Those who follow our adventures know it, between Japan and us, it’s a long love story. Since our duo has changed into a tribe, we have kept traveling to Japan, with kids. Pros and cons, surprises -good ones, bad ones-, discover what to expect when traveling in Tokyo with kids. Hai!

As they say : ‘I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list’. I’ve seen places, and so far only two cities have stood up like no other: New York and Tokyo. Anyone who has been there will agree : Tokyo is unique. The colours, the neons, the temples, the cat cafes, the cherry trees, the karaokes, the people -I tell you all about it in my itinerary for a 5 days trip in Tokyo. Now let’s talk about a trip in Tokyo… with kids. Yep, that’s another story. During my recent trip with Noah, I’ve seen some of you parents wondering if it’s worth it, if it’s a struggle, what to do with kids in Tokyo… Well, pack your Hello Kitty backpacks and get ready for a fun city trip!

Traveling in Tokyo with kids : what to expect ?

I’ve received many messages of fellow dads and mamas asking me how to deal with kids when traveling in Tokyo. When I visited the city with my one year old son a few years ago, I remember struggling with transports, and with an impossible “must-do list” to accomplish with a tired little one. So when I decided to travel to Tokyo with a kid again (he was two and a half this time), I’ve chosen to take another path. No trains nor subway, a bike equipped with a baby seat like the locals, and more quality time. And it was close to PERFECTION.

tokyo with kids : FOOD, food, food

There are so many clichés about the food in Japan -no, it’s NOT all raw fish! Barbecue skewers, rice, fried veggies, noodle soup, fish balls, there are plenty of things to please your little ones. Although, if you’re traveling with a baby just starting to eat solids, you might want to plan ahead and pack some baby purees. I remember struggling to find some, and ending up buying a weird Japanese baby food -I say weird because of the aspect -which looked a bit like cat food-, and because, since it was all written in Japanese, I had no idea what was in it. But… Noah surprisingly loved it! And that’s all that matter, isn’t it? If you can’t get your kids happy with Japanese food, you can be sure you’ll always find something in a 7 Eleven -such as some chocolate koalas or mushrooms, to name a few classics.

One thing to keep in mind is the size of some restaurants -the cutest one are often the most tiny ones. And when I say tiny, it means basically a small corridor with stools and a bar. No way you can fit a stroller there -not even a Yoyo. Best option is to take a baby carrier rather than a stroller when you plan to go to a restaurant. Oh and it’s not a myth : Japanese people can be very discreet and respectful, so some restaurants can be really quiet. Which is perfect when your kid decides to throw a tantrum But that’s another story for another time maybe.

Tokyo with kids : public transports

If most subway stations in Tokyo are equipped with a lift, it can be a real pain in the b*tt to find them, then to wait for an empty one to hop in. And don’t get me started with Tokyo subway during peak hours. If your lil’ one is still light enough, a baby carrier is one of the best options. Even better : the bus! Much nicer, you see more of the city, you’re with the locals and you avoid all the stairs. To find how to get wherever you want to go, you can simply use the itineraries in Google Maps.

The best way to explore Tokyo with kids (or even without) ? Rent a bike ! The city is pretty flat, the weather often sunny, and big plus : you’ll really feel like a Tokyoïte. You’ll find large cycle tracks all around the city. Great for you… or your kid to pedal.

Tokyo with kids : the musts

There’s plenty to do, but what will please the kids as much as the parents? Here are some ideas of what to do with kids in Tokyo.

Tokyo Toy Museum : Three floors of old wooden toys from all around the world, for kids from 6 months old. Beautiful discovery, with a lovely staff.
Yoyogi Park -or any other park : there’re a lot of parks to explore in Tokyo, great way to discover the Japanese gardens, have a picnic or a nap under a tree, while the kids play around.
The playgrounds ! They are everywhere, you can spot them on Google Maps. A good way to buy some time with the kids between two discoveries.
Hakuhinkan : 7 floors of toys, a heaven for the kids… which can, let’s say it, quickly escalate into a nightmare for the parents, depending of your kids. We love it! Kiddyland, in Omotesando, is another option, less interesting in my opinion.
Cat Cafes : if your kids are old enough, you’re in for a great coffee break ! But most of the cat cafe (or owl, dog, or even pig cafe) only accept kids from 6 years old.
Legoland : Noah almost collapsed when he saw the mini Tokyo built in Legos. Cool option for a rainy day.
Digital Art Museum : A beauty for the senses ! Even when he was only a year old, Noah was crazy about this exhibition!
Disneyland Tokyo : Of course that’s a tempting option. Unfortunately we had to cancel our visit there because of the virus, so all I can say it that I’ve heard a lot of good things about this park.
Odaiba Yurikamome line : Take the seat in the front of the train and let your kids pretend they’re driving the train!

Tokyo with kids : the flight

I’ve been flying with kids for more than two years, with many different airlines, and I’ve been surprised by the service with the local airline ANA. The staff is the most helpful I’ve ever met, to carry my bag all the way to the plane or to calm down my baby when he gets too upset -or at least, desperately try to.

tokyo with kids : the accommodation

We know it : Tokyo is not cheap. And of course, the accommodation often represents a big part of your budget. If you have the enough money, there are two types of accommodation you should try when traveling in Tokyo with kids : a capsule hotel -ok, maybe not with a baby, but with kids from around 6 years old, it’s a thrill! And a ryokan of course. It’s a traditional house, where you’ll have a big room with tatamis. And you’ll even have kimonos to wear on the evening for the absolute experience.