Top 22 Must-Attend Tokyo Kids Events in 2026: Festivals, Workshops, and Fun Activities
This article is inspired by my own wish to find a comprehensive guide to events at travel destinations. All the events I'm featuring here are ones that I personally recommend to international visitors, based on my experience born and raised in Shibuya.
Since Tokyo has so many must-see spots that it can be overwhelming, you need to plan efficiently to cover all the attractive locations. That's why Magical Trip offers various Tokyo tours guided by locals.
In particular, our "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" (Ranked #1 among all TripAdvisor tours in 2024) and "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo" take you to local favorites that tourists rarely discover on your own. When planning your Tokyo trip, include a Magical Trip tour in your itinerary.
Introduction
Tokyo is famous as an attractive city where traditional culture such as shrines and temples mix with modern elements like skyscrapers. Tokyo's summers often exceed 35 degrees Celsius with high humidity, while winters can drop to 3 degrees with dry, cold days. Spring and autumn are comfortable seasons ideal for outings.
Did you know that Tokyo, the center of Japan, hosts numerous family-friendly events that can be enjoyed together? From here, I'll introduce noteworthy Tokyo Kids Event 2026 attractions, highlights, basic information, schedules, and access to venues.
Notable Tokyo Kids Event 2026 in April
First, I'll introduce notable Tokyo Kids Event 2026 happenings in April. There will be popular character exhibitions, concerts, and gourmet experiences that families can enjoy together!
Yoshitake Shinsuke Exhibition, Maybe? Extra-Large Edition
Source:Official website
The Yoshitake Shinsuke Exhibition, Maybe? Extra-Large Edition is an event featuring enhanced content from the popular exhibition that attracted 700,000 visitors across Japan in 2022.
Yoshitake Shinsuke is a famous picture book author whose laugh-out-loud storylines and cartoon-like illustrations are popular with children. It's renowned for captivating adults as well while they read the picture books to children.
The venue offers not only sketches and original artwork displays but also experience booths where you can immerse yourself in the picture book world, as well as merchandise sales. What I liked was the experience booth where you can sit on a spiky chair to enjoy hell's atmosphere and walk on a soft path to enjoy heaven's atmosphere. It's recommended for children as well since you can experience the difficult-to-express atmospheres of heaven and hell.
Through the exhibitions and experiences, even those unfamiliar with Yoshitake Shinsuke will certainly become captivated by his charm!
<Information>
- Dates: March 20 - June 3, 2025
- Access: 3-minute walk from Kyobashi Station on Ginza Line, 7-minute walk from Tokyo Station, 5-minute walk from Nihombashi Station
Admission: Adults 2000 yen, High school/University/Vocational school students 1500 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 1000 yen
- Website: https://yoshitake-ten.exhibit.jp/tokyo/
- English support: None
JOYPOLIS HAPPY EASTER 2026
Source:Tokyo Odaiba.net
JOYPOLIS HAPPY EASTER 2026 is an Easter event held at Tokyo Joypolis, one of Japan's largest indoor theme parks featuring over 20 attractions including scream-inducing roller coasters and VR using the latest technology. The event offers various Easter-themed meals, attractions, and games.
I challenged "Joypoli Explorer Team: Diver's Treasure and the Mysterious Emblem" with my nephew. Here, solving riddles and collecting emblems opens the door to the treasure vault, where you receive prizes as rewards for completing the challenge. This time-limited attraction offers thrills, and my nephew was absorbed in solving the puzzles.
When clearing attractions and games, you can receive Easter-themed colorful and cute mini-cards and stickers, which will encourage children to participate enthusiastically.
<Information>
- Dates: March 15 - May 11, 2026
- Access: 2-minute walk from Odaiba Kaihinkoen Station on Yurikamome Line, 5-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on Rinkai Line
- Admission: Easter Pair Passport 8400 yen
- Website: https://tokyo-joypolis.com/event/easter_jp2025/index.html
- English support: None
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (Ueno Park)
Source:Official website
The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (Ueno Park) is an event where you can comprehensively enjoy Ueno's cherry blossoms, food, and entertainment. I visited the venue with my niece and enjoyed viewing the blooming cherry blossoms while sampling delicious food and watching stage shows.
My niece liked the Kotobuki-jishi (solo dance disguised as a lion) performed to traditional Japanese festival music and the monkey shows featuring monkeys performing in sync with humans. She stopped to watch them intently.
