Tokyo is one of those cities that manages to be both endlessly exciting and surprisingly child-friendly. It’s safe, efficient, and packed with things little ones will love, from aquariums and zoos to glowing art installations. But with so much to see, 24 hours in Tokyo with a toddler is going to feel pretty full-on. We’ve put together a sample one-day itinerary that hits some of the city’s family highlights, plus tips for navigating Tokyo with a baby or toddler.
📣 Parent-to-parent note: This is an ambitious day. If you’ve got the time, we recommend stretching it across two days to allow for naps, downtime, and toddler snack breaks (because sometimes the playground around the corner trumps the world’s busiest crossing!).
Breakfast: A Tokyo Classic from 7-Eleven
Forget everything you know about convenience store food. Japanese “konbini” meals are next-level. Start your day with the famous tamago sando (egg salad sandwich) from 7-Eleven. At around ¥200–¥300, it’s cheap, delicious, and toddler-approved.
💡 Parent tip: If your little one still drinks cow’s milk, look for cartons with a small dent at the top corner. It’s originally designed to help the visually impaired distinguish full-cream milk, but it’s a lifesaver for parents who can’t read Japanese labels.
Morning: Meet the Animals at Ueno Zoo
First stop: Ueno Zoo. It’s stroller-friendly, flat, and has baby rooms for feeds or changes. Toddlers will love spotting giant pandas, giraffes, and elephants.
-
Entry: ¥600 for adults, ¥200 for ages 13–15, free for children under 12
-
Location: 5-10 minutes’ walk from Ueno Station
💡 Parent tip: Ueno Park around the zoo is sprawling and beautiful. If your toddler needs a change or snack stop, it’s easy to find a quiet bench. The Nappy Buddy is a lifesaver here. You don’t need to haul your whole bag into the change rooms, just grab the compact kit and go.
Lunchtime: Ameyoko Market Street
Just outside Ueno, Ameyoko Market is a lively shopping street filled with easy lunch options. Bento boxes, noodles, or a quick katsu set meal make for a simple, no-fuss stop. Plenty of casual eateries welcome kids.
👉 Keep toddler snacks, wipes, and spare cutlery organised in the Anywhere Backpack. You’ll be glad when hunger strikes right now.
Early Afternoon: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Next, hop on the JR Yamanote Line to Shinagawa for a magical indoor aquarium. The Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is famous for its dolphin shows and glowing jellyfish displays, perfect for captivating little eyes.
-
Entry: Adults ¥2,500–¥2,800, kids 4+ ¥800–¥1,000, under 4 free
-
Location: Inside the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, 2 minutes from the station.
Mid Afternoon: Harajuku Animal Cafés
If your toddler loves animals, Harajuku is home to quirky animal cafés where you can meet owls, hedgehogs, and more. But do check the fine print. Some cafés don’t allow small children, while others have age restrictions or require supervised handling.
💡 Parent tip: Toddlers may be more fascinated by Harajuku’s colourful shops and people-watching than sitting still with an animal, so go with the flow. Keep a few distractions (snacks, toys) in your Anywhere Backpack just in case.
Dinner & Early Evening: teamLab Planets at Toyosu
This one is for the whole family. teamLab Planets is an immersive digital art exhibition where you wade barefoot through water, walk among floating flowers, and explore interactive light installations. Toddlers are often mesmerized by the colours and movement, and parents will find it just as magical.
-
Entry: ¥3,200–¥3,800 depending on date (under 3 free)
-
Location: Toyosu, a short ride from central Tokyo
-
Stroller parking available at the entrance. You’ll need to go barefoot inside some sections, so bring a baby carrier if your toddler isn’t keen to walk.
💡 Travel tip: The sensory rooms can be overwhelming for some children, so go at their pace.
Nightcap (for the Parents): Shibuya Crossing from Above
End the evening at MAG8 Crossing View & Rooftop Lounge, located above the iconic Shibuya Crossing. From here, you get a safe, crowd-free view of the famous scramble while sipping on a drink. Toddlers are usually out cold in the stroller by this time, making it a perfect parent reward.
-
Entry: ¥1,800 (includes 1 drink)
Getting Around with Kids in Tokyo
-
Trains: Tokyo’s public transport is efficient and stroller-friendly, with wide gates and elevators. Buy a Welcome Suica card (no deposit, valid 28 days) or a 24-hour subway pass (¥700) if you’re doing multiple rides.
-
Taxis: Great for when little ones melt down. Apps like GO or Uber (dispatches licensed taxis) are easy to use in English. By law, taxis don’t require child seats in Japan, though some private hire services can provide them if you book ahead.
-
Walking: Tokyo is safe and clean, but distances can be deceptively long. Allow extra time for toddler-paced exploring.
Should You Do This All in 24 Hours?
Short answer: only if you’re brave 😅
While you can fit all of these stops into one day, it’s a lot for little legs (and parent patience). We recommend spreading it over two days. Perhaps doing the Zoo and Harajuku one day, and Aqua Park, teamLab, and Shibuya the next. This way, you’ll have built-in nap time, fewer meltdowns, and more energy to actually enjoy the magic of Tokyo.
👉 And don’t underestimate the power of a well-packed bag. The HuddoCo Anywhere Backpack keeps everything organised, the Nappy Buddy makes changes on the go stress-free, and the Lunch Buddy ensures you always have toddler snacks and milk on hand. With the right gear, you can focus less on logistics and more on enjoying Tokyo together.
Happy travels 💚
HuddoCo x
