Celebrating the Spring Festival in Tokyo | A Family Travel Guide for Winter Break

📍 Tokyo · 👁 10 reads · ❤️ 1 likes

What is it like to spend the Spring Festival in Tokyo? If your travel list only includes ultra-popular spots like Tokyo Tower, Senso-ji Temple, and Kabukicho Ichibangai, then you are really out of date! In 2024, you must get the new way to play.

Attached is a 4-day, 3-night Tokyo family trip route that beginners can copy directly!

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo at noon—Tokyo Tower—Shinjuku—Kabukicho

Tips: When you have plenty of energy, arrange a half-day of walking. Head straight to the popular photo spot at Tokyo Tower to get great shots. In the evening, go to Shinjuku for some yakitori and skewers, and experience the lively atmosphere of Kabukicho.

Day 2: Tokyo DisneySea one-day trip

Tips: There are two Disney parks in Tokyo: one is Disneyland and the other is DisneySea. If your child is in kindergarten, it is recommended to go to Disneyland—the rides are not too thrilling and the scenes are cuter, focusing on watching parades and enjoying the atmosphere. If your child is older, go to DisneySea, as it has many challenging rides that are only available in Tokyo.

Day 3: Yurikamome Line one-day trip

Tips: This is an unmanned seaside line that starts from Shimbashi Station, connects to Odaiba, and ends at Toyosu. It passes over the Rainbow Bridge. You can stop at Odaiba Seaside Park for half a day and also visit the Gundam model at Diver City.

Day 4: Akihabara—Senso-ji Temple—Drugstore shopping—Return in the evening (or head to the next destination)

Tips: At Senso-ji Temple, you can take a rickshaw ride and try the popular matcha cake. Then start your shopping spree—no one can walk out of a drugstore empty-handed.

Here are the gameplay highlights I have distilled from the route. Remember to save them!

2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland, which continues until March 31, 2024. We happened to be there during the limited-time celebration. The park is decorated with ribbons, and each day ends with a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the night sky. The festive atmosphere is definitely worth experiencing.

I have been to Disneyland many times, so this time I chose DisneySea. Tokyo DisneySea is the only DisneySea park in the world. Its rides are more thrilling and exciting compared to the theme park—you can think of it as a Disney version of "Happy Valley."

Before going to Disney, you must do two things: download the app and buy tickets. The app is essential for checking ride wait times in real time. Tickets come in 1-day and 2-day passes, and prices vary by date. If you plan to buy tickets at the gate, bring a credit card. I highly recommend visiting on a weekday—there will be far fewer people.

Tokyo DisneySea has two types of DPA: one is a paid priority entry pass for 4 rides and the light show, which can be booked once per hour at 1,500-2,500 yen per person; the other is a free 40th-anniversary DPA for 7 attractions, available every two hours. However, it is very hard to get, and most rides still require queuing.

DisneySea has seven themed ports. American Waterfront is located in a central area, recreating an early 20th-century American harbor with streets, villages, and a "New York zone."

The most prominent landmark in this area is a large cruise ship named "S.S. Columbia," which serves as a restaurant and performance stage—it is not an actual sailing ship.

This area is extremely popular because it features two incredibly sought-after attractions: [Tower of Terror] and [Toy Story Mania!]. With the New Year decorations, even a casual photo gives a Hollywood feel.

The best area for young children is Mermaid Lagoon, which mainly features gentle rides like spinning cups and small roller coasters, plus the popular Mermaid Theater. It is also very photogenic, with a dreamy, oceanic vibe.

The park is full of 40th-anniversary decorations, perfect for photo ops.

There is also a limited-time "Duffy and Friends" show, held twice daily on the central lagoon. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot!

By the way, Duffy's restaurant, the Duffy and Friends meet-and-greet, and their merchandise are only available at DisneySea, not at Disneyland.

Now, let me recommend a few rides in order of my personal preference.

1. Tower of Terror

This is the most thrilling ride at DisneySea. You take an elevator to the top floor of a haunted hotel, but then the elevator... yes, it's a drop tower. At the highest point, you get a panoramic view of the entire park—absolutely stunning.

2. Journey to the Center of the Earth

You ride a mine cart through dimly lit tunnels with beautifully detailed sets, feeling like an explorer. Then you encounter a big boss, and the sudden acceleration and dive are quite unexpected.

3. Toy Story Mania!

The most popular family ride in the park, and the first to run out of DPA. It's a shooting game where you wear 3D glasses and ride a small vehicle to take on challenges with Woody and Buzz Lightyear. The Japanese love this ride; wait times are typically 90 minutes or more.

