Travelling to Japan with your young children? Here are some great ideas for your itinerary!

Japan is a fun destination for the whole family – whether you’re travelling with elderly or with young kids. There is something to be done for everyone and each experience there is unique to the kind of traveller you are.

But if you’re travelling with kids, the itinerary you decide to use for the trip must incorporate a lot of what kids would love to do to keep them engaged throughout the holiday. So if you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun with your little ones, here’s a little guide for you to follow:

1. Visit Japan’s iconic theme parks

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There are so many theme parks in Japan that you will have your pick of one everyday of your trip there! Sure, there’s the famous Tokyo Disneyland, but there is so much more to theme parks than just Disneyland. Be sure to check out Universal Studios in Japan as well as some of their really quirky homegrown theme parks. Visit the Anpanman theme park, a favourite for toddlers and preschoolers. You’ll be able to find Anpanman theme parks at Yokohama (near Tokyo), Nagoya, Kobe (near Osaka), Fukuoka and Sendai. For something a little more familiar, try visiting the Doraemon or Hello Kitty theme parks or museums. If your kids are very much into anime, they will love the Studio Ghibli museum in Kichijoji.

2. Take them to really fun museums

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Children are highly impressionable when they are younger and it is important to encourage a sense of excitement for museums. Museums should not only be seen to hold art and history but also fun and enjoyment. Tokyo’s Miraikan in Odaiba is one of the best museums to take them to for an immersive learning experience. Entry is usually free or very cheap. Another option is to visit the Railway Museum in Saitama, outside Tokyo, is with mini-trains to drive around, train simulators, train-themed outdoor playground, a room filled with model trains to play with, and so many more train-themed things to do. Don’t forget a trip to the Tokyo Toy Museum and Fire Museum in Shinjuku too.

3. Bring out their musical side with a taiko drum session

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If your kids love music and learning new things, then they will love the taiko drum experience. It is a great way to also learn more about the Japanese culture. Get drumming with your kids and learn from the best taiko drummers in the country.

4. Let them indulge in one of the biggest toy shops in Japan

Source: Journey of Japan

A trip to Japan (with the kids or without) is not complete without a trip to the Hakuhinkan Toy Park in Ginza, Tokyo. According to the Journey of Japan website, you can make your own original 3D figure here! Your full-length portrait will be captured by 54 cameras simultaneously, and your 3D figure will be made in just 2 short weeks. Talk about a memorable gift to bring home.

5. Make sushi together

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There’s nothing children like more than getting their hands dirty, especially if they have something nice to eat at the end of it. Bring them to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market for a tour of the market, and get them interested in where their food comes from. You can sign everyone up for a class in making sushi if your children are older.

6. Become a ninja

Source: Journey of Japan

If making sushi isn’t your kid’s thing, then surely they can’t say no to becoming a trained ninja! Journey of Japan recommends visiting the Koka or Iga Ninja Dojos. At the Ninja Dojos, your kids can try out 9 types of training, such as climbing up stone walls, climbing over walls, tightrope walking, and escaping from wells. Once they have succeeded, your kids will receive full mastership.

For more cool suggestions on fun activities to do with kids in Japan, visit Journey of Japan.