Japan welcomed over 25 million visitors in 2023, and that number is only expected to grow. Tourists love this country for all kinds of reasons – the food, the culture, the people, the sightseeing. There’s truly something for everyone.
But what about families? Is there enough to do? In my experience, definitely.
These are my top recommendations for things to do in Japan with kids.
So let’s get to it!
Is Japan Kid-Friendly?
Yes! Japan is a great country for kids. There are plenty of child-friendly places to visit and things to do and the country is still a very safe place to explore.
In fact, one thing that always surprises me is how many young kids I see running around the city and taking trains without any parental supervision. There’s just a different sense of trust and community in Japan – something I always appreciate when visiting.
So if you plan on exploring the Land of the Rising Sun with your children, rest assured that you’ll have a fun time and find plenty of things to do.
Recommended: Why Go? Top Reasons to Visit Japan
12 Best Things to Do In Japan With Kids
1. Visit Temples & Shrines
It’s hard to visit Japan and not see some temples and shrines. They’re a big part of Japanese history and an impressive sight to see in person.
Plus, with over 150,000 temples and shrines in Japan, they’re sort of hard to miss! So, you have plenty of options to choose from.
Here are a few of my favourite temples and shrines in Japan:
- Tokyo area
- Meiji Shrine
- Surrounded by lots of nature
- Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
- A classic Tokyo must-see spot
- Zojo-ji Temple
- See great views of Tokyo Tower
- Hie Shrine in Chiyoda
- For the Insta-worthy gate walkway
- Meiji Shrine
- Osaka and Kyoto area
- Kinkaku-ji
- Also called the Golden pavilion, it’s a popular spot
- Kiyomizu-dera
- For some of the best views of Kyoto
- Tō-ji Temple
- Surrounded by beautiful gardens to walk through
- Tōdai-ji
- Check out the amazing statues and grandiose architecture here
- Kinkaku-ji
2. Check Out the Immersive Museums & Cafes
Japan’s cafe and museum scene is second to none. If you’re travelling with kids in Japan, you won’t want to miss out on these unique spots.
The immersive elements are what make them especially memorable and perfect to keep your kid’s attention. Here are a few of my favourites:
- TeamLab Planets
- An unforgettable immersive art experience
- A ramen-themed set replicating 1958 Japan – very cool!
- Sip coffee and have snacks in a mind-boggling 2-dimensional cafe
- Cats, owls, micro pigs and more!
3. See the Deer at Nara
If you plan on visiting Kyoto and the Kansai area, don’t forget about Nara! It sits next to Osaka and Kyoto and is Japan’s first capital city.
Nara has some amazing cultural sites to see (like Tōdai-ji, the large Buddhist temple). But one of the bigger draws to the area are the deer.
Nara Park is surrounded by beautiful trees and areas to relax – and hundreds of free-roaming deer.
You can even buy deer crackers at the park to feed them. Plus, some deer have learned how to bow to visitors when asking for food. They’re so polite!
You can learn more about Nara Deer Park here.
4. See the Amazing Aquariums & Zoos
Japan has a lot of aquariums and zoos, which is a great way to spend the day if you’re travelling with kids.
This is especially true if you’re visiting Japan during the summer when the weather is too hot.
So here are a few popular aquariums and zoos in Japan worth checking out:
- Ueno Zoo in Tokyo
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
- Snow Monkey Park in Nagano (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
- Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido
- Fuji Safari Park
5. Go to Ghibli Museum
If your family likes anime and manga, you should check out the Ghibli Museum.
Studio Ghibli is one of the most famous animation studios in Japan, with film credits like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.
The Ghibli Museum, which sits next to one of my favourite towns, Kichijoji, pays homage to the incredible works the studio has created. The design is also inspired by many of the famous stories. So, it feels like you’re literally stepping into the home and mind of Hayao Miyazaki.
If you like art and anime, the Ghibli Museum is an awesome way to spend an afternoon with your family in Tokyo.
6. Check Out the Games & Arcades
If you have kids who like games, then Japan has you covered. There are entertainment centres all around the country.
Some popular attractions include claw machines (“UFO catchers”), batting cages, arcade games, bowling and more.
