A Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary to Explore Tokyo

  • Day 1: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    30 minutes (7 km) from Haneda International Airport

    Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a vast garden located in the heart of Tokyo's bustling district of Shinjuku. The park features a beautiful collection of plants, trees, and flowers from all over the world, as well as traditional Japanese architecture. Families can enjoy a picnic while admiring the scenery or let their children play at one of the playgrounds.

  • Day 2: Tokyo Sea Life Park and Odaiba
    1 hour (10 km) from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    Visit the Tokyo Sea Life Park to see more than 600 species of marine life from around the world, including dolphins, sharks, and penguins. Afterward, head to Odaiba to enjoy the scenic waterfront view and entertainment facilities like the Legoland Discovery Center, Sega Joypolis, and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).

  • Day 3: Ueno Park and Museums
    40 minutes (8 km) from Odaiba

    Ueno Park is the largest public park in Tokyo, home to more than 1,000 cherry trees, and is one of the city's top destinations for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in spring. The park also features several museums and cultural institutions such as the Tokyo National Museum and the Shitamachi Museum, which exhibits the traditional Japanese way of life.

  • Day 4: Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea
    40 minutes (14 km) from Ueno Park

    A day of fun and excitement awaits at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea. Tokyo Disney Resort is one of the most popular theme parks in the world, featuring attractions, parades, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Be sure to take a picture in front of Cinderella's Castle and try the famous turkey leg.

  • Day 5: Asakusa and Sensoji Temple
    30 minutes (10 km) from Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea

    Asakusa is a bustling district that retains the traditional atmosphere of old Tokyo. The Sensoji temple is one of the iconic landmarks of Tokyo, featuring a massive red paper lantern at the gate, and visitors can purchase lucky charms, incense, and amulets. Explore the Nakamise shopping street and sample some of the traditional Japanese sweets.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (2 hours, ¥200)
  • Tokyo Sea Life Park (2 hours, ¥2,200), Odaiba (3 hours, free)
  • Ueno Park and Museums (4 hours, ¥1,000)
  • Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea (8 hours, ¥8,200)
  • Asakusa and Sensoji Temple (3 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: ¥11,600 ($107.42 USD)

Transportation

Travel in Tokyo is convenient with a wide variety of public transportation options such as trains, subways, buses, and taxis. The JR Pass or Tokyo Subway Ticket provides unlimited rides and is a cost-effective option. Taxis are expensive but can be hailed using apps like Uber or JapanTaxi. It is suggested to rent bicycles in some areas like Odaiba.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a day trip to nearby places such as Mount Fuji, Hakone or Yokohama. If you have less time, choose the spots that interest you the most and adjust the itinerary accordingly. It is recommended to bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen during the summer months, and warm clothes during winter.

Airports

Narita International Airport (NRT) is Tokyo's main international airport, located 60 km east of central Tokyo. The airport offers several transportation options to the city center such as the Narita Express or buses. Haneda International Airport (HND) is closer to the city center, only 30 minutes by train, and serves domestic and international flights.

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