Tokyo can be a lot to take in the first time you visit, so many options that it’s genuinely hard to know where to start. But with a bit of planning, it makes for one of the best family trips you can do with teenagers.
Anime in Akihabara and Ikebukuro, clothes shopping in Harajuku and Shimokitazawa, the neon chaos of Shibuya, traditional culture, Disneyland, even a Robot Restaurant or Ninja Cafe if you’re after something a bit odd, Tokyo throws a lot at you, and that’s before you’ve left the airport.
If you don’t have time to read the whole article the best selling activities in Tokyo are listed below
Know before you go. Our top Tokyo travel tips
Tokyo tends to win people over fast, it’s one of the most visited cities in the world for a reason. Keep an eye out for the vending machines too, they sell everything from dried bugs to underpants, and it’s one of those small details that sums up the city.
Get the kids to jump on YouTube and watch some videos about Tokyo before you go, it’s usually where they’ll find the best tips. Plan a balanced itinerary with something for everyone, and leave enough downtime that you can stumble onto whatever Tokyo throws at you, because it throws a lot.
Where to Stay in Tokyo with Teenagers
Where you stay matters more in Tokyo than in a lot of cities, get it wrong and you’ll spend half your trip on trains just getting to the places you actually want to see.
There’s a huge range of hotels, apartments and hostels to choose from, whatever your group size or budget, though it’s worth going in knowing Tokyo accommodation isn’t cheap.
- For luxury family-friendly hotels in Tokyo, we suggest The Four Seasons Marunouchi for its location connected to Tokyo Station and the great food options surrounding it. Grand Hyatt Tokyo with its indoor pool, salon, and spa and Hilton Tokyo Bay if you’re planning a trip to Disney.
- For affordable family-friendly hotels in Tokyo, we suggest Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu for a traditional Japanese experience, Dai Ichi Hotel Ryogoku with its easier access to public transport and The Tourist Hotel & Cafe Akihabara
If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs for your teen travel holidays, we recommend using Expedia and Agoda to find the best prices for your family vacation to visit Tokyo.
Tokyo apartment alternative for your stay
If you’d rather have a home-away-from-home setup, an apartment in central Tokyo can work well for families. Most come with cooking and laundry facilities, which makes the trip a bit easier and cheaper, and multiple bedrooms means everyone gets their own space. You can search VRBO for options in Tokyo.
Getting to Tokyo
Tokyo is well connected, both to the rest of the world and to other major cities in Japan. Most international visitors fly straight in, but if you’ve entered Japan somewhere else, say Osaka, you can get to Tokyo easily by train, bus or car.
- Tokyo has two major airports, Haneda (officially Tokyo International Airport) and Narita, which handle roughly half of international arrivals each. Haneda also covers around 90% of domestic flights.
- From Narita, the JR Narita Express is the easiest option, it stops at Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama. You can book Narita Airport to Shinjuku train tickets here. Haneda is a bit more fiddly, usually a combination of train and monorail, though a private transfer is worth it if the budget stretches to it.
- You can catch a train to Tokyo train station from anywhere in Japan. Japan is famous for its high-speed trains which are fast and run ontime, book your Japan Train tickets today.
- Tokyo can be reached directly from many cities, and indirectly from anywhere across Japan. Bus tickets are available at great prices. Bus travel can be slower but gives you the opportunity to take in some of the countryside that you and your teens may not see otherwise. Book your bus tickets around Japan with Busbud.
- If you plan to road trip with teenagers in Japan you can hire a car at any International airport and dealership across the country. Book with Economy Bookings for the largest options.
How to get around Tokyo
A city this big and this densely populated needs a serious public transport system, and Tokyo delivers, an easy-to-use network of trains, subway and buses. You can buy a Tokyo subway pass here.
Japan Rail Passes
Japan’s railways are genuinely impressive, the Shinkansen (bullet train) can hit 320 km/h, and the whole system runs on time with a level of reliability most countries can only dream of.
