I’ve decided to just make a comprehensive list of places and experiences in Japan that you may like to book in advance – depending on what kind of holiday you maybe hoping for.
I totally understand that everyone gets FOMO (or whatever you would call it if you have FOMO in advance? Pre-FOMO?)
So here is a list and I’ll keep adding to it as I go.
Please see here for info on how to begin planning a Japan Family holiday (including time of year thoughts, order on which to plan different parts of the holiday etc.)
Here are the details of when Japanese school students are on holidays.
*Please note that I have not included most restaurants, JR or other travel passes and, of course accommodation*
See here if you’d like to know how to book bullet train tickets in advance
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What NOT to book ahead without checking first? A Japan Rail Pass – a handful of years ago, this was a MUST for tourists but the prices and system has changed now and it’s rarely economical for tourists anymore so, if booking your trip through a travel agent – make sure that they are up to date with these changes. I explain more about the JR (Japan Rail Pass) here and how to work out if it will be cost effective for you and your time in Japan.
Airport Transfers or Private Tour Guide Drivers
If someone in your group has mobility issues or you are stuck for time to see the sights in Hiroshima, Tokyo, Hokkaido or Kyoto, it is possible to organise for an English speaking driver for sightseeing OR airport / cruise transfers- and I recommend this company TokudAw as they only use legally registered vehicles and drivers and also can provide child and baby car seats AND they can also accommodate wheelchair users. This company offer a full service transfer (providing child seats, pre-meetings with clients online so that they can match their needs and the kind of holiday they are after.) I’ve also been so impressed how helpful they have been with helping my family problem solve regarding best times to travel and what my family needs. I love that they are also only use legally registered drivers and vehicles. Prices match the other legally registered companies offering similar services BUT with a much higher end service and with options such as baby and child-seats. I highly recommend. If a beautiful service like this outside of your budget, I recommend looking into the Airport Limousine Bus service to and from airports and taxis for getting around (public transport is, of course, the most cost effective way to see Japan.)
Should you be arriving into Narita, it is much further from the city – we always use an airport limousine bus or the Narita Express. I explain more here.
Pocket Wifi or an E-sim
International Roaming isn’t great in Japan (and is expensive for terrible coverage.) I speak about it here but you NEED reliable internet in Japan. You need to get a bit “lost” when you explore, you need to be able to use google translate easily, you need to be able to make online bookings etc and show email confirmations. Also, did you know there is NO free wifi in the disney parks – so, without the internet you won’t be able to access the Tokyo Disney Resort app and get in those free fast passes and sign up for the paid options too?
I have affiliate codes here (so I make a small amount when you purchase at no extra cost to you):
25% off Pocket Wifi
10% off an E-Sim
Amusement and Theme Parks
– Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo Disneysea (many people have trouble making reservations with foreign cards so here are other options on how to buy Tokyo Disney tickets.)
(If you can’t decide between the two I have written about the differences between Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea here as it depends on what you like. )
Please note that it is NOT possible to buy tickets for Tokyo Disneyland or Disneysea at the gate. This is why their crowd prediction calendars are so accurate.
See here for where to buy Tokyo Disneyland tickets.
Also, I show you here how to check the crowd prediction calendars in to see which days at Tokyo Disney will be the least busy.
*The Tokyo Disneyland Hotels and the Toy Story hotel can also book out quickly (the Toy Story Hotel only opens for bookings 3 months ahead of time and is known to book out in minutes.
*Please note that park entry tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea are NOT included in your hotel price like in some other Disney parks around the world. You will need to buy Tokyo Disney Park tickets separately (I explain how here) or, if you are staying in an official Tokyo Disney Hotel, you can purchase while you check-in for your stay. The exception? If you’ve purchased some sort of vacation package. *
Disney Parks in Japan have 3-4 shows that require paid tickets.
These shows are mostly in Japanese and are mostly used by tour groups but, if you would like to, you can book these 30 days in advance on the Tokyo Disney Official Resort website here. There are many other shows in the parks that do not require reservations.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Tokyo Disneyland
For those who haven’t been to Disney before, this is a salon that dresses children up to be a Disney Princess for the day (including a special certificate and hairstyling.) Children can keep some of the accessories and make up to take home – the dress will need to be returned at the end of the day.
Reservations for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Tokyo Disneyland open at 9am exactly one month from your desired reservation date. Children participating must be between 3-11 years of age to participate – however, please note that most children who particpate in Japan are between 3-5 years old and most tend to be girls (doesn’t mean that boys can’t sign up though, of course.)
The staff all speak English well here. Please note that if you have limited time at Tokyo Disneyland- you appointment will cut into your time at Tokyo Disneyland. Most appointments here cost between 30,000-40,000 yen per child. Click here to make a reservation for Tokyo Disneyland’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Tokyo Disneyland. Please note that you will still need a ticket for Tokyo Disneyland for the day of your appointment.
Personally, I think the better option is to just buy or bring a disney dress from home for your child to wear in the park – children are allowed to dress up within the park year-round (adults can only wear costumes during the Halloween season.)
– Universal Studios Japan (You need to get your express passes ahead of time- bookings open 60 days in advance – at midnight) Need help choosing the best Express pass for you and your family? Read here now.
THE NEW DONKEY KONG COUNTRY SECTION: Opened Dec 11, 2025
Donkey Kong is still quite new and is still one of the most popular sections of the park. With kids, I wouldn’t make promises that you will get to see this new land BUT you may get to see more of the others as the crowds will be focused on this section (great news for Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter fans!) I’ve written more about Donkey Kong Country here. They way to be able to promise access Super Nintendo World and the Donkey Kong section – choosing an express pass (along with your general entry ticket) that lists these very sections.
Here is the crowd prediction calendar for Universal Studios Japan.
As with the Tokyo Disney Park crowd prediction calendars – choose the month and then look at the days. The weather forecast is written under the day of the month and a letter “A-F”. A is the least crowded and F is the most crowded.
I, personally, wouldn’t ever visit Universal Studios without express passes – and, unlike Tokyo Disney Parks, these need to be purchased in advance (when you buy the entry ticket for the park.). You can make your purchase on the official Universal Studios Japan website – however, it isn’t very international credit card friendly for most people so .. if that is the case for you, you may like to purchase your park ticket and USJ fast passes via Klook (see my affiliate link here.)
How to choose the right Express Passes for your family at Universal Studios Osaka?
Best thing to do first, is check the height of your children in centimetres (I explain here in my detail here why it’s a good idea to know the height and weight of your kids before travelling to Japan, anyway) and then looking at the height restrictions for the rides you’re interested in. No point buying a ticket for ride that you won’t be allowed on because of height restrictions.
The most popular fast pass packs are those that include one of the Super Nintendo World rides as those often mean guaranteed entry into the Super Nintendo World area – so I recommend grabbing one of those first, if you can. Here is a link for buying your express passes via Klook right now.
THE NEW DONKEY KONG COUNTRY SECTION: Opened Dec 11.
It will be sooooo busy from Dec – June 2025 so please please please please get all the express passes you can (need to be purchased ahead of time.) With kids, I wouldn’t make promises that you will get to see this new land BUT you may get to see more of the others as the crowds will be focused on this section (great news for Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter fans!) I’ve written more about Donkey Kong Country here.
– Legoland Japan, Nagoya (Legoland Nagoya tickets don’t often sell out but the Legoland Hotel does)
– FujiQ Highland
– Kidzania
– Ghibli Park, Nagoya
–Sanrio Puroland (Hello Kitty Land) Book your tickets for Sanrio Puroland here.
– Warner Bros Harry Potter Wizarding World in Toshimaen, Tokyo (please note that there is also a Harry Potter Shop and Cafe much closed to the centre of Tokyo. Reservations also required.). Here are all the tips on what to pack and book in advance when visiting The Making of Harry Potter Studio, Tokyo.
Go to the new PokePark! (Pokemon Themed Amusement Park)
This is brand new so not the easiest place to get tickets for.
The Cup Noodle Museum Workshop (Osaka)
If you are going to visit the Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka (you’ll need at least a half day) the whole family can learn how to make instant noodles from scratch in a 1.5 hour class and/or decorate your own cup noodle cup to take home.
Don’t forget to pre-book the chicken ramen workshop here (please note that it is only for children aged 6 and older.)
Please note that you do not need to participate in this workshop to still have a wonderful half day at the Cup Noodle Museum. You can still make your own cup ramen to take home. I have more information on the Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka in my Osaka with kids blog post here.
The Cup Noodle Museum Workshop (Yokohama)
If you are going to visit the Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama (you’ll need at least a half day) the whole family can learn how to make instant noodles from scratch in a 1.5 hour class and/or decorate your own cup noodle cup to take home.
Don’t forget to pre-book the chicken ramen workshop here (please note that it is only for children aged 6 and older.)
Please note that you do not need to participate in this workshop to still have a wonderful half day at the Cup Noodle Museum. You can still make your own cup ramen to take home. I have more information on the Cup Noodle Museum in my Yokohama with kids blog post here.
A kid-friendly cooking class in Kyoto
Here is a great ramen, gyoza and onigiri cooking class in Kyoto. (for children 12 years old+ only)
A gluten-free cooking class in Osaka
I recommend joining one of Yukiko’s Gluten Free Comeconoco Cooking Classes in Osaka too. Link and details here. Many people love her okonomiyaki classes most. Even if you can’t finish all the food during the class – you can take it away with you. She also has gluten free bread and pastry making classes.
A gluten free & vegan udon and tempura cooking class in Tokyo
This cooking class is for children 10+ OR adults with children who are sitting (or, hopefully, sleeping?) in a stroller. See all the details for this vegan & gluten free Tokyo cooking class for families here.
A sushi-making class in Asakusa , Tokyo (can be made gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan upon request)
This class welcomes children. Children under 4 are free (they will need to share the dishes with the paying participant/guardian though.) See all the details or this sushi-making class here.
A gluten free, muslim-friendly and/or vegan cooking class in Tokyo
I highly recommend booking a cooking class with“At Home with Nahoko.” See her website here for class details and prices (most classes require a minimum of two people.)
Nahoko is knowledgable and cautious about cross contamination too (separate mats and chopping boards for those with different dietary requirements and allergies) and understands the importance of handwashing and changing utensils when moving between students. Gluten free ramen is a skill that not everyone can master easily (without it turning into mush) but she is happy to share her tips and techniques to make it all work out and create a truly stunning meal.
A kid-friendly sushi making class in Asakusa or near Tokyo Tower in Tokyo
Here is a great kid-friendly sushi making class that you can take either in Asakusa or near Tokyo Tower.
Where can I rent plus size kimono in Tokyo?
This company offer plus size kimono rental in Asakusa, Tokyo. Make a reservation here.
A bauble making craft class – made of upcycled kimono fabric in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
This is one of my daughter’s top 3 favourite things to do in Tokyo. Make a reservation via the Bikudesigns website here to request a family workshop. Children must be 8 or older to take part (and if they are younger than 10 they will need a 1 adult to 2 children ratio.)
Internet options
Portable Wifi or an e-sim (I speak further here about how important it is to sort out internet ahead of time.)
International Drivers Licence
You will need to prepare an international drivers license in your own home country if you want to be able to drive in Japan at all. Including the Mario Cart style go-carts.). Click here to book a rental car from Tokyo via Klook now.
What to read before driving in Japan
The Japan Automobile Federation has a detailed guide on road safety in Japan here.
Here is the link to the National Police Agency’s Traffic Safety Guidelines in Japan.
And here is the National Police Agency’s brochure for international drivers in Japan.
And here are my personal tips for driving in Japan.
Concerts and Musicals
-Check out Tokyo Weekender, Joyn Japan and Tokyo Timeout for artists currently touring in Japan
I also think it’s worth subscribing to emails from Spoon and Tamago as well as the JNTO leading up to your travel dates- these emails keep you in the know about new events and seasonal festivals and just general cool stuff happening in Japan.
A digital art experience in Osaka
Click here to book in for the digital art experience in Osaka called “Miracle World.” (Book up to 3 months in advance.)
Jinrikisha (Japanese rickshaw)
I have a link here for those who would like to book a private jinrikisha tour in Nara. A Jinrikisha is a Japanese version of a rickshaw.
Here are my other tips on visiting Nara with kids.
I’ve put a link here for those who would like to book a jinrikisha (a Japanese rickshaw) tour ahead of time in Arashiyama. It is possible to just turn up and ride – but to avoid having to wait during busy season, it can be a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time. Here are all of my general tips for when visiting Arashiyama with kids.
Click here to book one of the boat rides on the Dotombori in Osaka (kids and babies allowed.)
Personally, I really only recommend doing this at night as it’s a bit grey and yucky during the day – but the neon lights make it a bit nicer at night. As it is just a boat cruise for sightseeing it’s quite reasonably priced too. I’ve written about all of our favourite spots to visit (including yummy restaurants) as a family in the Dotonbori area here.
The Samurai & Ninja Museum in Asakusa (Tokyo)
There is a Ninja & Samurai Museum in Asakusa which is good for little kids ( a bit cheezy and touristy but great for kids who love to dress up and it also makes for really cute photo opportunities.) Need to reserve online ahead of time. There is an English speaking tour guide here who explains the history and stories regarding samurai and ninja. See here for other places to sightsee and eat with kids nearby.
The Samurai & Ninja Museum in Kyoto
This is a great option for families (even grannies and grandpas like this one.) Unless you have ninja obsessed teens- I feel that this activity is best for kids between the ages of 2-8.
Hiking in Japan?
Download an English support app called YAMAP for hiking routes and downloadable maps.
A box of Nappies/Diapers and general baby related goods like wipes, sunscreen etc?
There is beautiful business run by Claire (from the UK but lives in Japan) who can organise for a box of diapers and anything else you may need – even sticker books or thermometers, sunscreen to be waiting for you at your hotel (!!) You can even ask for her advice on certain items. The company is called “Little Nomads Japan.” Details here.
Cash
Japan has made big steps towards becoming a cashless society but is, compared to many countries around the world, still quite reliant on cash – and not having some cash on you could mean you miss out on some experiences or get stuck in certain scenarios.
I speak more about the need for cash in Japan here.
For this reason, I think it is worth contacting your bank ( firstly to let them know that you will be using your card overseas while you travel) to check what the withdrawal rates are for withdrawing in Japan or if it is worth getting a specific card for travel.
Japan Experiences
–Shibuya Sky observation deck ( available book 30 days in advance – sunset is the most popular time of day.) *If you’re going to Shibuya Sky with children under 12 years old, you will need to only buy the adult tickets and then you buy the child tickets on the day. I took my two kids on my own and it was really easy to buy their child tickets on the day (and I pre-purchased my own.) I don’t recommend trying to go at sunset time – I believe it is over-rated. With kids? Go during the day – no-one knows what the weather will do anyway.
Please note that ticket prices and sessions changed April 1, 2025. From April 1st, tickets are 2,700 yen per adult for visits before 3pm. After 3pm visits are 3,400 yen. Tickets are sold from midnight two weeks before the day you wish to visit Shibuya Sky.
– Mario Cart style driving experiences (please note that you will need to obtain an international driving license in your home country first)
– Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo (often is sold out months in advance. Klook is an easy way to purchase tickets.) If you don’t want to go out to the Harry Potter Studio Tour – then did you know there is a Harry Potter Cafe in Akasaka closer to central Tokyo. Make a reservation at the Harry Potter Cafe in Akasaka here.
–Sumo Tickets
-Many of the Sumo Stable packages offer a chanko nabe ((hot pot) meal as part of the ticket. Chanko Nabe is a hearty meal that many sumos famously enjoy often.
Asakusa Sumo Club is great fun (super touristy and cheesy though) and the food actually is pretty good. There are VIP seats ringside but all seats are still pretty good (if you’re further back you get to eat and slowly take in the show a bit more too.)
Please note that Chanko Nabe is not the kind of dish that you can change in order to cater to those with different dietary requirements – so if you are strictly vegetarian or vegan – best to skip this one.
-Baseball Tickets!
The Giants play at Tokyo Dome (a more modern stadium.) The Swallows play at Meiji Jingu (open air) Stadium. If you have trouble getting tickets to see either of these team, I recommend looking into travelling to Yokohama to see the Baystars.
I also highly highly recommend going to see the Hanshin Tigers play in Osaka or Kobe.
Click here to book a Tokyo Baseball Experience Tour in English at Meiji Jingu Stadium.
Click here to book a Tokyo Dome Baseball Tour with commentary by Giants Legend “Warren Cromartie”
Japan Food Experiences
– Borderless Visit (where you can have dinner with a Japanese family in their home)
– Food tours or food walking tours
-How about a traditional kaiseki meal in Tokyo or Kyoto or Nara as a family?
-I highly recommend taking a yakatabune (dinner and drinks on a boat) as a family too
–If you are looking to have dinner with a Japanese Maiko (an apprentice geisha) in Kyoto I recommend making a reservation here (kids allowed too.)
Character Cafes
–Pokemon Cafes in Tokyo & Osaka.
Please note that the Pokemon Cafe in Tokyo will be closed for renovations from March -late June 2026.
-The Kirby Cafe
– The Harry Potter Cafe and Shop in Akasaka, Tokyo
Go to the new PokePark! (Pokemon Themed Amusement Park)
This is brand new so not the easiest place to get tickets for.
Have you thought about staying in a Pokemon themed room?
I’ve written in detail about my stay in a Pokemon room in Osaka here.
How cool is this?! And there are bunks on the other side of the living room section too!
Exhibitions, Art Galleries & Museums
Team Lab Planets. (can book up to 30 days in advance.)
Please note that Team Lab Planets opened a new section Jan 22, 2025.
The new areas are “Catching and Collecting Forest” and “Athletics Forest.” Both are stunning and both are so interactive and great for kids.
See footage of the new Team Lab Planets sections here.
A few Aussie readers have told me that they have had issues booking Team Lab Planets directly from the official website with their credit cards. If you have no other credit cards to use, I can also recommend booking Team Lab Planets via Klook here. Please note that this is an affiliate link (this means that I make a small commission if you make a purchase -at no additional cost to you.)
The new Team Lab Borderless
Roppongi, in Tokyo, has 3 large galleries all quite close together. Many exhibitions are family friendly and the exhibits are constantly changing.
Click here to book the Osaka Team Labs Botanical (to be visited in the evening.)
My personal opinion, you only really need to do one of the Team Lab options while in Japan. It gets a bit much of the same-same otherwise.
The Mazda Museum in Hiroshima needs to be booked exactly 3 months in advance (I give detailed instructions in my Hiroshima with kids blogpost here.)
Ghibli Museum Please note that, if you’re looking for book the Ghibli Museum, tickets need to be purchased on the 10th – the month before you want to go at 10am Japan time. ie. if you want to go in May – you will need to be online to book on April 10th at 10am.
Here are all of my favourite museums for children in Japan
The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto
Opened in Oct 2024. Tickets are sold as as part of a lottery system
Small Worlds Museum
This is just a few train stops from Team Lab Planets and near lots of other kid-friendly options on Odaiba.
Animal Cafes
There are so many but, for example, the MiPig Cafe
Playcentres
Japan has some truly incredible playcentres for small children
Ghibli Mitaka in Tokyo – tickets go on sale the month before – on the 10th of the month. For example: if you were going to book for March then you would need to be online to book on February 10th. These tickets are very very hard to acquire. So I recommend also looking into third party buyers in order to have the most success.
Here are things to do in the area around the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.
Latte Art shop in Asakusa (Tokyo) called Hat Coffee.
I speak more about it in my Asakusa with kids article here. Bookings are essential (walk-ins may have to wait hours and hours.) For guaranteed entry, I recommend reserving a spot at Hat Coffee Asakusa here.
*Please note that there are two Hat Coffee locations – make sure you attend the correct branch after making your reservation. Bookings open approx 1.5 months in advance.
Babysitting Services
English Speaking Babysitters in Tokyo
If you like this list you will also enjoy my last minute checklist of things to prepare ahead for Japan and this blog post on what to pack when travelling to Japan with children.
I’ve also written about when to travel to Japan with children.
