Places for Children in Tokyo - Amusement Parks, Zoo, Aquariums, Cafes, etc.

Poste date: Friday, February 17, 2023

In the ever-bustling city of Tokyo, there’s no end of options for a family day out — from educational exhibits to amusement parks and outdoor fun. Whether you’re planning on a quick afternoon activity or a full day trip, you will find a wide variety of family-friendly experiences for you to enjoy with your kids. Here’s a list of destinations in and around Tokyo that will appeal to adults and children alike.

Please also refer to Science Museums in Tokyo and 7 Family-Friendly Tokyo Parks for more reference.

Educational
Entertainment
Zoo
Aquarium
Farms
Toys
Reading

Educational Options

Cupnoodles Museum Yokohama

The Cupnoodles Museum in Yokohama is a family-friendly museum dedicated to instant ramen and cup noodles. The museum itself is divided into several major attractions: in the Chicken Ramen Factory you can try your hand at kneading, steaming, and flash frying your own pack of instant ramen. Cupnoodles Park is a children’s play area that allows kids to experience the entire manufacturing process from the perspective of the noodles. Don’t forget to stop by the My Cupnoodles Factory, where you can choose the soup flavor and toppings and design your own original packaging for your cup noodles to take home as a souvenir.

Website : https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/yokohama/
Address : 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama

Fire Museum

Learn all about the history of firefighting and disaster prevention in Japan at the Yotsuya Fire Museum, a free museum run by the Tokyo Fire Department. Kids can dress up in child-sized firefighter uniforms and let their imaginations run wild as they climb inside of fire trucks and rescue helicopters. Parents will appreciate the museum’s collection of vintage emergency vehicles and the panoramic view of the Tokyo skyline from the 10th floor.

Website : https://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/eng/index.html
Address : 3-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Kidzania Tokyo

Kidzania is a kid city over 80 pavilions where kids can experience real life. They can do different “jobs” to earn KidZos that can be spent at stores in Kidzania or even deposited in a bank. There is no end of what children will learn here.

Website : http://www.kidzania.jp/tokyo/en/ (Japanese)
Address : Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu, 2-4-9 Koto-ku, Tokyo

Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation Details

Miraikan (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) is a place that teaches you how things happen in the world we live today.

Website : http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/
Address : 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

MY GYM

All classes are taught by native English speaking “Players” or instructors. Your children will enjoy moving their bodies, whilst developing their communication skills as well! The compact space in Japan may limit children to play freely outside. Thus, many are forced to play indoors, having limited opportunities to move their bodies. My Gym lets your children move freely and exercise.

Website : http://www.mygym.jp/e/index.html
Address : In Hiroo, Shinagawa, Toyosu and other places, please check the website

National Museum of Nature and Science

Permanent exhibits at National Museum of Nature and Science include the evolution of living things including a display of dinosaur skeletons, the flora and fauna of Japan including rice and the influence of rice cultivation on technology, the peoples of Japan throughout history including the Jomon and Yayoi civilizations, the Ainu and Ryukyuans, the geology of Japan and the solar system. You can also learn about the history of the human habitation of Japan at the museum.

Website : http://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/
Address : 7-20 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Panasonic Center Tokyo

The Panasonic Center in Ariake is an exhibition space where the Panasonic Corporation shares its latest technology and brand communications. It’s home to RiSuPia, a museum where children can play hands-on games related to science and mathematics. Their information center also teaches kids about Panasonic’s efforts to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in a fun and entertaining way.

Website : https://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/center-tokyo/en.html
Address : 3-5-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Science Museum

This massive museum from the Japan Science Foundation offers five stories of interactive, educational fun dedicated to science and industrial technology. Kids can explore 20 different galleries, covering everything from how Japanese engineers make buildings earthquake-safe to the science behind soap bubbles. The museum also hosts up to 40 live experiment programs a day.

