5-Day Tokyo Itinerary With Kids: Disney, Harry Potter & Culture!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

Tokyo was one of those places that completely surprised us. It’s busy, overwhelming and a little chaotic when you first arrive, but once you get your bearings, it’s incredibly easy to explore, even with kids.

This 5-day Tokyo itinerary is based on our own Japan trip, including what we loved, what worked well as a family, and how we balanced big-ticket attractions like Disney with actually experiencing the city itself and that special Japanese culture.

We didn’t try to cram everything in (because honestly, you can’t with just 5 days in Tokyo), but this itinerary gives you a really good mix of modern city highlights, cultural experiences, bucket list Japan moments, and some downtime so you’re not completely exhausted by day three.

---

---

About This Tokyo Itinerary

This 5-day itinerary is quite Disney-heavy, with 2 full days at Tokyo Disney Resort. If you have a shorter stay in Tokyo or only want to dedicate one day to Disney, we recommend choosing a single park.

Unlike the California Disneyland Resort, there is no park hopper ticket at Tokyo Disney Resort. You either need 2 full-price tickets, or you choose just one. And realistically, you’re better off just doing one well than two in part.

If you’re not sure which to pick, our Tokyo Disneyland vs Tokyo DisneySea guide will help you decide.

If this is your first Disney park, Tokyo Disneyland is the natural choice. If you’ve done Disney before, prioritise DisneySea, as it’s unlike any other Disney park in the world.

If you’re thinking about Tokyo Disney but not sure whether to skip it entirely, our Is Universal Studios Japan Worth It? post covers the most popular alternative if you plan to extend your trip to Osaka for a few days.

---

When To Visit Tokyo

The two best times to visit Tokyo are cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn (October to November). Both offer beautiful scenery, manageable weather and some of the best atmosphere the city has to offer.

Summer (June to August) is hot, extremely humid and busy. We visited in September during a heatwave, and the heat on our Shibuya day made it one of our least enjoyable days of the whole trip. If summer is your only option, plan indoor breaks and don’t underestimate how draining the humidity is with kids. It may have you cutting you day short for air conditioning in your hotel room.

Winter (December to February) is cold but manageable, and the Tokyo Disney parks have beautiful Christmas theming through December.

---

Day 0: Arrival In Tokyo

We arrived in the evening (around 7pm at Narita Airport), so this was really just a transit and settle-in day.

If you arrive earlier, you could squeeze in some exploring, but after a long flight from Australia we were happy to get to the hotel and rest.

Getting To Your Accommodation

Narita Airport is further from Tokyo city centre and Tokyo Disneyland Resort than Haneda, so it’s worth planning your transfer in advance.

• Private transfer or taxi: Easiest with kids and luggage. We paid around ¥22,000 for a transfer direct to our Disney hotel, which was expensive but convenient after a long flight.
• Limousine bus: A solid option if you arrive earlier in the day. Affordable and goes directly to major hotels, but they don’t run all night.
• Train: Most common, very affordable, but more effort when you’re tired and jet-lagged with kids.

👉 IC card tip: Pick up a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport, or add a Suica to your Apple Wallet before you leave home. It works on the metro, buses and convenience stores and makes getting around Tokyo significantly smoother. If you set it up in Apple Wallet before departure, you can tap through gates immediately on arrival.

---

---

---

Day 3: Asakusa and Ueno

Where we stayed: Mimaru Asakusa Station

After wrapping up at Tokyo Disney, we moved into the city, and this is where our real Tokyo exploring began.

Late Morning: Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street

We left our bags at the hotel before our room was ready and headed straight to Senso-ji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street that leads up to it.

This area has a completely different feel to Disney and even Shibuya. It has traditional architecture, lanterns, market stalls and a more historic Tokyo atmosphere.

Asakusa is a fantastic Tokyo location to stay with kids since it is a lot quieter, yet still easy to get to the other areas of the city.

Mimaru hotels have some of the best family-sized rooms we had in Japan and this is important because some Japanese hotel rooms are TINY!

Spend some time wandering, browsing souvenirs and trying snacks as you walk. Look out for:

• Ningyo-yaki – small sponge cakes filled with red bean paste, baked fresh in the street stalls
• Melonpan -a sweet, domed pastry that’s a Japanese bakery staple
• Taiyaki – fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean, custard or chocolate

Senso-ji is also worth visiting after dark if you’re in Asakusa in the evening (more on that below on Day 4).

Afternoon: Ueno Park

From Asakusa, make your way to Ueno Park, a large, open green space with museums, a zoo and good space for kids to decompress after busy park days.

The Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest and worth an hour if the kids have energy. Otherwise, a wander through the park is enough.

Optional: Tokyo Skytree

If you’ve still got energy, head toward Tokyo Skytree for the views. Note: we walked it, which was further than expected. Catch the train or bus instead.

At Skytree you’ll find a shopping centre, restaurants and the Pokémon Centre, which was one of the highlights for our kids. It reawakened their Pokémon love.

