Entertaining guests with children

[Gareth]

One of my good friends, his wife and two children aged 11 and 5 are coming to visit me in Tokyo this November for ten days.

Has anyone any experience of having guests from overseas with children? What kinds of things did the children find interesting and not so interesting? Was food a struggle? Any tips for good places to take them? Any pertinent advice beyond the obvious?

I don’t have children so I want to be well prepared and make their holiday as enjoyable as possible.

Thanks!

[zeroshiki]

How about Odaiba?

Gundam
Science Museum
Lego
Joypolis

At 11 years old, the older child probably has stuff they're already interested in so you should ask your friend. For example, a train museum or the dinosaur museum would be fun probably.

[Tkydon]

Harajuku - Takeshita Dori and maybe a quick look at Meiji Shrine and Omotesando

Asakusa - The gift shopping in front of the temple, and a quick look at the temple.
Plastic Food at Kappabashi
The Market at Ueno Ameyokocho

After that they probably won't want to see any more temples

Maybe the Fish Market at Tsukiji early in the morning ??? See all the big tuna.

Try Facebook Groups like Tokyo Expat Network..

[Tokyo]

Disneyland and Disney Sea are the obvious attractions but they are going to be crowded like crazy with Chinese tour groups returning to Japan. For kids of all ages, Spocha is a guaranteed winner for the kind of entertainment fantasy that only Japan offers. There aren’t many around but if you going to the Odaiba Mall for Gundam, there’s one in there.

Follow that up with guru guru sushi, cat/pig/owl/robot cafes, depachika cakes, the divine (if expensive) fruit sundaes from Takano Fruit Parlor in Shinjuku and those kids won’t want to ever leave!

[Deep Blue]

Maybe the Fish Market at Tsukiji early in the morning ??? See all the big tuna.

Not without a time machine! Tuna auctions are in Toyosu now. But you can still visit Tsukiji for all the smaller stalls and restaurants in the outer market section which has survived to relocation of the wholesale market.

[Deep Blue]

Tondemi is a good half-day activity that is fun for children at that age if they like trampolines and climbing. My kids are always badgering me to take them back again

https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/en/others/tondemi/

[Tkydon]

Maybe the Fish Market at Tsukiji early in the morning ??? See all the big tuna.

Not without a time machine! Tuna auctions are in Toyosu now. But you can still visit Tsukiji for all the smaller stalls and restaurants in the outer market section which has survived to relocation of the wholesale market.

Just cross the Bridge to the New Fish Market

[Tkydon]

Day trip to Kamakura and Enoshima beach and town

[Nancy]

If you can figure out how to do it, Kidzania is a great choice. It takes advanced reservations, and the system once you enter is a bit complicated, but kids love to experience different jobs and earn money. Also look at the public parks around your house for free fun play.

[Yokohama]

For dinner, Zauo, a restaurant where you catch your own fish, is fun for kids.

https://www.zauo.com/