Website : https://www.jsf.or.jp/en/
Address : 2-1 Kitanomaru Koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo Water Science Museum

The Tokyo Water Science Museum in Ariake is a free museum educating children on how municipal water is supplied to homes throughout Tokyo. Kids can learn all about the water cycle, the purification process, and finally how water travels from processing centers to their home faucet through engaging displays and interactive games.

＊ The museum is closed until early April 2023 for facility renovation work.

Website : http://www.mizunokagaku.jp/pdf/museum_guide_e.pdf
Address : 3-1-8 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Amusement Parks / Theme Parks / Entertainment Farm

Anpanman Children's Museum

Younger children will enjoy the Anpanman Children’s Museum in Yokohama, dedicated to the Japanese cartoon hero. Play among sets modeled after the animated world, meet Anpanman and his friends, and shop for cute character goods.

Website : http://museum.anpanman-acm.co.jp/en/
Address : 6-2-9 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama

Fujiko F. Fujio Museum

Another good option for parents with young children, the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki City is dedicated to the creator of the beloved Japanese character Doraemon.

Website : http://fujiko-museum.com/english/
Address : 2-8-1 Nagao, Tama-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa

Ghibli Museum

Ghibli Museum is all about the magical films of Hayao Miyazaki. It is so popular that tickets can only be purchased in advance. See here for how to do so.

Website : http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
Address: 1-1-83, Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-City, Tokyo

Kandu Indoor Theme Park, Chiba

Kandu is an indoor theme park for kids located in the AEON Makuhari Mall in Chiba, where children can experience working in a variety of occupations from airline pilot to weathercaster. Using the electronic system, your child can sign up for a number of jobs where they’ll earn Kandu bills, which they can redeem for face painting or spend in the gift shop.

Website : https://www.kandu.co.jp/ (Japanese)
Address : AEON Makuhari City Family Mall 3F, 1-5 Toyosuna, Mihama-ku, Chiba

Mother Farm

Mother Farm is located in Kano-san, Chiba prefecture on the Boso Peninsula. This is the most famous entertainment farm.

Website : http://www.motherfarm.co.jp/en/
Address : 940-3 Tagura, Futtsu, Chiba Pref. (JR Line, Kimitsu Station)

Sanrio Puroland

Sanrio Puroland is a wonderland of all things Sanrio (the makers of Hello Kitty). Your children can enjoy boat rides, plays and other performances, and shopping for Sanrio merchandise, among other options.

Website : http://en.puroland.jp/
Address : 1-31, Ochiai, Tama-City, Tokyo

Sunshine City

In addition to its 360-panoramic view, Sky Circus Observatory located on the 60th floor of Sunshine City in Ikebukuro offers a number of attractions that older kids will enjoy, including an aerial VR experience and a selfie-friendly kaleidoscope tunnel.

Website : https://sunshinecity.jp/en/observatory/
Address : Sunshine 60 Bldg 60F, 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo Dome City

Tokyo Dome City is a large entertainment complex with many attractions suitable for children. There are several different areas to enjoy with lots of rides and other activities that can occupy kids all day long.

Website : https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/e/
Address : 1-3-61, Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Children up to age 6 can enjoy this large indoor playground in Tokyo located in Tokyo Dome City. Babies who are 0-25 months have their own play area where they can be safe. Taking your kids to ASOBono is a wonderful idea on a rainy day!

Website : https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/tourists/experiences/tourists-plan-08/

Tokyo Trick Art Museum

Take fun and memorable family photos at the Tokyo Trick Art Museum in Odaiba. The museum is home to 3D paintings and optical illusions themed after a ninja mansion, Japanese ghosts and ghouls, and classical art.

Website : https://www.trickart.info/english/index.html
Address : Decks Tokyo Beach Seaside Mall 4F, 1-6-1, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo SummerLand

Tokyo Summerland is a massive indoor and outdoor water park located west of Tokyo. Younger children will enjoy the smaller kiddie pools, play areas, and the 650-meter-long lazy river while older kids and teens will want to check out the roller coaster and the massive 40-meter freefall waterslide.

