Top 8 Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Tokyo (with Transport Access and Travel Tips)

Planning a trip to Tokyo with kids? Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for more adventures, Tokyo is packed with exciting destinations tailored for families. This travel guide blends popular spots with unique gems, complete with personal stories, tips, addresses, and access info to help you navigate like a pro.

Our Top 8 Family-Friendly Places in Tokyo

Here are 8 of the best and most family-friendly places we recommend when you are on holiday in Tokyo.

1. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea – A Magical Dual Park Experience

Let’s start with the obvious. If your kids love magic, there’s no better place to begin than Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea.

We chose to spend a day at each park. Disneyland is perfect for younger kids—classic rides like It’s a Small World and Pooh’s Hunny Hunt were a hit with our little ones. The parade, complete with Disney princesses and Mickey-shaped balloons, kept them wide-eyed and smiling.

DisneySea, on the other hand, felt more adventurous and was better suited for our older child. He loved the Journey to the Center of the Earth ride and the realistic feel of the Mediterranean Harbor. We ended our night with fireworks over the water—a memory we all still cherish.

• Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan

• Nearest Station: Maihama Station (JR Keiyo Line)

• Access: 5-minute walk or take the Disney Resort Line monorail

• Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues. Don’t skip the popcorn stalls—flavors like honey and soy sauce are legendary!

2. Ueno Zoo & Ueno Park – Pandas, Pedal Boats, and Petting Corners

Our second family day began at Ueno Zoo, nestled within the expansive Ueno Park. After arriving at Ueno Station, we took the Ginza Exit and enjoyed a leafy 5-minute stroll to the zoo’s entrance.

Inside, we followed the Panda Trail first—yes, pandas are a huge deal here. We then ambled to see elephants, giraffes, and a lively sea lion show. The monorail ride within the zoo was an unexpected delight for the kids. Near the elephant area, a quiet petting zone allowed little ones to interact with goats and sheep.

After the zoo, we grabbed bentos from a convenience store and headed to Shinobazu Pond. Renting a paddleboat under cherry blossoms (or lotus in summer) became an instant highlight.

• Address: 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan

• Nearest Station: Ueno Station (JR, Ginza & Hibiya lines)

• Access: 5-minute walk from station

• Tip: Visit pandas early (they nap midday). Bring coins—many zoo machines don't accept cards.

3. teamLab Planets TOKYO – A Walkthrough Digital Dream

On a rainy day, we made our way to teamLab Planets in Toyosu—an immersive art experience like no other. From Shin-Toyosu Station, a 1-minute walk brought us to a building that seemed to glow.

Once inside, we shed our shoes and stepped into warm, ankle-deep water, where digital koi swam around our feet. One room was filled with floating spheres that changed colors when touched. Another felt like drifting through a galaxy.

The kids were mesmerized, and so were we. We stayed almost three hours, leaving with wet pant hems and hearts full of wonder.

• Address: 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan

• Nearest Station: Shin-Toyosu Station (Yurikamome Line)

• Access: 1-minute walk

• Tip: Bring a towel and a change of clothes, especially for younger kids.

4. Railway Museum (Omiya) – Trains, Simulators, and Bento Stations

Just 40 minutes from Tokyo Station lies one of the coolest places for train-obsessed kids. We took the JR line to Omiya, then hopped on the New Shuttle to Tetsudo-Hakubutsukan Station.

The museum features real-life locomotives you can step into, shinkansen simulators, and hands-on exhibits where kids learn how trains work. Our son was glued to the touchscreen speed tests while our daughter loved the train-themed play area.

We ended our visit with adorable train-shaped lunches from the on-site cafe. It was both educational and just plain fun.

• Address: 3-47 Onaricho, Omiya-ku, Saitama 330-0852, Japan

• Nearest Station: Tetsudo-Hakubutsukan Station (New Shuttle)

• Access: Right next to the station

• Tip: Reserve simulator sessions early—they fill up fast.

5. Odaiba Island – LEGOLAND, Robots, and Ferris Wheels

We started our day at Odaiba with a ride on the Yurikamome Line, which itself felt like a theme park ride across Tokyo Bay. Our first stop was LEGOLAND Discovery Center inside Decks Tokyo Beach.

There, kids created cars and raced them down tracks, explored a LEGO Tokyo, and rode mini attractions. From there, we walked to Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), where robots like ASIMO wowed us.

By late afternoon, we watched the sun dip below the city skyline from the Daikanransha (Ferris wheel). Odaiba combines tech, play, and gorgeous views—a winning trio for families.

• Address:

  • LEGOLAND: Decks Tokyo Beach, 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato, Tokyo

  • Miraikan: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064

• Nearest Station: Odaiba-Kaihinkoen or Tokyo Teleport Station

• Access: 5-10 minute walk

• Tip: Combine attractions with day passes and take breaks at seaside cafes.

6. Harajuku Animal Cafés – Meerkats, Owls, and Hedgehogs

Animal Cafés are a fun, low-commitment way to interact with animals in a clean, well-managed setting. We visited a meerkat café near Takeshita Street. Our daughter bonded with hedgehogs while our son marveled at owls perched like royalty.

Sessions typically last 30 minutes, just enough for little ones. Staff were friendly and explained animal behaviors in both English and Japanese.

• Address: Varies, but many cafes are along Takeshita Street, Harajuku

• Nearest Station: Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line)

• Access: 2-3 minute walk

• Tip: Check age restrictions in advance; not all cafes allow infants or toddlers.

Also read: Best Hotels in Tokyo Japan for Families with Kids (2025)

7. Tokyo Fire Museum – Ride a Helicopter (Sort of)

This underrated museum in Yotsuya is free and amazing. Our kids dressed in fireman outfits, climbed on vintage fire trucks, and "flew" a helicopter simulator. Interactive exhibits showed firefighting history, disaster readiness, and rescue techniques.

A hidden gem that felt like a private play space.

• Address: 3-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan

• Nearest Station: Yotsuya-Sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)

• Access: Right next to Exit 2

• Tip: Bring snacks; the museum has few food options nearby.

8. Anpanman Children's Museum (Yokohama) – A Toddlers' Paradise

Though not in Tokyo proper, this Yokohama-based indoor theme park is an easy 30-minute train ride away and absolutely worth it for preschoolers.

There are character parades, interactive kitchens, climbing zones, and even a bakery that sells real-life Anpanman-shaped bread. Our kids were in heaven.

• Address: 4-3-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012

• Nearest Station: Minatomirai Station (Minatomirai Line)

• Access: 7-minute walk

• Tip: Go early; it gets packed fast. Best suited for kids under 6.

Family Travel Tips for Tokyo

• Get a Suica or PASMO card to simplify public transport.

• Use lockers in stations to store strollers or extra bags.

• Avoid rush hour (7-9am & 5-7pm) when traveling with kids.

• Convenience stores are lifesavers: snacks, drinks, even diapers.

• Combine attractions in the same area to reduce commuting fatigue.

With the right balance of fun, learning, and exploration, Tokyo can become your family’s most memorable adventure yet. Bookmark this guide for your next Japan trip—and let the stories begin!