Japan offers an extraordinary range of experiences for children — from deer that bow on demand in Nara to bullet trains that cross the country in two hours, from immersive digital art museums to centuries-old temple festivals. The challenge is not finding things for children to do in Japan. It is choosing well.
This guide covers the best family-friendly attractions city by city, with honest assessments of what works for which age groups.
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Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa — All Ages
Tokyo’s oldest temple is one of Japan’s most visually dramatic sites. The Kaminarimon gate, the giant lantern, the incense smoke, the Nakamise shopping street with its rows of traditional snacks and souvenirs — all of it creates an atmosphere that engages children immediately. Arrive before 8:30am for dramatically fewer crowds. Free to visit the grounds; small admission for inner buildings.
Ueno Zoo — Under 12
Japan’s oldest zoo, located within the large Ueno Park. Giant pandas are the main draw — Japan has a long and celebrated relationship with its panda population. The zoo covers a wide range of animals and is well-maintained. Combined with a walk through Ueno Park, it makes a full and easy family day. Free for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult (Tokyo residents); small admission for others.
teamLab Planets — All Ages
One of Japan’s most remarkable modern experiences. teamLab Planets is an immersive digital art museum in Toyosu where visitors walk through water, among floating flowers, and into rooms where the boundary between physical and digital space dissolves. It is genuinely extraordinary for adults, and consistently one of the most memorable Japan experiences for children. Book tickets well in advance — it sells out regularly. Separate children’s area available.
Shibuya Crossing — All Ages
The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. It costs nothing to experience, takes five minutes, and is one of those Japan moments that stays with visitors. Watch several cycles from above (the Mag’s Park observation area or the Scramble Square viewing platform offer the best angles), then cross on foot. The surrounding Shibuya area is excellent for older children and teenagers.
Akihabara — Ages 8 and Up
Tokyo’s electronics and anime culture district. Multi-story shops dedicated to manga, anime merchandise, video games, and electronics. For children with any interest in Japanese pop culture, this is genuinely exciting. For parents, it is at minimum a fascinating window into a distinct aspect of modern Japan.
Odaiba — All Ages
A man-made island in Tokyo Bay accessible by the elevated Yurikamome monorail — a journey children enjoy. teamLab Borderless (a separate, larger teamLab venue) is located here, along with a waterfront area, shopping, and views of Rainbow Bridge. A full and relaxed family day with minimal logistical complexity.
Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — All Ages
One of Japan’s most iconic images: a pathway running through towering bamboo, the stalks creating a green canopy overhead. The effect is genuinely otherworldly, particularly in the early morning. Combine with Tenryu-ji Temple garden — one of Kyoto’s finest — immediately adjacent. Arrive before 8:30am for dramatically reduced crowds.
Iwatayama Monkey Park — All Ages
A 20-minute uphill walk from Arashiyama leads to a hillside park where wild Japanese macaques roam freely. The monkeys can be fed from inside a small feeding station (reversed zoo — you are inside, the monkeys are outside). The view over Kyoto from the summit is excellent. Universally loved by children.
Fushimi Inari Shrine — All Ages
Thousands of red torii gates create a tunnel winding up a forested mountain. One of Japan’s most photographed sites — and for good reason. The full trail takes 2–3 hours; most families with young children walk the lower, densest section and return. This takes 30–45 minutes and is entirely satisfying. Arrive before 8:00am.
Nishiki Market — All Ages
Kyoto’s covered food market — known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” — is a five-block-long covered arcade packed with food stalls, specialty shops, and tasting opportunities. Walking and grazing through Nishiki with children is one of the most enjoyable and low-effort Kyoto activities. Free to walk through; individual tastings from a few hundred yen.
Tea Ceremony Experience — Ages 6 and Up
A private tea ceremony — available at multiple locations throughout Kyoto — is a genuinely memorable family experience. Quiet, participatory, and educational. Children who engage with the process (whisking their own matcha, eating wagashi sweets) tend to remember it vividly.
