Located on the upper floors of TOKYU KABUKICHO TOWER, Shinjuku’s latest landmark skyscraper, the luxury BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel features 97-rooms ranging between 41sqm and 277sqm, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the bustling city skyline. Renowned for its graceful luxury and sincere hospitality, the Pan Pacific brand prides itself on delivering personalised and thoughtful experiences with service from the heart.
Designed by award-winning Norm Architects and renowned interior designer Keiji Ashizawa, the hotel boasts five ultra-luxurious one-bedroom penthouse suites, ranging from 113sqm to 277sqm on the 45th to 47th floor.
The largest Sky Villa penthouse on the 47th floor features a spa treatment room, kitchen and jacuzzi that overlook the panoramic views of the skyline while the other penthouse suites feature a spacious living room, kitchen, and bar. A 24/7 personal butler service is available on request and for an in-room fine dining
experience, a private chef is also available to create a curated menu for penthouse guests.
Exclusive for penthouse guests, the Penthouse Lounge located on the 46th floor is perfect for private meetings, gatherings, and afternoon teas.
Renowned for its modern way of travelling to uncover lively connections in the locale, PARKROYAL prides itself on bringing a strong sense of belonging to the destination. Located on the 18th to 38th floor of the TOKYU KABUKICHO TOWER, the 538-room HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel features an eclectic mix of unique art and music, inspired by the vibrant entertainment scene of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district.
As part of the brand’s signature of a “Gateway to Vibrant Locale”, the
hotel collaborated with renowned local artists Yoshiaki Kaihatsu,
Takuro Tamayama and Tomoyuki Washio to create nine guest rooms
depicting the ancient art history and culture of Kabukicho and Shinjuku
with unique furnishings and vibrant colours to weave in the historical
events and local charm that reflect the heritage and pop culture of the city.
A popular destination for many families, Tokyo is on the top of many families travel plans yearly with Disneyland being MUST- VISIT when you are in Tokyo. But did you know that there are many other kids friendly attractions in Tokyo to visit too? Here's our list of 3 lesser-known attractions that you may wish to consider adding to your itinerary too!
*Are you traveling to Tokyo? Stay connected with an eSIM from Airalo.
Firstly, its amazing how the Fire Station Museum is free for entry. The displays and exhibits can be compared to a paid attraction. Many of the exhibits are interactive to attract the attention of the LOs (and adults too)!
Head down to the Basement to view Fire Engines from the past. The maintenance of these vehicles (some at over 100 yrs old) are superb!
Head to the Upper Levels for various exhibits including climbing into an actual Helicopter, dressing up as a Fireman and other activities relating to fire safety and the history of fire fighting in Japan!
Recommended Time to put aside: 1/2 Day
How to get there: Directly above Yotsuya- Sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro - Marunouchi Line)
Ueno Zoo offers an opportunity for the LOs to get up-close to the animals. The space between visitors and animals seems to be much closer compared to the Singapore Zoo. Perhaps an indication of the Zoo being much older (its the oldest Zoo in Japan).
The Admission fee also makes this an extremely attractive place to visit with the kids too.
You might mistake the Zoo for being quite small as you are in only 1 of the 2 Gardens. It's not immediately clear but there are 2 Gardens - an East and a West Garden which makes the Zoo HUGE! You can choose to walk between the Gardens or take the Monorail.
We especially like it due to the ample resting space when the adults get tired or when they kids need a nap.
Recommended Time to put aside: 1 Day
How to get there: 5 - 10 mins from JR Ueno Station, Subway Ueno Stations (Ginza- Line or Hibaya- Line), Keisei Ueno Station, or Subway Nezu Station (Chiyoda- Line)
Have you seen a Dinosaur fossil? There is not just 1 but several on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science! Watch the kids and adults be WOW-ed by the fossils displayed.
Apart from the fossils, the permanent exhibit includes a 360-degree visual display explaining the evolution of man and several other exhibits about the world we live in.
