Trevor Kew

The story of Tokyo is composed of countless chapters, rewritten over centuries of destruction and reconstruction, frustration and inspiration, memories and dreams. Its cast of characters runs into the millions, from the samurai, merchants and kabuki actors of bygone eras to the politicians, salarymen and artists of today. And yet, despite all this abundance and variety, it can be difficult to know where to begin. If you really want to get to know Tokyo, its fantastic selection of museums is one of the best ways to get beneath the surface. Some of these institutions focus on history, going beyond explaining the past and truly bringing it to life, while others showcase art that explores the boundless realm of the human imagination across time and space. Still others delve into more niche topics that you might not expect to find in a museum. Many of Tokyo’s museums also feature quiet cafés, beautiful gardens and world-class architecture. While this list includes some of the city’s best-known museums (for good reason), we have gone out of our way to include some that lay slightly off the beaten path. There are larger museums perfect for whiling away a long rainy day, along with smaller ones just right for a quick dose of culture before lunch. And for those looking for unbeatable value, there are several free museums included as well.  Ready to discover the best museums to visit in Tokyo? You have come to the right place.

Whether you’re raising them here or bringing them on holiday, you’ll want your kids to get the most out of their time in Tokyo. Luckily, Japan’s greatest city is jam-packed with exciting things to do that will not only entertain your children, but enrich their minds with new cultural experiences. But Tokyo is a big city. If you’ve just arrived, it’s fine to start out with baby steps. With little kids, we recommend a simple stroll down to the nearest fumikiri (train crossing) to watch the trains roll by. Trust us, they’ll love it more than anything. If your kids are older, set them loose in a convenience store with five hundred yen and see what they come out with. Once you’ve settled in, the options for family fun are endless. You can explore Tokyo’s museums, filled with everything from samurai armour to interactive art to dinosaur fossils. For entertainment, go all out at Tokyo Disneyland or stay local with a family sing-song at one of Tokyo’s ubiquitous karaoke spots. Sports fans will love a sumo tournament at Kokugikan or a baseball game at the outdoor Meiji Jingu Stadium (which involves even more singing than karaoke). And of course, if your little ones just need some time to let off some steam, the city is home to many large, beautiful parks and incredible indoor play centres. To discover the best things to do in Tokyo with your kids as recommended by parents who know the city best, read on. RECOMMENDED: The biggest Tokyo tourist traps, ranked – and where you should go in