Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary with Kids

Welcome to our Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary with Kids, your complete family plan for a weekend with kids or an unforgettable short trip! Tokyo blends futuristic fun with rich tradition, offering a perfect mix of play and culture. Whether you’re riding to the top of Tokyo Skytree, exploring the digital world of teamLab Planets, or staying in the magical Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, this itinerary with kids is packed with family favorites. If you’re wondering what to do in Tokyo for 3 days, this guide delivers excitement, food, and fun at every turn.

Whether you’re meeting Mickey at Tokyo Disneyland, spotting Mount Fuji from the Skytree, or wandering the neon streets of Akihabara, this 3-day itinerary offers something for every age and interest. Designed with a balance of adventure, culture, and downtime, it’s the perfect guide to experiencing Tokyo with kids, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Day 1: City Views, Robots & Shibuya Fun

Tokyo is a city of futuristic skyscrapers, historic temples, and endless entertainment. Today’s itinerary combines stunning city views, interactive robot experiences, and Tokyo’s famous neighborhoods to give families a fun and exciting introduction to Japan’s capital! If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, consider using the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo, it offers discounted access to top spots across the city. Pair it with the Tokyo Subway Ticket to get around easily and save even more, or compare it with the JR Tokyo Wide Pass to see which Tokyo transit pass best fits your itinerary.

Morning: Tokyo Skytree & Sumida Aquarium

Main Activity: Tokyo Skytree

Kick off your Tokyo adventure with one of the best city views in Japan! Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world, and its glass observation deck gives kids an exciting view from 450 meters high! Buy Skytree tickets here.

Additional Stops:

• Sumida Aquarium – Located inside the Skytree complex, this aquarium features a giant open-air jellyfish tank and playful penguins. Buy your tickets here.
• Tokyo Solamachi Mall – A great shopping and food area with anime stores and family-friendly restaurants.

Age Recommendations:

• Younger Kids: They’ll love the penguin exhibit at Sumida Aquarium.
• Older Kids: Challenge them to stand on the glass floor of the Skytree, can they look straight down?

Luca & Nico’s Challenge:

• Find Mount Fuji from the Skytree observation deck! Can you spot it in the distance?

Afternoon: Odaiba – Tokyo’s Futuristic Playground

Lunch Spot: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Grab lunch at DiverCity Tokyo, a shopping and entertainment complex featuring:

• KUA `AINA – A family-friendly Hawaiian burger joint with big portions and kid-approved sides.
• Ramen Food Court – A great place to try different regional styles of ramen.

Main Activity: Unicorn Gundam & teamLab Planets

• Giant Gundam Statue – Outside DiverCity, kids can see the life-sized moving Gundam, a huge robot that lights up and transforms every hour!
• teamLab Planets – An immersive digital art museum where kids can walk through glowing water, touch floating lights, and play in colorful digital rooms. Buy your tickets here.

Additional Stops:

• Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) – Features real-life robots and interactive space exhibits.
• Tokyo Joypolis – An indoor digital amusement park with virtual rides, arcade games, and anime-themed attractions perfect for older kids and tweens. Buy your tickets here.

Age Recommendations:

• Younger Kids: They’ll love the Gundam light show and colorful rooms at teamLab Planets.
• Older Kids: Challenge them to interact with the AI robots at Miraikan!

Luca & Nico’s Challenge:

• How many different colors does the Gundam change into? Watch the light show and count them!

Evening: Shibuya’s Neon Lights & Iconic Crosswalk

Dinner Spot: Shibuya’s Family-Friendly Restaurants

After a day of exploration, head to Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most exciting districts. Some great family-friendly options include:

• Genki Sushi – A fun, high-tech sushi restaurant where food arrives on a conveyor belt!
• Uobei Sushi – Another kid-friendly sushi spot with touchscreen ordering.
• Shibuya Scramble Square Food Court – A great spot for ramen, tempura, and Japanese curry.

Main Activity: Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

No visit to Tokyo is complete without seeing Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection! Kids will love watching the crowds move all at once from above at the Shibuya Sky observation deck.

Additional Stops:

• Hachiko Statue – A famous dog statue near Shibuya Station, perfect for a family photo.
• Nintendo Tokyo Store – A dream stop for gamers, featuring Mario and Pokémon merchandise!

