Kidventures in Japan: Discover Must-Visit Museums for Your Little Ones

Traveling with kids isn’t always easy. You have to think about the fun, transportation, and safety. But trust us, Japan has it all covered! This guide will make things easier for parents by introducing kid-friendly museums both in Tokyo and all around Japan, where your little ones can learn, play, and create lasting memories this summer.

Tokyo

Aquariums in Tokyo might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but these two hidden gems will surprise you. Both deep-sea exhibits seamlessly blend nature with the city’s modern charm, offering a unique experience.

Sunshine Aquarium

Starting with Sunshine Aquarium, just a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, is located at the World Import Mart. It features three zones: the ‘Indoor Zone’ with 550 species and 23,000 marine animals, the ‘Jellyfish Zone’ with stunning illuminated tanks, and the ‘Outdoor Zone,’ where visitors can watch the amazing performance of sea lions and penguins with the backdrop of Tokyo’s skyline.

Location: 〒170-8630 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1 サンシャインシティワールドインポートマートビル 屋上

Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Admission:

• Adults ¥2,600–¥3,200
• Children ¥1,300–¥1,400
• Pre-schoolers ¥800–¥900

Website: https://sunshinecity.jp/en/aquarium/

Sumida Aquarium

Located in Tokyo Skytree Town, Sumida Aquarium blends the depth of marine life with its edge-tech building. It features over 10,000 creatures across themed zones, including a massive penguin tank, a mesmerizing jellyfish display, and a giant Tokyo-inspired tank. Visitors can also explore Japan’s largest goldfish exhibit and enjoy a marine-themed café and souvenir shop.

Location: 〒131-0045 Tokyo, Sumida City, Oshiage, 1 Chome−1−2 東京スカイツリータウン・ソラマチ ５階～６階

Opening hours:

• Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday–Sunday & Holidays: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Admission:

• Adults ¥2,500
• High School Students (15–17 years) ¥1,800
• Junior High and Elementary School Students (6–14 years) ¥1,200
• Children (3-5 years) ¥800

Website: https://www.sumida-aquarium.com/en/

Ghibli Museum

If you’re enchanted by the worlds of Studio Ghibli, a visit to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, is a must. The museum brings to life beloved characters from films like My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo and many more. The kids can enjoy highlights such as a life-sized Catbus and a rooftop garden featuring a robot soldier statue. Exclusive short films from Ghibli also screen at the museum’s theatre.

Location: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013

Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Admission:

• Adults ¥2,600–¥3,200
• Children ¥1,300–¥1,400
• Pre-schoolers ¥800–¥900 (Advance reservation required)

Website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/

Tokyo Toy Museum

Tokyo Toy Museum is a play space housed in a renovated elementary school building, featuring over 10,000 toys from Japan and around the world. The museum is primarily operated by volunteer staff, known as “toy curators,” who assist visitors in engaging with the exhibits. Its mission is to encourage people to deepen their engagement with each other through fun activities. Everyone in the family can use recycled materials to create their customized toys.

Location: 〒160-0004 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Yotsuya, 4 Chome−20 四谷ひろば内

Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Thursdays)

Admission:

• Adults ¥1,100
• Children (3–15 years) ¥800
• Toddlers (6 months–2 years) ¥500

Website: https://art-play.or.jp/ttm/

TeamLab Planets TOKYO

“Becoming one with the world” is the theme of teamLab Planets, a museum where you walk through water and a flower garden. Kids will be fascinated by the art spaces, walking barefoot through transformative artworks. The dynamic landscapes constantly shift in interactive digital forms, creating a unique sensation of connection between yourself and the art.

Location: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Admission:

• Adults ¥3,800
• Students (13–17 years) ¥2,300
• Children (4–12 years) ¥1,500
• Free for children under 3

Website: https://planets.teamlab.art/

KidZania Tokyo

Exploring future careers is both fun and educational. At KidZania, a unique indoor theme park, children can experience various professions through role-playing. Kids can try activities like being a firefighter, doctor, pilot, or even a chef in a life-like environment. It fosters creativity and learning. The park features more than 100 interactive exhibits, making it a popular destination for family visits.

Location: 〒135-8614 Tokyo, Koto City, Toyosu, 2 Chome−4−9 アーバンドック ららぽーと豊洲１ ノースポート３階

Opening hours:

• 1st shift: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM​
• 2nd shift: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM​

Admission:

• Adults (16 years and over): ¥1,500​
• Children (3–15 years): ¥2,000​

Website: ​https://www.kidzania.jp/en/

Outside Tokyo

Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum

Situated about 1 and a half hours from Tokyo, Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum offers a fun interactive experience for kids where you can meet and greet characters from the popular Anpanman series. The museum has three floors, with shops, food, and themed exhibits. The first floor is free to enter and includes a souvenir shop, a photo studio, a bakery, and game areas for children. It’s an ideal spot for families to enjoy while exploring the world of Anpanman.

