Amazing Things to do in Tokyo with Teenagers

One Week in Tokyo with Teenagers

Our Tokyo adventure was sparked by our teenage sons’ growing fascination with Japanese culture, particularly anime and manga. For years, they’ve been captivated by the stories, art, and characters, so when the opportunity arose to explore Japan, it felt like the perfect fit for our family. A great cruise deal departing from Tokyo added the final push, leading us to spend three exciting weeks in Japan during the vibrant summer season. With a combination of pre and post cruise accommodation, it gave us one week in Tokyo! In our opinion (and our sons of course), here are our top things to do in Tokyo with teenagers.

If you are looking for some accommodation recommendations, read our post on The Best Place to Stay in Tokyo.

Top things to do in Tokyo with Teenagers

Tokyo is an incredible destination to experience with your kids, and there are so many things to do in Tokyo with teenagers. From the magic of Disneyland and DisneySea to the vibrant streets of Shibuya and Harajuku, there’s never a dull moment. Our trip was filled with unforgettable experiences – endless shopping in some of the trendiest districts, hunting for unique finds on Takeshita Street, and diving into the world of anime and electronics in Akihabara.

Tokyo Disneyland

Our day at Tokyo Disneyland was nothing short of magical, starting with the convenience of having the Disney monorail right beside our hotel. The monorail itself is an experience – decorated with Mickey-shaped windows and handrails, it set the tone for the day ahead, and I (more so than the kids) couldn’t contain my excitement.

Tokyo Disney Tickets and App

Once we arrived, we quickly realized that the lineups were no joke. Once we reached the front of the line, getting in with the tickets I’d pre-purchased was a piece of cake.

I had already added each of the tickets to the Disney app beforehand. Although I tried to figure out the Tokyo Disney app to make the most of the fast-pass system, but I didn’t quite get the hang of it in time to fully maximize our experience. For those planning a visit, the app is key to unlocking shorter wait times for some of the park’s most popular rides. Despite the initial learning curve, we were able to snag fast-passes for a few must-see attractions, including the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. Of course, we couldn’t miss Haunted Mansion. The dark, gothic interior and ghostly effects were impressively done, with just the right amount of spookiness to keep everyone on their toes. It was a highlight of our day, especially since we managed to snag fast-passes and avoid the long line.

We kicked off our day with a ride on It’s a Small World, which was as delightful as ever. The vibrant colors, catchy tune, and charming dolls from around the globe made it a perfect start for the day. It’s one of those rides that never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve been on it. It is also a song that will be stuck in your head on repeat for the foreseeable future.

Next up was Adventureland, where we hopped on the Jungle Cruise. The tour took us through rivers filled with animatronic animals and adventurous landscapes, with a guide who kept the atmosphere light and fun with humorous commentary.

Tokyo Disney Vegan Food, Shopping and the Happiest Place on Earth!

The shopping at Tokyo Disneyland was priced much better than we expected, which was also thanks to the Australian Dollar being strong at the time of travel. We bought quite a lot of souvenirs, including hats, snacks, trinkets and sunglasses.

One of the biggest surprises of the day was discovering a decent vegan food option. We had read beforehand that finding vegan-friendly meals in Tokyo Disney might be challenging, but we were pleasantly surprised by having any option other than fries. At Plazma Ray’s Diner we found a delicious vegan curry rice, and it was a relief to have a satisfying meal that suited our dietary needs. In fact, we ate there twice because we were at the park from open to close. Hot Tip: You can order food via the Disney app, and it makes it a lot easier than ordering at the counter when there is a language barrier!

As we wandered through the park, it was the little details that really made the experience stand out. I loved how the park attendants’ uniforms were tailored to match the theme of each ride, adding to the immersive experience. The non-stop music playing throughout the park created an enchanting backdrop, and soon enough, waving at everyone—whether it was a fellow park-goer or a cast member—became contagious. There’s something truly special about Disneyland’s ability to bring out the joy and friendliness in everyone.

I have visited both Anaheim Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo exceeded my expectations.

Tokyo DisneySea

Getting to Tokyo DisneySea was as easy as ever, once again thanks to the Disney monorail. But if we thought the Disneyland line up was long, it was because we hadn’t yet been to DisneySea! Yikes, they weren’t quite as organised as Disneyland either, and it felt a bit more chaotic… but once inside, I was ready to conquer the fast-pass system with newfound expertise.

Tokyo DisneySea Tickets and App

I had once again pre-purchased our tickets – and with the tickets loaded into the Disney app, I set out to navigate the fast-pass system. This time, I was able to secure fast-passes for some of the park’s most thrilling rides. We managed to get spots for the Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones Adventure, Raging Spirits, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and most excitingly, Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival. This was the most exciting because it meant we got access to the new DisneySea Fantasy Springs section of the park!

