Last updated:
In anticipation of our Japan family holiday, we asked fellow travel bloggers for their thoughts on the best things to do in Japan with kids. Given we visited Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima, we specifically asked for tips on things to do in Japan for kids around these areas.
If you’re planning on visiting Japan with kids as well, you will no doubt find this article super helpful in your own itinerary planning.
Need help planning your Japan itinerary? Click here to join our FREE 7 day Japan Itiernary Email Challange – you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click here to read our super-detailed 3 week Japan itinerary.
Talk to other families about their tips on Japan with kids and join our Thrifty Family Travel Facebook Group or be inspired by our Instagram.
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.
Map of Things to Do with Kids in Japan
To help you plan out an itinerary of all the great things to do with kids in Japan, we’ve prepared the map below. This map shows the location of all the places to visit and Japan attractions for families covered in this guide.
Click on the map for a better view – you can zoom in and out.
20 of The Best Things to do in Japan with Kids
There are so many great things for kids to do in Japan, that we can’t name them all – but here are 20 suggestions from my fellow travel bloggers.
Click here to plan your budget for Japan.
The Best Things to do in Tokyo with Kids
Check out some of the best things to do in Tokyo with kids, as well as in the surrounding areas. For many more current ideas, read our complete Tokyo with kids guide.
Sanrio Puroland
Thanks to Ada from Sight See and Sushi
When it comes to Tokyo attractions with kids – Sanrio Puroland has to be high on the list! Located closer to Kanagawa Prefecture than Tokyo itself, it’s only a 30-minute train ride from the Shinjuku Station. It’s one of the perfect places to visit in Japan with toddlers and younger children.
Sanrio Puroland is a great indoor attraction if you’re visiting Tokyo with kids during rainy days, and Sanrio fans of all ages will undoubtedly find something to love! The most popular attraction here is the Sanrio Character boat ride. It has upbeat music and moving Hello Kitty characters the little ones will love. Although being the most popular attraction, do expect long lines.
For lunch head to the restaurant on the 3rd floor. The food, although pricey, is all Hello Kitty themed, and is ridiculously cute and surprisingly good; which is pretty rare for themed restaurants.
Sanrio Puroland is also very baby friendly. There are nursing facilities on the basement floor, and diaper changing rooms are in most bathrooms, which makes things a bit easier. Stroller rules vary by day and floor. On weekends, public holidays and some longer-opening weekdays, strollers cannot be used on the first and second floors, so check the current rules before visiting; a baby carrier can still be useful.
The easiest and simplest way to get there is to take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Keio Tama Center Station. It’s around a 30-minute train ride on a Semi-Express train bound for Hashimoto. From Keio Tama Center Station, Sanrio Puroland is about an 8-10-minute walk. You can also take the Odakyu Line; check current fares and schedules for either route, and the ride takes longer.
If you’re wondering what to do in Japan with kids that are super young – definitely consider a few hours at Sanrio Puroland – they’ll love it!
Location: 1-31 Ochiai, Tama-shi, 206-8588
Opening Hours: Hours and closed days vary. Check the official calendar for your visit date.
Price: Check current date-based ticket prices and age categories before booking. Click here to book discounted tickets online.
Tokyo Disneyland
Thanks to Mervin from Pinoy Adventurista
Of course one of the top 10 things to do in Japan with kids would be a day at Disneyland! Dubbed as “the happiest place on earth,” Tokyo Disneyland is a must-visit when travelling to Japan’s capital city. This 115-acre (47 ha) theme park is located at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. It was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the United States.
Tokyo Disneyland is made up of seven themed lands that include Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Mickey’s Toontown, Tomorrowland, World Bazaar, and Fantasy Land. It also features seasonal decorations, events and parades. There are lots of rides that you can choose from. They have rides that are kid-friendly, and there are also rides for people who like extreme experiences. It’s definitely an awesome place that the kids, “kids-at-heart,” and the whole family will surely enjoy!
To maximise your time, arrive before the published opening time and avoid weekends and Japanese public holidays where possible. Download the official Tokyo Disney Resort app before your visit: it is used for tickets, wait times, restaurant bookings and paid Disney Premier Access. Paper FastPass is no longer available.
