When you travel with young kids, there’s usually a moment when you wonder if you’ve made a terrible mistake. For us, that moment came somewhere over the Pacific, about nine hours into our flight from Sydney. As we got ready to land in Tokyo, our two-year-old, Wesley, was somewhere between completely exhausted and incredibly excited.
Japan had been on our family travel bucket list for years. We loved the idea of unique food, fascinating culture, and quirky new things we’d never seen before. But with a toddler, your priorities change. Instead of famous sights, you look for parks, family-friendly restaurants, and a hotel where everyone can unwind after a busy day.
We had just 48 hours in Tokyo between our flights from Sydney and New York, so we knew we couldn’t see everything. Instead of rushing, we decided to slow down and experience the city through Wesley’s eyes.
Welcome to the Pokémon Room
Choosing the right hotel was a big decision for us. When you travel as a family, the hotel is more than just a place to sleep. It’s your base, a place to recharge, and somewhere kids can feel comfortable in a new country. That’s why we picked MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori and booked one of their Pokémon Rooms, hoping to make Wesley’s first trip to Japan extra special.
Wesley was super excited when he came into the room. Everywhere he looked, there was something new to discover. The walls were covered in bright Pokémon art; a giant Snorlax sat on the bed; the dining table looked like a huge Poké Ball; and even the plates and cups matched the theme. It didn’t just feel like a decorated hotel room; to Wesley, it felt like a giant playroom filled with bright colours, familiar characters and little surprises around every corner.
Why the location works
We couldn’t have picked a better base for our 48 hours in Tokyo. While many visitors stay right in the middle of the city’s busiest districts, MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori gave us the best of both worlds. It’s a local area with quiet streets, cozy cafés, and traditional Japanese restaurants nearby. Chrissie, Wesley and I could enjoy a slower, more authentic side of Tokyo while still being close to everything we wanted to see.
Nearby train stations made it easy to reach Tokyo’s biggest attractions in no time, so we spent less time travelling and more time exploring. Navigating the stations with a pram occasionally meant tackling a few flights of stairs, but overall we found Tokyo’s public transport surprisingly straightforward and well managed.
Save 15% on Your Next Family Stay at APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU
After experiencing MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori for ourselves, we can see why apartment-style accommodation makes so much sense for families travelling around Japan. With spacious rooms of around 40㎡ or more, a kitchen, living area and laundry facilities, there’s room to spread out, prepare snacks or simple meals and give everyone a little space to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
And right now, you can save up to 15% on your next MIMARU stay. Book between 1 September and 31 October 2026 for stays from 1 September 2026 to 31 May 2027, making this a great opportunity to lock in your next Japan family adventure.
How to Get the Discount
- Click the button below and select your stay period and hotel.
- Sign up for a MIMARU membership or log in to your existing account.
- Enjoy an automatic 10% discount as a MIMARU member.
- On the final booking page, enter the coupon code to receive an additional 5% discount.
COUPON CODE: mimaruaph_oawk26
Day one: Immersive art, parks and the "Parent Swap"
Our first full day in Tokyo was all about balance. Instead of rushing between landmarks, we planned a day with great food, one special attraction, plenty of time for Wesley to just be a two-year-old, and some downtime for ourselves.
A local start
Instead of searching for a standard Western breakfast, we jumped straight into Japanese food at Sukiya Hatchobori 4-chome. We had grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and several small side dishes. Wesley tried everything, proving he can sometimes be more adventurous than we are.
teamLab Planets: A highlight for all ages
If there was one thing we didn’t want to miss, it was teamLab Planets. We’d heard so many families say how awesome it was, and after a few hours there, we understood why. It’s one of those rare places everyone enjoys, from toddlers to teens to grandparents.
Instead of just looking at art, you become part of it. You take off your shoes right away and step barefoot into huge, immersive installations. One moment you’re wading through warm water as digital koi fish swim around your legs and turn into colourful flowers. Next, you’re surrounded by giant spheres of light, then you move through mirrored rooms filled with endless light displays.
