Top things to do in Japan with kids, according to the kids!

We asked our boys what they would recommend other kids do if they went to Japan. There was lots of discussion between them, however, this is what they enjoyed the most and think that other kids will enjoy too.

Disneyland and DisneySea

Tokyo boasts Disneyland and the only DisneySea in the world! These are separate parks, but positioned right next to each other in Tokyo bay. DisneySea is apparently targeted at teenagers, however, there are lots of rides for younger children as well. It is water theme and has a huge man made lake through the middle of the park and a volcano that erupts with fire during the day. At night there are light shows on the water.

We all loved both these parks. Even if you have been to Disneyland before you will want to check them out and see how Japan does Disney. Japanese youth are not shy in dressing up and in Disneyland and you will see many groups or couples in matching outfits, Kawaii!

This is an absolute must for all ages, now you just have to decide which park to go to first!

Universal Studios

Universal Studios is located in Osaka. It is smaller than the Disney parks but just as popular, mostly because of Harry Potter World. If you or your kids are into Harry Potter then they will love it! Have a butter beer in Hogsmeade, enjoy a meal in The Three Broomsticks, buy a chocolate frog at Honeydukes, and of course choose a wand at Ollivanders.

We are all Harry Potter fans and we loved Harry Potter world, it brought the wizarding world to life and we can’t wait to go back again. The kids selected their own interactive wands from Ollivanders and then at different places around Harry Potter world they were able to cast spells to open doors, levitate objects and make it snow!

The rest of the park at Universal has a variety of rides and opportunities to take photos with characters such as Jaws or Spiderman. The Waterworld show, has fantastic stunts. Get the kids to sit down the front in the splash zone and they’ll be picked on to get super wet! Check out our full blog here.

Snow (and snowboarding)

Many Aussie families travel to Japan for the snow and snowsports. In fact so much so that you’ll feel like you stepped back into Australia! The powder here is plentiful. It’s closer and easier to get to than other northern countries and its winter during our long summer holidays – perfect!

Even if you don’t want to ski or snowboard there is so much to see and do in the snow. Try and stay somewhere where there are Onsens, there is nothing more relaxing than a hot onsen at the end of a cold day. Snow monkeys can be seen hanging out in their own onsen just outside of Nagano. It goes without saying that if there is snow then there are snowmen to make and snowball fights to be had!

Pokémon Centres

Pokémon fans watch out! Pokémon centres have to be seen to be believed. If you are after Pikachu stationary or Eevee jewellery or Snorlax chopstick rests or Gengar night light or pokeball chocolates or one of hundreds of Pokémon plush toys then a visit to one or more Pokémon Centres can’t be missed! Yes one or more because each one is different and has slightly different toys. They are found throughout Japan, and a number of them are in Tokyo. Check here for locations. Some stores have specialty Pokémon that can only be found in their store. The centre at Tokyo Skytree has plush Pikachu climbing Skytree tower while Tokyo station has Pikachu in a train guard uniform. For more Pokémon ideas check out this blog.

Ninja Samurai experience

These experiences are throughout Japan, we went to one in Osaka, actually we have been there twice and loved it both times. First we dressed up and the boys chose Samurai or Ninja and then we were given swords and taught some moves. We took turns to act out a choreographed fight, complete with sound effects while the staff videoed it. The kids had a great laugh as hubby and I tried to remember the moves! It was so much fun.

We finished off with some Shuriken (ninja star) throwing and I promise I didn’t gloat at all when I beat the boys!

Legoland
(which we have never been to, so I guess that’s next trip!)

Legoland is in Nagoya, a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. This may appeal to younger kids, although no one is ever really too old for Lego. There is also a Lego discovery Centre in Tokyo. I have no suggestions about Legoland as we have never been!

Eat!

Try okonomiyaki, kushiage (food on a stick), tonkatsu, pork buns, sushi train and gyoza. For dessert try chocolate bananas (we had them in Ueno park), totti candy fairy floss, crepes, kit kats and Pocky. (Note this suggestion was from the youngest, who only ate vegemite and bread when we first went to Japan!) Check out more info about food in Japan.

Snorkelling in Okinawa

Okinawa also called the ‘Hawaii of Japan’ is relaxed and very different to the rest of Japan. Some of our favourite memories are when we found this little spot to snorkel. If you are looking for a tropical paradise, then put Okinawa into your itinerary.

Glass blowing

Okinawa is known for its glass work. There are a few places in Okinawa where you can make your own glasses. We loved this experience and the boys were fascinated with the process of blowing and shaping the glass. We treasure these souvenirs, they are a great reminder of our adventures every time we use them.

Gundam statue

If your kids are into Gundam and have watched some of the anime then they will love visiting the life size Unicorn Gundam statue. Try and arrive when the Gundam transforms. Times can be found here.

The Gundam statue is located in Tokyo, Odiaba at Diver city. While you are here visit the Gundam cafe for Gundam pastry, biscuits and hot chocolate. Take time to go upstairs in the shopping centre to the Gundam store to see the model Gundam displays and to purchase model kits to take home and make. Give yourself a bit of time, our boys could have spent hours here!

Visit an animal cafe

These are everywhere in Japan and in fact the word cafe gives a false impression. At many of these places you can’t eat. At some you are obliged to purchase a drink, however it is usually more a place to come and see or pat some of the animals a bit like a petting zoo. There are so many different animal cafes – cat cafes, dog cafes, owl cafes and hedgehog cafes!

Visit Tokyo Skytree and see the view.

Think Centrepoint tower in Sydney but huge! If you can plan your visit to Tokyo Skytree at sunset so you can see Tokyo in the day and at night. If it is busy there is a separate counter for tourists (have your passport ready) where you can skip the queues, it is more expensive but worth it in peak times. As part of the Skytree complex there is a huge shopping centre with a number of good shops including, a Nanoblocks store, a plastic food shop and a few souvenir shops. There are also a couple of floors of good restaurants and of course a Pokemon centre!

Walk on a Volcano (Mount Aso)

Mount Aso is in the Kumamoto area and beautiful countryside to drive through. Be aware that this area is volcanic and if the volcano is too active you cannot walk up close. We could not walk up to the rim on the day we visited but it was still awe inspiring as we watched the smoke and ash spewing from the volcano.

Sword Making

Just outside of Kyoto there are a couple of traditional blacksmiths where you can make your own small sword. We learnt about the history of the sword, what to look for to appreciate a good sword, we were taught about the metals and then we each made our own sword. It was hard but very satisfying and the boys are proud of the swords they made, awesome souvenirs.

Stay in a Ryokan, have a traditional Japanese meal and visit an Onsen

If you are after an authentic Japanese experience, look no further. Every family should try to put this on their list. Dressing up in Yukata and sleeping on Tatami mats has the feel of a great big family sleep over. A traditional multi course Keiseki meal does stretch the kid’s (and adult’s) taste buds but it is served with such attention to detail and is so different to meal experiences in Australia, it’s a must. An onsen may be a little confronting for some kids as you do have to go in nude (boys and girls separate), however, some Ryokans have family baths that can be booked so it is just the family present and you are able to go in your swimmers. Not sure then read our blog with hints and tips for staying in a Ryokan.

Visit a 7 story toy store