I have created this three week Japan itinerary as I want to share our favourite things to do in Japan as a family. I like to focus on special slow travel moments with that perfect mix of old and new Japan. Within this itinerary, I make sure to weave in playground "wriggle time" and little niche experiences that you may not have known about before travelling to Japan. I also believe that meal times are an important part of the Japan plan -food experiences* in Japan can open little and big eyes to so much about Japan as a country but also cultural differences and even some small Japanese language opportunities. *I have also included as many "picky eater" alternatives as possible while drafting out this itinerary for families. My tip if you have super dooper fussy eaters ? Feed kids what they want to eat for an early dinner first and then take them with you to the restaurant that the adults want to try and order the kids rice, fries or dessert and give them some colouring or sticker books from the 100 yen shop so the grown ups have a chance to indulge. EVERY restaurant I mention in this itinerary welcomes children. Feel free to chop and change this itinerary to suit your travel needs and budget or even just take on one day of one city in particular. Ok. Well! I'm so excited for you to let me boss you around and make your Japan family holiday easier and even more magical ! *in order to make moving around as easy as possible - I recommend using the luggage forwarding system in Japan for every second hotel and moving with just carry on luggage while on the bullet train etc* (I have links how to do this through the itinerary.)
宿泊
全乗客の目的地間JR路線乗り放題。グリーン車は1等席へのアップグレードです。
宿泊
東京
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So central (just a minute or two from Shibuya Crossing). Incredible facilities and an amazing buffet breakfast.

Perfect for families who would like an apartment style hotel with a kitchenette and a swimming pool. Higher price point but also SO worth it.

My favourite hotel to recommend to families staying in Tokyo. Great area with the park and swan boats nearby. Spacious rooms with kitchenettes and bunk beds. A public bath on the top floor ( no swimsuits allowed, of course.)

Higher end business hotel. Extremely family friendly area. Public bath on the top floor (no swimsuits allowed, of course.)

Close to the station and so easy to get everywhere. It's on the Yamanote line. Spacious rooms with bunks and kitchenettes.