For Wesley, it felt less like an art gallery and more like stepping into a dream. He happily chased the colourful fish, pointed at every changing light display, and paused to take it all in before running to the next room. Some of the darker spaces were a bit scary for a two-year-old, and sometimes he’d reach for our hands, but those moments made the brighter, more colourful rooms feel even more magical.
It’s hard to explain just how unique teamLab Planets is until you see it yourself. If you’re visiting Tokyo with kids, we’d put it right at the top of your must-do list.
Toddler Tip: Book one of the earliest morning sessions. You’ll have a much quieter visit, and it leaves the rest of the day free for lunch, playgrounds, and maybe even a stroller nap.
Finding balance in Toyosu and Tsukishima
After such an exciting morning, we slowed things down on purpose. We had lunch in Toyosu, then got what every parent hopes for after a big adventure: a pram nap. Instead of rushing to another attraction, we wandered along the waterfront and ended up at Toyosu Park, where local families were picnicking, kids filled the playground, and life felt surprisingly relaxed for such a big city.
When Wesley woke up, he had only one thing on his mind: the playground. He climbed, ran, explored, and used up all his energy before we continued our afternoon walk through nearby Tsukishima.
Tsukishima, known for its narrow pedestrian streets, showed us a different side of the city. The main dining street is popular with visitors, but it still feels local, with family-run restaurants, traditional shopfronts, and hidden laneways everywhere. We couldn’t resist stopping for some freshly cooked stir fry, made right on the hotplate in front of us, and of course enjoying some local beer.
It wasn’t a day full of famous landmarks or packed with sightseeing. Instead, we explored at toddler pace, and discovered the quieter side of Tokyo.
The Parent Swap: Tokyo after bedtime
Once Wesley was in bed, it was time for one of our favourite family travel strategies: the “Parent Swap”. One parent stays at the hotel while the other gets a few precious child-free hours to explore the city, then we switch the next night. This way, neither of us missed out on seeing Tokyo after dark.
For my evening, I went to Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku, a modern Japanese onsen that was the perfect way to unwind after a long day. Soaking in the hot baths, in the sauna and enjoying another cold beer, helped me slow down and relax.
The best part was knowing Chrissie would have her own evening adventure the next night. Travelling with a toddler doesn’t mean parents have to miss out; it just means finding a different way to experience the city.
Day two: Navigating Tokyo in the rain
You can spend months planning the perfect trip, but the weather always has the final say. We woke up to steady rain that barely stopped all day. Normally, that might ruin a family sightseeing plan, but Tokyo is one of those cities that’s still fun in the rain. With a few changes, we discovered a whole new side of the city.
A peaceful morning at Tsukiji Honganji
We started the morning at Tsukiji Honganji Temple, whose striking architecture looks unlike almost any other temple in Japan. Stepping inside, the atmosphere changed instantly. It was peaceful, quiet and exactly the reset we needed after our busy first day.
Next door, the temple café serves its famous Buddhist-inspired breakfast with 18 beautifully presented dishes featuring seasonal ingredients and traditional flavours. It was unlike any breakfast we’d had before, with everything from raw octopus and spicy seaweed to other Japanese delicacies we’d never tried, all enjoyed with a bowl of rice porridge. For Wesley some dishes were definitely more adventurous than others, but it was a great introduction to Japanese food culture.
Harajuku's colourful side
Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street looked a bit different under a sea of colourful umbrellas, but the energy was still there. This is the heart of Tokyo’s quirky youth fashion scene, known for its colourful street style, unique cafés, character stores, and the elaborate outfits often seen around the spot, especially on weekends when fashion lovers and cosplayers gather.
We walked around and passed a bunch of animal cafés. After deciding against the capybara café, we settled on one of Tokyo’s top-rated ethical cat cafés, Cat Cafe MOFF CUTE CUBE Harajuku. Wesley wandered from cat to cat, gently patting whichever furry friend was happy to say hello, while we enjoyed the rare luxury of sitting down with a coffee. It turned out to be the perfect rainy-day activity.
For lunch, we visited the fun Peanuts Café, one of Tokyo’s many wonderfully quirky themed restaurants where the food is only half the experience. Wesley loved spotting Snoopy around the restaurant before falling asleep, which let us wander through Harajuku’s colourful shops while he enjoyed a well-earned nap in the pram.