You may also want to visit the ComPass, which is an area especially for kids between 4 - 6 to play and learn.
The Museum is located near to the Zoo, so you may wish to visit them together (although we recommend a day each) or to use it as a wet weather alternative.
Recommended Time to put aside: 1 Day
How to get there: 5 mins from JR Ueno Station, Keisei Ueno Station
Don't miss Disneyland if you are heading to Tokyo! Your kids will thank you for that! If you need to get tickets, do consider pre-buying them from Klook and it will save you lots of hassle when you get there!
]]>
After that comes accommodation, which might bring another bout of headache, after all, Tokyo hotels are renowned for their small rooms. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here are the 7 best family-friendly hotels in Tokyo where you can bunk in comfortably! Family-sized rooms are rare in Tokyo and get sold out early, so move fast if you find a place you like!
Source: Nippon View Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the action in Asakusa is the Asakusa View Hotel. If comfort is your concern than the spacious rooms - some large enough to accommodate up to 4 beds - of the hotel will have you covered. Directly connected to the Asakusa Station, the hotel is surrounded by diners, stores, parks, and popular sights, such as the Denboin Garden, Sensoji Temple and Hanayashiki. The hotel also offers stunning views of the Tokyo Skytree and Sensoji Temple.
Asakusa View Hotel | 3-17-1 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-8765, Japan
+81 3-3847-1111
https://www.viewhotels.jp/asakusa/
Source: Four Seasons Hotels
With welcome amenities such as child-sized bathrobes and slippers, children’s toiletries, and snacks, the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo is one that goes the extra mile to make its little guests feel welcomed. Children also get complimentary access to video games, storybooks and activity sheets.
A short distance away from this chic hotel are kid-friendly destinations such as the Tokyo Toy Museum and Yoyogi Park. The Imperial Palace and gardens are even closer, at a walkable distance while just a stone’s throw away is the Tokyo Station; most of the hotel’s big rooms and spacious suites overlook the train tracks.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi | 1-11-1 Pacific Century Place, Maruunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6277, Japan
+81 3-5222-7222
https://www.fourseasons.com/tokyo/
Source: Hyatt Corporation
The Grand Hyatt Tokyo is well situated at Roppongi Hills where it’s surrounded by several art museums, shrines, shops, and restaurants. The Tokyo City View and Sky Deck, where you can get a panoramic view of the city skyline is almost right next door with the Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park and Roppongi Station just a few minutes’ walk away.
In addition to an array of restaurants and bars in the hotel, they also have an indoor pool, a fitness center and a spa if you need some r and r.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo | 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
+81 3-4333-1234 | Tokyo.grand@hyatt.com
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/grand-hyatt-tokyo/tyogh
Source: Hilton Tokyo
Hilton Tokyo Bay’s Happy Magic rooms and suites fashioned after a whimsical fairytale wonderland are a delight of their own. Created exclusively for the hotel, the Magic Forest themed floors and rooms offer child-friendly interactive features, park or ocean views and thoughtful amenities. Additionally, little tots below 6 years sharing a room with parents or guardians enjoy a complimentary stay.
As an official Tokyo Disney Resort hotel, the Hilton Tokyo Bay offers easy access to Disneyland and DisneySea – they’re both just a stop away on the Disney monorail. If you wish to get to downtown Tokyo from Disney, it’s about a 40 minutes ride away on the subway.
Hilton Tokyo Bay | 1-8 Maihama, Urayasu-shi 279-0031, Japan
+81 47-355-5000 | TokyoBay.Reservations@hilton.com
https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/japan/hilton-tokyo-bay-TYOTBTW/index.html
Source: Hoshinoya
Tatami floors, shoji screens, contemporary furnishings, wide indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, and an ochanoma, a lounge furnished with seasonal teas and confectionary, where you’re encouraged to relax and past time or do some work, on each floor – Hoshinoya Tokyo is an upscale ryokan which has seamlessly combined the modern with the traditional Japanese inn experience.
