5 Tokyo Experiences That Blew Our Kids’ Minds

I was holding my breath as I watched Dax and Evelyn enter their first “job” for the day at KidZania in Tokyo. It’s a very stimulating mini-city, and not the type of place Dax typically easily walks away from me.

But my hesitant little guy who usually needs extra encouragement was suddenly waving from the back of a fire truck, flash freezing fried rice, and giggling with pure joy after flying an airplane. Meanwhile, Evelyn had created an entire backstory about graduating college and moving to Tokyo for her dream job that day.

Here’s what hit me: I hover more with Dax than I did with Evelyn because I want him to feel supported, but Tokyo’s kid activities don’t give you that option. Parents step back and kids step up. They kindly but adamantly follow the rules – this place is for KIDS, not parents.

At first I was nervous. Would he freeze up? Would he back out and leave the activity?

Instead, I watched his confidence grow with every completed task. No mom stepping in to “help.” No safety net except his own capability.

They both declared the day “best day ever” at the end of our time there, and we even made a second trip during our time in Tokyo!

We talked a lot about how in Japan, they give kids responsibility and independence much earlier than parents, ourselves included, typically do in the US. Evelyn was especially fascinated seeing 6yr olds pass in the crosswalk of a busy intersection, no parent or other adult in sight.

Their top five activities during out time in Tokyo definitely had multiple moments of independence granted, and I think we all gained a new perspective on growing up that week.

Here’s what else had them (and us) completely hooked:

🐠 The Aquarium – Not huge so perfect for an hour or two, but incredible sea animals and penguins that had them mesmerized

🥐 Comme’n Kids – Kids-only bakery where parents literally aren’t allowed inside! They were obsessed with ordering their own treats

🌌 TeamLab Planets – Interactive art you walk through together – fun for both kids and parents (felt like being inside a dream)

🐰 Animal Cafés – Minipigs, chinchillas, and more. Never knew how cute a tiny pig sleeping in my child’s lap could be

👩‍🚀 KidZania – Very close second to Disney as best place on earth. They “worked” real jobs and took earning those dollars SO seriously

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Honorable mention: Conveyor belt sushi restaurants because having your food arrive on a moving platform is 100% entertainment for kids.

And yes, Tokyo Disney was their #1 but that’s getting its own post!

If you’re traveling with kids who need that extra push, Tokyo might be the place that surprises you both 🇯🇵