You can also have your portrait drawn by professional caricature artists, hunt for treasures at the open-air antique market, and enjoy the magical illumination of cherry blossoms at night. This event is packed with programs, so children can spend from morning to evening without getting bored.
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- Dates: March 18 - April 6, 2026
- Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno Station, 1-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://ueno.or.jp/sakurafes2025/
- English support: Available
Meat Festival 2026 TOKYO (Odaiba)
Source:PR TIMES
Meat Festival 2026 TOKYO (Odaiba) is an event where you can enjoy plenty of Japanese wagyu beef, which Japan proudly showcases to the world, along with signature meat dishes from various countries. The venue includes a "Picnic Area" where you can relax and enjoy your meal on the grass, and a "Family Area" with kids' spaces, creating an environment where children can comfortably spend time.
The highlight of 2025 was the career experience event exclusively for children aged 6 to 12, held on May 5th, Children's Day (a Japanese tradition celebrating children's happiness and growth). Through jobs like preparing and serving food, making venue announcements, and selling products, children could experience the joy of working. Participation was free, and children who completed the work experience were given tickets to the Meat Festival, drinks, official merchandise, and other gifts, and it was great to see the children working hard.
You can enjoy not only the main meat dishes but also various content for children, making it fun for the whole family.
<Information>
- Dates: April 26-May 6, 2026
- Access: 2-minute walk from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station on the Yurikamome Line, 5-minute walk from Daiba Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.nikufes.jp/2025/
- English support: None
Disney World Beat 2026
Source:Official website
Disney World Beat 2026 is an event where 21 internationally active singers and band members perform Disney classics arranged in jazz, Latin, soul, and other styles. The program features popular songs that everyone has heard at least once, and related visuals are shown on a large screen, allowing children to sit through to the end without getting bored, just like watching a movie.
The power of live performance unique to concerts, the way performers engage the audience—everything about the presentation is superb. It was impressive to see nearby children listening to the performance in fascination. You can enjoy a different Disney world experience here.
Please note that preschool children (under elementary school age) are not allowed entry to Disney World Beat, which is important information for tourists joining the Tokyo Kids Event 2026.
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- Date: April 17, 2026
- Access: 2-minute walk from Hatsudai Station on the Keio New Line
- Admission fee: S seats 8,900 yen, A seats 7,600 yen
- Website: https://www.harmonyjapan.com/dwb2025/
- English support: Available
Immersive Theater New Japonism - From Jomon to Ukiyo-e and Anime
Source:Official website
Immersive Theater New Japonism - From Jomon to Ukiyo-e and Anime is an event where you can experience the increasingly popular "immersive" exhibitions.
The highlight is enjoying Japanese cultural works on approximately 7-meter-tall LED monitors with powerful ultra-high-definition visuals. The works mainly feature national treasures and important cultural properties, ranging from Jomon pottery and Haniwa figures to popular modern anime.
Being able to view works from angles and sizes not normally seen on multiple large screens made me feel like I was lost in the artwork. My nephew who accompanied me was also captivated by this new art appreciation experience, becoming glued to the screen—perfect for families attending the Tokyo Kids Event 2025.
With works from various eras appearing, the 24-minute screening will make you feel like you're time traveling from the past to the present.
<Information>
- Dates: March 25-August 3, 2025
- Access: 10-minute walk from Ueno Station or Uguisudani Station
- Admission fee: Adults 2,000 yen, University students 1,200 yen, High school students 800 yen (advance tickets available)
- Website: https://immersive-tohaku.jp/
- English support: Available
LEGO® Space Exhibition in TeNQ
Source:Official website
LEGO® Space Exhibition in TeNQ is a collaborative event between the famous block toy LEGO and Space Travelium TeNQ, themed around "space travel," offering exhibitions and realistic VR experiences. The venue features NASA and space-themed works and exhibits about LEGO history.
The recommended highlight is a space with the concept "Let's create a future lunar city together," where you can freely assemble LEGO blocks. With plenty of LEGO blocks provided, children were expressing their own vision of space. I was surprised to see some children creating works that would put adults to shame.
There are also many experiential contents such as photo spots and keyword rallies, so you'll likely lose track of time and become immersed in the LEGO world! Would you like to experience space up close through LEGO during your visit to the Tokyo Kids Event 2026?
