First Day in Japan with Kids
Arriving in Tokyo after a midnight flight from Los Angeles, our first day was packed with excitement, anticipation, and a jet lag.
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but Tokyo's family-friendly amenities and vibrant attractions made our transition seamless. From navigating Haneda Airport to exploring kid-friendly spots in the city, here’s how we made the most of our first day in Tokyo, Japan with kids.
ITINERARY
5 AM Landed
7 AM Early Check-in
10 AM Brunch
12 PM Science Museum
3 PM Early Dinner Pickup
5:00 AM Landing at Haneda Airport:
We landed at Haneda Airport around 5:00 am, a quiet but magical time to arrive in Tokyo. With most dining areas still closed, we stopped by the Lawson convenience store on the first floor of Terminal 3 (International Terminal). Stocked with fresh snacks and drinks, we re-energized and embarked on an impromptu mini adventure within the airport.
The highlight? A visit to the Haneda Airport Observation Deck, where the panoramic views of planes delighted our kids. It was the perfect space for them to stretch their legs and shake off the cabin fever after a 10-hour flight.
By 6:00 am, more airport services were operational, allowing us to pick up our pocket Wi-Fi for uninterrupted internet access throughout our trip. Next, we shipped two of our suitcases to my dad's house using Yamato Transport on the second floor of Terminal 3 - a convenient option for lightening our load.
We contacted our hotel, our family-friendly accommodation in Hatchobori, to inquire about early check-in. For an additional 5,000 yen, they gladly accommodated us, providing the convenience we needed to start our Tokyo adventure on the right foot.
7:00 AM Early Check-in at Hotel
Getting to our hotel was surprisingly easy.
Instead of navigating the subway with luggage and three young kids, we opted for a hybrid approach: a monorail train from Haneda to Hamamatsucho Station (a 10-minute ride costing 500 yen per adult, free for kids under school age) followed by our first time taxi ride in Tokyo to Hatchobori. The cab ride took less than 10 minutes and cost under 1,000 yen - a small price for convenience.
Once at Mimaru Hotel , we were relieved to check in early and settle into our spacious room. The rejuvenating shower worked wonders, washing away the fatigue of our long-haul flight. Feeling refreshed, we were ready to dive into Tokyo’s vibrant energy.
10:00 AM Brunch at Family Style Restaurant
There was a family-style restaurant, Royal Host right next to the hotel, and we decided to get our first meal in Japan. It’s a perfect spot to fuel up for families. Their family-friendly menu made everyone happy, especially the toys our children got to choose which came with the kids meal, made them their day already.
12:00 PM Minato Science Museum
Our strategy to combat jet lag was simple: keep moving and avoid naps until the evening.
With this plan in mind, we set out for our first family-friendly attraction: the Minato Science Museum , an interactive and educational destination that’s perfect for kids.
A quick 10-minute subway ride from Hatchobori Station to Toranomon Hills Station on the Hibiya Line brought us to the Minato Science Museum. This modern facility captivated our kids with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and fascinating science activities. They explored everything from space technology to environmental science, making it a memorable first-day experience in Tokyo. And it’s FREE.
3:00 PM Snack and Early Dinner Pickup
As many of you know that Japan is a Konbini (convenience stores) heaven, most of them open 24/7, easy to access to get food and drinks at anytime you want. After the museum, we stopped by at a Konbini to pick up some snack our kids would enjoy later.
We also craved a comforting meal after a busy day of travel and exploration, Just across the street from our hotel, we discovered Hanamaru Udon, a popular chain restaurant known for its self-service style and delicious, budget-friendly Japanese udon noodles. I mustered up the last of my energy and headed to the restaurant. My favorite was the Shio Buta Ontama Udon (savory pork and soft egg), which provided a hearty end to our action-packed day. The Udon was so good that I recreate this Udon dish after we came home (recipe here)
Our first day in Tokyo set the tone for an unforgettable family vacation.
With thoughtful planning and Tokyo’s exceptional infrastructure, traveling with kids became an enjoyable and rewarding experience. From Haneda Airport’s observation deck to the Minato Science Museum, and a comforting bowl of udon, our Tokyo adventure began with smiles all around.
And yes, we went to bed by 7 PM!
Planning your first day in Tokyo with kids? Prioritize rest, explore family-friendly attractions, and embrace the city’s convenient transport options. Tokyo is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.
