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Find the perfect itinerary for you
Tokyo doesn’t just cater—it overdelivers. Anime fans get their dream scenes in real life, history lovers find ancient threads woven into neon streets, and Tokyo with family is like riding between skyscrapers and themed parks. The trick is finding the right 3-day itinerary in Tokyo to match your flavor because winging it here means missing way too magic.
Tokyo for anime fans and culture lovers
Tokyo for history buffs
Tokyo for families
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: The French Toast Factory Akihabara isn’t breakfast—it’s a sugar-coated fever dream. Towering brioche toast soaked in custard, buried in berries, or paired with bacon if you like chaos. It’s over-the-top, totally photogenic, and unforgettable.
Attraction: Akihabara
Akihabara isn’t just Tokyo’s anime capital—it’s the internet in physical form. Blinding lights, blaring J-pop, life-size waifus, and stores stacked to the ceiling with merch you didn’t know you desperately needed. It’s loud, chaotic, and completely unhinged—in the best way possible.
Nearest stop:
- Akihabara (Red Course)
Highlights:
- Mandarake is a labyrinth of rare manga, out-of-print doujin, and everything you thought only existed in collector lore.
- Radio Kaikan is nine floors of fandom madness—Gundam parts, idol merch, and enough collectibles to short-circuit your carry-on
- Super Potato is retro gaming heaven: think playable Famicoms, pixel-art candy, and walls lined with cartridges like it's 1989.
Pro tip: Visit on a Sunday, when the streets are closed to cars, and it becomes one big anime runway. Bring your camera and your inner nerd.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute ride and you’re all set for the next destination.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo takes plant-based noodles to another universe. Go for the creamy miso ramen if you like comfort in a bowl, the chilled truffle ramen for something fancy, or the fiery flower ramen if you want a little drama. The vibe? You’re eating inside a glowing, immersive teamLab art space that feels equal parts zen and sci-fi.
Attraction: teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets is part digital dreamscape, part barefoot fever dream. You’ll wade through water, float in rooms of infinite mirrors, and basically star in your own art film. For anime and culture lovers, it’s like stepping into a Studio Ghibli sci-fi crossover.
Nearest stop:
- Tokyo Teleport Station (Blue Course)
Highlights:
- Walk barefoot through knee-deep water as digital koi swirl you into a peaceful simulation.
- Get swallowed by a room of hanging orchids that bloom and retreat based on your every move—yes, really.
- Lose all sense of time in the Infinite Crystal Universe, where mirrors and lights play tricks in the best way.
Pro tip: Wear pants you can roll up—yes, your legs will get wet, and no, there’s no dry route.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Settle in for a short 3-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Fuji Television Headquarters Building
If Tokyo had a Death Star made for anime fans, this would be it. That giant orb? It’s the Hachitama observation deck, floating above Fuji TV’s main HQ—aka the birthplace of Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Chibi Maruko-chan, and more. This place is part of a futuristic space station, part anime relic vault, and fully worth geeking out over.
Nearest stop:
- Fuji Television (Blue Course)
Highlights:
- Stand inside the Hachitama sphere and pretend you’re broadcasting to the galaxy—with 360° views of Tokyo.
- Dive into original props, rare clips, and full-on nostalgia from shows like Sazae-san to Dragon Ball.
- Score character merch that’s exclusive to Fuji TV—yes, even Luffy would ditch his hat for this haul.
Pro tip: There's a hidden rooftop garden that sometimes hosts anime-themed events. Blink and you’ll miss it, but it’s a sweet bonus if it’s open.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: It’s walkable—5 minutes and you’re there.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: At Tsuruhashi Fugetsu Odaiba, it’s all about that sizzling okonomiyaki—the kind that arrives hot, fluffy, and laced with pork, squid, or cheese. Try the modan-yaki, too (a noodle-packed Osaka classic). Casual, lively, and full of mouthwatering grill sounds—this spot smells like a good decision.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Hattendo’s cream buns are soft, chilled clouds filled with magic—try custard, matcha, or azuki red bean if you like breakfast with a twist. This grab-and-go spot in Tokyo Station’s Keiyo Street is perfect for commuters, sweet tooths, and snack-curious travelers alike.
