3 ways to spend three days in Tokyo with kids

Explore the Tokyo you know – and the one you’ve yet to meet – with our kid-friendly, three-day itineraries, written by Aleney de Winter and Andrew Woodward.

One minute, you’re racing around a giant rollercoaster, and the next, you’re soaking in the peace of a centuries-old temple garden. Welcome to Tokyo, a city where yesterday and tomorrow coexist in striking harmony.

Safe, spotless and easy to navigate, Tokyo is a dream destination for Aussie families. But with so much to do and see, where do you start? Whether it’s your first dive into this electric city or you’re back for another dose of Tokyo’s magic, we’ve crafted three exciting three-day itineraries that blend the must-sees with lesser-known gems. Are you after a classic Tokyo itinerary for first-timers, or perhaps to dive into quirky museums, or are you wanting to explore temples and tradition? Read on for an itinerary for all your adventures.

Classic Tokyo itinerary for first-time families

Day 1: A sky-high start

Ease into Tokyo with a visit to Tokyo SKYTREE, the tallest structure in Japan. Beat the crowds by arriving early and watch the kids’ jaws drop at the 360-degree views of the city stretching to Mount Fuji on a clear day. Downstairs, Sumida Aquarium offers tanks packed with shimmering jellyfish and Tokyo’s cutest penguins.

For something completely different, head for the Samurai Ninja Museum in Asakusa. This hands-on museum lets kids dress in armour, practise swordsmanship, and throw ninja stars while learning about samurai history.

Take a scenic riverboat down the Sumida River to Odaiba. Snap a photo with the massive Unicorn Gundam Statue, dive into interactive fun at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo, explore futuristic exhibits at Miraikan, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, or giggle through the quirky Unko Museum, an oddly hilarious, interactive experience.

After a day of play, enjoy a seaside sunset in Odaiba and the stunning view of the Rainbow Bridge, which lights up in dazzling displays at night.

Day 2: Mild to wild

Start the day with a peaceful walk through the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a serene pocket of history in the heart of Tokyo with moats, ancient stonework and manicured gardens.

Afterwards, hop on the Hogwarts Express (or at least the Tokyo subway’s Toei Oedo Line) to the Nerima District and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter. Kids will love exploring real sets, props, and uncovering behind-the-scenes secrets from the films. Pre-booking is essential.

Wrap up the day back in town at the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where hundreds of people cross in all directions at once. It’s a signature Tokyo moment that’s as mesmerising as a well-cast spell. Then duck into Shibuya Yokocho, an atmospheric alleyway lined with eateries offering everything from yakitori to bowls of slurpy ramen noodles (most have English menus and kid-friendly options).

Day 3: Thrill and chill

Thrill-seekers will love Yomiuriland in Tama City. Ride the 110km/h Bandit coaster and play your way through Tama Goro, a giant ball-coaster style attraction with 24 different mini-games. The park is also known for its seasonal events, including the beautiful Spring Flower Festival and the dazzling Jewels of Light installations in winter, which illuminate the park with thousands of sparkling lights.

Finish your day exploring rainbow- hued Harajuku, where eye-popping, pastel-coloured treats such as rainbow cotton candy, sugared Tanghulu strawberries, and sparkling fruit- stuffed crepes await. The streets are filled with playful boutiques, fashion- forward teens, and colourful street art that perfectly captures the energy and whimsy of Tokyo. Make a pitstop at Kiddy Land, a five-storey department store selling toys and trinkets, then head to the top of Harajuku’s new Harakado retail area for a rooftop garden that offers a surprising breath of fresh air above the buzzing streets.

A deeper dive into Tokyo itinerary

Day 1: Modernity vs. tradition

Start your day at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills, a brand- new home for the famous immersive digital artworks that leaves everyone, from toddlers to teens, enchanted.

Then swap the future for the past at the serene Atago Shrine, perched atop a steep hill once climbed by samurai on horseback. From here, it’s an easy stroll to the pretty Zojoji Temple, home to rows of red-bibbed Jizo statues. The shrine offers a peaceful glimpse into Tokyo’s Buddhist traditions.

In the afternoon, hop on a train to Shibamata, a retro neighbourhood known for its warm welcome and nostalgic vibe.

Stroll down Taishakuten-Sando, lined with snack stalls selling sweets such as kusa dango (sweet rice dumplings) and old-timey shops, including Dagashiya, a candy store with a fun collection of old pinball machines and a quirky Coca-Cola robot. It all leads to the beautifully carved Shibamata Taishakuten Temple.

Day 2: Great escapes

Break away from the urban buzz with a day trip to the Tama region. Just a half an hour from Shinjuku by train, Tama offers lush forests, riverside parks, and cultural gems such as the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, where kids can explore historical buildings.