4. Raging Spirits

A roller coaster with a 360-degree loop. I think it uses momentum to get through, so it doesn't feel dizzying—pretty good.

5. Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull

Based on the classic Hollywood movie series "Indiana Jones," this ride takes you in a jeep through the South American jungle, recreating the film's atmosphere. It's not too intense, but the environment is a bit eerie. Wait times are around 30 minutes.

6. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Another family-friendly ride. You board a small submarine and dive to the ocean floor to see the wonders of sunken Atlantis. There's a little excitement along the way, but it's quickly resolved. Wait times are usually short, so you can queue directly.

7. Soaring: Fantastic Flight

It's very similar to "Soarin' Over the Horizon" at Shanghai Disneyland, except the final scene changes from Shanghai's night view to Tokyo's. If you've already experienced it in Shanghai, it's not worth a long wait.

As for shows, I think the must-see is "Believe! Sea of Dreams"—the only Disney water light show, which lasts half an hour. It's as magnificent as you can imagine! Giant water screens, lasers, fire, and lights come together to create a vast, dazzling magical world.

Good seats for this show require booking in advance on the app. Usually, 1-2 hours before the show, people start arriving with mats to save spots. So don't cut it too close, or you won't get a seat.

Finally, let me praise the food and snacks at Tokyo DisneySea. Mickey churros, chicken legs, three-eyed mochi desserts, and ice cream sandwiches are all incredibly delicious! And the prices are reasonable. You can snack at various food stalls and won't go hungry even without a full meal.

1. Take the subway to JR Maihama Station, then transfer to the Disney Resort Line (or walk) to reach the parks. The Disney Resort Line is a loop; DisneySea is the fourth station, so don't get off early.

2. Hotels within 5 km, especially resort hotels, often have complimentary Disney shuttle buses running at fixed times.

3. Buses to Disney are available from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, Akihabara Station, Narita Airport, and Haneda Airport. Check the Disney website for details.

Before, my impression of Asakusa was Kaminarimon, rickshaws, and kimono experiences. But after wandering around, I was surprised at how great the shopping is!

A must-visit in Japan is Sanrio. Near Senso-ji Temple, there is a Sanrio specialty store called Sanrio Gift Gate, with a huge Hello Kitty entrance that is absolutely adorable!

Many of the souvenirs here incorporate local traditional elements, and some decorations are themed around "festivals," allowing you to enjoy shopping while soaking up the Japanese atmosphere.

I'm a fan of Kuromi, so I started searching for her merchandise as soon as I entered. Hair clips, socks, towels, water bottles—all super cute. I just couldn't stop buying.

The 250-meter street from Kaminarimon to Hozomon is Nakamise-dori. Once I stepped onto this street, I couldn't take my eyes off the drugstores. Everywhere I saw "OFF" sale tags—I was filled with shopping desire!

I dove straight into SUGI Pharmacy and took out my pre-made list of household essentials to start searching: cold medicine, eye drops, patches, and health supplements. Beginners, follow me to stock up on these!

1. Taisho Cold Medicine

A must-have in Japanese households, now very popular in China too. Due to high demand, some places have purchase limits. It relieves cold symptoms, runny nose, sore throat, etc., good for sudden weather changes. Suitable for adults 12+. Available in powder, granules, and bottle tablets. The 210-tablet bottle offers better value.

2. Taisho Children's Cold Medicine

Cute Anpanman packaging. It relieves children's cold symptoms. A child-specific formula, caffeine-free so it won't affect sleep, safe for evening use. Available in tablets, syrup, and powder—all in kid-friendly strawberry flavor. For children 5+, tablets are recommended: small, sweet, easy to swallow, and convenient for travel.

3. Taisho Rikibita DX

A popular item among office workers in Japan—many keep it on hand for daily energy. It relieves neck and shoulder discomfort, reduces fatigue, and restores vitality. Contains taurine, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and 9 other ingredients. Taking it before sleep helps with rapid sleep onset and improves next-day work performance. Easy to swallow and carry.

4. Taisho Artificial Tear Eye Drops

A lifesaver for those who wear contact lenses and work at keyboards all day. Single-dose, preservative-free, designed for colored contact lens wearers and dry eyes. They soothe eye fatigue without irritation. The dark blue package features an upgraded formula for better moisturizing and corneal protection.

5. Seirogan Taisho Gastrointestinal Medicine

For indigestion, bloating, nausea—especially after holiday parties or overeating. Relieves stomach discomfort. A good digestive aid.

