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10 Kid‑Focused Things to Book in Advance When Visiting Japan (and How Long Ahead You Need to Book Them)
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Planning a family trip to Japan is incredibly exciting, but it also means navigating timed tickets, lotteries, and attractions that sell out months ahead.
After travelling extensively with our kids, we quickly realised that there are many things that you simply must book in advance in Japan if you don’t want to miss out - a lesson we learned the hard way more than once.
As you plan your days, you might also find our family‑friendly Tokyo itinerary helpful. It not only walks you through five easy-to-follow days in the city but also links to many of our other Tokyo and Japan blog posts for even more ideas and practical tips.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only ever share honest reviews of products and experiences we genuinely love.
Nintendo Museum (Kyoto)
3 months in advance
The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto has quickly become one of the hardest tickets to secure in Japan, because it is incredibly popular and operates on a lottery system, rather than standard reservations.
The draw for tickets opens three months before the month of your visit, but many people either don’t realise the lottery exists and miss it entirely, or they simply aren’t successful in securing a ticket - which is exactly what happened to us. However.....
I know that many people give up hope once they miss the lottery, but we discovered exactly what you need to do to give yourself the best chance of getting tickets for your trip.
Because of that experience, we wrote a dedicated blog post that explains the entire process. It covers how the lottery works, what your options are if you’re unsuccessful, and even introduces a bot you can use to track last-minute ticket availability.
Don't give up hope on those Nintendo tickets before you give it a read!
Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland & DisneySea)
2-5 months in advance
Both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are absolutely magical for families, but they’re also two of the busiest theme parks in the world, which means planning ahead really isn’t optional.
Because you can’t buy tickets at the park gate, securing them online before you arrive is your only option.
Park tickets open two months in advance, bookings for official Disney Hotels open four months ahead, and Vacation Packages are released five months out.
While you can usually secure park entry tickets without booking months in advance (at least outside of major holidays), vacation packages and hotel stays often sell out much earlier. For peace of mind, I’d still recommend booking your park tickets as early as possible.
If you book through Klook, you can choose either single‑park tickets or a park‑hopper option that includes BOTH parks, and the biggest advantage is that Klook allows you to cancel your tickets up to 15 days before your visit.
Before your visit, download the official app and spend a little time getting familiar with it so you can get straight to making the most of your day.
Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
2 months in advance
Universal Studios Japan is another place where advance booking really pays off, especially if you're travelling with kids who love Mario or Donkey Kong.
Super Nintendo World (SNW) in particular requires a bit of advanced planning to ensure entry, because while there are a few different ways to get in, some methods are far more reliable and family‑friendly than others.
The only way to guarantee entry into Super Nintendo World or the Donkey Kong area is by securing an Express Pass in advance.
These passes are released around two months before your visit, and they sell out fast.
Because different platforms release their allocations at different times, it’s worth checking the official website, and Klook, which sometimes gets passes slightly earlier or later depending on demand.
It is still possible to enter Super Nintendo World without an Express Pass, but it mostly depends on how early you’re willing to queue and how busy the park is and even then, it’s not guaranteed.
Ghibli Museum (Tokyo)
1 month in advance
The Ghibli Museum is a popular spot in Tokyo for fans of Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
Our girls don’t know the Studio Ghibli films yet, so we didn’t visit ourselves, but we still wanted to include it because so many people rave about the museum, and it’s genuinely one of the hardest tickets to get in Japan.
Tickets are released at 10am JST on the 10th of every month for the following month, and the most popular dates disappear within minutes. Because there’s no option to buy tickets on the day, securing them in advance is essential if you want to experience this museum.
To ensure you can snag a ticket, make sure to join the Lawson ticket waiting room about 30 minutes before it opens (so 9.30) so that you get a queue position randomly assigned. Similar to booking Canadian camping reservations, you can use multiple devices/browsers to improve your chances of getting a better queue position.
TeamLab Planets (Tokyo)
1-3 months in advance
One of the most fun experiences our family had in Tokyo was visiting teamlab planets in Toyosu. It’s such a unique and immersive experience and really encapsulates everything Tokyo is about!
While it’s sometimes possible to book last-minute tickets, the available time slots are usually limited and quantities are small. For families especially, it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
If you’re considering a visit, you might also want to read our daily diary entry as well as our 5-day Tokyo itinerary, where we describe teamlab planets in much more detail.
We cover the best exhibits for kids, tips for making the most of your visit, and other things to do in the surrounding Toyosu area.
