Itinerary
3 days in Tokyo with kids
Three days, each in one part of the city, with the heavier stop in the morning. Swap in Disneyland or the Harry Potter studio tour as a fourth day, since both take most of a day on their own.
Day 1
Ueno: zoo and dinosaurs
- Morning
- Be at Ueno Zoo for the 9:30 am opening and do the East Garden first. Cross to the West Garden if energy allows and leave by the Bentenmon gate. Under-13s are free, so this is a cheap morning.
- Afternoon
- After lunch in Ueno Park, spend an hour or two at the National Museum of Nature and Science. Head for the Global Gallery and the dinosaurs. With under-fives, skip the museum and stay in the park.
- Break
- Lunch and a stroller nap in Ueno Park between the two, around noon. Both sights are closed on Mondays.
Day 2
Asakusa and the Skytree
- Morning
- Reach Senso-ji before 9:00 am, while Nakamise street is still walkable. See the main hall first and buy snacks on the way out. Forty-five minutes is enough with small children.
- Afternoon
- Travel to the Skytree, a five-minute train ride from Asakusa. Do Sumida Aquarium first with younger children, then go up to the Tembo Deck when the light is good. With teenagers, reverse it and skip the aquarium.
- Break
- Lunch in the Solamachi mall under the tower. The aquarium is dark and quiet, and babies often sleep through it.
Day 3
Toyosu, Shinjuku and Shibuya
- Morning
- Book the first slot at teamLab Planets and bring spare clothes for the kids. Strollers stay at the entrance. Allow up to two hours inside, then lunch nearby.
- Afternoon
- Take the train to Shinjuku Gyoen and let everyone rest on the lawns. Finish at Shibuya Sky with a ticket booked for before 3:00 pm, when it is cheaper. With under-fives, drop Shibuya Sky and stay longer in the park.
- Break
- Shinjuku Gyoen is the break. From October to mid-March it closes at 4:00 pm, so on those dates do Shibuya Sky first.