One thing worth knowing before you assume you need a Japan Rail Pass: the price jumped by around 70% in October 2023, and for a Tokyo-focused trip (or even a simple Tokyo-Kyoto round trip), it often no longer pays for itself compared to just buying individual Shinkansen tickets. It’s worth doing the maths on your specific route before buying, it still makes sense if you’re stringing together several long-distance legs, but it’s no longer an automatic yes. Compare Japan Rail Pass options here if your itinerary includes multiple cities.
Klook.comWeather in Tokyo
August is the hottest month in Tokyo, with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F), so pack shorts and T-shirts. The coldest is January at 5°C (41°F). Tokyo will see snow around 10 times every winter, so pack some warm clothes. The wettest month is June, with an average of 181mm of rain.
Tokyo for international visitors
Sort out travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked. Medical care in Japan is good but not cheap, and you don’t want to find that out the hard way without cover. Get a quote through Insurance Masters before you go.
Japan uses the Yen, and spending straight from your home account will rack up withdrawal and conversion fees fast. A travel card from Wise or Revolut, loaded with yen before you leave, is the easier and cheaper option.
Citizens of some countries will need a visa to enter Japan, most others travel visa-free for short stays, though that’s due to change in the next couple of years with a new pre-travel authorisation system, worth checking closer to your trip if you’re planning to travel from 2028 onward. Either way, sort out a SIM card or eSIM before you go, staying connected matters to teens more than almost anything else on the trip.
Tokyo’s late-night rules for under-18s
Tokyo has laws in place restricting minors from certain venues late at night, karaoke boxes, arcades, and similar entertainment venues generally can’t admit anyone under 18 after a certain hour, and it’s genuinely enforced by staff at the door. It’s worth knowing about if your teens are picturing a late-night karaoke session, it’s not actually on the table the way it might look in a film. Plan the loud, fun part of the evening for earlier and let the last train home be the natural end point, it’s not really a downside on a family trip anyway.
Things to do in Tokyo with teenagers
Now that we have covered some essentials for your trip to Tokyo, lets dive into some of the best things to add to your Tokyo itinerary.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Disney is a genuine highlight for a lot of families, and Tokyo Disneyland might be the ultimate thing to do here with teens. Big Thunder Railway and Space Mountain will keep thrill-seekers happy, and the castle and parades are still a proper spectacle. More info here.
Plan your visit in advance, it gets busy, and download the app for real-time wait times and show schedules once you’re there. To get there, take the JR Keiyo or Musashino Line to Maihama Station, about 15-20 minutes from Tokyo Station. Disneyland is a five-minute walk from Maihama, while DisneySea needs a short ride on the Disney Resort Line monorail from there.
Ideally Book your Disneyland Tokyo tickets at least 30-60 days in advance to get the entry date you need.
Tokyo DisneySea
DisneySea is the only park of its kind in the world, worth the visit on its own merits, especially if you’ve done a Disneyland elsewhere before. It’s built around a harbour, with Tokyo Bay as the backdrop.
Everything leans into the water theme, fireworks instead of the parade you’d get at Disneyland, and rides like Journey to the Center of the Earth and the Nemo & Friends SeaRider. Throughout 2026, the resort is running its 25th Anniversary “Sparkling Jubilee” celebrations with enhanced night shows and lighting, and Tokyo Disneyland has also added a new Wreck-It Ralph attraction, worth checking the current lineup before you go. Book tickets here.
Also worth considering if your kids are into theme parks is Yomiuriland. Some say it is the best theme park in Tokyo, full of rides, attractions and a popular light show. It’s also now home to PokéPark Kanto, the world’s first permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park, which opened in February 2026, bringing over 600 Pokémon to life through AR and projection across several themed zones. If your teens grew up on Pokémon, this alone might be worth the trip out. Book your Yomiuriland tickets.
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Things to do in Tokyo with teenagers – The Skytree
The Skytree is worth putting on your list, the world’s tallest free-standing tower, with observation decks giving genuinely impressive views over the city.
