and your child to do in this bustling mecca. Here are at least seven memorable things for you and your child to do in Tokyo.
1. Play games at Akihabara. The gaming culture is huge in Japan and Akihabara is the tech gaming and arcade capital here. They have specialty shops that have coin vending machines. Getting a Gatcha Gatcha capsule toy from a vending machine is a must.
2. Shop at Kiddy Land. This landmark entertainment four-story toy store in Harajuku specializes in everything for kids. It is a kid’s heaven and treasure trove that offers merchandise themed around popular characters from Japan and abroad (think Hello Kitty and Rilakkuma), as well as products featuring the latest trends.
3. Visit DisneySea. Disneylands are rather plentiful (there are five in the world). But there is only one Disneysea in the world and that’s unique to Tokyo. The 176-acre theme park that’s inspired by the legends of the sea is made up of seven themed ports of call: Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront. Some of the highlights of Disneysea are the water-themed rides and adventures including wild watercraft at Aquatopia and submarine rides at 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It’s also more grown-up friendly than its sister park with better food and table service selection. And unlike Disneyland Tokyo, Disneysea purveys alcohol.
4. Sightsee Riding Go Karts. Zipping around Tokyo’s streets riding life-sized go karts is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can ride with a group or privately. Part of the experience is also playing dress up. Get in touch with your child self and dress up as your favorite video game / cartoon character – you’ll get to sightsee and explore the city in totally unique fashion. Since riding go karts requires that you drive alongside cars on the main road, you’ll need an international driver’s license, which you can get at AAA. So no, it’s not like bumper cars and your kiddy can’t drive unless he is of driving age. But your child can ride on an attached tandem kart with another adult in the back. It’s particularly breathtaking to do the tour at night and let the pretty city lights guide you. But it does get chilly. So don’t forget to bring a warm jacket or even a blanket. And with a child in tow, an hour or two hours should more than suffice.
5. Tour Aquariums. Japan is an archipelago, which means that the sea and oceanography has always occupied an important place in Japanese culture. This probably explains in part the success and popularity of their immense, innovative and impressive aquariums. Tokyo has one of the largest, most expansive and elaborate aquariums in the world. Some of their most popular aquariums are the Shinagawa Aquarium, Sunshine Aquarium, Tokyo Sea Life Park, and the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa.
6. Swing dance. The “Swing dance” following, a form of swing style of jazz that first became popular during the 1920s -1940s, is very present and alive in Tokyo. While there are many places where Swing Dance has a prominent following, it’s a particularly fun experience to have in Tokyo. The Japanese culture is very regimented. However, all bets are off when the dancing shoes come on. It’s a fun way to see everyone from kids to businessmen let loose. There are organized swing dance groups on Facebook.
7. Cook a meal. If you’re staying at an Airbnb or have access to kitchen or even kitchenette in your hotel room, take advantage of Japan’s amazingly fresh produce and their grocery culture by cooking a meal at home.
Not only are there many cool things to do in Tokyo with kids, the peace of mind that comes with traveling to a safe place makes Tokyo a relaxed, fun and unforgettable experience for you and your kids to share together.
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