Edo River Bank

Exploring Tokyo with a Crawling Baby

Accommodation Options • Guides • Tokyo | September 23, 2024

When you are traveling with a crawling or walking babies, you want to let the kid roll, crawl and walk around freely without worrying about where to put the baby down. There aren’t many “clean” and soft surfaces in Tokyo that you can let your baby crawl around.

Accommodation:

Japanese-style rooms are ideal for babies and toddlers. The tatami mat floors are kept clean as shoes are removed before entering, preventing dirt from the streets from being brought inside. Many beds are low to the ground or consist of futon mattresses placed directly on the floor, making it safer for babies to explore the room without the risk of falling off a bed. Japanese-style rooms are easier to find on Airbnb.

Japanese style room at Tokyo Dome hotel

Baby Friendly Activities:

Public Parks: Tokyo has numerous local public parks where babies can crawl, walk, and run around. Some parks feature grassy areas, while others have sandpits. You’ll come across many small parks as you walk around the city. Here’s a list of parks with grass fields suitable for babies to crawl in, though there are many smaller parks as well:

  • Kitahama Kids Adventure Square
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – Features multiple play structures for toddlers, including slides, swings, and soft padded areas for crawling babies.
    • Interactivity: High – Offers a range of activities for children of various ages, with dedicated spaces for safe play and interactive elements. Soft flooring ensures safe crawling for babies, and there are areas for toddlers to run, climb, and play.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – There are soft, grassy areas suitable for crawling babies to safely explore outdoors.
  • Shinagawa Children’s Adventure Park
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – Includes a wide variety of playground equipment for different age groups, such as swings, climbing structures, and adventure play zones. It also features sensory play elements that engage children in interactive ways.
    • Interactivity: High – This park is designed to stimulate both physical and mental activity for children. Toddlers can enjoy the adventure-style play structures, while babies benefit from padded areas and grassy spaces. It’s a vibrant park with an emphasis on interactive play.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – There are grassy areas for babies to crawl, along with plenty of space for toddlers to explore and run around.
  • Shibuya Haru-no-Ogawa Play Park (Next to Yoyogi Park Grass Field)
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – The park features a sandpit, water play areas, and natural play structures. The interactive play area is designed to engage children in creative and imaginative play, making it fun for toddlers and safe for crawling babies.
    • Interactivity: High – With its nature-based approach, this park encourages toddlers to interact with natural materials, fostering creativity. The sandpit and water play areas are ideal for hands-on exploration, and it has plenty of safe spaces for babies to crawl around.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – There are soft grassy areas for babies, plus plenty of open space for toddlers to run and play.
  • Shiba Park
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – Includes swings, slides, and climbing structures suitable for young children.
    • Interactivity: Moderate – Open grassy spaces along with play equipment offer good opportunities for toddlers and babies to play and explore.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – Several grassy patches provide space for babies to crawl and toddlers to run around. This park offers great views of Tokyo Tower.
  • Minami-Ikebukuro Park
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: No playground equipment.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – A spacious grassy lawn provides plenty of room for crawling babies and running toddlers.
  • Shibaura Chuo Park
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – The park has a large playground with swings, slides, climbing structures, and a distinctive “Ship Park” that offers various climbing walls and tunnels for toddlers to explore.
    • Interactivity: High – The interactive playground, rooftop garden, and sensory elements create a stimulating environment for toddlers and babies.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – The rooftop garden includes grassy areas where crawling babies can explore safely.
  • Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park
    • Baby-Friendly: Moderate
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: No – The park focuses on bird-watching and nature, not traditional playgrounds.
    • Interactivity: Low – Best suited for nature exploration rather than physical playground interaction.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – Grassy fields offer space for babies to crawl, though primarily a nature reserve.
  • Shinjuku Central Park Children’s Square (Inside of Shinjuku Chuo Park)
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – Features a dedicated children’s playground with swings, slides, climbing frames, and other interactive play structures designed for toddlers.
    • Interactivity: High – The play areas are equipped with various interactive elements that engage toddlers and crawling babies in safe, structured, and free play.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – Grassy areas are available for babies to safely explore.
  • Shirokanedai Donguri Children’s Playground
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – Features toddler-friendly equipment such as small slides, swings, and climbing frames.
    • Interactivity: Moderate – Basic playground equipment suitable for young children, with interactive play limited to simple structures.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Limited – Small grassy patches for crawling, though the space is modest.
  • Yoyogi Park
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Limited – Primarily open grassy areas with minimal playground equipment.
    • Interactivity: Moderate – Known for its expansive open spaces, ideal for free play and exploration rather than structured playground activities.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – Large grassy fields where babies can crawl and toddlers can play.
  • Ōjima-Komatsugawa Park
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – Includes swings, slides, climbing structures, and a sandbox area, making it suitable for toddlers.
    • Interactivity: High – Well-equipped for interactive play, with plenty of activities for babies and toddlers.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – Large grassy fields for crawling babies and running toddlers.
  • Kinuta Park
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – The park has an expansive playground with slides, swings, climbing structures, and open spaces for free play.
    • Interactivity: High – This park provides both interactive playground equipment and large open spaces for crawling babies and active toddlers.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – Abundant grassy fields ideal for babies to crawl and toddlers to run and play.
  • Ukita Park
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – Includes swings, slides, and climbing frames for toddlers.
    • Interactivity: Moderate – The playground provides a good range of activities for toddlers, though interactive play elements are more basic.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – Grassy areas where babies can crawl and toddlers can play.
  • Shinjuku Gyoen (Public Garden)
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: No – This is a scenic garden rather than a traditional playground park.
    • Interactivity: Low – Focuses more on peaceful family outings, nature walks, and relaxation.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – Grassy lawns are available for crawling babies and picnics.
  • Meiji Shrine
    • Baby-Friendly: Moderate
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: No – The shrine is more of a cultural and nature-focused location.
    • Interactivity: Low – More suited for walks and quiet exploration rather than playground activities.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Limited – The area primarily consists of forested paths, with minimal grassy areas.
  • Ariake Garden (Shopping Mall)
    • Baby-Friendly: Yes
    • Toddler-Friendly: Yes
    • Playground Equipment: Yes – Includes interactive and nature-based playground areas and dedicated play zones for young children.
    • Interactivity: High – Engaging play areas with interactive features, family-friendly amenities, and outdoor grassy spaces.
    • Soft Grass Areas: Yes – Outdoor grassy areas for babies to crawl and toddlers to explore.
Meiji Shrine’s grassy area with a view
Image: https://shiba-teire.com/archives/1569#google_vignette

