The Calendar
Tokyo experiences its winter season from December to February, marked by crisp, cool weather with occasional rain but not as cold as northern Japan. Winter in Tokyo offers many indoor-friendly activities for families, especially on rainy days, when outdoor exploration might be less appealing.
| Month | Season | Avg. Temp (°C) | Rain Days | Avg. Precipitation (mm) | Max Temp (°C) | Min Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Winter | 5.2 | 6 | 50 | 10.1 | 0.5 |
| February | Winter | 6.1 | 6 | 60 | 11.1 | 1.3 |
| March | Spring | 9.9 | 10 | 100 | 15.3 | 4.5 |
| April | Spring | 14.8 | 12 | 120 | 20.0 | 9.3 |
| May | Spring | 18.8 | 13 | 130 | 24.0 | 13.3 |
| June | Summer | 22.1 | 14 | 160 | 27.0 | 17.5 |
| July | Summer | 25.4 | 12 | 140 | 30.0 | 21.0 |
| August | Summer | 26.4 | 10 | 120 | 31.0 | 22.0 |
| September | Autumn | 22.5 | 11 | 150 | 27.5 | 18.5 |
| October | Autumn | 17.4 | 8 | 110 | 21.6 | 13.3 |
| November | Autumn | 12.1 | 7 | 70 | 16.0 | 7.6 |
| December | Winter | 8.6 | 5 | 40 | 12.8 | 4.5 |
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
- Ages 3-5: Toddlers
- Ages 6-8: Early Elementary
- Ages 9-11: Middle Childhood
- Ages 12 and Up: Pre-Teens and Teens
teamLab Planets Tokyo
teamLab Planets Tokyo for family travel info
teamLab Planets Tokyo
Overview: This immersive digital art museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience for families. You’ll walk through mesmerizing light and water installations, making it an ideal indoor activity to escape the rain while keeping the kids entertained and fascinated.
Ages:
- Ages 3-5: Toddlers – Enjoy exploring the water and light displays, although parental guidance is essential.
- Ages 6-8: Early Elementary – They’ll love the interactive and colorful exhibits.
- Ages 9-11: Middle Childhood – Engaging enough to captivate their imagination.
- Ages 12 and Up: Pre-Teens and Teens – Perfect for those into art and creativity.
Visitor Stats:
- Monthly visitors: ~80,000 (as of 2024)
- Most popular among family travelers and art lovers
Online Rating (2024):
- Google: 4.7/5 (taken September 2024)
- TripAdvisor: 4.5/5 (taken September 2024)
- Yelp: 4.6/5 (taken September 2024)
Practical Tips:
- Wear comfortable clothes as some exhibits involve walking through water.
- Pre-book tickets online to avoid long waits.
Duration:
- Average time spent: 2-3 hours
Be Careful:
Some areas are dimly lit, so keep an eye on toddlers and younger kids.
Kidzania Tokyo
Kidzania Tokyo
Overview: Kidzania is a kid-centric mini-city where children can try out adult jobs in a safe and educational environment. It’s the ultimate place for fun, learning, and indoor exploration when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Ages:
- Ages 3-5: Toddlers – Some roles may be limited, but plenty of activities are suitable for this age.
- Ages 6-8: Early Elementary – Ideal for exploring different careers and hands-on experiences.
- Ages 9-11: Middle Childhood – Perfect for kids who enjoy role-playing or learning about various professions.
- Ages 12 and Up: Pre-Teens and Teens – Great for older kids to explore career paths while having fun.
Visitor Stats:
- Monthly visitors: ~100,000
- Kidzania is one of the most popular rainy day activities in Tokyo, especially among families.
Online Rating (2024):
- Google: 4.6/5
- TripAdvisor: 4.4/5
- Booking.com: 4.8/5
Practical Tips:
- Book well in advance, as slots fill up quickly.
- Choose the afternoon session if you want a less crowded experience.
Duration:
- 4-5 hours
Be Careful:
Some instructions are only in Japanese, so non-Japanese-speaking families might need a bit of extra patience.
Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
Overview: Take your family on a magical journey behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films. This tour is indoors and perfect for rainy weather, offering a deep dive into sets, costumes, and props from the movies.
Ages:
- Ages 3-5: Toddlers – Limited appeal, but they may enjoy the magical setting.
- Ages 6-8: Early Elementary – Exciting for young fans of the Harry Potter series.
- Ages 9-11: Middle Childhood – Perfect for Potterheads who are into books and films.
- Ages 12 and Up: Pre-Teens and Teens – They’ll love the interactive elements and learning behind-the-scenes trivia.
Visitor Stats:
- Monthly visitors: ~60,000
Online Rating (2024):
- Google: 4.7/5
- TripAdvisor: 4.8/5
- Klook: 4.9/5
Practical Tips:
- Buy tickets online, as same-day tickets are often sold out.
- Bring a camera to capture the magical moments.
Duration:
- 3-4 hours
Be Careful:
The tour involves a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes.
Tokyo Skytree + Sumida Aquarium Combo Ticket
Overview: The Tokyo Skytree and Sumida Aquarium combo is a perfect way to spend a rainy day with the family. You’ll get to enjoy the breathtaking views from the Skytree’s observation deck, then dive into the wonders of the Sumida Aquarium, featuring everything from tropical fish to penguins.
Ages:
- Ages 3-5: Toddlers – Will love the aquarium, especially the penguins.
- Ages 6-8: Early Elementary – The perfect age to enjoy both the view and the marine life exhibits.
- Ages 9-11: Middle Childhood – A fun and educational experience for curious kids.
- Ages 12 and Up: Pre-Teens and Teens – Ideal for older kids who will appreciate the incredible views and marine life.
Visitor Stats:
- Monthly visitors: ~150,000
Online Rating (2024):
- Google: 4.5/5
- TripAdvisor: 4.6/5
- Klook: 4.7/5
Practical Tips:
- Arrive early in the day to avoid long lines for both attractions.
- Don’t forget your camera! The Skytree’s observation deck offers unbeatable panoramic views.
Duration:
- 3-4 hours (combined for both attractions)
Be Careful:
Some areas of the Skytree observation deck can be crowded, so keep an eye on younger children.
Instagrammable Cooking Class in Tokyo
Overview: This fun and casual cooking class is perfect for families who want to immerse themselves in Japanese culture while staying indoors. Learn how to prepare iconic Japanese dishes and capture picture-perfect moments while cooking. It’s a fantastic way to keep the family entertained while learning a new skill!
Ages:
- Ages 3-5: Toddlers – Limited participation but can watch and enjoy the fun atmosphere.
- Ages 6-8: Early Elementary – Can participate in some basic cooking tasks.
- Ages 9-11: Middle Childhood – Ideal for children interested in cooking and learning new things.
- Ages 12 and Up: Pre-Teens and Teens – Perfect for older kids to get hands-on and enjoy the cultural experience.
Visitor Stats:
- Monthly participants: ~3,000
Online Rating (2024):
- Google: 4.8/5
- TripAdvisor: 4.9/5
- Klook: 4.7/5
Practical Tips:
- Book ahead of time, as these classes fill up quickly.
- The class is taught in English and Japanese, so language won’t be a barrier.
Duration:
- 2-2.5 hours
Be Careful:
Some sharp kitchen tools are used, so supervision is needed for younger kids
Conclusion (with Age Recommendations)
- teamLab Planets: Ideal for kids aged 6-12 and up, offering interactive and visually stimulating exhibits.
- Kidzania Tokyo: Best for ages 3-12, focusing on role-playing and career-based activities.
- Harry Potter Studio Tour: Perfect for ages 6-12 and up, especially for fans of the wizarding world.
- Instagrammable Cooking Class: Best for ages 9-12 and up, offering a hands-on culinary experience.
- Tokyo Skytree + Sumida Aquarium: Ideal for all ages, combining stunning views with engaging marine life.