Family-friendly spots in Japan (not just Disneyland)

There are numerous options for unforgettable family adventures in Japan, including Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea as well as Universal Studios. However, besides these world-famous amusement parks, there are a lot of ways kids can find fun on the day to day. As a mother of two, these are some of our favorites.

  1. Kaitenzushi
ID 14798755 © Norman Chan | Dreamstime.com

This is a style of sushi restaurant found all across Japan where the dishes pass by customers’ tables on a conveyor belt. Sushiro, Kura Sushi, Kappa Sushi and Hama Sushi are among the most popular kaitenzushi chain restaurants. In addition to being delicious and affordable, their menus often encompass a wide range of food including noodles, tempura (deep-fried seafood and vegetables), french fries, karaage (fried chicken), and more–perfect for any picky eaters! Kura Sushi also has a fun system where you get a chance to win a small toy every 15 plates.

  1. Festivals

Mostly during the summer, but there are festivals going on all across Japan throughout the year. I recommend doing some research on what’s happening near you to join the fun. Delicious street food like takoyaki (cooked ball-shaped batter filled with octopus pieces), yakitori (grilled skewered chicken) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) tend to be quite popular with the younglings. The festive spirit and wholesome community vibes are perfect for a family outing (although I would be mindful about how crowded festivals in Japan can get, which can be pretty draining).

  1. Museums

Miraikan (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), teamLab, Hakone Open Air Museum, Cup Noodles Museum, Anpanman Children’s Museum…there are so many!