Quieter quaint area but still on the Yamanote line so it's so easy to get everywhere. Big hotel rooms for Japan and some suites for families with kitchens too.
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You made it! Now to settle in and start exploring !
I always believe that the first day can really set the scene for the rest of the Japan holiday. So, let's make sure everyone in the family gets the vibe - "Whoa - ok. We are really in Japan now!" Today is "big city" day. Time to go a convenience store and everyone chooses at least one snack. See our Japanese convenience store favourite items at thetokyochapter.com if you'd like to see pictures of what we like and also for help on buying different types of milk etc. When it is time to head out - I recommend starting with Shibuya .
日本、〒150-0042 東京都渋谷区宇田川町21
Cross the crossing. Take in the signs, the sounds, see the amount of people heading off to work? I have pictures of us visiting Shibuya Crossing with kids here. thetokyochapter.com/shibuya-crossing-with-kids
日本、〒150-0042 東京都渋谷区宇田川町22−2 1F
Walk to Nishimura Fruits Parlor - just to look at the expensive fancy fruit prices through the window (no touching!) These are some posh produce !
日本、〒150-0041 東京都渋谷区神南1丁目23−10
Head up to Mag's Park for incredible views of Shibuya Crossing. No need to purchase tickets ahead of time (on the day is fine.)
日本、〒150-0043 東京都渋谷区道玄坂2丁目29−1
If someone in the family is keen to see or purchase some colourful, wacky cheap and cheerful fashion then this is the place for you! Floors and floors of teen fashion (this store if for women but there is a men's equivalent also close by.)
日本、〒150-0046 東京都渋谷区松濤2丁目10−7
If kids are needing some park time, this is a simple neighbourhood playground. There are public restrooms here too.
日本、〒150-0043 東京都渋谷区道玄坂2丁目29−11 第六セントラルビル 1階
Go here for an affordable sushi train restaurant. Kids can order on the ipad. Very casual and is easy with kids. They have options that are closer to Western Sushi options (cooked chicken or beef burgers inside sushi rolls as well as the more traditional raw fish options.). They have high chairs here. No need for reservation. Less crowded before midday and after 1:30pm.
日本、〒150-0042 東京都渋谷区宇田川町25−4 5階
A lunch alternative to a sushi train. This is an okonomiyaki and yakisoba restaurant. Each table has it's own teppan hot plate and the staff will help you cook your own! See here for tips on how to order a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki. thetokyochapter.com/how-to-order-a-vegetarian-okonomiyaki-in-japanese Make a reservation here using google or tabelog.
日本、〒150-0002 東京都渋谷区渋谷1丁目23−21 渋谷キャスト GF 1F
For families who would prefer to eat italian-fusion food: I recommend The Rigoletto. They are happy to do half & half pizzas and have several vegan and gluten free dishes. Please note there is a service charge of 440 yen per person if dining here after 5pm. Best to make a reservation but you can also try for a walk-in.
日本、〒150-0042 東京都渋谷区宇田川町31−2 渋谷 6F
Lunch or dinner suggestion: all you can eat meat and veg sukiyaki and shabu shabu. Includes all you can drink soft-drink and desserts like ice-cream too! They have high chairs. Sooo kid-friendly and the staff are so kind.
日本、〒150-0042 東京都渋谷区宇田川町20−15
After lunch, walk to the famous Disney store in Shibuya. Warning: there are lots of stairs between floors here - but kids are so excited by the set up that they rarely are bothered. Each section of the store is decorated so beautifully. See for pictures of our visits to the Disney Store in Shibuya thetokyochapter.com/that-tokyo-disney-store-in-shibuya
日本、〒150-0041 東京都渋谷区神南1丁目21−3 渋谷モディ 8F
For a fun afternoon activity, head to Rainbow Karaoke for a family karaoke session in your own private room. One room even has a full drum kit! Order drinks and fries or ice-cream from the phone in your room. I explain how to make the most of karaoke time with kids here. thetokyochapter.com/how-to-take-kids-to-karaoke-in-japan This is also a fabulous RAINY DAY activity. Read more about Rainbow Karaoke here. thetokyochapter.com/rainbow-karaoke-in-shibuya
日本、〒150-0042 東京都渋谷区宇田川町21−7 渋谷ガーデンビル
Follow directions to this restaurant but NOT for the food. Instead, look up ! Check out the 3D panda billboard! This is right near Shibuya Crossing.
日本、〒150-0043 東京都渋谷区道玄坂1丁目12−1 渋谷マークシティ 1階
Pop in here to buy some 100 yen toys to play with in the park tomorrow and some stickers and colouring books to use in restaurants.
日本、〒150-8377 東京都渋谷区宇田川町15−1 渋谷PARCO 6F
If still going strong, walk on further to the Pokemon Store. Warning : this place can be busy on weekends. Here is all my info on cool places to visit in Japan for Pokemon fans. thetokyochapter.com/for-pokemon-fans-in-japan-where-to-buy-pokemon-cards-in-japan
日本、〒150-0042 東京都渋谷区宇田川町30−3 アトラス渋谷ビル 2F
Dinner suggestion. Casual gyoza, fried chicken or fried rice. Also open for lunch.
日本、〒150-0042 東京都渋谷区宇田川町6丁目23−13−7 コヤスワン5F
A Japanese izakaya that welcomes children. All diners have their own private rooms and a bell to order more food. Like most izakaya in Japan, the idea is to order lots of little dishes to share over the time. you are there. No need to order everything at the start. Have some, order again or order more of something different. For fussy eaters? They also have fried chicken and fries. See here for images of our visits to this izakaya, as a family, including how to find this spots. thetokyochapter.com/restaurants-for-dinner-with-kids-in-shibuya
日本、〒150-0041 東京都渋谷区神南1丁目19−3 ハイマンテン神南ビル 2F
A western food option for families. It is just across the road from the Pokemon Centre.
日本、〒150-0031 東京都渋谷区桜ヶ丘3−4 渋谷サクラステージ SAKURAサイド1F
High end sushi / omakase with children. Sushi Hicho is just so so beautiful. They do allow children but the restaurant is small (only seats 24) so, for me, I would only feel comfortable bringing a sleeping baby in a stroller or carrier or a child old enough to sit quietly and eat and enjoy the sushi and sashimi. Please budget 8000 yen per person at lunch time and more like 15,000 yen for dinner. They accept most major credit cards. See the full menu at Sushi Hicho here. This is a non-smoking restaurant. As with all high end sushi restaurants, customers are asked to not wear any perfume or cologne. Read here about taking children to high end / omakase dining in Japan thetokyochapter.com/kid-friendly-sushi-restaurants-with-omakase-courses
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A city day with lots of time for play and green space
