Fun Things To Do With Kids In Japan
Japan is an incredible place to visit whether you are going for an epic skiing vacay, to sightsee, or to immerse yourself in one the most fascinating cultures in the world.
A lot of families choose to book-end their ski holidays with a few days in their arrival or departure city on their way to and from the ski fields. It’s a great way to familiarise yourself with Japan and its amazing culture.
Your kids will be relieved to hear it doesn’t have to be all shrines and tea ceremonies (although we think they can be cool too!) There is a lot of fun stuff to captivate the most high-energy of families - both the kids and the kids at heart. And we’re yet to meet a kid who didn’t love Japan!
Below are some of The Snow Concierge’s must-do kid-friendly activities in Japan.
Tokyo – Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) airports
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: These are two of the most popular theme parks in Japan, with good reason, everyone loves Disney and if have a budding Ariel or Buzz Lightyear in your party then Tokyo Disneyland should be on the top of your list. As with all Disney resorts, there are great accommodation options in the parks, or you can plan a day visit. Be sure to visit on a weekday if you aren’t keen on queues, as Tokyoites love Disney too.
Sanrio Puroland: If your kids are fans of all things Japanese and cute (“kawaii” in Japanese), then Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo is a great option for those colder winter days. This indoor theme park is home to Hello Kitty and friends. Kids can enjoy a range of rides, shows, and parades, and even meet their favourite characters in person.
Legoland Discovery Center: Any wannabe Lego Masters travelling with you? Everything is kid sized in this fun indoor attraction located in Tokyo that's perfect for Lego fans of all ages (although Adults must be accompanied by a child and vice versa). The centre features a range of Lego-themed rides, interactive exhibits, and even a 4D cinema.
Tokyo Dome City: is an entertainment complex that includes an amusement park, a shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. The amusement park features rides like Thunder Dolphin, a roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 130 km/h, as well as the newly opened Super Nintendo World, which lets visitors explore a real-life version of the Mushroom Kingdom and enjoy attractions based on popular Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros.
Harajuku: Gwen Stefani called it when she sang “Harajuku girls, you got the wicked style”. We’re sure you’ve heard of Harajuku, the vibrant neighbourhood in Tokyo known for its trendy fashion, unique cafes, and colourful street art. The fashion in and around Takeshita Dōri is super quirky and fun. Nearby Omotesando offers plenty of stores for slightly less eclectic tastes (and also has several ski and snowboard stores to pick up any clothing or equipment you might need).
Ghibli Park: You will find the Ghibli theme park located on the outskirts of Tokyo in a very cute area called Nagakute which is easily accessible by train – while there’s a replica of the iconic Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro at the park, sadly you will have to catch a normal train to get there! If you or your kids are fans of Ghibli classics such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, then this theme park is an absolute must. (Our fave Ghibli film is When Marnie Was There…)
Osaka – Kansai (KIX) airport
Universal Studios Japan: Potterheads and Muggles visiting Osaka won’t miss out with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios which is also home to Super Nintendo World, Minion Park and many more attractions.
Osaka Aquarium: This is one of the largest aquariums in the world, located in Osaka. It features a range of marine life exhibits from around the world, including a massive whale shark tank that's sure to impress the kids.
Kids Plaza Osaka: packed with activities that are both fun and educational, Kids Plaza Osaka is the perfect indoor spot for kids to burn some energy. Kids can try their hand at various science experiments or see how TV programs are made. Kids Plaza even provide rental strollers free of charge if the littlest of travellers needs a rest.
These are just a few of our favourite places to take kids when in Japan. Of course, there are hundreds of other fun things for kids to do, including ninja cooking classes, visiting a sumo stable, learning how plastic display food is made, dressing up in a kimono, or even an authentic samurai experience!
We are happy to plan the perfect kid-focused itinerary for you and your family based on your child’s age and what they think is fun. Please drop us a line if you want help planning the most fun and kid friendly Japan holiday ever!
