*** Note the previous loction in Yokohama has closed. The new location which opened Aug 2019 is in Odaiba, Tokyo) Only in Japan is there a Poop Museum (Unko Museum). Japan has a poop fascination – I am always reminded about when my kids were in Japanese hoikuen (daycare) that the diary …
Read More »Tokyo Area Sweet Potato Digging – October to early December
Sweet potato digging is an autumn tradition that all Japanese kindergarten and early elementary kids partake in October through December. In Japanese sweet potatoes are called “satsumaimo”. Enjoy a nice autumn day outside central Tokyo and go sweet potato digging. Below are five recommended locations to go Japanese sweet potato …
Read More »Haneda Airport with Kids – TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Haneda airport is a great spot to take your kids. The International Terminal has 30 stores, 44 restaurants, and you don’t need a flight ticket to access. Also makes a great Tokyo Rainy Day activity. Haneda Airport with Kids – TOP THINGS TO DO at the INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL View …
Read More »Universal Studios Japan Tips – Osaka with Kids
We visited Universal Studios Japan in Osaka during Halloween month and loved it! Now added to our list of TOP Theme Parks in Japan and Osaka with Kids Itinerary here are our TIPS to enjoy your visit. Universal Studios Osaka is a character theme park with a collection of exciting entertainment …
Read More »Nakameguro Park (Nakameguro, Tokyo) – A Popular Family Picnic Park
Nakameguro Park (中目黒公園) is a well-maintained open grass park frequented by locals and families. They have a large variety of plants and flowers that you can learn about at their “Flower and Greenery Learning Center” and a “creature pond” to view fish, frogs and insects. Located within the grounds is a …
Read More »Tokyo One Day Itinerary: Nakameguro with Kids
Nakameguro is a popular yet quiet residential neighborhood filled with unique boutique shops and cafe. The area comes alive with their Cherry Blossom festival along the Meguro River in mid spring and during their summer matsuri (festival). Wondering what to do for one day in Tokyo? Pick your favorite day …
Read More »Kidzania Tokyo (Toyosu, Tokyo) – Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Visit
Kidzania is of our kids` favorite indoor theme park on our list of TOP Theme Parks in Japan next to Kandu and Sanrio Puroland (Kitty Land). Kidzania Tokyo, located at the Urban Dock LaLaport in Toyosu, is an indoor theme park for families. The park is a city built to …
Read More »TOKYO ONE DAY ITINERARY: EBISU AREA WITH KIDS
We love this quiet, residential area in Shibuya-ku. We often often spend our day in the Ebisu Station West Exit area then walk towards Daikanyama or the East Exit towards Ebisu Garden Place. Wondering what to do for one day in Tokyo? Pick your favorite day from our Tokyo one day …
Read More »Autumn Foliage in Tokyo – 8 Best Locations
Late October through November is great foliage viewing in Tokyo and surrounding areas. Get on your bike or tie on your walking shoes for a full-day or couple hours of foliage touring. I recommend the following eight locations for foliage viewing in autumn. You can bike the entire loop in …
Read More »Top Japanese Cartoons
Top 10 Japanese Cartoons for Children 0-6 Years Old Japanese animation has legions of fans worldwide who admire its high quality storytelling and memorable characters. Domestically, there’s no shortage of characters and licensed character goods, especially when it comes to children’s merchandise. You might be unfamiliar with some characters that …
Read More »Top Recommended Tokyo Kids Museums
As moms of six kids aged 3-18 years, we know our Tokyo kids` museums. From history and architecture to science and technology there is a museum listed here for everyone’s interest. Tested by our families to make sure yours will enjoy the day at the museum. Have fun! The below …
Read More »Tokyo Area Blueberry Picking – June to early September
Late June to early September is blueberry picking season in Japan. Here are our recommended Tokyo Area Blueberry Picking Locations for Summer 2020. We have chosen six gardens for great half-day or one-day trips; two in Chiba-ken, two in Saitama-ken and two in Kanagawa-ken. Many of these gardens run through …
Read More »Tokyo Water Bus – Fun and Easy Transport
Try traveling on the Tokyo Water Bus (水上バス, Suijō Basu) for a fun and relaxing method of Tokyo travel. If you are traveling to Odaiba, locations on the Bay in Minato-ku, or up the Sumida River to Asakusa, I recommend you try a Tokyo Water Bus especially between April – …
Read More »Typhoon Day Activities – Stuck at home and kids climbing the walls?