With the activities, Hoshinoya Tokyo offers, some seasonal and some available all-year-round like the Japanese Tea Ceremony, Ricksha Tour and traditional Gagaku Performance, a stay in this ritzy hotel is bound to be an experience of its own.
The hotel is also well-located, surrounded by shops, parks and museums, including a kid-friendly interactive Science Museum with the Tokyo Station just around the corner. The Imperial Palace is also within walking distance.
Hoshinoya Tokyo | 1-9-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
+81 50-3786-1144
https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/en/
Source: Mimaru Tokyo Akasaka
Mimaru Tokyo Akasaka is an apartment hotel that provides rooms large enough for a family of four to bunk in comfortably. You can take your pick of Western or Japanese style apartment, or opt for a Connecting Apartment if you’re traveling with a larger group. All apartments are equipped with a kitchen and a combined dining and living area.
If you’re not cooking in, there are plenty of convenience stores and restaurants near the hotel where you can dine in. With Akasaka Station close-by, traveling to places like Roppongi Hills, Akasaka Palace and Tokyo Tower becomes much more convenient. An added perk for families with young children is that little ones below 6 years staying with parents enjoy a complimentary stay.
Mimaru Tokyo Akasaka | 7-9-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
+81 3-6807-4344
https://mimaruhotels.com/en/akasaka/
Source: Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho
About 20 minutes ride away from the Tokyo Haneda Airport is Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho. This slightly more pocket-friendly option may not have palatial rooms, but they’re clean, comfortable and big enough for a family of four to bunk in.
Navigating around downtown Tokyo is much easier with several stations, like the Daimon and Shiodome Station, situated within walking distance of the hotel. You can also explore places like the Zojo-ji Temple, the resting place of the Tokugawa clan, and the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens, one of the four gardens from the early period of Edo period on foot.
Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho | 1-8-5 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0013, Japan
+81 3-3432-2726
https://www.mystays.com/en-us/hotel-mystays-premier-hamamatsucho-tokyo/
Read on for information about just a few of the many activities you and your family can enjoy during a day trip or weekend in Tokyo.
There are 2 towers in Tokyo you can climb for fantastic panoramic views of the city: Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. These will help you get a feel for the shape and scale of Japan’s capital.
If you’re feeling courageous, Tokyo Tower features a see-through glass floor that you can walk across. Try not to have a heart attack when your kids decide to start jumping around! This tower was built in 1958 and at 1,092 feet high was once the tallest structure in Tokyo. Many say it’s better to visit Tokyo Tower at night for enchanting views across the city by starlight.
Tokyo Skytree is far taller at 2,080 feet and more popular than Tokyo Tower, though some say the views aren’t as interesting. Tokyo Skytree is the tallest freestanding tower in the world! Braver souls will love the unique glass spiral walkway and viewpoint with see-through glass floors. There are multiple cylindrical observation levels at varying heights.
For visitors who prefer an overview at street level, why not jump on a city bus tour? Several tour companies run sightseeing hop-on-hop-off buses around the city, including Sky Bus. You can even combine your bus tour with a river tour on an amphibious Sky Duck. However, the most eco-friendly way to explore Tokyo is by bicycle. Bring your own in a bag or book a Tokyo Bike Sharing bike for the day.
Every city has its major landmarks that you must see. For Tokyo, these are the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji Temple.
The Imperial Palace traces its history back to 1457 when a fortress was erected on this site. The current main structure was built in 1888 and is the official residence of the Emperor of Japan. In truth, he and his family live in a modern complex within the palace gardens built in 1993. The 17th-century palace parks are surrounded by thick walls and a moat. Note that you must book in advance for a tour of the palace and its beautiful gardens.
