Tokyo's Family-Friendly Museums: 5 Places Where Fun Meets Learning

Adults and children, we’re not equal when it comes to being patient and appreciating places to learn calmly. However, Tokyo has some amazing museums that transform this learning experience into something way more fun that everyone can enjoy. Here is a selection of museums suited for both parents and kids in the Tokyo greater area. They’re all accessible in less than an hour and are located around other places to visit!

The National Museum, Tokyo

The Fukugawa Edo Museum in Koto District

Our primary recommendation would have been the massive and highly documented Edo Tokyo Museum located in Asakusa. However, after 30 years of enchanting families with its real-size reproductions of life during the Edo Period, the museum is currently under rehabilitation until at least 2025. While waiting, you can tour the more modest Fukugawa Edo Museum. This museum will make you dive into an impressive reenactment of how the city used to look during the Edo Period (1603-1867) and you can touch, visit, and try it all! If the concept is similar to the Edo Tokyo Museum, the visit is way more immersive as the entire room feels like an Edo period street and its houses. The visit should take up to 2 hours if you take your time, but the entrance fee is modest too: 400 yen.

Address: 1 Chome-3-28 Shirakawa, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0021

What to see around: Kiyosumi Park with its 9 stairs pagoda and clock tower, traditional sweet streets Ningyōchō

Edo period picture scroll

Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Odaiba

The Miraikan made a reputation for itself as the place to see when you love Japanese robots and technologies – and it’s true! This huge museum will keep you occupied for several hours with its many exhibits, robot shows, and even workshops. The museum revolves around everything technological in our current life or even the future, and we’re pretty sure you will find something to see or study as a family while having a lot of fun. Don’t miss the android interaction experiments – mind-blowing!

Address: 2 Chome-3-6 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064

What to see around: everything is worth seeing on Odaiba Island! Try visiting the real-size Gundam robot statue, teamLab Borderless, and of course, the very Japanese Statue of Liberty on the shore!

There’s just so much fun to have in Odaiba!

The CUPNOODLES Museum in Yokohama

Who loves cup noodles? We sure do, and we enjoyed this museum where you can learn everything about making cup noodles – and leave with a personalized CUPNOODLES package! The CUPNOODLES Museum located in Yokohama is very much suited for children with many attractions or workshops. There, you can learn about the best-seller CUPNOODLES history and create your package of chicken ramen or CUPNOODLES. Make sure to go with an empty stomach!

Address: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001

What to see around: Aka Renga (red brick warehouse) on Yokohama’s deck is just a few meters away, we recommend having lunch there on a sunny day to enjoy the Yokohama spirit as its best.

Cup noodle art in the CUPNOODLES Museum

The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka

A lot of us fell in love years ago with Japan thanks to Ghibli productions! The Ghibli Museum located in Mitaka is a staple when visiting Japan and tickets might be hard to get. However, the hassle is worth it as this museum wholly encompasses the Ghibli spirit. The museum is designed for both adults and children, but you can find some attractions specific for kids (and you might even get jealous actually) such as the Cat Bus for example.

Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013

What to see around: Inokashira Park is said to be the inspiration to Hayao Miyazaki for creating its magical worlds. Try one of the restaurants there to dive into the luscious and inspiring nature of Mitaka.

Colorful exterior of the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

The Fire Museum in Shinjuku

The last museum on our list might be the least known of them all! The Fire Museum is a tiny museum located in central Shinjuku, but with great attractions for kids. I mean, even as an adult, who wouldn’t try out a fire hose or see a helicopter from up close? And the best – it is free! Retrace the history of firefighting in Tokyo with uniforms, vehicles as well as reproductions of traditional firefighting tools.

Address: 3 Chome-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0004

What to see around: If you’re a Makoto Shinkai fan, the Your Name stairs are just a few blocks away! You can reach Shinjuku Park within a 10 min walk.

Japanese firefighters’ brigade in Edo period style, using Matoi flags

These museums will make perfect attractions when it’s rainy or a nice pit stop on a long day of tourism around Tokyo. There are plenty more museums to visit in Tokyo: don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like a tailor-made itinerary to make the best out of your trip!