5 days of early riser options for kids in Tokyo

Kidzania's first shift is my favourite one to book with kids. This is the theme park where kids can try lots of different jobs. It's the cutest (and you will get the cutest pictures as every job requires the cutest uniform.) I have pictures and more information here. thetokyochapter.com/kidzania-tokyo Best to arrive at 8:30am - 30 mins before that first shift.

OR instead of Kidzania, book the very first session at Team Lab Planets at 9am. I have pictures of us at Team Lab Planets here. thetokyochapter.com/team-lab-dmm-planets

This is a great little playground to visit before Kidzania or Team Lab Planets. I have pictures of my kids playing here in this article. thetokyochapter.com/where-to-go-before-or-after-team-lab-planets

Located one the edge of Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine is so special and is the perfect place to visit early in the morning. There is a a lovely walk along the path to get there so be sure to bring a stroller for little ones and, since you have time "to spare" do a mixture of letting your little one walk and ride. The whole walk in makes for a beautiful backdrop for photos too. You can visit as early as 5am ( see here for the opening hours depending on the time of year. - meijijingu.or.jp/en) I promise you that you will all remember this special early morning walk here for a long time to come. Entry is free. I have pictures of us exploring Meiji Shrine as a.family here thetokyochapter.com/fun-for-kidlets-around-meiji-shrine

Next, visit Yoyogi Park. From 9am you can rent bikes (including the types with the babyseat ) at the Cycling Center. There is not a playground here but there are plenty of vending machines with drinks and icecreams and its the perfect spot for people and dog watching. Spot turtles in the pond. Check out the flowers in the park for different seasons. I have pictures of my kids playing in and exploring this park here. thetokyochapter.com/38763-2

Visit Honolulu Coffee for breakfast and coffee from 8am

This is a bakery and salad restaurant. I love their breakfast and how you can sit inside or outside.

Take photobooth stickers as a family here from 8am. It's the cutest take home souvenir at the end too - let the kids decorate the pictures on the screens before printing. I have pictures of us doing this here. thetokyochapter.com/the-harajuku-omotesando-area-with-kids

Book the Mipig Cafe from 10am - first slot of the day! The room will be so nice and clean and the piggies should be the happiest too.

OR book the Ninja Cafe Harajuku for right on 10am. This place and is so much fun for kids. All participants get a free drink (I don't recommend eating a meal here - just go for the ninja classes.)

This gyoza spot is open 24 hours a day so it s the perfect option for a meal while you're deep in the jetlag fog. They have four vegan gyoza options too!

Check out the Godzilla Head. My favourite place to take photos of the Godzilla head is right outside of the Don Quijote Kabukicho Store. Don Quijote is also open 24 hours a day by the way so you can also take here for kids to buy Japanese toys, stationery or Japanese sweets.

Check out the 3D cat billboard. Operates from 7am

The playground here is open 24 hours but the indoor play spaces and the breastfeeding rooms. I have pictures of my kids loving the playground right here -> thetokyochapter.com/shinjuku-chuo-park-playground

Shinjuku Gyoen gardens open at 9am. I have information here with photos and what we like to take to eat as part of a little family picnic. thetokyochapter.com/shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden-with-kids

This sandwich store opens at 9am on weekdays and 8:30am on weekends. They have a few vegan and vegetarian options on their menu too

The Fire Museum is perfect for toddlers and children up to the age of around 6. It is free to enter and opens at 9:30am. Closed on Mondays. I have more information here. thetokyochapter.com/fire-museum-shinjuku

The Toy Museum opens right at 10am. It's the most wholesome little spot for young kids. Closed on Thursdays. thetokyochapter.com/tokyo-toy-museum-shinjuku

This cafe served plant-based meals and vegan bread. Open from 7am.

This restaurant is perfect if you all want to eat a traditional Japanese breakfast from 7am.

Sarabeth's Tokyo Station is open from 8am on weekdays (9am on weekends.) They have high chairs for babies.

This Aussie restaurant has a kids menu, high chairs and a change table in the bathrooms. Open from 8:30am.

This cafe has pancakes, avocado toast or acai bowls.

This diner style restaurant is open from 9:30am. They have a Western and a Japanese breakfast to choose from . I talk about Royal Host in more detail here - with pictures. thetokyochapter.com/royal-host-with-kids

Right at 10am- I recommend visiting Nissan Crossing to get your photo printed on your coffee or hot chocolate. It's really cute. I have pictures here. thetokyochapter.com/the-ginza-area-with-kids

Visit here from 7am for a traditional Japanese breakfast. The breakfast set is less than 700 yen - incredible! Children are welcome here but every patron must order their own meal.

Visit the restaurant at Trunk Hotel for breakfast - starting at 7am. This restaurant is also only 11 mins from Shibuya Crossing so is a great place to begin your day if you are exploring Shibuya first thing

Cross the crossing early in the morning (do it again at night and get kids to compare the experience.)

Check out the 3D panda billboard. Open from 7am

Mag's Park (view of the crossing from above) opens at 10am.

Shibuya Sky also opens right at 10am. Make a reservation ahead of time for adults and purchase child tickets on the day.