Takeshita Street, Tokyo’s Harajuku
Takeshita Street is a small alleyway in Harajuku, Tokyo, dotted with kitschy Japanese shops and crowded with local and foreign tourists. Enjoying the festive festival ambiance, browse the shops, stop for a crepe and bubble tea, or pick up a large fairy floss along the route. The street is frequently blessed later in the day by the infamous Harajuku teens with their distinctive dress and cosplay, thus it is advised to go early to avoid crowds.
Fukuoka, Umi no Nakamichi Kaihin Koen
If you’re travelling through the southern part of Japan, you must stop at Umi no Nakamichi Kaihin Koen (Umi no Nakamichi coastal park), which is situated in the beautiful city of Fukuoka. This large park, which spans 4 km (2.5 miles), was primarily created for family vacations. The park is a highly flexible choice because it has an amusement park, a flower garden, a zoo, a number of sports fields, and pleasant grassy places for picnics. You may also rent bikes at the entrance gate and tour the park using its network of riding routes if the small ones are prone to acquiring tired legs from walking.
Tokyo’s Studio Ghibli Museum
The fanciful world of Studio Ghibli must be the only animated universe that could compete with Disney in terms of popularity in Japan. Miyazaki Hayao’s Studio Ghibli is a Japanese legend and a global pop culture sensation thanks to the classic films My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
This museum, which was created to mimic the look of the studio’s movies, features exhibitions, a special showing of Ghibli films that haven’t been seen anywhere else, a café, a playground, and a rooftop garden area. However, it is advised that you make plans in early if you wish to attend because tickets frequently sell out months in advance.
Saitama’s Moominvalley
You’ll think you’ve entered a different world when you take the train to Moominvalley in the Saitama prefecture, even though it’s only a little over an hour from central Tokyo. This open to the public, free park in Saitama was created around the world of the Moomins, fictitious Swedish characters that resemble hippopotamuses. Visit the Moomin cottages, scale the play structures, and explore the nearby rivers and woodlands. Pack a picnic and head outside for a healthy day in the sun if the weather is nice.
Yokohama’s Cosmo World
Technically, Yokohama is closer to central Tokyo than other parts of the city, yet it is undoubtedly a very distinct metropolis all on its own. The port city, which is Japan’s second-most populous city (after Tokyo), is unquestionably a family-friendly vacation spot. If you want the accessibility of Tokyo but the laid-back vibe of a smaller metropolis, it’s worth considering Yokohama as your family vacation base because it’s a little less frenetic than its neighbour. Cosmo World, a year-round waterside amusement park and fairgrounds, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s a charming small family-friendly hangout with a sizable illuminated Ferris wheel, rides, and sideshow alley-style entertainment.
