Planning a Tokyo trip with toddlers and preschoolers? This comprehensive 8-day itinerary is designed specifically for international families visiting Tokyo with young children. We’ve carefully organized activities by area to minimize travel time and maximize family fun, with options that work well even on rainy days.
It’s all the places I’ve been, since I’m a Tokyo-raised, local mom of two kids, too!
Accommodation: Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya
I have stayed lots of hotel in Tokyo, but I now recommend staying at Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya for its excellent family amenities, including in-room laundry facilities – a lifesaver when traveling with young children! The central Shibuya location provides easy access to all major attractions via Tokyo’s efficient train system. We actually stayed a couple days last year and it was very convenient location.
8-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Harajuku & Yoyogi Adventure
Theme: Tokyo’s youth culture and nature combination
Morning: Yoyogi & Harajuku District
- 9:00 AM: Start at Meiji Shrine – Peaceful forest sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo
- 10:30 AM: Yoyogi Park – Large open space for children to run and play. Many coffee spots available neaby
- 11:30 AM: Visit Sangubashi, or Yoyogi Park station, local area for local lunch
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in those local areas
Afternoon: Harajuku District
- 1:00 PM: Walk down Takeshita Street – Colorful street full of character shops
- 1:30 Animal Cafe experience – Cat cafe, owl cafe, or hedgehog cafe (child-friendly options)
- 2:30 PM: Kiddy Land – Multi-floor toy store paradise with character goods and interactive displays
- 3:30 PM: Visit Galaxy Harajuku – Interactive Samsung experience center
- 4:30 PM: Choose a Character Cafe ( Pompompurin Cafe, or seasonal options) or
Evening: Return to hotel via Harajuku Station
Day 2: Shibuya Local Experience
Theme: Gaming culture and local playground discovery
Morning: Local culture learning through kids’ interaction at play area
- 9:00 AM: Exclusive Local Playground Adventure + Learning Japan’s education system, culture and manner
- Hidden gems known only to locals
- Guided by Japanese local guide (Shibuya resident) who knows the best family spots only for local and local’s friends
- Secret playground locations that tourists rarely discover
- Interaction with local children in authentic neighborhood settings
- Cultural exchange opportunities in a natural, playful environment
- Riding Pony – Children can interact with ponies and small animals
Note: This special local experience is guided by a Japanese resident, Ami, who lived in Shibuya and knows the best hidden family-friendly spots!
12:30 PM: Lunch at Shibuya family restaurant, or Happy Pancake.
Afternoon: Shibuya Gaming & Shopping
- 1:30 PM: Pokemon Center Shibuya – Paradise for Pokemon fans with exclusive merchandise
- 3:30 AM: Japanese Game Center (Arcade) – Experience Japanese gaming culture
- Taito Station Shibuya – Family-friendly arcade with claw machines and rhythm games
- Round1 Shibuya – Multi-floor entertainment complex with games suitable for young children
Evening: Return to hotel after experiencing authentic local family life in Shibuya
Day 3: Tokyo Disneyland
Full Day: Tokyo Disneyland
Although Tokyo DisneySea is more unique, it is SUPER crowded with the new area (Fantasy Springs). With Tokyo Disneyland, lots of families reported to me that they waited for less than 20min. And that was same with us too!
- Early Entry: Arrive before opening for shorter queues
- Must-do attractions for young children:
- It’s a Small World
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Haunted Mansion (if children aren’t too scared)
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Character dining: Consider character meal reservation
- Parade viewing: Electrical Parade Dreamlights (evening)
Tips: Download Tokyo Disney Resort app for wait times and mobile ordering. Another tips are below:
Alternative: PUROLAND to enjoy Hello Kitty and all her friends!
Day 4: Roppongi Shopping & TeamLab Experience
Theme: Luxury shopping and immersive digital art
Morning：Shopping and Roborobo park at the same time.
- 9:00 AM: : Roborobo Park – Interactive robot playground perfect for young children (It is the fun park! lots of kids speak English there. This and Other Tokyo park recommendations I wrote blog post here). It is close to Roppongi Hills, so if one parent looks the kids, the other parent can go shopping or museum too.