Attraction: Tokyo Character Street
Tokyo Character Street is what happens when your favorite anime, game, and mascot characters all decide to open gift shops in one tunnel. From Pokémon and Ghibli to Shonen Jump legends, this place is 100% recommended by locals. And yes, your wallet will cry happy tears.
Nearest stop:
- Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building (Blue, Green & Red Courses)
Highlights:
- Over 30 character stores packed with official merch, plushies, and snacks you won’t find anywhere else.
- Catch pop-up shops and seasonal exclusives—limited-time chaos is part of the charm.
- Nostalgia overload from childhood icons like Doraemon to newer obsessions like Spy x Family.
Pro tip: Many stores accept IC cards or mobile pay, but some rare items are cash-only—stash a few yen just in case.
Suggested time to spend: 2 to 3 hours
Time to next stop: Your next destination is a bus ride away—just 20 minutes.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Tonkatsu Hasegawa serves golden, panko-crusted pork cutlets so juicy they should come with a warning label. The star? Their aged pork tonkatsu—rich, tender, and cooked low and slow. Add creamy potato salad and unlimited cabbage, and you've got yourself a meal to remember.
Attraction: Japanese Sword Museum
You’ve seen katana slice through monsters, mechs, and emotional backstories—now get up close with the real steel. The Japanese Sword Museum is where anime fantasy meets actual samurai swagger, with blades that’ll make you wonder how anyone ever had the guts to use them.
Nearest stop:
- Ryogoku, Edo-Tokyo Museum (Red Course)
Highlights:
- Rows of authentic katana, some older than your favorite anime tropes but still cool.
- Hands-on displays reveal just how much fire, hammering, and magic goes into forging a sword.
- Special exhibits rotate legendary blades tied to samurai clans and feudal drama-worthy tales.
Pro tip: Sword-polishing demos aren’t on a fixed schedule, but if you see one, drop everything and watch.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 30 minutes on Sky Hop Bus to your next stop.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
In a city that moves at warp speed, Shinjuku Gyoen hits the pause button. This lush garden has shown up in anime like The Garden of Words, and wandering through its teahouses, koi ponds, and sakura-lined paths feels like stepping into a watercolor frame.
Nearest stop:
- Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Green Course)
Highlights:
- Cherry blossoms so dramatic that they’ve starred in multiple anime breakup scenes.
- Switch between Japanese, English, and French garden styles like you’re choosing a vibe.
- The traditional teahouse serves matcha with views straight out of a Studio Ghibli mood board.
Pro tip: Look out for the old Imperial Rest House. You can’t go in, but it’s a solid backdrop for photos.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Dinner’s just a quick 10 to 15-minute stroll away.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Gyopao Gyoza is where soup dumplings and pan-fried gyoza fall madly in love. Their signature gyopao is juicy, crispy, and oddly life-changing. Add a bowl of rich tantanmen and their golden karaage, and you’ve won at life. It’s casual, buzzing, and deliciously chaotic.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Rose Bakery Marunouchi serves up flaky scones, a cult-favorite carrot cake, and a mean veggie quiche that’ll make you rethink your breakfast standards. The vibe’s clean and calm, tucked inside a bookshop—perfect for slow mornings with strong coffee.
Attraction: Imperial Palace
Right in the heart of Tokyo sits a fortress-turned-palace where emperors live and history lingers. Once the stomping grounds of samurai-era power plays, it’s now a serene sprawl of moats, bridges, and gardens that whisper old-school prestige without saying a word.
Nearest stop:
- Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building (Blue, Green & Red Courses)
Highlights:
- Nijubashi Bridge is a photo spot—double-arched, perfectly framed, and straight out of a historical drama.
- The East Gardens are packed with Edo-period remnants with ancient walls and watchtowers.
- Kokyo Gaien Plaza gives you palace views, imperial statues, and pine trees without the fences.
Pro tip: If you’re into history, hit the Museum of the Imperial Collections nearby. It’s filled with imperial treasures you won’t see elsewhere.
