Ultimate 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary for Families (2026 Edition)
This post was updated on 07/09/2026 to update prices and the ensure all Tokyo itinerary information is as up to date as possible.
Planning your first family trip to Tokyo? We’ve now spent several months exploring Japan across four different trips, and I genuinely believe Tokyo is the most exciting city in the world to visit with kids. It has everything: futuristic technology, ancient temples, incredible food, world-class theme parks and, if you’re travelling with Pokemon fans like we are, more Pokemon experiences than you could ever fit into one holiday. And our ultimate 5 day Tokyo itinerary for families will cover all of these and more!
Tokyo is amazing, but it can also feel overwhelming. It’s scale has to be seen to be believed, and there are so many amazing things to do that it’s easy to spend weeks researching….only to arrive and realise you’ve still missed something important.
That’s exactly why I’ve put together this ultimate 5 day Tokyo itinerary, all based on our own extensive experience.
We keep returning to Tokyo again and again. We’ve revisited attractions we love as well as trying new experiences, and we love to see how the city changes both throughout the year and over the yars. This isn’t an itinerary copied from a guidebook, it’s the exact route i’d recommend if one of my friends with kids asked me how to plan the perfect five unforgettable days in Tokyo.
Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers, or somewhere in between (on our first trip the boys were 6 and 9, now they’re 10 and 13) this itinerary combines Tokyo’s biggest attractions with plenty of family-friendly experiences. And because I know treavelling with kids rarely goes to plan, i’ve also left enough flexibility to get a little lost and explore the city at your own pace.
Why You Need A Tokyo Itinerary
There’s nothing more relaxing than a laid-back ‘fly and flop’ holiday, but if that’s what you’re looking for then Tokyo is absolutely not the right city for you. You’ll walk 20,000 steps a day from activity to activity, and we quickly learnt that Tokyo is a city that rewards planners.
Can you land in Tokyo with nothing booked and have an amazing holiday? Yes! It’s a city where even doing nothing is an adventure. But can you see everything you want to see if you don’t book anything in advance? Almost certainly not! This is a city for planners, and that’s one of the things that gets my type A personality so excited!
So many of Tokyo’s most popular attractions require reservations well before you travel. The good news? If you’re a fellow Type A planner (welcome to the club!) then organising your Tokyo itinerary is part of the fun. And if you’re not? That’s why this guide exists! My 5 day Tokyo itinerary is easy to follow, and will do all the hard work for you”
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission ā at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
Is 5 Days Enough in Tokyo?
Honestly? Not really! We’ve now spent about 6 weeks in Tokyo and still haven’t seen everything we want to see. So you could swap those 5 days in Tokyo with 5 weeks and you’d still leave with that lingering feeling that you need to come back.
Having said that, for most families visiting Japan for the first time, five days is the perfect introduction to Tokyo. It gives you enough time to experience Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, visit at least one of the famous theme parks, and epxlore different neighbourhoods.
If you’re staying longer don’t worry. I like to plnty of additional guides throughout this itinerary so you can easily customise it to suit your own trip. You can also check out:
š10 Day Tokyo Itinerary for 2026: The Perfect Japan Stay For Families and First Timers
BEFORE YOU FLY:
š Book your airport parking! The earlier you book this before you depart, the cheaper it will be! Check prices here.
šŗ Book a Lounge: This might not be essential, but we always book an airport lounge before long haul flights and it makes such a difference. The inclusive food and drinks, plus guarenteed space to sit and relax, makes traveling with kids so much easier. Find out more here.
šøCompare Flight Prices: We always use Skyscanner to get the best possible flight deals!
š Book Your Tokyo Hotel as Early as Possible: The best family hotels and Disney partner hotels sell out surprisingly quickly, especially during school holidays.
