✨ Why This Itinerary Works for Families
Short on time in Tokyo but want to make it memorable for the kids? This one-day itinerary combines two brilliant experiences: calm and historic gardens in the morning, followed by interactive science fun in the afternoon.
We did it with our two girls Georgia (7) and Dotty (4) and it struck the perfect balance of calm space and exciting discovery.
🏯 Morning Stop: Imperial Palace East Gardens
📍 Location & How to Get There
- Nearest stations:
- Ōtemachi Station (Exit C13b) – 5 min walk
- Tokyo Station (Marunouchi North Exit) – 10 min walk
- Google Maps pin: Click here
⏰ Opening Hours
- Open: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
- Closed: Mondays & Fridays
- Admission: Free!
👧 Why Kids Will Love It
- Massive koi in the moat
- Giant stone ruins to climb and play
- Peaceful open lawns for a picnic or a run-around
- Low noise, lots of shade = great sensory reset
♿ Accessibility Notes
- Flat gravel paths (stroller- and wheelchair-friendly)
- Toilets available at the entrance
- Vending machines on-site
🧺 Pro Tips
- Pack a snack or breakfast to enjoy on a bench
- Use this calm space as a slow start to your day before hitting the city buzz
🔁 Getting Between Stops
- Walk (25 mins): From the Imperial Gardens to the museum via Kitanomaru Park (thats what we did)
- Train (15–20 mins):
- From Ōtemachi → Take Nanboku Line to Takebashi Station
- Science Museum is a 3–5 min walk from there
📍 Location
2 Chome-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Google Maps pin
⏰ Opening Hours
- Open: 9:30 AM – 4:50 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Admission:
- Adults: ¥880
- Children (4–18): ¥400
- Under 3s: Free
👧 Highlights for Kids
- Robot arm crane game (Georgia’s fave!)
- Earthquake simulation experience
- Water gates and pulley demos
- Lots of “touch and try” exhibits – perfect for curious hands
♿ Accessibility & Sensory Considerations
- Elevators and accessible toilets throughout
- Some areas can be noisy – bring noise-reducing headphones
- Wide aisles and signage are clear, even if you don’t read Japanese
🗓️ Itinerary Recap
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Arrive at Imperial Gardens |
| 10:30 AM | Snack or bento picnic inside the park |
| 11:30 AM | Head to the Science Museum |
| 12:00 PM | Grab lunch (try Tokyo Midtown or convenience store) |
| 1:00–4:00 PM | Explore the museum hands-on |
| 4:00 PM+ | Optional: Relax in Kitanomaru Park or head back |
🍱 Food Options Near Both Locations
- Before the museum:
- 7-Eleven & FamilyMart for bento boxes
- Cafes near Takebashi Station (mostly light bites & ramen)
- Inside museum area:
- Vending machines and small cafe
- Better to eat just before entering
🎒 What to Pack for the Day
- Suica or PASMO travel card
- Wipes, tissues & hand sanitiser
- Reusable water bottles
- Hats or suncream for the gardens
- Noise-cancelling headphones (if needed)
💡 Parent Pro Tips
- Don’t rush! The Imperial Gardens are perfect for free play and rest
- Let your kids take photos—they’ll love being mini reporters for the day
- Download a map of the museum and let them pick zones to visit
- Use station lockers to stash anything bulky before exploring
👀 Related Post
👉 Read the full family story behind this adventure here!
(A funny, real-life recap featuring koi fish, surprise vending machines, and Dotty’s delight at the science experiments)
Love this itinerary? Bookmark it or pin it for your Tokyo family travel plans. And let us know in the comments how your day went we’d love to hear from fellow adventurers!
👉 We use this planner to find fun stops and toilets along the way.
