I love travelling with little little babies – they love looking and smiling at everything. They think that grownup things that they will soon call “boring” in a few years – really and truly exciting. Especially in Japan as everything moves and most things are colourful too!
But sometimes it is nice to choose special spots that are set with baby’s enjoyment at the forefront of your plans and these are my recommendations ( according to my, now, 3 year old, who has lived in Tokyo since he was 4 months old.)
Click here if you’re looking for where to buy nappies / diapers in Tokyo.
Aquariums
My little boy is crazy for all things sea life and I’m convinced it is because we started him early on the aquariums.
There is no real distinction between art and aquarium in Japan which makes them all the more beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Our favourite is the small but gorgeous Sumida Aquarium.
Sumida Aquarium isn’t very big but it is so well done. Each section feels like an art installation. We’ve been more than 10 times. It’s located within the Skytree complex. 2300 yen for adults, 1700 yen for senior high school students, 1100 yen for elementary and junior high students, 700 yen for 3 years old and up, Kids under 3 are free.
I also recommend Shinagawa Aquarium and Sunshine City Aquarium ( details here my Rainy Days with Kids post.)
Tokyo Toy Museum
The Toy Museum is 25 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station (it’s easier to get there by a closer subway station, Yotsuya-Sanchome Exit 2 but – be warned – there isn’t an elevator. )
It is a lovely hands-on museum and it even has a wooden toy room just for children aged 0-2.
My kiddies love this place. The building used to be an elementary school and still has a little playground out the front so it’s a great spot for children to play (before or after entry) and have a snack etc.
It is an absolutely beautiful place to take children. Highly recommend.
PS: You’ll need internet to find it. Trust me.
TOKYO TOY MUSEUM
YOTSUYA HIROBA, 4-20 YOTSUYA, SHINJUKU
新宿区四谷4-20四谷広場
OPEN: 10AM-4PM (LAST ADMISSION 3:30PM) (CLOSED THURSDAYS)
WEBSITE
Shibuya Playground 4 Kids
This is my new favourite inner-city playcentre! It’s not big (which means that I can keep tabs on them both at all times – woop woop!) but it is brand new and the staff keep it so pristine. It is just sooooo clean!!!
There is a lovely soft play section just for the little babies but I think they would also like a play in the most beautiful sandpit ever!
It is located pretty much smack-bang in the middle of Shibuya and Daikanyama so it’s a great stop-off for a day of sightseeing. (Take a look here if you decide to walk to Daikanyama or here if you’re exploring Shibuya and are looking for ideas with kids. )
Please note that this playcentre is only for 0-5 year olds. Babies under 6 months are free. Entrance is via the Konami Sports Club so registration is required at the ground floor before taking the elevator.
KONAMI SPORTS CLUB BUILDING, 9th FLOOR, 18-11 SHINSEN-CHO
神泉町18-11コナミスポーツクラブ渋谷9F
OPEN 10AM-6PM (CLOSED FRIDAYS)
FEE: 1000 YEN PER HOUR FOR CHILDREN OLDER THAN 6 MONTHS (1200 YEN ON WEEKENDS)
500 YEN SET FEE PER ADULT. ADDITIONAL 300 YEN FOR THE FIRST VISIT.
WEBSITE
Happo-en
Happo-en is our favourite ‘hidden’ Japanese garden. It’s a famous wedding and shichigosan (children’s coming of age ceremony) venue and is open early in the morning. Entrance to the garden is free and there is a bakery/cafe for breakfast, tea time and lunch.
It’s small enough to have a lovely walk with a baby in a carrier and there are gorgeous colours, lots of fish to look at and great photo opportunities. It really doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of the city anymore.
If you come with a stroller I recommend leaving it in the venue hall as, like almost all Japanese gardens, there are lots of large stepping stones and stairs. Keep an eye on children as there is a pond with fish. Keep an eye out for the bonsai display at the top of the hill (on display year round) and the teahouse down the bottom (reservations required.)
It’s a fantastic place for an early morning stroll and a cup of tea or coffee. There is a bakery/cafe and if you’re lucky enough to grab a balcony seat , you can look over the garden while you have a cuppa.
HAPPOEN
1-1-1 SHIROKANEDAI, MINATO
港区白金台1-1-1
OPEN: 10AM – 10PM ( CLOSED OVER THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS)
WEBSITE
AsoMIX Playcentre, Ebina
I’ve had lots of requests to include rainy day activities for different parts of Tokyo, not just the city centre. That suits me to a tee as I love little adventures with my kiddies (and love it even more when I find somewhere that it’s weather dependent.
The LaLaPort Department Stores almost always have a whole section of their complex devoted to Children’s Entertainment. At the Ebina store is AsoMix a children’s playcentre that is set up for children from 6months up until 12.
The highlight here is the ocean image projected onto a gorgeous white sandpit. What a clever idea!! It’s visually beautiful and my kids loved pretend swimming here for so long!
There is a baby playpit, pretend kitchen and ice-cream shop, ride on motorized cars and emergency vehicles, a big bouncy dome, slides and climbing frames and train tables. There is even free wifi.
Unfortunately you’ll need to get a pass out to use the restrooms but they are about 100 metres from playcentre entrance. (i.e. make them go beforehand)
I found that a day pass was handy for us as it’s located within the department store and we could leave, have lunch* and a little shop around before returning for more play.
No outdoor snacks allowed (they don’t mind baby food) but there is an eating area inside and vending machines with snacks, drinks and ice-cream.
AsoMix PLAYCENTRE, LALAPORT EBINA
神奈川県海老名市扇町13-1 ららぽーと海老名4F
4F LALAPORT DEPARTMENT STORE EBINA, 13-1 OGICHO, EBINA, KANAGAWA
OPEN 10AM-7PM
WEBSITE (Japanese only)
If you’ve enjoyed my recommendations here, I think you’ll also enjoy my favourite Parent & Baby Cafes here.