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- Dates: November 22, 2025-May 18, 2026
- Access: 1-minute walk from Suidobashi Station on the Sobu Line, 3-minute walk from Kasuga Station or Korakuen Station on Toei Lines
- Admission fee: Adults weekdays 2,500 yen / holidays 3,000 yen, Junior/Senior high school students 1,800 yen, Elementary school students 1,300 yen, Ages 3 and up 800 yen
- Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/tenq/event/exhibition-stt-1.html
- English support: None
If You Want to Enjoy Tokyo in April with Children, Joining a Tour to See Beautiful Cherry Blossoms is Recommended!
If you want to enjoy Tokyo in April with children, it's recommended to join a tour where you can see beautiful cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom scenery that can only be seen during this season is a must-visit tourist spot when visiting Japan. The Tokyo Kids Event 2026 will feature several guided tours specifically designed to showcase the best cherry blossom viewing spots for families with children.
1-Day Tokyo Highlights Tour with a Private Car and Guide
The 1-Day Tokyo Highlights Tour with a Private Car and Guide is a tour that takes you around five tourist spots in Tokyo, such as Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Scramble Square, with a private car and guide.
One of the attractions is that they will take you to the most suitable spots for each season. For example, during cherry blossom season, they can take you to places like Chidorigafuchi where you can see beautiful cherry blossoms, and in autumn, to places like Shinjuku Gyoen where you can see beautiful autumn leaves.
Let a guide who knows Tokyo inside and out guide you and make your trip a wonderful memory.
Meeting point
- Tour area: Tokyo
- Start time: 9:00
Mt. Fuji Full-day Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide
The Mt. Fuji Full-day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide is a day trip tour where you can travel from your hotel in Tokyo to Mt. Fuji in a private car.
The highlight is the cherry blossom scenery viewed from Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. The scenery of the red five-story pagoda, blue Mt. Fuji, and pink cherry blossoms combined like an art piece is famous as a spectacular view full of Japanese essence. It's definitely photogenic, so your children can take pictures they'll want to share with friends on social media.
Meeting point
- Tour area: Fuji area
- Start time: 8:00
Hakone Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide
With the Hakone Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide, you can enjoy a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone with a guide in a private car.
The tour visits various Hakone tourist spots such as Hakone Shrine and Owakudani. My recommended spot is the collaboration of cherry blossoms and outdoor sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The Hakone Open-Air Museum has many works suitable for children, so you can enjoy artistic works with your children while also enjoying the rich nature.
Meeting point
- Tour area: Hakone
- Start time: 8:00
Notable Tokyo Kids Event 2026 in May
From here, I'll introduce notable Tokyo Kids Event 2026 in May. There are plenty of events that can only be experienced here, such as fireworks using the latest technology and events where you can learn about the structure of the body.
STAR ISLAND 2026
Source:PRTIMES
STAR ISLAND 2026 is a futuristic fireworks show that has been held in various countries around the world since 2017, adapting the traditional Japanese culture of fireworks for modern times. The performance combining fireworks, drones, music, and technology is powerful, and you won't be able to take your eyes off it for a moment!
What's worth noting is that not only the main fireworks viewing but also the kids area and content are substantial, which children will love. When I participated, there were performers dressed in shining costumes welcoming us, balloon art shows that attract children's interest, and in the kids area, there were ball pools and jungle gyms, with children's smiles exploding.
The fireworks start at 19:30, but the venue opens from 16:00, so you can let your children play plenty in the show and kids area before the fireworks begin.
<Information>
- Dates: May 24, 25, 2026
- Access: 3-minute walk from Odaiba Marine Park Station or Daiba Station on the Yurikamome Line, 10-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line
- Admission fee: From 8,800 yen
- Website: https://star-island.jp/
- English support: Available
The 7th "The Kanmen Grand Prix 2026 in Tokyo" (Komazawa Olympic Park)
Source:PR TIMES
The 7th "The Kanmen Grand Prix 2026 in Tokyo" (Komazawa Olympic Park) is an event to determine Japan's best dried noodles, a traditional Japanese food. The menu features original arrangements from dried noodle manufacturers and seasoning makers, all designed to enjoy dried noodles in the most delicious way, offering specialties you can only taste here.
In addition to food booths, the venue also has photo opportunities with popular characters that children love and experience corners that families can enjoy together. A highlight is the experience corner where you can make furikake (a seasoning sprinkled on rice), famous among Japanese ingredients. Children can choose their favorite ingredients from various flavors to create their own original furikake, making this a very popular activity with kids attending the Tokyo Kids Event 2026.