To weather the rainy season we are recommending some great Indoor Activities. Colder temperatures and blowing rain makes for perfect family cuddle time. Also make sure to sign-up for the Best Living Japan weekly newsletter to find the best activities and living info for global families in Japan. Rainy Day …
Read More »Yomiuriland Amusement Park (Inagi, Tokyo) – Water & Ride Park
Yomiuriland is one of our favorite water & ride parks on our list of TOP Theme Parks in Japan. Yomiuriland Amusement Park is an all inclusive amusement ride and in the summer months water park. A 30 train ride from Shinjuku, your family can enjoy a hot day at one …
Read More »Summer Fans Craft – 100 Yen
Looking for a quick fun craft to keep your tribe busy and cool this summer? Try a summer fans craft. I bought a few paper fans at the local Daiso 100 yen store and had fun with the kids. A quick and cheap craft which will also be very useful over …
Read More »Best Tokyo Parks for Kids’ Bicycling – Rent or Bring Your Own
Looking for the Best Tokyo Parks for Kids’ Bicycling? Before heading out to the sidewalks and streets of Tokyo try practicing in a safe kid-friendly environment. Here are our favorite parks that we love taking our kids. Once your kids are bicycle veterans, try the Rainbow Bridge/Odaiba adventure If you …
Read More »Tokyo Outdoor Pools
I find the most difficult month of the year to live in Tokyo August, but visiting one of the many Tokyo pools can offer a respite to the heat and humidity even if just for a few hours. Tokyo has many great local pools that are family-friendly and most are …
Read More »Rinshi no Mori (Meguro & Shinagawa, Tokyo)- A Beautiful Nature Park
If you love nature walks, bird watching or insect hunting then Rinshi no Mori (林試の森公園) is the park to visit. The 120,762.91 sq m park is home to several hundred Japanese and foreign trees, some as old as 100+ years! There are a number of walking paths and large signboards …
Read More »Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku has one of the best views of Tokyo, and it is free (well Taxpayers are footing the bill). From Tokyo Tower on a clear day, you can see the fantastic size of Tokyo from Mt Fuji in the west, Tokyo Bay to the …
Read More »Yutenji Temple (Nakameguro, TOkyo)
Myoukenzan Yutenji Temple is a Jodo (pure) Sect of Buddhism established about 300 years ago. The temple launched a free smartphone app, a bilingual (English and Japanese) video guide to the history and origins of the Temple buildings. Download the app, obtain an app map at the main temple office, …
Read More »Azabu Juban Sculpture Walk (Azabu Juban, Tokyo) – Can You Find Them All?
Do you know about the Azabu Juban sculpture walk? If you have ever walked down the main Azabu Juban shopping street, you probably have seen a few sculptures. However, did you know there are 16 sculptures that have been collected and installed in Azabu Juban since 1968. These sculptures are …
Read More »Space Athletic Tondemi, (Heiwajima Tokyo & Makuhari, Chiba)
Space Athletic Tondemi opened their second location in Heiwajima, Tokyo. This is following the huge success of Space Athletic in Makuhari Chiba (トンデミ). Space Atheletic is a great indoor activity center to spend 90 mins bouncing, climbing and running. There is also a Tondemi in Mie-ken and one opening in …
Read More »Sayama Berry Picking Farm (Saitama)
Sayama Berry Land (Saitama-ken) (狭山ベリーランド) has one of the largest blueberry farms in the Tokyo area with over 50 types of berries and 2,000 bushes. The blueberry bushes are in covered mesh houses. Here are other great places to visit in Saitama with kids They have two parking areas; one …
Read More »THINGS THAT GO – TOKYO TRAINS, PLANES & CARS
Have a kid who love things that go? Trains, planes & cars we got you covered. Our sons were obsessed with transportation when they were 3-5 years olds so we have first hand experience at all of the recommended locations. Whether a museum, interactive experience or shopping all of our …
Read More »