✨ Why This Itinerary Works for Families
Tokyo can feel overwhelming especially with young kids in tow but this two day plan keeps things balanced. It mixes iconic sights with sensory-friendly stops, fun shops with fresh air, and just enough downtime so no one’s melting by lunchtime.
We tested this itinerary ourselves with a 7 year old and a 5 year old. It worked.
📍 Day 1: Green Space and Hands-On Fun Near Tokyo Station
Morning: Imperial Palace East Gardens
- Nearest Station: Ōtemachi or Tokyo Station
- Entry: Free
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Best for: Letting kids run free, spotting koi in the moat, and enjoying a peaceful start
- Accessibility: Flat gravel paths, stroller-friendly
Lunch: Bento or snack from a nearby 7-Eleven or Lawson
Eat inside the gardens or just outside before moving on.
Afternoon: Tokyo Science Museum
- Nearest Station: Takebashi
- Entry: ¥880 adults / ¥400 kids
- Time Needed: 2–3 hours
- What to Expect: Cranes, pulleys, earthquake simulators, water exhibits
- Good For: Ages 3–12
- Noise Level: Can be loud—bring headphones for sensory-sensitive kids
If you have not read day one, the full post is here.
Full Day 1 Itinerary & Guide
🗼 Day 2: Big Sights, Play Zones & Temple Calm
Morning: Shibuya Scramble & Shibuya Sky
- Start at: Shibuya Crossing (Hachiko Exit)
- Activity: Watch the famous pedestrian scramble, then head to Shibuya Scramble Square (Pro tip grab a coffee in Starbucks and you get a perfect view from the window)
- Shibuya Park: Rooftop views, chill rooftop park, and space for kids to move
Lunch Nearby: IKEA Shibuya
- Why it works: Budget friendly, familiar food, fast service
- What we got: Hot dogs, juice boxes, fries easy wins for picky eaters
Midday: Disney Store, Pokémon Centre & Play Break
- Disney Store: Multiple floors, right in Shibuya
- Pokémon Centre (inside Parco): Great photo ops, fun merch, cool atmosphere
- Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours total
- Tip: Don’t stay too long can get packed and overstimulating for little ones
Play Area Stop – under Skytree in shopping centre (Recommended Before Skytree)
- Look for the small indoor play space I think it was floor 5
- Let the kids burn off steam before a long elevator ride and observatory visit (queuing can take a while)
Afternoon: Tokyo Skytree
- Location: Sumida City
- Observation Decks: 350m and 450m
- Cost: From ¥2,100 adults / ¥950 kids
- Highlights: Insane panoramic views, glass floor section, souvenir shop
- Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
Evening: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
- Travel: Direct from Skytree (30 mins via train or short taxi) or do as we did, we walked it in 30 but we walk a lot.
- What to Expect: Giant gate, lanterns, incense, omikuji fortune slips
- Cost: Free
- Great at dusk: Temple glows beautifully, and shops along Nakamise Street stay open late
- Finish: Eat locally or grab something quick (yes, even McDonald’s)
➕ Optional Day 3? Head to Odaiba
If you’ve got an extra day, Odaiba Island is a top pick for families:
- TeamLab Planets (digital art walkthroughs) book weeks in advance or miss out!
- Miraikan Museum (interactive tech and science)
- LEGO Discovery Centre, arcades, beach parks
- Easy access via the Yurikamome Line (driverless train—kids love it)
🛠️ Quick Info at a Glance
| Location | Highlights | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial Gardens | Green space, koi, castle ruins | 1–2 hrs |
| Science Museum | Hands-on science play | 2–3 hrs |
| Shibuya Crossing | Wild crowd crossing | 15 mins |
| Shibuya Sky | Rooftop views & chill area | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Pokémon Centre | Merch, displays, photo ops | 45 mins |
| Indoor Play Area | Energy burn-off | 30–45 mins |
| Tokyo Skytree | Epic tower views | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Senso-ji Temple | Lanterns, incense, fortunes | 1–1.5 hrs |
🚉 Getting Around
- Transport: Suica or PASMO IC cards (We used the IC cards, you but them at a machine and recharge when required, easy on and off) kids under 6 go free and children are 50% off) but you need a passport to buy a child IC card.
- Trains Used: JR Yamanote Line, Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, Asakusa Line
- Stroller-Friendly: Yes, lifts at every major station
- Need to leave bags? Use coin lockers in stations to stash bags (these are amazing)
🧳 Family Packing List
- Water bottles
- Wipes/tissues
- Layers for temperature swings (wind can pick up and cool the air even on a warm day)
- Snacks
- Portable charger
- IC / travel cards
🔗 Related Posts
Need help planning a stop? Drop us a comment or DM we’re happy to help other families blaze their own trail through Tokyo!