1. Keep Travel Days Manageable
Many believe that flying abroad warrants a longer stay to make the most of the trip. However, when traveling with children, Ms. Mentaiko recommends a 5-day to 4-day itinerary, considering the stamina of both adults and children. She advises, "Taking into account half-day travel on the first and last days, the remaining four days of activities won't be too exhausting for parents traveling with kids. After all, managing energy with kids abroad requires precise planning (laughs)."

2. Prioritize Convenient, Time-saving Itinerary
Traveling with children should not involve lengthy commutes. It's best to choose Tokyo family attractions that can be enjoyed in half to a full day, like amusement parks or large malls. Tokyo offers many such large-scale, multifunctional attractions that combine leisure, shopping, and dining, often with hotels nearby or connected. Ms. Mentaiko suggests, "Parents should consider hotels near malls. This way, if children get tired, they can rest while one parent shops, avoiding the hassle of shopping with kids."

3. Consider Hotel Location and Proximity to Stations and Environment
The location of the hotel is crucial when traveling with children, ideally close to stations or attractions to minimize walking. Ms. Mentaiko also looks for nearby parks when choosing a hotel. She notes, "Having a park close by means you can easily take kids for a walk or a picnic, a great option for families on a self-guided tour."

4. Consider Room Size and Hotel Amenities When Choosing Accommodations
Many visitors to Japan prefer business hotels, but these often have smaller rooms, not ideal for family travelers. Ms. Mentaiko prefers apartment-style hotels for their ample space and in-room kitchens for preparing small meals. She also looks for additional facilities and services, like onsen (hot springs), to keep children entertained. Spacious rooms, diverse hotel amenities, and elaborate lobby designs are all plus points when choosing a hotel for family trips.

Furthermore, some Japanese hotels offer free stays for children, but the room size may not be as spacious as expected. Ms. Mentaiko shares a booking tip: when searching online for two adults and one child, look for room types that accommodate three to four people. This approach helps avoid cramped rooms and gives children more space to play.

5. Make the Most of Transportation Passes for Sightseeing
Tokyo and its surrounding areas often offer cost-effective transportation passes, which are great for planning trips around the attractions covered by these passes. For example, the Tokyo Metro Pass (available for 24/48/72 hours) offers unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. It's very convenient for families, providing access to many areas like Tokyo Station, Ueno, Asakusa, and Shinjuku.

6. Book Amusement Park Tickets Early and Avoid Weekends
With Japan easing its border measures, the number of tourists has significantly increased. Some attractions, considering visitor experience and pandemic precautions, have implemented entry limits. As a local, Ms. Mentaiko advises purchasing tickets 2 to 3 months in advance to avoid the disappointment of being unable to enter upon arrival.

Ms. Mentaiko also recommends, "Plan your amusement park visits on weekdays to avoid the local Tokyo crowds." Families visiting Tokyo often include amusement parks in their itineraries. However, these places can be extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays due to local visitors. To avoid long lines, Ms. Mentaiko suggests scheduling amusement park visits on weekdays or non-holidays.

7. Avoid Taking Strollers on Trains
Navigating Tokyo's public transport with a stroller can be quite challenging. First, finding elevators to access train platforms can be time-consuming. Second, Tokyo's famously crowded trains make it difficult to maneuver with large strollers or luggage, especially during peak hours, which could inconvenience local commuters. Therefore, Ms. Mentaiko suggests waiting until children are over 4 years old and no longer need a stroller for travel. This makes exploring Tokyo with kids more manageable without the hassle of a stroller.

8. Plan for Rainy Days
One of the biggest concerns when traveling with children is encountering rain during outdoor activities. Ms. Mentaiko emphasizes the importance of having a plan for rainy days. She mentions, "The weather in Tokyo can be quite unpredictable. In case of rain, consider indoor options like museums. The underground area at Tokyo Station is perfect for rainy days, with many child-friendly shops, gachapon machines, and more. The connected malls also offer convenient dining and entertainment options."

▼Indoor Attractions Kids Love▼

Ms. Mentaiko has recommended a variety of child-friendly attractions in Tokyo that are perfect for family visits. We've woven these spots into a 5-day, 4-night sightseeing itinerary, where you only need to visit 1 to 2 places each day to enjoy a full day of fun. This not only ensures that children have a delightful time but also minimizes travel time, making the trip more enjoyable and less exhausting for adults accompanying the children.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, it's highly efficient to directly board the airport train to the city. To save valuable time, opt for the fast and convenient airport train services. For instance, the Keisei Electric Railway's 'Skyliner' express from Narita Airport to Keisei Ueno reaches your destination in under an hour, offering a quick and easy transition into Tokyo sightseeing.

Once you arrive at Ueno, the first step is to check into your accommodation and drop off your luggage. If you have time to spare, take the kids for a relaxing stroll in Ueno Park to unwind. For those with more time, consider visiting the zoo or museums within Ueno Park. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner and explore the lively Ameya-Yokochō.

▼Recommended Ueno Attractions▼

Ms. Mentaiko highly recommends that parents visiting Tokyo with kids should dedicate a day to exploring the Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree areas. Asakusa boasts numerous attractions within close proximity, including the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, Sensō-ji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, and the amusement park "Asakusa Hanayashiki." Tokyo Skytree features an aquarium, observation decks, and a toy mall, along with a variety of dining options. These two locations offer an enriching day filled with diverse activities.