The elevator takes you up 350 metres to a glass floor observation deck, not for the faint-hearted, but even if heights aren’t your thing, it’s worth pushing through for the view. It’s an easy one to get to, Skytree connects directly to Oshiage Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Toei Asakusa Line, or Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line. Book Skytree tickets here.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
Harry Potter is still popular with teens decades after its release. In Tokyo at WB Studio in Tokyo, the world of Harry Potter comes back to life!
Kids and adults alike can experience the secrets of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, wander recreations of the original sets and iconic props. You can get up close with the costumes of your favourite characters.
It’s the largest studio tour of its kind anywhere in the world, and it follows the same format as the London tour, butterbeer included. It’s a bit further out than most attractions on this list, take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station to Toshimaen Station (about 17 minutes), or the Toei Oedo Line from Shinjuku (about 20 minutes). The studio is a two-minute walk from the station. Book tickets here.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, 1-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima ward, 179-0074 Tokyo.
You can get to the studio by train arriving at Toshimaen Station. You can catch a train from Ikebukuro on the Seibu Ikebukuro and Toshima line. It takes about 17 minutes to get there.
Dress up in traditional Japanese clothing
If you’re visiting Tokyo and are looking for a fun and cultural experience, then you must rent a traditional Kimono or Yukata. You will certainly look the part while visiting Asakusa or Ueno in your traditional Japanese Kimono.
Photos of this experience will live on in your memory. It is one of the cool things to do in Tokyo with teenagers. Choose your traditional dress package today.
Sushi making class
Sushi is one of those foods you can find almost anywhere in the world now, but learning to actually make it properly, in Tokyo, is a different thing entirely, and it’s a skill you’ll take home with you.
It’s a good option for teens who’ve had enough of standard sightseeing, and you get to eat what you make. Book a sushi-making class here.
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Places to go in Tokyo with teenagers – Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower still does its original job as a communications tower, transmitting TV and radio signals across the Kanto region, but these days it doubles as a proper tourist attraction too. You’ll find it in the Shiba-Koen district of Minato.
Completed in 1958, it stands 333 metres tall, close to the height of the Eiffel Tower, with two observation decks at 150 and 250 metres. The higher one gives 360-degree views, some of the best in the city. Book entry tickets here.
Round 1 Stadium – coolest places in Tokyo
Round 1 Stadium packs five levels of activities into one building, arcade games, trampolining, batting cages, archery, bubble soccer, rollerblading, electric carts, karaoke, even a bucking bull. A three-hour session at Round 1 runs under $10 USD, a genuinely good way to fill a few hours without blowing the budget.
Tokyo Hop-on, hop-off bus
The Tokyo hop on hop off bus is always popular with family travellers. A sightseeing bus tour in Tokyo is a great way to give you an overview of the city. The bus route takes you to all the best Tokyo attractions, so you can see everything from the Tokyo Skytree to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
This tour bus allows you to get out and visit all the top Tokyo attractions and hop back on the next bus when it appears.If you have young kids or older family members on your holiday this is a great option. Book your Tokyo bus tour today.
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Madame Tussauds in Tokyo
What works well here is the mix, international names our kids already knew like Beyoncé, Tom Cruise and Lady Gaga, alongside Japanese historical figures they got to learn about along the way. Book tickets here.
Odaiba 1-6-1 Decks Tokyo Beach Island Mall 3F, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 135-0091, Japan
The Odaiba-KaihinKoen Station on the Yurikamome line is just two minutes walk away from Madame Tussauds.
Tokyo experiences with teens – Scenic helicopter flight
Soaring over Tokyo and taking in the beautiful view of the unforgettable Tokyo skyline is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Going up high on a panoramic helicopter flight and seeing everything from the Tokyo Tower to the Imperial Palace, can be one of the most exciting things to do in Tokyo with teens.
Try Japanese Archery
Kyudo, traditional Japanese archery, has been practised for centuries and is rooted in Zen Buddhism, with Zen principles applied throughout the practice. You’ll dress in a traditional uniform and move from the practice range to the shooting range. Book this experience here.
Fun things to do in Tokyo with teenagers – ghost tour
Ghost tours are popular in a lot of cities, and Tokyo’s is genuinely well done, guides in period costume, taken at night, stopping at points of interest to tell you about the history, ghosts and monsters tied to each spot along the way. More on Tokyo’s history here.
