If you're flying into Tokyo, chances are you'll land at Narita. While it's not the closest airport to Tokyo (that would be Haneda), it's where you want to take care of all your Japan-arrival essentials. Trust me on this - don't wait until you get into the city to sort out your internet, SIM card, or cash exchange.

The airport is super efficient (it's Japan, after all), and they've got everything clearly marked in English. Head straight to the SIM card/pocket WiFi counters after immigration - having internet from day one is crucial in Japan. The currency exchange rates here are actually decent, and you'll want cash because Japan isn't as card-friendly as you might expect.

Pro tip: Even though you're probably exhausted from your flight and eager to get to Tokyo, take the time to get organized here. The shops and service counters in the arrival area have everything you need to start your Japan adventure on the right foot, and the staff are used to dealing with jet-lagged travelers!

Having stayed at the Hyatt House in Kanazawa, I can tell you these properties are perfectly set up for families. The rooms actually understand what families need - real kitchenettes (not just a coffee maker), laundry facilities, and enough space to spread out. Plus, their lounges offer complimentary drinks and snacks throughout most of the day, which is a game-changer when traveling with kids.

The Tokyo Shibuya location offers that same family-friendly setup but in one of Tokyo's most exciting districts. Like Kanazawa, they've got those incredible lounges with free drinks (including beer and wine for parents!), plenty of space to relax, and staff who understand what traveling families need.

If you can grab a room at either property, do it. Having a properly equipped apartment-style room with hotel amenities makes traveling with family so much easier. Just book early - these places tend to fill up fast because families who know, know.

Look, Shibuya Crossing is one of those things you do because... well, because everyone says you have to do it. It's literally just a really busy crosswalk with some big screens on buildings. Sure, it's impressive how many people can cross a street at once without total chaos (up to 3,000 per light!), but after about five minutes, you realize you're just standing there watching people walk.

Think Times Square, but with better crowd management and more efficient pedestrian traffic. You'll take your photos, maybe shoot a video of the crossing from above, and check it off your Tokyo bucket list. Then you'll probably think to yourself, "Okay, that was... a crosswalk." But hey, at least now you can say you've seen it, right?

And yes, to answer what you're thinking - those photos you've seen online are definitely cooler than the real thing.

Look, Shibuya Center-Gai is one of those places you'll see on every "must-visit Tokyo" list, and yeah, you probably should check it out - but let's be real about what you're getting into. Despite having a Disney Store, this isn't really kid territory. We didn't spot any other families shopping here, and now we get why. Note: the Panda sign is awesome.

It's basically sensory overload central: packed streets, endless shops, and that famous crossing that looks cool in photos but is actually just a really busy intersection with great neon lighting. Sure, you can find everything from conveyor belt sushi to trendy clothes, but it's more suited for the late-night crowd and Instagram hunters than families.

Think of it as one of those tourist boxes you need to tick off - get your photos, maybe grab some food, then honestly? Consider heading somewhere more family-friendly. The energy is undeniable, but it's not exactly a "let's bring the kids" kind of vibe.

The Pokémon Center in Shibuya PARCO might not have been crawling with kids when we visited (honestly, we didn't see any others), but that didn't stop mine from going absolutely bonkers over it. It's tucked away on the 6th floor, filled wall-to-wall with everything Pokémon - from games and trading cards to the plushies that my kids couldn't resist taking home.

The location is super convenient, just a quick 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station, and their hours (10 AM to 9 PM daily) are pretty forgiving for fitting it into your schedule. Sure, it might feel a bit odd being the only family there, but seeing your kids' faces light up makes it totally worth it. Plus, there's something kind of cool about Japanese Pokémon merch - it just hits different than what you find back home.

Since it's right next to the Nintendo and Pokémon stores, popping into the Jump Shop is a no-brainer for any manga fan. The place is basically a shrine to all things Shonen Jump - we're talking wall-to-wall merch from series like ONE PIECE and DRAGON BALL. That Luffy statue inside makes for a pretty cool photo op too!

The location in Shibuya PARCO's 6th floor means you can knock out three major geek stops in one go (Nintendo, Pokémon, and Jump). It's like they created an otaku paradise on one floor! While your wallet might not thank you, at least you're getting official merchandise rather than the knockoff stuff you might find elsewhere.

Let's be real about Nintendo Tokyo - while it's definitely worth visiting if you're a gaming fan, finding it in Shibuya PARCO can feel like a mini-game itself! Once you finally track it down though, you're in for a treat (assuming you can handle the crowds, because this place is ALWAYS packed).

