Vol.21: FAMILY TIME IN TOKYO

Welcome to TOKYO BEAT – a special series by your trusty Tokyo Tourism Representative (New York Office) that aims to provide you with story ideas and inspiration. It’s ‘Koraku Season’ in April and May, where Tokyo locals are drawn outside by the perfect weather and head to their favorite amusement parks. With a range of outdoor, indoor, and virtual games, these family-friendly attractions present myriad activities that are equally fun for visitors.

Real and Virtual Immersion One of the most unique adventures can be had at Kidzania, where kids spend their day role-playing as adults by working ‘jobs’ to earn ‘money’ for goods and more. Over 90 jobs ranging from fireman to veterinarian offer a learning experience that is fun, interactive, and rewarding. On the other spectrum of reality is VR – and Tokyo has some of the most stunning technology on the market. At Tokyo Joypolis, the Sega theme park that is a gamer’s dream, players can not only play the latest video games, but also enter cutting edge experiences that combine gaming with physical rides. At VR Zone Shinjuku, one can take an even deeper dive through immersive versions of Mario Kart, Dragon Ball, Evangelion and more, all of which reveal a future of entertainment that is unforgettable.

Unforgettable Character Experiences Countless children have been charmed by the many characters of Sanrio, the creators of Hello Kitty, and Sanrio Puroland allows them to enter a life-size version of this world, meet popular characters like Gudetama and Pompompurin, visit their homes, fill up on colorful food and sweets, and of course, shop for limited edition goods. Tokyo One Piece Tower celebrates the globally popular manga/anime One Piece by offering fans a way to explore life-size versions of the story’s many scenes and settings. The sheer execution of this multi-story indoor park is impressive, but there’s also no shortage of interactive rides, games, exhibitions, and live shows. Not to be beaten is Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo, where imagination fuels the infinite possibilities of these legendary building blocks – and both kids and adults can find renewed appreciation through its factory tour, car building and racing, diorama of Tokyo, and more.

Classics Preserved and Reimagined For adults who hold deep nostalgia for the amusement parks they grew up with, Toshimaen is a wonderful throwback. Originally opened in 1926, it is one of the oldest amusement parks in Tokyo,and offers a fun, retro atmosphere that complements its selection of roller coasters, water rides, and arcade games. In contrast, the sprawling Tokyo Dome City is a cutting edge example of amusement park design, with five ‘zones’ to explore, games for kids of all ages, a massive ferris wheel, and the signature “Thunder Dolphin” roller coaster that tops out at a speed of 80 miles per hour. When it comes to exhibiting the state-of-the-art, nothing may compare to Aquapark Shinagawa, where features like tanks with interactive touch panel displays, a Pirate Ship ride, and classic dolphin shows are all seamlessly interwoven to create an experience unlike any other.

For more information about family-oriented destinations in Tokyo, contact press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head to TokyoTokyo.jp and Gotokyo.org/en/