How to get to Tokyo Disneyland? You can easily reach it by taking the train to Maihama Station.
There is such a variety of things to do at Disneyland that it’s really one of the fun things to do in Japan with family no matter how old your kids are!
Location: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031
Opening Hours: Hours vary by date. Check the official operating calendar before visiting.
Price: Tickets are date-specific and dynamically priced. Check the official price calendar before booking. Click here to book discounted tickets online.
Legoland is also another great theme park in Japan for kids – read our complete guide here.
Karaoke
Thanks to Anisa from Two Traveling Texas
What to do with kids in Japan that love music and to sing – Karaoke of course!
Japan is the birthplace of karaoke, so it is only fitting that you visit a karaoke box while you are there. It’s called a karaoke box because each group gets a private room. You can let loose without worrying about what strangers will think. Even in Japan, you can find a wide selection of English songs. Most places have kids’ songs too.
Big Echo and Karaoke Kan are some of the popular chains of karaoke boxes in Tokyo. When you arrive, check in at the front desk to get a room. The rooms are rented by the hour and the rate varies depending on the number of people and the place. Most places have multiple floors, so pay attention when they take you to your room.
Inside the rooms, the kids can dance and be as loud as they want. Most rooms come with two microphones and some will have musical instruments like a tambourine. If you have any issues with the karaoke equipment, you can reach the front desk using the phone inside the room. Drinks and food can be ordered on the phone too.
A few hours in a karaoke box is a guaranteed fun time and certainly one of the Japan must do things for families who love their music!
Ghibli Museum
Emily from Kids and Compass
Have you ever watched any Studio Ghibli movies? They’re the brainchild of Hayao Miyazaki who has often been called the Japanese Walt Disney. The Ghibli Museum is dedicated to the creation of these beautiful, timeless films, and you can get to it easily from central Tokyo.
At the museum, you can explore exhibits on the animation process and look at props from the movies. There’s an animated short to watch in the on-site cinema, and best of all for the kids, there’s a life size Cat Bus to play on!
The building is just as beautiful as the films and it’s filled with hundreds of tiny details which will delight any fans of the movies. Don’t forget to go up on the roof to meet a robot guardian and look out for a huge Totoro figure by the entrance.
The Ghibli Museum is in the Mitaka area of Greater Tokyo. It’s an easy journey on the train to get there. While reaching the museum is easy, you cannot simply turn up without a ticket. Entry is by date and time reservation only, and tickets can sell quickly, so check the official release schedule and book as soon as tickets for your month become available.
For families that love anime, the Ghibli Museum is one of the things to see in Japan.
Location: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013
Opening Hours: Opening days and admission times vary. Check the official ticket calendar for your visit date.
Price: Check current ticket prices and age-based admission rules on the official website for your visit date.
Make Plastic Japanese Food
Thanks to Thais from World Trip Diaries
The restaurants in Japan almost always have plastic food replicas so people can see what they’ll get before ordering. They’re so realistic and beautiful and there are actually classes on offer where you can make them yourself.
Yamato Sample Seisakusho is one of those places – it’s a factory in Ikebukuro (Tokyo). Classes are light, fun, and challenging, and the instructors are nice and encouraging. Its a great way to spend time in Japan with kids!
Workshops last around an hour and you’ll each go home with something, like the lovely parfait sundae above!
They offer various different workshops, with different difficulties age limits and prices, but workshop fees vary by activity; check current prices and age requirements before booking, and it’s something you can only find in Japan!
Yamato Sample’s workshop is in Kami-Ikebukuro, around a 15-minute walk from Kita-Ikebukuro Station. Workshops and age limits vary, so reserve a suitable session in advance rather than relying on walk-in availability.
Location: No. 3 Studio 4-18-2 Kamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Workshop times vary and advance booking is recommended. Check the operator’s current calendar before visiting.
Price: Check current ticket prices and age-based admission rules on the official website for your visit date.
View the Cherry Blossoms from Edo Castle Moat
Thanks to Wisterian from Safe Travel with Kids in Asia
One of the best Japan things to do is to see the Cherry Blossoms. If you happen to be in Tokyo during the season (approx. end-Mar to mid-Apr), there are hundreds of places where you can go to see the cherry blossoms. However one of the popular places among Tokyoites and visitors is to see the cherry blossoms from the boats on the Edo castle moat.