Ultimate 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary (Includes Kid-Friendly Options)
At A Glance: Our 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary
| DAY | AREA | HIGHLIGHTS |
| Day 1 | Central Tokyo | Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, Pokemon Cafe, Ginza |
| Day 2 | Tokyo Disney Resort | Full day at Tokyo Disneyland |
| Day 3 | Tokyo Disney Resort OR Tama City | Tokyo DisneySea OR Sanrio Puroland |
| Day 4 | Shibuya and Harajuku | Meiji Jingu shrine, Takeshita Street, Shibuya Crossing |
| Day 5 | Odaiba | teamLab Planets, Unko Museum, shopping and waterfront |
Day 1 – Discover Tokyo’s Icons, Pokemon and Ginza
On our first day in Tokyo we always wake up ridiculously early, no doubt a mixture of jetlag and adrenaline! This is a pretty common thing, so don’t fight it…get up early, get out, and make the most of your first day in our favourite city in the world!
Spend your first day in Tokyo introducing yourself to the city. Get as high as you can to take in incredible views across the city, explore one of Japan’s most important historical sires, and finish the day surrounded by Pokemon before enjoying an evening in one of Tokyo’s smartest shopping districts (where I spend a lot of time saying look don’t touch to my kids!)
This might seem like a pretty jam paced day, but it’s actually a fairly relaxed first day and a great way to each yourself into your first trip to Tokyo!
Morning: Start Your Adventure At The Tokyo Tower
Whenever anyone asks me where to start their first day on their Tokyo itinerary, I always say the same thing. Get high!
Tokyo is the biggest city in the world by population, and until you’ve seen it stretching out in every direction below you, while you feel on top of the world, it’s impossble to appreciate just how big it is! That’s why I always recommend starting your first trip to Tokyo at the Tokyo Tower.
Some people prefer the Tokyo Skytree (We’ve visited that too, so if you fancy it instead read our full Skytree review here) but I have a real soft spot for the Tokyo Tower. There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about its Eiffel Tower- inspied design, and seeing it peeking up between Tokyo’s modern skyscrapers never fails to make my heart soar! There’s also lots of things to do inside the tower, if you’ve got a little more time.
š Red Tokyo Tower Review: Why This Is A Fun Futuristic Attraction In Tokyo!
If this is your first trip to Tokyo, I’d recommend booking the Top Deck , not just tickets for the Main Deck. I will admit that it costs slightly more, but the views are spectacular, and it’s one of those bucket list moments you’ll never forget.
I recommend booking your Tokyo Tower tickets in advance. We always book with Klook, because you get your tickets delivered straight to your phone and it guarentees your preferred time and date before you arrive.
šCheck Availability and book your Tokyo Tower tickets here
š Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for a reader-exclusive discount
Allow at least 2 hours all-in for your trip to the Tokyo Tower, including the time you’ll queue to get to the top, and mooching around the gift shops on the way back down. (my boys have never knowingly walked past a gift shop!)
š¼ Visiting The Tokyo Tower With Kids: Is It Worth It? How Much Does It Cost?
Day 1 Afternoon: Visit The Imperial Palace
From the Tokyo Tower you’re just 23 minutes away (by public transport) from the Imperial Palace. Just walk to the Onarimon Station and take the Mita Line towards Nishi-Takashimadaira. Get off at Otemachi Station.
You can’t actually go into the Palace, but you can go inside the palace walls and explore their spectacular gardens. We visited in April and with all the cherry blossoms this was outstanding. The kids loved this, and enjoyed the freedom of running around the grounds too.
You can also enjoy the outside of many of the palace buildings, as well as the ornate palace walls. Often people skip the palace because you can’t walk inside (like you can with other palaces) but I still think it’s well worth exploring.
You do need a ticket to access the Palace gardens, but as an added bonus these tickets are free of charge. You can book these here.
Day 1 Afternoon/Early Evening: Visit The Pokemon Centre And Pokemon Cafe
If you’re travelling with Pokemon fans like my own two Pokemon monsters, then I predict that this next bit could easily become the highlight of your entire Tokyo holiday. It definitely it for my kids.
From the Imperial Palace it’s an easy walk to the Pokemon Centre DX and the world-famous Tokyo Pokemon Cafe. If you have time, and you want even more Pokemon, stop in Tokyo Station on the way. Tokyo Station is an icon of architecure, you’ll walk straight past it, and there’s a Pokemon Store inside where you can get a store-exclusive Pokemon station master plushie.
