Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
NHK Broadcasting Center
★3.5(1,910 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 4-12. Younger children will enjoy the character meet-and-greets and simple interactive displays, while older kids can appreciate the technical aspects of broadcasting and trying out the professional equipment.🧡 Saved by 23 families
About
The NHK Broadcasting Center offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at Japanese television broadcasting with hands-on exhibits perfect for curious kids. Children can meet beloved NHK characters, try their hand at being a news anchor or camera operator, and explore interactive displays that make learning about media production fun and engaging.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on broadcasting equipment where kids can pretend to be TV presenters and camera operators
- ✓Meet-and-greet opportunities with popular NHK children's show characters
- ✓Interactive weather forecast stations where children can deliver their own weather reports
- ✓Behind-the-scenes look at how television shows are produced and broadcast
- ✓Free admission makes it a budget-friendly Tokyo attraction
Pro Tips
- 1.Download a translation app before visiting, as most exhibits and signage are primarily in Japanese, though staff can sometimes assist English speakers.
- 2.Visit on a weekday morning right at opening (9:30 AM) to avoid crowds and have more time with the interactive exhibits.
- 3.The center is located near Shibuya Crossing, so plan extra time for traffic and walking from the train station (about 10-15 minutes from Shibuya Station).
- 4.Bring your camera for photo opportunities with NHK characters and at the news anchor desks, perfect for creating unique souvenirs.
- 5.Check if any special character events are scheduled during your visit by checking the NHK website or calling ahead.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday or Wednesday) around 10:00 AM for the smallest crowds. Weekends and school holidays can get busy with local families. Avoid Monday afternoons when weekend visitors may still be lingering.
What to Know
Admission is free, making this an excellent budget-friendly Tokyo activity. Note that the center is closed Sundays, and most information is in Japanese, so English-speaking families should come prepared with translation tools or embrace the visual, hands-on nature of the exhibits.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Special character appearances and events may occur during Japanese school holidays (late March, late July-August, late December), which can mean larger crowds but more interactive programming.
Nearby Eats
Shibuya has countless family-friendly options including conveyor belt sushi restaurants and Japanese curry houses within a 5-10 minute walk. The nearby Shibuya Mark City mall has a food court with various kid-approved options including udon, tempura, and familiar chains.
More Activities Near Shibuya
Restaurant
Sangen-Jaya Shotengai
$$❤️6
Sangen-Jaya Shotengai is a delightful covered shopping arcade that offers families a authentic, low-key Tokyo neighborhood experience away from the tourist crowds. Kids will love browsing the various shops, sampling fresh crepes from street vendors, and trying kid-friendly Japanese dishes at casual eateries, all while staying dry and protected from the elements under the arcade's roof.
Restaurant
Takeshita Street Food Vendors
$$
Takeshita Street is a colorful pedestrian paradise where kids can safely explore Tokyo's vibrant youth culture while sampling creative Japanese street food like rainbow cotton candy, oversized crepes, and character-shaped treats. The car-free street makes it stress-free for parents to let children take in the sensory explosion of bright shop fronts, quirky fashion, and delicious aromas without worrying about traffic.
Activity
Shibuya Sky
❤️5
Shibuya Sky offers an unforgettable 360-degree view of Tokyo from 229 meters high, combining breathtaking observation decks with interactive digital exhibits that captivate curious minds. The rooftop Sky Gallery features unique art installations and the thrilling open-air Sky Stage where kids can feel the city's energy from above, making it more than just a viewing platform.
Activity
Meiji Jingu
★4.6❤️189
Meiji Jingu offers families a serene escape into a forested sanctuary right in the heart of Tokyo, where kids can explore wide gravel paths beneath towering trees and experience traditional Japanese culture. The peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for families wanting to introduce children to Shinto customs while enjoying nature walks without the typical urban chaos of Shibuya.