1 Day in Tokyo with Toddlers: A Family-Friendly Itinerary
After spending a magical few days at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, we decided to dedicate one free day to exploring the heart of Tokyo. Traveling with toddlers meant balancing kid-friendly activities with some adult exploration, and we were thrilled to see how Tokyo delivered on all fronts! Here’s how we spent our day in Tokyo, making the most of it with little ones in tow.
Early Start: Heading into Tokyo
Thanks to the time difference, our family woke up bright and early. We hopped on the JR train from our Disney hotel and set off toward the city for a day filled with food, fun, and cultural highlights.
Stop 1: Tokyo Station’s Character Street
Our first stop was Tokyo Station, specifically its famous Character Street located on the basement floor. This spot is heaven for fans of both anime and non-anime characters. Whether you’re into classics like Naruto or Japanese favorites like Miffy, you’ll find unique merchandise here.
The station also offers plenty of food options and seating areas, making it a great pit stop for families needing a snack break. Pro tip: If your toddler is a picky eater, you’ll find familiar and easy options here too!
Stop 2: Gyukatsu Motomura in Harajuku
Next, we headed to Gyukatsu Motomura (Harajuku Branch 牛かつもと村 原宿店) for an unforgettable meal. This cozy spot specializes in medium-rare beef katsu, served with a personal mini stone stove so you can cook it to your liking.
We first fell in love with this dish in Osaka and had to try it again. It didn’t disappoint! The restaurant is small, but stroller storage is available by the cashier. Tip: Order the large portion—you’ll want it. Even our 4-year-old finished the large plate and loved every bite! Oh, and don’t forget the free rice refills.
Stop 3: Takeshita Street in Harajuku
Just a short walk away, we found ourselves on Takeshita Street, a bustling and colorful hotspot for tourists. This street is packed with clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and whimsical treats that are totally Instagram-worthy.
Our kids especially loved the giant rainbow cotton candy, which not only delighted their taste buds but gave them a much-needed sugar boost for our next adventure!
Stop 4: Meiji Jingu Shrine
After the hustle and bustle of Harajuku, we strolled over to the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, surrounded by a tranquil forest. The walk through the park was peaceful, with towering trees and cultural artifacts like Japanese drums along the way.
At the shrine, we introduced the kids to some traditional customs: cleansing our hands with water, offering a coin for a prayer, and even purchasing a good luck charm. They were fascinated by hanging their wishes alongside others. This stop offered a beautiful balance of culture and quiet moments.
Stop 5: Shibuya Crossing
From Meiji Jingu, we took a short train ride to Shibuya, home to the iconic Shibuya Crossing. The kids were mesmerized watching the sea of people move in perfect harmony.
We also did a little shopping in the nearby stores before heading off to our final stop for the day.
Stop 6: Kura Sushi in Asakusa
For dinner, we ventured to Kura Sushi, a conveyor-belt sushi chain we’d seen all over social media. While we had high expectations, the experience left us a little underwhelmed. The fish quality and variety were not what we had hoped for, especially compared to Japan’s usual sushi standards.
Still, the kids enjoyed the interactive ordering and conveyor-belt experience. It’s worth a visit if you’ve never been, but we’d recommend other sushi spots for a more authentic taste.
Final Thoughts
After a full day of exploring Tokyo, we headed back to our Disney hotel to rest up for more fun. Tokyo is such an exciting city, even for toddlers, with its mix of kid-friendly spots, cultural experiences, and incredible food.
If you’re planning a Tokyo trip with young children, don’t hesitate to venture into the city for a day. With a little planning, it’s easy to balance fun for everyone!
Have you explored Tokyo with your kids? Let us know your favorite spots in the comments below!
