Taiwanese writer Ms. Mentaiko embarked on her journey to Tokyo in 2011, where she now resides with her Japanese husband, Edamame, and their young son, Dou Dou, who has just started elementary school.

With an impressive repertoire of books like Ms. Mentaiko's Tokyo Life Guide, Tokyo Love at First Sight, and Ms. Mentaiko's Whirlwind Parenting Chronicles, she aims to share the joys of life through her writing, hoping to bring happiness to her readers.

Ms. Mentaiko frequently utilizes social media to share glimpses of the world through the eyes of herself and Dou Dou, allowing everyone to explore Japan and Tokyo, while also discovering the beauty in the small moments of everyday life.

In summer, the last thing you want is to be sweating profusely under the scorching sun. However, there are tons of fun indoor places to go in Tokyo, including amusement spots perfect for beating the summer heat.

Even at nature-rich places like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Park, you'll find refreshing pavilions and shady areas where you can take a break.

Moreover, department stores and shopping centers often have outdoor plazas or rooftop gardens. So, not only can you enjoy the comfort of air conditioning indoors, but you can also step outside anytime to catch some fresh air. It's an ideal option for visitors looking to escape the heat.

When it comes to summer in Japan, one can't help but think of festivals and events!

Tokyo hosts numerous festivals and fireworks displays during the summer, including the Tanabata Festival, the famous Kagurazaka Matsuri featuring the "Awa Odori" dance, and the spectacular Sumida River Fireworks Festival and Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival.

Ms. Mentaiko shared her excitement, saying, "I find events like the Samba Carnival in Asakusa to be incredibly fun! Due to the pandemic, many of these fun things were canceled in recent years, but this year, there should be plenty going on. I highly recommend everyone to join in the festivities!"

Summer outings with kids can be less suitable for extensive traveling compared to other seasons.

Ms. Mentaiko believes that destinations like Disneyland Resort, Hakone, and Yokohama, where you can spend an entire day in one place or a specific area, are the best places to go when in Tokyo.

The attractions we've selected are not only kid-friendly but also convenient to get to, sparing you from long journeys. Now, let's take a look at some exciting places in Tokyo and its surroundings where you can take the kids on a fun-filled adventure!

Tokyo Disney Resort is hosting a 40th-anniversary celebration called "Dream-Go-Round" from April 15, 2023, to March 31, 2024.

Throughout the celebration, the entire park is adorned with 40th-anniversary decorations, and there are themed parades, fireworks, performances, and more to enjoy. You'll also find exclusive 40th-anniversary merchandise and yummy treats, creating unique and enjoyable experiences through both amusement and shopping.

Though the event lasts almost a year, it's only in 2023 that you'll have the chance to experience it in summer. Ms. Mentaiko highly recommends making the most of this opportunity!

Ms. Mentaiko adds, "The 40th-anniversary celebration will only run until March 2024. So if you're planning a family trip during the summer holidays and want to get your hands on limited-edition merchandise, this summer is the perfect time to visit! And if you want to enjoy some water fun, head straight to Tokyo DisneySea!"

The highly anticipated Tokyo Warner Bros. Harry Potter World opened its doors on June 16, 2023. Just a 2-minute walk from Toshimaen Station, it's quickly become a popular thing to do in Tokyo with family.

Spanning over 3 hectares, this park is the largest Harry Potter-themed amusement park in the world. It faithfully recreates iconic locations from the series, such as Diagon Alley, Platform 9¾, the Hogwarts student dining hall, and the Gryffindor common room.

You'll also find movie props and costume displays, as well as the world's largest official Harry Potter merchandise store, allowing you to further immerse yourself in this enchanting magical world.

Ms. Mentaiko says, "I'm also really looking forward to visiting the Harry Potter World! Tickets were already on sale in advance, and I'm sure many quick-thinking people have already secured theirs (laughs). Since this is the newest amusement park in Tokyo in a long time, there should be quite a crowd. I recommend booking your tickets in advance!"

The Samba Carnival is an exotic annual event in Japan, held towards the end of summer. Even though it takes place in late summer, the vibrant dancers, along with thousands of spectators from all around the world, bring a unique festive atmosphere to culturally rich Asakusa. It becomes the grand finale of energy and celebration of Tokyo's summer.

Due to the impact of the pandemic, the Asakusa Samba Carnival had to be canceled or scaled down since 2020. However, in 2023, it's making a comeback after a two-year hiatus, bringing its lively spirit back to the streets of Asakusa!

Ms. Mentaiko says, "I'm also very interested in this event! It's quite a rare opportunity to enjoy such an exotic South American parade in Asakusa. If your schedule aligns with it, I highly recommend joining the fun!"

In summer, the Tokyo Skytree area hosts various exciting events, and among them, Ms. Mentaiko highly recommends the Tokyo Solamachi Summer Festival held at Tokyo Skytree Town.

From July 29 to August 3, 2023, Solamachi Square will be filled with nostalgic street food stands and food trucks, and from August 1 to August 3, between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, the Sumida Ward Citizens' Cool Down Ethnic Dance Festival will be held.