The northwest part of the moat is known as Chidorigafuchi since it looks like a small bird. The area surrounding the moat is planted with cherry trees, and a great way to see the trees is from a boat on the moat. The rental boats require children to remain seated and follow the operator’s safety rules. Families should decide whether the activity suits their children and check current age, life-jacket and operating requirements before joining.
The impressive walls of the Imperial Palace, combined with the steep slopes into the wide moat, must have been forbidding to any would-be attacker. But age has been kind to them and the cherry trees that hang out over the water release their petals to create a pink mat on the water.
Boating on the moat is a favourite dating spot for young Japanese couples, but the lines can be long and you may have to wait until evening. If this happens for you, the evening is lovely during the sakura season as the cherry blossoms are lit up after sunset until 10pm.
If you don’t jump on a boat, the area is equally amazing from the shore, and the sight of the boaters under the hanging cherry tree branches is likely to fascinate your toddler for several minutes.
This is a public park but toilets are not that easy to find. You can find them in the boathouse and the subway stations (Hanzomon or Kudanshita are the closest) so if your child needs an urgent diaper change, the best option may be to find a café near the subway stations.
Location: 1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0091
Opening Hours: The public walkway is always accessible, but boat-hire hours, evening illumination and closures vary by season and weather. Check the current Chidorigafuchi schedule before visiting.
Price: Check current ticket prices and age-based admission rules on the official website for your visit date.
Another cool place to visit from Tokyo is Okunikko – it makes a great day trip.
The Best Things to do in Osaka with Kids
Check out some of the best things to do in Osaka with kids, as well as in the surrounding areas. See our complete Osaka with kids guide for additional attractions and practical planning advice.
Universal Studios Japan
Thanks to Erin from Never Ending Voyage
Universal Studios Japan is a theme park in Osaka that’s fantastic for kids of different ages, with gentler attractions for younger children and major thrill rides for older kids and adults. A day at Universal Studios is definitely one of the best things to do for kids in Japan – even parents will love it!
Super Nintendo World now includes Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country; an Area Timed Entry Ticket or Standby Entry Ticket may be required, and from January 2026 these are obtained through the official app. Harry Potter fans will also love the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—even if they aren’t tall enough to go on the intense Forbidden Journey ride, there is plenty to explore in this magical world of snowy cobbled streets including shopping for sweets in Honeydukes and jokes in Zonkos, and drinking a pint of butterbeer. If you buy a magic wand, you can also create your own spells and light up chimneys or make it snow.
Elsewhere in the park, thrill-seeking older kids will love The Flying Dinosaur and Hollywood Dream rollercoasters and the Minion ride. Toddlers will enjoy the Snoopy and Elmo themed rides in the Wonderland area.
Universal Studios is easy to reach from the centre of Osaka and shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes—Universal City Station on the JR Sakurajima train line is only a 5 minute walk from the park.
You definitely want to arrive at least 30 minutes before the park opens (usually 8.30am or 9am) and head straight to one of the popular rides. Park opening times vary but it’s usually open until 7pm or 8pm. Avoid weekends and national holidays as queues will be insanely long.
Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031
Opening Hours: Hours vary and the gates may open before the published time. Check the official calendar for your visit date.
Price: Studio Pass prices vary by date and age. Check current prices before booking. Click here to book tickets online.
Osaka Castle
Thanks to Christina from Travel2next
Your kids will have fun channelling their inner “Shogun” at Osaka Castle, which is an impressive landmark in Osaka (one of the famous things to do in Japan). The castle is an attraction that should definitely be part of your Osaka itinerary when visiting Japan with kids, as it’s a great place to learn all about Japan’s fascinating Samurai history.
Osaka castle was built in 1583 by one of the most famous Samurais in Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and burnt down in 1615. Although the current castle is a reconstruction of the original, it’s still a symbol of the golden days of Japan’s Samurai.
The Samurai were warriors who were expert swordsman and during the Edo Period (1603-1867), they became the ruling class.