The Sensō-ji Temple is Tokyo’s most iconic shrine. Like many Tokyo landmarks, the temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. However, with each rebuilding, the temple has retained its original 645CE design. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion. It is believed that the smoke from the Incense Vat has mystical medicinal properties, so many people come here to pray for healing. The temple is especially beautiful at night when illuminated by lamps.
Do your kids know what they want to do when they grow up? Visit KidZania to find out. KidZania is a city designed just for kids where everything is to 2/3 scale. Inside the city, your kid can choose from 100 careers to try out. They’ll be given a uniform and put to work in their chosen job. This is a great chance for them to discover if they would prefer to be a police officer or a chef. This attraction is aimed at kids aged 4 to 12, but you must book at least a month in advance to ensure a place. Wednesdays are English speaking days.
The Tokyo Fire Museum also offers kids the opportunity to dress up as a firefighter and play in real fire trucks and helicopters. The museum also holds a collection of historic fire fighting equipment and dioramas depicting past devastating fires. Displays show the evolution of fire fighting from the birth of modern techniques to a working fire station next door to the museum.
Your kids will have lots of fun in the National Museum of Nature and Science which is found in Ueno Park near Ueno Zoo. Opened in 1871, it is one of Japan’s oldest museums. From dinosaurs to robots, there’s something for everyone. The museum features lots of hands-on and kid-friendly exhibits to make learning fun. Many visitors also take in the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation to see a vision of the future and watch the famous walking robot demonstrations. Here you can interact with an AI and learn about androids.
Also Read: 3 Must-Visit Family Attractions in Tokyo (Not Disneyland)
Tokyo boasts a selection of amusement parks for the whole family. Tokyo Dome City is actually in the city center and offers adrenaline-pumping rides and a child-friendly atmosphere. Older kids will love the Thunder Dolphin rollercoaster and the Big O centerless Ferris wheel. Toddlers can bounce around inside the ASO Bono indoor play facility, with its plarail railway toys, children’s house, and ball pool. There’s even a baby area.
The most popular amusement park is Tokyo Disneyland, which is the world’s 3rd-most-visited amusement park. Just like any other Disney theme park around the world, you’ll meet Mickey, Minnie, and Donald Duck. Ride the train through Big Thunder Mountain, play Ride & Go Seek with Monsters Inc., and climb aboard a Space Cruiser with Buzz Lightyear. Visit on normal working weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
Tokyo DisneySea is a unique theme park that offers more rides than Disneyland and is the world’s 4th-most-visited amusement park. The park is divided into 7 “ports of call” (areas) each with its own distinct theme and collection of rides. One example is Mermaid Lagoon, where you’ll find characters from The Little Mermaid and attractions to match this theme. The indoor attractions use special effects to give visitors the impression of being underwater. Ariel’s Playground is a kids’ playground that takes children through settings from the movie.
]]>
Abound in cultural sites, historical spots and breath-taking landscape, Ueno Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. One day is not going to be enough to visit all the attractions in Ueno Park, so just pick a few, take your time and enjoy your view along the way.
Here’s our pick of 7 Things to do with Your Little Ones at Ueno Park!
Photo credits Tokyo National Museum
Not only is the Tokyo National Museum one of the oldest museums in Japan, it is also one of the largest art museums in the world. Home to over 110,000 artworks and cultural artefacts, from scrolls, sculptures and pottery to kabuki masks, lovely kimonos and samurai swords, including national treasures, the museum provides a fascinating outlook into the art and history of Japan as well as an overview of other Asian countries.
Location
13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712, Japan
Operating hours
Tue – Thu & Sun: 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
Fri – Sat: 9.30 am – 9.00 pm
*Closed on Mondays unless it’s a national holiday, then the museum will be closed the following day instead.
As operating hours are subject to changes, please do check on site/with the museum before making a trip down
Admission
Adults: 620 yen
University Students: 410 yen
High/Junior High/Elementary School Students and persons under 18 and over 70: Free
Photo credits uenobunka
Ueno Park is also home to the oldest zoo in Japan. Established in 1882, the Ueno Zoo is home to a diverse group of animals, from the African Okapi, Aye-aye and Japanese Serow to Hokkaido Brown Bears and Galapagos Tortoise. The stars of the zoo have got to be the Giant Pandas. The zoo also has a petting zoo for little ones.
