Perfect 5 day itinerary: Tokyo with toddlers

Traveling to Tokyo with toddlers? While the city’s reputation might precede it, the reality is a treasure trove of kid-friendly attractions. Forget the overwhelm, and embrace the magic! This isn’t just about surviving Tokyo with little ones; it’s about creating unforgettable memories.

This carefully curated Tokyo itinerary will be your travel guide for Tokyo with toddlers, balancing iconic sights with kid-approved activities, ensuring everyone has a memorable and (relatively!) stress-free vacation.Think hands-on museums, serene gardens for toddling (or stroller napping), and the sheer joy of experiencing Japanese hospitality designed for families. This 5 day Tokyo itinerary with toddlers was designed to maximize your JR Pass.

Let’s dive into the land of adorable cafes, captivating playgrounds, and the ultimate toddler-approved adventure!

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Where to stay in Tokyo with a toddler

Mimaru Tokyo Station East (my top pick!)

Mimaru hotels are the absolute best hotels for families in Japan.

This Mimaru hotel is close to Tokyo Station, making getting around the city incredibly easy. This is also a fantastic place to stay if you’ll be traveling elsewhere in Japan via shinkansen (bullet train), like Osaka, Kyoto or taking a day trip from Tokyo.

It’ll take about 15 minutes to walk from the hotel to Tokyo Station, so ask the front desk about Luggage Forwarding services when you move on to the next city, and make sure you bring your stroller!

Mimaru Tokyo Station East can accommodate up to 8 people, plus they have 2-bedroom suites and connecting rooms. There is a grocery store (My Basket Shinkawa 2-chrome) a 5 minute walk away, so you can stock up on groceries to make in your en suite kitchenette.

While there aren’t many toddler activities close to this hotel, you’ll have super quick access (2 min walk) to the JR Keiyo Line, which takes you to the Tokyo Disney monorail station! The JR Keiyo Line is included in your JR Rail Pass. Learn more about the Japan Rail Pass to determine if the JR Rail Pass is right for your family.

• Room type: 4* apartment hotel
• Closest JR Rail Station: Tokyo Station, 15-minute walk
• Closest Rail Station (non-JR): Hatchobori Station, 2-minute walk
• Breakfast: no, in room kitchenette
• Laundry: shared coin laundry
• Toddler amenities: cribs (up to 24 months!), bed guards (18 months plus)
• Book here: Klook

Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho

The Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho is farther away from attractions, but still offers easy access to the city, with a 1 minute walk to Kinshichō Station. This is a great Tokyo hotel on a budget with toddlers.

Being away from the touristy areas, you’ll get a more authentic Tokyo experience with toddlers, while still staying in a Western-style hotel.

The Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho only offers cribs for babies up to 12 months, so if you want your toddler sleeping on their own, bring your own portable travel crib or an inflatable toddler bed.

• Room type: 4* hotel
• Closest JR Rail Station: Kinshichō Station, 1-minute walk
• Breakfast: yes, for a fee
• Laundry: shared coin laundry
• Toddler amenities: bed guards for toddlers, high chairs
• Book here: Klook

Read next: Best hotels with toddlers in Tokyo

Using the JR Pass in Tokyo

The JR Pass is a rail pass offered by Japan Railways that allows you to ride an unlimited number of JR shinkansen, trains, buses and certain ferries within a 7-, 14- or 21-day window.

You can purchase the JR Pass for certain areas in Japan, or they also offer a pass for the entire country. The pass is only available for foreigners not living in Japan, and must be purchased before your arrival. Learn more about the JR Pass.

This toddler friendly Tokyo itinerary maximizes using the JR Pass, so you can get the most out of your pass. Using the JR Pass throughout Tokyo will save you the hassle of buying tickets for each train ride within the city, so you can focus on visiting the amazing attractions that Tokyo has to offer.

There are a few destinations in this itinerary that aren’t accessible using the JR Pass, but are essential experiences in Japan with toddlers. Don’t let that scare you away! These attractions are still close to public transportation, so you won’t have to walk for miles just to get to your destination.

If you’ve opted to travel Japan without a JR Pass, you can absolutely still use this itinerary!

Either way, make sure you download the Japan Transit Planner for the best routes from one station to the next. You can also filter by routes using the JR Pass for ease!

