THE BEST LONGER TERM OPTION FOR FAMILIES IN TOKYO: UENO

Sumii Furnished Apartments in Tokyo! (and this article is all about my stay at long term Tokyo apartment run and owned by Sumii in Ueno.

Those who have followed my blog for many years know just how excited I get when accommodation options in Japan really take into consideration exactly what families really really need in Japan! A lovely lush hotel for families sounds great in theory and can be cool for a night but can all fall apart when the family members all need some space to stretch, wriggle and downtime. They also need the option to be able to wash and dry clothing, the ability to cook a light meal for picky eaters while they adjust to new foods or for jet-lagged little ones at funny hours of the day as well as the option to cater to those with special dietary requirements or allergies easily.

Here are all of our favourite things to do (places to eat, sightseeing spots and parks and playgrounds) in Ueno.
REMEMBER: When you’re staying at Sumii Ueno, you are close to the following neighbourhoods (and I have kid-friendly guides for each!):

–Ueno
–Akihabara
–Asakusa
–Tokyo Station
–Tokyo Skytree
–Tokyo Dome

Sumii currently have 45 apartments all over Tokyo!
*Since writing this article I have stayed at TWO MORE Sumii apartments – Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara and Sumii Hongo.
I have written about each of them here.*

This isn’t an affiliate link but I do have a 10% off discount code for Sumii – please be sure to use the code “SUMIISUMMER26”
Sumii also has substantial discounts for guests who book before December 2026 AND they can take 10,000 yen off the cleaning fees!

How to experience what it is like to LIVE in Tokyo as a family
I am delighted to hear from more and more families (almost daily now!) who wish they could do a little taster of what it is like to LIVE in Japan as a family. Naturally, visa and job opportunities don’t always make this the most accessible option for everyone. But I’m so excited that I now have a fabulous option that I’ve already been sending on to family, friends and The Tokyo Chapter readers!
These apartments are FULLY furnished (linen, washing machine, cutlery and crockery even!).Sumii have also taken into consideration all of the things families need when considering a temporary or longer term home in Japan such as proximity to train stations, supermarkets, playgrounds and family-friendly restaurant options (this is of particular important when needing to access these options on foot.) I speak here about other points to take into consideration when choosing the best accommodation for you and your family in Japan.

Sumii apartments are particularly popular with families who are moving to Japan and are getting settled nice and slowly (and are checking out which area suits their family’s needs best.)
They are also great for those who are in Japan as a part of their family’s self-driven worldschooling / homeschooling curriculum.


Ordinarily, renting a longer term space in Japan involves something called key money. Key money is a large sum of money to secure the rental property as your own – in addition to rental fees. I liken key money to a big down payment many country clubs or gyms can ask for when you become a new member.
However, I’m so glad that Sumii Apartments have decided to not charge their guests/residents any key money at all!!! Amazing, right?

These apartments have a one month minimum (which is fabulous as the standard tourist visa is maximum 90 days for many countries) and a maximum of one whole year!

Many of my readers come to Japan for all of summer or winter and have been looking for something just like this. It is just soooo much more practical and affordable for families than “living” long term in a pricey hotel where you are all on top of one another all the time.

This isn’t an affiliate link but I do have a 10% off discount code for Sumii – please be sure to use the code “SUMIISUMMER26”

Would this be a good accommodation option for offering to family members who are visiting me in Japan?
YES!! If you live in Tokyo and have another family visit – this is a wonderful solution to not having the space to “house” visitors.
As you’ll know if you live in Japan – a guest room or space to host others is pretty much unheard of!
This is a way to make sure your guests are truly comfortable (you’re going to be jealous of their surroundings and the space so don’t say I didn’t warn you!)

If you have grandma and grandpa visiting, you could also have the kids have little Tokyo sleepovers at “Granny & Grandpa’s Tokyo House.” (Warning: your visitors are going to think that all Tokyo homes are this spacious and gorgeous ! Spoiler: the homes of many of my Japanese friends are MUCH smaller than these Sumii apartments – your family and friends have no idea how lucky they are to stay here!!!!!!)