Teens tend to genuinely enjoy this one. Book the ghost tour here.
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Learn to draw Manga in Tokyo
Manga has been huge in Japan for decades, and it’s picked up a genuine following in the West too over the last several years.
Manga has its own distinctive style, large eyes, thick black lines, dramatic poses, and it’s instantly recognisable once you know what to look for.
A manga drawing class with a professional artist is a great way to spend an afternoon, and you leave with your own design, arguably a better souvenir than anything you’d buy in a shop. Book a manga drawing class here.
Samurai & Ninja Experience in Tokyo for Young Adults
Western movies have made samurai and ninjas the most recognisable part of Japanese history for a lot of people, though samurai were far more than just warriors, many were also skilled in calligraphy, painting, poetry and music.
A hands-on samurai and ninja experience covers swords, jujutsu, shuriken and more, a genuinely fun one for teens. Book the Premium Shinobi Samurai Experience at Asakusa Dojo here.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Tokyo Imperial Palace is Tokyo and Japan’s largest and most important tourist spot. It is located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo. The Palace was built in 1868 and it served as the residence of Emperor Meiji, his consort Empress Shoken, and their successors until Emperor Hirohito died in 1989.
The palace is a mix of Japanese traditional architecture with some Western elements. The grounds are divided into four main sections: the East Gardens, Central Gardens, West Gardens and Imperial Palace Outer Garden.
Worth building a bit of history into the trip, and the palace grounds are a good place to do it. Book an Imperial Palace self-guided audio tour here.
Edo-Tokyo Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Museum, one of the city’s major history museums, closed back in 2022 for a big renovation and only reopened in March 2026 with updated exhibits, so if you’ve seen an older guide list it as closed, that’s out of date now. It’s a good stop if your teens have any interest in how Tokyo actually became Tokyo, from the Edo period through to the modern city.
Team Lab Planets Tokyo
I don’t even know how to describe this, it’s like an interactive installation where you become one with the space. It is a location full of digital art installations and exhibitions, which combine technology, art, design and the natural world.
There is a falling flower gallery, or you can walk up a waterfall or stand in a sphere with free-floating bubbles.
It’s genuinely one of the more memorable experiences Tokyo has to offer, and one you’ll still be talking about years later. It’s out in Toyosu, and the closest station is Shin-Toyosu on the Yurikamome Line, about a minute’s walk from the entrance.
Visit the Asakusa area – what to do in Tokyo
Asakusa is a popular tourist destination on the best Tokyo itineraries for families. It is a great place to visit for those who want to experience traditional Japanese culture.
The neighbourhood is a great place to stay and has many attractions, such as Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Kaminarimon Gate.
You’ll find unique souvenirs and some genuinely good upscale dining here too. A guided walking tour is the best way to see everything Asakusa has to offer.
Things to do in Tokyo with kids – Exploration Game
An exploration game is a fun alternative to a standard sightseeing tour, a scavenger hunt through the city rather than following a guide around.
You’ll uncover both popular and lesser-known sights along the way, and there’s no guide needed, just download the app, head to the starting point, and go. Download the exploration game here.
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See the Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
The cherry blossoms are worth planning a trip around if you can time it right, spring is the season to see them.
Yanaka, northeast of the city centre, is one of the best spots for it, plenty of cherry blossom trees, and it’s also known for its old temples and shrines.
The official Nintendo Store in Tokyo is located in the Shibuya district of the city, and it is a must-visit destination for fans of Nintendo games and merchandise.
The store features various products related to Nintendo, including games, consoles, accessories, and merchandise. Visitors can also find limited-edition and exclusive items that can’t be found anywhere else.
The store also has interactive displays and play areas where customers can try out the latest games and consoles. The store is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it’s a great place to find unique and hard-to-find items related to Nintendo. Access is easy via the metro through Shibuya station.