Between tasting different dried noodles, try enjoying the child-oriented content that gives you a sense of Japanese culture.
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- Dates: May 17-18, 2026
- Access: From Shibuya Station, take the bus bound for Den-en-chofu to Komazawa Park East Exit; or from Ebisu Station, take the bus bound for Yoga to Komazawa Park Station; the venue is immediately accessible from Komazawa Park Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://promotion.nippon-access.co.jp/event/kanmengp/
- English support: None
Super Body Secret Adventure in Yomiuri Land
Source:PR TIMES
The "Super Body Secret Adventure in Yomiuri Land" is an experiential event at Yomiuri Land, a representative Tokyo amusement park, where you can explore inside a giant human body and discover "secrets of the body."
Starting from an entrance designed like a large mouth, you'll learn about how the body works while experiencing more than 15 different contents including organ-themed attractions and graphic exhibits. The paid attractions also offer body-related prizes, which is an attractive point.
My recommendation is the "Lung! High! Pump." It's a game where you move pumps to send lots of air into the lungs, and if you meet the conditions within the time limit, you'll receive a prize. Though a simple game, it's addictive—my nephew and I became absorbed in pushing the pumps together. This is another excellent Tokyo Kids Event 2026 that combines education with fun.
You can learn about organs that are familiar yet surprisingly unknown while having fun, making it enjoyable content for everyone from small children to students.
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- Dates: March 20-May 26, 2026
- Access: From Keio Yomiuri Land Station on the Keio Sagamihara Line, 5-10 minutes by gondola or 5 minutes by bus
- Admission: 800 yen for junior high school students and above, 600 yen for ages 3 to elementary school (Yomiuri Land entrance fee required separately)
- Website: https://www.yomiuriland.com/sp/2025/karada/
- English support: None
Sushi & Sake Tasting Cooking Class with a Visit to Local Supermarket in Tokyo
In the "Sushi & Sake Tasting Cooking Class with a Visit to Local Supermarket in Tokyo," you'll purchase ingredients at a supermarket and make four types of sushi and Japanese home cooking. The cooking includes easy-to-make dishes like miso soup and rolled omelets, so children 12 years and older can participate too. You can challenge yourself with confidence even without cooking experience.
What's popular with children on this tour is not only the cooking but also searching for ingredients at the supermarket. The supermarket is lined with uniquely Japanese products, making it enjoyable just to look around. During the Tokyo Kids Event 2026 season, this offers a perfect hands-on experience for international families wanting to learn about Japanese culinary culture.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Iriya
- Start time: 10:00
Izakaya Style Home Cooking & Sake Pairing Experience in Tokyo
In the "Izakaya Style Home Cooking & Sake Pairing Experience in Tokyo," you can make six types of Japanese dishes that pair perfectly with sake. Since none of the recipes involve difficult processes, children 12 years and older can enjoy cooking together.
The most popular dish with children is temaki-zushi (hand-rolled sushi). Because you just put rice and your favorite ingredients on seaweed and roll it up, even children who are beginners at cooking can complete it without fail. The dishes you finish yourself have an exceptional taste, and the recipes you receive after the tour will make you want to make them at home too. This activity is recognized as one of the most authentic cooking experiences available during the Tokyo Kids Event 2026.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Iriya
- Start time: 17:30
Notable Kids Events in Tokyo for June 2026
Here I'll introduce notable Kids Events in Tokyo for June 2026. Events featuring pets and animals are guaranteed to capture children's interest! The Tokyo Kids Event 2026 calendar offers several exciting opportunities for families visiting Japan.
Japan Wanko (Dog) Festa 2026 in Odaiba
Source:PR TIMES
Japan Wanko (Dog) Festa 2026 in Odaiba is one of Japan's largest pet events based on the concept "enjoyable for both pets and people."
The highlight of the main stage features dog-related talk shows, photo contests with costumed dogs, and original pet cart decoration championships—there are plenty of exciting activities even if you don't have a pet! The creatively decorated pet carts are impressive, and the sight of dogs in costumes will surely bring smiles to children's faces!
The venue also features pet shop booths and charity goods like bags and clothes for sale, so you can enjoy shopping too. If you have a pet waiting for you back home, why not purchase some goods as a souvenir?
<Information>
- Dates: June 6-8, 2026
- Access: 2-minute walk from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station on Yurikamome Line, 5-minute walk from Daiba Station, 7-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on Rinkai Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://japan-wanko-festa.com/
- English support: None
IKIMONO FES
Source:Official website
IKIMONO FES is an event themed around creatures that inhabit the "earth, sky, and water" as depicted by Eric Carle, the famous author of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." You can fully immerse yourself in Eric Carle's world, who completed many picture books featuring various creatures!
At the venue, there are numerous activities that allow you to feel close to animals, such as "Eric Carle's Creature Hunt" where you search for animals based on cards with partial animal illustrations, the "Hungry Race" where you crawl or toddle across a carpet like a caterpillar, and "PLAY! Hand ART!" where you complete artwork by adding handprints or footprints to Eric Carle's creature illustrations.
I visited with my niece for the creature hunt. Searching for creatures around the venue with a magnifying glass felt like a treasure hunt, and it was impressive to see my niece, who usually doesn't like creatures, delighted upon discovering them.
This is an event that can be enjoyed by all children, whether they like creatures or not. Tokyo Kids Event 2026 features this as one of its most accessible family activities.
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- Dates: March 1 - June 30, 2026
- Access: Directly connected to Futako-Tamagawa Station on various lines
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://playec.jp/news/event/ikimonofes/
- English support: None
Notable Kids Events in Tokyo After June 2026
Here I'll introduce notable Kids Events in Tokyo that will be held after June 2026. You can enjoy events with seasonal feelings such as Halloween and illuminations!
Mega Hobby EXPO (September)
Source:Official website
Mega Hobby EXPO (September) is a joint character figure exhibition event hosted by MegaHouse. At the venue, not only are the latest figures from exhibiting manufacturers displayed, but there are also talk shows by voice actors and anime production staff that liven up the venue. Due to its popularity, the 2024 event was held simultaneously at two venues: AKIBA-SQUARE and Bellesalle Akihabara.
Many of the works feature characters from Japanese anime and manga that children are familiar with, such as Pocket Monsters, ONE PIECE, and Jujutsu Kaisen. My ONE PIECE-loving nephew, who attended with me, was captivated by the realistic figures that looked like they had stepped right out of the manga, and he stared at them intently.
This is recommended for children who love Japanese anime and manga, as they can fully enjoy the world of these works. The Tokyo Kids Event 2026 calendar includes this as a highlight for anime fans.
<Information>
- Dates: September 2026 (dates TBD)
- Access: AKIBA-SQUARE: About 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station on various lines; Bellesalle Akihabara: About 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station on various lines
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://megahobbyexpo.jp/expo2024/
- English support: None
TORANOMON HILLS "PLAY PARK"
Source:Official website
"TORANOMON HILLS 'PLAY PARK'" is an autumn Tokyo kids event where you can enjoy unique workshops as well as shopping for food and miscellaneous goods. There are various corners for children's workshops, including crafts and music, so why not give them a try?
At the SATO RISA KIDS WORKSHOP "Real-Looking Ice Cream Keychain," participants can choose from many flavors and toppings to create a cute keychain. The experience takes about 30 minutes and is suitable even for children aged 3 and under.
Also, if your child loves music, they'll enjoy the CHATOY "Fue Collage" corner. Here, children can challenge themselves with an instrument that plays music like a trombone, also known as a slide flute. With this original instrument, they can naturally learn "do-re-mi."
There's also a Tokyo kids event where you can experience the educational toy LaQ. LaQ is a new sensation puzzle block with seven types of parts that can transform into flat, three-dimensional, and spherical shapes. Completed works can be taken home. With this, children won't be bored on the flight home!
Popular restaurants from Toranomon Hills will gather at the venue. You'll surely find food that can only be eaten at the event venue and hidden gem goods! Please stop by between workshops.
- Dates: October 11-13, 2026
- Time: 11:00-17:00
-Venue: Toranomon Hills Mori Tower 2F Oval Plaza (1-23 Toranomon, Minato-ku)
- Access: Direct connection from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line "Toranomon Hills Station" / Direct connection from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line "Toranomon Station"
- Fee: Free (some events are charged)
- Official Site: https://www.toranomonhills.com/events/2025/10/0197.html
Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Parade (October)
Source: Official website in 2023
Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Parade (October) is an event that started in 1983 and was the first to hold a Halloween costume parade in Japan. In the main event, "Pumpkin Parade," more than 1,000 children in costumes parade along the approximately 1km road from Harajuku to Omotesando each year.
The event includes not only the parade but also Halloween-themed special menus at stores near Omotesando and a "Candy Rally" where children can receive candy from participating stores, turning the entire area into a Halloween wonderland.
