Planning a One-Week Tokyo Trip with Kids

Stick to one major neighborhood per day to minimize transit time, and balance one 'adult' sight with one kid-focused park or attraction. Always carry a portable Wi-Fi egg and keep your child's Suica card topped up to avoid ticket machine lines.

  1. Choose your home base. Stay in areas near the Yamanote loop line, specifically Shinjuku or Ueno. These areas offer direct train access to major hubs and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants that open early.
  2. Map out your daily radius. Group activities by geography. Don't try to go from Shibuya in the morning to Asakusa in the afternoon; pick one quadrant of the city per day to save your kids' legs.
  3. Secure your transit passes. Download the Suica or Pasmo card to your iPhone's Apple Wallet immediately. If you have Android or prefer physical, buy a Welcome Suica at the airport for each family member.
  4. Book high-demand tickets in advance. If you want to visit Ghibli Museum, TeamLab Borderless, or Tokyo Disneyland, book these 1–3 months in advance. They sell out weeks ahead of time.
Are strollers allowed on Tokyo trains?
Yes, but be prepared to fold them during rush hour (8-9 AM and 5-6 PM). Use elevators, which are clearly marked in all stations.
Where can I find baby supplies?
Look for 'Drug Stores' like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or tax-free shops; they carry diapers and wipes. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) have excellent pre-made meals for picky eaters.