6. Salonpas Pain Relief Patches

Essential for 996 office workers who sit for long hours. Apply where you feel sore—they warm up and quickly penetrate to soothe. Available in various sizes. Choose according to your needs.

7. Mentholatum Eczema Cream

An anti-itch miracle! Winter eczema on hands can be annoying—scratching leaves red marks. Apply this and it soon calms down, feeling cool and comfortable.

8. ACNEIGE Acne Cream

A savior for oily, acne-prone skin. Apply a small amount to new pimples; they flatten quickly without leaving scars. Transparent gel, gentle on sensitive skin.

9. DHC Kosa-Slim Supplement

Helps reduce bloating, improve skin tone, and alleviate dry, rough skin. Can be taken with warm milk and paired with warming red dates. Avoid during menstruation.

10. Taisho Probiotics

For those with a sedentary lifestyle, it's important to care for your gut. If you are prone to constipation or bloating after meals, this can help. Contains 3 types of probiotics to regulate digestive health.

Tip: When shopping at drugstores, be sure to bring your passport. Most stores have Chinese service and tax-free counters. Download coupons in advance—you can use them when you meet the minimum purchase amount. Don't waste money!

I discovered the Yurikamome Line by chance while planning a city walk in Odaiba. This unmanned electric train line passes through Odaiba Seaside Park, Rainbow Bridge, and Fuji TV, perfectly fitting my needs.

The urban starting point is Shimbashi Station, a major transport hub with JR, Ginza, and Asakusa lines, not far from the famous Tsukiji Market. If you plan to visit more than three stations, it's recommended to buy a one-day sightseeing pass for unlimited rides within one day.

My top destination was [Odaiba Seaside Park] station, connected to Diver City shopping mall, where I saw the 1:1 scale Unicorn Gundam.

The original Gundam that stood for five years was removed in 2017, and the new Unicorn Gundam is very popular. Not only has its appearance changed, but it also reproduces the classic "transformation" from "Mobile Suit Gundam UC," switching between "Unicorn Mode" and "Destroy Mode," marking a step toward mobility.

Diver City is also a gathering place for anime fans. In 2019, the Doraemon Future Department Store opened here, boosting its popularity.

At the Doraemon Time Square, you can take photos with Nobita and Shizuka.

Every hour from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, the clock plays the theme song of the "Doraemon" TV anime.

The store is on the second floor and is divided into four areas: merchandise, customization, post office, and experience zone.

The most fun is the experience zone, with four mini-games featuring iconic Doraemon gadgets. Stand by the "Anywhere Door," say where you want to go, and open it to arrive there.

The other three gadgets are the "Bamboo Copter," "Growth Accelerator," and "Air Cannon." These games require special coins purchased in advance; each experience costs one coin.

In the merchandise area, as a specialty store, Doraemon merchandise is quite comprehensive: manga, postcards, plushies, decorations, toys, cushions, music boxes—a dazzling array. Everything you pick up is hard to put down.

If you need gifts, check the customization area or post office. Choose a T-shirt or a bag, write a postcard, and your friends will feel your sincerity.

Exiting the mall and walking to the seaside park, I looked out at the sea and sky merging into one, vast and boundless. The Rainbow Bridge stood before me.

This is a man-made beach. In winter, the sea surface undulates with waves like angry lions crashing onto the sand, then receding shyly like a bashful girl.

With the sound of waves hitting the rocks, I completely forgot the stress of Tokyo's fast-paced life. Strolling along the beach, gazing at the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower in the distance, breathing fresh air—this might be why young people love coming here.

The world's third Statue of Liberty stands between the iconic Fuji TV building and the Rainbow Bridge.

This statue was unveiled in Tokyo in 2000. It is four times smaller than the 46-meter New York statue but larger than the one in Paris. Like its sisters in New York and Paris, Tokyo's Statue of Liberty is made of iron and bronze, with gold leaf wrapping the torch symbolizing freedom.

In short, Odaiba's modern architecture exudes a strong contemporary vibe. If you visit, you will feel the fresh sea breeze sweeping over the neatly arranged Western-style houses and commercial buildings. Gardens, green spaces, and the waterfront write a new chapter of romance and leisure.

Taking the Yurikamome Line, you can also visit the Museum of Maritime Science, Toyota Mega Web, Palette Town, and Oedo Onsen Monogatari—truly a place you can't explore fully in one day.

Travel Diary Directory

1. Chapter 1: Exploring Tokyo DisneySea

2. Chapter 2: Who Knew Asakusa Had Such Great Shopping

3. Chapter 3: Odaiba City Walk Along the Yurikamome Line

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