This day in lovely Tokyo, Japan features activities specifically catered to kids. Tokyo has magnificent examples of quality museums, children’s learning centers and zoos and we’ve tracked down the best of the best. Enjoy learning about history, nature and animals in the heart of Japan’s largest city.
Please note that this is not an itinerary submitted by an actual family. This day was planned by one of our travel experts as a recommendation for a family of children with ages 4 through late teens, based on knowledge of the city. Factors such as time, cost and distance have been considered to make this a great day to get a sense of the city and keep the children and teens interested and engaged.
Address: 2-4-9 Toyosu, Koto, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Phone: 81-3-352-2100
Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Website: http://www.kidzania.jp/tokyo/en/
Admission: Adults – $18, Children – $33
KidZania is a place where children can live out their dream jobs in a city just for kids. Children pick from over 90 different jobs, including firefighters, doctors, chefs, teachers, judges, movie stars, pilots and many other exciting careers. Children will enjoy wearing their uniforms and learning a variety of skills while having fun. Kids are paid for their work in kidZo money. They can use this money to pay for goods and services throughout their stay, such as snacks and souvenirs from the Department Store. This activity is especially fun for children under 12 years old. Make sure to arrive early because the popular jobs fill up first!
Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718
Phone: 81-3-5777-8600
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Closed
Website: http://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/index.php
Admission: Adults – $6, Children – Free
The whole family will be fascinated by natural history, science and technology at this famous Tokyo museum. The permanent exhibitions are displayed on three floors of the museum. The first floor features evolution and diversity of the natural environment. The advancement of science and technology are housed on the second floor, along with the history Japanese culture. The second floor also has Theater 360, a movie theater that surrounds viewers on all sides. The spherical 3D theater creates an unbelievable movie experience that is the first of its kind. The top floor houses exhibits displaying the advancement of life across earth including exploration of space and the incredible world of mammals and birds. Make sure to stop by the museum shop for an array of unique gifts and souvenirs.
Address: Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo Prefecture 110-8711, Japan
Phone: 81-3-3828-5171
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Closed
Website: http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/main.html
Admission: Adults – $6, Children – $2
Founded in 1882, Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan. Ueno Zoo is home to over 2,600 animals from over 464 species around the world. Come face to face with amazing Western Lowland Gorillas in Gorilla Woods and Sumatran Tigers in Tiger Forest. The friendly Giant Pandas are the among the favorite animals at the zoo. The African exhibit houses hippos, giraffes, zebras, elephants and rhinos. Young visitors will enjoy the Petting Zoo where they can interact with the unique aye-aye and okapis. A five-story pagoda, built in 1631, gives the zoo a Japanese touch. This zoo is perfect for animal lovers of all ages.