20 Best Family Vacation Destinations in Japan
1. HIBIYA PARK
Family vacationing while accompanied by the lovely environment of Tokyo is one of the best experiences one can feel. Our first recommendation to start your family vacation is this western-style park in Hibiya, Tokyo.
It is a perfect spot to walk along with your family while in the background you have flower beds, outdoor music venues, and public halls backing you up.
Once you are in this park, you should visit and explore some of its highlight such as the large fountain square, the pelican fountain, Hibiya Mitsuke ruins or Shinji Pond, the Ginkgo trees, the Kumogata Pond and Crane Fountain, the Seagull Field and Local Forest, and more. There are also cafes and restaurants in the park for dining and relaxing.
Hibiya Park
2. GODZILLA STATUE
While you re in Hibiya, Tokyo, Godzilla Statue would be a great option for your next family spot. It is a tourist attraction best known for its iconic giant mutant lizard from the long-running Japanese film series. This spot is perfect to capture your family moments with the company of beautiful Japanese environment. And just so you know, this sculpture beautifully lights up at night, so you may consider visiting it at night.
And one of the best things about this spot is there are fingerprints of Japanese celebrities you can see. So, not only you get to snap some pictures with the popular Godzilla Statue, you can also snap some good pictures with the fingerprints of the Japanese stars.
Godzilla Statue
3. YONAHA BEACH
If you're looking for beach opportunities, Japan is home to many incredible beaches. Miyakojima Island, Okinawa is one of the best examples. This part of Japan is very popular with beach and nature life as it is home to pristine beaches and nature attractions.
Yonaha Beach is a gorgeous beach that can brings your family together through comfortable sandy beach, crystal water, and stunning sunset. It is one of Okinawa's top beaches for family.
The gradient color of the beach is absolutely a must capture. With its chill vibes, this beach also provides umbrella rental. You can literally walk on this beach with barefoot, as the sands are very smooth. Shopping and dining opportunities are also available on the beach. Swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking are some of the most popular activities to do on the beach.
Yonaha Beach
4. TOKYO DOME
The kind of excitement this popular amusement park offers will make you want more excitement. As an urban family gathering spot, there are so many entertainment you can enjoy here, whether it's roller coasters, sports entertainment, hero show, and more. Located in Tokyo Dome, this dome-shaped baseball stadium is perfect for your family outings.
You can see the baseball stadium inside, while on the outside, you can take a fun ride on the ferris wheel. There are also many photogenic spots for you to capture.
Tokyo Dome (東京ドーム)
5. TOKYO DISNEYLAND
Among Japan's top attractions for your family vacation is this famous theme park in Tokyo. This iconic theme park is well known for its rides, live shows, and wonderful buildings. The costumed characters is among the most popular attractions in the park.
Tripboba recommends you try the exciting attractions such as penny arcade, omnibus, western river railroad, pirates of the of the Caribbean, the jungle cruise, and many more. Cafes, restaurants, and shops are also available to choose from.
You know you're doing great when you are a part of this kind of tourist attraction. Your little ones won't have any complaint if you treat them with this attraction.
Tokyo Disneyland
6. THE NATIONAL ART CENTER, TOKYO
Visiting an art museum isn't all for adults, those who wants to bring and educate their children with the fascinating world of art museums can make this popular art museum a destination.
This art museum represents itself with modern and urban building presenting temporary exhibitions of Japanese and international art. Everything about this art museum is literally worth every bit of your attention - from the unique and interesting pieces to the well-designed building.
While admiring the interesting exhibitions and beautiful art pieces with captions in Japanese and English, you can take a step to the popular cafe for a beautiful relaxing time with light foods. There are many seats available there. Even restaurants and shops for gifts and souvenirs are also there.
The National Art Center, Tokyo
7. TAKINO SUZURAN HILLSIDE PARK
In Sapporo, there are many fun attractions await. One of the best options we have for your family vacation is this huge park. As a year-round park, Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is a popular spot for activities like biking, snow tubing, skiing, hiking, sliding, and more.
But the stunning garden is definitely one of its popular attractions you can surround yourself with. You can expect to see beautiful flowers like tulips, lavender, and suzuran flowers.
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
8. SAPPORO CITY MARUYAMA ZOO
While you are in Sapporo, make sure to introduce your family to the fascinating world of this popular zoo. It is among the city's popular family destinations offering up-close looks at red pandas, penguins, and reptiles. Especially for your little ones, they will be full of wonders when they see all the animals in this zoo.
There are many parts of this zoo you can explore and be a part of, including the underwater observing window and the underwater aquarium. Carrying your camera would a good idea for this visiting. The popularity of the polar bears has to mention, you must absolutely see it .
Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo
9. KIDS’ NINJA VILLAGE
In Nagano, there is this theme park that's great for your family outings. This indoor/outdoor children's theme park is where your kids can play ninja games like blow darts and ninja star throwing. This place is filled with family tourists and amazing Japanese environment. And the best of all, you'll be able to watch your kids having fun while they are surrounded by beautiful nature.
The most popular attraction is the Ninja Show where you can see live the ninja's fight. And there are many facilities you can try, including Ninja Scroll Stamp Rally, ninja cloths rental, the Hidden Field course where your little ones can practice ninja life directly, and more.
And if you're wondering about shopping and dining opportunities, there are good shops and restaurants in the area offering all local products.
Kids’ Ninja Village
10. TOKYO DISNEYSEA
This list of family vacation destination is totally undone if we don't include this popular theme park in Tokyo. It is one of Tokyo's top attractions located in the Tokyo Disney Resort.
Since its opening in 2001, this spot has been attracted many locals and tourists alike to enjoy its offers such as rides, shows, and dining opportunities. As a popular family gathering spot, it attracted nearly 50 million visitors in 2018 alone. So, you can't miss this one.