Having mastered the fast-pass system, I thought I had everything under control. However, with so many must-see attractions spread out across the park, our total walking distance for the day topped 17 kilometres (not to mention all the lining up), leaving us with sore feet for the rest of the week!

Tokyo DisneySea Experience, Vegan Food, and Shopping.

The sheer beauty of Tokyo DisneySea was truly breathtaking, with each themed world transporting us to a different corner of the globe. From the stunning Mediterranean Harbour with its ornate architecture to the exotic Arabian Coast, it created a fully captivating experience. We loved the Venetian-inspired canals, and my husband especially loved the view above Mysterious Island, where the aquatic theme is truly magnificent. It was this extraordinary sense of depth and the park’s stunning environments that left us in awe, making Tokyo DisneySea an unforgettable highlight of our trip.

Once again we were pleasantly surprised with a fantastic vegan food option at DisneySea. We enjoyed another tasty vegan curry from the Casbah restaurant, in the delightful Agrabah section of the park. Hot Tip: You can order food via the Disney app, and it makes it a lot easier than ordering at the counter when there is a language barrier!

Shopping at DisneySea was also a treat, with a variety of unique merchandise and souvenirs that we couldn’t resist. From themed apparel to exclusive collectibles, we picked up some great items to remember our visit. The pricing was quite reasonable, as it was at Disneyland. The highlight of the shopping was at “Fantasy Springs Gifts”, but we had to line up for the pleasure. It was no short line either, it was at least 25 minutes on our feet, at the end of the evening, after all those kilometres of walking. You know that meant we had to make purchases after all that effort. The shop was filled with delightful merchandise from Tangled, Frozen, and other beloved Disney stories, and it was impossible to leave empty-handed. For me, any excuse to shop in such a magical setting was a win.

DisneySea Fantasy Springs

Fantasy Springs, the brand-new section of Tokyo DisneySea that had just opened, was an enchanting finale to our day at the park. We were thrilled to score a standby pass to enter this dazzling area, and Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival boat ride was the perfect way to wind down our evening. The boat ride, adorned with glowing lanterns, was a serene and magical experience that beautifully captured the essence of Fantasy Springs.

Our photos of Fantasy Springs don’t quite do it justice. By the time we made it to this part of the park, exhaustion had set in, and our camera skills were less than stellar. Nevertheless, the area’s beauty was undeniable. The elaborate sculptures and vibrant lighting created a breathtaking ambiance that was nothing short of spectacular. The night sky, illuminated by the park’s intricate lighting designs, added a touch of magic to every scene.

Fantasy Springs was a stunning addition to Tokyo DisneySea, and despite our tired feet, it left us with a lasting impression of the park.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing was smaller than I thought it would be from its photographs… but it is every bit as chaotic as you’d imagine! You get completely swept up in the rush of people walking in every direction, and in the evening the lights are a magical energy that defines Tokyo. It’s not just the busiest intersection in the world – it’s a quintessential Tokyo experience, like a scene straight out of a movie. We weren’t silly enough to pause in the middle of the crosswalk for selfies (like many), but we certainly spent a lot of time watching the tides of people come and go.

Shibuya Scramble Square Shopping & Restaurants

Beyond the crossing, Shibuya is filled with a treasure trove of shops and restaurants. The wet weather on our day of arrival in the city, saw us seek refuge in Shibuya Scramble Square shopping mall. What a wonderful way to spend a few hours!

We had a delicious lunch at the vegan friendly Middle Eastern restaurant Carvaan on level 12. Then I found a paid of shoes on sale, that were a perfect solution to my aching feet after the epic 2 days of Disney. There is also an observation deck to view Shibuya Crossing, as well as an amazing view through the massive glass windows inside the tall shopping centre.

In the evening we found a variety of restaurants inside the Shibuya Parco, and we settled on dining at Jikasei MENSHO – a vegan Ramen joint that exceeded our expectations.

Harajuku

Heading to Harajuku was our first time navigating the Tokyo subway system. It went so well, that on the way back we walked to our hotel rather than have to deal with that again. Yes, we won’t talk about it, but everyone else assures us it is easy once you get the gist of it.

Anyway, moving on. Our teenagers, and ourselves, loved exploring the vibrant streets, stopping in to large stores like KickLab and Nike. It was my husband and sons’ turn to get comfortable shoes today, and all three of the guys bought a pair. It’s truly a fashion lover’s paradise, but even if you’re not into clothes, just walking around and soaking in the atmosphere is an experience in itself.

Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is famous for its sweet treats, especially their impressive looking crepes – stuffed with everything from strawberries to ice cream. None of it is vegan which ruled it our for me, but given it was a sweltering mid-summer day, not even the kids were interested in trying some.