Location: 6 Chome-2-9 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012

Opening hours:

• Museum 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
• Shops & Restaurants 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Admission: ¥2,200 – ¥2,600 (children under 1 year old are free; prices vary depending on the day)

Website: https://www.yokohama-anpanman.jp/en/

Yokohama Cupnoodles Museum

If your kids love instant noodles, tell them they can create their custom flavors here! Another well-known landmark in Yokohama, the Cup Noodles Museum provides a one-of-a-kind experience in instant noodles’ history. They believe that the power of storytelling is in a cup of noodles, blending food, culture, and creativity for kids’ learning and enjoyment

Location: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001

Opening hours:

• Monday–Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday–Sunday & Holidays 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Admission:

• Adults ¥500
• Children (7–15 years) ¥300
• Children (6 years and under) Free

Website: https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/

Saga Ninja Village Hizen Yumekaido

Hizen Yumekaido Ninja Village, located in Ureshino, Saga, is a theme park designed to look like a traditional Edo-period village. It is famous for ninja performances and offers iconic experiences like ninja cosplaying, exploring historical artifacts, and watching ninja puppet shows. Other attractions include a replica of Nami Island from Korea and a pottery painting station, both available at this museum.

Location: 〒843-0302 Saga, Ureshino, Ureshinomachi Oaza Shimono, Ko−716-1 肥前夢街道

Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Weekends and Public Holidays: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed on Tuesdays (except certain holiday periods).

Admission:

• Adults (13 years and above): ¥1,100
• Children (12 years and below): ¥600.

Website: https://www.hizenyumekaidou.info/en/

Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

Curated for plane lovers, the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences offers a fascinating experience for learning about aviation history and the mechanics of flight. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Narita International Airport’s runway from the observation deck. It is a great place to experience flight control simulations and view models of various aircraft, including jumbo jets.

Location: 111-3 Iwayama, Shibayama, Sambu District, Chiba 289-1608

Opening hours:

• Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) and during the New Year period.

Admission:

• Adults ¥700
• Junior High School Students ¥300
• Children (4 years and older) ¥200
• Children under 4 Free

Website: aeromuseum.or.jp

Ibaraki Nature Museum

Nature and science enthusiasts will definitely enjoy this museum. Kids can explore the evolution of life, from the cosmos to dinosaurs and human life at Ibaraki Prefecture Nature Museum. The museum has five main sections, including interactive displays, dinosaur replicas, and detailed dioramas. Its outdoor space includes a rich ecosystem for observing wildlife and usually hosts educational workshops and events.

Location: 700 Osaki, Bando, Ibaraki 306-0622

Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)

Admission:

• General: ¥610
• Individuals 70 years and over: ¥300
• High School & University Students: ¥380
• Primary & Junior High School Students: ¥110
• Preschool children enter for free.

Website: https://www.nat.museum.ibk.ed.jp/english/

Kanefuku Mentai Park Oarai

How much do you know about “mentaiko” (spicy cod roe)? Because this famous Japanese ingredient has its own factory where visitors can observe the production process, a store with various mentaiko products, and a cafe serving mentaiko dishes like onigiri and soft-serve ice cream. The site also features a mentaiko gallery and a popular stuffed mascot, Tarapiyo. Visitors can sample freshly made mentaiko and explore different textures of cod roe.

Location: 8255-3 Isohamacho, Oarai, Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki 311-1301

Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Weekends and Holidays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Admission: Free

Website: https://mentai-park.com/

These museums offer more than just exhibitions as they provide a glimpse into dream careers and ignite creativity in children. During the summer season, they become even more exciting with special programs and interactive activities. For the latest information on operating hours, ticket prices, and reservations, please check the museums’ official websites.

Elevate your Japan trip by inspiring young minds through new experiences. Arigato Japan can help craft the perfect Japan itinerary for you and your family. Feel free to reach out to concierge@arigatojapan.co.jp or check out our Tailored Travel Page for personalized recommendations or inquiries. The joy of discovery awaits, and we hope you take home unforgettable memories from your time in Japan!

Featured Photo Credit: Caroline Hernandez

After checking out these fun locations with the kids, bring the family on one of our family friendly food tours!