Some of the most popular attractions to see are Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, MIckey Mouse, and more. But we would like to recommend you to try some of the park's highlights such as Fantastic Flight to experience a magnificent air travel, DisneySea Transit Steamer Line for a slow voyage on a steamship, and the fortress explorations. Along with that, the Turtle Talk and the Venetian Gondolas are also worth trying.
Tokyo DisneySea
11. GHIBLI MUSEUM
This famous art museum must be visited whenever you are in Tokyo, especially for those who love and enjoy the Ghibli movies. This whimsical museum is dedicated to the famed Studio Ghibli’s movies and Hayao Miyazaki. It comes with facilities like a play area and theater.
In this museum, you will see many cartoon characters come to life with wonderful displays. Thanks to the talented artist Miyazaki, this museum is a bless to the fans. There are many interesting pieces you and your family can explore in this area. But the garden on the rooftop is also absolutely stunning to see.
Ghibli Museum Mitaka
12. KAWAII MONSTER CAFE
To relax yourself with anything unique and colorful, you should take advantage to visit this famous cafe in Tokyo. It attracts people with its odd setting space that offers themed rooms, casual eats and cocktails, and regular performances.
While seeing the dancing performance, the whimsical setting will take you to an awesome journey of admiration. The true Japanese creativity can be seen and tasted in this cafe.
Kawaii Monster Cafe
13. SANRIO PUROLAND
Head to this popular amusement park and enjoy the grand indoor Sanrio characters. It offers many fun things for you such as rides, entertainment attractions, restaurants, and shops. While you're here, don't leave before taking picture with the iconic Hello Kitty and other popular characters.
The Miracle Light Parade is definitely the one to watch out for, because you can see many good performances and dancing. The amount of magic this place provides is great to appreciate and you'll have the most fun here.
Sanrio Puroland
14. TEAMLAB BORDERLESS
Your next destination has to be this incredibly gorgeous museum. It is one of the most fascinating museums known for its colorful, futuristic digital art installations and photo opportunities.
As one of our top recommendations, this immersive museum is a combination of art and color where you can be the center of it. Book your ticket in advance and secure your spot, because it is very popular and can be overwhelming with the ticket.
There are so many incredible attractions you can try in this building. We recommends you to try the Borderless World, the Athletics Forest, Future Park, and the Forest of Lamp. These attractions are jaw dropping. You can also try and make tea and a flower blooms inside the teacup. And don't leave before discovering all the rooms - they are full of wonders.
teamLab Borderless
15. MAXELL AQUA PARK
Your travel in Japan become more exciting if you visit this popular aquarium in Shinagawa Prince Hotel. It is one of Tokyo's best attractions with sleek design offering illuminated tanks, penguins and seals, dolphin performances, a wonderful museum.
In this aquarium park, you can see the tunnel that displays many fish, there is also the glow in the dark jellyfish display that's totally worth seeing. An indoor carousel is also available. But the top tier has to be the dolphin show.
Maxell Aqua Park
16. DOTONBORI
Take a walk at this iconic lively entertainment district and be a part of its soaring illuminated billboards, restaurants, and theaters. Located in Osaka region, this tourist attraction has been a popular spot for family outings and it is known as one of the area's most prominent features.
One of the best things you can enjoy in this area is the authentic Japanese street food. There are many food stalls and restaurants for you enjoyment. If you're looking for Japanese souvenirs, you are in the right place. There are numerous shopping opportunities in on the street.
Once you are in this area, the first thing you notice would be its lively neon lights - there are so many. Walk the street you'll definitely find your favorites here.
Dotonbori
17. OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN
What could be more exciting than to be a part of one of the world's largest aquarium? This famous aquarium in Osaka will leave a huge impact on your visit. While it offers exhibits ranging from Arctic to tropical marine life, the good-looking, urban building needs its own mention.
In this aquarium, there are feeding times and enjoy the dolphin talents. You can also take a walk through the tunnel full of fish and sharks which is great for picture taking. There is also a ferris wheel facility from this aquarium, but if you want to try it, make sure to buy both tickets for the aquarium as well as for the ferris wheel, you can safe money by doing this.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
18. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF EMERGING SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
One of the best ways to introduce the world of technology and science to your family is by visiting this incredible science museum. This popular museum offers exhibits and classes that explores the future of science and technology.
There are some great exhibitions you can see in this museum and we recommend you to have a look at them. The Geo-Cosmos is where you can look at the artificial clouds and you'll be able to see the ever-changing "shape of the earth" while you are on the ground.
And you can also create the future on the 3rd floor. There are still many sections to discover, even the screening work section is absolutely worth seeing. If you need a break, there is a cafe and a gift shop available for you.
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation Miraikan
19. NAGASHIMA SPA LAND
There is always fun activities to do in Japan. This incredible attraction in Kunawa is one of the best amusement parks for your family gathering. It features roller coasters, kid rides, a giant ferris wheel, and a water park.
In this park, popular attractions we want you to try are the acrobatics, the storm, and the white whale. You wouldn't want to complaint coming to this popular spot because you can have fun from the beginning to the very end of your visit.
Nagashima Spa Land
20. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
This famous theme park in Sakurajima has to be included in this writing, because it is too popular to ignore. As a sprawling theme park, Universal Studios Japan has attracted over 11 million guests in its opening year in 2001. This breaking record makes this park the world's fastest amusement park to have achieved the 10 million milestone at the time.
Our top attraction references goes to the the Hollywood dream roller coasters, Sesame Street Doll Transfer, Little Soldiers Crazy Ride, Spider-Man 4D, and of course the Harry Potter Paradise. Any kind of entertainment and photo opportunity is available in this theme park.
Universal Studios Japan