Location
Ueno Zoo, 9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan
Operating hours
Tue – Sun: 9.30 am – 5.00 pm (last admission: 4 pm)
*Ueno Zoo is closed on Mondays unless it’s a public holiday, then it closes on Tue instead
As the zoo has irregular operating hours, we advise you to check with the site/zoo before making a trip
Admission
Adult: 600 yen
Student (13 – 15 yrs): 200 yen
Child (up to 12 yrs): Free
Photo credits uenobunka
The National Museum of Nature and Science provides an intriguing outlook into the natural history of Japan and the Earth through its interactive exhibits and massive collection of artefacts, ranging from scientific inventions to living creatures found in the Japanese Islands and not to forget, the impressive assembly of dinosaur skeleton replicas.
Location
7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Operating hours
Tue - Thu: 9 am – 5 pm
Fri – Sat: 9 am – 8 pm
*Museum is closed on every Monday unless it’s a national holiday, then the museum will be closed on the following day instead.
Admission
Adult: 620 yen
High-school students & younger: Free
From 1 Oct 2019
Adult: 630 yen
High-school students & younger: Free
Photo credits Taito City
Originally a part of the expansive Kaneiji Temple, the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple is modelled after the Kiyomizudera in Kyoto, albeit not as big. The temple is dedicated to Senju-Kannon Bosatsu (1000-armed Kannon) and Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of child-bearing and child-rearing. From the main platform, you can view the Shinobazu Pond and the Benten-do (Temple of Benzaiten) that sits in the middle of the pond.
Location
1-29 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Operating hours
Daily: 9 am – 5 pm
Admission
Free
Photo credits Taito City Museum
Take a step back in time and stroll through the streets of Shitamachi 100 years ago at the Shitamachi Museum. Shitamachi rougly translated to mean ‘Low City’ refers to Tokyo flatlands, where residents were craftsmen, fishermen and merchants. The Shitamachi Museum provides an insight into their life through its immersive exhibits.
Location
2-1,Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Operating hours
Tue – Sun: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm (last admission: 4 pm)
*Museum is closed on every Monday unless it’s a national holiday, then the museum will be closed on the following day instead.
Admission
Adult: 300 yen
Primary/Junior/Senior High School Students: 100 yen
Photo credits Junko Nagata/Japanbyweb
The Shinobazu Pond is divided into three different sections—the Cormorant Pond in the north section is not only home to cormorants but several other species as well, such as eagles, and in the east section lies the Boat Pond where you can rent row or Swan boats to enjoy the tranquil waters.
The Lotus Pond, aptly named so due to the vast number of lotuses covering its entire surface, is the largest section of the pond. The Shinobazu Pond has appeared in quite a number of artworks and it’s not hard to see why when you lay your eyes on the Lotus Pond when the flowers are in bloom.
Location
5-20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Operating hours
Daily: 5 am – 11 pm
Admission
Free
Boat Rental
Rowboat (up to 3 adults)
600 yen/hour (300 yen every 30 minutes thereafter)
Cycle boat (up to 2 adults and 1 child)
600 yen/30 minutes
Swan boat (up to 2 adults and 2 children)
700 yen/30 minutes
Photo credits into Japan
Ueno Park also serves as a great green respite with its scenic landscape. You can pop in just to breathe in the fresh air, admire the scenery and maybe even have a picnic. While the park is a popular place on a normal day due to its generous offering of things to do, it becomes even more of a hotspot during the spring season as one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing. It paints quite a picturesque view during the fall as well.
Location
Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Operating hours
Daily: 5 am – 11 pm
Admission
Free
This list was compiled with information available from various sources. While we try to maintain accuracy, we do advise you to check with the respective establishment/merchant before making a trip to the above-mentioned places.