The store is basically Nintendo heaven, packed with exclusive merch you can't find anywhere else. From classic Mario stuff to the latest Zelda gear, they've got it all under one roof. Just be prepared to shuffle through with the crowd - this isn't the kind of place where you can casually browse.

Pro tip: There's a reason it's so crowded - they keep restocking with limited edition items you can't find elsewhere, and the quality of their merchandise is top-notch. Yes, you'll have to deal with the crowds, and yes, you might get a bit lost finding it in the mall, but for Nintendo fans, it's kind of a must-do while you're in Shibuya. Just maybe avoid weekends if you can!

Shibuya Yokocho is like a daily food festival in the heart of Tokyo's Shibuya district. It's a cool alleyway packed with 19 different shops, each representing a different prefecture in Japan. You can taste all kinds of local dishes from ramen to sushi, and even try out some South Korean cuisine. The place has a cozy, old-school vibe with retro lanterns and screens showing TV programs from each prefecture. Plus, you can order food through an app and have it delivered straight to your table. It's a fun spot to explore and immerse yourself in Japan's diverse culinary culture!

D47 Shokudo, sitting at the top of Shibuya's Hikarie building, is one of those perfect finds for families wanting to explore Japan's regional cuisine. The concept is brilliant - they serve dishes from all 47 Japanese prefectures, rotating the menu regularly. Each meal comes with detailed information about where the ingredients come from and the history behind the dish.

The space is modern and bright with huge windows offering city views, making it comfortable for families. What makes it special is how they make regional Japanese cuisine accessible - you might try Kanazawa's seafood one day or Kyushu's specialties the next.

The lunch sets are particularly good value, and since they change regularly based on which prefectures they're featuring, you can visit multiple times and always try something new. Plus, the staff is used to explaining dishes to non-Japanese diners, which makes ordering much less intimidating.

I can't confirm this, but Gusto is an option if the kids want to see the food delivered by robots. Note: this is a chain restaurant and robot servers are offered in several spots. We had a robot server at a burger spot in the airport. Again, just if the kids are very interested in this.

I'm including several Kyoto and Tokyo MIMARU hotels in this guide. Although we were not able to experience the MIMARU chain ourselves, many, many families swear by this group of hotels. From what I've seen, the family rooms are very comparable to what we - a family of five - stayed in.

Walking through Nishishinjuku feels like stepping into every movie scene you've ever seen of modern Tokyo. The skyscrapers create these amazing urban canyons, especially at night when all the offices light up. While most tourists stick to the east side of Shinjuku, this area shows you where real Tokyo business life happens.

The neighborhood comes alive at dinner time when all the office workers pour into the local izakayas and ramen shops. Found some great hole-in-the-wall spots where you're likely to be the only tourist. The architecture is worth checking out too - each skyscraper seems to be competing to look more futuristic than its neighbor.

Not a must-see like some other parts of Tokyo, but definitely worth exploring if you want to see where modern Tokyo really operates.

Omoide Yokocho is one of those places that feels almost too atmospheric - like you've wandered onto a movie set of post-war Tokyo. These impossibly narrow alleys are crammed with tiny food stalls and bars, many so small you're literally rubbing shoulders with strangers while you eat.

While it's definitely Instagram-worthy with all those glowing lanterns and steam rising from grills, something about pulling out a camera feels wrong here - like you're breaking the spell of this little time capsule. This isn't really a kid-friendly spot either; it's more of an after-dark, adults-only kind of vibe.

The smell of grilling meat and the sound of beer glasses clinking fills these narrow passages that somehow survived Tokyo's modernization. Fun fact: this place used to be a black market after WWII (hence one of its nicknames, "Piss Alley" - though maybe don't call it that while you're there!).

Shinjuku is basically Tokyo cranked up to 11 - and yes, there's a massive Godzilla head poking out between the buildings to prove it! This is the Tokyo you've seen in movies: neon everything, massive video screens, and enough energy to power a small country.

Fair warning: parts of Shinjuku (looking at you, Kabukicho) might not be the most kid-friendly, but it's such a huge part of understanding Tokyo that you can't really skip it. Just maybe save certain areas for when the little ones are asleep. The contrast here is wild - you've got Japan's busiest train station (good luck not getting lost), the slightly seedy entertainment district, and then somehow, in the middle of all this chaos, one of Tokyo's most peaceful parks (Shinjuku Gyoen).

Pro tip: The Godzilla head (which actually roars and breathes "steam" at certain times) is definitely worth checking out, and it's a good landmark for orienting yourself in the chaos. This is the kind of place where you could spend days exploring and still find new surprises around every corner - just keep in mind that not every corner is meant for the whole family!