Also, in the vicinity of Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa, you'll find many kimono rental shops. Parents can even dress their kids in yukata and enjoy the fun of traditional Japanese festivals without worrying about walking too much.

Ms. Mentaiko says, "During the day, you can explore Tokyo Skytree and Sumida Aquarium, have some delicious food, and in the evening, head to the square for the summer festival. You can have a whole day of fun without worrying about getting too hot under the sun!"

Small Worlds Miniature Museum, located in the Odaiba and Ariake area, is one of the largest miniature museums in Asia. It opened in June 2020 and soon underwent renovations, reopening in March 2023.

The exhibits feature not only real-world scenes like the launch of the Saturn V rocket and space shuttle at the Space Center and scenes from Kansai International Airport, but also models of anime like Sailor Moon and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

The latest renovations also include steam-punk style street buildings and a sparkling night view of the Japanese cityscape. The highlight is that visitors can commission the creation of a 1/80 scale model of themselves.

The figures inside the exhibits are all modeled after people who have visited Small Worlds and purchased an annual "residency permit." It's a fascinating and novel experience, perfect for children to enjoy.

Ms. Mentaiko says, "Inside, you'll find miniature versions of cities, Shinjuku Station, Tokyo landmarks, and more, all exquisitely cute and detailed. Sometimes, summer weather in Tokyo may not be suitable for outdoor activities, so this place is a great option if you feel the weather is too hot or if it's windy and rainy!"

(*Creating a 1/80 scale model takes approximately one month. You can pick it up in person at the Small Worlds Miniature Museum one month after payment, or you can choose to have it delivered with additional postage fees.)
(*International delivery is possible, with postage fees varying based on the destination: 650 yen for addresses in Japan, 3,300 to 3,800 yen for Asia, 4,900 yen for North and South America, and 4,600 to 7,300 yen for Europe. Actual postage cost may vary further depending on the area.)

When it rains in Tokyo, or you want to avoid excessive sun exposure, Ms. Mentaiko also recommends visiting the expansive Tokyo Station.

The underground shopping malls are directly connected to the surrounding department stores, allowing you to explore various facilities without stepping outside.

You'll find various food and character shops in the must-visit Tokyo Station Ichibangai, as well as the newly opened Tokyo Midtown Yaesu department store, which opened in March 2023.

In addition, a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station will lead you to the Pokémon Center Tokyo DX and Pokémon Café. The café requires reservations, and Ms. Mentaiko highly recommends parents plan ahead and bring their kids for a delightful encounter with Pikachu.

Ms. Mentaiko says, "The Nihonbashi area, including Tokyo Station and the Pokémon Café, offers plenty of things to do with family. If your kids are Pokémon and Pikachu fans, I highly recommend making reservations in advance. Furthermore, you can use indoor walkways to access various shopping malls from Tokyo Station, so there's no need to worry about bad weather or the hot summer affecting your mood!"

From Meguro Station, you can take the Tokyu Meguro Line and reach Musashi-Koyama Station in just 3 minutes. As soon as you step out of the station, you'll be greeted by the charming Musashi Koyama Shopping Street 'Palm' with its arched roof.

This shopping street stretches on for 800 meters and has the distinction of being "Tokyo's longest arched shopping street."

Around 250 shops line the street, including many long-established local stores and trendy new shops. You'll also find a wide variety of local delicacies here.

With its sheltered arches, it's a great place to explore even on hot, windy, or rainy days, making it a perfect opportunity to experience the local culture of Tokyo with your children.

Ms. Mentaiko says, "The last time I visited, I noticed that many new shops have opened, including children's clothing stores, toy shops, and capsule toy stores. Kids will find it lively and delightful to explore, eat, and play along the way."

Located in the Yokohama Minato-Mirai District, Yokohama Minatomirai Manyo Club is a hot spring entertainment complex that also offers accommodation. It features various types of hot spring baths, including open-air baths, sleeping baths, and foot baths with scenic views. There are also various saunas and rock saunas available for relaxation.

What's even better is that the facility includes restaurants and arcade games for dining and entertainment. After soaking in the hot springs and changing into a yukata (casual kimono), you can enjoy a foot bath on the rooftop while admiring the night view - a truly delightful experience!

Ms. Mentaiko says, "There are so many different types of hot springs inside, and all of them are suitable for kids to enjoy. There is also a play area where they can have fun. It's a perfect place to spend the whole day, especially when the weather is not so great. Right next to Yokohama Minatomirai Manyo Club is the Cup Noodles Museum, and across the street is the Yokohama Cosmo World amusement park. It's very convenient to visit these attractions along the way."

In front of Yokohama Minatomirai Manyo Club, there is a large shopping mall called Yokohama WORLD PORTERS. Ms. Mentaiko also recommends visiting here for some shopping.

She says, "WORLD PORTERS has almost everything related to toys and gacha machines. There's a huge Bandai Namco store and an entire floor dedicated to gacha machines. Kids will absolutely love it here!"

