There are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mitaka-shi, Japan! For starters, there’s the Ghibli Museum, which is full of interactive exhibits and displays about the popular Studio Ghibli films. The museum is very family-friendly, and kids will love learning about how these films are made.
Another great option for kids is the Mitaka City Nature Park, which has plenty of space for running around and playing. There are also several playgrounds and a petting zoo, making it a perfect place to spend a day with the family.
If your kids are into Japanese culture, there are also several temples and shrines in Mitaka-shi that they can explore. The Jindaiji Temple is a particularly popular spot, and it’s often full of families with young children.
Finally, no trip to Mitaka-shi would be complete without a visit to Inokashira Park, which is home to a beautiful lake, plenty of walking trails, and a wide variety of restaurants and shops. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Mitaka-Shi, Japan
1. Visit the Ghibli Museum
The Ghibli Museum is a must-see for any fan of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The museum is located in a park in Inokashira and features replicas of settings from Ghibli films, a shop selling Ghibli goods, and a cafe. The museum is small, so it’s perfect for kids who might get overwhelmed in a larger museum.
2. Go on a nature walk in Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is a beautiful park located next to the Ghibli Museum. The park has a large pond, a statue of a famous Japanese poet, and plenty of trees and flowers. It’s a great place to take a nature walk with your kids, and you might even see some turtles swimming in the pond!
3. Ride the Inokashira Line
The Inokashira Line is a short train line that runs between Inokashira Park and Kichijoji station. The train is operated by a private company, and it’s one of the only trains in Japan that still uses wooden cars. Riding the Inokashira Line is a great way to experience a bit of old-fashioned Japanese culture with your kids.
4. Visit the Sunshine Aquarium
The Sunshine Aquarium is located in Sunshine City, a large complex in East Ikebukuro. The aquarium has a wide variety of marine life, including penguins, seals, and dolphins. There’s also a touch pool where kids can pet fish and stingrays. The aquarium is a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day.
5. See the animals at Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Japan, and it’s located in Ueno Park. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears. Kids will also enjoy the petting zoo, where they can pet and feed goats, sheep, and rabbits.
6. Go shopping at Sunshine City
In addition to the aquarium, Sunshine City is also home to a large shopping mall and an indoor amusement park. The mall has a wide variety of stores, and the amusement park has rides and games for kids of all ages. Sunshine City is a great place to spend a day with your family.
7. Visit the Arai Yakushi Buddhist temple
The Arai Yakushi Buddhist temple is located in a suburb of Tokyo. The temple is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Yakushi, and it’s said to have healing powers. The temple grounds are beautiful, and there’s a small museum on the premises.
8. Eat at a character restaurant
Tokyo is full of character restaurants, where you can eat food shaped like your favorite cartoon characters. These restaurants are especially popular with kids, and there are a few located near Sunshine City.
9. Go to an arcade
Japanese arcades are a great place to have fun with your kids. Most arcades have a wide variety of games, including classics like Pac-Man and Dance Dance Revolution. Many arcades also have prize machines, where you can win prizes like stuffed animals and candy.
10. Take a ride on the Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is a TV tower located in Sumida. The tower has an observation deck with views of Tokyo, and it’s also home to a restaurant and a cafe. The Skytree is a great place to go for a bird’s eye view of the city.