Tokyo Trick Art Museum
A museum of illusions is a unique and interactive attraction that aims to challenge your perception and play tricks on your mind. These museums provide a fascinating exploration of optical illusions, mind-bending puzzles, and sensory experiences that will leave adolescents with a camera full of photos and memories. Book your tickets today.
Animate – the world’s biggest Anime store
The world’s largest anime shop, Animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store, opened on March 16, 2023, in Tokyo, Japan, featuring an extensive collection of anime merchandise, including limited edition items and event-exclusive products, as well as various events and interactive experiences for anime fans to enjoy.
The shop covers a total of 10 floors and features a wide range of anime goods, including manga, DVDs, Blu-rays, figures, and cosplay items, as well as a cafe and a theatre space for screenings and live events.
Animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store is expected to become a must-visit destination for teenage anime enthusiasts worldwide.
Canoeing – things to do with teenagers in Tokyo
Canoeing is a great way to explore nature and get outdoors. It’s a fun, adventurous activity that can be enjoyed on lakes, rivers and rapids. You can go at your own pace or with a group of friends.
Canoeing is a great way to see a city like Tokyo from a unique angle. In Tokyo, we recommend using the Tokyo Great Kayaking Tour which offers evening tours and central canal tours.
Amusement Arcades in Tokyo
Amusement arcades offer a variety of entertainment options for teenagers as a great way to spend a few hours having fun. They can play the newest video games or indulge in some classic pinball machines of the past.
Some of the more modern arcades will have Laser Tag, bumper cars and indoor mini golf as options. Arcades are popular because they offer things to do that are fun and affordable to do, most arcades have food and beverage options for you. There are some great arcades in Tokyo including Club SEGA, Tokyo Leisure Land and Super Potato.
Shibuya Sky Observation Deck
The SHIBUYA SKY Observation Deck is a must-see attraction for families and teens visiting Tokyo.
The deck offers breathtaking views of the cityscape and is a great place to take pictures. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of Tokyo from the deck’s informative displays. Book your tickets today.
Art Aquarium Museum
Japan is known for its unique and innovative art, and the art aquarium in Tokyo is no exception. This one-of-a-kind museum features an ever-changing display of fish and other sea creatures in creative and artistic tanks.
Art Aquarium is a Tokyo-based art gallery that specializes in fish-themed artworks. Art Aquarium has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo, attracting visitors from all over the world. Book your entry tickets today.
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Watching baseball on family holidays in Tokyo
Baseball is one of America’s most beloved pastimes, and watching baseball in Tokyo is an experience like no other. Tokyo is home to two professional baseball teams, the Yomiuri Giants and the Hanshin Tigers, and both teams have passionate fans.
Watching a baseball game in Tokyo is a great way to experience Japanese culture. The games are well-attended and the fans are very enthusiastic. If you’re a baseball fan, watching a game in Tokyo is a must-do.
Watching Football in Tokyo
When it comes to watching soccer in Tokyo, there are plenty of options. For the diehard fans, there are matches played at the city’s many stadiums. The J. League is the top level of the Japanese football league system.
It is one of the most successful leagues in Asia and is known for its high level of competition, as well as its dedication to developing young players. In Tokyo teens, you can watch FC Tokyo.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is a famous pedestrian intersection in Tokyo, Japan. It is located in the bustling Shibuya district and is known for its massive crowds and vibrant energy making it a popular destination.
The intersection is especially famous for its scramble crossing, which is a type of pedestrian crossing where all traffic is stopped, and pedestrians can cross the intersection from all directions at the same time.
The crossing can be seen from the windows of the Shibuya Station building and is a popular spot for photographers and tourists. If you’re visiting Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing is definitely worth a visit. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the energetic atmosphere and bright lights of the city.
There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area, making it a great place to spend a day or an evening. Access is easiest via Shibuya station.
Karting in Tokyo
The next time you’re looking for an indoor activity that is both exciting and challenging, look no further than indoor go-carting! Indoor go-carting is the perfect activity for groups of friends or family members looking to add a little friendly competition to their day.
With its fast speeds and sharp turns, indoor go-carting is sure to get your heart racing. In Tokyo, you can go indoor Karting at Chiba or outdoor karting at Kisarazu.