]]>
This week's BYKidO Moment is contributed by Mummy Ho who emailed us about her visit Outside Tokyo!
Highly recommend this route/option for families with kids for consideration as this area is slightly nearer compared to Hakone. Chanced upon this when I read about Thomas Land and Thomas themed room on bumblebeemum blog and after checking in with a friend who used to stay in Japan for 4 years, she convinced me to avoid Hakone and stay in Fujiyoshida.
Going to Hakone to spot Mt Fuji might end in disappointment. Staying in Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida is a better option if you are dying to see Fujisan.
We picked up a car from Toyota car rental shop in Shinjuku and it took us about 2 hours (with some traffic jam along the highway due to an accident) to finally reach Highland Resort Hotel & Spa which is right next to Fuji-Q Highland where the theme park, Thomas Land and La Ville de Gaspard et Lisa are located.
We booked one of the Thomas themed room - 952 for 2 nights. For booking of the themed rooms, reservation will have to be made via phone and an English speaking personnel will be able to assist. No deposit is required at all.
I noticed this during this trip that whenever I book something directly such as the Room above and the car rental, they do not require any deposit. Shows how trusting the Japanese people are.
As rooms are only ready for check-in at 3 pm, we went off to explore Thomas land! To go to Thomas land we have to first enter from the theme park. Tickets are complimentary for any guests staying at the hotel and this is available for each day you are staying with them! After entering, we have to follow the blue line on the floor which then leads us to Thomas land.
Love how each ride are reasonably priced between 200 - 300 yen. As G was quite timid, we only managed to try 3 rides. All the rides are super toddler and kids-friendly. Kids 2 years old and below enjoy free ride. Hence only the accompanying parent will need to pay. Tickets can be purchased easily from vending machine around the park.
We checked into our room and G is super happy and mighty pleased. The room wasn’t cheap but generally similar to Disney hotel/family hotels, they all cater for a family of 4 so the beds are good enough for 2 adults and about 2 to 3 kids.
The hotel has a good view of Mt Fuji and so does the town. So literally wherever we go, Fujisan is just there.
Drive to Fuji Safari Park took us about an hour, some delay from traffic jam due to road works. We love the whole experience of driving our own rental car in the park. Each area is well separated with high security electric fences and is patrolled and watched by rangers so it’s super safe.
Close up experience with the animals were awesome and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Best of all, there is also no limit on how many “rounds” you want to do the drive around if you prefer the particular drive to other areas.
Other than drive through areas, there are also a few other areas like “patting zoo” of sorts which you can bring kids to. Like Rabbit House, Cat House, Dog House etc. We tried the Rabbit and Dog House. Both require entrance fee of 500 yen and 200 yen respectively. For Rabbit house it is pricier as it includes a photo session. You can also choose to buy carrot sticks at 50 yen to feed the rabbits.
Reference on tickets charge and map: http://www.fujisafari.co.jp/english/index.html
For the afternoon, there is an option to visit Gotemba Premium Outlet just located 30 mins from Fuji Safari Park for some retail therapy!
As check out is at 12 noon and we plan to return the car back before 4 pm, we decided to keep the day easy by doing another round of Thomas Land and have breakfast in one of the Cafe in La Ville de Gaspard et Lisa. Actually the whole area is nicely done up like a little French town. Very Instagram worthy just that we weren’t a fan of Gaspard and Lisa.
After check out we went to Kawaguchiko town for some ramen and quick shopping then headed back to Tokyo.
BYKidO is a platform aimed at helping you discover the latest events, activities and classes to bring your kids out to! Get ideas of places to go and things to do - and start creating your Family Memories!
Never miss another event when you sign up for our FREE Newsletter, or contribute your family memories to help other families create theirs!
Want to find out more? Click here to find out more about us and here for details on the BYKidO Pass.
]]>