Meiji Shrine with Kids
Just before our children were born, my husband and I would have those lovely, righteous conversations about how we would most definitely continue to travel just as we always have and our little kiddies would just have to manage to keep up …..
Then.. once they arrived here… in the world….. and especially since they were old enough to sit up and take in their surroundings… the most peculiar thing happened.
We actually really LIKED spending time with them and wanted them to have a good time too! (Mind-blowing, right?!)
And even though we live here in Tokyo now I still try to plan our days with that feeling in mind. Especially when we have visitors in town and want to do all the touristy things with them. So when we do, I need to keep a rough ‘plan’ in mind with all those cheeky spots to squeeze in between the “terribly,boring’ grown-up stuff and, of course, a good handful of things that everyone will enjoy.
I wanted to share my kiddie entertainment ideas (and potential bribery options?) – all within 15 minutes on foot from one of Tokyo’s major tourist attractions: Meiji Shrine. I’ve also included the spots I use to change or feed my babies (details at the very bottom of this post.)
Meiji Shrine is located on the edge of Yoyogi Park and the walk into the shrine is just as spectacular as the shrine itself. You wont believe that you are only just over the train tracks from busy Harajuku.
On weekends you will almost always be able catch a traditional Japanese wedding (ask the staff when the next procession will begin.) There are toilets in several locations on the path to the shrine. The shrine is free to enter.
It is a decent walk along the path so little, tired legs will definitely need a stroller.
1-1 KAMIZONO-CHO, YOYOGI
代々木神園町1-1
OPENING HOURS CHANGE MONTHLY (SEE HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION)
WEBSITE
Just around the corner, on a Sunday, at the entrance to Yoyogi Park are the Rockabilly Dancers.
This fascinating insight into Tokyo Subculture is a must see on a Sunday afternoon. This is, by no means, a paid performance but, instead a gathering of a large group of people who share a love for Americana-Happy Days-Soda Pop-Grease Lightning fashion and old school Rock’n’Roll.
My kids love to have a little dance along from the sidelines – their own little rendition.
I’m completely crazy for these black and white shots of just some of the group’s more well-known members. Shot by Denny Renshaw. Aren’t they just amazing?
YOYOGI PARK
JINNAN 2-CHOME, YOYOGI-KAMIZONO-CHO
代々木神園町じなん２丁目
OPEN AS EARLY AS 5AM (CLOSING TIMES VARY FROM SEASON TO SEASON)
YOYOGI PARK
I recommend taking kids for a run around in Yoyogi Park too. A huge park (no playground equipment) and a lovely slice of green in the middle of the busy city. Like all large, beautiful parks in Japan, the foliage and view is completely different with every season.
The cafe near the entrance sells some savoury snacks and sweets as well as outdoor toys such as wind-up planes, frisbees and bubble liquid and wands. There are lots of vending machines and public restrooms. The pond in the middle has ducks and lots of big trees make for great hide’n’seek sessions. If you have a kite or a scooter – this is one of the best central parks for it (some other parks have funny rules about sporting equipment etc.)
YOYOGI PARK
JINNAN 2-CHOME, YOYOGI-KAMIZONO-CHO
代々木神園町じなん２丁目
OPEN AS EARLY AS 5AM (CLOSING TIMES VARY FROM SEASON TO SEASON)
WEBSITE
Takeshita Street is fantastic anytime after 11:30am. Heads up, Takeshita is going to be mega in terms of the pure volume of people. So you may want to put kids on shoulders, fold up strollers and all hold hands – but the road only spans two blocks and it’s all about the journey. Walk slow. Look and point. Kids will love the colours and the funny knick-knacks.
Consider stopping for a giant fairy floss at the Totti Candy Factory, taking a purikura (photobooth picture printed on stickers), ordering a creme brulee crepe (or really go out on a limb and grab an even more unusual selection such as a “tuna & salad” or a “sausage” crepe.)
Tip: Don’t try and have a sit down meal on this road – mainly because of the long wait times. (Have kiddies use the restrooms before you start the walk too.)
TAKESHITA STREET, HARAJUKU
1−13−17 JINGUMAE
神宮前1-13-17
Print clubs are , what I like to think of as the original snapchat filters (that were around waaaay before that as I remember taking these when I first came to Japan to visit with my high school in 1995! ) The photos are taken in a booth – a series of pictures- that are instantly printed out in small sticker form. They are so much fun (and funny) for adults and kiddies. They usually cost approximately 300-400 yen. They are a great Harajuku activity for everyone.
NOA PRINT CLUB
渋谷区神宮前1-17-5 B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, 1-17-5 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN EVERYDAY 8AM- 11:30PM
Keep an eye out for this guy who loves to walk around Harajuku & Omotesando with his pram full of pussycats. Love this guy.
Reissue, the latte art cafe, is such a fun cafe to visit as their baristas are actually very talented artists. It’s located in the back grungy alleyways of Harajuku. You are shown to your seat , you chooce your coffee or hot chocolate and then show a picture or photo (on your phone is fine) of what you would like on top. The drink order takes about 15 minutes so make sure you have some things for kids to do while you wait. They really are so talented. It’s definitely not the cheapest cup of coffee ( around 1000 yen) but is a really fun thing to do for adults and children. Reissue also serve rice, soup or salad lunch plates.
There is a big flight of stairs at the entrance so you may need to decide to either fold up and carry in your stroller or leave it outside.
TANJI BUILDING, 2F, 3-25-7 JINGUMAE
神宮前3-25-7, TANJIビル2F
OPEN 10AM-6PM
While Starbucks isn’t normally on my personal ‘go and see’ list, in any city, but when my kids have the wriggles and we all just need a bit of downtime, the Tokyu Plaza Rooftop Starbucks has a fantastic open terrace where kids can run around, eat cookies, make noise etc. It is often themed in keeping with the season and celebrated holidays.
There is an elevator from the street level, near American Eagle.
4-30-3 JINGUMAE
神宮前4-30-3 東急プラザ6F
OPEN: 8:30am-11pm
STARBUCKS TOKYU PLAZA WEBSITE
If you’re looking for somewhere for breakfast (open from 7am ! Almost unheard of for a proper sit down brekkie in these parts!)
It is worth the 13 min walk from Harajuku station if you crave a western breakfast.
The building is designed so beautifully and it has a large outdoor terrace which makes it extremely kiddie friendly. This place is just 11 minutes walk from Shibuya Station (and 14 mins from Harajuku, in case you feel like switching areas afterwards.)
Here is the Full Trunk Menu.
They serve Western-style breakfast.
If you decide to visit in the evening, the hotel interior and bar doesn’t quite feel appropriate for children but the Trunk Kushi (skewered meat & veg) restaurant out the front of the hotel definitely is fine – with outdoor seating and, once again, enough space for a little wriggle.
This hotel/restaurant is also very accommodating when it comes to guests/diners who require gluten-free dishes.
TRUNK HOTEL (KITCHEN)
渋谷区神宮前５-31-7
5-31-7 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR BREAKFAST: 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
OPEN FOR DINNER: 6:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.
TRUNK KITCHEN WEBSITE
- “La Foret” department store, 3rd floor, Female restroom (change table)
- “Tokyu Plaza” department store, 4th & 5th floors, Disabled restroom (change table, 4th floor also has a breastfeeding space)
- “Crayon House” restaurant and children’s bookstore, 2nd floor (breastfeeding space)
- “Omotesando Hills” department store, Basement B2 Floor (breastfeeding spaces, change tables, a microwave and boiled water. Stroller rental for children under two available from the store’s information counter)
- “Cascade” restaurant complex, Basement B1 Floor, Disabled toilet (change table)