Next to WORLD PORTERS, you can also take the Yokohama Air Cabin, a cable car that has been operating since April 2021, or the Yokohama Sea Bass, a sightseeing boat, from the Minato Mirai area. These options allow you to enjoy a view of Yokohama Harbor from different angles and add another fun experience to your summer.

Ms. Mentaiko: "Places like Manyo Club, Cup Noodles Museum, and WORLD PORTERS are perfect even on rainy or typhoon days. When the weather is nice, consider taking a boat ride or the cable car, especially in the evening when Yokohama's night view is breathtaking. I highly recommend overnighting in this area with your family, as it's easy and fun!"

Hakone is a popular hot springs retreat area near Tokyo, attracting both international and domestic tourists during the summer vacation.

There are plenty of must-visit attractions in Hakone, like Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, and Owakudani, offering indoor facilities and hot springs for relaxation. In addition, there are various sightseeing transportation passes available, making it convenient and easy for families to explore.

Ms. Mentaiko: "Hakone is generally around 5 degrees cooler than Tokyo (laughs), providing a more refreshing environment. The sightseeing passes in Hakone are very convenient, especially for families with kids. Joining a bus tour allows you to get off and enjoy without worrying about transportation, making it a relaxing and comfortable experience!"

Gotemba Premium Outlets near Hakone and Mount Fuji is also a great place to visit during the summer. On clear days, you can enjoy a view of Mount Fuji, and the stores offer a variety of exclusive Mount Fuji-themed products.

There are also amusement park rides like a carousel and a mini roller coaster, making it a delightful experience for kids and adults, seamlessly combining shopping and entertainment.

Ms. Mentaiko: "At Gotemba Premium Outlets, more than 1/3 of the stores are family-friendly shops, making it a perfect place for parents to shop for kids' clothes and toys while enjoying a whole day out. The Pokémon store features a Pikachu with a Mount Fuji design, and the LEGO store has a Mount Fuji made entirely of LEGO bricks. Kids will be thrilled to see these creative displays!"

If you plan to visit and want to stay overnight, Ms. Mentaiko recommends HOTEL CLAD, a hot springs hotel connected to the outlets. The hotel not only offers hot spring facilities called Konohana Onsen for a relaxing soak, but it also provides rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of Mount Fuji.

You can spend the day exploring other places, come back to the hotel for a rest and nap, and then continue shopping and sightseeing at the outlets. Alternatively, the hotel offers a day-trip plan for those who want to enjoy shopping and a hot spring experience all in one day.

Ms. Mentaiko adds, "If you choose a room on the Mount Fuji side when making a reservation, you can get a clear, magnificent view of Mount Fuji from your room on sunny days. It's definitely worth it! The hotel also serves Mount Fuji-themed desserts and drinks, which add to the fun. Plus, you can easily take a high-speed bus directly from Tokyo, making transportation convenient. Even on rainy days, you don't need to worry about having a great time. The last time I visited during a severe storm with heavy rain and strong winds, I still had a fantastic and enjoyable experience!"

In summer, Tokyo can be extremely hot, so it's important to protect yourself from the sun, stay hydrated, and prevent heatstroke. It's also a good idea to bring a thin jacket or long-sleeved shirt to manage temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments.

If you're worried about kids getting too hot during outdoor activities, you can consider purchasing cooling gel sheets and refreshing sprays from Japanese drugstores to provide relief from the heat.

Summer often brings short bursts of rain showers, and in some cases, typhoons can even lead to whole days of heavy rain. Ms. Mentaiko suggests being prepared for rainy days and having indoor activities as backup plans.

The recommended places like Tokyo Station, Miniature World Museum, Manyo Club, Gotemba Premium Outlets, and others are great options that are less affected by the weather and provide shelter from the rain.

Summer in Japan, from July to August, is a peak travel season with a surge in the number of tourists.

Especially starting in 2023, both domestic and international travel to Japan has become very popular.

Ms. Mentaiko suggests that if you plan to visit Tokyo during summer, it's best to make early reservations and bookings. Pre-booking tickets and making reservations in advance are recommended to avoid long lines and ensure you have a spot, preventing any disappointment or inconvenience during your trip.

When planning to visit Disneyland or other major amusement parks, it's best to avoid weekends and Japanese national holidays.

Ms. Mentaiko advises, "In summer, most Japanese parents still have to work on weekdays, so they can only take their children out on holidays and weekends. Therefore, it's recommended for tourists to plan their activities on weekdays."

Even if you visit popular attractions on weekdays, be mentally prepared to wait in line. If you didn't bring a stroller and are concerned about your child getting tired, you can buy a picnic mat or a foldable chair from a hundred-yen store and take a short rest while waiting in line.

Ms. Mentaiko carefully selected these things to do in Tokyo with family to ensure that even during the scorching summer, you won't have to worry about getting too hot.

These places also offer interesting experiences, like festivals and hot springs, allowing you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Bring your children along and experience the charm of Tokyo and its surrounding areas in the summer. Don't miss the opportunity to make the most of your summer vacation with a fulfilling and enjoyable family trip to Tokyo!