- 11:00 AM Roppongi Hills shopping complex
- Mori Art Museum Shop – Unique art-related items
- Tokyo City View – Observation deck with city panorama
- Various boutiques – International brands and Japanese specialties
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
Afternoon: TeamLab Experience
- 2:00 PM: TeamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) – Interactive digital art wonderland
- Allow 3-4 hours for full experience
- Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes
- Bring snacks and water
- Digital art installations that respond to movement and touch
- Borderless world where artworks move between rooms
Options: Traditional Calligraphy Class (Shodo) – Child-friendly lesson in nearby cultural center
Day 5: Setagaya Local Experience
Theme: Local neighborhood exploration
Morning: Setagaya Park
- 9:30 AM: Setagaya Park – Spacious playground with unique play equipment
- Mini Steam Train (SL) – Ride the small locomotive around the park
- Play Park area – Adventure playground with rope courses
- Bicycle rental – Family cycling around the park
Afternoon: Local Coffee Culture
- 12:00 PM: Picnic lunch at Setagaya Park – Bring bento boxes from local convenience stores or prepare at hotel
- 1:30 PM: Local Coffee Shop Tour:
- Blue Bottle Coffee Sangenjaya – Specialty coffee with family-friendly atmosphere
- Streamer Coffee Company – Local favorite with good pastries
- Bear Pond Espresso – Famous local roastery (quick visit)
Late Afternoon: Nakameguro & Daikanyama
- 3:00 PM: Travel to Nakameguro
- 3:30 PM: Onibus Coffee – Adults can enjoy specialty coffee while watching trains pass by, children can play in the adjacent area right next to the railway
- 4:30 PM: Tsutaya Books Daikanyama – Beautiful bookstore with children’s section and cafe
Evening: English Playtime with Local Children – Organized playgroup session in Setagaya community center
Day 6: Kamakura One-Day Tour
Theme: Historical exploration & coastal charm
Morning: Kamakura Temples
- 8:30 AM: Depart Shibuya Station via JR Tokaido Line (55 minutes to Kamakura Station)
- 9:30 AM: Komachi-dori Street – Traditional shopping street walk-through
- 10:00 AM: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine – Important Shinto shrine with spacious grounds
- 11:00 AM: Lunch at Kamakura local restaurant – Try local specialties
Afternoon: Temple Visits & Coastal Adventure
- 1:00 PM: Kotoku-in Temple – Great Buddha statue (outdoor photography opportunity)
- 2:00 PM: Hase Temple – Beautiful gardens and temple grounds with city views
- 3:00 PM: Enoshima Island via Enoden Train – Scenic railway journey to the island
- Enoshima Sea Candle (lighthouse) – Great views if time permits
- Beach area exploration – Let children play by the seaside
- 5:00 PM: Depart Enoshima for Tokyo (Return journey: 1 hour to Shibuya)
Evening: Arrive back in Shibuya around 6-7 PM, simple dinner near hotel
Day 7: Cultural Experience and Shopping and Beauty time
Theme: Local playground and community interaction
Morning: Culture experience
-Kimono wearing + photo shoot at local shrine, or at a studio
–Traditional Calligraphy Class (Shodo)
Learn more about cultural classes here:
Afternoon: Shopping at Ebisu Garden Place or Ginza 5th Street
I will take you to the famous rocket-shaped playground equipment
Local playtime – Excellent opportunity for children to play with Japanese kids
Ebisu Garden Place – A Shopping and dining complex nearby for coffee breaks
Tips: Ebisu has lots of beauty salons(hair, nail, skincare, you name it), while you are at the salon, dad can play with kids at the park or go to the cafe nearby.
Day 8: Asakusa & Ueno Cultural Experience
Theme: Traditional Tokyo and science exploration
Early Morning: Asakusa
- 8:00 AM: Early start to Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Temple) – Tokyo’s oldest temple
- Nakamise Shopping Street – Traditional souvenir shopping
- Temple grounds exploration – Less crowded in early morning
Late Morning & Afternoon: Ueno
- 10:00 AM: Travel to Ueno area
- 10:30 AM: National Science Museum (Kahaku) – Hands-on exhibits perfect for curious young minds
- Dinosaur exhibits – Always popular with children
- Interactive science displays – Touch and learn experiences
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Ueno Park area restaurants
- 2:30 PM: Ueno Park playground and exploration
- Ueno Zoo (optional, if time permits)
- Park grounds – Wide open spaces for children to run and play
- Shinobazu Pond – Peaceful walking area
Evening: Return to hotel and prepare for departure
Ready to Customize Your Perfect Tokyo Adventure?
This detailed 8-day itinerary covers Tokyo’s highlights while being realistic for families with young children. However, every family has different interests, energy levels, and preferences.
This is for the first timer, who do not mind moving very often, but it is not considered time of diaper change, or breastfeeding. Also, It is possible to avoid crowds.
I can help customize this itinerary specifically for your family’s needs and provide guided tours during your stay. Currently accepting bookings for mid-October onwards.
Whether you want to adjust the pace, swap activities, focus on specific interests, or add special experiences your children would love, I’ll create a personalized itinerary that maximizes your family’s enjoyment while minimizing stress.
Prefer just the planning service? I also offer itinerary planning without guiding services. Simply reach out to discuss your family’s specific interests and requirements.
Contact me to start planning your unforgettable Tokyo family adventure!
DM me on Instagram, TikTok!
This itinerary is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Tokyo is incredibly family-friendly, and with proper planning, your young children will have an amazing time exploring this vibrant city while experiencing both modern attractions and traditional culture.
Hi, I am Ami.
Tokyo-Based Mom. Government-Licensed Guide. Content Creator. Your Family’s Japan Insider.
She’s not just “that mom who travels 100 days a year with toddlers.”
She’s also a licensed national tour guide who creates unforgettable, kid-friendly adventures for English-speaking families visiting Japan.
From luxury hotels and local secrets to rainy-day hacks and Shinkansen fails — she shares it all on Instagram and TikTok. But her real magic?
Meeting you in person and guiding your family through Japan like a local friend would.
Because yes — traveling to Japan with kids is absolutely possible.
And she’s here to prove it — one happy family at a time.
