15 Best Things to Do in Japan with Kids for Japan Family Vacation 2025/2026

If you are planning a family trip to Asia, Japan is one of the first-choice destinations with a clean and safe environment, interesting things to do, and great baby facilities. However, which spots and activities are most suitable for visiting Japan with kids? How to leave beautiful travel memories for kids? Here we've compiled the most interesting kid-friendly things to do in Japan to make your family trip to Japan more stress-free.

Top 15 Family-Friendly Activities in Japan

1. Enjoy Theme Parks in Japan with Kids

Theme Parks are paradises for kids, with various exciting and fun amusement facilities. Visiting Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea is a must-do in Japan with kids. It is a chance to get up close and interact with classic characters like Mickey and Minnie. Tokyo DisneySea features its unique nautical theme. You can experience thrill rides and family-friendly shows. There are many rides that do not limit height, such as Alice's Tea Party, Castle Carrousel, Minnie's House, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more.

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is one of the themed attractions for all ages, with a diverse range of rides. From Minions to Harry Potter Wizarding World, everyone can find something they like.

2. Meet Friendly Deer in Nara

Nara Park is a famous place where you can encounter cute deer when you visit Japan with kids. The deer in Nara Park are gentle and lovely and roam freely in the park. Kids can buy "deer crackers" or "shika senbei" to feed friendly deer. In addition to deer, Nara Park also has historic temples and shrines, such as Todaiji and Kasuga Daisha. You can appreciate various lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine and visit Japan's largest bronze Buddha at Todai-ji Temple.

3. Ninja & Samurai Experiences

Japanese ninja and samurai culture is full of mystery. For a family trip to Japan, Ninja and Samurai experiences are different adventures. Kids can wear traditional outfits and participate in hands-on training with authentic weapons (shuriken, swords). With professional guidance, kids can learn to throw shurikens.

4. Experience Traditional Tea Ceremony

Japanese tea ceremony is not only a tea-drinking ceremony but also a process of spiritual cultivation. In many cities in Japan, especially Kyoto and Tokyo, there are tea houses that offer tea ceremony experiences. When you embark on a Japan family vacation with kids, you can experience authentic tea ceremony culture in a tranquil Japanese courtyard. Under the guidance of the tea ceremony teacher, kids can try to make matcha themselves.

5. Wear a Kimono

Wearing a Kimono is an excellent experience of traditional Japanese culture when traveling to Japan with kids. Kyoto is the representative city of traditional Japanese culture, which is perfect for experiencing the kimono. You and your kids can stroll along the ancient streets of Kyoto in a kimono. There are many kimono rental shops in Kyoto, Tokyo, and other places.

6. Dive into the Magical Ghibli Museum in Mitaka

If your kid likes comics or anime, the magical Ghibli Museum is one of the places to visit in Japan with kids. The Ghibli Museum is a Ghibli animation-themed art gallery designed by animation master Hayao Miyazaki. The imaginative Ghibli Museum, painted with fantastic color,s is enough to catch the attention of kids. Vines covered the childlike walls, making it look like a fairy castle. There is also a huge "Totoro" sculpture outside the museum; don't forget to take your little Ghibli fans to take photos. All tickets for the Ghibli Museum must be booked in advance.

7. Climb Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, with an altitude of 3776 meters (12388 feet), is a symbol of Japan. If your family likes outdoor sports, climbing Mount Fuji is one of the seasonal things to do with kids in Japan. From early July to mid-September is allowed to climb Mount Fuji when the trails are open. Late July to late August reaches the peak season. There are several routes to climb Mount Fuji. Yoshida Trail is a family-friendly trail because it has complete facilities and is suitable for first-time climbers.

8. Explore Okinawa's Beaches & Aquariums

In Okinawa, it is a must-do to play on the fine sand. Kids can build sandcastles on the beach, dig sand pits, or chase waves at the beach. Snorkeling in the transparent blue sea can observe colorful coral reefs.

Churaumi Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is rich in Marine life. Watching whale sharks and various colorful fish in a huge sink is one of the best things to do in Japan with kids. The whale sharks slowly swim overhead, which is an amazing scene for a kid.

9. Summer Festivals & Fireworks

Summer Festivals are traditions in Japan and fun things to do in Japan with kids. Gion Matsuri Kyoto offers grand float parades, food tastings, and various games. Sumida-gawa Fireworks Tokyo is one of the biggest fireworks events in Japan. Thousands of fireworks lit up the sky. You can also wear a yukata while watching the fireworks and experience the traditional festive atmosphere of Japan. The Obon Festival in July or August is to welcome the spirits of ancestors. Bon-odori dances are held to celebrate the festival.

10. Visit Japan's Temples and Shrines

As one of the top things to do in Japan with kids, visiting Japan's temples and shrines can bring kids into a serene and solemn atmosphere. Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple) is the oldest temple in Tokyo, with a bustling Nakamise-dori Street. At Fushimi Inari Shrine, you can stroll through thousands of red torii gates with your kids. Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a shrine built on the sea, famous for its "floating" torii gate and beautiful views during high tide.