Evening: Wind Down

After a big few days at Disney and a travel day, we kept the evening relaxed. Dinner around Asakusa, and an early night.

👉 This day is about easing back into sightseeing. Don’t overschedule it.

---

Day 4: Shibuya, Harajuku and Asakusa at Night

Where we stayed: Mimaru Asakusa Station

Morning: Shibuya

Get there before 10 am. We arrived early, and the relative quiet (by Shibuya standards) made a real difference. It was a little underwhelming in person.

• Shibuya Scramble Crossing – worth seeing in person even if you’ve seen it a hundred times in photos
• Hachiko Statue – right outside the station, always a crowd but easy to find
• The surrounding Shibuya Center-gai for exploring

Midday: Harajuku

A short train ride or walk from Shibuya. Takeshita Street is the main draw, with quirky shops, fun snacks and the kind of street that teens in particular find entertaining.

You will find a lot of themed cafes around Harajuku, including a lot of animal cafes.

We did not visit one of these. They didn’t give us good vibes as far as keeping wild animals in small places, but you may decide this is something you want to do with your kids.v There is also a ninja experience cafe, alternatively.

Honest note on this day

This ended up being our least enjoyable day, not because of the places but because of the 35°C heat and the crowds. It was exhausting.

If we were doing it again, we’d swap the afternoon for an indoor option, like teamLab Planets TOKYO or teamLab Borderless.

Both are air-conditioned, both excellent for families and something completely different to the rest of Tokyo. These are extremely popular attractions in Tokyo.

If you’d rather stay cool, some afternoon shopping in Shibuya’s department stores also works. You get to see the area and stay out of the heat at the same time.

Evening: Asakusa at Night

Heading back to Asakusa in the evening after the chaos of Shibuya was the perfect reset, and honestly one of the best moments of our Tokyo trip.

Senso-ji at night is completely transformed, lit up, much quieter than during the day, and a completely different atmosphere. Street food vendors and market stalls are still operating in the evening so you can find dinner in the area and then walk back through the temple grounds.

You can also move this to day 3 if you have the energy and spend tonight doing something else.

👉 Hidden gem: Head up to the Asakusa Tourist Information Centre on the 8th floor for free views over Senso-ji. Far less crowded than other Tokyo viewpoints and no ticket required.

---

Day 5: Harry Potter Studios and Tokyo Station

Where we stayed: Mimaru Asakusa Station

Morning: Harry Potter Studios

Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour is located in Nerima. It’s bit out of the main tourist areas, but absolutely worth the trip for fans.

• Behind-the-scenes movie sets
• Interactive experiences
• Butterbeer (very sweet, but fun)

We spent about 3 hours here and could easily have stayed longer. It’s a standalone attraction in a quieter area without much else nearby, so plan to move on afterward rather than spending the whole day.

It’s worth noting that yes, a lot of the audio is in Japanese, but displays are also in English, and there are so many interactive experiences that it doesn’t stop you from enjoying the day.

There are some really fun photo and video opportunities too and a chance to be part of your own movie magic moments. We loved it. Even Simon, who isn’t a Harry Potter fan.

Afternoon: Tokyo Station

After the studios, we headed to Tokyo Station for lunch and a browse.

Inside you’ll find Character Street, which has dedicated stores for Pokémon, Sanrio, One Piece and Marvel, and so many more! It’s a fun way to finish a Tokyo trip with kids, and the concentration of character shops in one place means you can do all your remaining souvenir shopping in one stop.

Lunch options at Tokyo Station: The ramen and sushi restaurants in the basement food halls are excellent and reasonably priced. Worth spending time exploring before you commit to a restaurant.

---

Extending Your Trip: Hakone and Beyond

If you have more than 5 days in Japan, Hakone is one of the most worthwhile additions, which can be done as a day trip from Tokyo if you only have one extra day, or stay overnight before moving on to other parts of Japan.

We spent 2 days in Hakone, doing the Hakone Loop.

You will find volcanic valleys, mountain scenery, traditional onsens and views of Mount Fuji on clear days. It sits neatly on the Shinkansen route between Tokyo and Osaka, making it a natural stop if you’re heading southwest after Tokyo.

Read our Hakone 2-day itinerary and Is the Hakone Free Pass Worth It? before planning this leg.

Got more time? Check out our 2 weeks in Japan itinerary. This includes 3 days each in Osaka and Kyoto as well as a day stop in Nara to see the deer.

---

Alternative Itinerary: Tokyo Without Disneyland

If visiting Tokyo Disney isn’t on your list, you have two extra days to explore more of the city.

Alternative Day 1: Tsukiji, Ginza and teamLab

Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market

The main fish market moved, but the outer market area remains packed with street food, small local restaurants and fresh seafood stalls. A great spot for grazing rather than sitting down for a full meal.

Midday: Ginza

An easy walk or short train ride from Tsukiji. More polished and modern than most of Tokyo, with department stores, designer shops and good lunch options. Nice for a wander even if you’re not shopping.

