Konnichiwa Tokyo!
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Konnichiwa Tokyo!
You’ll be met on arrival at one of Tokyo’s two main airports and transferred to your accommodation near the heart of the city. We’ll arrange a family friendly hotel or a comfortable apartment, depending on your preferences and the size of your family. The rest of your day is free to settle in, explore your local surroundings and acclimatise to this crazy capital city. If you want an easy place to eat with kids, a kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant is a fun place to start, and many have English menus.
Day 2 – Explore Tokyo with a guide
Tokyo can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially for younger visitors. So today you’ll join a few other families and a local guide for an introduction to the city. You’ll wander through trendy Harajuku, walk across the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing in Shibuya and explore Nakano with its quirky subculture and toy-like shops. The exact programme is determined on the day, but you’ll always get a taste of both traditional and modern Tokyo. Along the way, your guide will share handy tips on local customs and Japanese etiquette that’ll be useful for the rest of your journey, and there will be a stop for lunch. The tour wraps up early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace.
The walking tour is suitable for children aged 3 years+
Day 3 – Discover Tokyo independently
Today you’ll have a full day to discover Tokyo on your own. It’s a huge city but don’t let that put you off — it’s surprisingly easy to get around. The metro is quick and simple, with coloured lines to help you find your way. We suggest picking just one or two neighbourhoods to explore today so it doesn’t all feel too much.
If you want some help planning your time in a bit more detail then we’ve got plenty of family friendly experiences we can arrange. Watch a sumo training session, become a samurai in a hands-on samurai training workshop, or take a guided walk through neon-lit Akihabara with its anime and gaming culture. You will find some suggestions below, and your Travel Specialist can help build your Tokyo trip exactly how you want it.
Day 4 – Departure from Tokyo
Tokyo is packed with family friendly activities and you could easily spend a week here. If you have more time and would like to extend your stay in this buzzing city, just ask your Travel Specialist. Otherwise it’s time to move on and continue your Japan family holiday.
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Watch a sumo training session
Sumo is Japan’s national sport, and sumo wrestlers are held in high esteem. To succeed in this demanding discipline, rigorous daily training is essential. On this tour, you’ll visit an actual sumo practice session and gain insight into the dedication and intensity behind the sport. You’ll meet your group (2 to 15 participants) and an English-speaking staff member at the training venue. Before the session begins, the staff member will explain the training process and etiquette. The training itself is conducted in Japanese, but the atmosphere speaks for itself – serious, disciplined, and deeply rooted in tradition. To show respect, guests are kindly asked to remain quiet and take photos without flash.
The experience is suitable for (quiet!) children aged 5 years+
The tour is usually offered daily, but must be requested in advance. We’ll confirm availability when booking, depending on your travel dates. Please note: This experience is not available during official sumo tournaments, held in January, May, and September. During those months, however, you may choose to attend a live match instead by purchasing a tournament ticket.
Become a Samurai
Do you want to experience a typical Japanese sports and be active yourself? Get ready to become a samurai! In this hands-on workshop, you will learn the basics of samurai training in a fun setting. Your instructor will help you dress in traditional samurai attire, teach you how to properly hold the (wooden) weapons, and guide you through basic movements. You’ll even take part in a light-hearted mock battle – completely safe and done with wooden swords. There’s plenty of time for photos, and at the end, each participant receives a small samurai certificate—a memorable souvenir for your trip and beyond.
This experience is suitable for children aged 6 years+
Akihabara – Explore Tokyo’s Wild Anime & Manga District
Love anime? Then this is the perfect tour for you. Akihabara is one of Tokyo’s most eccentric neighbourhoods and the heart of anime and otaku culture. It’s packed with electronic shops, anime stores, game centres, and themed cafés. Join a local guide and fellow travellers on a lively exploration of the district. You’ll visit shops and arcades to experience the latest in gaming and pop culture. A highlight of the tour is a break at a Japanese maid café, where servers dressed as maids add to the quirky, unforgettable atmosphere.
This tour is suitable for children of all ages
