ATTRACTIONS IN JAPAN

If you want to take a 1-2 hour hike while adventuring to find Buddhas, Arafat, and views of Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji I recommend Nokogiryama, Chiba (Mt. Sawtooth). I have very mixed opinions of Nokogiriyama, Chiba since I felt that although it was interesting to see the sights, I …

Asobi No Sekai Borelund is only a 25-30 min train ride from central Tokyo (direct on the Namboku or Tokyu Toyoko lines).  You can spend a good half day playing at the Asobi No Sekai Bornelund center and shop your favorite brands. The Grand Tree shopping center in Grand Tree …

Top 15 Recommended Indoor Playcenters in/near Tokyo with Kids Little Planet is a permanent digital exhibition that combines digital technology with play. Opened in Nov 2018, Little Planet offers various digital experiences to keep your child active and engaged. If your kids loved the TeamLab Borderless/Planets exhibition they`ll love to pop …

Ventured out to Sumida today to visit the Skytree Soramachi shopping area and specifically the Kodomonoyu Playcenter (Kids Onsen -こどもの湯). Kodomonoyu is an inside playcenter that has been designed to be like a Japanese onsen but the water has been replaced by over 88,000 plastic balls. If you have kids …

For ages 6 and above a trip to Spa LaQua in Tokyo Dome is a fun outing to experience Japanese onsen. The Spa LaQua at Tokyo Dome is a real natural spring water that is sourced from 1,700 meters under Tokyo Dome City. The Tokyo Dome spring water is best known for …

Sona Area Tokyo (Ariake, Tokyo) – Earthquake & Disaster Prevention Experience Learning Facility is a free educational center for individuals or groups to come and learn about how to survive the first 72 hours after an earthquake. The Sona Area Tokyo is a disaster space which is prepared for an …

The 3rd floor of Nakameguro Square Playroom provides an infant and kids playroom, toys, books and gameboards, including a day care for children. It is a great place to meet up with friends for a playdate. Free of charge. Nakameguro Square Playroom Playroom Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 18:00, …

January to late March is a great time for a family trip for strawberry picking in the Tokyo area. Here is our updated 2020 list of top strawberry picking gardens you can enjoy in the Tokyo area on a half-day or one-day trip. We have chosen four gardens; two in …

Here are our Top 15 Recommended Indoor Playcenters in Tokyo to escape the pouring rain, summer humidity and bitter cold for babies to teens. If you have a place to recommend, please leave a comment below. *Please visit the websites for changes in business hours and fees. Looking for other great actives …

We love visiting Tokyo antique markets and flea markets. Most markets are held on the weekend, with some on national holidays. The events are a mixture of significant indoor events like the Antique Jamboree, or the Heiwajima show held a few times a year, or what we call “shrine sales” …

Tokyo has plenty of fun places open over the New Year holidays. Check out our recommended Top 25 Tokyo New Year Family Fun Spots open Dec 31 – Jan 2. Happy New Year! Besides the recommenced “open on New Years” spots below, most shopping malls are open now on Jan …

Dear Curious and Creative, I love 100 yen stores in Japan. Most have a whole wall of holiday decorations for sale this time of year.  Here are instructions on how to make a holiday door hanging.  Yesterday, I picked up some items to make this holiday door hanging for our …

** Space Joy CLOSED it`s doors after 7 years of service in MAY 2016 ** Space Joy (スペースジョイ) Jiyugaoka is the perfect place to have a meal while your little ones play. The main floor is a dining cafe (patio dining is available on nice weather days), the 2nd floor is …

Mother Farm in Chiba is a great day trip from Tokyo if you are looking for open space, farm animals, fruit and veggie picking and small amusement rides. It is also dog-friendly so bring pooch along. The farm is located about a 60-90 min drive from central Tokyo via the …

Here are our recommendations for the Top Tokyo Ice Skating Rinks Winter 2019 – 2020. Check out the 15 recommended locations below with open dates, times and fees. Embrace the season and enjoy the seasonal outdoor rinks during the winter months, and if the love of skating hits you can …

Had a great morning yesterday with a friend making 100 yen craft Calendar and Notebooks. These are great little gifts that anyone can make! Your local 100 yen store presently have a wide selection of calendar and notebooks which can be dressed-up and transferred in creative masterpieces. All the decorative tapes, …

With four kids and a dog I have a lot of people to thank this year. I think this 100 yen store craft – mikan wreath –  is a healthy alternative to cookies and candies. Love the colours, and the fact that the mikans (clementines or tangerines) are in season now …

Had a fantastic time at LUSH Shinjuku’s “Lush Party” where kids, and adults, can experience making fresh handmade bath bars or experience skin care for your skin with the LUSH staff who can instruct you on how the high-quality and natural ingredients work.  If you are looking for other places …

Helianthus baby wear and infant-friendly cafe is a great spot for parents to chat, have a meal and read a magazine while your little ones explore their play den (for infants and toddlers only). They serve a simple lunch menu with sandwiches, curry, drinks, spirit and desserts for a very low …

I grew up on a farm with constant outdoor action, so when I heard about  Tokyo mud parks, I was thrilled. Here are our top Tokyo “Mud Parks” – Where Kids Play Dirty! If you have other similar parks to add, please comment below we are always looking for hands-on …

Tokyo can be expensive if you have multiple children, but take heart there are some amazing attractions that are awesomely free. Check out our Top Tokyo Free Kids Attractions for Kids Elementary and Younger. Kids under four years are usually free at most locations, but the list below is free …

Tokyo can be expensive if you have multiple children, but take heart there are some amazing attractions that are awesomely free.  Kids under four years are usually free at most locations, but the list below includes free locations for elementary school age kids and some for junior and senior high …

Want a fun craft you can do year round with the kids? Or the perfect kids` handmade paper gifts for friends and family? Try Paper Quilling! Paper Quilling or Paper Filigree is the art of shaping rolled paper into decorative shapes that can be glued together. It’s fun, and it helps …

Bunkyo City International Exchange Group is offering a free English guided tour of the University of Tokyo; renowned for its academic excellence, and the oldest national university in Japan. Visit “Akamon” (the red gate) constructed in 1827 and enjoy viewing yellow Ginkgo tree leaves at the University of Tokyo campus. …

The Teien Museum is a perfectly preserved residence, now museum,  from the 1930’s. The museum has been closed for the past seven months due to retrofit for handicap users. The new exhibit is “Decoration never dies, anyway” which runs until February 25th, 2018. The Teien Museum, built in 1933, was …