Inside Osaka Castle is a modern museum with interactive displays and galleries where you can see Samurai armour, helmets and kimonos. There’s also an observation deck on the top floor where you’ll get a pretty good view back towards Osaka.
One of the fun things to do in Osaka Castle is to dress up as a Samurai, which might be a special treat for teenagers; check current fees before visiting.
Osaka Castle Park, the grounds around Osaka Castle, is a green space for kids to run around outdoors even if you don’t intend to enter the castle. The sight of the castle from the grounds, especially during Cherry Blossom season, is fantastic.
Getting to Osaka Castle: Take the JR Loop Line train to Osakajokoen. The castle is about a 20-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, take the subway to Tanimachi 4-Chome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi and Chuo Lines. The castle is a 17-minute walk from exit 1-B.
There is a variety of things to do at Osaka Castle making it one of the top things to do at Japan with kids of all ages.
Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm (last admission 5.30pm) | Closed 28 December to 1 January and occasionally for maintenance.
Price: Adults ¥1,200; university and high school students ¥600; children aged 15 and under free with proof of age. Click here to book tickets online.
Cup Noodle Museum
Thanks to Sarah from A Social Nomad
The Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda is located at the birthplace of instant noodles in Ikeda, near Osaka. It is about a five-minute walk from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line (not a JR station).
This museum lets you walk through a time tunnel of instant and cup noodles and takes you through the process of how and when instant noodles were invented.
The highlight is the paid My CUPNOODLES Factory, where you decorate a cup and create your own flavour combination. No advance reservation is required, but timed tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and can run out on busy days. You start by designing your cup, then walk around the “factory” and decide what you’re going to put in your cup noodle. Big and small kids alike will love being able to pull the handle to put the noodles into your pot.
Once your cup noodle is complete, you’ll carefully put it into the packaging and you get to take it home with you. Your own design cup noodle tastes more delicious than you can ever imagine!
Creating your own instant noodles – certainly one of the more unique things to do in Japan with the kids.
Location: 8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0041
Opening Hours: Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm) | Closed Tuesdays
Price: Museum entry is free; the My CUPNOODLES Factory currently costs ¥500 per cup. The separate Chicken Ramen Factory requires advance reservations and has its own fee.
Nara Deer Park
Thanks to Talek from Travels with Talek
Nara Deer Park is another one of the perfect things to do and see in Japan with the kids. It’s really something to see a park with hundreds of tame deer roaming about. It also has free entry, although you may want to purchase some crackers for the deer.
Built in the 1300s – this park is a perfect day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. As Nara was once the capital of Japan, it is full of history, culture and museums worthy of its historical status. The city also has beautiful temples and one of the world’s largest Buddhas. These are surrounded by acres of manicured gardens and landscaped ponds filled with large koi and turtles.
The deer in Nara Park are wild, protected animals. They are used to people but can become pushy around food, so supervise young children closely and show empty hands when you have no crackers. These beautiful animals have grown accustomed to humans feeding them and they will demand a treat if not immediately forthcoming.
When you visit, make sure to also take the time to sample the wonderful assortment of ice creams in unusual flavours like seaweed, whisky, jasmine and more. It’s remarkable how close the ice cream flavours come to the real thing!
Nara Deer Park is very easy to get to from either the Kyoto or Osaka train stations. The park begins around a five-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station; from JR Nara Station, allow roughly 20 minutes on foot or use a local bus. Make sure to get your map at the station and take the opportunity to use the free WiFi.
Location: 469 Zoshicho, Nara 630-8501 Nara Prefecture
Opening Hours: 24/7
Price: Free entry
The Best Things to do in Kyoto with Kids
Check out some of the best things to do in Kyoto with kids, as well as in the surrounding areas. Our complete Kyoto with kids guide has more ideas for planning your stay.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Thanks to Rachel from Adventure and Sunshine
A stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a unique experience in Japan and one of many free things to do in Kyoto with kids.
A single short path weaves from the main street of town through the forest to the base of the hills. The sound of the bamboo creaking and the leaves rustling in the wind is eerie yet peaceful. Take your time meandering through the forest before exploring some of the other highlights close by.
Near the entrance to the bamboo forest is Tenryu-ji Temple, with one of the best examples of Zen gardens in Kyoto. There is a small entrance fee to stroll through the garden.