The Pumpkin Parade and Candy Rally are for children 12 years old and under accompanied by guardians. If you wish to participate, you need to purchase participation ticket exchange vouchers on the official website. As they sometimes sell out, it's recommended to purchase early if you plan to participate. This is one of the most anticipated events on the Tokyo Kids Event 2026 fall calendar.
<Information>
- Dates: October 26 , 2026
- Access: Immediately accessible from Omotesando Station on various lines
- Admission: Free (Participation fee: 1,000 yen per child)
- Website: https://halloween.omotesando.or.jp/
- English support: None
Halloween Family Parade (October)
Source:PR TIMES
The Halloween Family Parade (October) is a traditional event at Tokyo Sky Town where children parade in costumes. As part of the exciting Tokyo Kids Event 2026 calendar, there are two course options: one from Solamachi Plaza to Sky Arena, and another from Hanami Slope Plaza to Sumida Park. Candy treats await children at the finish line!
The highlight is the course from Hanami Slope Plaza to Sumida Park where participants can parade by boat. Wearing your favorite costume while parading on a boat offers a unique way to enjoy the Tokyo Sky Tree area, creating a different Halloween atmosphere during the Tokyo Kids Event 2026.
Even if you don't join the parade, elementary school children and younger can receive candy by saying "Trick or treat" at participating stores for free!
Tokyo Sky Town offers many other Halloween-themed activities for children beyond the parade, including body painting, workshops, and planetarium shows. Make the most of your Halloween experience with the various activities at Tokyo Sky Town before and after the parade.
<Information>
- Date: October 25 - 26 , 2026
- Access: Directly from Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/event/2615/
- English support: None
Special Exhibition "Midnight Creatures Exhibition"
Source:PR TIMES
While we sleep soundly at midnight, there are creatures that begin their activities.
The "Midnight Creatures Exhibition" is a special Tokyo kids event where you can carefully observe these creatures that live in darkness. The venue is dimly lit like midnight, and while exploring the night forest and inside the ocean, you can observe nocturnal creatures that are usually difficult to see.
In the darkness, various creatures await children.
For example, the Rufous-legged Owl has eyes that can see well in the dark, and its neck can rotate an astonishing 270 degrees. Also, the Rufous-legged Owl flies around in the darkness using ultrasonic waves and lives by eating fruits and flowers. Rare creatures gather here, including the Red-eyed Tree Frog with its bright red eyes and the Sligo Giant Salamander, which is difficult to keep.
If you look closely in the darkness, they might secretly show you their appearance and habits that you can't usually see. By the way, please note that the opening hours are not at midnight!
- Dates: Currently ongoing - November 24
- Time: 10:00-18:00 (Entry until 17:30)
- Venue: Sunshine Aquarium Special Exhibition Hall (3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku)
- Access: About 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line "Higashi-Ikebukuro Station" / About 8 minutes walk from JR, Tokyo Metro, Seibu Line, Tobu Line "Ikebukuro Station"
- Fee: 600 yen
- Official Site: https://sunshinecity.jp/file/aquarium/mayonaka/
Family Day Kodomo Mat 2026
Source:Official website
Family Day Kodomo Mat 2026 is an exhibition featuring diverse programs perfect for children's "museum debut" as a Tokyo kids event. Adults can also spend time without hesitation even with small children. A warm space surrounded by art spreads throughout.
About 200 works by domestic and international artists such as Yoshitomo Nara, Yuki Katsura (Yukiko), Cézanne, Kandinsky, and Arp will be exhibited. By viewing the works together with children, unexpected discoveries and new insights will emerge.
Inside the museum, "Bingo Cards" are distributed as a tool to make the museum experience more enjoyable. Using the illustrations drawn on the cards as clues, search for shapes and colors in the works, chairs and people in the exhibition rooms. You can enjoy the fun of "discovering" together with your family.
Also, a family-oriented dialogue appreciation program "MOMAT Collection Discovery Squad" will be held. Guide staff (volunteers) will discuss with children what they feel and think while viewing the works. You can casually participate from being approached in the exhibition room and enjoy the interaction with the works, staff, and participants you meet that day.
In addition, there are plenty of programs that families can enjoy together, such as a program to explore the museum and picture book reading sessions.
Inside the museum, it's okay to make noise, cry, or laugh, and strollers can be used for movement within the facility. Nursing rooms, diaper changing spaces, and rest areas are available, so you can spend time with peace of mind.