If you're tired of polished, pristine Tokyo and want something with a bit more edge, Golden Gai is your spot. Picture this: about 200 tiny bars crammed into six narrow alleyways, most so small they can barely fit 8 people. This is old-school, pre-economic-bubble Tokyo that somehow survived while everything around it got modernized.

Word of warning - not every bar welcomes tourists (watch for the English signs or photos in windows), and some spots charge pretty hefty seating fees. But that's part of what keeps it real. Each bar has its own vibe, from a medical-themed spot complete with IV drips to holes-in-the-wall where you might end up in deep conversation with locals until the trains start running again.

This isn't the sanitized version of Tokyo you'll find in guidebooks. It's cramped, sometimes smoky, and definitely not fancy. But if you want to experience a slice of Tokyo that feels more "Lost in Translation" than tourist brochure, this is it. Just remember - respect the space, don't take photos unless you ask, and be ready for some bars to politely turn you away. That's just part of the Golden Gai experience.

Shogun Burger isn't just another burger joint - when a Japanese place wins international burger awards, you know they're doing something special. We tried a few of their locations around Japan, and they consistently deliver these perfectly crafted burgers that somehow manage to be both totally American and uniquely Japanese at the same time.

The walls are part of the experience - they're absolutely covered in this wild graffiti-style writing that makes the whole place feel like some underground burger speakeasy. But the real star is what's between those buns - whether you're going for their Samurai Burger with that perfect teriyaki glaze or braving the wasabi kick of the Ninja Burger.

The Godzilla head in Kabukichō is pure Tokyo kitsch—an 80-ton monster sculpture perched on the Shinjuku Toho Building that's equal parts ridiculous and awesome. Unveiled in 2015 and based on the Godzilla vs. Mothra look, it features glowing eyes and smoky breath that make it feel like the kaiju might come to life at any moment. The Hotel Gracery even offers a Godzilla-themed room for true fans.

Fair warning: the neighborhood is sketchy, with limited kid-friendly activities. But for pop culture enthusiasts, it's an absolutely must-see landmark. You can catch the best view from the hotel's Godzilla Terrace, where the massive head looms like a modern urban myth come to life. It's less about a deep experience and more about that perfect, slightly absurd photo op that screams "I was in Tokyo."

While we managed to get our ninja fix elsewhere, Ninja Trick House in Kabukicho sounds like it takes the whole experience up a notch. Love that they've got English-speaking guides (because learning to throw shurikens is complicated enough without a language barrier!) and actually let you take photos and videos - a lot of these places are super strict about cameras.

The location in Kabukicho is pretty perfect too - after playing ninja in the heart of Tokyo's entertainment district, you can step right back into modern Japan. It's one of those experiences that seems to hit the sweet spot between tourist fun and actual skill-learning.

We actually went as far as finding Harukor - Tokyo's only Ainu restaurant - but never made it inside. This feels like a real missed opportunity because we're not just talking about another Japanese restaurant; this is a rare chance to taste the cuisine of Japan's indigenous Ainu people.

The fact that Teruyo Usa is keeping these traditional recipes alive in the middle of Tokyo is pretty special. We heard their menu is this perfect mix of authentic Ainu dishes and familiar Japanese items, all made with ingredients brought down from Hokkaido to keep it legit. Those deer meat rice bowls and grilled salmon dishes sounded amazing.

The restaurant floors at Shinjuku Takashimaya turned out to be a perfect solution for group dining - especially when you want something nicer than a food court but don't want to commit to a single cuisine. The variety is impressive, from high-end sushi to French bistros, and even some solid Italian options.

What makes it special for dining is how they've organized the floors - casual spots on one level, fancier restaurants on another. Most places have private rooms available if you want a quieter experience. The quality is exactly what you'd expect from a high-end department store: impeccable service and consistently good food.

This sprawling garden turned out to be the perfect nature break with kids in central Tokyo. What makes it special is how it combines three different garden styles - you can wander from a traditional Japanese landscape complete with teahouse, to a formal French garden, then into an English landscape park, all while staying in the heart of Shinjuku.

The space is huge enough that even when cherry blossoms bring crowds, you can still find quiet spots for kids to run around. The lawns are actually meant for picnicking (unlike many Japanese gardens), which makes it perfect for family lunch breaks between sightseeing.

The small entrance fee helps keep the crowds manageable, and the grounds are beautifully maintained. It's one of those rare places where you completely forget you're in the middle of the world's largest city - until you look up and see skyscrapers peeking over the tree line.