At the top of the grove there are two options. Turn left to walk through the park and down to the river where the kids will enjoy watching the small traditional boats on the river. Or turn right and walk a little further up the hill to Okochi-Sanso Villa. With spectacular grounds, a tea house and one of the best examples of Japanese architecture, check the current entry fee before visiting.
Note that the Arashiyama Forest is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Kyoto and can get very busy. Like so many attractions in Japan, it is best to go early to avoid the crowds. Stay on the paths, do not carve or mark the bamboo, and use Kyoto’s live congestion information when planning your visit.
Getting to the Bamboo Forest is an easy 30 minute train ride from Kyoto. If you have a JR Pass take the JR train on the Sagano line from Kyoto station. The forest is a 10 minute walk from the station past a dizzying array of souvenir stores that you (and the kids) won’t be able to resist browsing through!
Location: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-8394 Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 24/7
Price: Free entry
Kodaiji Temple
Thanks to Melissa from Parenthood and Passports
Kodaiji Temple may not be one of the most popular sites in Kyoto, but it is still one of the most unique and fun places to visit in the entire city. The temple grounds are beautiful and serene to simply wander through and pause for a moment of stillness. With its impressive zen gardens and bamboo lined pathways, you can’t help but feel at peace at Kodaiji Temple.
But if visiting Kyoto with kids, the real joy of Kodaiji Temple is the hands-on cultural lessons that you and your kids will be able to experience. Throughout the temple complex, you’ll find various Japanese rituals that you can participate in. These traditional rituals are believed to bring good fortune, luck, love, and even healing to those who follow the simple steps. It is an interactive, educational look at the religion and practice of Zen Buddhism.
Although often missed by tourists, Kodaiji Temple is considered one of the most recognised temples in Kyoto and has a beautiful backstory, as well. The temple was built in the early 1600s by a grieving widow to honour her husband, an ancient Japanese warrior. You can find wooden images of the warrior and his loyal wife forever enshrined together in the temple’s memorial hall. It doesn’t take a lot of time to tour Kodaiji Temple and its grounds, and you and your kids will be glad you did.
Location: 526 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0825
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 5.30pm (last entry 5pm)
Price: Adults ¥800, junior and senior high school students ¥400, and primary-school-aged children and younger are free with an accompanying adult. Check the official site for current conditions and special-opening arrangements.
Spot a Geisha
Thanks to Sylvia from Wapiti Travel
The streets in the Gion district are lined with beautiful wooden facades that often hide expensive teahouses and fancy restaurants. These establishments attract a high-heeled clientele, exactly the clientele that can afford the services of a Geisha.
The existence of these posh establishments explains why the Gion district today is one of the last remaining real geisha districts.
This makes it also one of the best places in Japan to spot a Geisha. Geishas are remarkable appearances. Their richly decorated kimonos and perfect white faces with fierce red lips ensure a stunning appearance.
If your budget allows it, you could book a guided Geisha Districts Tour and learn in depth about this respectable profession, or alternatively you could walk through Gion in the early evening. Remember that Gion is a working neighbourhood: keep to public streets, do not enter private lanes, block doorways or chase and photograph geiko or maiko without permission.
Fushimi
Thanks to Leona from Wandermust Family
One of the more popular family friendly things to do when visiting japan is to visit the beautiful and iconic red Tori gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine! While shrines may not seem like the most child friendly place, there is plenty for the little ones to do here.
The shrine is very easy to get to from Kyoto as there are train and metro stations nearby. The shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station. If travelling with very small children, it’s recommended to take a carrier rather than a stroller because of the path you take up the shrine. To experience it at its best you should try to get as high as you can up the mount as you will find the crowds disperse more and more as you ascend – allow around two to three hours for the return hike to the summit, depending on pace and stops.
Top Tip for families visiting in summer: be sure to go early and pack plenty of water as the climb is long and the Kyoto summers get very hot and humid and can be very uncomfortable for littlies!
Entrance to the shrine is free and there are no closing hours at the shrine
Location: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882
Opening Hours: 24/7
Price: Free entry
Sagano Scenic Train
Thanks to Paul from Journey Compass
Kyoto’s old-fashioned Sagano Train travels between Saga and Kameoka Station. It’s one of the best things to do in Kyoto if you enjoy being around nature since the train passes through the beautiful forested Hozugawa Ravine where you also have a view of the Hozu River down below.