You can also have an amazing quirky experience of Karting around Shinjuku. There are 1-hour experience or 2 hours and you can even hire a cartoon character costume to go with it!
*Just a heads up that you will need an International driving permit issued by your local authority of your country such as AAA, CAA OR AA. We found the process easy in Australia.
Tokyo fun places for teenagers -Indoor Skydiving
Indoor skydiving is a new trend that is catching on with teenagers that travel. It is a safe way to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to go through all the hassle of getting on an aeroplane and going to a place that is outside the city centre that may require transportation.
The indoor skydiving facility in Saitama Greater Tokyo has been attracting many teens who are looking for something a little different and exciting on their vacation to Tokyo. Flystation Japan is where you need to head for your indoor skydiving.
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Hybrid Leisure Land Tobu Zoo
Tokyo’s Tobu Zoo is a unique hybrid attraction that appeals to families and teens alike. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, both native to Japan and imported from other countries.
In addition to the animal exhibits, the zoo also features a water park, an amusement park, and a botanical garden.
The zoo’s location in the heart of Tokyo makes it easily accessible by public transportation. It is also one of the few zoos in the world that is open 365 days a year. Visitors can purchase tickets for individual attractions or an all-inclusive pass that gives access to all of the zoo’s facilities.
Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or an afternoon of adventure, Tobu Zoo has something for everyone. Do not miss out on this amazing Tokyo attraction.
Have a food experience with a local
How do you make the best teenage family vacations? Food! Some teens cook some teens get served, why not take a cooking class or eat with a local family on your family vacation to Japan
Maybe experience what the locals eat or take any number of different cooking classes in your city of choice. Food plays a big part in local cultures, whether it be cooking it, or eating it. Search and book your Tokyo food experience.
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Street Art in Tokyo
Street art is found throughout the world, but it is especially prevalent in major cities. Cities are home to a wealth of street art, from graffiti on building walls to pieces painted on lanes and bridges.
Street art provides a unique aesthetic for these places, with topics including current events, pop culture, portraits and more. Street art is a very popular free thing to do in Tokyo and attracts tourists and teenagers alike.
Street art in Tokyo can be found at the Koenji Mural City Project and Tennozu Isle, with its large warehouse murals.
10 Pin Bowling in Tokyo with Teenagers
If you’re looking for a bit of fun, friendly family competition in Tokyo with kids, then 10-pin bowling might be just the family activity in Tokyo for you and your teen travellers. You can go 10-pin bowling in Tokyo at a number of different locations in the city centre, and 10-pin bowling has to be one of the best family-friendly things to do in Tokyo with teenagers.
Most bowling alleys these days are more entertainment centres featuring amusement, food and drink options. You will find some of the best bowling locations in Tokyo below.
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Axe Throwing in Tokyo for Young Adults
Axe Throwing is a new phenomenon that is sweeping around the world. Tokyo is home to Asakusa. No experience is required, as the staff at Asakusa will run you through the safety precautions before giving tips and hints on how best to throw an axe.
If you are looking for unique experiences for teenagers in Tokyo then axe throwing could be it. Axe Throwing is one of the awesome things to do in Tokyo on your family vacation. For more information, click through to Asakusa.
Bike riding in Tokyo
Teenager vacations need to be action-packed! bike riding is a popular family activity when travelling with teenagers. Bike riding allows you to experience your location, either in town or out in the surrounding areas. You will find Tokyo bike tours are the best way to go if you want to get an up-close and personal experience of the city on your holiday with teens.
You will either have a tour guide to point out all the important attractions in Tokyo or a map to follow. The Tokyo bike tours will take you on a family vacation 2-wheeled adventure. Alternatively, you can find locations that hire bikes and let you explore the best of Tokyo on your own. Plan a Tokyo bike tour today.
Family holidays in Tokyo – Going to the cinema
A night at the cinema is a solid low-key option, and Tokyo’s got the screens and sound to do a blockbuster justice.