Afternoon: teamLab Planets TOKYO or teamLab Borderless

Both are fully indoors (a lifesaver in summer or rain), interactive and fun for kids. Something completely different to everything else in this itinerary. Book tickets in advance, as both sell out regularly.

They have been booked over 1 million times on Klook.

Evening: Odaiba (optional)

Waterfront views, shopping and dinner if you still have energy. Or head back to base for a slower evening.

---

Alternative Day 2: Akihabara, Roppongi and Tokyo Tower

Morning: Akihabara

The anime, manga, electronics and arcade district. Even if you’re not hugely into anime, it’s a fascinating and distinctly Tokyo experience worth an hour or two.

Midday: Roppongi

More relaxed during the day, with restaurants, art museums and an international feel. Good lunch stop.

Afternoon: Tokyo Tower

A nice alternative to Skytree, great views, iconic landmark, slightly less crowded. Easy to get to from Roppongi.

---

Where To Stay In Tokyo

The best base depends on your itinerary.

For Disney days: Staying at a Tokyo Disney Resort hotel adds convenience (Happy Entry, walking distance to both parks) but it’s not a budget option. There are multiple hotels in the Disney resort, although Toy Story Hotel was the cheapest and we found it so fun.

We used the Tokyo Disney Vacation Package, which bundled accommodation, tickets and priority passes. Worth reading our full review to see if it makes sense for your family. It’s not cheaper but it is convenient.

For city days: We stayed at Mimaru Asakusa Station, which was one of our favourite hotels of the trip, 30 seconds from the station, large rooms (important for a family), convenience stores on every corner and walking distance to Senso-ji.

Asakusa is a much more family-friendly base than Shibuya for exploring the city.

---

Getting Around Tokyo

Once in the city, we mostly used trains and the metro with our IC cards (tap on, tap off). It looks confusing at first, but it’s one of the easiest metro systems in the world once you get moving.

Google Maps is brilliant for Tokyo navigation, down to which specific carriage to board for the quickest exit at your destination.

We took taxis or Ubers on a few occasions when energy was low, sometimes the convenience is worth the price, especially after a long day with tired kids.

If you stay outside the Disney Resort area, there is a train station that will take you right to the Disney Resort Line monorail.

---

Tokyo With Kids: What Worked For Us

• Breaking the trip into zones, Disney Resort first, then city, meant we weren’t commuting back and forth
• Staying close to train stations made day-to-day logistics much easier
• Mixing busy Disney days with slower city days prevented burnout
• Building in at least one properly relaxed evening made a real difference
• Taxis when needed for quick transport with luggage
• Get an eSIM before you leave home. We always use Airalo

---

How Much Does Tokyo Cost?

Tokyo can be as expensive or as affordable as you make it. Food in particular ranges from cheap ramen and convenience store meals to full kaiseki restaurant experiences.

Read our full Japan trip cost breakdown for real numbers from our own visit.

Whenever you add Disney into the mix with any city, you’re going to be spending a whole lot more than without it, but that Disney magic is something special. Check out this Asia Disney itinerary to visit all 4 Asian Disney Parks in a single trip.

---

FAQ

How many days do you need in Tokyo?

Five days gives you a good balance of Disney and city exploration without feeling rushed. If you’re not doing Disney, three to four days covers the main highlights at a comfortable pace.

Is Tokyo safe for families with kids?

Yes. Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world and a easy place to travel with children. Public transport is clean and efficient, English signage is good throughout the tourist areas and locals are helpful if you need directions.

Is the Tokyo Disney Vacation Package worth it?

It depends on your priorities and budget. Read our full Tokyo Disney Vacation Package review for an honest breakdown of what’s included and whether it justifies the cost.

Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, which should I choose?

Read our full Tokyo Disneyland vs DisneySea comparison. Short version: Disneyland for first-time Disney visitors and younger kids, DisneySea for Disney fans and families with older kids.

What’s the best area to stay in Tokyo with kids?

Asakusa is our pick. Central, easy transport, family-friendly atmosphere and walking distance to some of the best sightseeing in the city. We’d avoid Shibuya as a base with kids.

---

More Japan and Disney Planning Resources

• Tokyo Disney guide
• Tokyo Disneyland vs Tokyo DisneySea
• Is the Tokyo Disney Vacation Package worth it?
• Tokyo Disney Toy Story Hotel review
• Hakone 2-day itinerary
• Is the Hakone Free Pass worth it?
• 2-week Japan itinerary with kids
• Japan with kids
• Things to know before visiting Japan
• Japan packing list
• Japan trip cost breakdown
• Is Universal Studios Japan worth it?
• Disney packing list
• Best ponchos for Disney parks
• How to save money at Disney parks
• Things to do while waiting in line with kids
• Disney copycat recipes
• Best Disneyland in Asia
• Disney Asia itinerary
• Disney Adventure cruise review