Suggested time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
Time to next stop: 30 minutes to the next hop-on hop-off bus stop and a 30-minute train ride to the attraction. But the ride is worth it.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: The Straw Hat Café is peak Ghibli vibes—hand-drawn menus, woodsy charm, and food that looks like it walked out of a Miyazaki film. Go for the fluffy omurice, the pork cutlet sandwich (a fan favorite), and the ultra-whimsical cream soda. Even the desserts here feel like main characters.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Ghibli Musuem
This isn't just a shrine for Totoro lovers—it’s a masterclass in how imagination works. Miyazaki turned his animation philosophy into a building: no maps, no set route, just discovery. If you care about worldbuilding, visual storytelling, or hand-drawn craft, this place hits hard.
Nearest stop:
- Shibuya City Hall (Green Course)
Highlights:
- Step inside a working animation studio re-creation that powered Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke.
- Watch exclusive short films only screened here, including prequels and side stories never released online or on DVD.
- Head to the rooftop and find the full-size Laputa robot quietly weathering over.
Pro tip: Look up, down, and behind doors—the entire space is filled with surprise murals and tiny jokes Miyazaki snuck in for fans.
Suggested time to spend: 2 to 3 hours
Time to next stop: Stretch your legs because dinner’s only 15 minutes away.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Burgers at Village Vanguard Diner Kichijoji here are thick, juicy patties stacked with jalapeños, creamy avocado, or even wasabi mayo. The BBQ bacon cheeseburger is a local favorite, but don’t sleep on their teriyaki egg option either. Retro diner vibes meet Japanese flair, and it totally works.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: If you’re into buttery toast and egg perfection, Shin’ichikan’s got you. Their signature tamago sando (Japanese egg sandwich) is impossibly fluffy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. Pair it with thick-cut milk toast and a mellow blend coffee in this sleek, no-frills kissaten-style café.
Attraction: Ninja Trick House
Forget the movie clichés—this place dives into the real tactics that made ninjas terrifyingly effective. In a few tight rooms, you'll get a crash course on espionage techniques, illusion-based architecture, and weaponry used by covert agents who shaped feudal Japan’s power plays.
Nearest stop:
- Shinjuku Station South Exit (Green Course)
Highlights:
- Slide open hidden doors and spot false walls used for ambush or escape.
- Learn how to wield a katana and throw shuriken like an Edo-period spy, not an action movie extra.
- Side-by-side comparisons of ninja vs samurai gear reveal how propaganda shaped what we think we know.
Pro tip: Ask about real ninja roles. They weren’t all assassins; many were information brokers and masters of disguise.
Suggested time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
Time to next stop: 25-minute ride through the city to your next attraction.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Fermier is your quiet lunch hero tucked away, softly lit, and all about rustic French-Japanese comfort. The beef stew’s a melt-in-your-mouth classic, but don’t skip the fluffy omelet rice or the buttery quiche. It’s cozy, calm, and the kind of spot locals don’t want you to find.
Attraction: Atago-jinja
Atago-jinja is Tokyo’s hilltop time capsule, built in 1603 to guard the city against fire—tucked away above the corporate jungle like a secret boss level. Its ultra-steep “Stairway of Success” isn’t just social media-bait; it's a tribute to ambition, samurai grit, and Edo-era charm.
Nearest stop:
- Tokyo Prince Hotel, Zojo-ji (Blue Course)
Highlights:
- Conquer the 86-step stone staircase said to bring success in work and life—we call it leg day with benefits.
- Explore tranquil grounds dotted with koi ponds, camellias, and a shrine to the fire god, Homusubi no Mikoto.
- Hear the legendary tale of a samurai who rode his horse up these stairs to deliver a plum blossom to the shogun.
Pro tip: The main gate looks unassuming, so take the side path next to the ANA building for a dramatic approach straight to the stairs.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Quick hop on the bus for 12 minutes, and you're there.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Mitsuo Aida Museum
Mitsuo Aida Museum is part poetry, part philosophy, and all soul. Tucked inside the Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building, it’s a quiet rebellion against Tokyo’s speed—celebrating the life and brushwork of Mitsuo Aida, a calligrapher who turned Zen thoughts into bold, beautiful strokes.