11. Explore Interactive Museums

Interactive Museums are interesting places for the whole family, like Team Lab Planets, Miraikan, Kids Plaza Osaka, etc. At Team Lab Planets, you can go barefoot into the water and immerse yourself in the artwork.

Don't miss the unusual experience of exploring fun, interactive meals at festivals or themed restaurants. The Nagashi-Sōmen (Flowing Noodles) experience is one of the top 15 things to do in Japan with kids. You have to catch the noodles in long bamboo shoots.

12. Enjoy an Onsen Bath

Soaking in hot springs (Onsen) in Japan is a popular leisure activity. Open-air hot springs are usually located in the beautiful outdoors, while indoor hot springs are more private and suitable for families with higher privacy requirements. When bathing in hot springs, pay attention to the safety of kids in hot springs. Some onsen hotels have outdoor hot springs facing Mount Fuji, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji while relaxing in an onsen.

13. Stay at a Traditional Ryokan

The Ryokan offers a special style of accommodation. Staying overnight at a traditional Ryokan is a unique thing to do in Japan with kids. You will wear a yukata and sleep on tatami mat flooring. If the Ryokan has a hot spring, you can take a hot spring bath with your kids. A Ryokan usually provides kaiseki cuisine, which is a multi-course seasonal meal carefully prepared and arranged.

14. Learn How to Make Sushi or Japanese Sweets

For things to do in Japan with kids, making Sushi or Japanese sweets is worth trying. A cooking class not only allows for interaction with kids but also enables them to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and culinary culture. Roll sushi is a relatively simple and kid-friendly type of sushi. Wagashi is a traditional Japanese dessert. Various shapes of Wagashi, such as seasonal flowers, fruit, leaves, and animals, are easy to get a kid interested.

15. Visit a Local Market

The local markets not only provide kids with access to fresh ingredients and unique products but also allow them to explore the daily lives of the local people. Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo is a lively place with plenty of seafood, sushi, and snacks. Kuromon Ichiba Market is known as the "kitchen of Osaka" and is perfect for the family. 400-year-old Kyoto's Nishiki Market offers a variety of Japanese culinary delights.

Japan with Toddlers: Gentle Adventures

Stroller-Friendly Attractions

Odaiba's Legoland Discovery Center is perfect for little and big kids, offering stroller parking and an elevator for strollers and wheelchairs. You can admire the Rainbow Bridge views from Odaiba.

Ueno Park: When you travel to Japan with toddlers, Ueno Park is a good place with spacious space and stroller-friendly walking paths. It is also very beautiful, especially during Japan's cherry blossom season.

Visit calm temple gardens where you can enjoy quiet time with your kids. Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo is a spacious, peaceful place where you would feel crowded.

Kid-Friendly Food Options

Try some kid-friendly food when visiting Japan with a toddler, such as Yakitori (Japanese skewered chicken), tempura (Japanese fried foods), and kakigōri (shaved ice), etc.

Practical Tips for Traveling to Japan with Kids

1. Transportation

Taking the train is a great way to visit the country. You can buy a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). kid tickets for different ages offer some discounts. JR Pass does not cover all types of trains and routes. Roads and sidewalks in Japan are usually well-maintained. You can check out stroller accessibility in cities and find wheelchair-accessible routes or elevators.

2. Family Accommodations

There are so many kid-friendly hotels in Japan. When you choose where to stay in Japan with kids, please consider the hotel's play areas, cribs, and kid seating. Locations of the hotels close to major attractions and convenient transportation make it easier for kids to return to the hotel to rest when they are tired.

3. Seasonal Considerations

It is a great time to visit during cherry blossom (March - April) or autumn foliage (October - November), which offers pleasant weather. Avoid summer crowds. Winter is a good time to visit Japan for power snow.

4. Safety

Japan is a country with frequent earthquakes. Teach your kids to prepare for earthquakes in advance and familiarize themselves with earthquake safety procedures. Prepare a small earthquake kit. Get earthquake/tsunami alerts from the NHK World App and "Japan Earthquakes" on Twitter.

5. Travel Planning Tips

Balancing itinerary: Pay attention to balancing the preferences of adults and kids. Consider your kid's breathing space and avoid an overly tight schedule. Flexibly adjust the tour itinerary based on the kid's response. It's best to do what you most want to see/do early in the day. It is difficult to predict what will happen when traveling with kids, especially toddlers.

Packing essentials: Pack light. If you travel with a toddler, bring a lightweight & easily-collapsable stroller or a baby carrier. A security belt for high chairs for kids to sit in high chairs in restaurants.

Sample 7-Day Japan Family Trip Itinerary

If you need inspiration for a family trip to Japan, this 7 days Japan family trip itinerary is highly recommended for families who only have one week in Japan. This itinerary provides fun ways for both children and parents to explore Japan and learn about Japanese culture and history as you travel through the golden route of Japan. If this Japan family trip doesn’t suit your schedule, just contact us to customize an itinerary based on your preference. Our Japan trip experts will work with you until every detail is satisfied by you.

FAQs about Japan Family Trips

1. Is Japan safe for toddlers?
Yes. Japan has clean and convenient facilities and welcoming locals.

2. What are the best souvenirs for kids?
You can buy anime merchandise, traditional toys, Kit Kat flavors, and other souvenirs for kids.

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