River Banks: There are parks along the riverbanks of the Arakawa River and Tama River, which are perfect for picnics on a nice day. Many of these parks are used for baseball and football fields, but when not in use, you can let your baby or child run around freely. For the Tama River (Tamagawa), the parks extend from Rokugodote Station to Koremasa Station. For the Arakawa River, the grassy fields stretch from Shinsuna River Park to Nishi-Takashimadaira Station.

  • Tama River
  • Arakawa River
  • Edo River
Tama river has large grass areas

Public Libraries: Tokyo and its surrounding areas have excellent libraries for kids and babies. Many libraries offer reading rooms specifically for babies and toddlers, along with soft play areas where little ones can burn off energy.

  • International Library of Children’s Literature, National Diet Library
    • Location: Ueno Park, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Building: The library operates within two buildings: the historic Brick Building and the modern Arch Building.
    • Details: The library offers a dedicated children’s area on the first floor with books for children up to elementary school age. There are no specific soft play areas, but there are child-friendly reading zones. The library hosts storytelling sessions for children on weekends.
    • Cafeteria: Yes – The first floor has a café with an open terrace​.
  • Itabashi City Central Library
    • Location: Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Itabashi Station (JR Saikyo Line) or Shin-Itabashi Station (Toei Mita Line)
    • Building: Located within the Itabashi Green Hall complex.
    • Details: It has a children’s reading section with picture books and storytelling events. There are no specific soft play areas, but the reading areas are designed to be kid-friendly.
  • Musashino Place
    • Location: Musashino City, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Musashi-Sakai Station (JR Chuo Line)
    • Building: Multifunctional building housing a library, meeting rooms, and a café.
    • Details: The children’s floor has reading and play areas for babies and toddlers, and they often host events for families.
    • Cafeteria: Yes – The building has a café.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Soft play areas are available for babies and toddlers​.
  • Koto Kuritsu Toyosu Library
    • Location: Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Toyosu Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Building: Located in the Toyosu Civic Center.
    • Details: The library includes a children’s section with a variety of books and activities, and hosts events for families.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – The children’s section includes soft reading zones for babies.
  • Kita-ku Chuo Library
    • Location: Kita-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Oji Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)
    • Building: Located in the Kita-ku Cultural Center.
    • Details: The library offers a children’s reading section.
  • Yamato Cultural Creation Center Sirius (Kanagawa Prefecture)
    • Location: Yamato City, Kanagawa Prefecture
    • Nearest Station: Yamato Station (Odakyu Enoshima Line)
    • Building: Sirius Cultural Center.
    • Details: The children’s section includes soft play areas and reading sections, designed to engage both toddlers and young readers.
    • Cafeteria: Yes – The building features a café.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – There is a dedicated soft play area for babies​.
  • Ebina City Central Library (Kanagawa Prefecture)
    • Location: Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture
    • Nearest Station: Ebina Station (Odakyu Odawara Line)
    • Building: Ebina Cultural Center.
    • Details: The children’s section includes soft seating areas and interactive reading programs for young children.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Soft play areas are included for children​.
  • Tokyo Children Library
    • Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Hiroo Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Building: Standalone library dedicated to children’s literature.
    • Details: Specializes in children’s books and holds storytime sessions. It provides cozy reading areas for children.

Indoor Play Areas: On hot or cold days in Tokyo, you might want to take your baby or child to an indoor play area. There are several locations throughout the city, most of which have soft, padded play areas for crawling and walking babies, as well as ball pits for toddlers. This can be a great way for your baby to interact with local children. Similar to adult activities, weekdays and mornings tend to be the least crowded times. Keep in mind that most of these play areas are privately owned, so an admission fee is usually required.

  • PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE
    • Location: COREDO Muromachi Terrace, Nihonbashi
    • Nearest Station: Mitsukoshimae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hanzomon Line) or Shin-Nihombashi Station (JR Sobu Rapid Line)
    • Building: COREDO Muromachi Terrace, 3F
    • Equipment: Interactive exhibits, art activities, and play areas themed around Eric Carle’s famous books.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Dedicated baby area with soft flooring and sensory toys.
    • Reservation Required: Recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
    • Admission Fee: ¥1,800 for children, ¥1,200 for adults.
  • PLAY! PARK
    • Location: Tokyo Plaza, Akishima
    • Nearest Station: Akishima Station (JR Ome Line)
    • Building: Tokyo Plaza, 2F
    • Equipment: Large indoor play space with climbing structures, slides, ball pools, and creative play areas.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Separate baby zone with soft mats and age-appropriate toys.
    • Reservation Required: Not required.
    • Admission Fee: Approximately ¥600 per hour for children.
  • Kid-O-Kid BørneLund Asobi no Sekai
    • Location: Grand Tree Musashikosugi or Lalaport Toyosu
    • Nearest Stations: Musashikosugi Station (JR Yokosuka Line/Tokyu Meguro Line), Toyosu Station (Yurikamome Line)
    • Building: Grand Tree Musashikosugi, Lalaport Toyosu, 3F
    • Equipment: Ball pools, trampolines, climbing structures, and creative play zones.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Baby area with soft mats and toys.
    • Reservation Required: Not usually required.
    • Admission Fee: ¥600 for the first 30 minutes, with extensions available.
  • Playground Shibuya Kids
    • Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote Line/Tokyo Metro)
    • Building: Various locations around Shibuya.
    • Equipment: Indoor playground with slides, ball pits, and soft padded surfaces.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Safe and soft zones for babies.
    • Reservation Required: Yes – Reservations required in advance.
    • Admission Fee: ¥1,000 for children, ¥500 for adults.
  • Asobōno!
    • Location: Tokyo Dome City, Bunkyo
    • Nearest Station: Korakuen Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line/Namboku Line) or Suidobashi Station (JR Chuo Line)
    • Building: Tokyo Dome City, 1F
    • Equipment: Large indoor park featuring ball pools, climbing structures, and role-play areas for babies and toddlers.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Baby village with soft play areas.
    • Reservation Required: Not required but busy on weekends.
    • Admission Fee: ¥950 for children and adults.
  • Kid’s US Land
    • Location: Multiple locations (Asakusa, Kichijoji, Omori)
    • Nearest Stations: Asakusa Station (Tobu Line/Ginza Line), Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo Line), Omori Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line)
    • Building: Various shopping malls in each area.
    • Equipment: Indoor play area with trampolines, ball pits, and arcade games in shopping malls.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Soft padded zones for babies.
    • Reservation Required: Not required.
    • Admission Fee: ¥600 for 30 minutes; varies by location.
  • NICOPA
    • Location: Kinshicho and Kichijoji
    • Nearest Station: Kinshicho Station (JR Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
    • Building: Arcakit Kinshicho Shopping Mall, 5F
    • Equipment: Small play areas with ball pits, soft play equipment, and arcade games.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Soft areas for babies to crawl and play.
    • Reservation Required: Not required.
    • Admission Fee: ¥500 per hour; varies by location.
  • Tokyo Asobi Mare
    • Location: Hachioji, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Hachioji Station (JR Chuo Line)
    • Building: Aeon Mall Hachioji, 3F
    • Equipment: Indoor snow play area, ball pits, slides, and soft zones for babies.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Padded play areas for babies.
    • Reservation Required: Not required.
    • Admission Fee: ¥1,200 for children, ¥600 for adults.
  • Tokyo Toy Museum
    • Location: Yotsuya, Shinjuku
    • Nearest Station: Yotsuya-Sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Building: Tokyo Toy Museum, Yotsuya Hiroba Building
    • Equipment: Traditional and modern toys, craft workshops, and a dedicated play area.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Baby area for children 0-2 years old.
    • Reservation Required: Not required.
    • Admission Fee: ¥800 for adults, ¥500 for children over 6 months.
  • Kiba Park Kidsrium
    • Location: Kiba Park, East Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Kiba Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • Building: Kiba Park, within the park area.
    • Equipment: Climbing frames, slides, and educational play equipment.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Baby area with soft mats.
    • Reservation Required: Required on weekends and holidays.
    • Admission Fee: Free on weekdays.
  • Culaful
    • Location: Hamamatsucho, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station: Hamamatsucho Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Monorail)
    • Building: World Trade Center Building, 2F
    • Equipment: Indoor park with climbing structures, ball pits, and a restaurant with a kids’ menu.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Dedicated baby area with soft flooring.
    • Reservation Required: Not required.
    • Admission Fee: ¥660 per 30 minutes.
  • Asobi-Park Plus by Bandai Namco
    • Location: Lazona Kawasaki Plaza, Kawasaki
    • Nearest Station: Kawasaki Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line)
    • Building: Lazona Kawasaki Plaza, 4F
    • Equipment: Virtual beaches, slides, ball pits, creative zones, and soft play areas for babies.
    • Soft Play Areas: Yes – Soft padded areas for babies and toddlers.
    • Reservation Required: Not required but recommended on weekends.
    • Admission Fee: ¥660 for the first 30 minutes for children; additional fees apply for extended time.
Asobono has separate toddler and baby areas
Image by: https://bunkyo-life.com/2017/08/24/asobono/

Conclusion:

Traveling with a crawling baby can be challenging as babies are naturally curious and want to explore their surroundings. In Tokyo, finding clean and soft surfaces is not always easy, but there are many family-friendly options. Japanese-style rooms provide a safe space, while numerous public parks offer grassy fields and interactive playgrounds. The city also has baby-friendly libraries with soft play areas and dedicated children’s sections, as well as indoor play centers equipped with padded zones. These activities are great for allowing your baby and child to interact with local kids and babies.