Website : https://www.summerland.co.jp/english/
Address : 600 Kamiyotsugi, Akiruno-shi, Tokyo

Yomiuriland Amusement Park

Yomiuriland Amusement Park, located in western Tokyo, offers traditional attractions like a carousel and carnival games, as well as thrill rides, go karting, and a waterpark during the summer. Their Goodjoba!! area includes “factories” where kids can play while they learn about four of Japan’s major manufacturing industries: automotive, food, fashion, and stationery.

Website : https://www.yomiuriland.com/english/
Address : 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi City, Tokyo

Zoo

Fuji Safari Park (Shizuoka)

This safari park set at the base of Mount Fuji is home to over 900 animals from 70 different species. Enjoy the Safari Zone from the comfort of your own car or hop on board the Jungle Bus. The Fureai Zone gives kids the opportunity to meet cute animals up close, while the Night Safari allows a chance to observe nocturnal predators at their most active.

Website : https://www.fujisafari.co.jp/en/
Address : 2255-27 Fujiwara Aza Suyama, Susono City, Shizuoka

Inokashira Park Zoo (Musashino-shi, Tokyo)

Inokashira Park Zoo located next door to Inokashira Koen Park in Kichijoji is a small local zoo targeted toward young children. Hug a guinea pig in the petting zoo, or hunt for grasshoppers and toads in the Wildlife Encounter Field. Be sure to play “I Spy” as you walk through the squirrel habitat and see how many you can spot.

Website : https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ino/index.html
Address : 1-17-6, Gotenyama, Musashino-shi, Tokyo

Tama Zoo (Hino, Tokyo)

Divided into Asiatic, African, and Australian areas spread over 129 acres, this sprawling zoological park in western Tokyo offers children a chance to encounter animals in a more natural setting. If you’re not afraid of creepy-crawly things, be sure to check out their insectarium for the chance to have a butterfly land on you.

Website : https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/tama/index.html
Address : 7-1-1, Hodokubo, Hino-shi, Tokyo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan, having been founded in 1882. It has a large variety of animals as well as a petting zoo where children can enjoy getting up close to all sort of friendly creatures.

Website : http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/index.html
Address : 9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Yokohama Zoological Gardens (Zoorasia)

This is a home to some very rare animals, such as the okapi and Rothschild's mynah, which are kept in only a few zoos worldwide. Measuring approximately 53 hectares, Zoorasia is one of the Japan's largest scale zoos. There are 1500 animals here, made up of over 150 different varieties, arranged according to climate zones in which they normally live.

Website : http://www.hama-midorinokyokai.or.jp/zoo/zoorasia/
Address : 1175-1 Kamishiranecho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa

Aquariums

AQUA PARK SHINAGAWA

Take a walk around the relaxing area created by bobbing jellyfish, sounds and lights. Enjoy the colorful tropical fish and the unique creatures that change depending on the exhibit theme. You can also watch rare sawfish and manta rays gracefully dancing from the romantic underwater tunnel.

Website : http://www.aqua-park.jp/aqua/en/
Address : 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-Ku, Tokyo (JR Line, Shinagawa Station)

Kamogawa Sea World (Chiba)

This marine park and aquarium in Chiba prefecture is home to over 11,000 sea and river creatures.

Website : http://www.kamogawa-seaworld.jp/english/guide/
Address : 1464-18 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba

Shinagawa Aquarium

The Shinagawa Aquarium is one of Tokyo's best aquariums with all sorts of marine life on display for your children to marvel at. It has regular dolphin and sea lion shows that are not to be missed.

Website :https://www.aquarium.gr.jp (Japanese)
Address : 3-2-1, Katsushima, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Sumida Aquarium (Tokyo Skytree Town)

The Sumida Aquarium is a beautiful urban aquarium located in the Solamachi Mall at Tokyo Skytree. Its massive indoor tank, the largest of its kind in Japan, offers a nearly unobstructed view from almost any angle of Magellanic penguins and South American fur seals. Be sure not to miss their colorful sea jelly and goldfish exhibits.