Nearest stop:
- Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building (Blue, Green & Red Courses)
Highlights:
- See over 100 of Aida’s calligraphy works, which are poetic reflections on life, love, and imperfection.
- Touch-screen displays let you explore Aida’s writing process, complete with his famously messy desk.
- The museum layout changes seasonally, echoing Aida’s love of change and impermanence—no two visits feel the same.
Pro tip: Stop by the attached café after your visit as they serve drinks with Aida quotes printed on the sleeves.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Next destination? Just a 30-minute bus ride away.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: If you’re going to splurge, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon is where to do it. The caviar-topped egg cocotte is legendary, the langoustine ravioli is borderline criminal, and the caramelized quail with foie gras? A mic-drop moment. Sleek, moody counter seating lets you watch the chefs do their high-end magic in real time.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Shin'ichikan Shinjukuhonten nails the retro Tokyo breakfast vibe—think warm lighting, jazz on a loop, and thick-cut toast that’s more pillow than bread. Go for the fluffy tamago sando, crispy-on-the-outside hotcakes, or their cult-favorite butter toast with a boiled egg on the side.
Attraction: National Diet Building
With its crisp symmetry and pyramid-capped dome, the National Diet Building looks like Tokyo’s answer to ancient Rome, but with more bureaucracy. This is where Japan’s major political decisions get hashed out and where history and legacy are wrapped in granite and flair.
Nearest stop:
- Tokyo Prince Hotel, Zojo-ji (Blue Course)
Highlights:
- Admire the imposing 1930s architecture built entirely with Japanese materials.
- Spot the visual symbolism from the twin-winged chambers (Upper and Lower House) to the phoenix motifs and national seals.
- Peek inside chambers where postwar democracy and drama unfolded—yes, that includes political standoffs.
Pro tip: Try visiting on rare public-access days when the Emperor’s seat in the chamber is open for viewing—great photo op, no crowds.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
Time to next stop: You’re only 20 minutes from your next must-see.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Shinjuku Nakamura-ya Granna’s all about legendary curry. Try their iconic Indian-style chicken curry, a century-old recipe with freedom fighter roots. Don’t miss the fluffy naan, butter chicken, and seasonal vegetable curries.
Attraction: Shinjuku Suehirotei
Shinjuku Suehirotei is one of Tokyo’s last surviving yose theaters, where rakugo (comic storytelling) still rules the stage. The wooden building feels frozen in time, with decades of punchlines echoing through its tatami-floored hall. No fancy tech: just wit, timing, and a fan.
Nearest stop:
- Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Green Course)
Highlights:
- Watch live rakugo with performers who turn a single fan and towel into entire worlds.
- Catch other old-school acts like manzai, magic, and even shamisen performances.
- Step into a rare architectural relic—this wooden theater has been operating since 1946.
Pro tip: Shows rotate every 10 days, so check the lineup if you’re hunting for a specific performer or genre.
Suggested time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
Time to next stop: It’s a short walk (4 mins) to your next must-see.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Hanazono-jinja Shrine
Wedged between Shinjuku’s neon chaos and its salarymen bars, Hanazono-jinja is a striking splash of tradition with roots going back to the Edo period. Once the guardian of the city’s entertainment district, this bright red shrine has seen everything from kabuki stars to modern love woes pass through its torii.
Nearest stop:
- Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Green Course)
Highlights:
- Make a wish at the mini red torii tunnel; it’s Insta-worthy but also surprisingly peaceful.
- Check out the flea markets held on some weekends—vintage kimonos and quirky antiques await.
- During festivals, the grounds explode with lanterns, food stalls, and lion dances.
Pro tip: Omikuji fortunes here include English translations, so yes, you can know what the universe has planned.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Dinner’s calling—only 5 minutes walk away.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Bar Kuriya is like Tokyo’s best-kept secret hideout. Start with their wagyu tsukune skewers, then dive into the uni cream pasta. Yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s divine. Pair it all with a yuzu highball, and pretend you’re in a noir film.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: bills Omotesando is where sleepy mornings level up. Their ricotta hotcakes are fluffy, and the scrambled eggs are silky perfection. Add avo toast in a breezy and light-filled space.