The fashion here is colourful, bold, and 100% unique. I for one couldn’t get Gwen Stefani out of my head the whole day “You Harajuku girls… Damn, you’ve got some wicked style“. From edgy streetwear to cute character merch, to rock and punk rock fashion, we could have spent hours shopping. It was our feet that let us down this day. If I can recommend anything before commencing your Tokyo trip… buy the most comfortable shoes of your life before you get there.

We took a browse in Harajuku Universal Music, which featured a Bon Jovi pop-up store at the time. The shop have a few levels of fun music paraphernalia, a great opportunity to buy some band t-shirts and memorabilia. And for those of us (me) with a weakness for trinkets, Takeshita Street offered a treasure trove of stores filled with jewelry and quirky accessories. I treated myself to a few new pairs of earrings, because, my obsession with ear bling continues!

Akhihabara

Our two days in Akihabara were a whirlwind of anime and electronics, which was in walking distance of our Akhihabara Apartment.

One of our stops was Radiokaikan, a well-known electronics haven where you can find everything from gadgets to rare collectibles. We also explored Volks Hobby Paradise, an expansive store filled with model kits and anime figurines, which our teenagers took full advantage of, buying numerous collectibles.

Our teenagers were in their element, spending hours browsing and picking out numerous anime figurines they’d been dreaming of. We found ourselves happily lost in the sea of shops, but one downside was the absence of seating in almost every store, making it less comfortable for those of us tagging along as we stood for long stretches. In fact, there are signs telling you not to sit on anything that looks tempting to sit down on.

Bic Camera was another highlight, a major retailer known for its wide range of electronics, gadgets, and souvenirs. I ended up purchasing a Dyson Airwrap here. I stopped that sentence short to see if you can spot my mistake…

Does a Dyson Airwrap from Japan work in Australia? No. Did I know that beforehand? No. I found out when I got home and turned it on, and nothing happened. The voltage in Japan is 100 and in Australia it is 240. Is there a solution? No. Not really. Dyson advised me that using a transformer will void my warranty, and is not recommended. However, it will likely be the only option and will cost over $200 AUD to buy one. Hopefully this saves at least one person googling “does a Dyson Airwrap from Japan work in Australia” from making the same mistake I did.

There are also several Duty Free stores in Akhihabara, which was great for buying souvenirs and gifts. Plus, we needed three extra carry on cases because we did too much shopping on our 3 weeks in Japan with teenagers.

Akhihabara Food

We had a few culinary experiences in the area, including a visit to CoCo Ichibanya, famous for its delicious curry – some of which are vegan. Warning, if you like hot food but have never eaten here before, be mindful of the heat level option. I like spicy, so I ordered mine a level 5 out of 10 for heat. It felt like 10 out of 10, but I soldiered through it. My son Rahmi ordered a 3 for heat, and he said it felt like an 8. My husband and youngest son were smart and went with the standard mild heat it comes with. We all enjoyed it, even those of us who were sweating.

Kamakura Fushikian was another spot that offered a unique dining experience, the menu is entirely vegan and bursting with flavour. There was only two different set menus available, and the fried tofu and fried vegan “chicken” were highlights.

Tokyo City Centre Shopping

On our last day in Japan, our flight was leaving in the evening, and our checkout of the hotel was 10am. We decided to use the last day to visit the Tokyo city centre. It was a heat wave, so we were definitely not walking the street when we had no where to shower before our flight home. This meant checking out the shopping centres and grabbing a bite to eat.

We found ourselves at the heart of the city’s shopping mecca: Daimaru and Yaesu Shopping Centre. Nestled in the Tokyo Station area, Daimaru is for those who love a bit of luxury and variety. There was no danger in over-spending, as our bags were packed and there was absolutely no room left.

Right next door, Yaesu Shopping Centre offered a more modern and accessible vibe. This place is perfect for travelers looking to pick up last-minute essentials or gifts. The whole area is connected by underground passages.

Tokyo Character Street is a must do on your list of top things to do in Tokyo with teenagers. Located within Tokyo Station, this stretch of shops is dedicated to Japan’s beloved anime and manga characters. As we walked through, we found loads of interesting shops, each one offering fun merchandise from popular anime series and also franchises like Hello Kitty and Studio Ghibli.

12 Night Cruise Around Japan

For the other 12 days we spent in Japan, we were travelling by Celebrity Millennium cruise ship. Our ports of call included the following cities in this order:

• Kobe
• Hiroshima
• Nagasaki
• Jeju Island, South Korea
• Kagoshima
• Shimizu (Mt Fuji)

If you want to see more about these destinations and discover what we did in each port, read our Celebrity Cruises Best of Japan the Ultimate Itinerary Guide.