š Pokemon Store Tokyo Station Shop ā What To Buy and Why Itās Worth Visiting
Even if you don’t have a reservation until later in the day, I still recommend arriving early to spend plenty of time exploring the Pokemon Center first. It’s one of the best Pokemon stores anywhere in Japan, with explusive merch you simply can’t get anywhere else.
šVisit The Pokemon Center Tokyo DX And Pokemon Cafe (Tips, Booking and Photos 2026)
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE HOW DIFFICULT POKEMON CAFE RESERVATIONS ARE. I get more emails about this than anything else, and really feel for families that make the mistable of assuming they’ll be able to book when they arrive in Japan. There are on the day cancellations, but even those are hard to get.
Reservations are released 31 days before your visit, and the most popular times disappear within seconds: even with our experience, we couldn’t get a reservation on our last visit!
š I’ve written a full guide on how to get a reservation at the Pokemon cafe here.
š You can also see all of the food we ate in the Pokemon Cafe here.
If you don’t manage to get a reservation, don’t panic! It’s pricey, but there is now a new service where you can buy a reservation with Klook. Just note that this costs Ā£27.30 per person, so if you’re able to get on for free via the official Pokemon Cafe website, that is always the best plan.
š Book your paid Pokemon Cafe reservation here
š Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for a reader-exclusive discount
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Planning a Family Trip to Japan?
Make it stress-free, affordable, and unforgettable with my 40-page Japan Family Travel eBook.
Includes sample itineraries, budgeting tips, kid-friendly activities, and packing checklists.
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Day 2 – Tokyo Disneyland
The next day of our 5 day Tokyo itinerary takes us to Tokyo Disneyland. If you’re travelling as a family, I don’t recommend missing this one! You might have visited Disneyland Paris, Walt DIsney World or Disneyland California before, but Tokyo Disneyland is definitely not just another version of these parks.
š Best Disney Parks in the World Ranked (2026 Guide)
You will find the castle, familiar characters, and even familiar attractions, but Tokyo Disneyland also has its own unique atmosphere, exclusive rides, and some of the best Disney snacks we’ve ever eaten. We’re big Disney fans, but we think it’s probably the best Disneyland in the world! It’s also a big park so you’ll need to allocate a whole dya: half a day just wouldn’t be enough!
BOOK YOUR TICKETS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Unlike some other attractions, I would never leave Tokyo Disneyland Tickets until the last minute. Although they don’t always sell out (so you could get lucky and buy a couple of days before) school holidays, weekends, and special events can be busy, or even sell out completely. It’s just not worth taking the risk.
We always recommend booking your Disney tickets before you leave the Uk (That’s what we do ourselves) so you can simply scan straight into the park, without even worrying about it.
šBook your Tokyo Disneyland tickets here
š Don’t forget our Klook discount code: THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK
šTokyo Disney Tickets 2026. Prices, Types, and How to Buy
One of our biggest tips is to arrive at least 45-60 minutes before the official opening time. This might sound excessive, but Tokyo Disney guests love arriving early, and being near the front of the queue can make a huge difference if you want to get fast passes to the most popular rides, or if you’re trying to mkae restaurant reservations on the day.
And if it’s your first visit to the park, I also recommend making these three totally unique rides your priority:
- Beauty and the Beast
- The Happy Ride with Baymax
- Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek
It’s also worth noting that the entry tickets, the food, the merchandise, eerything really, is considerably cheaper in Tokyo Disneyland than in the parks in France or America. We were pleasantly surprised by this and it meant we didn’t have to say no when the kids were asking for their 8th snack of the day!
WANT MORE DISNEY TIPS?
This 5 day Tokyo itinerary is designed to help you plan your wider Tokyo trip, but we’ve written much more detailed guides to all things Tokyo Disney if you want to make the absolute most of your day.
Before you visit, I’d recommend reading:
šTokyo Disney Ride Heights (2026): Full Guide and Free Printable Chart for Families
š How Far In Advance Can You Book Tokyo Disney Tickets? (2026 Guide)
š How Many Days Do You Need At Tokyo Disneyland And Tokyo DisneySea?