Shibuya crossing from above
No first trip to Tokyo feels complete without seeing Shibuya Crossing. You’ve probably seen photos of it before: a sea of people crossing from every direction as hundreds, sometimes thousands, walk at once. It’s one of Tokyo’s most famous sights, showing the organised chaos and energy of the city.
With heavy rain and a sleeping toddler, we didn’t want to push through the crowds, so we found a cozy window seat in the huge Starbucks, overlooking the intersection instead.
Watching wave after wave of umbrellas move through the crossing with perfect timing was pretty mesmerising. Sometimes, traveling with a toddler means the best view isn’t always in the middle of the action.
A rainy-day lifesaver
The rain kept coming, and Wesley was ready to burn off some more energy. A quick search and a little help from ChatGPT led us to an amazing indoor playground: giant inflatable slides, climbing equipment, tunnels, soft play areas, and huge ball pits—pretty much everything a two-year-old could dream of. Wesley disappeared into the colourful maze right away, climbing, bouncing, and sliding from one activity to the next while we finally enjoyed a few quiet minutes to catch our breath.
Parent Swap: Round Two
That evening it was Chrissie’s turn for a few child-free hours while I enjoyed a quiet night back at the Pokémon room with Wesley and Snorlax.
With a list of recommendations, she went into the city looking for one thing: great sushi. She found it at Sushi Garyu Shinjuku Kabuki, enjoying what she still says was the best Japanese meal she’s ever had. Afterwards, following my suggestion from the night before, she ended her evening relaxing at Thermae-Yu before heading back to the hotel.
By the end of our Tokyo stopover, we realised our Parent Swap wasn’t just a fun idea—it had become one of the best family travel strategies we’d ever tried. It gave us both the chance to experience a different side of Tokyo while still spending every day together making family memories.
The Verdict: Why 48 hours wasn't enough
In just two days, we managed trains, rain, unfamiliar foods, and one of the world’s biggest cities with a two-year-old in tow.
Traveling with a toddler doesn’t make the adventure smaller; it just changes what you notice. Instead of rushing between landmarks, you find joy in quiet parks, themed bedrooms, local cafés, and the little moments that make a place feel special.
We just wished we had stayed much longer. There’s so much more we would have loved to experience, and while every family has different interests, these are the places now at the top of our Tokyo wish list for next time.
Tokyo for little ones (Ages 0-5): Hands-on adventures
Ueno Zoo
Located in the lovely Ueno Park, Japan’s oldest zoo would have been a great stop for our Tokyo trip with Wesley. He loves seeing animals, and the mix of pandas, elephants, monkeys, and open space to explore would provide a nice break between sightseeing. The surrounding park also offers little ones a chance to run, play, and enjoy the outdoors.
Sumida Aquarium
Nestled under Tokyo Skytree, this Sumida Aquarium would have been perfect for our rainy day in Tokyo. Its beautiful design, colourful sea life, and easy layout make it a great choice for younger kids, especially when the weather is not so nice. It’s the kind of family-friendly attraction that keeps children entertained without the need to rush.
Tokyo Toy Museum
Set in a beautifully restored old elementary school, the Tokyo Toy Museum focuses on imaginative play instead of screens and technology. With handcrafted wooden toys, hands-on activities, and creative games, it’s a place where young children can explore at their own pace. We know Wesley would have fun spending hours here.
Tokyo for big kids (Ages 5-12): Tokyo’s biggest experiences
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea
Both Disney parks would be amazing parts of a family trip, but DisneySea is what truly makes Tokyo special. Exclusive to Japan, it features unique themed areas, meticulous details, and some of the most immersive Disney experiences in the world. This one is definitely for when Wesley is a bit older and can really appreciate the magic.
Pokémon Centers and Pokémon experiences
For Pokémon fans, Japan is the ultimate destination. Tokyo has several big Pokémon Centers, including the flagship store in Ikebukuro, filled with exclusive items, giant Pokémon displays, and lots of photo spots. After seeing how excited Wesley was in his MIMARU Pokémon Room, we can only guess how much he would enjoy exploring one of these shops.
