Stay in Five Star Hotel
Ultimate indulgence at The Peninsula Tokyo – a luxurious property that caters well for kids. Fun pool for frolicking (not a given in Tokyo Hotels). Kids will love the in-house Pokémon adventures and Peninsula Academy, offering activities from cooking to origami and special nightly turndown gifts. tokyo.peninsula.com
Book a Private Tokyo Tour
Getting to the heart of a destination is so much better with a local guide – if you take a tour on your first day in Tokyo it will give you an overview of places to return, a great acclimatiser of Tokyo public transport and introduction to Japanese culture. thebackstreetguides.com
Wander through back alleys and hidden shops that have stood for centuries selling handcrafted goods, nibble on tasty traditional treats, from candies to crackers and buy handcrafted goods. urbanadventures.com
Eat well in Tokyo
With over 160,000 restaurants in Tokyo there is no shortage of recommendations for places to refuel. Tokyo holds the record for the most Michelin starred locations in the world (although check the child policy before making reservations). Hotel Concierges are also reliable guides of local fare.
Highly recommended suggestions;
Peter (the top of The Peninsula) – burgers (and other grills) l – excellent views, welcoming to families. thepeninsula.com
Christmas Menu at The Restaurant on the top of swish Aman Hotel. aman.com
Yamoto Teppanyaki – with a vast number of Teppanyaki Restaurants in Tokyo it is hard to choose. This is one we particularly loved in Ginza. They take reservations.
Afternoon Tea at The Park Hyatt Tokyo – for incredible views. tokyo.park.hyatt.com
Department Store Foodhalls – Japanese take their food presentation very seriously, these are the best places to take in the full scale.
Takashimaya (make sure you arrive at 10.00am for opening, all the staff greet you with deep bows, the closest I will come to feeling like Royalty…).
Mitsukoshi (if you visit just before closing time many meals will sell for ½ price).
Isetan rooftop at Shinjuku – kids love the wide-open space – rooftop gardens are the ideal place to take your department store food court finds as the basements rarely have seating.
Shop til you drop in Tokyo
From neon lights to quaint laneways, Tokyo is a shopping paradise, if you plan well you can keep the kids entertained while adults get to browse. Each neighbourhood enjoys a different vibe;
Ginza – shopping and eating adjoining the Imperial Palace gardens.
Roppongi – casting aside the reputation for a nightlife area, Roppongi has lots to offer families…museums, shopping, parks, and Lego Click Brick play centre.
Omotesando – a Boulevard likened to The Champs Elysee (with boutiques to match), the street leads to Yoyogi Park and the famous Meiji Shrine.
Harajuku – adjoining Omotesando, a haven of street cool that older kids will enjoy – Takeshita Dori is lined with the famed 100 Yen Shops and Tokyo ‘youth fashion’.
Shibuya – containing both ‘that’ Park Hyatt (Lost in Translation fame…), and oft-photographed Shibuya crossing – it is busy however you will find all you need within easy walking distance.
Shinagawa – serving as one of Tokyo’s main train stations, home to the recently renovated Aqua Park.
Art and Culture
Tokyo is full of fabulous art spaces and museums, some more kid friendly than others. Try Shiseido Gallery and enjoy morning tea in the café first, or Maison Hermes (enjoy the handbags in the boutique below).
Tokyo Disney Sea ‘secret’ lunch location
Tip; the Youngest found a trick during his online research. Plan lunch at Magellan’s; upon arrival ask to be seated in the ‘secret room’ (you have to push a hidden button in wall and you are escorted to a small separate dining room).
Animal Cafes
From bunnies, to birds, to snakes (I draw the line here), to the original cat cafes – Tokyo offers loads of opportunities to get up close to furry creatures.
Cat Cafe – Hapineko, Shibuya – even if you are not a moggie lover this rates as one of life’s ‘do it once’ moments…Bookings need to be made at these highly sort after caves of cute. hapineko.com
Sumo Wrestling
For the premium experience buy a box seat and get close to the action. However if your visit does not coincide with a tournament book a tour to view a practice session, mytokyoguide.com
Private Karaoke Room
Our teens enjoyed 1 hour of singing and dancing at Big Echo, outlets for this chain can be found throughout Tokyo. big-echo.jp
