Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2014
Mickey and Minnie may reign supreme in Tokyo’s crowded amusement park market, but Kitty-chan is throwing her weight around at Puroland and Thomas the Tank Engine is puffing away in his own toddler-centric digs.
From role-playing to Lego construction, a plethora of dedicated spots for kiddie fun await discovery across the urban sprawl of the metropolis—and not all of them will break the budget or demand a full-day excursion.
Even the comparatively peaceful activity of onsen has been “themed” at Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari in Odaiba, where visitors can enjoy a vast selection of segregated indoor and outdoor baths, or perhaps a foot tub where fish nibble on bathers’ toes. Nearest stn: Telecom Center. www.ooedoonsen.jp/daiba/english
Odaiba is also home to the Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo, one of the best-value half-day trips to be made (if you book ahead). It’s not all about block construction—although there is a master-class for that—with the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride allowing little ones to rescue a princess by zapping skeletons, trolls and spiders with a laser gun. Infants up to the age of 5 are catered for with a Duplo Village, and there’s a very pink Lego friends zone that includes Andrea’s Karaoke Stage (Japanese songs only). There’s also a private hosted party room available (20 kids max.) for those celebrating birthdays. Nearest stn: Odaiba-Kaihin Koen. www.legolanddiscoverycenter.jp
If Hello Kitty fever has hit—as it usually does at some point in households containing little girls—make a day of it at Puroland, Tama Center. Since its revamp last summer, foreign visitors will appreciate screened English subtitles at the live shows and an English guide map including descriptions of key attractions. Amusements include a character boat ride, a Twinkling Tour of Kiki & Lala’s cloud home, an inflatable Bouncy Land and a My Melody car ride. Entirely indoors, Puroland is a good rainy day option, and if possible book ahead for a small discount on ticket prices-—and to save waiting in a long entrance line. Nearest stn: Tama Center. www.puroland.jp
A little further out of town at Fuji-Q Highland, Thomas the Tank Engine fans have their own mecca in Thomas Land. With seven rides, a 3D theater, an English-style hedge maze and a giant Thomas statue it’s a satisfying experience. Rock ‘n’ Roll Duncan is a mini roller coaster, and youngsters can self-drive Thomas, Bertie or Percy, or take a helicopter flight (of sorts) with Happy Harold. Fuji-Q also hosts a Gaspard-and-Lisa-themed area, as well as a full-tilt amusement park that caters to older children and adults. The 172kph Dodonpa rollercoaster, restricted to ages 10 and older, is billed as “so fast you can’t even breathe.” Nearest stn: Fujikyu Highland. www.fujiq.jp/en/
There’s another roller coaster to be enjoyed at the centrally located Tokyo Dome City, a complex that also boasts—among some more sedate amusements—a hubless Ferris wheel, a roller skating arena and an indoor playground, ASOBono!, which is popular among the preschool set. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. www.tokyo-dome.co.jp
Kid-O-Kid, with several branches in suburban Tokyo, is an easy outing for babies and young children, and while the facilities vary slightly by location, they generally include an inflatable airtrack for bouncing, a ball pit, magnet board, inflatable wheels big enough for kids to jump inside, a play supermarket and padded baby area. Locations in Hachioji, Nishiarai, Minamisunamachi, Musashimurayama, Funabashi, Matsudo, Kawasaki, Minato Mirai, Tama, Tsujido & Yomiuiriland. www.bornelund.co.jp/kidokid
For children who enjoy role-play, mark Wednesdays down in the diary, as Kidzania at Lalaport Toyosu has expanded its English program from monthly to once a week. On “English Wednesdays” more than half of the 80 jobs/activities on offer will be conducted in the language. Participants aged 3-15 take on a variety of vocations—pilot, beautician, illustrator or firefighter, just to name a few—and earn “Kidzo” currency for their work. Nearest stn: Toyosu. www.kidzania.jp
A similar amusement, Kandu, has just opened in Makuhari as part of the giant new Aeon Mall, although English is not yet supported. Nearest stn: Kaihinmakuhari (then bus). www.kandu.co.jp
As summer approaches, consider planning a trip to Summerland, despite the notorious YouTube video of its packed-to-the-rafters indoor wave pool. The pool is part of the complex’s Adventure Dome, a huge, glassed-in area that’s open outside of the summer months. Come July, Summerland opens its Outdoor Water Adventure attraction that includes a relaxing 650m river-style float. There’s also a host of water slides, an aquatic playground, climbing challenges and several pools including shallow, toddler-friendly options. Nearest stn: Akigawa (then bus/taxi). www.summerland.co.jp
Toshimaen in Nerima is best known for its 25 water slides, but it also has six separate pools to enjoy. Nearest stn: Toshimaen. www.toshimaen.co.jp
A few final tips that apply to most attractions around Tokyo: book ahead if possible, get there early (before opening) and try to choose a day outside of Japanese school holidays. Waiting in line and being swamped by crowds can take the fun out of a much-anticipated family adventure, particularly with young children in tow.
