Heading to Japan with your family? My guide will give you all the inside tips on what to do to have the best time with your kids in Tokyo and Hakone. Disclaimer: I don’t have kids myself, so this is just based on my experience and observations!

Traveling with Kids:

Generally, we observed Japanese people brought their kids everywhere and they were a part of everyday life in public. There is priority seating in trains and buses for families, family public restrooms, and public areas that are welcoming to kids. For food and restaurants, many places are small and quiet that could be challenging with kids, but there are plenty of options for families!

Transportation:

The public transportation in Japan is amazing and everyone uses it, including kids and families. You can check out my Tokyo guide for all my tips on getting around Tokyo. In Hakone, there are less train options and mostly just buses. The buses got really packed and drove up windy mountain roads. If you think this would be challenging with kids – you could use the limited trains or book a taxi from your accommodations.

I’d say most attractions in Tokyo are kid-friendly. Below is a list of activities I think would be most fun or enjoyable for families! 

• Ueno Park and Zoo: This massive park has tons of things to do and see including the Ueno Toshogu Shrine, the Hanazono Inari Shrine, and Japan’s oldest zoo! This zoo is committed to conservation and education for its visitors. Entrance fee of 600 yen for adults and free for kids 0-12
• Asakusa & Senso-Ji Temple: One of Tokyo’s most popular tourist destinations, you can go see the famous Senso-ji Temple and donate 100 yen to get your fortune. Walk down the bustling Nakamise shopping street and try some local sweets.
• Tokyo Tower: Head up Tokyo Tower for great views of the city. Tickets for the main deck are 1,500 yen for adults. Alternatively, you could do Tokyo City View.
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: You could pick up a bento box or lunch from a konbini and then stroll through this spacious park with beautiful gardens, perfect for picnics and enjoying nature.
• Yoyogi Park: A spacious and beautiful park near Harajuku. You could also head over to see Meiji Shrine and the famous consecrated sake barrels.
• Sumida Aquarium: Located in the Tokyo Skytree, this is a fun activity for young kids!
• Tokyo Disneyland: With gentle rides like “It’s a Small World” and character parades, this theme park is ideal for young children to enjoy magical experiences.

Tokyo Restaurants with Kids

• Shabu Shabu at KISOJI: Shabu Shabu is a great option because it is interactive (as long as you’re comfy with a hot pot on the table) and you build the meal by ingredients so it’s good if you need to tailor it to certain tastes. The booths are also a little segmented so you have some privacy for your group.
• Conveyer Belt Sushi at Himawari Sushi Shintoshin: A little loud and fun atmosphere where you can try a bunch of different types of sushi. The staff were super friendly and helpful.
• Jiggly Pancakes at Rizlabo Kitchen or A Happy Pancake: Both of these had spacious dining areas with a relaxed vibe and delicious food!
• Ramen at Soranoiro – Nippon: On Ramen Street in Tokyo Station, there are a ton of relaxed ramen spots that are welcoming to kids!
• Pizza at Pizzakaya: If the kids are tired of Japanese food, you can try out this fun pizza spot in Roppongi.
• Try the street food scene at Omoide Yokocho: It might be a little loud and overstimulating, but we saw kids enjoying food at the stalls at Omoide Yokocho. This one is less drinking centered so it could be family friendly.

Hakone Ideas with Kids

We loved Hakone and it would be a great spot for a family getaway. It is a little harder to get around, so I have some tips to make your trip go smoothly.

Accommodation:

I’d recommend staying somewhere close to a Hakonetozan train line stop. That way you can use the train to get from Odawara Station to your hotel. It is also common to stay in Ryokans and many of them are family friendly offering family common areas, extra beds in the rooms, and private onsen baths.

We stayed at Hakone Pax Yoshino which had all of these family friendly amenities mentioned above. A few other reasonable options I came across are Aura Tachibana, Hakone Suimeisou, or Lalaca. The luxury ryokan that everyone stays at is Gora Kadan

Things to do:

• Hakone Open-Air Museum: Outdoor art sculptures in a scenic park with a fun children’s area with colorful structures and climbing nets.
• Hakone Ropeway: I was so excited about this but it was closed due to lightening. You can take a scenic cable car ride with views of Mount Fuji and the volcanic landscapes around Owakudani.
• Hakone Pirate Ship: Ride across Lake Ashi on a pirate-themed boat, a fun experience for kids that offers incredible views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding nature.
• Owakudani Volcanic Valley: This was such a cool spot. Visit the steaming volcanic vents and try the famous black eggs, which are boiled in the sulfuric hot springs. The visitor’s center also had some of the best chocolate ice cream we’ve ever had.
• Hakone Kowakien Yunessun: We didn’t go here, but I’ve heard good things. This hot spring theme park has family-friendly indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and uniquely themed baths.
• Gora Park: A beautiful, hilly park with flower gardens, ponds, and a greenhouse. You can see or participate in craft workshops like pottery or glass blowing.
• Lake Ashi Sightseeing: Explore the lake via boat, enjoy views of the torii gate from the water, and explore the peaceful lakeside areas.

Itinerary:

You can string together a bunch of these attractions in one day because there is a nice itinerary to follow to explore Hakone. You can see all the details here. I’d recommend starting at Sōunzan Station where you can buy all the tickets. You can take the Ropeway to Owakudani, then take the Ropeway down to Togendai station. From here you take the pirate ship across the lake then take the bus back.

Hakone Restaurants with Kids

If you’re staying in a ryokan, you will likely eat a lot of meals there. In a nicer ryokan they might even serve them in the comfort of your room. Otherwise, I don’t have a ton of recommendations, but here are a few!

• NARAYA CAFE: A cute outdoor cafe with foot baths.
• Mori-meshi: A small little cafe with beautiful views and made to order delicous Japanese food. I got a great beef and rice and my husband got an udon lunch.
• Owakudani station restaurant: Famous for its Japanese curry but we got the ice cream from the gift shop and it was delicious.

Any comments, ideas, or suggestions – leave a comment below!