Studio Ghibli Museum
For families who love the magical worlds created by Studio Ghibli, this is one of Tokyo’s most special experiences. Located in Mitaka, the museum brings beloved films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away to life with original artwork, creative displays, and interactive exhibits. It’s made for children, but adults will also appreciate the attention to detail and nostalgia.
Universal Studios Japan and Super Nintendo World
While it’s located in Osaka rather than Tokyo, Universal Studios Japan is too impressive to ignore on any family wish list. The biggest draw for kids is Super Nintendo World, where families can enter the Mario universe, collect digital coins, explore Bowser’s Castle, and feel like they’ve leapt into a video game. The park also includes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, making it a dream destination for both Nintendo fans and young wizards.
For tweens and curious kids (Ages 8-14): Interactive experiences
KidZania Tokyo
KidZania Tokyo lets children step into the adult world and try different jobs, from firefighters to chefs to pilots and doctors. Kids can earn KidZania currency while working and then spend it in their own miniature city. It’s educational, hands-on, and one of those experiences that kids remember long after the trip.
teamLab Borderless
After visiting teamLab Planets, we would love to return for its sister attraction. Located in Azabudai Hills, teamLab Borderless creates a constantly changing digital world where artworks move, interact, and evolve around you. It feels like stepping into a video game, making it especially exciting for older kids who enjoy technology, creativity, and interactive experiences.
Akihabara
Akihabara is the heart of Tokyo’s gaming, anime, and electronics culture. With multi-story arcades, retro gaming shops, themed cafés, and colourful stores packed with unique treasures, it offers a completely different side of Japan. We plan to add this to the itinerary when Wesley is older and starts developing his own favourite games and interests.
Tokyo Dome City
This urban entertainment complex combines rides, attractions, bowling, shopping, and dining without the need for a full theme park day. Tokyo Dome City is a great option for families who want some fun while still having the flexibility to explore other parts of Tokyo.
For teenagers (Ages 13+): The Tokyo they see online
Shibuya Sky
At 229 meters above the city, this open-air observation deck offers some of the best views in Tokyo. Shibuya Sky is the kind of place teenagers instantly connect with—the perfect spot for those iconic skyline photos and a chance to see just how massive the city really is.
Harajuku shopping
While Takeshita Street is known for colourful sweets, quirky fashion, and character stores, teenagers will also enjoy exploring the nearby streets. Ura-Harajuku has vintage clothing shops, streetwear boutiques, independent cafés, and hidden gems that feel totally different from the main shopping areas.
Family karaoke
A private karaoke room is one of those classic Tokyo experiences that works for all ages. Families can choose their favourite songs, order snacks and drinks, and enjoy singing together without worrying about anyone else hearing their performances. It’s a fun way to enjoy one of Japan’s most entertaining traditions.
Why MIMARU is made for family travel in Japan
Our Pokémon Room at MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori was definitely one of the highlights of our Tokyo stay. Watching Wesley explore every corner, spot every Pokémon detail, and instantly feel at home after a long day of travel reminded us why little experiences like this can make such a big difference when travelling with young children.
With locations across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other popular destinations, MIMARU makes it easy to create a family-friendly base throughout your Japan adventure, rather than just enjoying a one-off stay. Whether you want to be close to the bright lights of Tokyo, the historic streets of Kyoto, or the incredible food scene of Osaka, there’s a MIMARU designed to make exploring with kids that little bit easier.
A hotel room that feels like home
MIMARU’s rooms are designed for families who need more than just a bed at the end of a busy day. All rooms have kitchens, dining areas, and separate living spaces. While trying Japanese food is one of the highlights of any trip, toddlers don’t always stick to our plans! Having a kitchen means you can whip up a simple breakfast, store snacks, or pack familiar foods for a busy day of exploring. It takes away the pressure of needing every meal to be in a restaurant. There was room for Wesley to play, somewhere for us to relax together after bedtime, and an overall feeling of having a home away from home, rather than being confined to a traditional hotel room.
Themed rooms that turn a stay into an experience
Besides the famous Pokémon Rooms, MIMARU also offers unique experiences like Ninja Rooms, where kids can step into their own world of Japanese history and imagination. These rooms feature traditional-inspired décor, replica ninja tools, shuriken stars, scrolls, and fun little surprises like hidden doors and ninja-themed layouts that encourage kids to explore.