Travel tips with toddlers in Tokyo

• Opening hours: many attractions (and even coffee shops and restaurants!) don’t open until 9 or 10 am. You’ll also note that many places will be closed on Monday or Tuesday, but the closed day will be shifted if there’s a public holiday. Confirm each attraction’s hours before making your plan.
• Strollers: bring a lightweight, compact stroller that is easy to fold, as you’ll be navigating crowded areas and may encounter stairs at train stations. Elevators aren’t always readily available.
• Consider a carrier: in addition to a stroller, a baby carrier can be useful for navigating very crowded areas or places with many stairs.
• Embrace public transport (off-peak): Tokyo’s train system is efficient, and children under 6 ride free. However, try to avoid rush hour (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM on weekdays) as trains can get extremely crowded.
• Snacks and drinks are key: like any regular day with a toddler, you’ll want to have lots of snacks and water throughout the day. Download the MyMizu app to find water refill stations, and stop at convenience stores (konbini) like Lawson, 7-Eleven and Family Mart for snacks.
• Utilize baby rooms: Many department stores, shopping malls, and larger train stations have well-equipped baby rooms with changing tables, nursing areas, and sometimes even microwaves for heating baby food. You will really be spoiled with changing rooms in Japan!
• Be flexible with your itinerary: toddlers can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your plans based on your child’s mood and energy levels. The customizable itinerary below can be moved around like a puzzle, or you can skip attractions and add others!
• Quiet entertainment: Japanese culture is quiet, so have some quiet activities or small toys on hand to keep your toddler entertained during travel on trains or in restaurants. I like to keep separate toys for restaurants, hotels and travel days, so my toddler doesn’t get bored of the same toy.

Day 1

Welcome to Tokyo! This morning may seem packed, but you really can see all these attractions before lunch, even when moving at a leisurely (ahem, toddler) pace. Especially if started your day early because your jet-lagged toddler has had you up longer than the sun.

Morning

Shibuya Sky

Located on the 47th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square Tower, Shibuya Sky offers a 360 degree view of Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower and other famous buildings, and a bird’s eye view of the Shibuya Crossing. If you’re lucky, you might even see Mt Fuji on a clear day!

Buy adult tickets in advance, and kids (under 12) tickets upon arrival.

• Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya 150-0002 Tokyo Prefecture
• Hours: 10:00-22:30, closed Tuesdays

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Head to the Tsutaya building’s second floor (free!) to see the chaos of Shibuya Crossing from above! Using the Shibuya Crossing is a right of passage for Tokyo visitors. Have you really been to Tokyo if you haven’t walked across this crazy intersection?

• Address: 21 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
• Hours: 24/7

Center Gai

Located in Shibuya, this road is known for youth culture and the latest fashion trends. Center-Gai is a major pedestrian thoroughfare that runs through Shibuya’s main shopping, entertainment and retail district.

• Address: Udagawachō, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
• Hours: 24/7, but it is a nightlife hub, so you may want to avoid when the sun goes down

Shibuya Playground 4 Kids

This is a wonderful (and clean) indoor playground for kids up to age 5. You will need to make a reservation, which can easily be done with the front desk of your hotel or on their website. You can leave your stroller by the entrance. This indoor playground is on the 9th floor, so on a clear day you might be lucky enough to see Mt Fuji!

• Address: 18-11 Shinsen-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0045, Japan
• Hours: 10:00-17:00 M-F, 10:00-18:00 Sat-Sun

Shibuya Koen Dori Disney Store

This is the famous Tokyo Disney Store with the giant ToonTown style entrance. If you have time and want to do a little shopping, this is a fun store to check out in the area.

Just to note, most of the merchandise here is marketed towards teens and adults (think towels and dining paraphernalia). It’s still fun for kids to stop in and see all the displays they’ve got up, which are changed regularly!

• Address: 20-15 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
• Hours: 11:00-20:00 M-F, 10:00-20:00 Sat-Sun

Lunch

Grab lunch to have a picnic at Yoyogi Park. I’d suggest takeaway from any of the restaurants that you walk by, a convenience store like Lawson, Family Mart or 7-Eleven, or from Shibuya Station.

Aoyama Farmers Market

If you’re in Shibuya Tokyo on a weekend, stop by the Aoyama Farmers Market for your Yoyogi picnic. You can find fresh, seasonal produce and homemade baked goods. They also have food trucks!

• Address: 5 Chome-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
• Hours: 10:00 – 16:00 Sat-Sun

Afternoon

Meiji Jingu (stroller nap while you explore)

Meiji Jingu is a traditional Shinto shrine honoring the Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. This is a peaceful area, with a sprawling 170 acres of green. On weekends, you will likely see a wedding procession or two. The green space surrounding this area is called Yoyogi Park (there isn’t any playground equipment here).

The main entrance to the shrine has a typical torii gate, separating the secular from the sacred. You should walk under the gate on the right hand side – never in the middle, as this is reserved for the gods. Same goes for taking photos – never straight on.

• Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset

NikoNiko Outdoor Playground (to burn off post-nap energy)

This is a playground like you’d expect to find at a park in the US, only a bit bigger. After visiting the Meiji Shrine, head to the Nikoniko outdoor playground (or beforehand to burn off some energy), which is ¥100 for kids 2+, ¥300 for adults. A reasonable price to keep the playground clean!

• Address: 1-7-5 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061
• Hours: 10:00-17:00 daily (10:00-16:30 November-February)

Dinner

Zauo Fishing Restaurant: a unique restaurant allows you to fish for your own meal, a fun experience for children.

Day 2

Morning

Note: this is one of two mornings on this Tokyo itinerary with toddlers that cannot be reached using your JR Pass. The Toyosu Fish Market and teamLab Planets are a must, so they made the cut.

You can get tickets for the metro in the station, which can be fun little souvenirs to use as a bookmark.

Toyosu Fish Market (grab breakfast, or 2nd breakfast)

Visiting the Toyosu Fish Market with toddlers is a surprisingly captivating experience and a fantastic way to immerse them in a unique aspect of Japanese culture. While the early tuna auction might be too chaotic for a toddler, the market’s accessible observation decks offer a thrilling and safe vantage point to witness the bustling energy below.

Afterwards, treat your little ones to incredibly fresh and delicious seafood at one of the many family-friendly restaurants within the market, creating an unforgettable and tasty memory.

• Hours: 5:00 – 15:00, closed Sundays and Wednesdays
• Address: 6 Chome-6-1 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan

teamLab Planets

No trip to Tokyo is complete without a teamLab visit! TeamLab Planets Tokyo is an art museum experience that has immersive installations. Make your way through water installations, thousands of real flowers, or through colorful light installations to see exactly why teamLab has become one of the must visit places in the city. Tokyo also has a teamLab Borderless, but the Planets location is better for toddlers.

There are water areas that you will walk through, so wear shorts or pants you can easily roll up. Bring a change of clothes and a wet bag in case you get wet! I would not recommend wearing a skirt or dress, as many of the rooms have mirrored floors.

Most of the installations are great for toddlers to play and run around in. However, make sure to bring your baby carrier for taking them through the water installations, as it may go above the waist on shorter toddlers (mine…).

TeamLab venues are incredibly popular, so you’ll want to arrive early and book your tickets in advance.

• Hours: 9:00 – 22:00 daily, last entry at 21:00
• Address: teamLab Planets TOKYO, Toyosu 6-1-16, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Lunch

There is a restaurant inside teamLab Planets that offers vegan ramen.

Otherwise, I suggest getting lunch at another restaurant in the Toyosu Market, or the Lawson across the street. Toyosu Market and teamLab Planets are separated by a short 12 minute walk, so you can easily go back.

You can also wait until you’ve made your way to Harajuku, where you can find lots of restaurant options for lunch.

Afternoon

Harajuku Takeshita Dori

Takeshita Street is the main drag through Harajuku, filled with kawaii stores and cat cafes; it also has an iconic entrance gate. Thankfully, Takeshita Street is pedestrian only from 11 to 6 daily. It’s only 2 blocks long, and will be very busy starting around noon, so take your time meandering through.

You might have a hard time pushing a stroller with all the people, so consider wearing your toddler. I like this baby carrier for my toddler.

• Address: 1-chōme Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
• Hours: Pedestrian only from 11:00 – 18:00 daily

Read more: Traveling with car seats and strollers

MiPig Cafe

While cat cafes are super popular and numerous in Tokyo, you can also stop at the MiPig Cafe to play with mini pigs! Toddlers might have more fun playing with the toys than the pigs, but parents will definitely have fun. Make sure you book your tickets in advance as this is a very popular cafe.

• Address: 1 Chome-15-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
• Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 daily

KiddyLand

If you have time and want to do some toy shopping, Kiddy Land is a multi-level store filled with all the toys you didn’t know you needed. The store is arranged by characters, so you’ll find a section on Hello Kitty and other Ghibli Studios characters, plus Disney and Marvel sections.

This store is known for their exclusive Hello Kitty merch and elaborate holiday decorations. So much so that Kiddy Land is credited as the reason Japan celebrates Valentine’s Day and Halloween!

• Address: 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001 Tokyo Prefecture
• Hours: 11:00 – 20:00 daily

Purikura Photo Booths

You must stop into a purikura photo booth in Harajuku! You’ll take photos with fun backgrounds, then you can edit and add stickers before printing off as keepsakes. You can find these photo booths pretty much everywhere – just look for colorful kiosks with fun photos on them.

Dinner

There are TONS of restaurants in Harajuku, many that are kawaii themed and will be lots of fun for toddlers.

Day 3

Note: this is the second of two mornings on this Tokyo itinerary with toddlers that cannot be reached using your JR Pass. Senso-Ji Temple is a beautiful temple that should not be skipped!

Sensō-Ji Temple

Start your day early at Senso-Ji Temple, the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Make a wish on a traditional ema before wandering the streets of Asakusa for a glimpse of Old Tokyo. Getting to Senso-Ji Temple, then subsequently Asobono, you will have to purchase separate transportation tickets, as the closest stations are not included in the JR Pass.

The temple grounds are free to enter, but each temple has an entrance fee.

• Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
• Hours: 6:00-17:00 daily (opens at 6:30 from October through March)

Nakamise-dori

Stroll down Nakamise-dori, a pedestrian street packed with food stalls, traditional craft shops and souvenirs. The surrounding streets elude old world Tokyo charm, so check them out!

• Address: 1 Chome-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
• Hours: shop hours vary

Asakusa Nishi-sandō Shopping Street

Nishi-sando is a covered shopping street within walking distance of the Senso-Ji Temple. You’ll find lots of traditional Japanese goods here, like swords and antiques, but it’s also a great place to find souvenirs.

• Address: 2 Chome-7-13 Asakusa, 台東区 Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
• Hours: 8:00-18:00 daily

Asobono!

This is the largest indoor playground in Tokyo for kids. The Crawl Garden is an area specifically for kids 0-24 months, so you can feel at ease knowing your littles won’t be run over by big kids! They also have a ball pit with slides, a supermarket and restaurant,  areas where kids can build or sections where they can run. No matter where your kids play, they are sure to burn off pent-up energy!

Tickets are valid for 1 hour, and you can purchase 30 minute extensions. You will want to arrive early, as lines can get very long, especially on rainy days and weekends!

Buy tickets on their website. Use your browser to translate, as the website is only in Japanese.

• Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan
• Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 M-F, 9:30 – 19:00 Sat-Sun, last entry 70 minutes before closing

Lunch

Head to the nearby Tokyo Dome City to find lunch in the mall’s food court.

Afternoon

Ueno Park

Ueno Park has many things to see as you stroll around, including a few shrines, a small zoo, a handful of museums and a large pond.

National Museum of Science and Nature

Dinosaur and animal lovers will have a great time here! The National Museum of Science and Nature in Tokyo has stunning exhibits on marine and animal life on the Japanese Islands. You’ll also find exhibits on dinosaurs and humans throughout history.

High school students and younger are free. Purchase adult tickets in advance, or use your Tokyo Pass.

The ComPaSS area in the museum is a play area for children. While it is aimed at kids ages 4-6, younger kids can certainly still play. If your toddler is anything like mine, they’ll definitely enjoy watching some big kids play! You must reserve this area in advance, in 45 minute sessions. Kids under 2 are free with a paying adult. Anyone 2+ is ¥300.

• Address: 7-20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8718, Japan
• Hours: 9:00-17:00, closed Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed Tuesday)
  • Check out their official website for other closures.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine

The Shinto Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a great example of Edo architecture, and is mostly still the original building from the 1600’s. If you happen to visit on the 17th of any month, you can purchase a dragon talisman as a souvenir! You will need to purchase a ticket to enter the gates. Bring cash, as they do not accept credit cards.

• Address: 9-88 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
• Hours: 09:00-16:00 daily

Shinobazu no ike Pond

Surrounding the Benten Temple, Shinobazu no ike is a spacious pond filled with lotus flowers. Look closely to see ducks, turtles and koi! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent paddle boats to float around the pond.

• Address: 5-20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
• Hours: 8:30-17:30 daily

Dinner

Check out Ameya-yokocho, a lively market street with a variety of shops and food stalls that’s great for experiencing the local atmosphere.

Looking for more? Read Things to do in Tokyo with babies and toddlers

Day 4

Disney day!

Choose between Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

Tokyo Disneyland is the (slightly) bigger park, with lots of toddler friendly attractions, like Toontown, and also has the iconic Cinderella castle. You will find lots of shopping and restaurants here!

Tokyo DisneySea is a very unique, water themed park, that still has plenty of attractions for toddlers. DisneySea is great for Disney Park veterans who want to experience something different. There are plenty of stores and restaurants in DisneySea, so you’ll be able to spend your entire day at whichever park you go with!

Which Tokyo Disney park is better? Honestly, they’re both great. If I had to choose, I’d say DisneySea, just because it’s so unique.

Tickets can be purchased up to 2 months in advance. There is a limited number of tickets available each day, so I highly recommend securing your tickets in advance. You don’t want to be denied entry!

Also to note, you cannot buy tickets when you arrive at Tokyo Disney parks. The ticket booths closed during covid and were not reopened, so you must purchase beforehand. Tokyo Disney does not offer Park Hopper tickets – you’ll need to purchase individual tickets for each park if you plan to visit both.

Here’s everything you need to know about your Disney day: Guide to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea with kids

Day 5

We’re wrapping up our Tokyo itinerary with a museum day! This day can be taken at leisure, so don’t feel rushed on your last day in the city.

Morning

Fire Museum

A wonderful, free museum for kids through preschool or kindergarten. Kids can toddle around and pretend to fly a helicopter. You’ll definitely want to arrive when this museum opens, since it’s free and will get busy quickly. The Tokyo Fire Museum will be extra busy on weekends and rainy days!

• Address: Japan, 〒160-0004 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Yotsuya, 3 Chome−１０−10
• Hours: 09:30-17:00, closed Mondays

Tokyo Toy Museum

Housed in an old elementary school, the Toy Museum in Tokyo should not be missed! You’ll find over 10,000 toys on display! The main focus is (naturally) Japanese toys, but they also have toys from all over the world.

The first floor is dedicated to babies, where you’ll find the Baby Wood Education Plaza for kids aged 2 and under. Reservations are required. Plan this into your day, as changes are not allowed. Children older than 2 are not allowed in this area, so older siblings will have to go play on another level.

Toddlers 3 and up can make a wooden toy in the Toy Workshop!

Unlike many other establishments, this museum is closed on Thursdays, and is staffed by volunteers. Stroller parking is just outside the entrance. There’s a clean nursing/changing area that you can use, just ask the staff for access.

Kids 6 months and under are free. The Tokyo Toy Museum also has an outdoor play area that is free to use.

• Address: 4-20 Yotsuya Hiroba, Yotsuya, Shinjuku 160-0004 Tokyo
• Hours: 10:00-16:00, closed Thursdays

Lunch

Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi inside the Takashimaya Department Store, is a restaurant that offers kid friendly options.

Latte Chano-mama: This cafe is designed for mothers with babies, offering comfortable seating and a baby-friendly environment.

Afternoon

Walk through Shinjuku Gyoen National Park

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest parks. During springtime, it becomes one of the most popular places in the city because of the famous cherry blossoms. Kids 15 and under are free. This park is included in the Tokyo Pass.

• Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
• Hours: 09:00-16:00, closed Mondays

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories

You may know this as Tokyo City View, which has a north and a south observation deck located on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The observation decks are 202m up, offering amazing views of Tokyo, for free! On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt Fuji!

• Address: 8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome,Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo 163-8001
• Hours: North Deck: 09:30-17:30, last entrance at 17:00
  • South Deck: 09:30-22:00 daily, last entrance at 21:30
  • Visit the official website to see closed dates.

Godzilla Head

Godzilla fans can walk near the Shinjuku TOHO Building to see the Godzilla head on the 9th floor of the building. It’s extra intimidating at night when it’s lit up! Naturally, Godzilla is perched to look like he’s taking over the city.

• Address: 1 Chome-19 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
• Hours: 24/7

Dinner

If you’re into Korean pop culture, check out Tokyo’s Koreatown, Shin-Ōkubo! You will find tons of k-beauty stores and street food.

Have more time?

Try a day trip from Tokyo, or return to the Tokyo Disney Park you missed.

Wrapping it up

Navigating the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo with toddlers might seem daunting, but as you’ve seen, it’s an adventure brimming with delightful discoveries for all ages. From the serene Buddhist and Shinto temples to the interactive wonders of teamLab Planets and the surprisingly accessible energy of Toyosu Fish Market, Tokyo offers a unique blend of culture and fun perfectly suited for little travelers. Embrace the occasional detour, savor the small moments of wonder, and remember that the most cherished souvenirs will be the shared smiles and unforgettable memories created together in this incredible city.

Have you ever been to Tokyo with toddlers? Which attractions would you skip, and which would you add? Let me know in the comments below!

You may also like:

• Apps for Japan travel with kids
• When to visit Japan with kids: a family travel guide
• Guide to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea with kids
• Japan shinkansen (bullet trains) with kids

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