Tokyo is home to some of the most engaging and interactive museums, perfect for kids of all ages. From hands-on science experiments to life-sized trains and traditional toys, these museums offer an exciting mix of education and play. Here are the top five museums in Tokyo where kids can have fun while learning!
1️⃣ Miraikan: National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation
If your kids love science, robots, and space, Miraikan is a must-visit. This futuristic museum allows kids to explore real-world science through interactive exhibits. They can check out the robotics, experience a simulated earthquake, and even take a virtual trip into space inside the Geo-Cosmos globe.
The Curiosity Field at Miraikan offers hands-on fun where kids can explore motion, build marble machines, and bring drawings to life on a digital screen.
💡Helpful Tips:
- Some activities require reservations, so check the website in advance.
- Miraikan has an English-friendly environment, making it great for foreign visitors.
- Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation
- Koto City, Tokyo
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
- Official Website
- ¥630 (Adults), Free for kids under 18
2️⃣ The Railway Museum
Perfect for train enthusiasts, this museum in Saitama (just outside of Tokyo) offers train simulators, real train carriages, and interactive exhibits. Kids can operate a virtual train, step inside old locomotives, and watch miniature trains in action.
The museum is designed with kids in mind, offering plenty of interactive experiences. In the Kids’ Library, little ones can relax on real train seats while reading books about railways from around the world. The Kids Plaza is a hands-on play area where children can create their own ekiben (train lunch box), draw on a giant whiteboard, and, best of all, have fun with Plarail toy trains!
For lunch, there are two exciting options. The Kids Cafe serves fun, kid-friendly meals and easy-to-eat snacks, while the 455 Lunch Train lets families enjoy an ekiben or packed lunch inside a real 455 series express train for an authentic railway dining experience!
💡Helpful Tips:
- Simulators require advance tickets—get them early.
- Bring snacks or lunch; there’s a great picnic area inside.
- Ideal for kids who love trains but also engaging for adults.
The Railway Museum
- Saitama (Near Omiya Station)
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
- Official Website
- ¥1,330 (Adults), ¥620 (Elementary & Jr. High), ¥310 (Preschoolers)
3️⃣ Tokyo Toy Museum
This hands-on toy wonderland is perfect for younger kids! Located in an old school building, it offers wooden toys, board games, and traditional Japanese toys for kids to explore. Kids can touch and play freely with the thousands of toys available. For kids who love crafts, they can try out Japanese crafts and create original toys!
💡Helpful Tips:
- Best for kids under 10, but older children can still enjoy it.
- It’s a small museum, so go early to avoid crowds.
- No food inside, but you can eat outside in the nearby park.
Tokyo Toy Museum
- Yotsuya, Tokyo
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Thursdays)
- Official Website
- ¥1,100 (Adults), ¥800 (Kids 3+), Free for under 3
4️⃣ National Museum of Nature and Science
This massive science and history museum in Ueno has everything from dinosaurs to deep-sea creatures. Kids can explore space, technology, and nature through life-size models and interactive exhibits.
There is a giant T-Rex skeleton to see as well as a great Space Theater to learn about the universe. The touch & explore zone has hands-on exhibits for kids, so they can learn and play freely.
💡Helpful Tips:
- The museum is large—plan at least half a day to explore.
- Check the special exhibits; they change frequently.
- Located in Ueno Park, so you can combine it with a zoo visit.
National Museum of Nature and Science
- Ueno, Tokyo
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Official Website
- ¥630 (Adults), Free for high school students & younger
5️⃣ Police Museum
A hidden gem in Ginza, this small but interactive museum is a fun place for kids who love police cars, uniforms, and role-playing.
They can try on real police uniforms, sit in a real helicopter cockpit, and explore police vehicles. They also have police motorcycles to play on! It can easily be visited in an hour or two so it is a great museum to pair with other day activities in Tokyo.
💡Helpful Tips:
Best for kids under 12, but older children may enjoy the displays.
It’s free, making it a great budget-friendly activity!
Located near Ginza, so you can combine it with shopping or sightseeing
Police Museum
- Ginza, Tokyo
- 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Official Website
- Free
Tokyo is full of amazing museums, but these five stand out for their interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and fun learning experiences for kids. Whether your child loves science, trains, toys, or role-playing as a police officer, there’s something for everyone!
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Kiwi Content Creator living in Kansai. I love to travel with my family and share our adventures through photography and writing.
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