The magic of these rooms is that the theme goes far beyond the decorations. Every detail is designed to help children feel like they’re part of the adventure. For kids, the hotel isn’t just somewhere to sleep—it becomes part of the holiday itself.
Everything you need for travelling with little ones
One thing parents quickly learn when travelling is that it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference. MIMARU gets this, offering free family equipment like baby cots, bed guards, high chairs, step stools, baby baths, and children’s slippers. (Availability can vary, so it’s worth requesting anything you need before you arrive.)
These small details mean you can pack less, worry less, and spend more time enjoying your trip.
A helpful base for exploring Japan
Another thing we loved was knowing we could pop down to reception whenever we needed a little help. Whether it was advice on getting around, tips for family-friendly attractions, help booking tickets, or local recommendations, having someone who knew the city made exploring feel so much easier.
MIMARU’s front desk staff come from 40 different nationalities, which means they’re used to welcoming families from all over the world and understanding a wide range of accents and travel needs. Travelling in Japan can feel a little overwhelming when you’re juggling trains, restaurants, and sightseeing with young children, but having friendly local knowledge on hand gives families that extra bit of confidence.
My final thoughts
Japan might not be the first place families think of for an overseas holiday, but after our experience, we think it deserves to be much higher on the list. It’s a country where amazing food, fascinating culture, and futuristic cities sit alongside theme parks, interactive attractions, quirky cafés, and unforgettable experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Whether your kids love Pokémon, animals, technology, gaming, adventure, or simply discovering something new, Japan has a wonderful way of keeping the whole family entertained. Add in the convenience, safety, and genuinely family-friendly hospitality, and it’s easy to see why we’d recommend it to families with kids of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions: Travelling in Japan and Tokyo with kids
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
Many visitors from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US and Canada can enter Japan visa-free for short holidays. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel.
Should I carry cash or can I use my card?
Credit cards are widely accepted across Japan, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash for smaller restaurants, local shops, markets and temples.
Do you tip in Japan?
No. Tipping isn’t part of Japanese culture, and excellent service is simply expected. In some situations, leaving extra money can even cause confusion.
What's the best way to get around Tokyo with kids?
Tokyo’s trains are clean, safe and incredibly reliable, making them the easiest way to explore the city. If you’re travelling with a pram, allow a little extra time to find lifts in larger stations. We also recommend setting up a digital IC travel card (such as Suica or Pasmo) in your phone’s digital wallet before you arrive, so you can simply tap on and off public transport without buying tickets. For those moments when little legs are completely worn out, the GoTaxi app is an easy way to call a taxi.
Is Japan easy to travel around with young children?
Yes. Japan is one of the most family-friendly countries we’ve visited. Most shopping centres, train stations and major attractions have excellent baby change rooms, family toilets and other facilities that make travelling with little ones much easier.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan, so bringing a reusable water bottle is an easy way to save money and reduce waste.
What if my child is a fussy eater?
You’ll have plenty of options. Many restaurants have picture menus or realistic plastic food displays, making it easy to see what you’re ordering. Convenience stores are also fantastic for sandwiches, fruit, yoghurt, snacks and other simple meals.
Are convenience stores really as good as everyone says?
Absolutely. Stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson are brilliant for families, offering everything from fresh meals and snacks to drinks, nappies and other everyday essentials.
What should I pack for Japan?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll likely walk far more than expected. We’d also recommend packing a lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella, as the weather can change quickly.
Proudly produced in partnership with APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU
Book recommendation
15% discount: Terms & Conditions
- Booking period: 1 September–31 October 2026
- Stay period: September 1, 2026–31 May 2027
- The offer can be combined with the MIMARU Membership Program discount.
- The offer is not valid on limited-time sales, non-refundable plans or other special campaigns.
- To receive the full 15% discount, click the Book button, select your hotel and dates, then sign up or log in as a MIMARU member. The 10% membership discount will be applied automatically. Enter the promotional coupon code on the final booking page to receive an additional 5% discount.
