Ready to try out Tokyo with your kids? Katja Gaskell has done some of the heavy lifting for you, tested out the top places on her own children and here’s what she does not think you should miss.
Tokyo may be one of the most densely populated cities on the planet but it’s also one of the most dynamic. Famous for its neon-lit skyscrapers and sakura tree-lined streets; its centuries-old traditional arts and avant-garde youth culture; and its ancient Shinto shrines and giant video game arcades, Japan’s capital is a spellbinding mix of old and new, promising non-stop fun for families.
The trick with a city this big is in planning. There’s not one central neighbourhood in Tokyo. Rather the city is made up of a collection of different districts, each with its own distinct character and identity. Pick one or two to explore each day, using the highly efficient metro system to get around.
Studio Ghibli: the heartland of anime in western Tokyo
Step into the fantasy-filled world of Hayao Miyazaki with a visit to the whimsical Ghibli Museum. Located in Inokashira, western Tokyo, the museum was designed by Miyazaki himself and showcases the many Studio Ghibli films produced including Laputa Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbour Totoro (1988), and Academy Award winning Spirited Away (2001).
There is no set route within the museum, instead visitors wander freely through what looks and feels like a large house. On the ground floor is a room showcasing snippets of anime history as well as an assortment of stroboscopes and zoetropes (cool gadgets used when making animation). On the second floor is a replica of Miyazaki’s studio, including his journals and drawings and on the third floor is the cat bus, complete soot sprites!
You must book tickets in advance; no tickets are available at the museum itself. And, given that this is one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions, make sure to book well in advance.
Where: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013
When: Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 6pm
Sumo Stables: a rare chance to see rikishi in action
Get up close to the big guys of Tokyo’s sumo scene with an early morning trip to one of the sumo “stables”. It’s here that rikishi (wrestlers) and masters live and train in the sport which dates back 2,000 years. Steeped in rituals and tradition, it’s more than just brute strength, even if sumo bouts are only a few seconds long and last rikishi in the ring wins.
A handful of Tokyo stables allow visitors inside to watch daily training sessions. Given that there are only six sumo tournaments annually, this is your best bet to it in action. Make sure you confirm in advance that spectators are welcome, or find a tour. And remember, there are strict rules: no talking, no fidgeting, and no filming.
Where: Arashio stable – Arashio-beya – in Hama-cho, Nihombashi, Chuo-ku. You can watch the action through a window, no booking necessary.