14 Days Family-Friendly Itinerary in Tokyo Including Akihabara

  • Day 1: Tsukiji Fish Market
    50 minutes (17.5 km) from Narita International Airport

    Start your trip with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. It is a great place to witness the daily auction and sample fresh sushi and sashimi from the local vendors.

  • Day 2: Tokyo Disneyland
    40 minutes (20 km) from Tsukiji Fish Market

    Take your family to the happiest place in Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland. Meet your favorite Disney characters, ride thrilling attractions, and watch magical parades and shows.

  • Day 3: Ueno Park and Zoo
    30 minutes (12 km) from Tokyo Disneyland

    Spend a day at Ueno Park, a picturesque city park that offers a variety of attractions such as temples, museums, cherry blossom viewing, and the popular Ueno Zoo, which is home to over 500 species of animals.

  • Day 4: Akihabara
    35 minutes (10 km) from Ueno Park and Zoo

    Explore the electric town of Akihabara, known for its high-tech gadgets, anime and manga merchandise, and gaming arcades. Take your kids to the famous Sega arcade, where they can win prizes from skill games and dance battles.

  • Day 5: Odaiba
    30 minutes (11 km) from Akihabara

    Visit Odaiba, an artificial island that offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as theme parks, museums, shopping malls, and a beach. Shop for souvenirs at Venus Fort, enjoy the panoramic view of Rainbow Bridge, and play at Odaiba Kaihin Koen.

  • Day 6: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    40 minutes (14 km) from Odaiba

    Take a break from the busy city and visit the peaceful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a popular spot for picnics, walking trails, and seasonal flower viewing. Enjoy the beauty of Japanese traditional garden and Western formal garden.

  • Day 7: Studio Ghibli Museum
    30 minutes (12 km) from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    If your family is a fan of the famous anime works, visit the Studio Ghibli Museum to explore the magical world of Hayao Miyazaki's films. Walk through the exhibits, watch exclusive short films, and enjoy the garden of spirits.

  • Day 8: Tokyo DisneySea
    45 minutes (25 km) from Studio Ghibli Museum

    Visit the second Disney park in Tokyo, Tokyo DisneySea, a nautical-themed park that offers unique attractions and shows such as Journey to the Center of the Earth, Mermaid Lagoon, and Fantasmic. Don't forget to try the delicious Mickey-shaped snacks.

  • Day 9: Tokyo Tower
    20 minutes (6 km) from Tokyo DisneySea

    Visit the iconic landmark of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower, to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Take the elevator to the main observatory at 150 meters high and admire the cityscape of Tokyo. You can also enjoy Japanese traditional arts and performances at the first floor of the tower.

  • Day 10: Harajuku and Meiji Jingu Shrine
    30 minutes (10 km) from Tokyo Tower

    Visit the trendy neighbourhood of Harajuku, known for its colorful street fashion, quirky cafes, and various souvenir shops. Take a stroll in Takeshita Street and try the famous crepes. Then, immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of Meiji Jingu Shrine, surrounded by a lush forest in the middle of the city.

  • Day 11: Asakusa
    40 minutes (14 km) from Harajuku and Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Visit the historical district of Asakusa, where you can find the famous Sensoji Temple, a Buddhist temple that dates back to the 7th century. Walk through the Nakamise shopping street and try traditional Japanese street food. You can also enjoy a boat tour on the Sumida River.

  • Day 12: National Museum of Nature and Science
    25 minutes (9 km) from Asakusa

    Visit the National Museum of Nature and Science, the largest science museum in Japan, with a variety of exhibits related to natural history, astronomy, and technology. Your kids can enjoy the interactive science experiments and the replica of the Japanese Rocket H-2A.

  • Day 13: Tokyo Skytree
    25 minutes (8 km) from National Museum of Nature and Science

    Visit the tallest tower in Japan, Tokyo Skytree, to admire the breathtaking view of Tokyo. Take the elevator to the observation deck at 350 meters high and enjoy the 360-degree view of the city. You can also shop for souvenirs at the Tokyo Solamachi complex.

  • Day 14: Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue
    30 minutes (11 km) from Tokyo Skytree

    End your trip by visiting the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Watch the crowd of people and the neon lights of the city from the Starbucks at the Shibuya Tsutaya bookstore. Don't forget to take a photo with the loyal dog Hachiko statue, a symbol of loyalty and friendship.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tsukiji Fish Market (2-3 hours, free admission)
  • Tokyo Disneyland (1 day, 8,200-9,700 yen per person)
  • Ueno Park and Zoo (1 day, free admission)
  • Akihabara (1 day, depending on purchases)
  • Odaiba (1 day, depending on activity choice)
  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (2-3 hours, 500 yen per adult, free for kids under 12)
  • Studio Ghibli Museum (3-4 hours, 1,000 yen per adult, 700 yen per kid)
  • Tokyo DisneySea (1 day, 8,200-9,700 yen per person)
  • Tokyo Tower (2-4 hours, 1,600 yen per adult, 900 yen per kid)
  • Harajuku and Meiji Jingu Shrine (2-3 hours, free admission)
  • Asakusa (2-3 hours, free admission)
  • National Museum of Nature and Science (2-3 hours, 620 yen per adult, free for kids under 18)
  • Tokyo Skytree (2-3 hours, 3,000 yen per adult, 2,400 yen per kid)
  • Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 27,620-31,500 yen per person

Transportation

Getting around Tokyo is relatively easy with its comprehensive public transportation system, consisting of trains, subways, buses, and taxis. The most efficient and cost-effective way is to purchase the Tokyo Metro Pass, which allows unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for a fixed period of time. The pass costs 800 yen for a 24-hour pass, 1,200 yen for a 48-hour pass, and 1,500 yen for a 72-hour pass. Taxis are also widely available but can be expensive depending on the distance and traffic.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting nearby cities such as Yokohama, Kamakura, or Nikko, which offer unique sights and experiences. If you have less time, prioritize the top attractions and shorten the period of stay. Also, plan ahead for restaurant reservations, especially for popular restaurants, as they tend to be fully booked.

Airports

Narita International Airport (NRT) is the primary international airport in Tokyo, located 60 km away from the city center. It serves as a hub for international flights and is accessible by various transportation options such as express trains, buses, and taxis. Another airport, Haneda Airport (HND), is located closer to the city center, serving domestic and international flights. It is easily accessible by the Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu Line, or buses.

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