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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.