Website : https://www.sumida-aquarium.com/en
Address : Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi 5–6F, 1-2, Oshiage 1-chome, Sumida, Tokyo

Tokyo Sea Life Park Aquarium (Kasai Rinkai Suizokuen)

A huge donut-shaped tank (2,200t) is installed at Tokyo Sea Life Park where bluefin tunas swim around freely. The sea of the World, Life of the Deep Sea, Life on the Shoreline, the Sea of Tokyo, and Life in Freshwater are some of the exhibit sections. At this aquarium, you can also see penguins, auks, and puffins.

Website : https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/zoo/kasai/
Address : 6-2-3, Rinkai-cho, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo

Farms

Kawatsura Strawberry Farm (Chiba)

Kawatsura Strawberry Farm in Chiba prefecture offers visitors the chance to pick and eat strawberries straight off the vine from mid-December to early May. Their shop also sells freshly picked strawberries to take home.

Website : http://www.kawatsura15.com/e/info_flower.html
Address : 478 Hayafune, Sammu, Chiba

Sayama Berryland (Saitama)

From June through August, enjoy blueberry picking at Sayama Berryland in Saitama, one of the largest blueberry farms in Japan with more than 50 varieties of blueberries.

Website : https://www.sayama-sb.com/en/
Address : 1262-5 Horigane, Sayama, Saitama

Toys / Toy Museum

HAKUHINKAN TOY PARK Ginza Shop

From the underground floor to the 4th floor, this Toy shop is packed with almost 50,000 toys. Games, variety goods, stuffed animals, music boxes, educational toys, plastic models, and character goods are available for purchase. The shop is also a popular destination for foreigners.

Website : http://www.hakuhinkan.co.jp/toypark/ (Japanese)
Address : 8-8-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER

Explore educational activities and kids attractions inside the biggest box of LEGO at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo.

Website : https://tokyo.legolanddiscoverycenter.jp/en/
Address : Decks Tokyo Beach Island Mall 3F., 1-6-1, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo Toy Museum

Toy Communication Museum - Play with toys, join workshops, enjoy exhibitions, or just walk around.

Website : http://goodtoy.org/ttm/pdf/ttm_pamphlet_e.pdf
http://goodtoy.org/ttm/ (Japanese)
Address : Yotsuya Hiroba, 4-20, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Books / Library / Cafe

Chiku Chiku CAFE

Interact with hedgehogs in a cute dollhouse-like atmosphere at Chiku Chiku Cafe in Shibuya. (Recommended for ages 6 and up.)

Website : https://hedgehoghome.cafe/en/
Address : 1-13-5 Shibuya 2F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Crayonhouse

Organic Specialty Shop and Picture Books & Wooden Toys Specialty Shop

Website : https://www.crayonhouse.co.jp/shop/default.aspx (Japanese)
Address : 3-8-15, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

International Library of Children's Literature

On-Site reading, copying, and reference for children's books and related materials are available.

Website : http://www.kodomo.go.jp/english/index.html
Address : 12-49 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo

KID's BOOKS

English Children's books and teaching materials are available here. Kid's books is an online book store. If you would like to visit the store, please call and make an appointment.

Website : http://kidsbks.co.jp/?mode=f2
Address : City Court Yoga #702, 1-2-6 Tamagawadai, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Tsutaya Tokyo Roppongi

1F is Book & Cafe floor of open counter among books. Approximately 45,000 magazines selected carefully from inside and outside the country. At first, Roppongi Tsutaya seems like a space for only adults. But kid's space is available in the back of the store to the left on the ground floor. You can enjoy your reading while your children enjoy picture books and colorful toys on the kid's table.

Website : http://real.tsite.jp/ttr/english/index.html (Japanese)
Address : Roppongi Hills Roppongi Keyaki zaka Dori, 6-11-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo