While it is a huge and busy place, Tokyo is also a fantastic city for traveling families. There is no shortage of things to do in Tokyo for families on beautiful sunny days such as wandering down Takeshita Street in Harajuku, visiting Disneyland, or exploring one of Tokyo’s many parks. However, when the sky turns grey and the umbrellas come out, it’s time to head indoors.
Tokyo, of course, has something for all ages in any kind of weather. Here are our top picks of family-friendly attractions for rainy days in Tokyo. They’re all a great way to spend the day and keep the kids happy.
Mori Digital Art Museums
Located in Odaiba, these two museums (Borderless and Planets) are hugely popular with both adults and children alike, making it one of the best activities for families in Tokyo. Boasting colorful digital displays with lights, sounds, music and sensory experiences, it is one of the top things to do in Tokyo. It is recommended to book in advance as they may be sold out on certain days. Contact us if you need support to reserve your tickets.
Oedo Onsen Monogatari
This is a family-friendly onsen that is combined with some Edo-style attractions. The rstaurants, shops and carnival games found here all have an ‘old Japan’ feel to them and gives you an idea of what Japan was like during the 1800s. After some eating and shopping, the whole family can relax in the onsen. There is a separate kids pool for babies that have not been potty-trained yet. Please be aware that like most onsens in Japan, tattoos are forbidden.
Miraikan
For the scientist in everyone, The Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation hosts a play area for children and demonstrations of robots. Plenty of English information is provided at each exhibit and there is a range of hands-on activities guaranteed to keep the kids occupied for hours. The show of Asimo, The Robot will excite the whole family!
Pokemon Center and Cafe
With a range of locations across Tokyo, Pokemon Centers have tons of merchandise that fans will love to look through. The Pokemon cafe in Nihombashi is ideal for a drink or kawaii food – cute food related to Pokemon characters. A Pokemon cafe is a great option for a relaxing lunch that the whole family can enjoy together.
Sega Game Centre
Akihabara, known as the anime neighborhood of Tokyo, is also home to the Sega Game Center. It hosts various activities for everyone such as crane games to win a prize, video arcade games and Purikura – a photo sticker booth where you pose for pictures then decorate them with cute cartoons and symbols.