Which Sumii Apartments have I personally stayed in?
I have stayed at Sumii Ueno, Sumii Hongo and Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara.
They are all beautiflul properties in local neighbourhoods – yet are all extremely convenient locations.




How to we sort rubbish while staying at Sumii Apartments ?
Properly “living” in Japan as a family also involves taking part in the recycling and rubbish sorting, of course. The building rubbish area is so well organized ( and clearly sign-posted in Japanese and English) that it makes it so easy to follow along with the trash sorting expectations. Typical Japan having cool little systems for everything.


Can Sumii Apartments assist with extra items for families?
Yes! In fact, Sumii are open to additional requests such as cots for small children and high chairs etc. When making an inquiry let them know which options you will require as a family.
Rental options for families include the following:
-Baby gates
-Baby mattresses
-Cots
-Strollers
-Baby carriers
-Baby baths
-Baby monitors
-Milk warmers

This isn’t an affiliate link but I do have a 10% off discount code for Sumii – please be sure to use the code “SUMIISUMMER26”

Can I watch Netflix while staying at Sumii in Ueno?
You can ! In fact, you can easily log into Netflix, Youtube and Prime Video.

What is it like inside the Sumii Ueno apartment?

Which supermarkets are near Sumii Ueno?
See here for all of my tips for shopping at Japanese supermarkets (especially when travelling with kids).

Kokosu Nakamura Supermarket (open 9:30am-10pm)
This supermarket has a mixture of pantry staples and fresh fruit and vegetables and they also sell ready made foods and bento options. There is a 100 yen store on the second floor. This supermarket is 3 mins walk from Sumii Ueno.

Local fruit & veg stores

Seijo Ishii Supermarket (5 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno OR 20 mins walk)
is my favourite brand of supermarket in Tokyo. The closest option is 2 mins walk from Ueno Station (it’s technically in the station building.) I like them because they have lots of international options and a pretty decent selection of cheese (for Japan.)  I also like their deli section as it is filled mini pizzas and pre-cooked chicken and some salads.  These are all great options for making a quick and easy meal back at Sumii Ueno.  They sell pesto in the pasta section too so I often buy pasta, raw chicken, pesto and cream and make a simple chicken pesto pasta. Seijo Ishii supermarkets also stock gluten free bread.  *This supermarket stocks a rice flour bread made by a company called “Happy Bakery.”  It’s also handy that they open at 7:30am. Open 7:30am-11pm.

*In the same building as Seijo Ishii at Ueno Station (on the 3rd floor) is a gluten free Churros shop called Avan.*

Summit Supermarket (6 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno)
Sumiit has a wide range of fruit and veg and lots of different types of bentos and pre-made salads.They also have a good bakery section with pre-made pizzas. Open 9am-11pm.  This is the Summit Okachimachi branch. In the same complex as this supermarket is a Daiso 1oo yen store – there is also a playground 1 min walk away called “Okachimachi Park.” (see the playground section of this blog post for pictures of this playground.) It is 7 mins walk from Ueno Station.
As a side note: the Takeya Complex is also great for buying souvenirs like Japanese sweets, cosmetics etc. Many of the staff members wear badges that say ” I speak English” or “I speak Mandarin” etc.

Yoshiike Supermarket (8 mins in a taxi from Sumii Ueno)
Located in the basement floors of Okachimachi Yoshiike Department Store（8 mins walk from Ueno Station). This supermarket has lots of takeway bentos (especially amazing sashimi options as this brand of supermarket specialises in seafood.).  Open from 9:30am-8:30pm.

Eusa Halal Mart (9 mins walk from Sumii Ueno)
Depending on what your family needs, you may also like to check out Eusa Halal Mart.  A small Halal Grocery Store.  It is open 10am-11pm.  You can also buy hot, ready made samosa here.  This supermarket is 11 mins walk from Ueno Station.