š The 7 Best Tokyo Disneyland Rides (Plus Family-Friendly Shows, Ticket Tips, and More)
šThe 7 Best Hotels Near Tokyo Disney. Tokyo Disney Hotels For Every Budget!
Day 3 – Tokyo Disney Sea
If yesterday was magical, today is something even more special! I’ve been lucky enough to visit several Disney Parks around the world, but if someone asked me to choose just one to keep going back to, it would be Tokyo DisneySea. Every single time!
This isn’t just another Disney park. In fact, it’s unlike anything Disney have ever built. And you feel that as soon as you step in the park and start exploring the different areas which are all sea ports inspired by cities around the world. If you’re mixing and mtching the perfect Tokyo itinerary, and you only plan to visit one theme park, make it this one.
A new park expansion took place in Tokyo Disney Sea a couple of years ago: Fantasy Springs. And it’s as magical as it sounds! We’ve now been lucky enough to visit Fantasy Springs twice and walking into it genuinely took my breath away. My boys aren’t particularly interested in Frozen, though the Frozen section is beautiful. But the Peter Pan ride, the pirate shp, the attention to detail is all simply incredible.
You might be wowed by the Fantasy Springs photos, but I promise it looks even better in real life!
Our favourite rides in Tokyo DisneySea you really shouldn’t miss:
- Journey to the Center of the Earth
- Toy Story Mania
- Peter Pan’s Neverland Adventure
- The Voyages of Sinbad
BOOK YOUR TICKETS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Just like I said about Tokyo Disneyland, I would never leave Tokyo DisneySea Tickets until the last minute. Although they don’t always sell out (so you could get lucky and buy a couple of days before) school holidays, weekends, and special events can be busy, or even sell out completely. It’s just not worth taking the risk.
We always recommend booking your Disney tickets before you leave the UK (That’s what we do ourselves) so you can simply scan straight into the park, without even worrying about it.
šBook your Tokyo Disneyland tickets here
š Don’t forget our Klook discount code: THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK
Only want to visit one Disney Park and not sure which one to choose? Check out:
š Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea: Which is Best For Kids in 2026?
Day 3 Alternative: Sanrio Puroland
Not everyone loves Disney…I don’t really understand it, but I respect it! So if you only want to add one Disney day to your itinerary, why not dedicate day 3 of your 5 day Tokyo itinerary to visiting somwhere uniquely Japanese: Sanrio Puroland in Tama City.
Sanrio Puroland isn’t a conventional theme park, but an immersive wonderland that’s perfect for Sanrio and Hello Kitty fans of all ages. I love it here, though I will admit the boys (including Travel Dad) are all dragged every year under duress!
Sanrio Puroland is one of the most affordable theme park attractions in Tokyo. A one day ticket costs just Ā£16.10 per person. We booked our tickets with Klook and you can get 5% by using my discount code (THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK) Use this link.
Want to find out more about what is officially my favourite Sanrio attraction in the world? Check out:
š Sanrio Puroland Guide. The Ultimate Guide to Sanrio Puroland in 2026.
š Sanrio Puroland Tokyo With Kids ā How To Book, What to Expect and Travel Tips
š Sanrio Puroland Tickets: How to Buy, Prices, and Is It Worth It for Families?
Day 4 – Experience Tokyo’s Most Famous Neighbourhoods Of Harajuku And Shibuya
Next in our 5 day Tokyo itinerary, it’s time to experience a completely different side of Tokyo.
This might be seen as ‘parents choice’ but actually it’s just as fun for kids too, combining ancient Japan with modern pop culture, taking you from one of Tokyo’s most peaceful shrines to its busiest pedestrian crossing. It sounds like an unlikely combination, but it really does make for the perfect day out.
This is one of my favourite days in the itinerary because it perfectly sums up what makes Tokyo so special. Within a single afternoon you’ll move from tranquil woodland paths to colourful fashion boutiques, quirky cafĆ©s and the organised chaos of Shibuya Crossing.
Day 4 Morning – Meiji Shrine
You can’t visit Tokyo without exploring one of its many beautiful shrines. The Meiji Shrine is one of the most famous and is located right next to Harajuku station, meaning its location is convenient too.
The Meiji shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, the Empress Shoken. You can approach the shrine though a beautiful forested path that will make you almost forget that you’re in the middle of a city. Entry into the shrine is marked with a huge tori gate, so you can’t miss that you’re in the right place!
Don’t expect to have the whole place to yourself though- this is officially one of the most popular shrines in Japan.
Continuing a tranquil morning, after you’ve fully explored the shrine, take time to linger in Yoyogi Park. The shrine sits inside the park, and this is one of the most beautiful parks to explore. Firstly, it’s enormous: as big as New York’s central park. It’s well cared for with beautiful trees and winding paths. The cherry blossoms here in spring are truly exceptional. We took a konbini picnic (budget fans over here!) and gave the boys breakfast in the park underneath the cherry blossom trees, it was so lovely and I definitely recommend it.
š Visiting The Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo With Kids. A Fascinating History Lesson!
Day 4 Afternoon – Harajuku
The walk from Yoyogi Park to Harajuku takes just 10 minutes, so this is a convenient next stop.
Harajuku is the heart of Tokyo youth culture. It’s a great place to see local people dressed up in amazing fashions and cosplay. It’s also a fun spot for shopping, eating, and generally soaking up the atmosphere. My boys love it here thanks to the many gatchapon stores and the cute plushies everywhere.
There are several themed cafes that you can book here (be sure to make a reservation, as these go fast) including the Sanrio Pompom Purin cafe and a Snoopy cafe. We’ve also tried a few of the animal cafe, but for welfare concerns I won’t list many of these. MiPig is the only one we felt comfortable with: this is a micropig cafe, but actually the pigs are shipped to Tokyo all the way from the UK!
Alternatively, you can just pig out on the abundance of Kawaii junk food available here. Fine dining this is not! But if you want rainbow candyfloss or rainbow-coloured grilled cheese sandwiches, then this is the place to be.
Harajuku is crowded and chaotic. Be prepared to queue for everything from your food to getting into the most popular shops. But it’s also a lot of fun! This is a great place to grab unique gifts and goodies, so be prepared to spend some money.
As a side quest, or if you want to escape the madness of Takeshita Street (the main shopping street in Harajuku) you can visit the Togo shrine, which is just off Takeshita Street. Climb the stairs up to the shrine which is quite small, but perfectly formed. The contrast of the calm against the chaos is what makes this shrine so special.
Want to know more about Harajuku, including the best things to see and do? Check out:
šHarajuku With Kids: The Best Things To Do For The Whole Family!
šOur Day in Harajuku With Kids ā What We Loved, What Surprised Us, and Why Weād Go Again
š Exploring Togo Shrine, Harajuku: A Break From The Chaos of Kawaii
Day 4 Evening – Shibuya
Getting from Harajuku to Shibuya is an easy 16 minute (and 1.2km) walk, so leave the public transport and take a stroll from Harajuku to Shibuya for the evening.
Shibuya is one of the most iconic spots in Tokyo, although it seems odd to list what is a glorified road crossing as a tourist attraction. Enjoy the incredible neon lights and billboard, especially the 3D billboards (this was the first time i’d ever seen one, and my mind was boggled).
We walked across the crossing, went to see the statue of Hachiko, the world’s most famous dog, and soaked up the atmosphere. Be aware that the crowds are overwhelming, so take your patience and your manners, and get in line!
There are tonnes of arcades if you’re looking for kid-friendly entertaiment, and the three-storey Disney store in Shibuya is one of the best i’ve ever visited. So those are great options for entertaining kids! If you don’t add Shibuya to your Tokyo Itinerary then you’ll be making a huge mistake!
Day 5 ā teamLab, Odaiba & An Unforgettable Evening of Sumo
Today is the final full day of our 5 day Tokyo itinerary, and it’s all about saving some of the city’s most unique experiences until last.From immersive digital art to futuristic architecture, seaside walks and a traditional sumo experience, this is a day that perfectly demonstrates just how wonderfully varied Tokyo can be.
Day 5 Morning: Begin At teamLabs Planets
If you’ve ever seen photographs of people standing barefoot in glowing water surrounded by floating flowers, or reflecting lights in mirror rooms, they were probably taken in Tokyo’s teamLab Planets. We’ve now visited teamLab Planets three times, because it’s unlike any museum (or rather art installation) i’ve every visted before.
It’s immersive, interactive and completely different from anything you’ll experience elsewhere in Japan. It’s always been great for kids, but since they expanded and added the new Athletics Forest section, it’s absolutely perfect for kids!
Read more before you book:
šteamLab Planets Tickets: How to Book, Prices, and Is It Worth It?
š Reviewing the Epic New Athletics Forest Expansion at Teamlabs Planets, Tokyo
If you want to visit teamLabs during your trip to Tokyo (and you really should!) then I recommend you book your tickets well in advance. This is one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions and regularly sells out.
š Book your teamLab Planet tickets here for the best availability
š Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an extra reader-exclusive discount
Day 5 Afternoon: Exploring Odaiba
After teamLab, jump aboard the Yurikamome Line towards Odaiba. I know it sounds crazy, but we make an effort to make this journey purposely, because the train is so cool. The driverless train glides across Rainbow Bridge, offering fantastic views across Tokyo Bay, and if you sit up front you’ll get incredible views in the full windows.
Odaiba is one of my favourite parts of Tokyo for families. Compared with the busy city centre, everything feels much more spacious here, and there are lots of family friendly things to do
Depending on your family’s interests, you could spend the afternoon:
- Visiting the Unko Museum (Yes that really is a museum dedicated to poop!)
- Exploring DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
- Relaxing at Odaiba Seaside Park
- Hit the arcades in SEGA Joypolis
- Enjoying lunch overlooking Tokyo Bay
šOne Day Odaiba Itinerary With Kids: Explore Odaiba Tokyo Bay (2026)
Evening ā Experience a Traditional Sumo Show
I couldn’t think of a better way to spend your final evening in Tokyo than visiting the Asakusa Sumo Show. This had been on our bucket list for years, and then we finally got to do it on our last trip. It was amazing: everything we expected and more.
When most people think of sumo, they imagine huge arenas packed with spectators.
But for first-time visitors, I actually think an intimate sumo dinner show is an even better introduction.
We absolutely loved our evening in Asakusa.
Watching former professional wrestlers demonstrate the rules, traditions and rituals of Japan’s national sport before enjoying a traditional meal was one of the highlights of our entire trip.
The atmosphere was relaxed, entertaining and surprisingly funny, making it a brilliant experience for families as well as adults travelling on their own, and our youngest was even invited into the ring to have a bout against one of the sumos, which frankly made his whole year!
The show explains everything in English, making it easy to understand exactly what’s happening and why the traditions are so important.
Asakusa Sumo Club Show Review (2026): Is It Worth It?
š Reserve your tickets before you travel, as evening performances often sell out.
š Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for a reader-exclusive discount
Where To Eat in Tokyo
We’re a family of foodies, and eating is HUGE part of our Tokyo Experience. From sushi, to ramen, to the best cuts of Wagyu beef, we always have long lists of things we want to eat when we’re travelling in Tokyo. We love our street food. We’re a big fan of quick eats. But we’re also happy to have a special fine dining moment now and again too.
But the problem is, we struggle to stick with restaurant reservations we’ve made 6 months in advance: there’s no way of knowing when the kids will be hungry, or the exact time an activity will finish. This can make restaurant bookings hard to manage.
And many restaurants in Tokyo (and Japan in general) have such long lead times to guarantee a table. If you’re in the same boat then I recommend using Last Minute Japan. This is a simple (and free to use!) website that lets you make same-day bookings simple, accessible, and stress-free, even for first-time visitors. You can find a restaurant for today, tomorrow, or the day after – it’s never too late to eat well, without the pressure of knowing your schedule weeks in adance!
š Check availability and make your last minute restaurant reservations here.
Where To Stay in Tokyo
One of the questions I’m asked most is about where to stay in Tokyo. There are several different schools of thought on this! Some people prefer to stay in Central Tokyo so they’re right in the heart of the action. Other prefer to base themselves in Tokyo Bay so that they’re closer to the Tokyo Disney Resort. The fact is, the city is enormous and every neighbourhood has its own personality.
Where We Stay in Tokyo
Over several trips to Tokyo we’ve stayed in a few different areas, and each has given a completely different experience. If you only have 5 days in Tokyo then you won’t want to waste time switching hotels, and in these circumstances, recommend the Shiomi Prince Hotel.
This is just a few minutes from Tokyo Station, and has spacious family rooms, a great interior, and wonderful onsens. Most importantly, its right next to Shiomi station, so you can be in either central Tokyo or Tokyo Disney resort in under 20 minutes.
š Read our full Shiomi Prince Hotel Review here
If you prefer the convenience of staying close to the Tokyo Disney Resort (because those are likely to be your earliest mornings and your latest nights) then we’ve tried a few of their official partner hotels and have some great recommendations that you can check out here:
š Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel Review: Is This the Best Disney Partner Hotel for Families? (2026)
šOriental Hotel Tokyo Bay Review. Photos, Honest Opinions, How to Book, and Everything You Need To Know
To help you find the best hotel for your trip, I’ve embedded a live hotel map below so that you can compare prices across Tokyo and choose the area that best suits your itinerary and budget:
You can also choose the neighbourhood that will work best for your family here:
š Where to Stay in Tokyo with Kids: Best Areas & Family-Friendly Hotels (2026 Guide)
š” TOR’S TOP TIP: Don’t get too hung up on finding the perfect hotel. Instead think about how close you are to the nearest station. When you’re working 20,000 steps a day, I promise you’d rather stay in a great hotel that’s a two-minute walk to the nearest station than a cheaper hotel that’s a 20 minute walk from the station. Even if that means being on the train a couple more stops!
Final Thoughts and Further Reading
Five days is enough to fall completely in love with Tokyo, but be warned. If your family is anything like ours, I can guarantee you’ll be planning to come back again before you plane wheels has even left the runway. Tokyo was support to be a once in a lifetime trip for us….now it’s become an annual pilgrimage.
Looking for more guides and tips to help you plan your Tokyo adventure? Check out:
šTokyo Family Travel Guide
šCulture in Tokyo: 8 Cultural Tokyo Experiences You Have to Try
šTokyo Airport Transfers: A Complete Guide to Getting from Narita and Haneda Airports to Tokyo
šTokyo for Car Lovers: The Best Driving & Racing Experiences You Can Book
šSummer in Tokyo. Family-Friendly Activities For Keeping Cool.
š10 Day Tokyo Itinerary for 2025: The Perfect Japan Stay For Families and First Timers
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Looks like a fun time, I’m surprised that some of the admission prices seem either cheap or pretty reasonable. Is this cheaper through Klook or is Japan not as expensive as I perhaps assumed it to be?
I’ll definitely keep some of these recommendations in mind when I eventually get to Tokyo š
So there are 2 things at play here! Firstly, the Japanese yen is at a 30 year low, so your money is just going a lot further. And secondly, the prices are a lot more affordable than in Western Europe! (I won’t say cheap, because people who love Southeast Asia/South America will definitely disagree š ) The biggest expense for us is the airfare though – everything else is cheaper than a week in Spain!
Klook prices are pretty much exactly the same as going direct – we just prefer it for the convenience, being able to pay on our UK debit cards, and being in English! Google translate isn’t always that effective for Japanese websites.
I hope you get to Tokyo one day – It’s our favourite place in the world!
Really useful to know! Perhaps it is just a misconception in affordability in comparison to other parts of Asia. I’ll definitely have to plan a trip soon then!
Regarding Klook, I did see your Disneyland post after this one where you mentioned them not accepting your card so that makes sense too š