Kids’ Cooking Class (Tokyo)
1-3 months in advance
When visiting Japan with kids, I highly recommend enrolling in some sort of cultural experience, whether that’s cooking, arts and crafts, or a hands‑on traditional activity.
By far the number‑one thing we did in Tokyo was a kid‑friendly cooking and cultural class held in a local Japanese family’s home. It was such a special experience. We learned how to make sushi, tempura and udon noodles, and we also took part in a matcha tea ceremony.
The kids loved trying their hand at calligraphy and origami too - it was the perfect mix of hands‑on learning, cultural immersion and fun.
Not all experiences in Japan need to be booked months in advance, but this one definitely does. The class is only offered once or twice a week, so spots disappear quickly - and with 82 reviews, every single one of them 5‑stars, in a country that’s notoriously stingy with its ratings, you can see why it books out fast.
Shibuya Sky (Tokyo)
1 month in advance
Another activity in Tokyo that can get incredibly busy is Shibuya Sky. It’s one of the city’s newest and most impressive observation decks, and it’s extremely popular - especially around sunset, when visitors try to capture the perfect “three skies” view of daytime, sunset, and night all in one visit.
If you’re hoping to visit during sunset, you’ll need to book as soon as tickets become available - usually right at midnight, 30 days before your chosen date.
For more details on tickets, best times to visit, and tips to get that coveted sunset slot, check out our full guide: Visiting Shibuya Sky with Kids.
While you’re there, you can also experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the most famous and photographed crosswalks in the world.
Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour (Tokyo)
1-3 months in advance
The Making of Harry Potter – Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo is a must‑visit for fans of the films. It’s incredibly well done, with detailed explanations of how the movies were made, replica sets you can walk through, and even original props and costumes from the franchise.
In general, most days still have availability a few weeks out, but the earlier time slots do sell out quickly. It’s definitely best to book as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
Pricing also varies by day, with weekends and Fridays tending to be more expensive, and the upcoming five days are usually priced higher as well - so booking ahead often saves money too.
If the official website shows no availability for your dates, try checking Klook. They often have extra unsold tickets, and occasionally they even sell them at slightly lower prices than the official website.
Themed & Character Cafés (Pokémon, Kirby, Harry Potter + More)
Japan has an incredible range of themed cafés, and there really is something for almost every interest.
From anime and gaming to cute character cafés and branded experiences, these venues combine food, drinks, and immersive décor to create a memorable outing.
Many themed cafés in Japan operate on a timed-entry system, so it’s usually best to book in advance if you want a specific slot. Here are some of the most popular:
Samurai & Ninja Museum (Tokyo/Kyoto)
If you’re looking for an experience that feels uniquely Japanese, and one that most kids will absolutely love, then consider enrolling in a Samurai or ninja experience.
These hands‑on sessions are offered at multiple locations in Tokyo (including Shinjuku and Asakusa) as well as in Kyoto, and you can choose anything from a simple museum visit to full samurai sword lessons or a ninja training experience.
Tickets for basic museum entry are usually easy to get at the door, but if you’re hoping to add one of the interactive activities, it’s best to book a few weeks ahead, as these smaller‑group sessions fill up quickly.
Summary of Things that Need to be Booked in Advance When Visiting Japan
Planning a family trip to Japan does take a little strategy, especially when it comes to booking the most popular attractions. Some experiences, like the Nintendo Museum, Tokyo Disney Resort, Universal Studios Japan, Ghibli Museum, teamLab Planets and Shibuya Sky, sell out quickly and genuinely need advance reservation if you want your preferred dates and times.
Others, such as themed cafés, cooking classes, and samurai or ninja experiences, may offer a bit more flexibility but still benefit from booking ahead, especially if you’re travelling with kids or visiting during peak seasons.
The good news is that with the right timing, a few reminders in your calendar, and an understanding of how each booking system works, you can secure almost everything on your list without stress. Whether it’s navigating lotteries, grabbing tickets the moment they’re released, or using platforms like Klook for extra availability and flexibility, a little preparation goes a long way.
What Next?
Read our other Japan articles:
The Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Food in Japan: Everything from the Safest to Most Adventurous
Tokyo 5‑Day Itinerary for First‑Time Visitors (Family‑Friendly Guide)
The Best Things to Do in Ueno and the Surrounding Area (With a Suggested One‑Day Itinerary)
Shibuya Sky Observation Deck & Shibuya Crossing: Family Friendly Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
Sengaku-ji Temple Tokyo: Visiting the Temple of the 47 Ronin
The Best Things to Do in Arashiyama, Kyoto: A Perfect One‑Day Itinerary
Where to Stay
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