Tokyo blends 400-year-old traditions with tomorrow’s technology in one endlessly fascinating sprawl. From the incense swirling at Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple to the blinking galaxies of Shibuya and Akihabara, it’s a city that dazzles without forgetting its roots. Families will find spotless parks, efficient trains, and food that’s both adventurous and accessible.

Historically known as Edo, Tokyo rose from a castle town in the 1600s to the world’s largest metropolis. Earthquakes and fires reshaped it, but resilience and creativity define its skyline—think bamboo-quiet shrines beside 634-meter Tokyo Skytree. Kids can ride bullet trains, meet otters at aquariums, and eat sushi delivered by conveyor belts.

Practical notes: Cash and IC cards (Suica/PASMO) are widely accepted; tap to ride trains and buy snacks. Spring and fall are mild; summers are hot and humid. Expect ultra-reliable public transport, coin lockers at major stations, and an astonishing variety of family-friendly dining from noodle counters to themed cafés.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a constellation of neighborhoods: serene Meiji Shrine in forested Harajuku, the teen fashion whirl of Takeshita Street, and the never-sleeps glow of Shinjuku. Along the Sumida River, Asakusa preserves Old Edo charm; across the bay, Odaiba serves up science museums, the Unicorn Gundam statue, and big-sky waterfront views.

Top sights for families include Ueno Zoo and museums in Ueno Park, the immersive art of teamLab (Planets in Toyosu; Borderless in Azabudai Hills), the Skytree observatories, and kid-pleasing food halls in department store basements (depachika). When energy dips, Tokyo’s parks, aquariums, and gentle river cruises reset the pace.

• Don’t miss: Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Ueno Park, Odaiba’s Miraikan, and Tokyo Disney.
• Fun fact: Vending machines are everywhere—try warm canned cocoa in winter or quirky regional sodas.
• Easy eats with kids: kaiten (conveyor) sushi, gyoza specialists, curry rice houses, tempura bowls, and mellow neighborhood ramen shops.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks):

• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku — Godzilla view, central Shinjuku location, compact-but-smart rooms, lots of dining around.
• Hilton Tokyo Bay — On the Disney resort loop with spacious family rooms; ideal for Day 7.
• Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku — Great value, steps from Shinjuku Station, reliable with kids.
• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo — Large rooms by Tokyo standards, pool (seasonal), free shuttle to Disney.
• Splurge: The Peninsula Tokyo (Imperial Palace views), The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo (sky-high Midtown views), or Aman Tokyo (urban onsen serenity).
• Apartment-style stays: Browse Tokyo on VRBO or hotels of all budgets via Hotels.com Tokyo.

Getting there and around:

• Flights: Compare to Tokyo (HND/NRT) on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Trains in Japan: Timetables and fares on Trip.com Trains.
• Airport to city: Haneda to central Tokyo is ~30–45 minutes (¥300–600) by monorail/Keikyu; Narita to Tokyo Station ~60 minutes (¥3,000) by Narita Express. Prefer a car? Book a private transfer: Narita Airport(NRT) Private Transfer To/From Tokyo.

Day 1: Arrival, Asakusa & Sumida Riverside

Morning: Travel day. If landing early, grab onigiri and fruit at the airport konbini for the kids. Pick up Suica/PASMO cards for hassle-free subway rides.

Afternoon: Check in and head to Asakusa. Walk Nakamise-dori to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple; let kids choose a paper omikuji (fortune) and peek at the giant lantern of Kaminarimon Gate. Snack stops: Asakusa Kagetsudo for melon pan, Agemanju (fried sweet buns), or Ningyo-yaki cakes shaped like lanterns.

Evening: Stroll the Sumida River Promenade with views of Tokyo Skytree lighting up. Dinner nearby:

• Daikokuya Tempura: famous tendon (tempura over rice); ask for non-spicy sauce for kids.
• Asakusa Imahan: sukiyaki in private booths—fun to cook tableside.
• Ramen Yoroiya: mellow soy-based ramen, child-friendly bowls.

Day 2: Tokyo’s Icons in One Go (Coach Tour + Skytree)

Cover major highlights without worrying about transfers on this full-day coach adventure—great when jet lag lingers and attention spans vary.

1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour

Expect Meiji Shrine’s wooded calm, a matcha experience, Asakusa time, a Tokyo Bay cruise (when operating), and admission to Tokyo Skytree’s observatory—ideal for sweeping city views without complicated planning.

Pre/post tour bites: Breakfast near hotel: Sarabeth’s Shinjuku (pancakes, French toast) or Boul’ange for pastries. Dinner in Shibuya: Genki Sushi (touchscreen ordering, speedy plates) or Uobei’s sister outlets; for parents, a mellow izakaya like Toriyoshi for grilled chicken skewers and rice bowls.

Day 3: Ueno Park, Museums & Akihabara Arcades

Morning: Ueno Park is a family magnet: choose Ueno Zoo (pandas), the National Museum (samurai armor and kid-captivating galleries), or the National Museum of Nature and Science (hands-on tech and dinosaurs). Coffee and pastries at Suke6 Diner (slightly south in Asakusa) or Park Side Cafe by Shinobazu Pond.