Bio Ral Supermarket (11 mins in a taxi from Sumii Ueno)
In the Parcoya Ueno Building is Bio-Ral Supermarket Ueno branch (open 10am-10pm) sell lots of gluten free snacks and meals. For example: gluten free gyoza (freezer section) , whole bean flour Zen B bread, gluten free loaves of sliced bread and rice flour brownies and cakes. *This supermarket stocks a rice flour bread made by a company called “Happy Bakery.”
It is 1 min walk from the South Exit of Okachimachi Station. There are also lots of delicious vegan soups here. They also sell Oat Milk chocolate.

WHICH STATION IS CLOSE TO SUMII UENO?
Iriya Station is 2 mins walk from Sumii Ueno.
Uguisudani Station is also 9 mins walk away.


WHICH 100 YEN SHOP IS CLOSE TO SUMII UENO?
There is a Daiso just 3 mins walk from Sumii Ueno.

WHICH DON QUIJOTE IS CLOSEST TO SUMII UENO?
Don Quijote Asakusa is 5 mins away by taxi or you can take public transport for 10 mins.
Don Quijote Okachimachi is 7 mins away by taxi or you can take public transport for 12 mins.



WHICH CONVENIENCE STORES ARE NEAR SUMII UENO?
100 yen Lawson convenience store/mini-mart (2 mins walk)
7-Eleven (3 mins walk)
Family Mart (3 mins walk)
Lawson (7 mins walk)
Mini-Stop (8 mins walk)
See here for my favourite convenience store snacks and tips on finding the staples easily.

WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS NEAR SUMII UENO?
Bread & Pastries (11 mins walk from Sumii Ueno)
Bib Bakery has fresh croissants, pastries and muffins.　 They accept most major credit cards. Put it into google maps as it’s quite hidden and kept as a little local “secret.”
BIB BAKERY
台東区千束2-26-10 サンハイム千束 1F
GROUND FLOOR, SANHAIMU SENZOKU BUILDING, 2-26-10 SENZOKU, TAITO-KU
OPEN 9AM-5PM
CLOSED MONDAYS & THURSDAYS


Casual Gyoza Restaurant (12 mins walk from Sumii Ueno)
Nikujiru Gyoza Dandadan Uguisudani Store
This is a very casual izakaya that sells gyoza. The gyozas are fried but have a soft juicy meat filling.  They also serve Suigyoza which is a boiled gyoza. Just a heads up – the sashimi here is actually horse sashimi. They have free wifi. They accept most major credit cards. Budget 2000 yen per adult here (there is also a 200 yen service charge per person here – and like most izakaya in Japan, you will be served an otoshi appetizer – you don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to- just leave it on the table.)
This restaurant is non-smoking.
It’s possible to make a reservation here but you can also try for a walk in. 
They accept most major credit cards.
I recommend budgeting 2000 yen per adult to dine here at lunch and more like 3000 yen for dinner. 
See pictures of the Nikujyu Gyoza no Dandadan menu here. 
NIKUJIRU GYOZA DANDADAN UGUISUDANI
台東区根岸1-5-12
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2:30PM) & 4PM-MIDNIGHT
OPEN WEEKENDS 11:30AM-MIDNIGHT


Casual fast food marinated meat rice bowl restaurants
Matsuya (open 24 hours) and Yoshinoya (open 5am-2am the next day) are both 3 mins walk from Sumii Ueno. Super casual and you can also get your meal to go.

Cake and Dessert Shop (4 mins walk from Sumii Ueno)
Ginza Cozy Corner has the cutest take away cakes. See their product list here.


Yakiniku (6 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno OR 12 mins by public transport)
Tokyo Yakiniku Heijoen Asakusa Sohonten was founded in 1970.  The restaurant is beautiful and it’s a great place to try A5 Grade Wagyu. Eat table has it’s own grill.   If you are gluten free, ask for lemon with the meat for dipping rather than using the marinades provided.  They accept most major credit cards. I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult lunch and more like 7000 yen at dinner time.
They welcome children here.  They are happy to store strollers for you while you dine.  The restaurant is non-smoking but there are enclosed smoking rooms on each floor.   This is a great place for parents to also try different types of sake.  
They are 3 mins walk from Asakusa Station or 1 min walk from the Ninja & Samurai Museum in Asakusa.　You can also organise for a small birthday cake with your birthday name written in chocolate on top if it’s your birthday.

TOKYO YAKINIKU HEIJOEN ASAKUSA SOHONTEN
台東区雷門1-15-10
1-15-10 KAMINARIMON, TAITO-KU
OPEN 11:30AM-11PM (LAST ORDERS AT 10PM)

Gyoza, Ramen & Fried Rice (5 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno OR 15 mins walk)
I recommend going to Tiger Gyoza Hall (aka Tiger Gyoza Kaikan) for lunch or dinner.  It’s casual and yummy and also so budget friendly.  Unfortunately this restaurant no longer offers a vegan menu.
This is a walk-in restaurant only so no need to make reservations.  It does seat 48 people so you won’t have to wait too long if there is a line.  This restaurant is cash only. 
For lunch here I would budget for 1500 yen for lunch per person and around 3000 yen for dinner.  Kids are welcome here and you don’t need to order them a full meal but it is polite to have at least one dish per person – even if that dish isn’t going to be consumed by that child-  ordered (the idea is you share all items accept for ramen anyway. If you want to share a little bit of ramen with kids, I recommend asking for a small side plate – a torizara and you can make them their own little mini-bowl.) This restaurant is 6 mins walk from Asakusa Station or 1 min walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express line. Visit these places with kids afterwards.

TIGER GYOZA KAIKAN, ASAKUSA
台東区浅草1-25-17
OPEN ON WEEKDAYS MIDDAY-3PM & 6PM -11PM
OPEN ON WEEKENDS 11:30AM-11PM

Okonomiyaki for lunch or dinner (6 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno OR 19 mins walk)
Sometaro Asakusa. Expect to pay around 1000 – 2000 yen for a meal (for an adult.)
Okonomiyaki is like a Japanese omelette that is cooked in front of you, on the hot plate.   It sounds dangerous with kids and you will need to keep toddlers hands in check but, actually, it is a really fun way for kids to get involved.
For fussy kids, it is also an easy way to dictate what goes into their meal as you can just say no to certain ingredients.
Even more than okonomiyaki, my kids love yakisoba which is noodles cooked on the hot plate.
It’s a very casual way to dine and is, in Japan, seen as a real comfort food.
Please note that this restaurant only accepts cash.
Unfortunately this is not a non-smoking restaurant so you may want to request a table away from smokers or choose to eat lunch here and not dinner as dinnertime is usually more smokey.
Read here for how to order a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki

SOMETARO ASAKUSA
台東区西浅草2-2-2
2-2-2 NISHI-ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY: MIDDAY – 10:30PM




Sukiyaki & Shabu-Shabu (7 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno)
For lunch or dinner I recommend going out as a family for Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu at Momo Paradise.  You pay for all you can eat meat and veg for 60 or 90 mins and included in the price is all you can eat salad AND desserts! It’s such good value for money. They also have the option where you can put a divider in the hot pot so keep half for those who are vegetarian and one side for meat (or you can just have two different types of hot pot going at the same time.) My kids love sukiyaki so much because the marinade is sweet and it’s really fun for them to feel like they are “cooking” at the table.  I don’t eat meat but I still love eating here with my family. I eat soooo many veggies here. 
Highly recommend. 
This restaurant has an english menu.  See the Momo Paradise full english website here. At lunch I would budget for 4000 yen per adult and more like 5000 yen at dinner time.  Arrive hungry!  Kids prices vary depending on the course you choose but, to give you an example – if you were to choose the A5 rank Wagyu course with unlimited soft drinks – the kids prices are : free to kids under 3, 3-6 year olds are 550 yen, 7-12 year olds are 1650 yen. 
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards.  
This restaurant is 3-6 min walk from all of the Asakusa Stations. 　 Make reservations in English on the Momo Paradise Asakusa website here. 

MOMO PARADISE ASAKUSA 
台東区雷門2-16-9 HULIC&New 雷門 4F
4TH FLOOR, HULIC & NEW KAMINARIMON, 2-16-9 KAMINARIMON, TAITO-KU
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM 
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10:30PM


Japanese izakaya & hot pot restaurant (8 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno)
Iinoji is also a fabulous place to go to eat Japanese food as a family. As with almost all izakayas in Japan, the idea is that you order lots of small dishes to share and then order more as you go (of the same things you enjoyed or different dishes.)  I recommend ordering the wagyu beef sukiyaki bowl (this dish is actually designed to be one per person,) the sweet potato or shrimp tempura,  edamame,  wagyu sukiyaki croquette, the grilled miso rice ball.   You can see the full Iinoji dinner menu here. 
You can see the full lunch menu for Iinoji here. 
This restaurant welcomes babies and children.  They also have space for strollers. This is a wonderful place for parents to try different types of sake (hot and cold.) They accept most major credit cards. There is a 550 yen per person cover charge on top of your bill when you dine after 5pm.    When eating lunch here, I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult and more like 6000 yen per adult for dinner.  When making a reservation, you can choose to sit at a table at a counter, at a counter or at a booth.  I don’t recommend a counter seat with kids – with smaller kids, get a booth and seat kids on the inside so they can wriggle a bit more and colour etc. 
To get to Iinoji, take a train to Mitsukoshimae Station or Shin-Nihonbashi Station (you can walk underground from both stations directly to the restaurant.) It is 14 mins walk from Tokyo Station or 11 mins in a taxi from Ginza Station.  
Book using this ByFood link now if you have allergies or want to choose your exact course ahead of time. You can tell them exactly what you can and can’t eat and order your exact course online. This is also a great option if you’re worried about any language problems while in the restaurant – it can all be done in English ahead of time.
IINOJI
日本橋室町3-2-1 コレド室町テラス 1F
GROUND FLOOR, COREDO MUROMACHI TERRACE, 3-2-1 NIHONBASHI MUROMACHI
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11AM-3PM
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM (UNTIL 11PM ON FRIDAYS) 



Street Food & Vibey Izakaya options (9 mins in a taxi from Sumii Ueno)
For street food and bustling restaurant options I recommend going straight to Ameyoko Market and Shopping District.
Ueno, itself, it quite gritty.  Outside of the park, it’s not the most beautiful part of Tokyo but if you like to try street food and walk through market streets (Ameyokocho), I think you’ll still have a good time.
There are lots of food stalls and some second hand clothing stores too.　Most stalls don’t open until 11am.

Etiquette tip to share with kids: When eating at food stalls or food trucks in Japan, walking and eating is considered to not be polite. Wherever you buy food there will be a place to stand (usually just next to the shop) or a few chairs to sit. The food is designed to be enjoyed while standing still. Will you be arrested or anything for eating and walking? No. Is it considered impolite. These days I see more Japanese young people walking and drinking coffees. Food is still pretty much a no-go while on the move though. The idea it that you stop and take in the flavours and then keep moving.
It also eliminates the lack of rubbish bins around problem as the store will accept their own rubbish back once you have finished eating too.

Gluten Free T’s Ueno-Hirokoji (10 mins in a taxi from Sumii Ueno)
If you are looking for a gluten free restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options, I recommend visiting Gluten Free T’s Ueno-Hirokoji. As you can guess from the name, this Tokyo restaurant is entirely gluten free.  There are many vegan and vegetarian options here too.  Menu options include orange chicken, ramen, fried chicken, mapo tofu, pizza, meat buns, vegan pancakes.  There is a full English menu.  For lunch or dinner I would budget around 2500 yen per adult.  Gluten Free T’s accept most major credit cards and the entire restaurant is non-smoking.  This restaurant can also deliver a gluten free breakfast on Ubereats.
It is best to make a reservation for dining here as it can be really popular.  There is another Gluten Free T’s in Roppongi – and it is less busy and easier for a “walk-in.”
GLUTEN FREE T’S UENO-HIROKOJI
アパホテル上野広小路5-3-3 SOTOKANDA, CHIYODA
INSIDE THE APA HOTEL UENO HIROKOJI, 5-3-3 SOTOKANDA, CHIYODA
OPEN EVERYDAY OF THE YEAR
OPEN FOR BREAKFAST 7AM-9:30AM
OPEN FOR LUNCH MIDDAY-3PM (CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS FOR LUNCH)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM (CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS FOR DINNER)

Breakfast suggestion (10 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno and right next to Tokyo Station)
If you wanted a breakfast just next to Tokyo Station,  I recommend Sarabeths.
It is a lovely western, very very old school  breakfast/brunch.I’m from Melbourne, Australia, and, to me, this kind of breakfast is very very old school.  It was yummy and good quality but a bit like having breakfast out in the 80s.
The menu is on their website if you’d like to check ahead. My egg white and cheese omelette was delicious.
They do have high chairs for babies.
They also allow you to bring your own baby food into their restaurant.
There is a rooftop area on the 3rd floor.   They accept credit cards here.

SARABETHS, TOKYO STATION
2&3RD FLOOR, TEKKO BUILDING, SOUTH BUILDING, 1-8-2 MARUNOUCHI, CHIYODA-KU
千代田区丸の内1-8-2 鉃鋼ビルディング南館2・3F
OPEN WEEKDAYS 8AM-11PM
OPEN SATURDAYS 9AM-11PM
OPEN SUNDAYS 9AM-10PM
SARABETHS WEBSITE


Family-friendly izakaya (just 10 mins walk from Tokyo Station or 10 mins in a taxi from Sumii Ueno)
For lunch or dinner, I recommend dining at Japanese izakaya restaurant Nihonbashi Ichi no Ichi no Ichi.  
Like most izakaya in Japan. The idea is that you order lots of small dishes and share – and then order more of the same or more of other small dishes as you go. It’s a great way for everyone to try new foods.   At dinner time, I recommend ordering the dashi-maki (rolled Japanese omelette, cooked with a little fish broth), fried chicken, crab miso and charcoal grilled wagyu beef.  See the full english dinner menu here. 
While for lunch (Sat and national holidays only) , I recommend ordering the tempura or the sukiyaki lunch set. See the full lunch menu here. 
This is also a fabulous place for the adults at the table to try lots of different hot and cold sake.    This restaurant welcomes children.  When you are making a reservation (use tablecheck link here) you can ask for seats on the terrace, in the booth or at a table (I recommend the booth if you have smaller kids as you can put them on the “inside” and they can do some colouring or stand up sometimes on the seats (with shoes off “) if they need to. 
I recommend budgeting 6000 yen per adult at dinner time and more like 3000 yen per adult for lunch.  This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. 
The entire restaurant is non-smoking. 
Nihonbashi Ichi no Ichi no Ichi is 1 min walk from exit B9B of Nihonbashi Station.   It’s 10 mins on foot if you’re coming from Tokyo Station. 
If anyone in your family studies Japanese – take note of the address and try and work out where they got the name from… 
NIHONBASHI ICHI NO ICHI NO ICHI
日本橋1-1-1 国分ビルディング 1F
GROUND FLOOR,  KOKUBU BUILDING, 1-1-1- NIHONBASHI
OPEN WEEKDAYS 5PM-11PM
OPEN SAT & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11:30AM-3PM & 5PM-10PM
CLOSED SUNDAYS

 

 
FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS NEAR SUMII UENO
Ninja & Samurai Museum, Asakusa (6 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno OR 13 mins by public transport)
The Ninja & Samurai Museum 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.

7 mins walk from the Ninja & Samurai Museum in Asakusa: Dengama (beautiful Japanese plates and cups) See their beautiful wares on the Dengama official website here. Open 10am-6pm.

Swan Boats (10 mins in a taxi from Sumii Ueno)
We LOVE these swan boats. It costs 1000 yen for 30 minutes.
Life vests aren’t compulsory but please please please ask for them – just in case?
Swan boats are closed on Wednesdays in Winter.
Swan boat hours are  10AM -6:30PM in Summer, 10AM-6PM in September,  9:30AM-5:30PM in October, February and March, 9AM – 5PM in November, 9AM-4:30PM in December, 9-5AM in January (very confusing, yes? )

On the way back through the park afterwards,  stop for kakigori (shaved ice) or other available option on that day.

National Museum of Science & Nature
My kids enjoy the National Museum of Science and Nature – particularly on rainy days.
I’ve written about this museum in more detail here.

Kappabashi Kitchen Town (just 4 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno OR 18 mins walk)
I have written in detail about Kappabashi here.

Hanayashiki Amusement Park – the oldest amusement park in Japan (7 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno or 18 mins walk)
I have written in detail about this amusement park here.

Sensoji Temple (8 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno or 13 mins on public transport)
I speak in more detail about Sensoji in my Asakusa with kids article here.
**Additional tip: This area is a cool place to be jet lagged and get some great photos. Sensoji Temple stays lit up all night so you can get some great shots even at 3am.**
Warning: this place is very busy so you’ll need to talk about holding hands and staying together first.

If you’re in the area really early in the morning (before all of the little market-stall type shops open) it’s still worth a walk with kiddies as most of the pull-down doors have cool pictures on the outside (on Nakamise Street) and the temple is, of course, always there (ie. its great for photos and a quieter experience but you’ll miss the hustle and bustle – the kimonos, the Japanese rickshaws and the food -but it’s lovely for photography or if you just want to do the whole Sensoji experience a lot quicker with children.)

Something that is really fun to do first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening is go up to the 8th floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre.   This observation deck is free to enter and has a fabulous view of Sensoji and all the market stalls. It’s a great place to take pictures.  It is open everyday 9am-8pm. 

Nezu Shrine (9 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno)
You won’t regret it. It’s so lovely here.
A beautiful slice of history and beauty  – a little minature Kyoto.  If you’re lucky enough, you will be there for a festival with the yatai (food stalls) and street food selection.  The little tunnel of red tori gates is my favourite part.
Admission is free (when its Azalea season – mid to late spring- it is 200 yen to enter the Azalea area. Kids under school age are free.)
I’ve written in detail about Nezu Shrine here.

NEZU SHRINE
1-28-9 NEZU, BUNKYO
文京区根津1-28-9
OPEN: 6AM-6PM

Sumida Aquarium (12 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno OR 30 mins by public transport)
I have written all about this adorable aquarium meets Art Installation here.

PLAYGROUNDS NEAR SUMII UENO
Whale Playground (6 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno)
Afterwards check out the neighbourhood as you’re now in Asakusa. I have written in detail about the “whale” playground here.

Fuji Park (8 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno OR 20 mins walk)
Visit these places afterwards in Asakusa. A suburban playground that my kiddies love.  As you can tell from the pictures, the twirly-whirly thing was clearly a highlight.
It has space, it’s clean and it’s where the local kiddies are too.
There is a public bathroom but if it isn’t open (or is being repainted – which was the case for us) it is only a 2 minute walk to convenience store ‘Lawson’* to use their facilities.
There is a kindergarten across the road so I imagine that this park also gets a lot of weekday action.



FUJI PARK, ASAKUSA
台東口浅草4-47-17
4-47-17 ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU

Nishimachi Park (18 mins walk or 9 mins by taxi from Sumii Ueno)
This is a little local playground – just a little cleared corner of a city block with some play equipment but it does have the cutest little blue elephant slide.  It is just 5 mins walk from Ueno Station. There are some ride on animals (panda, fox etc) and two swing sets.   I think this would make children aged 1-4 pretty happy for 15-30 mins.  There are public toilets here.

Remember that, when you are staying at Sumii Ueno, you are also 11 mins in a taxi from the Tsujiki area.

This isn’t an affiliate link but I do have a 10% off discount code for Sumii – please be sure to use the code “SUMIISUMMER26”
Sumii also has substantial discounts for guests who book before December 2026 AND they can take 10,000 yen off the cleaning fees!