Two Days in Tokyo with Kids: A Central City Itinerary for Families

✨ 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)