Tokyo’s got multiplex, IMAX, 3D and specialty cinemas showing everything from blockbusters to art-house and indie films, a solid option for a night out with teens. This Trip Advisor guide is a good starting point for finding one near you.
Escape rooms in Tokyo for teens
An escape room is a physical puzzle game, you and your team solve clues and riddles to complete the objective within a set time limit, sometimes across multiple connected rooms.
If your teens are into this kind of thing, it’s a genuinely fun way to spend an hour. A couple of the best in Tokyo:
Shopping in Tokyo with teens
Whether you need to replace something you forgot to pack or just want to shop in Tokyo with teens, here’s where to go, broken down by neighbourhood since each one has a genuinely different feel.
Shibuya is the classic teen shopping destination, Shibuya 109 is packed with boutiques covering a huge range of styles, and the surrounding streets have everything from fast fashion to quirky one-off shops.
Harajuku is where Tokyo’s teens go to show off their street style. Takeshita Street is the main strip, crowded and busy, with everything from costume shops to cheap crepe stalls, and it’s also home to Kawaii Monster Land, a reimagined, expanded version of the much-loved Kawaii Monster Café, unique, loud, and full of photo opportunities if your teens are into that kind of over-the-top experience. Omotesando, the wider boulevard nearby, is more upscale, and Kiddyland there is worth a stop for character goods and toys.
Akihabara is the place for anime, manga and electronics, vintage video games, rare collectibles, and the latest cameras and tech all in one area. Most electronics stores offer tax-free pricing for tourists and international warranties, worth asking for a manual in your language if you’re buying something.
Ginza is the upscale end of things, posh boutiques and department stores like the classic Mitsukoshi and the more avant-garde Dover Street Market Ginza, worth a wander even if you’re just window shopping.
Asakusa is less about big brands and more about local crafts, Nakamise Street near Sensoji Temple has been selling traditional goods for centuries.
A few practical things worth knowing: bring your passport, since many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Department store basements (depachika) are worth a look even if you’re not planning to buy anything, they’re a great spot to sample food and pick up picnic supplies. And haggling isn’t really a thing in Tokyo shops, outside of flea markets, the price on the tag is the price.
Tokyo genuinely has everything, clothes, souvenirs, food, you name it. Shibuya 109 is the most popular shopping centre with teenagers, packed with boutiques covering a huge range of styles.
Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Ginza are all worth a visit too. Ginza is the upscale end of things, posh boutiques and department stores like the classic Mitsukoshi and the more avant-garde Dover Street Market Ginza. Harajuku is where you’ll see Tokyo’s teens showing off some genuinely eccentric, distinctive street style, on a par with Oxford Street in London or Fifth Avenue in New York for its influence on fashion.
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Free things to do in Tokyo with teens
Tokyo has plenty of free things to do if you want to give the budget a break for a day, and there’s no shortage of affordable food and shopping either. A few worth knowing about:
- Carrot Tower observation deck
- The views from the Metropolitan Government Building
- Japan Airlines’ Sky Museum hangar tour (a small ¥1,000 fee applies, and slots book out fast, reservations open exactly one month before your visit date)
- Godzilla light show at Toho cinema
- Sensoji Temple
Annual events in Tokyo that teens will love
A few annual events worth timing your trip around, if you can:
- Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival – festivals are held all over Japan during 2 weeks in Spring.
- Tokyo Film Festival – Held every November, the festival welcomes a movie from all over the world
Day trips from Tokyo with teens
A day trip out of the city is worth building into a longer stay, and there are a couple of good options within reach of Tokyo.
Day trip to Osaka
Osaka, in the Kansai region, is Japan’s second-largest city after Tokyo and one of the largest in the world by population.
Osaka for teens has plenty to offer, from history to modern attractions. Osaka Castle and its grounds are worth the visit, and Dotonbori is one of the city’s liveliest districts for food and shopping.
Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan, modelled on Hollywood’s original. It’s about two and a half hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen each way, so it’s doable as a long day trip, but it’s worth considering an overnight stay if you want to see it properly without rushing. Compare and book Tokyo-Osaka rail tickets here.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, a dormant volcano in central Honshu, is Japan’s highest mountain and has been a cultural icon for centuries.