Best to have a stroller for this day. I also recommend download the mamapap map app in order to know all of the restrooms and baby change spaces in the area.
日本、〒151-0052 東京都渋谷区代々木神園町2−1
Start the day at Yoyogi Park for a run around and a play. Take a pack of Japanese bubble wands, yoyos, kites or ball games for kids from the 100 yen store. Take a breakfast picnic using convenience store options (suggestions here thetokyochapter.com/what-snacks-can-i-get-for-kids-while-on-the-go) or grab treats from The Little Bakery Tokyo first (opens at 9am) There are also kiosks throughout the park with some simple snack options. It is also possible to rent bicycles for the whole family here - including kids bikes, tandem bikes and parent & child mamachari electric bikes in Yoyogi Park with prices starting at 100 yen. Google "Yoyogi Park Cycling Center" to find the pick up location.
日本、〒151-8557 東京都渋谷区代々木神園町1−1
Take a walk from Yoyogi Park to Meiji Shrine. The entrance is next to the park but there is a lovely leafy green walk into the shrine (best to have a stroller.) Keep an eye out for Japanese weddings being held here - especially on weekends. Read here for more information and images of our visits to Meiji Jingu here. thetokyochapter.com/fun-for-kidlets-around-meiji-shrine
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1丁目 竹下通り
Take a walk down the busy Takeshita Street (make sure kids have used the bathroom before you begin.) This is a great place for children to spend their travel money on little knick-knacks. It's touristy here but it's also fun. I lots of images and more info on our favourite places to visit on this street and in the nearby area here thetokyochapter.com/the-harajuku-omotesando-area-with-kids
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1丁目17−5 B1
Take photo booth stickers here as a family. Make sure you have cash for this. Let kids do all the decorations and push the buttons and insert coins etc. These stickers make for wonderful keepsakes.
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1丁目16−7
A store that specialises in squishy toys - many of them are shaped like popular Japanese foods and snacks.
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1丁目16−5 Ryuあぱるとまん 2F
Stop at Totti Candy Factory for giant fairy floss / cotton candy.
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1丁目3−12
If kids need a wriggle at the end of the street, this toy shop has a small slide and climbing frame out front.
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前6丁目35−3
Lunch suggestion: Kid-friendly hand-rolled sushi restaurant (they can also do cauliflower rice). Try the Shrimp Tempura Nori Temaki ! I have more information on this restaurant and lots of photos here. thetokyochapter.com/brand-new-gonpachi-nori-temaki-sushi-restaurant-harajuku
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1丁目10−37 CASCADE HARAJUKU1F B1
Alternative lunch option: Modern Mexican. Kid-friendly.
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1丁目10−37 2F
Visit Lola's cupcakes after lunch for a takeaway treat.
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前4丁目5−12 セピア原宿ビル 1F
Fresh salads, soups, fresh juice. Lots of vegetarian and vegan meals.
日本、〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前6丁目1−9
Time for some toy and souvenir shopping. This toy store has floors and floors of goodies to check out. Take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down.
日本、〒107-0052 東京都港区赤坂1丁目 桜坂
Time for park time ! One of my children's favourite park's is Sakurazaka (aka Robot Park). It's possible to take a train from Harajuku but, with kids, I recommend just jumping in a taxi as it will just take 11 mins to get there. There is a public toilet across the road. Visit Bricolage Bread & Co nearby for treats to eat while kids play on all of the colourful slides and the big rollerslide. See photos of this beautiful playground here. thetokyochapter.com/robot-park-roppongi
日本、〒106-6108 東京都港区六本木6丁目10−1
Visit the small urban Japanese garden "Mohri Garden" for a few pictures. It is especially beautiful in Spring and Autumn.
日本、〒106-0032 東京都港区六本木6丁目11−1 六本木ヒルズ 六本木 けやき坂通り
After the park, go to the Tsutaya Bookstore with a big Starbucks inside. There is also a children's reading section.
日本、〒106-0032 東京都港区六本木6丁目10−1 六本木ヒルズ ヒルサイド B1
Walk into the Roppongi Hills Shopping Complex and visit this dog and cat salon and watch these fancy pets having their baths (there is a pet store right here too.)
日本、〒106-6108 東京都港区六本木6丁目10−1
Visit the free playspace for babies and children 6 and under on the B2 floor of the Roppongi Hills Complex. There are also nursing rooms, changing spaces and toys and books for children to play with. In case you can't find it - it's right near the Bornelund and Lego stores.
日本、〒106-0032 東京都港区六本木6丁目10−1
Take the escalator up to see the Maman Spider Statue at Roppongi Hills. There is also a fabulous view of Tokyo Tower from here - makes for beautiful family photos. You can also go up to the Mori Tower observation deck on the 52nd floor here too, if you'd like.
日本、〒106-0032 東京都港区六本木6丁目4−1 ヒルズ ハリウッドビューティプラザ 1F
Dinner suggestion: Pizza & Pasta. They have high chairs. Gluten free pasta is an option. There is a kids menu. This is my daughter's favourite pasta in the world. Best to make a reservation and also bring stickers and colouring for kids for while waiting for food. This place has excellent customer service and feels a bit "fancy."
日本、〒106-0031 東京都港区西麻布1丁目13−11
Alternative dinner suggestion: Gonpachi (aka the Kill Bill restaurant.) Make a reservation. They have high chairs. I have more information on this restaurant -including pictures here thetokyochapter.com/gonpachi-aka-the-kill-bill-restaurant-nishi-azabu
日本、〒106-0032 東京都港区六本木6丁目4−1 ヒルズメトロハット/ハリウッドプラザ B2F
Alternative (and more casual) dinner suggestion: Ramen! Watch toddlers around hot bowls of noodles in soup, though - as all seating is counter seating. They also serve gyoza. There are 2 Afuri branches in Roppongi so you can google your closest one of the two. No reservations here. Card only payments accepted.
東京
The Themepark with the jobs for kids & Team Lab Planets
This is easier day logistically for parents as all of the activities are in one spot. A large portion of the day is spent indoors - making it a lovely day of respite from the cold, hot or rainy weather. It is an early start but the day can wrap up nice and early for an early bedtime. *Pack shorts for everyone for the Team Lab Planets portion of the day.