Kōkoku-ji Temple in Tokyo is not your average Buddhist temple. Tucked away in Shinjuku, it boasts a high-tech columbarium filled with colorful, digitized Buddhas guarding the ashes of the deceased. Visitors can use a smart card to activate the crystal Buddhas and pay their respects. Plus, the temple is home to two ancient ginkgo trees that have weathered centuries of history. It's a unique blend of tradition and technology that offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese funeral practices.

A huge miss indeed - Kōkoku-ji Temple in Tokyo was on our list for a reason. This isn't your run-of-the-mill Buddhist temple; it's a tech-savvy marvel hiding in plain sight in Shinjuku. Here, the columbarium isn't just a place for ashes but a spectacle of light where digitized Buddhas in vibrant colors stand guard. You swipe a smart card, and these crystal Buddhas light up - it's like paying respects in a sci-fi movie.

Meiji Jingu, one of the rare places we've been able to visit 20 years later (though it's much more crowded now, as you'd expect), is a Shinto shrine located in Tokyo, Japan. It's open every day from sunrise to sunset, and you can visit for free, though the shrine has different opening hours depending on the month, so make sure to check before you go. Inside, you'll find peaceful gardens and historical buildings that offer a glimpse into Japanese culture and tradition - consider this just one large nature park near Harajuku. Both times we visited, we saw a wedding procession, which was fantastic. It's a great place to explore and experience the beauty of Shinto rituals, and it's very recommended.

Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo - cheesy, Instagram worthy, and crowded - is a vibrant and bustling shopping street known for its kawaii shops, cosplay stores, and quirky cafes. Popular with trendy teens and tourists alike, this colorful street is packed with unique boutiques, cute crepe stalls, and plenty of photo booths for snapping selfies, and maybe you'll see the famous Harajuku girls. From decadent desserts to gachapon galore, Takeshita Street offers a fun and lively atmosphere for indulging in retail therapy or simply soaking up the energetic vibe of Harajuku, though I think this place has changed a lot in 20 years - worth a quick stop, nothing more.

Look, we had to try one of these capsule toy stores while in Japan - it's practically required tourist behavior at this point - and CAPSULE LAB on Harajuku's Takeshita Street seemed as good a place as any. I still don't fully get the hype around these things, but watching people go absolutely bonkers over tiny plastic toys in bubbles is kind of fascinating.

The whole setup is pretty clever marketing - the satisfying click and turn of the machine, the suspense of what you'll get, the way they display everything so it looks irresistible. But at the end of the day, you're paying good money for tiny plastic toys that would probably cost a fraction if they weren't in capsules.

Still, it's one of those "when in Rome" moments in Japan. Just maybe limit yourself to one or two turns unless you want to explain to folks back home why half your suitcase is full of plastic gacha toys!

Mipig Cafe is one of those places that defines modern Tokyo's animal cafe culture - it sounds absolutely adorable (I mean, micro pigs!), but it also raises some questions about animal welfare. While it's definitely trending on social media and people rave about how cute the experience is, we decided to skip it after visiting a porcupine cafe that led to wrestling with the bigger questions about animal cafes in general. Still, wanted to include this as an option.

The Ninja Experience Cafe in Harajuku sounds like it would've been perfect - right on Takeshita-dori where you can go from shopping madness to ninja stealth in seconds! While we got our ninja fix in Takayama instead, this place's setup with the hanging scroll jumps and photo ops against that red balustrade sounds pretty epic.

Love that they let you explore Harajuku in full ninja gear - imagine doing your shopping while dressed as a ninja! That's the kind of only-in-Harajuku experience you can't really get anywhere else. Even if you look ridiculous, everyone's wearing something wild on Takeshita-dori anyway.

HARRY Harajuku, while not my cup of tea but enjoyed by the kids, is a unique animal cafe where visitors can interact with adorable hedgehogs and other cute critters like chinchillas. You can enjoy freely playing with the animals (though be warned, it's fairly expensive) and even have the opportunity to take one home. The cafe also offers drinks from vending machines and supposedly requires reservations (but we walked in right away, no reservations, no problem). Just don't buy the expensive food as the animals get fed enough from the staff and others. The highlight was the hedgehogs, obviously, though just be careful not to get poked.

Akasaka Hikawa Shrine, where we got lucky to visit during the late September Aki Matsuri festival, is located in the heart of Tokyo and offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city life. While I can't attest to the shrine itself as we were so busy with the actual festival, it's situated in a great neighborhood that's notably very ritzy - featuring the most expensive cars I've seen together on one street outside of South Beach Miami or Beverly Hills. With its lush greenery and historical significance, this shrine has maintained its original form since the Edo period, making it a unique and sacred place known for its association with good marriages and love fulfillment.