Nara
Nara Park and the Deer — All Ages
The single best family attraction in Japan for younger children, and competitive with anything in the country for all age groups. Approximately 1,200 freely roaming sacred deer inhabit Nara Park. They approach visitors, accept food from hands, and — through generations of interaction — have learned to bow when offered shika senbei (deer crackers available from vendors throughout the park). The experience of a three-year-old being approached by a bowing deer is not easily forgotten.
Todai-ji Temple — All Ages
The world’s largest wooden building, housing Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue. The scale is impressive to children and adults alike. Within the grounds, a stone pillar with a small hole at its base — said to be the same size as the Buddha’s nostril — is a traditional challenge: those who can squeeze through are said to receive enlightenment. Most children attempt this with enthusiasm.
Osaka
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan — All Ages
One of the world’s largest aquariums, built around a central Pacific Ocean tank containing whale sharks. A full and immersive experience for children of all ages. Plan for 2–3 hours minimum.
Dotonbori — Ages 5 and Up
Osaka’s entertainment district along the canal. The illuminated signs, the street food, the general energy of the area — particularly in the evening — is distinctive and engaging for older children. The famous Glico running man sign is the most photographed spot. Street food (takoyaki octopus balls, kushikatsu skewers, crepes) is a natural family activity.
Osaka Castle — All Ages
A reconstructed castle in large, attractive grounds. The castle museum inside tells Osaka’s history. The grounds are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season. The castle tower offers views over the city. Easy, accessible, and appropriate for all ages.
Hakone
Hakone Open Air Museum — All Ages
A sculpture park set against the backdrop of Hakone’s mountains. The children’s area is one of the best dedicated family spaces in any Japanese museum — including a large climbing frame sculpture, hands-on art activities, and an outdoor playground. The Picasso pavilion houses a significant collection. One of Japan’s most underrated family attractions.
Romancecar Train — All Ages
The scenic private train service between Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto runs through mountain valleys alongside a rushing river. The front-car view from certain Romancecar services is particularly impressive. Most children enjoy the journey itself.
Planning Around Attractions
The best Japan family itineraries build attractions into a sensible daily structure — not a checklist to rush through. Two or three well-chosen experiences per day, with rest built in, produces a far better trip than six rushed visits.
At Jatravi, we plan Japan family itineraries around the specific ages and interests of your children — not a standard list of must-see sites. The difference is significant.
Not sure what kind of trip suits your family? Take our free 2-minute quiz →
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Japan with kids?
Feeding the freely roaming deer in Nara Park is the single most universally loved Japan experience for children of all ages. The deer bow when offered food, approach visitors freely, and create moments that children remember for years. teamLab Planets in Tokyo is a close second — an immersive digital art experience unlike anything else.
Is Disneyland Tokyo worth it for a Japan family trip?
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are excellent parks. However, for most families visiting Japan specifically for the first time, dedicating a full day to a theme park available in other countries is worth weighing against uniquely Japanese experiences. If your children are theme park fans, DisneySea in particular offers attractions not available at other Disney parks globally.
Is teamLab suitable for young children?
Yes. teamLab Planets in Tokyo has a dedicated children’s area and is suitable for children of all ages including toddlers. The experience involves walking through water (up to mid-calf depth in one section) — bring a change of socks or wear sandals. Book tickets well in advance as it frequently sells out.
Is Fushimi Inari suitable for children?
The lower section of Fushimi Inari — the densest, most photogenic tunnel of torii gates — is easily walkable for children and takes 30–45 minutes return. The full trail to the summit takes 2–3 hours and is not recommended for young children or elderly visitors. The lower section alone is entirely satisfying.
What is the best area of Tokyo for families?
Asakusa is the most family-friendly area of Tokyo for a base — walkable, historically interesting, close to Ueno Zoo and Ueno Park, with a relaxed atmosphere and good variety of family restaurants. Shinjuku offers more central access to the wider city but is more intense in atmosphere.
Continue Reading
- ← Japan with Kids Guide
- Japan Family Travel Guide (Hub)
- Japan with Toddlers
- Japan with Kids: Transport, Food & Packing Guide
- 10-Day Japan Family Itinerary
- Multi-Generational Japan Travel Guide
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