10 Family-Friendly Activities to do in Tokyo
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1. Join a Samurai Sword Lesson or Ninja Training at the Samurai Ninja Museum
Suit up in a traditional training outfits and learn how to wield a katana or practice ninja skills at this hands-on workshop in Asakusa, Tokyo. These special 2-hour classes are specifically designed so that children ages 3+ can participate with family! Includes entry and tour of the museum.
2. Watch a sumo show (and challenge a wrestler - optional)
This Live Sumo Show at Hirakuza Ginza is a premium, family-friendly experience that includes a Kaiseki dinner while you watch a live sumo show. Vegan, halal, gluten-free, and kids menus are available with advance notice! Guests aged 3+ are welcome, and a lucky draw will be held to wear a Sumo suit and challenge a wrestler on stage! Fully hosted in English so you won’t miss a beat.
3. Handcraft your own wooden chopsticks as a souvenir
Visit a chopsticks-making workshop in Asakusa, Shinjuku, Ginza, or Shibuya. Choose your favourite type of wood, then be guided step-by-step to shave, sand, and oil them into a pair of chopsticks! Basic wood options are included in the booking fee, but you can also upgrade to a higher tier wood on the day of. All ages welcome!
4. Try your aim at Kyudo (Japanese Archery)
This friendly Kyudo Cafe in Harajuku, Tokyo welcomes visitors aged 10+ to learn the basics of Japanese archery. The 30-minute experience includes 20 arrow attempts under the guidance of welcoming instructors. Comes with a complimentary drink.
5. Weave an Omamori (Japanese lucky amulet) on a traditional loom
The staff at this cozy weaving studio in Asakusa, Tokyo will teach teach guests how to use a table loom, and hand weave a one-of-a-kind lucky charm to bring home. All-ages are welcome, although children under 12 must attend with a guardian.
6. Hand-paint a traditional Edo paper lantern
Step into a chochin (lantern) workshop with generations of history, and be guided by a master craftsman to paint your own traditional paper lantern as a souvenir. These collapse flat, and are easy to transport home! Customize it with your choice of kanji characters and paint colours.
7. Traditional mochi pounding & tasting Experience
This all-agesmochi-pounding workshop in Shibuya, Tokyo lets guests prepare several types of mochi and savour it alongside a cup of traditional green tea. It’s an interactive way to try one of Japan’s most famous sweet treats.
9. Join a sushi-making class near Tokyo Tower
Put on a traditional happi coat, roll up your sleeves, and be guided by a skilled chef to create a platter of nigiri sushi. This professional-grade sushi-making workshop welcomes all ages and is located steps from Tokyo Tower.
10. Handcraft traditional Japanese washi (paper) from scratch
Make your own Japanese paper at this washi-making workshop in Asakusa, Tokyo. Guests will be guided step-by-step using traditional tools and methods to create sheets of Tosa Washi, a type of traditional Japanese paper with over 1000 years of history!