Sanity Perk: Family-Friendly
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Japan’s national broadcaster lets kids try news anchoring, voice acting, and green screen effects. Beloved NHK characters make appearances. Very inexpensive and often uncrowded — a fantastic rainy-day option right next to Yoyogi Park. Address: 2-2-1 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8001 Google Maps: Click here for directions Cost: Low Cost $
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Official Pokemon retail experience overflowing with plush toys, trading cards, apparel, and exclusive Shibuya-only merchandise. Located inside Shibuya Parco alongside Nintendo Tokyo on the same floor — do both in one trip. Address: Shibuya Parco 6F, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8377 Google Maps: Click here for directions Cost: Free
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Nintendo’s flagship Japan store with exclusive Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon merchandise unavailable elsewhere. Timed-entry queues form on weekends — arrive early or check the queue app. Same floor as Pokemon Center. Address: Shibuya Parco 6F, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8377 Google Maps: Click here for directions Cost: Free
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Tokyo’s most colorful pedestrian street packed with kawaii fashion, candy shops, and iconic rainbow crepes. Kids are dazzled by the costumes and sweet snacks at every turn. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest weekend crowds. Directly connected to Harajuku station. Address: Takeshita Street, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001 Google Maps: Click here…
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Serene forested shrine in the heart of Tokyo. Kids love walking the long tree-canopied gravel paths to the main gate and spotting the giant torii. Combine with Yoyogi Park playground next door for a full outdoor day. Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557 Google Maps: Click here for directions Cost: Free
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Beloved local zoo inside a gorgeous lakeside park. Highlights include Japanese squirrels, tanuki, and a petting area. Paddle boats on the pond are a huge hit with kids. Very walkable from Kichijoji station. Combine with Kichijoji shopping street for a full day. Address: 1-17-6 Gotenyama, Musashino City, Tokyo 180-0005 Google Maps: Click here for directions…
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Charming hands-on toy museum celebrating vintage and traditional Japanese toys. Kids can touch and play with kendama, koma spinning tops, and karuta card games. A calm, screen-free alternative tucked between Harajuku and Shibuya. Address: 5-53-1 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001 Google Maps: Click here for directions Cost: Low Cost $
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Kids can try on real samurai armor and helmets for photos. English-speaking guides make it accessible. Sword demonstrations are a highlight. Compact enough to hold attention without meltdowns. Located in Kabukicho, easy walk from east Shinjuku exit. Address: Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021 Google Maps: Click here for directions Cost: Paid $$
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Immersive digital art museum where kids walk through and interact with stunning floor-to-ceiling projections of flowing water, butterflies, and forests. Book tickets weeks in advance — they sell out consistently. Strollers must be parked at the entrance. Address: 1-2-4 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041 Google Maps: Click here for directions Cost: Paid $$$
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Historic date farm with free samples, a cafe serving date shakes, and a short film about date farming. A quirky and memorable desert stop kids actually enjoy. AC inside is a welcome relief. Split one shake between two little kids — they’re very rich. Address: 80225 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201 Google Maps: Click here for…