If you follow the photography rules, you can also take photos inside the museum. In the front garden of the museum, kitchen cars will sell drinks and food. Please enjoy them in the rest spaces.
- Dates: November 15, 16, 22, 23, 2026
- Venue: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (3-1 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku)
- Access: 3 minutes walk from Exit 1b of Tokyo Metro Tozai Line "Takebashi Station" / 15 minutes walk from Exit 4 of Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line/Toei Shinjuku Line "Kudanshita Station" / 15 minutes walk from Exit A1 of Tokyo Metro Mita Line "Jimbocho Station"
- Fee: Free for high school students and under, 250 yen for university students, 500 yen for adults (after 17:00: 150 yen for university students, 300 yen for adults), Free for those 65 and over
- Advance reservation required (date and time specified)
- Purchase site: https://www.e-tix.jp/kodomomat/
- Official Site: https://www.momat.go.jp/events/20251115
Shichi-Go-San (At Meiji Shrine and Others)
In Japan, there is a custom of thanking the gods for the safe growth of children at the milestones of three, five, and seven years old, and praying for their future happiness and longevity.
This is called "Shichi-Go-San Mairi" (Seven-Five-Three Shrine Visit) and is held around November 15. Traditionally, three years old is for both boys and girls, five years old is for boys, and seven years old is for girls.
In fact, I also participated in Shichi-Go-San events in my hometown of Fukuoka when I was three, five, and seven years old. For Japanese people, Shichi-Go-San is an emotional moment filled with the family's deep love and gratitude of "thank you for growing up safely to this age."
Shichi-Go-San visits can be made at any shrine. Meiji Shrine, which I particularly recommend, is a serene sanctuary surrounded by a vast 700,000 square meter forest in the center of Tokyo, in the middle of the city, and is easily accessible, making it perfect for this Tokyo kids event.
Children visit the shrine with their families and attend Shinto rituals at the Kagura Hall. During the ritual, they receive purification from the priest and watch the beautiful Kagura dance performed by shrine maidens. During the Shichi-Go-San period, many families visit, so rituals are held every 30 minutes.
Since it's walk-in registration (charged), if you're traveling with children aged three, five, or seven, why not participate? It will surely be a good memory.
At Meiji Shrine, there are ritual courses available at reasonable prices such as:
- 5,000 yen course: Amulet, Chitose Ame, stationery set, Shichi-Go-San commemorative medal
- 10,000 yen course: In addition to the above, a talisman with your child's name
Note: Chitose Ame = "Chitose" means 1,000 years. It's candy celebrating longevity, thin and long, and is actually shaped long and thin.
Children going out for Shichi-Go-San mostly wear traditional festive attire. You can see gorgeous Japanese clothing such as boys in haori hakama and girls in furisode. Such scenes are special, like a scene from a picture scroll.
If you see this during your travels, please stop for a moment. You can feel the heartwarming family scenes and the beauty of Japanese traditional culture.
- Dates: Around November 15
- Venue: Meiji Shrine
- Access: 1 minute walk from JR "Harajuku Station", 1 minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line "Meiji-jingumae"
- Fee: Free (prayer for children is charged)
- Official Site: https://www.meijikinenkan.gr.jp/753/
Jump Festa (December)
Source:Official website
Jump Festa (December) is an event jointly held by five Jump magazines. Visitors to this highlight of the Tokyo Kids Event 2026 can enjoy exhibition booths with original artwork, shops selling Jump Festa original merchandise, and areas specifically designed for children.
Junior high school students and younger receive Jump Kids Money (only usable by them) just for attending, along with souvenirs like original bags and files. With Jump Kids Money, they can purchase lottery tickets, participate in workshops, try capsule toys, and use various services—a fun way to learn about money management during the Tokyo Kids Event 2026.
My nephew who attended with me used his Kids Money to color and complete a badge featuring his favorite character, and immediately happily attached it to his bag.
The content is so rich that you can't experience everything in one day, so I recommend checking the website in advance to plan your strategy.
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- Date: December 2026 (exact date TBD)
- Access: 5-minute walk from Kaihin Makuhari Station on the Keiyo Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.jumpfesta.com/ (2024 site)
- English support: Available
Yomiuriland Jewel Illumination (December)
Source:Official website
Yomiuriland Jewel Illumination (December) is a highly popular event that has been taking place since 2010 at Yomiuriland, one of Tokyo's premier amusement parks.