Ms. Mentaiko notes, "Many restaurants in Asakusa and inside Tokyo Skytree have ample space, making them family-friendly and ideal for parents to dine with their children. Additionally, both places are perfect for leisurely strolls and shopping breaks, especially when the kids need a rest."

▼Recommended Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree Attractions and Experiences▼

The Moominvalley Park, located near Tokyo, is a favorite family destination recommended by Ms. Mentaiko. Easily accessible from Ikebukuro or Shinjuku by train to Hanno Station, followed by a shuttle bus, it's a convenient excursion. From Shinjuku, you can even take the uniquely designed express train 'Laview' for a novel experience. Alternatively, direct park buses are available from Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station, with adorable Moomin-themed buses operating on weekends and national holidays from Tokyo Station, sure to excite the little ones upon sight.

Moominvalley Park, with its lush greenery and scenic environment, offers a comfortable and picturesque setting for walking and photography, along with a forest adventure area for kids to explore and play. Ms. Mentaiko shares, "While most attractions in Tokyo's city center tend to be crowded, Moominvalley Park is a fantastic, more spacious option for families wanting to enjoy the outdoors with their children."

Disneyland is a joy for both adults and children, making it a must-visit for a full day of fun. Staying at a Disney-affiliated hotel the night before or after your visit is highly practical. This allows for an early start at the park and a quick return to the hotel for rest when needed. For those with a flexible budget and seeking maximum convenience, booking two nights at a hotel in the Disney Resort area is ideal. It ensures that both adults and children can enjoy the experience without getting overly tired.

Odaiba, with its multitude of large malls, is perfect for family trips! Places like 'AQUA CiTY Odaiba', with its unique shops, and 'DiverCity Tokyo', known for its giant Unicorn Gundam statue, are must-visits. 'Decks Tokyo Beach' offers attractions like LEGOLAND, the Takoyaki Museum, Madame Tussauds, and the nostalgic Odaiba 1-chome Shopping Street, making it a fantastic spot for children. You can easily spend a whole day here without running out of things to do, and most activities are indoors, sparing you from weather concerns.

Ms. Mentaiko shares, "I really enjoy taking kids to Odaiba! It has many child-friendly stores and attractions, a wide range of dining options, and beautiful night views. Spending a day there is a great idea. Just eating, drinking, and browsing can bring so much joy to the kids, and it’s also a bit more budget-friendly compared to amusement parks (laughs)."

▼Recommended Odaiba Attractions▼

In addition, Odaiba offers a wide array of hotels, which tend to have more spacious and comfortable rooms compared to those in central Tokyo, making them ideal for families with children. If your itinerary doesn't include Odaiba as the last stop, it is highly recommended for parents to consider Odaiba as their top choice for accommodations. The extra space and comfort can significantly enhance the travel experience for both kids and adults.

Apart from the attractions mentioned above, Ms. Mentaiko also has additional recommendations for family-friendly spots in Tokyo. These are great options to consider if you have more days to explore or if you haven’t planned visits to the previously mentioned locations. They're definitely worth checking out for an enriched Tokyo family travel experience!

Yomiuri Land, located in Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo, is easily accessible from Shinjuku Station, with the fastest train ride taking only about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a day trip. Ms. Mentaiko shares, “Yomiuriland Station has a cable car directly to the park, saving energy and effort as you don’t need to walk. Plus, the park's lighting at night is beautiful, allowing for a full day of enjoyment!”

Yomiuri Land not only offers a variety of amusement rides but also features the HANA・BIYORI, a digital entertainment-style botanical garden, and the picturesque Flower Starbucks. Since its opening, it has been a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. If you’re looking for an amusement park experience and Disney isn’t on your agenda, Yomiuri Land is an excellent alternative!

Tokyo Dome City is a multifaceted entertainment complex that includes an amusement park, museums, a baseball stadium, shopping malls, a spa resort, and a variety of restaurants. It's conveniently accessible by foot from JR Suidobashi Station or Tokyo Metro's Korakuen Station, making it a fantastic family-friendly leisure destination in the heart of Tokyo. Ms. Mentaiko adds, “Adjacent to Tokyo Dome City is the Richmond Hotel, which is very popular among Taiwanese tourists. The hotel is conveniently connected to Don Quijote and other shopping centers, making it a great spot for shopping too!”

Hakone, a popular destination near Tokyo, offers various one-day and two-day transportation passes that are ideal for family self-guided tours. Ms. Mentaiko suggests choosing a pass and then exploring the attractions and discounts it offers, which is very convenient. She comments, “Hakone is well-developed for tourism, featuring numerous artistic and cultural attractions like The Little Prince Museum and the Glass no Mori Museum. Transportation is easy with direct access from Shinjuku. Minimal planning is needed, and the bonus is that you can relax in the hot springs in the evening, making it a delightful experience for both adults and children!”

Tokyo's wealth of family-friendly attractions ensures a stress-free and enjoyable experience even when traveling with children. For your next trip planning a family tour to Tokyo, consider the suggestions and recommended spots by Ms. Mentaiko. These tips are designed to help both adults and children fully enjoy and make the most of their Tokyo adventure, creating wonderful travel memories!