Attraction: Ancient Egypt Museum
A pocket-sized portal to the Nile, the Ancient Egypt Museum is packed with authentic relics—from a 3,000-year-old mummy to scarabs, statues, and ritual tools. History nerds, you’re in for a weirdly wonderful ride.
Nearest stop:
- Shibuya City Hall (Green Course)
Highlights:
- See a real mummy up close, wrapped and all—no dramatic lighting, just raw history in your face.
- Check out ancient surgical tools and embalming gear, including a centuries-old canopic jar.
- The collection includes rare items you won’t even find in Cairo, thanks to private acquisitions.
Pro tip: The museum’s owner sometimes gives impromptu mini-lectures in Japanese, so bring a translation app and soak it in.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: The journey continues with a 25-minute ride.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Grillogy is where Tokyo’s grill game gets a glow-up. Sink your teeth into their wagyu burger—melty, messy, and worth it—or the dry-aged steak that comes with a side of truffle fries.
Attraction: Daiba Mysterious School
Daiba Mysterious School is a twisted throwback to a cursed Meiji-era school where things went very wrong. Part immersive horror show, part history-tinged mind game, it serves up trauma with a side of ghost stories and a lot of eerie ambiance.
- Nearest stop: Tokyo Teleport Station (Blue Course)
- Highlights:
- Dark corridors, blood-stained props, and ghostly teachers recreate a Meiji school gone totally off the rails.
- Choose your own suffering: Select different story paths based on how brave or unhinged you feel.
- A rare combo of horror and historical fiction—you’ll scream and accidentally learn something.
- Pro tip: After the experience, check out the staff Q&A booth. They’ll spill creepy behind-the-scenes lore you won’t get during the tour.
- Suggested time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
- Time to next stop: Hop on the bus; the next spot’s just 30 to 35 minutes away.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Kinokuniya Books Shinjuku
Kinokuniya Books is Tokyo’s book temple, serving readers since 1927. With eight floors of literary temptation, it’s a time capsule of Japanese publishing history, pop culture, and stationery dreams, all wrapped in that cozy bookstore smell we love too much.
Nearest stop:
- Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Green Course)
Highlights:
- A full floor dedicated to foreign books and manga. Great for non-Japanese readers and otaku alike.
- The art and photography section is packed with rare finds, vintage prints, and coffee-table gems.
- The stationery floor is straight-up dangerous—you’ll walk in for one pen and leave with a suitcase full.
Pro tip: Ask staff for “staff picks” near the front, as many have handwritten notes about why they love each book.
Suggested time to spend: 2 to 3 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute walk to the ramen spot that’s worth every step.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Mitaba doesn’t mess around—this is serious ramen territory. Go for the tsukemen (chewy noodles) that you dip in a rich broth so thick it practically hugs back. The ajitama (marinated egg) is molten gold, and the chashu? Fatty, tender, and unreasonably good. Small shop, big slurp energy—pull up a stool and brace for soup greatness.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Tofu Ukai turns soy into a full-blown art form. Try the silky yudofu hot pot or the seasonal tofu kaiseki set, which feels like eating inside a serene Edo-era garden. For kids, the sweet sesame tofu and delicate tempura are gentle hits.
Attraction: Momiji Valley
Momiji Valley is a forest playground wrapped in soft trails, mossy boulders, and just enough mystery to make kids feel like explorers. You will love it for the space to roam, safe paths to wander, and enough natural whimsy to keep everyone—from strollers to teens—unusually occupied (in a good way).
Nearest stop:
- Tokyo Tower (Blue and Green Courses)
Highlights:
- Shallow, stone-lined streams where kids can safely dip their toes or race twigs downstream.
- Hidden shrines and carved forest markers that feel like part of a real-life treasure map.
- Quiet forest nooks that double as photo ops and storytelling zones when little legs need a break.
Pro tip: Stop by the small rest station near the entrance—it often has drinks, maps, and walking sticks for rent.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride to the next fun thing.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: McDonald’s hits different in Japan! Teriyaki burgers, shrimp filet sandwiches, and those crispy chicken bites you shake up with seasoning. Kids get their own Happy Set, yes, that’s what they call Happy Meals here, often with limited-edition anime toys.
