Researched guide · Checked on Nov 3, 2026
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Tokyo is one of the easiest big cities in the world to visit with children. It is safe, clean and full of things kids love, from trains and animals to anime characters. Here are practical tips and ideas for a family trip.
Getting around with kids
- Train fares: on JR lines, children aged 6 to 11 pay half fare. Up to two children aged 1 to 5 ride free with each paying adult, as long as they do not use a reserved seat. Other railways have similar rules.
- Strollers: most stations have elevators, but they can be far from the platform you need. Map apps and station signs show where they are.
- Rush hour: avoid trains on weekday mornings (roughly 7:30 to 9:30 am) with a stroller or young children.
- See our train guide for IC cards and more.
Baby care
- Department stores, shopping malls and big stations usually have baby rooms with changing tables and nursing spaces.
- Diapers, baby food and milk powder are sold in drugstores and many supermarkets.
- Many toilets have baby seats and changing tables.
Places kids love
| Place | Why kids love it |
|---|---|
| Ueno Zoo | Pandas and many animals. Free for children up to 12. Closed on Mondays |
| Sunshine Aquarium | Rooftop aquarium with “flying” penguins in Ikebukuro |
| Miraikan | Hands-on science and robots in Odaiba |
| LEGOLAND Discovery Center | Indoor LEGO play for young children in Odaiba |
| teamLab museums | Immersive digital art. Children’s tickets are cheaper |
| Pokémon Center | Pokémon shops, including a huge one in Ikebukuro |
| Ghibli Museum | For Ghibli fans. Book tickets well ahead |
| Parks | Yoyogi Park, Inokashira Park and Shinjuku Gyoen have space to run |
See our guides to Ueno, Ikebukuro, Odaiba and Kichijoji.
Eating with kids
- Family restaurants, conveyor belt sushi and department store restaurant floors are easy with children. Many have kids’ menus and high chairs.
- Convenience stores are great for quick snacks. See our convenience store guide.
- Small counter restaurants and izakaya may not be suitable for young children, especially in the evening.
Safety and health
- In an emergency, call 119 for an ambulance or fire, and 110 for the police.
- In summer, heat can be dangerous for children. Take breaks indoors and drink water often. See Tokyo weather by month.
- Read our earthquake safety guide before your trip.
Where to stay
Families often prefer apartments or larger hotel rooms, as standard Tokyo hotel rooms are small. Compare areas in our Where to Stay guide.
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FAQ
Is Tokyo good for a trip with kids?
Yes. Tokyo is safe and clean, and full of things children love, from trains and animals to anime characters.
Do children pay on trains in Tokyo?
On JR lines, children aged 6 to 11 pay half fare. Up to two children aged 1 to 5 ride free with each paying adult, unless they use a reserved seat.
Where can I change diapers in Tokyo?
Department stores, shopping malls and big stations usually have baby rooms with changing tables and nursing spaces, and many toilets have changing tables.
When should I avoid trains with a stroller?
Avoid weekday morning rush hour, roughly 7:30 to 9:30 am.
Keep reading
Mother Farm
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Fuji-Q Highland
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo
Railway Museum (Saitama)
Tokyo Joypolis
Shinagawa Aquarium
Tokyo Sea Life Park
CUPNOODLES Museum Yokohama
Sunshine Aquarium
Sumida Aquarium
Kasai Rinkai Park
Tama Zoo
National Museum of Nature and Science
Ikebukuro guide
Odaiba guide
How to ride trains in Tokyo
Sources
This guide is based on the official information below, not on our own visit (checked November 3, 2026). Hours, dates and prices can change, so please check before you go.