The 7-kilometre ride takes about 25 minutes, as it travels along at a slow pace to give you plenty of time to take in the surrounding scenery.
The views are stunning when you travel at the right time of year. In autumn the change in leave colours spruces up the surrounding forest, and in spring there are the cherry blossoms.
The train can sell out during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, so reserve ahead through the official website. Views alternate as the line winds through the gorge, so there is no single best side for the entire journey. The open-sided Rich carriage offers wider views but is weather dependent.
Tip: you can combine this activity with a visit to the Arashiyama bamboo forest and a Hozugawa river cruise.
Location: Sagatenryuji Kurumamichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373
Opening Hours: Timetables and operating days vary by season, and the railway usually has a winter closure. Check the official schedule for your date.
Price: Fares vary by age; check the official booking page for your travel date. Click here to book your tickets online
Randen Line
Thanks to Jan from Budget Travel Talk
Once Kyoto was crisscrossed with tram lines, but today only the privately owned Keifuku Randen Line remains. Randen trams run on the East-West Arashiyama line and the connecting northern Kitano Line.
Kids will love the jaunty shape and colour of the trams and with such cute conductor uniforms, you’ll be humming “Thomas the Tank Engine” tune before you know it. Speaking of catchy tunes – listen for the stylised announcement jingles onboard.
Starting at Shijo-Omiya Station and finishing at Keifuku Arashiyama Station there are fourteen stops on the Arashiyama line.
If you love ninjas, samurai, geiko or maiko or dressing up, alight at Uzumasa-Koryuji Station for Toei Kyoto Studio Park.
At Randen Arashiyama Station, check whether the station footbath is operating and purchase the required ticket before using it.
Joining the Arashiyama Line at Katabiranotsuji station, the Kitano Line heads north and east to it’s ninth and final station at Kitano Hakubaicho. Here you will find Kitano Tenamngu Shrine, quirkily known for it’s giant monthly flea market.
In Spring the Kitano line tram slows as it passes beneath track-side cherry blossoms before stopping at the must-see temples of Ninnaji and Ryoanji.
Location: Shijoomiyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8389
Opening Hours: Services run throughout the day; check the current Randen timetable for your travel date.
Price: Check current tram fares and any package inclusions before booking. Click here to book a food and train experience
The Best Things to do in Hiroshima with Kids
Check out some of the best things to do in Hiroshima with kids, as well as in the surrounding areas. If you are staying overnight, compare our family accommodation suggestions for Hiroshima.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Thanks to Sally from Our 3 Kids V the World
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a deeply moving experience, located right in the centre of Hiroshima city the memorial is dedicated to those who suffered and lost their lives in the first ever nuclear attack. An estimated 140,000 people had died by the end of 1945 as a result of the atomic bombing on 6 August 1945. However, this is not only here as a memorial for those lives lost but also to advocate for world peace.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial consists of the A-Bomb Dome, Children’s Peace Monument, Flame of Peace, Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, Peace Bell, Atomic Memorial Mound and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
No doubt visitors will be moved by many parts of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, from the story of Sadako and the Children’s Peace Monument that commemorates her life and all other children that lost their lives that day. The significant A-Bomb Dome is the best-preserved structure close to the hypocentre and the Flame of Peace that will continue to burn until the world’s last nuclear bomb is destroyed. This is definitely a place that we can all learn from, the importance that we never see a memorial of this kind again.
From Shin-Osaka, the fastest Shinkansen services reach Hiroshima in around 1.5 hours; slower services take longer. From Hiroshima Station, take a streetcar or bus to the Peace Memorial Park. The park is always open, while the museum has seasonal hours and can be confronting for younger children. Online museum tickets are recommended, particularly around the busy middle of the day.
Location: 1 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima and 1-10 Otemachi
Opening Hours: 24/7
Price: Free entry
Miyajima Island
Thanks to Vanessa from Wanderlust Crew
One of the popular destinations to go to in Japan as a family is Miyajima island. You’ve probably seen pictures of this island with its famous floating gate known as a Torii. A Torii is a Japanese gate between the normal every-day world and a sacred place.