Attraction: Tokyo Joypolis
This three-floor indoor theme park is where your family game night gets a caffeine shot. Think VR-powered rollercoasters, wild motion rides, and arcade games on steroids, all wrapped in pulsing lights, surround sound, and a touch of beautiful Tokyo chaos.
Nearest stop:
- Tokyo Teleport Station (Blue Course)
Highlights:
- Ride a rollercoaster inside a building—Gekion Live Coaster fuses speed, story, and lasers.
- Step into “The House of the Dead” and go full zombie hunter with light guns and jump scares.
- Challenge your reflexes in dance games, motion-sensor zones, and SEGA classics from your childhood.
Pro tip: The photo booths here aren’t just cute; they're AR-enhanced and themed, great for family pics that double as souvenirs.
Suggested time to spend: 2 to 3 hours
Time to next stop: You’ll be rolling into the next spot in 20 minutes.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Tokyo Dome City
Not your average amusement park. Tokyo Dome City blends rides, arcades, and quirky kid zones into a walk-in, pay-as-you-go playground. No entry ticket is needed, so families can hop between gentle rides, big thrills, and even a spa without blowing the budget or the entire day.
Nearest stop:
- Akihabara (Red Course)
Highlights:
- The Thunder Dolphin coaster zips through a building and over a roof right in the middle of the city.
- The Big-O Ferris wheel has private cabins where you can sing karaoke while watching Tokyo drift by.
- Asobono indoor play center is packed with ball pits, climbing nets, and tot-friendly zones built for burning energy.
Pro tip: If you're skipping rides, check out the Prism Hall basement, as it often hosts kid-friendly exhibitions and anime pop-ups
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: Hungry? Good. Dinner is 5 minutes away.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Kanpai Terrace nails that rooftop vibe with grilled wagyu skewers, miso-marinated salmon, and their signature smoky tsukune (chicken meatballs on a stick). For kids, sweet corn rice bowls, mini teriyaki skewers, and soft-serve magically fix any cranky mood.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Coffee Ōjō does retro charm with a side of carbs. Grab their pillowy tamago sando (egg sandwich), thick-cut French toast with maple butter, or the katsu curry toast if you woke up dangerously hungry. Kids will love the panda-shaped melonpan and chocolate milk served in tiny bottles.
Attraction: Ueno Park
This sprawling patch of green chaos is Tokyo’s ultimate family favorite—zoo, museums, street snacks, paddle boats, and more. Whether your kid’s into dinosaurs, pandas, or just chasing pigeons, Ueno Park’s got you covered.
Nearest stop:
- Ueno Station (Red Course)
Highlights:
- Tokyo National Museum has samurai swords, ancient armor, and just enough spooky masks to keep it interesting.
- If the kids need to burn energy, head to the lesser-known Kodomo Hiroba playground tucked near the south end.
- Swan-shaped paddle boats on Shinobazu Pond because steering a bird-shaped vessel is peak-childhood joy.
Pro tip: Grab panda-themed snacks from the nearby kiosks—they’re adorable, and kids will 100% ask for more.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Small walk, big reward, 2 minutes to go.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Minatoya’s all about fresh seafood without the fuss. Their tuna-salmon ikura bowls are the rockstars—piled high, ocean-sweet, and oddly comforting. The shrimp tempura bowl’s a crunchy hit, too. For kids, go with the plain grilled salmon or tamago (sweet egg) bowl.
Attraction: Ueno Zoo
Tokyo’s oldest zoo, smack in the middle of Ueno Park, is where kids meet pandas and parents secretly enjoy it just as much. Home to over 300 species, from lemurs to lions, it’s a crash course in global wildlife.
Nearest stop:
- Ueno Station (Red Course)
Highlights:
- Japan’s most famous pandas, complete with their own viewing queue (yes, they’re that popular).
- A monorail that zips between the East and West gardens—more ride, less walk, more fun.
- Petting zone with goats and guinea pigs for little hands.