Age Recommendations:

• Younger Kids: The Hachiko statue and bright neon lights will fascinate them.
• Older Kids: They’ll love watching the Shibuya Scramble from above and visiting the Nintendo Store!

Downtime Suggestions:

• If kids are too tired after dinner, stop by a café for a matcha latte and fluffy Japanese pancakes before heading back to the hotel.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Shibuya Sky Observation Deck – If your family still has energy, visit Tokyo’s coolest rooftop view with glass floors and a 360° skyline! Buy your tickets here.

Luca & Nico’s Tip: Want the best view of Shibuya Crossing? Go to Mag’s Park rooftop at Magnet by Shibuya 109 for a free aerial view!

Day 2: Theme Parks & Pop Culture Fun

Today is all about family-friendly thrills, Japanese pop culture, and interactive fun! Whether you’re meeting Mickey at Tokyo Disneyland or diving into anime and video games in Akihabara, this day is filled with excitement for kids of all ages.

Morning & Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure – Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea

For families who love theme parks, Tokyo is home to two of the best Disney parks in the world. Want to visit? Buy your tickets here. Not sure which one to choose? Check out our side-by-side comparison guide to help you decide!

Option 1: Tokyo Disneyland

• Perfect for families with younger kids, featuring:
  • Fantasyland – Meet Mickey, Minnie, and Disney Princesses!
  • Toontown – A play area where kids can explore Mickey & Minnie’s houses.
  • Parades & Fireworks – Enjoy the daytime Dreaming Up! parade and nighttime Electrical Parade.

Option 2: Tokyo DisneySea

• Great for older kids & teens, featuring:
  • Mysterious Island – Ride the thrilling Journey to the Center of the Earth.
  • Mermaid Lagoon – A colorful indoor world based on The Little Mermaid.
  • Toy Story Mania! – A fun 3D shooting game ride for the whole family.

Lunch Spot: Inside Disney Parks

• Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall (Disneyland) – A whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant.
• Magellan’s (DisneySea) – A pirate-inspired restaurant perfect for adventurers.

Luca & Nico’s Challenge:

• Count how many Mickey Mouse shapes you can find hidden in the park!

Alternative Activity (Non-Disney Families)

If you’re not visiting Disney, spend the morning at Yoyogi Park & Harajuku:

• Yoyogi Park – A wide-open space for running and picnicking.
• Meiji Shrine – A peaceful cultural spot for kids to explore.
• Takeshita Street – Try rainbow cotton candy and explore Harajuku’s kawaii shops!

Evening: Akihabara – The Ultimate Pop Culture District (Non-Disney Families)

Dinner Spot: Akihabara’s Fun Eateries

• Kanda Soba – A kid-friendly noodle shop for quick and easy meals.
• Coco Ichibanya Akihabara – A kid-friendly Japanese curry chain where meals can be customized for spice level and toppings.

Main Activity: Exploring Akihabara’s Anime & Game World

Akihabara is Tokyo’s center for anime, video games, and collectibles. Kids will love:

• Super Potato Retro Game Store – A paradise for classic Nintendo and Sega fans.
• Gachapon Shops – Vending machines with surprise toys inside!
• SEGA Arcade – Try claw machines and VR experiences.

Additional Stops:

• Animate Akihabara – A multi-floor anime store, great for kids into manga, anime, and figures.
• Don Quijote Akihabara – A fun, chaotic shop for souvenirs and snacks.

Age Recommendations:

• Younger Kids: They’ll love the colorful gachapon machines and silly costume items at Don Quijote.
• Older Kids: Perfect for gamers, anime fans, and tech lovers, especially retro gamers at Super Potato and arcade fans at GiGO (formerly SEGA).

Luca & Nico’s Challenge:

• Try your luck at three different gachapon machines, what’s the weirdest or funniest toy you can find? Trade with your travel buddy and explain why yours is better!

Downtime Suggestions:

• If kids are tired after Disney or Akihabara, stop by a Japanese dessert café for fluffy pancakes or melon soda floats before heading back to your hotel.

Optional Add-Ons:

• If your family has extra energy, visit a VR experience center like Mazaria Tokyo for virtual reality fun!

