Family-friendly 3-day Tokyo (Ueno base) — Hakone day trip + teamLab Planets

Overview
- Base: MIMARU Tokyo Ueno North (7-14-4 Ueno, Taito-ku — 4–10 min walk from Ueno Station exits). (mimaruhotels.com)
- Travellers: 2 adults + 2 children — pace: family-friendly, mid-morning departures, time for breaks.
- Transit: public transit (short walks, trains, Yurikamome for Toyosu).
Day 1 — Arrival, Ueno Park & Asakusa (Easy local day)
Morning
- 08:00–09:00 — Breakfast near hotel / convenience store breakfast in apartment.
- 09:15–11:30 — Ueno Park: visit Ueno Zoo (kid-friendly), stroll to Shinobazu Pond, easy museum pick (Tokyo National Museum or National Science Museum) — choose 1 short stop.
Afternoon
- 12:00–13:00 — Lunch at Ameyoko market area (casual stalls, kid-friendly bowls and snacks).
- 13:30–16:00 — Head to Asakusa (Ginza/Hibiya/Ginza lines or short train): Senso-ji, Nakamise shopping — kimono photos, souvenirs and snacks for kids.
- 16:30–17:30 — Return to Ueno; rest at accommodation (kids break, quick shower).
Evening
- 18:00–19:30 — Dinner in Ueno (family-friendly izakaya or sushi/ramen with kid menus).
- 19:30 — Optional short evening walk to Ueno Park bridge for city lights; early night recommended after travel day.
Notes
- Keep one flexible snack/meal slot for tired children. Many metro stations have elevators (but check individually if stroller needed).
Day 2 — Hakone day trip (scenic, nature & art)
Morning
- 07:00 — Early breakfast and check you have comfortable shoes/water/snacks.
- 07:30 — Depart hotel to Ueno Station; take Yamanote/JR to Tokyo or to Shinjuku depending on chosen route:
- Option A (faster): JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara (~35–40 min) then transfer to Odakyu/Hakone Tozan to Hakone-Yumoto. (Good with JR Pass/shorter ride). (hakone-japan.com)
- Option B (direct scenic from Shinjuku): Yamanote to Shinjuku then Odakyu Romancecar direct to Hakone-Yumoto (~1h20–1h40 with reservation recommended). This is scenic and comfortable for kids. (odakyu.jp)
- 10:30–12:30 — Arrive Hakone area; visit Hakone Open-Air Museum (excellent for kids — outdoor sculptures, play areas, Picasso Pavilion). (hakone-oam.or.jp)
Afternoon
- 12:30–13:30 — Lunch at museum cafe or nearby family restaurant.
- 14:00–16:00 — Short scenic loop: Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora, ropeway (if weather allows) and Lake Ashi boat (pirate ship) at Togendai for views — pick 1–2 experiences to avoid rushing.
Evening
- 17:00 — Start return to Tokyo (aim to depart Hakone by late afternoon to reach Ueno before night).
- 19:30–20:30 — Back at hotel; relax, dinner locally.
Family tips
- Carry infant/child comforts and motion-sickness remedies for winding train/ropeway/boat rides.
- If you want hot-spring experience, opt for a family onsen with private baths or a short ryokan stay — for a day trip choose facilities that offer private/family baths or a quick soak.
Day 3 — teamLab Planets (Toyosu) + Odaiba / Waterfront
Morning
- 08:00 — Breakfast and depart Ueno.
- 09:30–12:00 — teamLab Planets (Toyosu). Arrive early or use pre-booked timed tickets; exhibit often requires walking barefoot and can be immersive and crowded, so morning slots are calmer. Access: 1-min walk from Shin-Toyosu Station (Yurikamome) or 10–15 min from Toyosu Station. Buy tickets in advance and allow time for queueing. (teamlabplanets.teamlabtokyo.com)
Afternoon
- 12:30–14:00 — Lunch at Toyosu / LaLaport Toyosu (many family options) or Toyosu Market eateries.
- 14:30–16:30 — Short visit to Odaiba (Palette Town/DECKS/ DiverCity) — easy play areas, seaside promenade, photo ops (Gundam statue at DiverCity if kids interested). Travel from Toyosu via Yurakucho or Yurikamome line.
Evening
- 17:00 — Return to Ueno; stop for souvenir shopping (Ameyoko, department stores) or pick up a boxed dinner to enjoy in apartment.
- 19:00 — Final evening: pack, relax, prepare departure next day.
Tips
- teamLab recommends purchasing timed tickets online; last entrance often 1 hour before closing — check opening hours before visiting. (teamlabplanets.teamlabtokyo.com)
- For transit with children, bring an IC card (Suica/PASMO) and plan seat reservations for long legs (Romancecar/Shinkansen) when possible.
Practical recommendations & packing
- IC cards (Suica/PASMO) for quick travel; bring small bills and change for vending machines/restrooms.
- Lightweight stroller recommended for younger children — many stations have elevators but allow extra transfer time.
- Kids snacks, reusable water bottles, sunscreen (for Hakone boat/ropeway), a small first-aid kit, and a portable charger.
- Purchase teamLab tickets and (if using Romancecar) seat reservations in advance for peace of mind.
Accessibility & safety notes
- MIMARU provides family-style apartments and multilingual help; confirm check-in/out times. (mimaruhotels.com)
- Hakone itineraries involve mountain rail and ropeway; check weather and cable/ropeway status on the day if rain/fog is forecast. For young children, choose shorter segments and allow rest.
Quick contact & booking reminders
- teamLab Planets official guide and ticketing pages for times and entry rules. (teamlabplanets.teamlabtokyo.com)
- Consider Odakyu Hakone Freepass for multi-ride Hakone day travel if starting from Shinjuku (saves time and gives discounts). (odakyu.jp)
Enjoy your family trip — relaxed days, scenic Hakone highlights, and immersive art at teamLab that children usually love.
Timetable
Day 1: Ueno & Asakusa (arrival, easy exploration)
Start
Activity
08:00
Breakfast near MIMARU Ueno North
09:15
Ueno Park (zoo or museum visit)
12:00
Lunch at Ameyoko market
13:30
Asakusa: Senso-ji and Nakamise
16:30
Return to hotel; rest
18:00
Dinner in Ueno
19:30
Optional evening stroll (Ueno Park)
Day 2: Hakone day trip (scenic & art)
Start
Activity
07:00
Breakfast and prepare for day trip
07:30
Transit to Hakone (choose Shinkansen via Tokyo→Odawara or Romancecar via Shinjuku)
10:30
Hakone Open-Air Museum visit
12:30
Lunch near museum
14:00
Scenic activities: Tozan Railway / Ropeway / Lake Ashi boat (pick 1–2)
16:30
Return transit to Ueno
19:30
Dinner and rest at hotel
Day 3: teamLab Planets (Toyosu) & Odaiba
Start
Activity
08:00
Breakfast and depart hotel for Toyosu
09:30
teamLab Planets (pre-booked timed entry recommended)
12:30
Lunch at LaLaport Toyosu / Toyosu Market eateries
14:30
Odaiba waterfront / DiverCity photo stops and shopping
17:00
Return to Ueno; last-minute shopping (Ameyoko) or relax
19:00
Pack and final family dinner
Timings are approximate. Prebook teamLab Planets timed tickets and Romancecar/Shinkansen seats if using those services. Allow extra transfer time for strollers and family breaks.
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