During this spectacular Tokyo Kids Event 2026, visitors can enjoy colorful illuminations that shine like jewels. The event features a breathtaking collaboration of lights produced by world-famous lighting designer Ishui Motoko. An appealing aspect of this event is that 100% green energy powers all the illuminations, making it environmentally friendly.
To fully appreciate the illuminated night view, riding the "SKY GO LAND" Ferris wheel is recommended, which the whole family can enjoy together. Looking down at the sparkling illuminations from the Ferris wheel is like seeing actual jewels, giving you the feeling of wandering into a fairy tale world. My niece was so captivated by the night view from the Ferris wheel that we had to line up again for a second ride.
Children's attractions also offer views of the illuminations, so try enjoying the nighttime rides for a different experience than during the day.
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- Schedule: Specific dates from October 2025-April
- Access: 5-10 minutes by gondola or 5 minutes by bus from Keio Yomiuriland Station on the Keio Sagamihara Line
- Admission: 800 yen for junior high school students and above, 600 yen for children aged 3 through elementary school (Yomiuriland entrance fee is separate)
- Website: https://www.yomiuriland.com/jewellumination/
- English support: Available
Tokyo Kids Event: TOKYO DOME CITY Nordic Xmas Park 2026
Source:PR TIMES
"TOKYO DOME CITY Nordic Xmas Park 2026" is a Tokyo kids event where you can experience a relaxing Christmas. Planned with the theme of Nordic people's lifestyle, illuminations, markets, and kitchen cars will appear. It's a perfect spot to visit with children.
For children, Christmas means Santa Claus. At this event, Santa actually appears. Take commemorative photos together and create wonderful memories. It will be an unforgettable Christmas experience for young children.
At the Christmas market, various goods centered on Nordic miscellaneous goods are lined up. With your children, search for Christmas gifts for important people or yourself.
When you get tired of walking, you can take a break while enjoying Nordic gourmet food at the kitchen cars. Savor food and drinks that warm both your heart and body.
Furthermore, there are plenty of programs for families to enjoy, such as screenings of Nordic-related films, "Mölkky" experience - a sport from the Karelia region of Finland that is gaining popularity in Japan, and soap bubble performances. Enjoy the fantastic sight of soap bubbles dancing in the twinkling illuminations together with your children.
A Nordic-style Christmas spent with the whole family under the lights shining in the night sky is a special time. Experience a heartwarming moment at "TOKYO DOME CITY Nordic Xmas Park 2026," where both children and adults can smile.
- Dates: December 13, 14, 20, 21, 24, 25, 2026
- Note: Event content varies by day.
- Time: 11:00-19:00
- Venue: LaQua Garden Lawn Square (1-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku)
- Access: About 1 minute walk from Exits 1 and 2 of Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Namboku Line "Korakuen Station" / About 2 minutes walk from Exit A1 of Toei Subway Oedo Line "Kasuga Station"
- Fee: Free
- Official Site: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/illumination/event/
Recommended Tours with Activities Children Can Thoroughly Enjoy
Here, I will introduce recommended tours with activities that children can thoroughly enjoy as part of the Tokyo Kids Event 2026.
Tokyo Samurai Experience: History, Swordplay, and Authentic Japanese Dining
Tokyo Samurai Experience: History, Swordplay, and Authentic Japanese Dining is a tour where you can experience being a Japanese warrior or samurai. First, you change into a kimono and practice how to handle a sword, proper stances, and battle sequences. Children who enjoy fighting will definitely get excited when they get to swing the swords freely.
During the experience, guides will take photos and videos for you, so try performing as if you were a real samurai! You'll end up with pictures that your children will want to show off to their friends at school.
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- Tour area: Kagurazaka
- Start time: 10:30
Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo: Enter the Sanctuary
At the Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo: Enter the Sanctuary, you can experience actual training in a real sumo stable.
In this sumo stable that was in actual use until 2022, you'll learn about the life and customs of the sumo world from a guide and observe morning training by sumo wrestlers. The sight of these large wrestlers forcefully colliding with each other on the sumo ring is incredibly powerful!
After observing, you can actually wrestle with the sumo wrestlers and feel their strength, which is an attractive point of this tour. Although sumo is traditionally a male sport, women and children can also participate in this tour, so the whole family can challenge the wrestlers. Since your opponents are large-bodied wrestlers, try pushing with all your might to experience their strength.
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- Tour area: Shin-Kawasaki
- Start time: 9:30
