Tokyo - Family Guide for your perfect trip
Day 1
Morning: Ueno Park and Zoo - Start your day at Ueno Park, one of Tokyo's largest and most famous parks. It’s beautiful and offers a variety of attractions. Begin with the Ueno Zoo, the oldest zoo in Japan, where you can see pandas, tigers, and elephants. - Pack a snack or enjoy a light meal at the café within the park.
Afternoon: National Museum of Nature and Science - Just a short walk from the zoo, visit the National Museum of Nature and Science. The museum is very child-friendly with many interactive exhibits, including the Japan Gallery and the Global Gallery.
Late Afternoon: Ameyoko Shopping Street - As you exit the park, walk through Ameyoko Shopping Street, famous for its bustling market vibe. It’s a great place to grab some street food and look for souvenirs.
Evening: Asakusa - Take the Ginza Line from Ueno Station directly to Asakusa (about 15 minutes). Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and explore Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional snacks and crafts. Dinner options abound here; try some tempura at one of the local eateries.
Day 2
Morning: Odaiba - Head to Odaiba, a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Start at the teamLab Borderless digital art museum, an extraordinarily immersive visual experience that's fun for both kids and adults. - Enjoy the many interactive tech displays at Miraikan, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Afternoon: Palette Town and Lunch - Have lunch at Venus Fort, a shopping mall designed to resemble a medieval European village, and explore the various family-friendly entertainment options, including an indoor amusement park, Toyota Mega Web, and Palette Town Ferris Wheel.
Evening: Rainbow Bridge and Aqua City - Walk or take the automated Yurikamome train across the Rainbow Bridge back towards central Tokyo.
Day 3
Morning: Meiji Shrine and Harajuku - Start at Meiji Shrine, a large Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, nestled in a serene, evergreen forest. After exploring, walk to the nearby Yoyogi Park for a relaxing stroll or enjoy a family picnic.
Late Morning: Takeshita Street - Explore Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, famous for its colorful street art, fashion boutiques, and unique snacks like rainbow cotton candy and crepes.
Afternoon: Shibuya - Walk or catch the train to Shibuya, known for its iconic Scramble Crossing. Kids will love watching the chaos from a higher viewpoint like the Mag’s Park on the rooftop of the MAGNET by Shibuya 109 building.
- Visit the Shibuya Sky for panoramic views of the city.
Late Afternoon: Shibuya Stream - Conclude your Shibuya exploration by relaxing at Shibuya Stream, a newer development with eateries and shops by the river.
Evening: Dinner in Shibuya - Choose from a multitude of dining options in Shibuya tailored to various tastes and budgets before returning to your accommodation.
Tips for the Trip
1. Transportation: Purchase a prepaid transportation card (Suica or Pasmo) for easy travel between attractions.
2. Accommodation: Choose centrally located accommodations in Shinjuku or Shibuya for ease of travel.
3. Meals: Try to dine earlier; some popular spots may have long lines during peak hours.
4. Footwear: Opt for comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be walking quite a bit.
With this itinerary, your family will experience a balanced mix of Japan's rich culture, futuristic attractions, and beautiful natural spaces, making for an unforgettable Tokyo adventure!
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