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Updated: December 4, 2020

Play, learn and discover in this one-day child-friendly trip across Tokyo

Travel not only expands your child's horizons, it provides a valuable opportunity for learning. Fun, fascinating and stimulating, Tokyo is a city that excites the senses. Take this one-day trip around Tokyo to experience museums, history, and toy shopping. If time permits, make a short detour to Ueno Park after visiting the National Museum of Nature and Science.

General Tips

  • To avoid crowded trains, plan your travel outside of peak hours
  • Do the trip in reverse for night views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building
  • Allow a couple of hours for your visit to the National Museum of Nature and Science, there's much to see and do

Map Legend

  • Walking
  • Taxi
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Water Bus

Shinjuku Station

1

Start your day at one of the world's busiest train stations

Shinjuku Station

A major transport hub for western Tokyo, Shinjuku Station sees over 3.6 million visitors per day but the world-class efficiency of Japan's railway system sees traffic—rail and pedestrian—moving at a constant pace. Reach the station via the JR lines, the Odakyu Electric Railway, Keio Line, and the Toei Shinjuku, Toei Oedo and Marunouchi subway lines. Seibu-Shinjuku Station on the Seibu-Shinjuku Line, Shinjuku Nishi-guchi Station on the Toei Oedo Line, and Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Marunouchi, Fukutoshin and Toei Shinjuku subway lines are all within relatively easy walking distance.

Walking13 mins

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building

2

Get your bearings from up high

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building

The underground passageway from Shinjuku Station's West Exit is the easiest way to reach the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building. Pass the West Exit ticket gate and follow signs for "Nishi-Shinjuku," "Skyscraper District," and "Metropolitan Government Office" to reach your destination. Visit the Tourist Information Center on the first floor before taking the elevator to the 45th floor for free, panoramic views of Tokyo. A great way to take stock of the city, hope for clear skies for unbeaten views of Chiba, Yokohama and magnificent Mt. Fuji.

Walking28 mins

3



Head east

Higashi-Shinjuku Station

From Higashi-Shinjuku Station take the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line bound for Motomachi-Chukagai and get off at the next stop, Shinjuku-sanchome Station. Transfer for an Ikebukuro-bound train on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and travel seven stops to Ginza Station.

Train19 mins

Ginza Station

4

Entry point to Tokyo's most elegant downtown district

Ginza Station

Sprawling and labyrinthine, Ginza Station is serviced by the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya lines. Head to the signed exits to reach the Ginza branch of the Mitsukoshi department store and take a break for lunch.

Walking4 mins

Ginza Mitsukoshi (Ginza Terrace Lunch)

5

Lunch

Ginza Mitsukoshi (Ginza Terrace Lunch)

Japan is famous for its "depachika" or department store basement food halls, and the depachika at Ginza Mitsukoshi—you'll find everything from salads to sandwiches and sushi—is one of Tokyo's finest. Grab yourself a bento lunchbox and then head up to the 9th floor terrace to enjoy your meal in garden surroundings.

Walking8 mins

6



Toys galore, and more

Hakuhinkan Toy Park Ginza

Stocking over 200,000 kinds of toys, this multi-story store sells everything from character goods to Japan-themed souvenir goods. Signage is multilingual and each floor features products relating to a certain theme. Be sure to check out the Japan-only limited edition toys and the slot car racetrack on the 4th floor. Otherwise, head to the 8th floor for a performance at the Ginza Hakuhinkan Theatre; several shows are scheduled each month.

Walking8 mins

Ginza Station

7

Back in transit

Ginza Station

Stroll along Chuo Dori, Ginza's main thoroughfare, and head towards Ginza Station. Venture underground and board the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line bound for Asakusa. It takes seven stops to reach Ueno Station.

Train12 mins

Ueno Station

8

Gateway to the north of Japan

Ueno Station

Ueno Station is a major transport hub for JR East lines and is also served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya subway lines. Arriving at Ueno on the Ginza Line, take one of the exits for Ueno Park, and the National Museum of Nature and Science located within.

Walking10 mins

National Museum of Nature and Science

9

World-class museum eliciting discovery, surprise and wonder

National Museum of Nature and Science

Budding scientists will find much to explore at this museum located in a quiet corner of Ueno Park. Divided into two galleries—the Japan Gallery and Global Gallery—wander the premises to learn about the latest developments in natural history as well as the history of science and technology. Highlights include exhibitions on the Japanese islands, a history of Japanese inventions and the chance to track real-time environmental change using a Global Environment Detector.

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