Things to Do With Kids in Japan

If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday destination, Japan should be at the top of your list. The Land of the Rising Sun is full of amazing activities to keep kids entertained, from its bustling cities to its beautiful countryside. Whether you’re looking for an adventure in Tokyo, a cultural experience in Kyoto or a fun-filled family holiday in the countryside, Japan has plenty to offer. Here are some of the top things to do with kids in Japan.

Explore the Streets of Tokyo

Tokyo is an exciting city for the whole family. From its bright lights and bustling streets to its unique culture, there’s something for everyone in the city. Kids will love exploring the city’s many markets, such as the vibrant Tsukiji Fish Market. Visit the Sensoji temple in Asakusa, where you can watch traditional ceremonies and buy souvenirs. Take a ride on the Yurikamome monorail, which offers spectacular views of Tokyo Bay. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the kids to the Tokyo SkyTree, the world’s tallest tower.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, Tokyo is home to many beautiful parks. Take the kids to Ueno Park, which is home to the Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum. Or explore the gardens of the Imperial Palace, which is a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture. There are also plenty of kid-friendly activities, from karaoke to video arcades.

For a truly unique experience, take the kids to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. This museum is dedicated to the animation studio of the same name, and is full of art, exhibits and interactive activities. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the world of Japanese animation.

Take a Day Trip to Hakone

Hakone is a beautiful mountain town in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It’s the perfect place for a day trip with the family. Take the kids on a boat ride on Lake Ashi, where they can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Or explore the Hakone Open Air Museum, which is full of sculptures and art installations. The museum also has a playground and a petting zoo, so there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, which takes you up the slopes of Mt. Komagatake. At the top you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, or even take a dip in the hot springs. If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, take a stroll around the town and explore the many souvenir shops and local restaurants.

Hakone is also home to the Owakudani Valley, which is full of hot springs and volcanic activity. Kids will love exploring the valley and learning about the unique geology of the area. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a wild monkey or two!

Visit the City of Kyoto

Kyoto is a city full of culture and history, and is the perfect destination for a family holiday. Take the kids to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is full of thousands of red torii gates. Or explore the Golden Pavilion, a beautiful Buddhist temple. Or take a stroll around the Philosopher’s Path, a tranquil path lined with cherry trees.

For a unique experience, take the kids to Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district. Here they can learn about the history of the area, and even spot a geisha or two. Or take the kids to Arashiyama, a beautiful area full of temples, shrines and traditional Japanese gardens. Kids will love exploring the area and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Kyoto is also home to many kid-friendly activities, such as the Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the kids to the Mt. Hiei Cable Car for a spectacular view of the city.

Experience the Countryside of Japan

Japan’s countryside is full of stunning natural beauty and unique experiences. Take the kids to the Shirakawa-go region, where they can explore the traditional villages and learn about traditional Japanese culture. Or explore the countryside of the Kiso Valley, where you can take a train ride through the stunning mountain scenery. You can also take the kids to the Aso Kuju National Park, which is full of volcanic activity and stunning views.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, take the kids to the Oirase Stream, which is full of cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. Or explore the beautiful Sado Island, where you can experience traditional Japanese culture and take a boat ride to the historic Ogi Port. Or take a ride on the Kushiro Shitsugen Train, which takes you through the stunning wetlands of Hokkaido.

Japan’s countryside is also home to many kid-friendly activities, such as the Miyazaki Sheep Farm, where kids can pet and feed the animals. Or take the kids to the Saijo Country Park, which is full of hiking trails and stunning views.

Get Up Close and Personal with Animals

Japan is home to many amazing animals, from the cute and cuddly to the wild and exotic. Take the kids to Ueno Zoo, where they can get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. Or explore the Sumida Aquarium, which is home to many species of fish and marine life. Kids will love seeing the playful sea lions and dolphins, or even taking a dip in the pool with the penguins.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take the kids to the Tama Zoo, which is home to many exotic animals, including tigers, elephants and giraffes. Or take the kids to the Tokyo Sea Life Park, where they can see giant sea turtles, sharks and other fascinating creatures. Or explore the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where the kids can get up close and personal with some of Japan’s native monkeys.

For a truly unique experience, take the kids to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where they can watch the snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the unique wildlife of Japan.

Experience Japanese Cuisine

Japan is famous for its unique cuisine, and is a great place to introduce kids to some new flavours. Take the kids to one of Tokyo’s many ramen restaurants, where they can enjoy a bowl of steaming hot noodles. Or explore the street food markets, where you can find a variety of delicious treats, from takoyaki to taiyaki. Or take the kids to a sushi bar, where they can try some of Japan’s famous raw fish dishes.

