Tokyo with Kids: Family Travel Guide

Family guide for visiting Tokyo with children of all ages.

Quick Facts

Best for: Families with kids
Key areas: Odaiba, Ueno, Disneyland

Family-Friendly Attractions

Theme Parks

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea in Urayasu. Sanrio Puroland in Tama.

Mount Prometheus volcano at Tokyo DisneySea, a popular theme park for families — Tokyo DisneySea — Photo by Okwhatev at en.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5

Cinderella Castle at Tokyo Disneyland, a popular family attraction — Tokyo Disneyland — Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/mattchang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Museums

National Museum of Nature and Science. Miraikan science museum. teamLab digital art.

Dinosaur skeleton exhibit at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park, appealing to children — National Museum of Nature and Science — Photo by Momotarou2012 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Geo-Cosmos spherical display at Miraikan science museum, showcasing Earth's data — Miraikan — Photo by Morio / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Outdoors

Ueno Zoo. Inokashira Park. Shinjuku Gyoen gardens.

Families enjoying paddle boats on the pond at Inokashira Park, a relaxing outdoor activity — Inokashira Park — Photo by Kestrel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

A giant panda eating bamboo at Ueno Zoo, a favorite for children — Ueno Zoo — Photo by Tiger@西北 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tips

Trains can be crowded – avoid rush hours
Many restaurants welcome children
Stroller access varies – baby carriers useful for stations

Last updated: 2026-02-03

Getting There

Arriving in Tokyo

From Narita Airport (NRT): Recommended (Premium): The Airport Limousine Bus is often the most stress-free option for families, offering direct drop-offs at major hotels in approximately 90–120 minutes. This avoids navigating crowded stations with luggage and children. Premium (Train): The JR Narita Express (N’EX) (red & white) features reserved seating and ample luggage space, reaching Tokyo Station in approximately 60 minutes and Shinjuku or Shibuya in approximately 80 minutes. Mid-range: The Keisei Skyliner (blue stripe) is the fastest train, reaching Ueno Station in approximately 40 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2.

From Haneda Airport (HND): Recommended (Mid-range): The Tokyo Monorail (light blue) is a scenic ride that children often enjoy, reaching Hamamatsucho Station in approximately 15–20 minutes from all terminals (T1, T2, T3). Alternatively, the Keikyu Line (red) connects to Shinagawa Station in approximately 15–20 minutes. Premium: Airport Limousine Buses are available for direct hotel transfers, which can be significantly easier when traveling with strollers and heavy bags.

Getting Around

Tokyo’s public transport is efficient but can be overwhelming. The JR Yamanote Line (light green) is a loop line connecting major hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station, making it easy to navigate without complex transfers. For subways, the Tokyo Metro and Toei lines cover the entire city.

Family Tips: Purchase a “Child Suica” or “Child PASMO” (IC card) at JR offices or station counters for children aged 6–11; they pay half the adult fare. Children under 6 generally travel free (up to two per paying adult). While strollers are allowed, elevators can sometimes be located at far ends of platforms; avoid peak rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM) whenever possible for a safer and more comfortable experience.

Getting There

Arriving in Tokyo

From Narita Airport (NRT): Recommended (Premium): The 🔴 Narita Express (N’EX) serves Terminals 1 and 2, connecting directly to Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya stations in approximately 60–90 minutes. With reserved seating and ample luggage space, it is the most stress-free option for families. Terminal 3 users must take a shuttle or walk to Terminal 2. Mid-range: The 🔵 Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno Station in approximately 40–50 minutes. Convenience: Airport Limousine Buses serve all terminals and offer direct drop-offs at major hotels, eliminating the need to navigate stations with luggage and children.

From Haneda Airport (HND): Recommended (Mid-range): The 🔵 Tokyo Monorail serves all terminals (T1, T2, T3) and reaches Hamamatsucho Station in approximately 15–20 minutes. The elevated track offers scenic bay views that are often entertaining for kids. Alternatively, the 🔴 Keikyu Line connects to Shinagawa Station in approximately 15–20 minutes. Both options are stroller-accessible, though elevators can be busy.

Getting Around with Kids

Tokyo’s public transport is efficient but can be crowded. Recommended: Purchase a Suica or PASMO IC card for every family member. Children aged 6–11 can obtain a “Child” IC card for automatically deducted half-price fares, while up to two children under 6 ride free with a paying adult.

Travel Tips: Avoid the 🟢 JR Yamanote Line and major subway routes during rush hour (approximately 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM) if traveling with strollers. While most stations have elevators, locating them may require extra time. For families planning extensive travel within the city, the “Tokyo Subway Ticket” (24, 48, or 72 hours) provides unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.