Here are some popular game centres you can search up and easily find throughout Japan:
- Round1
- TAITO Station
- Club Sega
- Joypolis
You can also explore places like Akihabara Electric Town to find vintage game shops and venues specialising in anime and manga.
7. Explore Kawaii Culture
Kawaii culture centres around cuteness and childlike innocence. It’s popular in Japan, especially with younger kids and youth culture.
You’ll see examples of kawaii culture throughout the country on billboards, television and marketing material.
But here are the best ways to experience authentic Japanese kawaii culture:
- Head to Harajuku and walk down Takeshita Street
- Shop for Lolita fashion
- Get kawaii pictures at a “Purikura” photo booth
- Go to Sanrio Puroland, aka “Hello Kitty Land”
8. Attend A Japanese Matsuri
Matsuri are traditional Japanese festivals. And there are plenty to enjoy in Japan – especially during the summer months!
Watching cultural parades and festivities is a memorable way to experience traditional Japan as a family. The energy you get at a matsuri is totally different from other cultural activities like seeing temples or shrines.
They’re usually more vibrant, super fun and very lively.
If you’re visiting during the New Year, try doing hatsumode! This is the first temple or shrine visit of the year and is often done at midnight on December 31st.
You can learn more about scheduled festivals and matsuri here.
9. Enjoy Summer Fireworks
Fireworks (or hanabi in Japanese) are a popular summer event. And Japan knows how to put on a solid show.
There are firework shows all summer long and they’re perfect for families looking to enjoy a classic Japanese summer evening. Many locals wear yukata (summer kimonos) too, so you’ll be inspired by some traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Just be ready for lots of crowds and busy trains – especially in busier areas around Tokyo. When I saw the Sumidagawa Fireworks in Asakusa, the crowds were shoulder-to-shoulder and police barricades were placed all around the city, making navigation extra tricky.
Still, it was worth it!
10. Check Out Tokyo Disney or Universal Studios
Disney is super popular in Japan, and it’s only about 15 minutes away from Tokyo station by train (to get to Maihama Station).
And if you’re staying near Osaka, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) sits right next to the city.
Either option is the perfect way to spend the day (or a few days) with your family. So here are some quick tips for planning a trip to Tokyo Disney or USJ:
- Buy your tickets beforehand
- Avoid mid-summer heat
- Go during the week if you can
Avoid Japanese holidays (especially Golden Week around April/May)
11. Check Out the Amusement Parks
Japan has a lot of amusement parks – more than just Disney. In fact, many attractions are right in the middle of Tokyo!
This can be a more attractive option since Tokyo Disney is usually packed with extra long lines and tourism.
So if you and your family are looking to enjoy some rides and amusement vibes, then be sure to check out some of these other popular parks:
- Tokyo Dome City
- Yomiuri Land near Tokyo
- Cosmo Clock 21 (Ferris wheel) in Yokohama
- Arakawa Amusement Park in Tokyo (perfect for younger children)
- Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi (near Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko)
- Lagoon theme park in Osaka
- Peach’s Castle in Osaka
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12. Explore the Parks
Japan is full of beautiful greenery, landscapes and parks. Tokyo alone has 82 of these recreational areas! And they’re usually free (or really cheap). So it’s a casual and popular way to enjoy the day.
And if you’re in Japan during cherry blossom season (sakura) or the fall koyo season, you’ll definitely want to add this to your list.
Here are some of my favourite parks and gardens in Tokyo:
- Inokashira Park and the swan boats
- Ueno Park
- Koishikawa Botanical Garden
- Miyashita rooftop park in Shibuya
- Yoyogi Park
- Chidorigafuchi Park
- Meguro river
- Tokyo Imperial Palace
Wrapping Up
There are plenty of exciting things to do in Japan with kids. And many of the attractions are equally fun for adults too.
From traditional temples and beautiful gardens to immersive museums, roller coasters and kawaii culture, Japan is perfect for a family vacation.
Just be prepared for long lines at popular attractions and try to reserve tickets beforehand so you can secure your spot.
But trust me, Japan is a safe and very family-friendly place for a holiday. You won’t be disappointed.
