Reader’s Question: Regarding sightseeing in Tokyo the day after visiting Disneyland with children, please recommend some attractions accessible from a hotel in Urayasu on January 13. I had planned to visit the National Museum of Nature and Science and the
Miraikan, but they are closed that day. I would like to avoid Skytree since I visited it last year. I will be taking the shinkansen from Tokyo Station at 3:30 PM. I would appreciate any detailed suggestions. Thank you.
Exploring Tokyo After Disneyland: A Family Adventure!
Hey there, fellow travelers! So, if you’re anything like me and your family, you’ve just spent a magical day at Disneyland, which, by the way, can be both exhilarating and exhausting, right? I mean, who doesn’t love meeting Mickey, but wow, those lines can be a workout! Now, you’re in Urayasu, and you’ve got a day to explore Tokyo before hopping on the shinkansen at 3:30 PM. What to do? Well, let me take you on a little journey of our delightful escapades!
A Perfect Start at Urayasu
First things first, our hotel in Urayasu was super convenient. We woke up feeling like champs after a good night’s sleep, and the breakfast spread was a hit with the kids. If your little ones are like mine, they can devour pancakes and fruit in record time. So, after fueling up, we decided to take advantage of our proximity to Tokyo.
Since the National Museum of Nature and Science and the Miraikan were closed (sad face), we had to pivot our plans. It’s a bit of a bummer when you’ve got your heart set on something, but hey, that’s travel for you! It’s all about rolling with the punches, right?
The Magical World of Ghibli
Our first stop was the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. If you’ve got kids who adore “My Neighbor Totoro” or “Spirited Away,” then this is a must-visit. We hopped on the JR Sobu Line from Urayasu, and the train ride was surprisingly pleasant. The kids were buzzing with excitement, and I was just happy to see them so animated!
The museum is an absolute dream come true for fans of Studio Ghibli. There are exhibits showcasing the art and animation of Ghibli films, and it’s all so charmingly designed. You can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped into one of their movies. I mean, the giant cat bus is just sitting there ready for you to clamber aboard! Just make sure to book your tickets in advance because they sell out fast.
One of my favorite parts? The short film that you can only see in the museum. We caught a little animated piece featuring the iconic Catbus, and it was the highlight of our trip. The kids were absolutely enthralled—totally worth the trip! After exploring all the nooks and crannies, we settled down in the museum café for some adorable Ghibli-themed snacks. I mean, how can you resist a Totoro-shaped pastry?
Strolling through Inokashira Park
After devouring our Ghibli goodies, we decided to stretch our legs and took a stroll through Inokashira Park, which is just a stone’s throw away. It was a lovely spot to let the kids burn off some energy. The park is beautiful, with a pond where you can rent swan boats (we skipped that this time, but they looked super fun!).
We had a little impromptu picnic with snacks we packed, and I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to just sit and relax while soaking in the serene atmosphere. There were also adorable little ducks waddling around, and the kids got a real kick out of feeding them. A bit of nature after the madness of Disneyland was just what we needed!
Time to Explore Akihabara
Next on our list was Akihabara—an absolute haven for anime lovers and gamers alike. Now, I know that some parents might be a little hesitant about the hustle and bustle of Akihabara, but trust me, there’s plenty here to entertain the whole family.
We wandered through the shops filled with every kind of merchandise you can imagine—from figurines to plushies to video games. My son was over the moon to find a store dedicated entirely to Pokémon! You should have seen his eyes light up when he stumbled upon a rare Pikachu plushie. We ended up spending quite a bit of time in there. Pro tip: don’t be surprised if you find some hard-to-get items. I even snagged a cute Totoro keychain as a little memento from our trip!
Don’t forget to check out one of the themed cafes; we popped into a maid café for lunch. The kids were a little shy at first (let’s be real, it’s a unique experience), but they quickly warmed up and enjoyed the lively atmosphere. Watching the maids perform their cute dances and serve food with adorable flair was hilarious! Just a heads up, it can get a bit pricey, but it’s all part of the experience, right?
Odaiba Adventure Awaits
As we wrapped up our time in Akihabara, I had one more trick up my sleeve—Odaiba! This futuristic island in Tokyo Bay is easily accessible via the Yurikamome line, which offers one of the most scenic train rides in the city. The view of the Rainbow Bridge is breathtaking, especially as the sun begins to set.
Once we got to Odaiba, we headed straight for TeamLab Borderless. Now, I can’t rave about this place enough! If you’re looking for something that’s a feast for the senses, prepare to be amazed by this digital art museum. The kids were utterly captivated by the immersive, interactive exhibits. From the flower garden that blooms and fades depending on your movement to the mesmerizing projections all around, it felt like we had entered another world.
Just be warned, it can get quite crowded, so try to go at a time when it’s less hectic. And don’t forget to capture some Instagram-worthy photos—trust me, you’ll want to remember these moments!
Wrapping Up the Day
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to DiverCity Tokyo Plaza to check out the giant Gundam statue. It was so impressive! Watching the kids gawk at the massive robot in awe was priceless. We grabbed a quick dinner at one of the food courts—Japanese curry for me, while the kids opted for some ramen. A great way to refuel!
With time ticking away, we hopped back on the train to Tokyo Station. It was a whirlwind of a day, but I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend our time in Tokyo. From Ghibli magic to anime adventures, we made some unforgettable memories!
Final Thoughts Before Departure
As I sit here reflecting on our day, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences we had. It’s moments like these that make traveling with family so special. Sure, we didn’t get to visit the places we originally planned, but we discovered new favorites instead! That’s the beauty of travel—it’s all about the unexpected adventures.
So, as you set out on your journey in Tokyo, take a deep breath, embrace the spontaneity, and let the city surprise you. Whether you’re exploring Akihabara, immersing yourself in Ghibli magic, or wandering through parks, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to keep an eye on the clock, especially if you’ve got a shinkansen waiting for you!
Happy travels, and may your days be filled with wonder and joy! Until next time, keep adventuring!