Then fill your afternoon with a dose of pure kawaii cuteness at Sanrio Puroland, a quirky theme park based on Hello Kitty and Friends. From meet- and-greets with your favourite Sanrio characters to enchanting rides, it’s the perfect spot for young families to immerse themselves in the adorable side of Japan.

Day 3: Day of play

Start the day at Tokyo Dome City, a unique, family friendly amusement park in the heart of the city. From the adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster to bumper cars and interactive rides, there’s plenty for everyone.

In the afternoon, dive into the world of anime and cartoons at Nakano Broadway, a popular shopping complex known for its rare and quirky anime and manga collectibles that is perfect for kids who are into Japanese pop culture.

Add on a visit to the Suginami Animation Museum, where budding creatives can try their hand at animating and learn about the art of Japanese animation.

Wrap up your day at Kichijoji’s Inokashira Park, a sprawling green space with a picturesque pond where you can rent swan boats and paddle around. It’s the perfect place for kids to run around, enjoy a picnic or simply enjoy the outdoors in a relaxed atmosphere.

Temples and tradition: a Tokyo itinerary for families

Day 1: Asakusa and Skytree

What better place to kick off your family adventure in Tokyo than a town brimming with tradition, centred on an ornate seventh-century Buddhist temple? Crowds of tourists flock to waterside Asakusa each year for a glimpse of Sensoji, a bright red temple strung with huge chochin lanterns that just happens to be the oldest in the city. The temple was completed in the year 645 in honour of the goddess Kannon after, as the legend goes, two brothers found her statue in a nearby river and, however hard they tried to replace the statue, it kept returning to them.

Before entering Sensoji through the Kaminarimon (aka Thunder Gate), wander down the 250-metre shopping street known as Nakamise where you can pick up typical souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, toys and sample a range of traditional snacks. The rest of Asakusa is easily explored on foot, but for something different jump in a man-powered rickshaw or cruise the surrounding waterways aboard the futuristic Hotaluna Water Bus.

From old to new, your next stop is Tokyo Skytree. You’re unlikely to need directions: simply crane your neck and scan for the 634-metre television broadcasting tower dominating the city skyline. Take in unparalleled views of Tokyo from the two observation decks and then ride the lift down to Solamachi, the multi-level retail store located below, where you can grab a bite and check out the fantastic Sumida Aquarium.

Round off your first day in Tokyo with a final splash of culture at the Edo Tokyo Museum, which takes visitors on a journey through the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo. Or, go out with a bang at Taiko Drum Museum where kids can learn about the history of drumming in Japan and throughout the world before trying out their own percussion skills.

Day 2: Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better representation of ‘organised chaos’ than Shibuya Crossing. While you might not ordinarily spend time on holidays watching traffic go by, this truly is something else entirely: with each change of lights, hundreds and sometimes thousands of people scramble in all directions in perfect synchronisation (many not even looking up from their iPhones). Take a seat on the upper floor of the Starbucks and enjoy some people watching.

The streets surrounding the famous crossing branch off like arteries from a beating heart, injecting dynamism into the area’s art and fashion scenes. Get swept up in the energy as you browse iconic stores like Shibuya 109 and Tower Records, but keep an eye out for the small Hachiko Statue. The unassuming monument honours the most loyal dog in Japan, who returned to wait for his owner at Shibuya Station every day for nine years after the man had passed away.

Your next stop is Harajuku, a hotspot for Japan’s many weird and wonderful teenage cultures and fashion styles. Head straight into the thick of it with a walk down Takeshita Dori where you’ll see a whole spectrum of garishly dressed teens, from costumed cosplayers to gothic Lolitas, as you weave in and out of trendy boutiques, used-clothing stores and food outlets selling the sweetest, and most colourful, treats you’ve ever tasted.

Once the kids’ sugar highs have worn off, cross the street and seek out the imposing torii gate marking the entrance to Meiji Jingu, a shrine dedicated to the much-revered Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Sit for a while and observe as suited businessmen pay their respects with a bow at the gate, then begin your walk along the cedar-lined path to the shrine itself. As you wash your hands at the chozuya (cleansing station) and scrawl wishes on ema tablets to hang on the shrine’s wishing wall, the frenzied streets of Harajuku will feel like a distant memory.

Emerging from the tranquil shade of Yoyogi Park, you’ll find yourself in trendy, up-market Omotesando. The hefty price tags here are a deterrent for many families, but you can’t pass through without a visit to Kiddy Land, Tokyo’s tax-free toy haven. Its four storeys are jam-packed with more Hello Kitty, Star Wars and Studio Ghibli than your kids could ever imagine.

Day 3: Odaiba area

It’s an easy trip via monorail or the Tokyo Water Bus to Odaiba, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Odaiba is defined as much by its unique history, which dates back to the Edo period, as its futuristic architecture and hi-tech entertainment facilities. And one thing is for certain: families will love it here.

There’s also the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Miraikan, which (as the name suggests) has a number of exciting exhibits on space exploration, artificial intelligence and the future of personal mobility.

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