Luca & Nico’s Tip: Need a budget-friendly souvenir? Grab a capsule toy (gachapon) in Akihabara, there are machines with fun surprises everywhere!

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures & Cultural Experiences

For the final day in Tokyo, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the city’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From interactive samurai experiences to boat rides and peaceful gardens, today’s itinerary offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for families.

Morning: Samurai & Ninja Experience at Asakusa

Main Activity: Samurai & Ninja Training

Step back in time at a samurai and ninja training dojo. Buy your tickets here. Highlights include:

• Wear real samurai armor and pose for photos.
• Learn how to swing a katana (sword) safely.
• Try throwing ninja stars (shuriken) and practicing stealth moves!

Additional Stops:

• Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, with its giant red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate.
• Nakamise Shopping Street – A historic shopping street where kids can try Japanese sweets like taiyaki (fish-shaped pancakes) and ningyo-yaki (stuffed sponge cakes).

Age Recommendations:

• Younger Kids: The costumes and ninja star throwing are always a hit!
• Older Kids: They’ll enjoy learning samurai sword techniques.

Luca & Nico’s Challenge:

• Find a shop selling traditional Japanese fans, how many different colors can you spot?

Afternoon: Boat Ride & Nature Walk in Hamarikyu Gardens

Lunch Spot: Sushi or Tempura in Tsukiji Outer Market

After your samurai adventure, head to Tsukiji Outer Market, where families can enjoy:

• Fresh sushi at a kid-friendly sushi bar.
• Crispy tempura from a specialty shop.
• Tamagoyaki (sweet omelet on a stick), a popular snack for kids.

Main Activity: Sumida River Boat Ride & Hamarikyu Gardens

Take a boat cruise down the Sumida River, offering beautiful skyline views of Tokyo before arriving at Hamarikyu Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the city. Kids will love:

• Walking over wooden bridges to explore small islands in the pond.
• Feeding koi fish in the garden’s large central pond.
• Drinking matcha at a traditional tea house (a great experience for older kids).

Additional Stops:

• Toyosu Fish Market – If your family enjoys seafood, visit Toyosu’s kid-friendly sushi restaurants and market stalls.
• Kyu-Shiba Rikyu Gardens – A smaller but beautiful alternative to Hamarikyu.

Age Recommendations:

• Younger Kids: They’ll enjoy watching fish in the ponds and running across the bridges.
• Older Kids: Let them try a real Japanese tea ceremony at the garden’s tea house!

Luca & Nico’s Challenge:

• Can you find the stone lanterns hidden around Hamarikyu Gardens? Count how many you see!

Evening: Tokyo Tower & Roppongi Hills Night View

Dinner Spot: Family-Friendly Ramen or Yakiniku

For your last dinner in Tokyo, enjoy a fun meal at:

• Ichiran Ramen – A famous spot where kids can customize their own ramen.
• Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant – Let kids grill their own meat at the table!

Main Activity: Tokyo Tower or Roppongi Hills Observatory

End your Tokyo adventure with one last breathtaking city view from:

• Tokyo Tower – The classic red-and-white tower that glows at night! Buy your tickets here.
• Mori Tower Sky Deck (Roppongi Hills) – A 360° rooftop observatory with an amazing night view of Tokyo.

Additional Stops:

• Shiba Park – A great place for a relaxing evening walk with a view of Tokyo Tower.
• Mori Art Museum (Roppongi Hills) – If your family enjoys interactive art exhibits, this museum is a fun stop!

Age Recommendations:

• Younger Kids: The lights of Tokyo Tower will fascinate them.
• Older Kids: They’ll love spotting Tokyo landmarks from the observatory!

Downtime Suggestions:

• If kids are tired, grab a Japanese dessert like matcha parfait or taiyaki and find a cozy café before heading back to your hotel.

Optional Add-Ons:

• If your flight is the next morning, Tokyo Tower’s souvenir shop is a great last-minute place for gifts!

Luca & Nico’s Tip: Want a free night view? Visit Shibuya Sky or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for stunning skyline views without an entrance fee!

Family Travel Tips for Tokyo

Tokyo is a fun, safe, and family-friendly city, but navigating its busy streets, train stations, and cultural spots with kids requires some planning. Here are essential tips to make your family trip smooth and enjoyable!

