Traveling back to my hometown and exploring Tokyo with my family
Tokyo Will Always Feel Like Home
Hello! I’m Mayumi, a Japanese mom living in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.
I was born in Tokyo and spent my elementary school years in Chiba Prefecture, just outside Tokyo. From junior high school until I got married, I lived in Tokyo.
Today, I live in Toyota City with my husband and our two daughters.
Both my husband and I are originally from the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures. We travel back to our hometowns several times a year to visit our families.
These trips are always special to us.
We spend time with our relatives, explore newly opened attractions and shopping areas, and discover how much Tokyo has changed since we lived there.
I also love meeting my old friends from school. Having lunch together or relaxing at a café while catching up on each other’s lives is one of my favorite things about returning to Tokyo.
For me, Tokyo isn’t just a tourist destination. It’s a place filled with childhood memories, old friendships, and family connections.
Life in Tokyo and Toyota City: Two Different Sides of Japan
Even though both cities are in Japan, everyday life in Tokyo and Toyota City can feel very different.
One of the biggest differences is transportation.
In Tokyo, trains and subways are an essential part of daily life. You can reach most shopping districts, restaurants, and tourist attractions without a car.
In Toyota City, on the other hand, many people depend on cars for their daily activities. Driving to supermarkets, schools, parks, and restaurants is common.
I grew up using trains, so adapting to life in a car-oriented city was a big change for me.
When I return to Tokyo, I enjoy the convenience of walking around the city and taking trains from one neighborhood to another.
Tokyo is exciting, busy, and constantly changing. Toyota City offers a different lifestyle, with more space and a closer connection to the local community.
Both places have their own advantages, and I appreciate them in different ways.
Four Places I Recommend for Families Visiting Tokyo
If you’re visiting Japan with children, here are four popular destinations worth considering.
Each offers a different experience of Tokyo, from Japanese pop culture and city views to unforgettable family entertainment.
1. Harajuku — Discover Japan’s Kawaii Culture
Harajuku is one of Tokyo’s most colorful and energetic neighborhoods.
It’s especially famous for Takeshita Street, where you’ll find trendy fashion, cute accessories, Japanese sweets, and shops filled with unique souvenirs.
For children and teenagers, simply walking along the street can be an exciting experience.
Things to enjoy:
- Try Japanese-style crepes and colorful sweets.
- Explore cute fashion and accessory shops.
- Take fun photos in Japanese photo booths called purikura.
- Walk toward Omotesando to explore a different side of Tokyo.
Harajuku is also close to Meiji Jingu Shrine, so families can experience modern Japanese pop culture and traditional culture in the same area.
Nearest station: JR Harajuku Station
Best for: Families with school-age children, teenagers, and anyone interested in Japanese fashion and pop culture.
My tip: Takeshita Street can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends. Visiting on a weekday may be more comfortable for families with younger children.
2. Tokyo Skytree — See Tokyo from Above
Tokyo Skytree is one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks.
Standing 634 meters tall, it offers spectacular views of the city from its observation decks.
On a clear day, you can see the enormous urban landscape stretching into the distance.
For children, seeing Tokyo from so high above the ground can be an unforgettable experience.
At the base of the tower, Tokyo Solamachi offers shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
Things to enjoy:
- Visit the observation decks.
- Look for famous landmarks across Tokyo.
- Explore souvenir shops and character merchandise.
- Enjoy shopping and dining at Tokyo Solamachi.
Nearest stations: Tokyo Skytree Station or Oshiage Station
Best for: Families of all ages, especially first-time visitors to Tokyo.
My tip: If you plan to visit the observation decks, check ticket availability in advance. Tokyo Skytree is also a good destination when you want to combine sightseeing with shopping and dining.
3. Shibuya — Experience the Energy of Modern Tokyo
Shibuya is one of the most exciting places in Tokyo.
The famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing is known around the world. When the traffic lights change, large numbers of pedestrians cross the intersection from different directions.
Even though I grew up in the Tokyo area, I still find Shibuya fascinating because the neighborhood is always changing.
New buildings, shops, restaurants, and entertainment spaces continue to transform the area.
Things to enjoy:
- Walk across the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
- Take a photo with the Hachiko dog statue.
- Explore Japanese fashion and character shops.
- Discover cafés and shopping complexes.
- Enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo from SHIBUYA SKY.
Nearest station: Shibuya Station
Best for: Families with older children, teenagers, and visitors who want to experience modern Japanese city life.
My tip: Shibuya Station is very large and has many exits. If you’re meeting family or friends, choose a specific meeting point in advance. Keep young children close when walking through crowded areas.
4. Tokyo Disneyland — A Magical Day for the Whole Family
Tokyo Disneyland is one of Japan’s most popular family attractions.
Although it has “Tokyo” in its name, the park is actually located in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture.
It’s easily accessible from central Tokyo by train.
Tokyo Disneyland offers rides, shows, parades, Disney characters, and beautifully themed areas.
Many Japanese families visit the park to celebrate birthdays, enjoy school holidays, or spend a special day together.
Things to enjoy:
- Explore themed areas and family-friendly attractions.
- Watch Disney parades and entertainment.
- Take photos in front of Cinderella Castle.
- Enjoy seasonal decorations and special events.
Nearest station: JR Maihama Station
Best for: Families with children of all ages and Disney fans.
My tip: Plan to spend an entire day at the park. Purchase tickets in advance and check the official Tokyo Disney Resort website for opening hours, attraction information, and the latest park services.
Traveling in Tokyo with Children: A Few Practical Tips
Tokyo has an extensive public transportation network, which makes it possible to visit many attractions without renting a car.
However, traveling with children in such a large city can sometimes be tiring.
Here are a few things worth keeping in mind:
- Use public transportation: Trains and subways are often convenient for sightseeing.
- Avoid rush hour: Crowded commuter trains can be difficult when traveling with small children or strollers.
- Plan breaks: Leave time for meals, cafés, and rest between attractions.
- Travel light: Large bags can make moving through busy stations more difficult.
- Check official websites: Opening hours, ticket prices, and reservation requirements can change.
You don’t need to visit every famous attraction in a single day. Sometimes enjoying just one neighborhood at a relaxed pace creates the best family memories.
Rediscovering Japan Through Travel
After living in Toyota City for many years, I have started looking at Tokyo from a different perspective.
When I was younger, taking trains everywhere, walking through busy stations, and having so many shops nearby felt completely normal.
Now that I live in a city where cars are such an important part of daily life, I notice these differences much more.
Traveling between Toyota and Tokyo reminds me that there is no single way of living in Japan.
Even within the same country, transportation, local communities, family lifestyles, and daily routines can be surprisingly different.
And every time I return to the Kanto region, I feel grateful that I can enjoy both worlds.
Tokyo connects me to my past, my family, and my old friends.
Toyota City is where I am raising my children and building my life today.
Both are important parts of who I am.
I’m Mayumi, a Japanese mom living in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. On Toyota-International.com, I share practical local information and personal stories about everyday life, travel, and culture in Japan.
Through “Beyond Toyota,” I hope to introduce different sides of Japan and the world from the perspective of someone who calls Toyota City home.