Afternoon: Lunch at Innsyoutei (seasonal bento in a garden setting) or Gyukatsu Motomura (beef cutlet you sear at the table). Wander Ameya-Yokocho market for snacks and souvenirs, then hop to Akihabara for multi-level arcades and gacha capsule toys—set a coin budget and watch the smiles.

Evening: Dinner in Akihabara or nearby Kanda: curry rice at Go! Go! Curry, tonkatsu at Maisen’s satellite outlets, or conveyor-belt sushi at Kura Sushi. Sweet treat: Taiyaki fish-shaped waffles filled with custard or red bean.

Day 4: Toyosu teamLab Planets, Odaiba Science & Bay Views

Morning: Immerse at teamLab Planets in Toyosu—barefoot, mirror-walled, water-and-flowers digital art that thrills kids and adults. Book early slots; bring small towels for feet. Coffee and light bites at Blue Bottle Toyosu or Toyosu Market eateries (don’t miss tamagoyaki omelets).

Afternoon: Continue to Odaiba: the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) with robots and space exhibits, and the life-size Unicorn Gundam at DiverCity (transformation sequences on schedule). Alternate for younger kids: LEGOLAND Discovery Center or the Epson Aqua Park Shinagawa (short train away) for glowing jellyfish tanks.

Evening: Sunset on Odaiba Seaside Park boardwalk; rainbow-lit views of the bridge. Dinner options: TsuruTonTan Udon (huge bowls, slurp-friendly), Kushiya Monogatari (DIY skewers), or Tonkatsu Wako (crisp pork cutlets with unlimited cabbage). Dessert: Cremia soft serve.

Day 5: Day Trip to Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko

Trade skyscrapers for mountain air on a relaxed, guided bus tour—minimal transfers, maximum scenery. It’s an easy win for families.

Tokyo: Mt.Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko 1-Day Bus Tour w/Optional Lunch

Highlights often include Arakurayama Sengen Park (iconic pagoda view), Lake Kawaguchi shores, seasonal flower parks, and Fuji viewpoints; optional lunch keeps things simple. Expect ~11 hours door-to-door with photo stops and restroom breaks built in. Pack snacks and layers—mountain weather shifts quickly.

Dinner back in Tokyo: Near your hotel, grab ramen at Afuri (yuzu broth is bright and kid-friendly) or ippudo’s silky tonkotsu. If energy remains, a short evening stroll through your neighborhood konbini aisle counts as a cultural activity.

Day 6: Tsukiji Tastes, Gardens & Sumo Culture

Morning: Explore the flavors of old Tokyo with a guided tasting walk at the lively Tsukiji Outer Market.

Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

Sample tamagoyaki, grilled seafood skewers, fresh tuna, and matcha treats while guides explain tools and traditions. It’s hands-on, educational, and delicious for all ages.

Afternoon: Walk or cruise to Hamarikyu Gardens—saltwater ponds framed by skyscrapers—and try matcha in the teahouse. If you skipped Asakusa earlier, pair the gardens with a Sumida River cruise upriver.

Evening: Learn and laugh at an interactive sumo experience in Asakusa/Ryogoku—photos, Q&A, and a hot pot associated with wrestlers.

Tokyo Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Photo

Dinner alternatives nearby: chanko-nabe (sumo stew) at a local stable-affiliated eatery, or tempura and rice bowls for uncomplicated comfort. For dessert, seek out warabi-mochi or taiyaki.

Day 7: Tokyo Disney (DisneySea or Disneyland) & Ginza Farewell

Morning: Ride JR Keiyo Line to Maihama (from Tokyo Station ~15 minutes; ~¥220). Choose Disneyland (classic rides, parades) or DisneySea (unique to Japan, fantastic theming). Staying at Hilton Tokyo Bay makes this day extra easy with resort-line access.

Afternoon: Pace yourselves with shows and indoor attractions; mobile snack strategy: mochi alien dumplings, curry popcorn, or steamed bao. Many restaurants offer kids’ menus and allergy-friendly options.

Evening: Return to central Tokyo for a gentle send-off. In Ginza, browse Itoya (stationery wonderland) and depachika at Mitsukoshi or Matsuya for bento to-go. Sit-down dinner options: Kyubey (sushi—request counter or private room), Toraya tea salon for wagashi and matcha, or a casual family soba shop to keep it simple.

Optional/Alternate: Private City or Fuji Touring

If you prefer a driver and flexible pacing with kids, consider a customized route:

Customizable Private Tokyo Tour with an English-speaking Driver

Food & coffee favorites to sprinkle through the week: Onibus Coffee (Nakameguro), Glitch Coffee (Kanda), Verve (Roppongi); ramen at Afuri or Ichiran (booths can be fun for teens), gyoza at Harajuku Gyozaro, curry at Coco Ichibanya (custom spice), soufflé pancakes at Flipper’s, and fruit parfaits at Takano in Shinjuku.

Transit tips: Get a 24/48/72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket for savings if you’ll ride frequently. Strollers are welcome; elevators are signed clearly, and station staff can assist. Coin lockers fit carry-ons if you have a late flight.

Bonus Viator overview option (swap into Day 2 or 3):

1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour

In a week, you’ll have touched Tokyo’s history, tasted its markets, played in its arcades, and watched the lights bloom over the bay. Add a day trip to Mount Fuji and a Disney finale, and the city shifts from “once-in-a-lifetime” to “when can we come back?”