Our family, including children aged 6 and 9, had the chance to explore Tokyo during the March school holidays. We spent an unforgettable week visiting numerous family-friendly sites and engaging in various activities. In this article, we will provide an overview of our trip and some information about the places we visited to assist you in planning your family adventure.
Day 1 – Arriving in Tokyo and Exploring Asakusa
We landed at Tokyo Narita Airport early in the morning and promptly purchased our Skyliner and Tokyo Subway tickets. After breakfast at the airport, we boarded the train to Ueno Station. Although Google Maps estimated a 15-minute walk to our accommodation, we took a 45-minute stroll, frequently stopping to enjoy the city’s sights.
Our accommodation was beautiful, and the host kindly let us check in early. After resting, we set out for Asakusa, enjoying the pleasant weather, snacks, and lunch. Asakusa delighted the children with its variety of snacks, sights, and even an animal café where they played with rabbits and hedgehogs.
Asakusa, a historic district in Tokyo, is renowned for its well-preserved atmosphere and the iconic Senso-ji Temple. We explored Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street offering traditional Japanese goods and snacks. Asakusa also provides various cultural experiences, such as rickshaw rides and traditional performing arts.
In the evening, we experienced the famous Shibuya crossing.
Day 2 – Ueno Park Cherry Blossoms and TeamLab Planets at Odaiba
We were fortunate to witness the cherry blossoms at Ueno Park, even if they were not in full bloom. Ueno Park, located in Tokyo, is a popular destination for its stunning cherry blossoms and numerous cultural institutions. The park offers a serene setting for relaxation, recreation, and exploration of its museums, historical sites, and the oldest zoo in Japan.
After lunch in the park, we visited Odaiba’s TeamLab Planets, an interactive museum featuring four large-scale artwork spaces and two gardens designed by the art collective teamLab. The immersive exhibits allowed us to walk through the water and become one with the flowers.
Day 3 – DisneySea Adventure
Planning is crucial for a trip to Disneysea. We travelled to Maihama Station and took the Disney Resort Train to DisneySea. The park was bustling with visitors, making for an exciting day of family fun.
Day 4 – Disneyland Excursion
Disneyland is easily accessible by foot from Maihama train station. We suggest purchasing your return train ticket upon arrival at Maihama to avoid the evening rush. You can read my post on Disneyland here.
Day 5 – Ginza, Pokémon Center, and Tokyo Tower
We strolled through Ginza, indulging in some shopping, and took the kids to the Pokémon Center in Takashimaya, which they loved. Later in the evening, we visited the iconic Tokyo Tower.
At 333 meters tall, Tokyo Tower is an iconic symbol of Japan’s capital city and serves as a communications and observation tower. The tower features two observation decks, which offer panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji. Tokyo Tower is illuminated at night, creating a stunning visual landmark in the cityscape.
Day 6 – Day Trip to Hakone
We embarked on a day trip to Hakone, taking a Shinkansen to Odawara and visiting the Odawara Castle.
Odawara Castle, located in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a historic fortress dating back to the 15th century. Once the stronghold of the powerful Hojo clan, the castle has been meticulously restored and now houses a museum showcasing artefacts and exhibits related to the castle’s history. Visitors can climb to the castle’s main keep, which offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area, including Sagami Bay and the Hakone mountains.
Afterwards, we took two more trains to Hakone, where we were lucky enough to see Mount Fuji both during our Shinkansen ride and at Hakone, including taking a pirate ship!
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, also known as the “pirate ship,” is a popular tourist attraction that offers scenic cruises on Lake Ashi in Hakone, Japan. These uniquely designed ships, inspired by medieval pirate vessels, provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lush forests, and, on clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji. The cruise serves as both an enjoyable and relaxing experience for us and a convenient mode of transportation between key sightseeing spots around the lake.
Day 7 – Cherry Blossoms and Shopping Spree
We visited Chidorigafuchi Park to admire more cherry blossoms. The Pak is a beautiful green space known for its picturesque moat with hundreds of cherry trees. During sakura season (late March to early April), the park becomes a popular spot for hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, attracting both locals and tourists. Visitors can also enjoy leisurely boat rides on the moat, taking in the scenic views of the park and its surroundings.
After visiting the park, we explored the surrounding areas, including Itoya, a stationery shop, and the Sony Centre, where we met Aibo, the robot dog.
Day 8 – Tsukiji Outer Market and Farewell Dinner
We spent our last day in Tokyo at the Tsukiji Outer Market, indulging in various culinary delights. Tsukiji Market, formerly located in Tokyo’s Chuo City, was the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market, renowned for its early morning tuna auctions and bustling atmosphere. Although the wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji’s Outer Market remains a popular destination for visitors to explore various food stalls, restaurants, and shops offering seafood, fresh produce, and other culinary delights. The Outer Market provides a unique and lively experience, allowing visitors to indulge in delicious street food and traditional Japanese dishes.
Our trip concluded with a fabulous farewell dinner at Kani Douraku Shinjuku, where we enjoyed Alaskan crab. Kani Douraku is a famous Japanese restaurant specializing in crab dishes, with numerous locations across Japan. Known for its eye-catching signage featuring a large, mechanical crab, the restaurant offers a diverse menu showcasing crab species prepared in various styles, such as grilled, boiled, and sashimi.
Dining at Kani Douraku provides an unforgettable culinary experience, allowing us to savour the rich flavours and textures of high-quality crab dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere.