Mommy In Los Angeles Magazine - November 2022

ONE WEEK IN TOKYO WITH KIDS

How we ventured into the bright, busy city in the Land of the Rising Sun, with little ones

BY ANABEL MARQUEZ

Reflecting on eight unforgettable days spent in Tokyo withmy two sons and niece, I am honestly asking myself just how the heck we did it. I visited the Land of the Rising Sun with my husband and sister during the second week of October. It was three adults and three children, which seemed fairly manageable. We were there to explore a different part of the world but also because we were fulfilling a promise to my 9-year-old son, who had asked to visit Tokyo for a long time.

The trip was both exhausting and exhilarating. We used the services of a private tour guide who helped us secure tickets to theme parks & exclusive restaurants and showed us how to use Tokyo's train system. We also spent extra money on commodities such as a hotel with breakfast included, taxi rides (which are very expensive in Tokyo), spas, tea ceremonies and shopping. I share this because while there are plenty of free things to do in the world's most populated city, I am sharing a list of a dozen recommendations for families that are likely to tug at

For starters, the city is huge and overwhelming at first, but you'll quickly get used to the hustle and bustle. The culture is unique, with a rich tradition of art, music, and dance. And the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. There is a collective philosophy where people think about the well-being of society first. Their own, individual well-being comes second. The country is super clean, well-manicured and people are very trusting. In one incredible scene that I won't soon forget, a woman about to board a ride with her toddler at Puroland Theme Park left her gorgeous Chanel purse hanging on the stroller handle. She must have left it there for nearly an hour with no supervision and without a single worry of someone stealing the $5K bag. Stealing and tampering with other people’s property simply doesn’t happen. But I digress. There are plenty of things to keep kids entertained, from outdoor Japanese gardens and public parks to museums, zoos and amusement parks. The food is also a big draw for kids, with plenty of tasty options to choose from.

Keep in mind, the history of Japan is both long and fascinating, dating back thousands of years. Its history involves periods of both isolation and great openness, and the country has been greatly influenced by both China and the West. The Edo period (1603-1868) saw very little contact with the outside world. During this time, Japan developed its own unique culture, which is still evident today in things like traditional architecture, cuisine, and art.

You'll want to plan ahead and do your research to make the most of your trip, but Tokyo is a great destination for families. With its mix of culture, history, and fun, you're sure to create long-lasting memories.

Here are twelve activities and experiences to enjoy with kids while in Tokyo:

1. Visit the Meiji Shrine One of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan is the Meiji Shrine, which was built to honor Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. The shrine is located in a large park in the center of Tokyo, and it's a peaceful oasis in the midst of all the city's chaos. Tip: Visit on a weekend where you will bump into dozens of locals wearing traditional kimonos.

2. Stroll through the Imperial Palace grounds The Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Japanese imperial family, but the public is allowed to enter the grounds. The palace is located in the center of Tokyo, and it's a great place to take a walk and enjoy some peace and quiet. Just be sure to stay on the designated paths.

3. Visit Ueno Park If you make a trip to Ueno Park, you can check off several items in one go. The park is home to the Tokyo National Museum, the National Science Museum, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Its also the home of the statue of the Last Samurai, Saigo Takamori. And if that's not enough, the park is also home to a zoo and several restaurants & cafés.

4. Enjoy a Calming Tea Ceremony Experience at Gionji Temple One of the best ways to experience traditional Japanese culture is to participate in a tea ceremony. And what better place to do it than at Gionji Temple, which is located in the heart of Tokyo. The temple was founded in 1624. Tip: Make sure to take off your shoes before entering the temple.

5. Shop in Akihabara For all anime fans, like my two boys, Akihabara is a must-see. This is the area of Tokyo where you'll find all things anime, manga, and video games. The shops are full of character goods, comics, and games. And if you're lucky, you might even spot a cosplayer or ten.

6. Take an elevator trip to the Skytower viewing deck

Tokyo's Skytower is the tallest building in Japan, and it offersstunning views of the city from its observatory deck. The tower islocated in the Roppongi district, which is also home to manyshops, restaurants, and bars.

7. Take in a baseball game Baseball games in Tokyo are a popular pastime, and the Tokyo Dome is the city's biggest stadium. The Yomiuri Giants are the most famous team, and they play their home games at the Tokyo Dome. Tickets are easy to get, and games are a great way to experience Japanese culture.

8. Eat at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant You can't visit Tokyo without enjoying a belt sushi experience! These restaurants are very popular in Japan, and they're a great way to try a variety of sushi. The sushi is placed on a conveyor belt that runs around the restaurant, and you can just grab whatever looks good. Technology allows the restaurants to know which patrons selected which items.

9. Experience the crowded Shibuya Crossing The Shibuya Crossing is one of the most iconic images of Tokyo, and it's definitely worth seeing in person. Imagine this: hundreds of people crossing the street in various directions at numerous intersections at the same time! The crossing is located in front of the Shibuya train station and it's a great place to people watch. Tip:head to the second floor of the Starbucks across the street for a bird's eye view.

10. Dine at the Pokemon Cafe. If you are able to book a reservation for the Pokemon Cafe, you arein for a real treat. Themed restaurants are very popular in Japan,and the Pokemon Cafe does not disappoint. Everything in the cafe is Pokemon-themed, from the food to the drinks to the decor. And of course, there are plenty of photo opportunities. The cafe is located in the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo.

11. Visit Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea The Tokyo DisneySea theme park is the most popular tourist destination in Japan. It's located in the Tokyo Disney Resort in Chiba, about an hour outside of the city. The park is divided into seven themed areas, each based on a different legend or story. There's also a hotel and shopping district nearby.

12. Visit Hello Kitty's indoor theme park: "Puroland" Puroland was built in 1990 as a theme park for the popular Japanese character, Hello Kitty. I t's located in Tama, about an hour outside of Tokyo. The park is small, but it's perfect for young kids. There are rides, shows, and a parade, all featuring Hello Kitty and her friends.

Tokyo is an amazing city with something for everyone! The experience is certainly exhausting, especially if you're traveling on the train system with little ones. However, it's quite rewarding when you see the young ones taking it all in, making new friends and asking to stay longer.