Miyajima island is located just a few miles from Hiroshima, so it’s a great idea to combine the two into several days. It’s a great place to escape the crowds in Tokyo or Kyoto. You can access the island easily by using your JR Pass to take the train to the ferry. The nationwide JR Pass covers the JR-West ferry; allow for the ¥100 Miyajima visitor tax, which is paid separately. Click here to purchase a 7 day Japan Rail (JR) pass.
Once you arrive on Miyajima island, you’ll be greeted by the cutest sika deer who will want to eat all your food, but please don’t feed them. On the island, you can explore the Torii gate and view it while the tide is in (when it looks like it’s floating) and when the tide is out (watch for hundreds of hermit crabs).
The island is also home to several temples and shrines, and the Miyajima Ropeway travels partway up Mount Misen; reaching the summit still requires a walk. You can also hike to the top of the island as well.
Be sure to try some classic Japanese food, as well as some more unique ones, like deer poop ice cream! Miyajima is famous for its maple-leaf-shaped cakes called momiji manju, available with a variety of fillings, which are super tasty!
Location: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Opening Hours: Miyajima island is always accessible, subject to ferry services. Itsukushima Shrine generally opens from 6.30am, with seasonal closing times; check the official timetable before visiting.
Price: Check current ticket prices and age-based admission rules on the official website for your visit date.
Other Places in Japan
Tomamu
Thanks to Barbara from Let’s Go Mum
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a fantastic place to take the kids in Japan. Located on the second largest Japanese Island of Hokkaido, Tomamu is a winter wonderland, and popular family ski resort, but there is so much more to do there.
Mina Mina Beach is one of the largest indoor wave pools in Japan, and kids love playing on the big inflatables on the waves. The Gao Outdoor Activity Centre has inflatable banana rides for the family, snow mobile hire and snow buggy tours of the back country, where the kids can make powder snow angels and spot local wildlife.
In winter, ride the Unkai Gondola to the Terrace of Frosted Tree for snowy mountain views. The separate Unkai Terrace cloud-sea experience operates seasonally outside winter, so check which mountaintop attraction is open during your stay.
Perhaps the most spectacular winter experience for kids in Tomamu is the seasonal Ice Village, where the kids can have ice chute rides, ice skate and explore the solid-ice village which includes a hotel room, shops and a church – amazing! Tomamu is a great family-friendly place to take the kids in Japan.
The easiest route from Tokyo is to fly to New Chitose Airport, then continue by JR train via Minami-Chitose to Tomamu Station; resort guests can use the hotel transfer from the station. Winter facilities and dates are weather dependent, so check the resort’s current operating information.
Chureito Pagoda
Thanks to Priya from Outside Suburbia
The Chureito Pagoda is a five storied pagoda on the mountainside overlooking Fujiyoshida City. This pagoda is one of Fujigoko’s most popular cherry blossom spots where you can get beautiful views of Mount Fuji rising up through a sea of cherry blossoms. It is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine and was built as a peace memorial in 1963.
You will have to climb 398 steps up the mountain from the shrine’s main buildings, but the view is totally worth it. From Shimoyoshida Station, allow about 25 minutes on foot to the pagoda. The roads and parking areas become extremely busy during cherry blossom season, so public transport is the easiest option.
Mount Fuji is often shy and shows her face only on clear days. Some days the white capped peak may be visible from hundreds of kilometres away but more often the mountaintop is hidden by low hanging clouds. Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the colder winter months tend to be better than during the summer months.
The mountain’s famous snow cap is typically visible from around November to around May. Seeing it from the famous Chureito Pagoda is certainly something you need to add to your list when visiting Japan.
Location: 2-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture (3353-1 Niikura)
Opening Hours: 24/7
Price: Free entry – If you would prefer to join a guided tour, check out this Mt. Fuji Day Tour
____________________________________________________________________________________
We hope this Best Things to do in Japan with Kids article has been helpful. For some of the best things to do in Kyoto with kids click here and if you plan to stay in Kyoto, here are some of the best places to stay with kids.
And if you’re on Pinterest, save one of the images below for later