Pro tip: Vending machines near the main gate sell souvenirs and animal pins that change monthly. Cheap, cute, collectible
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Board the Tokyo hop-on hop-off bus for 20 to 25 minutes, then you’re there.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Madame Tussauds Tokyo
Get up close with Japan’s biggest stars, Hollywood A-listers, and even royalty. At Madame Tussauds, everything’s interactive: Snap selfies with lifelike figures, don a cape, or pose your kids in the J-pop photo zone.
Nearest stop:
- Tokyo Teleport Station (Blue Course)
Highlights:
- Home to over 70 ultra-detailed wax figures, including Naomi Osaka, Shingo Katori, and Spider-Man.
- The red carpet set lets you strike a dramatic entrance pose under the flashbulbs—yes, there’s real lighting.
- The music zone has props galore, with chances to “perform” next to Taylor Swift or take a K-pop idol shot.
Pro tip: Don’t rush the last gallery; it features Japan-exclusive figures not found in any other Tussauds around the world
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Dinner’s within walking distance of 15 minutes.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Dinner at Teppanyaki Icho is a show. It brings the sizzle with buttery wagyu steaks, melt-in-your-mouth abalone, and garlic-fried rice that’s borderline addictive. Kids get their own mini teppan set—think teriyaki chicken and heart-shaped veggies.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Verve’s got serious breakfast game. Go for the avo toast or their ham and cheese croissant—both buttery, crispy, and worth the hype. Coffee nerds swear by the single-origin pour-over. Kids can chill with creamy hot cocoa and banana bread.
Attraction: Fire Fighting Museum
Housed in a real fire station, this free museum dives into 300+ years of Japan’s firefighting history with shiny vintage trucks, samurai-era gear, and interactive displays that aren’t just for show.
Nearest stop:
- Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Green Course)
Highlights:
- Full-size fire engines you can actually climb into.
- Samurai firefighter armor and Edo-era water buckets that feel straight out of anime.
- A real helicopter suspended mid-air with a mini cockpit kids can sit in.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the VR fire drill game, which is hidden on one of the lower floors.
Suggested time to spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 30-minute ride through Tokyo’s streets to your next stop.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Ichikatsu does one thing and does it loud and crispy: deep-fried perfection. The pork tonkatsu is thick, juicy, and shatters on the first bite. The ebi fry’s a close second, golden and plump. Kids can dig into smaller katsu curry bowls that still pack a punch.
Attraction: Ryōgoku Fireworks Museum
This compact gem tucked inside Ryōgoku Station turns fireworks into science, history, and straight-up spectacle. From Edo-era explosions to modern pyrotechnic tech, it’s a colorful deep dive into Japan’s love affair with things that go boom in the night.
Nearest stop:
- Ryogoku, Edo-Tokyo Museum (Red Course)
Highlights:
- See a one-meter-wide yonshakudama up close—these festival giants explode across a 1km diameter in the sky.
- Try a digital launch simulator where kids can “ignite” fireworks and see how colors and shapes change.
- Watch rare footage of historic Sumidagawa fireworks festivals from decades past, complete with commentary.
Pro tip: The museum shop sells firework-themed stationery and sticker sets kids will love—small, unique souvenirs that won’t explode in your luggage.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Cruise to your next destination in 30 minutes.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Tokyo Mystery Circus
An indoor theme park for puzzle lovers, packed with escape rooms, treasure hunts, and detective games—all set inside a multi-level funhouse. It’s not just for hardcore gamers: kids can chase monsters, teens can crack spy codes, and parents get to feel like geniuses.
Nearest stop:
- Tokyo Teleport Station (Blue Course)
Highlights:
- Multi-language escape games come with immersive sets, secret doors, and real-time pressure.
- Kid-friendly games use visuals and simple tasks so younger players can join the fun.
- Try AR-based city quests where your phone becomes your mission device and Shinjuku turns into your game board.
Pro tip: If you escape, grab a souvenir “cleared” certificate; it makes a great keepsake or gift.
Suggested time to spend: 2 to 3 hours
Time to next stop: 3-minute walk to a dinner table with your name on it.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: At Kakekomi Gyoza, it’s all about golden, winged dumplings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and dangerously addictive. Their classic pork gyoza is the star, but don’t skip the cheese-filled ones, a hit with kids. The vibe? Laid-back, loud, and gloriously garlic-scented.
