By Emily Beach
Kids Activities in Japan
Japan is home to some of the world's most populated cities, including many top financial and economic hot spots. As millions of annual visitors discover, the country is also the site of many top entertainment and tourist spots. Families visiting with children will be impressed by all the kids' activities, from theme parks to zoos, all with a Japanese flair. No matter what your children's interests, you'll find plenty to keep them entertained on your family trip to Japan.
Tokyo Disney
The Tokyo Disney resort is an entertainment complex in Chiba, Japan. It is home to two theme parks, including Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, as well as a dining and shopping complex, called Ikspiara, which closely resembles Downtown Disney in the U.S. Guests will find many of the classic Disney rides at Tokyo Disneyland, including Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion. There also are some rides that are unique to this park, such as the Mickey Mouse Review. DisneySea is a theme park with, as its name implies, an aquatic theme. It includes elements of other Disney parks around the world, as well as some of its own. There are numerous hotels, restaurants and shopping venues surrounding the parks, making this a fun vacation destination for families from all parts of the world.
Tokyo Disney
1-1, Maihama,
Urayasu-shi,
Chiba 279 Japan
Tel: 047(354)0001
www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Located near the city of Nagoya, the Higashiyama Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Asia. It is home to more than 125 species, including elephants, koala bears, reptiles and birds. Open seven days a week, the complex also includes extensive botanical gardens, an amusement park and several dining establishments. Don't miss the roller slide, which is similar to the Alpine slide in the U.S. The park also is home to several impressive steel roller coasters. Guests can climb the 100 foot tall Higashiyama Tower to experience spectacular views of the surrounding city. Children will love going home with one of the free gifts that are given to visitors: a grub beetle!
Higashiyama Zoo
3-70, Higashiyama-motomachi
Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-0804
Tel: 052(781)1751
www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp
PuroLand
Puro Land is an amusement park in Tokyo that draws several million visitors each year. It is owned by the Sanrio company, and is themed around the company's popular characters, including Hello Kitty, Keroppi, and Pochacco. There are dozens of rides here, most aimed at children and young teens. Several stages are set up throughout the park for live entertainment where guests can sing and dance along. Kids can meet and take photos with their favorite Sanrio stars, or shop in the large marketplace that holds nearly every Hello Kitty product made. In the summer, kids will enjoy the daily parades and nightly fireworks displays.
PuroLand
1-31 Ochiai
Tama 206-8588
Tel: 81 42-339-1111
www.puroland.co.jp
About the Author:
Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.
Photo Credits:
Tokyo at Night