If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, take the kids to one of Tokyo’s many kaiten-zushi restaurants, where they can watch the chefs prepare sushi on a conveyor belt. Or explore the many okonomiyaki restaurants, where you can watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you. Kids will love the experience of making their own meal!

For a truly unique experience, take the kids to a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Here they can select their own sushi from a moving conveyor belt, and watch as the chefs prepare their order. It’s a great way to introduce kids to Japanese cuisine.

Try Traditional Japanese Crafts

Japan is full of traditional crafts and activities, which kids will love trying out. Take the kids to a pottery studio, where they can make their own pottery pieces. Or take a paper-making class, where they can learn how to make traditional Japanese paper. Or explore a kimono shop, where they can learn about the history of traditional Japanese dress.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take the kids to a sumo wrestling tournament, where they can watch the ancient sport in action. Or visit a tea ceremony, where they can learn about the history and etiquette of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Or take the kids to a calligraphy class, where they can learn how to write beautiful Japanese characters.

For a truly unique experience, take the kids to a samurai school, where they can learn about the history and customs of the samurai. They can even dress up in samurai armour and take part in traditional sword-fighting exercises!

Visit a Theme Park

Japan is home to many amazing theme parks, which are perfect for a family day out. Take the kids to Tokyo Disneyland, where they can explore the many rides and attractions. Or explore Universal Studios Japan, where kids can experience the world of movies and television. Or take the kids to Tokyo Dome City, where they can enjoy the many rides and attractions, from roller coasters to water slides.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take the kids to Fuji-Q Highland, which is home to some of the world’s most thrilling roller coasters. Or explore the Tokyo Joypolis, where kids can experience the world of virtual reality. Or take the kids to the Ghibli Museum, which is full of interactive exhibits and activities, perfect for the whole family.

Experience Japanese Culture

Japan is full of unique cultural experiences, from its traditional festivals to its vibrant nightlife. Take the kids to a traditional Japanese festival, such as the Gion Matsuri, where they can watch a parade of floats and dancers. Or explore a kabuki theatre, where they can watch a traditional Japanese stage performance. Or take the kids to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where they can learn about the history and customs of the tea ceremony.

For a unique experience, take the kids to a sumo wrestling tournament, where they can watch the ancient sport in action. Or visit a karaoke bar, where they can sing their hearts out. Or explore the streets of Tokyo at night, where they can experience the vibrant nightlife of the city.

Take a Trip to Okinawa

Okinawa is a beautiful island in the south of Japan, and is the perfect destination for a family holiday. Take the kids to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which is home to some of the world’s most fascinating marine life, from whale sharks to manta rays. Or explore the Okinawa World Heritage Site, which is full of ancient castles, tombs and villages. Kids will love exploring the area and learning about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take the kids to the Okinawa Zoo, which is full of exotic animals, from tigers to elephants. Or take a boat ride to the Blue Cave, where you can explore the unique limestone formations. Or explore the Okinawa World Heritage Site, where you can experience traditional Ryukyu culture and architecture.

Okinawa is also home to many kid-friendly activities, such as the Okinawa World Heritage Adventure Park, which is full of rides and attractions. Or take the kids to the Okinawa Prefectural Museum, where they can learn about the history and culture of the island. Or explore the Okinawa Cultural and Historical Museum, which is full of traditional art and artifacts.

Visit a Hot Spring

Japan is full of natural hot springs, which are perfect for a family trip. Take the kids to one of the many onsen in Tokyo, where they can relax in the hot springs and take in the stunning views. Or explore the nearby towns of Hakone and Kusatsu, where you can enjoy the hot springs and take in the stunning mountain scenery. Or take the kids to the Beppu hot springs, which is full of traditional Japanese inns and hot springs.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take the kids to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where they can watch the snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs. Or explore the Kusatsu Onsen, which is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan. Or take the kids to the Noboribetsu Onsen, which is full of unique hot springs and activities, such as the Bear Park and the Hell Valley.

Conclusion

Japan is a great destination for a family holiday, with plenty of activities and experiences to keep the kids entertained. From exploring the streets of Tokyo to taking a trip to Okinawa, there’s something for everyone in Japan. Kids will love exploring the bustling cities, taking boat rides on Lake Ashi, visiting the Ghibli Museum and trying out traditional Japanese crafts. And don’t forget to take the kids to a hot spring, where they can experience the unique natural beauty of Japan.