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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Tokyo amd Kyoto with teens

36 replies

HelpfulHettyHopper · 01/09/2023 08:19

Does anyone have any top tips for Tokyo or Kyoto with a 14 and 16 year old? We're travelling in October and have a pretty good itinerary so I'm just looking for any random experiences/ hotspots anyone may have come across. Thank you 😊

OP posts:
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5
Wiennetta · 01/09/2023 08:35

I’d recommend teamLab - they do amazing art exhibitions/light installations. Have a look at their website for an idea. https://www.teamlab.art/e/?type=pickup

Also are you Studio Ghibli fans? The museum in Tokyo is definitely worth going to if so, you need to book tickets in advance. There’s also the new theme park, not too far from Kyoto.

EXHIBITIONS

teamlab exhibition list: The latest exhibition information.

https://www.teamlab.art/e/?type=pickup

TizerorFizz · 01/09/2023 09:14

Visit a Tokyo Department store. The food halls are something else! Shibuya Parco has dedicated gaming/manga floors and Chaos Kitchen for eating. Isetan Shinjuku is fashion central and Ginza Mitsukoshi has a roof garden. You can find Japanese bento box food halls and go and look at the kimonos! (Far better than a theme park!)
The Muji House in their store is worth a wander too.

Kyoto: I think the buildings say it all. Do a day trip to Nara for the deer! Plus the Great Buddha.

At around 5-5.30 in Kyoto, go to the Pontocho area where there are tea houses. You might see the stunning Gaikos and Maikos rushing to their destinations in their magnificent kimonos and holding their tea boxes. Good area for dinner!

BoattoBolivia · 01/09/2023 09:29

From Kyoto, we did a day trip to Hiroshima - the older teens really appreciated the Peace museum - quite hard hitting but informative. The younger ones went to the shrine- train and ferry ride, with a cable car to the top of a mountain with a great view. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3450.html
In Tokyo, we all loved the Robot Restaurant, which I think has now closed unfortunately. We also found a fab free viewing point on the Metropolitan government building. https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/offices/observat.html
Mine teen now who was only 9 then, is desperate to go back for the Manga stuff and the studio Ghibli museum which we didn't manage to get tickets for last time. They get booked up months in advance.

Itsukushima Shrine

Visitor guide for Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima's main attraction.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3450.html

TizerorFizz · 01/09/2023 12:55

I think going to Hiroshima really depends on how long you have in Kyoto. If three days, you don’t really have the time. Kyoto has so much to see, I would plan Hiroshima separately.

Scotstots · 01/09/2023 13:15

I saw this little restaurant in Osaka on Facebook group the other day - looks fun and is called OKO Okonomiyaki. you can talk to the chef I the kitchen though the microphone in the booths, looks cute and probably fun with teens

TeamGeriatric · 01/09/2023 15:34

I'm stretching my mind back to 2006 whenI lived in Japan for 7 months. Kyoto is fabulous, you could spend weeks there. The walk through the Torii at Senbon Torii is great. The Philosophers path is also a lovely walk, and obviously you can't miss the golden temple. You could temple hop for 3 full days and not see everything.

In Tokyo get-up early for the fish market, may need a guide these days. Harajuku has loads of kids dressed up in costumes at weekends.

Original poster
HelpfulHettyHopper · 01/09/2023 22:17

This is all super helpful. Thank you!

OP posts:
TizerorFizz · 01/09/2023 22:44

The best market is now Tsukuji. Visit before 9 am.

Wiennetta · 01/09/2023 23:00

TizerorFizz · 01/09/2023 09:14

Visit a Tokyo Department store. The food halls are something else! Shibuya Parco has dedicated gaming/manga floors and Chaos Kitchen for eating. Isetan Shinjuku is fashion central and Ginza Mitsukoshi has a roof garden. You can find Japanese bento box food halls and go and look at the kimonos! (Far better than a theme park!)
The Muji House in their store is worth a wander too.

Kyoto: I think the buildings say it all. Do a day trip to Nara for the deer! Plus the Great Buddha.

At around 5-5.30 in Kyoto, go to the Pontocho area where there are tea houses. You might see the stunning Gaikos and Maikos rushing to their destinations in their magnificent kimonos and holding their tea boxes. Good area for dinner!

Absolutely zero need to be snide about other peoples suggestions. The Studio Ghibli theme park looks amazing and for Ghibli fans would be a great day out.

TizerorFizz · 01/09/2023 23:05

I was thinking of Disney. Are you that thin skinned?

MrsSkylerWhite · 01/09/2023 23:07

Ask a taxi driver to take you to Ginza for Yakiniku and Teppanyaki.

For a beautiful day out, take the train to the temples at Nikko.

ShanghaiDiva · 01/09/2023 23:09

TizerorFizz · 01/09/2023 23:05

I was thinking of Disney. Are you that thin skinned?

Any need to be quite so rude?

TizerorFizz · 01/09/2023 23:14

And what’s it got to do with you? If people did not take offence quite so readily, I would say nothing. I’m generally happy to compare and contrast ideas.

ShanghaiDiva · 01/09/2023 23:16

Dotomori district in Osaka is great for people watching and snacks.
my dc also enjoyed Disney Sea.

burnoutbabe · 01/09/2023 23:16

Kyoto you can visit Osaka and universal Japan.
I am also doing aquarium and team labs and the tall buildings there.

Tokyo there is a giant transformer at a shipping complex in Tokyo bay. Plus Disney!

I go next month and my itinerary is what teenage me would love (as does 50 something me!)

ShanghaiDiva · 01/09/2023 23:19

TizerorFizz · 01/09/2023 23:14

And what’s it got to do with you? If people did not take offence quite so readily, I would say nothing. I’m generally happy to compare and contrast ideas.

more rudeness!

ChilliPB · 02/09/2023 09:42

TizerorFizz · 01/09/2023 23:05

I was thinking of Disney. Are you that thin skinned?

Really? Your post immediately followed @Wiennetta’s where she suggested Ghibli theme park. It’s not a leap to read yours as snippy. And then you’re coming across rude in your replies. You could have just said ‘Sorry hadn’t intended to direct that comment at you’ rather than have a go at the poster for being ‘thin skinned’.

FWIW OP I think something that hasn’t been mentioned yet is have a look at the bullet train specials. When we were there we got the Hello Kitty train between two of our stays. On certain services (they’ll say what times the special is on) there are themed trains - they’re just a regular train (you don’t pay extra or anything) but it’s fun. The Hello Kitty one was all decked out in pink, had a cafe area with themed snacks etc. It’s just a random and fun part of travelling around. It’s also funny to see all the regular business commuters in suits on the Hello Kitty train 🤣

burnoutbabe · 02/09/2023 09:52

Yes I was hoping to do it Osaka to kobe but it's only 11.46 so a bit late for a day trip!

ShanghaiDiva · 02/09/2023 10:05

burnoutbabe · 01/09/2023 23:16

Kyoto you can visit Osaka and universal Japan.
I am also doing aquarium and team labs and the tall buildings there.

Tokyo there is a giant transformer at a shipping complex in Tokyo bay. Plus Disney!

I go next month and my itinerary is what teenage me would love (as does 50 something me!)

My dd loved the aquarium and universal studios. The umeda sky building is amazing.

burnoutbabe · 02/09/2023 13:04

we have booked express passes to access the Horror night events universal runs - quite how scary a horror house is, when you don't know the language, i have no idea! i am excited for it!

teens may also enjoy the pokemon cafe - but good luck getting those reservations, they go within seconds for dates 1 month hence when released at 6pm(japan time) each day.

lythannevard · 25/10/2023 21:34

For a quieter Tokyo experience, I'd recommend Shimokitazawa. It's a charming, low-key neighborhood with a bohemian atmosphere. You can take leisurely walks, enjoy local parks, savor great food in intimate settings, and explore the neighborhood's unique character. It's well-connected to other parts of Tokyo, so you can still access the city's sights without the hustle and bustle.

lythannevard · 26/10/2023 18:19

lythannevard · 25/10/2023 21:34

For a quieter Tokyo experience, I'd recommend Shimokitazawa. It's a charming, low-key neighborhood with a bohemian atmosphere. You can take leisurely walks, enjoy local parks, savor great food in intimate settings, and explore the neighborhood's unique character. It's well-connected to other parts of Tokyo, so you can still access the city's sights without the hustle and bustle.

I forgot to mention, that if you are looking for a virtual guide or something to help you plan the trip, check this 3 days in Tokyo itenerary.

3 Days Itinerary in Tokyo, Japan - Travel Guide

Three Magical Days in Tokyo: An Unforgettable Journey - 3 Days Itinerary in Tokyo, Japan - Travel Guide

https://trola.net/city-itinerary/3-days-itinerary-in-tokyo-japan-travel-guide-trip

Takoneko · 27/10/2023 11:50

For teens I’d recommend a booking for one of the two Kura Sushi flagship stores. There’s one in Harajuku and one in Asakusa. It’s on my list for my trip and I think teens would love it.

If you have enough time in Kyoto then I’d also think that spending a day in Osaka would be worth it too. The Dotonbori-Amerikamura-Shinsaibashi area in particular would be a good place for teenagers.

Bells3032 · 27/10/2023 11:58

The digital art museum in Tokoyo is phenomenal and the area called Takeshita (I think). it's like Camden on steroids!

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