東京
Even if taxi is an option is STILL recommend taking the Yurikamome (monorail style train). Make sure you're waiting for the front carriage - as it's an unmanned train, kids get a fab view of the tracks while moving and kids feel like they are driving. My kids LOVE it. I have pictures of my children riding the Yurikamome (at the front) here. thetokyochapter.com/odaiba-with-kids Get off at Toyosu Station.
日本、〒135-8614 東京都江東区豊洲2丁目4−9 3F アーバンドック ららぽーと豊洲1 ノースポート
Reserve the morning shift at Kidzania ahead of time. I have written in detail about this indoor amusement park where children get to try lots of different jobs here. thetokyochapter.com/kidzania-tokyo Kidzania is located inside Lalaport Shopping Complex. Eat lunch at the restaurants inside Kidzania or at the food court on the ground floor inside Lalaport Toyosu (there is fast food, ramen, KFC etc.) You will exit Kidzania between 2-3pm.
日本、〒135-0061 東京都江東区豊洲2丁目3−6
Time for some free play and downtime. This park and playground also has a splash pad in the summer months. This is a lovely big park full of lots of local children playing. See pictures of this park and the play equipment etc. here. thetokyochapter.com/where-to-go-before-or-after-team-lab-planets

東京
Reserve Team Lab Planets ahead of time for a 4:30pm session. I have written about how we make the most of our time at Team Lab Planets here. thetokyochapter.com/team-lab-dmm-planets

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Alternative to Team Lab Planets, visit Small Worlds Tokyo (for kids who like to see a museum of miniatures.) I have written in detail about small worlds here. thetokyochapter.com/small-worlds-odaiba Have a look through and see if it appeals?
日本、〒135-0061 東京都江東区豊洲2丁目2−1 アーバンドックららぽーと豊洲3 1F
Dinner suggestion: Colourful salads, kids plates with a free toy included. My kids love the pancakes here - especially as they come with a chocolate pen for decorating your own meal. I have pictures of my kids loving Aloha Table in this article here. thetokyochapter.com/where-to-go-before-or-after-team-lab-planets
日本、〒135-0061 東京都江東区豊洲2丁目2−1 アーバンドック ららぽーと豊洲3 1F
Alternative dinner suggestion: French, Italian-Japanese fusion. They have high chairs. Popular on weekends.
日本、〒135-8614 東京都江東区豊洲2丁目4−9 アーバンドッグららぽーと豊洲 3F
Alternative dinner suggestion: Lots of gluten free options. Kids meals (10 year olds and younger) are a little under 1000 yen and include options such as cheeseburgers, popcorn shrimp and fries, fish & chips, chicken strips, pepperoni pizza. Please note that there is a service charge of 10% put on the bill at the end.