1. Transportation Tips

• Getting Around Tokyo:
  • Subways & Trains – The best way to travel around the city. The JR Yamanote Line circles major attractions.
  • Buses & Taxis – Taxis are stroller-friendly but expensive for long trips.
  • IC Cards – Use a Suica or Pasmo card to make train, bus, and even vending machine payments easier.
• Stroller Accessibility:
  • Tokyo’s train stations are mostly stroller-friendly, but some older stations lack elevators.
  • Busy areas like Shibuya, Akihabara, and Harajuku can be crowded, so a baby carrier or compact stroller is best.

Luca & Nico’s Tip: Avoid rush hour (7–9 AM & 5–7 PM) when trains are packed, it’s best to travel mid-morning or early afternoon with kids!

2. Packing Tips

• Weather Considerations:
  • Spring & Fall – Light layers, a windproof jacket for cool evenings.
  • Summer – Cooling wipes, a handheld fan, sunscreen, and hats (Tokyo summers are humid!).
  • Winter – Warm layers, gloves, and heat packs (kairo) sold at convenience stores.
• Kid Essentials:
  • Refillable water bottle – Tokyo has free refill stations in parks and shopping centers.
  • Comfortable walking shoes – Tokyo is a walking city, so good sneakers or sandals are a must.
  • Tissues & wet wipes – Some public bathrooms don’t have paper towels.

Luca & Nico’s Tip: Need a quick break? Visit a convenience store (Lawson, FamilyMart, or 7-Eleven) for snacks, drinks, and small kid-friendly treats!

3. Dining Tips

• Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Foods:
  • Ramen – Kid-friendly, mild-flavored, and customizable.
  • Sushi (Kaitenzushi) – Conveyor belt sushi is fun for kids to pick their own plates!
  • Japanese Curry – Sweet and mild, great for picky eaters.
  • Melonpan Ice Cream – A crispy, fluffy sweet bun with cold ice cream inside.
  • Taiyaki – A fish-shaped pastry filled with chocolate or custard.
• Where to Eat with Kids:
  • Depachika (Department Store Food Halls) – Lots of quick meal options in one place.
  • Food courts in shopping malls – Easy meals for picky eaters.
  • Character Cafés (Pokémon Café, Kirby Café) – Fun for anime and gaming fans!

Luca & Nico’s Tip: Many Tokyo restaurants use vending machines to order food, just pick a meal, pay, and hand the ticket to the staff!

4. Timing & Downtime

• Best Times to Visit Attractions:
  • Morning (8–11 AM): Great for popular sites like Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa before crowds arrive.
  • Afternoon (1–4 PM): Perfect for museums, play areas, and river cruises.
  • Evening (5–8 PM): Best for Shibuya, Tokyo Tower, and nighttime city views.
• Where to Take Breaks with Kids:
  • Yoyogi Park – A huge open space great for kids to run around.
  • Shinjuku Gyoen – A quiet park with picnic spots and wide paths for strollers.
  • Tokyo Station Character Street – A fun indoor shopping area filled with anime and game character stores.

Luca & Nico’s Tip: Need a quiet escape? Visit a Japanese sweets café for fluffy soufflé pancakes or matcha parfaits!

FAQs: Traveling to Tokyo with Kids

Planning a family trip to Tokyo? Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask before visiting, along with Luca & Nico’s insider tips to make your trip smooth and fun!

Luca & Nico’s Tip: Want a fun way to order food? Many ramen shops use vending machines, pick your meal, insert cash, and hand the ticket to the staff!

Until Next Time…

After three unforgettable days in Tokyo, it’s time to say goodbye, but only for now! From climbing to the top of Tokyo Skytree and wandering through the neon lights of Akihabara, to meeting samurai in Asakusa and sailing down the Sumida River, Tokyo is a city full of wonder, adventure, and discovery for families.

Whether your little explorers loved visiting teamLab Planets, spotting giant robots in Odaiba, or tasting their first taiyaki in the heart of old Tokyo, this city offers something special for every age and season.

But don’t worry, there’s always more to discover! Next time, take a day trip to Hakone to see Mount Fuji, visit the Ghibli Museum for anime magic, or explore Yanaka’s charming streets for a glimpse of Tokyo’s past. Your next adventure in Japan’s capital is just waiting to begin!

Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~