So I’ve been in Japan over a decade, so I know Tokyo quite well, but I don’t have any kids, nor do I have much experience with them.
I met my nephew when he visited Japan when he was 10, but I haven’t seen him since then, so I’m not sure what to do with him.
He’ll be staying with me for 2 weeks in December
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Are there any kind of English speaking events where he could meet kids his own age? Do International Schools offer these kinds of events?
Money is not a concern.
16 comments
Just ask him what he wants to do and go from there.
Have you asked him? He probably already made two month’s worth of travel plans.
sometimes international schools do “day camps” during winter holidays, i dunno for teenaged kids though
Ask him to provide a list of things he wants to see. You organize the travel / accommodation. I do this with in-laws all the time and works really well. I also get to see new stuff I otherwise wouldn’t.
Go clubbing at Shibuya!!!
What’s the kid’s hobbies? I would ask what they love to do and find places that would be interesting for that personality. Otherwise, video games.
A day-trip to Mt. Takao is always fun. On a clear day, you can sometimes see Mt. Fuji from the summit. The landscape and the temples are really cool, too.
Also, depending on when in December he’s coming, you might be able to catch the 47 ronin ceremony at Sengakuji temple, near Shinagawa Station. That’s held in the morning on December 14th. It’s pretty neat if you’ve never seen it.
I’m not familiar with any English language events as such, though you might have luck finding something interesting under Tokyo’s [“Airbnb Experiences” page](https://www.airbnb.com/s/Tokyo–Japan/experiences). I suspect covid restrictions have severely reduced the number of hosts offering experiences, but it never hurts to look and message a few who seem interesting, just to see what’s available. I can suggest a few hosts if you’re interested – just send me a message.
I also agree with what others have suggested though; ask your nephew if there’s anything in particular he’d like to do, and go from there. Good luck.
Malls, themed cafes (especially if he likes specific series, like pokemon or kirby), nature trips/hiking, parks, museums (science/art/niche topics), zoos/theme parks, disney/universal studios, take the bullet train an hour north to the Zao Fox Village, owl cafe (and/or others like hedgehog cafe, etc), bookoff-type 2nd hand toy stores with a million types of figures and models and stuff, garage kit stores, go see any illumination/xmas lights set up in december…. there’s no shortage of things to do in tokyo.
14? I suspect I know what he’s going to want to do…
This kid has Googled the shit out of this already. He already knows what he wants to do.
Have 2 boys and can say it really depends on his interests: anime, history, technology, sports, etc. I would also do some new and different experiences that he wouldn’t necessarily choose on his own: sumo (tournament or visit a stable), a factory visit, museums, cooking classes (make soba or udon), etc. One cool thing about people visiting from abroad is seeing Tokyo / Japan from a fresh perspective. Even mundane things (to us) like a supermarket or depachika can be quite interesting for gaijin. Not to mention all the good food you can eat together!
Definitely use a day and bring him to Tokyo Disney Sea! It’d be a really unique experience for him since it’s only exists here. A day for stuff in odaiba would be good too!
Heya, I am a teacher. There are many cool museums around Tokyo, why not go to one?!
museums, the zoo/aquarium, amusement parks in odaiba, docomo bike share
all you can eat cake at sweet paradise, go wild at donki, airsoft at bravepoint…
also maid cafe for the lulz
Clean kitchen and toilet from mold together. A truly Japanese experience
Play video games together. USJ. Disney. Movies. Shopping.