On clear days you can see it from Tokyo, and it’s an easy day trip. There are plenty of guided tour options to choose from, or if you’d rather do it independently, trains run regularly from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, the main gateway town for Fuji. Book a day tour to Mount Fuji here, or compare Shinjuku-Kawaguchiko rail tickets here if you’re going independently.
Fun restaurants in Tokyo for teens
A few restaurants worth building into your trip if you want a proper meal to remember:
Alice’s Family Restaurant
As the name suggests, this one’s an Alice in Wonderland tribute, with themed seating areas like The Endless Tea Party, The Eternal Masquerade, and the Picture Frame Gondola area.
The menu mixes Japanese and English food, a nod to Alice’s origins, and it’s a fun one to add to a Tokyo itinerary with kids. More info here.
Owl Village Cafe and Bar – animal cafes
Owl Village Cafe and Bar in Harajuku is a genuinely different one, you get to spend time in the company of real owls while you eat.
There are a few themed rooms, each with its own family of owls, and the menu leans into the theme too, think the Owl Burger and the Wise Old Owl salad. Plenty of photo opportunities with the birds as well.
It’s popular, so booking a time slot in advance is worth doing rather than risking a walk-in.
Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe, Tokyo
At the DAWN Avatar Robot Café in Nihonbashi, you’re greeted and served by small tabletop robots that take your order and chat with you at the table.
The robots are actually operated remotely by people living with conditions like ALS or spinal muscular atrophy, real people, working from home, brought to life at your table. It’s a genuinely moving concept as much as a novelty one.
Japan is well-known for its animal cafés you can also visit the Hedgehog Cafe, Snake café and the Micro Pig Cafe.
Street food in Tokyo
Street food is a popular food in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get delicious local food without going to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options.
Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, Zapiekanka in Poland, Dan Dan noodles in China, and Shawarma in Middle Eastern countries. Street food in Japan often originates in the cultural history of the past.
Some of the most popular Tokyo street foods include Melon Pan Bread (soft bread inside and a sugary, crunchy outer crust), Dango (Japanese dumplings on a stick) and Ikayaki (a squid on a stick). Teens from Tokyo love street food.
Travel accessories for teenagers
For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, they need to take a few things into account to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.
What might not land with teens
Worth being realistic here. Temples and shrines are worth seeing, but after the second or third one in a day, most teens check out, unless there’s something specific to do there (a fortune slip, a stamp book, something interactive). Museums where everything’s behind glass with long text panels tend to get the same reaction. And anywhere the whole point is a photo, they’ll have already seen it online from a better angle than you’ll get in person.
The other thing worth knowing: a teen who’s enjoyed two good things in a day won’t enjoy a third. Pushing for one more stop usually just sours the memory of the two that actually worked. It’s worth ending the day on food or the walk home rather than squeezing in a final attraction.
Frequently asked questions about Tokyo.
Frequently asked questions about Tokyo.
A few of the most common questions families ask before visiting Tokyo with teens:
What is the legal drinking age in Japan?
Is Tokyo safe for families on holiday?
How do I call the Police in Tokyo?
Do I need to tip in Japan?
Can I drink tap water in Tokyo?
What type of power sockets are used in Japan?
Are you looking to book flights, hotels, apartments, tours, airport transfers, travel insurance and more for your vacation with young adults? Are you just not sure what travel companies you can trust to book your family travel online?
We have a family travel resource page full of companies that we personally use, trust and book through for all our family vacation trips from a weekend away to long-term travel with older children around the world. Click here to search our travel resources page.
We hope this has you inspired to visit Tokyo with teenagers, there’s genuinely enough here to fill a family’s whole stay in the city.
Travelling with teens and tweens comes with its own set of challenges, working out a budget, packing travel essentials, and generally keeping everyone sane on a long trip. Our other Travel with Teenagers destination guides cover plenty more inspiration if you’re planning further afield too.
For more amazing ideas on where to holiday, click through to our Japan Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.